The round-up: Brisbane’s best Reuben sandwiches
As undeniable as its popularity is, the exact origins of the Reuben sandwich are hotly debated, which allows for a modicum of freedom as far as evolution is concerned. A classic Reuben is traditionally composed of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing squished between two slices of rye bread, but there’s always room for experimentation. Brisbane’s got a mighty fine selection of sangas scattered across town and we’ve corralled the best Reuben sandwiches from traditional takes to innovative interpretations of pastrami on rye.
Kin & Co, Teneriffe: If you don’t think the combo of meat, cabbage and cheese can be photogenic, you’ve never had the Reuben at Kin & Co. Slow roasted cold-smoked Rayner’s brisket is topped with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, mustard, and Carolina sauce on rye sourdough, and it looks a million bucks.
Dovetail on Overend, Norman Park: This suburban cafe is known for its tasty toasties, and the classic Reuben is a phenomenal choice. Pastrami, sauerkraut, gruyere, and house-made creamy Russian dressing is sandwiched between some toasted slices of Uncle Bob’s rye bread. If you want to go all the way, add a serve of New York deli-style pickles for good measure.
NYC Bagel Deli, various locations: This fun twist on the classic is perfect for those craving something outside the box. The Reuben bagel features a sunflower rye bagel sliced and stuffed with pastrami, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, sauerkraut and Russian dressing, offering a tasty spin on the classic.
Josie North, Toowong: This killer coffee haunt backs up the brew with some choice chews, including a smoked brisket roll that blends American origins with a UK influence. Inspired by the salt beef bagels of London, this less-is-more treat comes with brisket that has been smoked and cured, topped with pickles and a mustard sauce on a ciabatta roll.
Maker, South Brisbane: Fish Lane’s cosy cocktail bar has a choice selection of bites to go with its stellar beverage selection. There’s a toastie on the menu that fits this list perfectly, boasting pastrami, manchego, pickles and mustard.
Pourboy, South Bank: Southpoint’s home of killer coffee and cocktails also boasts a menu of chomp-worthy eats. The Reuben features corned beef, house made sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and an accompanying jar of pickles to complete the experience.
Sourced Grocer, Newstead: Not only can you grab some gourmet produce and great coffee from Sourced, but its sandwich offering with worth a serious look. While not a Reuben by name, the pastrami on rye is its close cousin, with pastrami, fermented red cabbage, mustard, Gruyere and cucumber pickles offering up a tasty snack.
Tippler’s Tap, South Bank: Although focusing primarily on Chicago-inspired cuisine, the menu at Tippler’s Tap makes room for a hearty deli sandwich. This Reuben features layers of thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, pickles and Thousand Island dressing compressed between two slices of rye bread.
The Single Guys Coffee Co., Brisbane City: This inner-city location for coffee purists features a tidy menu of eats, with a Reuben sanga that’ll surely satiate. This bad boy has brisket, Swiss cheese, jalapenos, pickles, mustard, coriander and sauerkraut, making for a lunch option with a spicy kick.
Project 41, Bowen Hills: We’ve raved about the jaffle selection at Project 41 before, but one in particular is particularly interesting here. The Reuben jaffle is stuffed with pastrami, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. This cafe is double dipping on the sandwich stakes, with a pastrami on rye sandwich featuring slow-cooked smoked beef, Swiss cheese, pickles and slaw. No matter your choice, you’ll be happy.
Archer Specialty Coffee, Chermside and North Lakes: This coffee spot has got the goods as far as coffee is concerned, but don’t sniff at the toasties that is dishes out as well. The Reuben House here is legit, with crusty white bread stuffed with all the moreish fillings you need.
5 Boroughs, Stones Corner and Ascot: Specialising in New York-inspired bites, 5 Boroughs naturally has a selection of deli-style sangas. The Reuben on rye features a combo of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Reuben dressing.
The Defiant Duck, Newstead: While not called a Reuben per se, Defiant Duck’s New Yorker Sandwich boasts a lot of similarities to the classic. This beast featured house-made pastrami is matched up with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, hot mustard, pickles and rye bread.
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