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pastrami at DGS Delicatessen
pastrami at DGS Delicatessen
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Going Reuben Hunting: 12 Sandwiches to Try in D.C.

Mix it up with kimchi, veggies, or even smoked salmon

by Travis Mitchell
2 comments / new
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pastrami at DGS Delicatessen
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by Travis Mitchell
2 comments / new

The Reuben is the best kind of hot mess. Its origin story is unclear, but the sandwich's deliciousness is obvious. The proportions and ingredients just work together.

The fattiness of the meat – traditionally corned beef or pastrami – pairs with the acidity of the sauerkraut and marries well with the rich and creamy textures of Thousand Island dressing and melted cheese, all shoved between two slices of hearty rye bread. It should require more than a couple of napkins to polish off a well-made Reuben.

As is the case with most sandwiches, the success of a Reuben rests squarely on the quality of its ingredients. While D.C. isn't known as a great deli city, there are plenty of restaurants churning out tasty takes on the Reuben, from classic renditions to creative recipes using everything from smoked salmon to kimchi. Check out these 12 takes on the sandwich.

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Buffalo & Bergen

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Buffalo & Bergen is known for its bagels. So it's no surprise that this bustling Union Market cafe puts serves its Reuben sandwich on a fresh rye New York water bagel.

1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 543-2549
(202) 543-2549
Chris L./Yelp

C.F. Folks

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This cozy deli counter just off Dupont Circle includes both a pastrami and a corned beef Reuben. They're also a relative bargain at under $8 each.

1225 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 293-0162
(202) 293-0162
Norry H./Yelp

Cafe Kimchi

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The corned beef Reuben at this Barracks Row cafe gets a Korean twist with the addition of grilled kimchi.

751 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
Cyndy K./Yelp

Carving Room Kitchen & Bar

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Located just north of Judiciary Square, the Carving Room serves up a traditional corned beef Reuben with all the usual fixings. Sides include deli slaw, Israeli salad, or a small pickle jar.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 525-2116
(202) 525-2116
Paul D./Yelp

DGS Delicatessen

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Lunch and dinner guests at this upscale Jewish deli can choose from one of three Reuben varieties like homemade corned beef, smoked turkey, or smoked tempeh.

1317 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 293-4400
(202) 293-4400
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Galaxy Hut

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The menu at the vegetarian-friendly Galaxy Hut lists both beef or vegan tempeh pastrami Reuben sandwiches with vegan Russian dressing. Vegan cheese can be added for $1.

2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 525-8646
(703) 525-8646

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Hank's Oyster Bar

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For a different twist on the sandwich, head over to the Capitol Hill or Dupont Circle locations of Hank's Oyster Bar for the smoked salmon Reuben lunch special. It's made with coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and cayenne remoulade.

633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 733-1971
(202) 733-1971
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J. Paul's

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J. Paul's corned beef Reuben doesn't break new ground, but it's one of the better menu items at this Georgetown pub. Its prime M Street location is ideal for regrouping after a long day of shopping.

3218 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 333-3450
(202) 333-3450
Dottie A./Yelp

Also featured in:

Kangaroo Boxing Club

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Adventurous eaters can upgrade to a "barnyard style" Reuben. The souped-up version gets topped with coleslaw, bacon, and a fried egg.

3412 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 505-4522
(202) 505-4522
Facebook

Satellite Room

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There's something about the Satellite Room's comfortable retro ambiance that makes eating its Reuben feel right, especially when it's paired with a boozy shake or a side of loaded poutine or Buffalo tots.

2047 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 506-2496
(202) 506-2496
Facebook

Also featured in:

The Diner

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Simple is the goal of this sandwich, which features juicy corned beef and plenty of sauerkraut and dressing. The vegetarian spin-off swaps out the meat for a messy and satisfying pile of mushrooms, onions, and spinach.

2453 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 232-8800
(202) 232-8800
p.g./Yelp

Also featured in:

Woodward Takeout Food

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Lunch features chef Jeff Buben's "Buben Reuben," which changes things up a bit with pastrami, havarti cheese, apple-carraway kraut and a "secret" sauce.

1426 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 347-5355
(202) 347-5355
Mike C./Yelp

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Buffalo & Bergen

1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Buffalo & Bergen is known for its bagels. So it's no surprise that this bustling Union Market cafe puts serves its Reuben sandwich on a fresh rye New York water bagel.

1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 543-2549
(202) 543-2549
Chris L./Yelp

C.F. Folks

1225 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

This cozy deli counter just off Dupont Circle includes both a pastrami and a corned beef Reuben. They're also a relative bargain at under $8 each.

1225 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 293-0162
(202) 293-0162
Norry H./Yelp

Cafe Kimchi

751 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

The corned beef Reuben at this Barracks Row cafe gets a Korean twist with the addition of grilled kimchi.

751 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
Cyndy K./Yelp

Carving Room Kitchen & Bar

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Located just north of Judiciary Square, the Carving Room serves up a traditional corned beef Reuben with all the usual fixings. Sides include deli slaw, Israeli salad, or a small pickle jar.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 525-2116
(202) 525-2116
Paul D./Yelp

DGS Delicatessen

1317 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Lunch and dinner guests at this upscale Jewish deli can choose from one of three Reuben varieties like homemade corned beef, smoked turkey, or smoked tempeh.

1317 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 293-4400
(202) 293-4400
Facebook

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

The menu at the vegetarian-friendly Galaxy Hut lists both beef or vegan tempeh pastrami Reuben sandwiches with vegan Russian dressing. Vegan cheese can be added for $1.

2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 525-8646
(703) 525-8646

Hank's Oyster Bar

633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

For a different twist on the sandwich, head over to the Capitol Hill or Dupont Circle locations of Hank's Oyster Bar for the smoked salmon Reuben lunch special. It's made with coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and cayenne remoulade.

633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 733-1971
(202) 733-1971
Facebook

J. Paul's

3218 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

J. Paul's corned beef Reuben doesn't break new ground, but it's one of the better menu items at this Georgetown pub. Its prime M Street location is ideal for regrouping after a long day of shopping.

3218 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 333-3450
(202) 333-3450
Dottie A./Yelp

Kangaroo Boxing Club

3412 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Adventurous eaters can upgrade to a "barnyard style" Reuben. The souped-up version gets topped with coleslaw, bacon, and a fried egg.

3412 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 505-4522
(202) 505-4522
Facebook

Satellite Room

2047 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

There's something about the Satellite Room's comfortable retro ambiance that makes eating its Reuben feel right, especially when it's paired with a boozy shake or a side of loaded poutine or Buffalo tots.

2047 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 506-2496
(202) 506-2496
Facebook

The Diner

2453 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Simple is the goal of this sandwich, which features juicy corned beef and plenty of sauerkraut and dressing. The vegetarian spin-off swaps out the meat for a messy and satisfying pile of mushrooms, onions, and spinach.

2453 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 232-8800
(202) 232-8800
p.g./Yelp

Woodward Takeout Food

1426 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Lunch features chef Jeff Buben's "Buben Reuben," which changes things up a bit with pastrami, havarti cheese, apple-carraway kraut and a "secret" sauce.

1426 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 347-5355
(202) 347-5355
Mike C./Yelp

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