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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

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pastrami at DGS Delicatessen
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Buffalo & Bergen

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.

C.F. Folks

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.

Cafe Kimchi

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

Carving Room Kitchen & Bar

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.

DGS Delicatessen

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.

Galaxy Hut

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.

Hank's Oyster Bar

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.

J. Paul's

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.

Kangaroo Boxing Club

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

Satellite Room

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.

The Diner

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.

Woodward Takeout Food

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.

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