Best Reubens In Los Angeles
The popular corned beef sandwich with swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing has a few different origin tales. Some say the reuben sandwich originated when the silent movie actress Anna Selos ordered a "combination" sandwich one late night in 1914 at Reuben's Restaurant in New York. Others say it was the creation of Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Omaha, Nebraska. Regardless, the reuben is one of the most revered sandwiches on any delicatessen menu. Everyone has a favorite and here are five of the top-rated Los Angeles restaurants to order this celebrated sandwich.
Nate 'n Al of Beverly Hills Delicatessen
414 N Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 274-0101
www.natenal.com
Price: $14.95
Hours: Daily - 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Neighborhood: Holmby Hills
Nate 'n Al has been serving Los Angeles since 1945. A mainstay of Beverly Hills, Nate 'n Al draws anyone and everyone who appreciates an old-fashioned diner experience where the wait staff knows regulars by name. The secret recipe of spices used to prepare the corned beef and pastrami is one that foodies try to deconstruct, to no avail. The reuben on this menu offers a choice of corned beef, pastrami or turkey with a generous helping of Russian dressing, swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Or, try all three meats between two slices for the ultimate tasting experience. The rye bread itself is worth the trip. Baked fresh daily, its flavor stands up to the various flavors in the reuben. If you are heading out of L.A. and want to make certain you have a filling meal on your flight, stop by the Nate 'n Al location in Terminal 2 at LAX.
Related: Best Sandwiches In Los Angeles
Phil's Deli & Grill at The Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 936-3704
Price: $10.15
Hours: Mon to Fri - 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat - 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun - 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Neighborhood: Miracle Mile
Grab a seat at the Phil's Deli & Grill counter for a satisfying meal. A definite must-try when visiting the Farmers Market at The Grove, Phil's top three sandwiches are the reuben, which comes with a side of steak fries, cole slaw or potato salad, the pastrami sandwich and the Philly cheese steak. With some of the freshest ingredients, this reuben makes for an ideal lunch, perfect for a much-needed break in the day. Around for more than 30 years, Phil's is now run by Pampas Grill (another restaurant in the Farmers Market) owner Francisco Carvalho who maintained the business after Phil passed away a few years ago. If you want to beat the lunch-hour rush, call ahead and your sandwich will be ready for pick-up.
Canter's Fairfax
419 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 651-2030
www.cantersdeli.com
Price $13.95
Hours: 24/7, Hours vary on the Jewish holidays Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Open since 1931, Canter's is one of the oldest delicatessens in Los Angeles. Whether you are passing through at lunch or at 3 a.m., you can always order a Canter's reuben. Your choice of hot corned beef, pastrami, roast turkey or smoked turkey is served on grilled rye bread with a side of potato chips. Topped with a healthy helping of swiss cheese and sauerkraut, this meal will leave you more than satisfied. Known as a popular meeting spot for the entertainment industry, Canter's has seen some of the most famous walk through its doors, including Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, Elizabeth Taylor, Sydney Poitier, Mel Brooks, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Cosby, Muhammad Ali, Neil Simon and so many more. They most likely showed up for a taste of the specialty reuben.
Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant
19565 Parthenia St
Northridge, CA 91324
(818) 886-5679
www.brentsdeli.com
Price: $14.95
Hours: Daily - 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Neighborhood: Northridge
The Incredible Black Pastrami Reuben at Brent's is the sandwich to order, which Brent's promises will "melt in your mouth." The hot sauerkraut that comes along with the sandwich is both steamy and a bit spicy, making for an all-around warming dining experience. All of Brent's reubens – choose from corned beef, grilled knockwurst, fresh turkey or black pastrami – are served with thick-cut steak fries and coleslaw. In business for more than forty years, Brent's is family owned, keeping its promise to uphold the high-quality philosophy it started out with in 1967. The go-to destination for catering, Brent's will pull together a feast for the holidays, parties, reunions and more.
Art's Delicatessen
12224 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-1221
www.artsdeli.com
Price: $15.95
Hours: Daily - 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Neighborhood: Studio City
It's not that unusual to overhear Yiddish at the next booth while having lunch or early dinner at Art's. Need help with the translation? Check out Art's menu, which features a boxed vocabulary key with popular Yiddish expressions. Family owned and run since 1957, the Art's Deli menu includes all of the traditional Jewish fare, but its reuben off the grill is the must-try here. Upgrade to the "super" reuben for two more dollars if you're looking to share or simply ravenous. Art's also offers a vegetarian reuben with avocado, tomato, swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. For those who don't eat meat, this is as close as you'll ever get to the read deal. The "lighter portions" menu also offers a reuben with a smaller size and smaller calorie count. But don't stop there. Follow up lunch with an egg cream soda from the fountain.
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Sheryl Craig embraces her passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. A writer at heart, Sheryl's background in journalism and public relations gives her the knack to meet new people, unveil new discoveries and share ideas. Motivated by a healthy lifestyle, she integrates that attitude into raising her two teenage daughters, and into every facet of her daily life. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
