Where to find Melbourne's best Reuben sandwiches

Quintessentially New York, but perfected in Melbourne. The Reuben is the stuff of lunchtime legends. Try these local cafes for a stacked beef toastie.

Wagyu pastrami sandwiches – Butcher’s Diner

An old-school diner and burger joint, Butchers Diner puts on an impeccable spread. Grab a seat at the long communal table and order the Thursday special: a house-made Wagyu pastrami Rueben, served with all the trimmings. It's loaded with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, plus a side of pickles.

Famous Reubens – Pope Joan 

Is this Melbourne’s best Reuben sandwich? The team at Pope Joan certainly think so. The iconic sandwich has been on the menu for over 10 years. It comes with sauerkraut, gherkin, Russian sauce and smoked mozzarella. Plus the not-so-secret ingredient – Warialda beef pastrami. And yes, you can get the famous Reuben for brekkie! 

Pastrami bagel – Dan’s Deli 

Dan's Deli has just opened a glorious new location in Carlton (210 Queensberry Street). Follow the retro red signage towards carb-loaded heaven. True to its New York deli vibes, Dan’s Reuben comes stuffed in a bagel instead of bread. The classic fixings of pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles and Swiss cheese are given a twist with a dollop of horseradish mayo and American mustard.

Smokey pastrami sanga – Sloppy Joe’s Deli

You’ve got to get in early to try Sloppy Joe’s 10/10 loaded sangas, when they’re gone they’re gone! The stacked pastrami sandwich on German rye comes with smokey pastrami, kraut, dill gherkin, secret sauce and Swiss cheese. Don’t leave without doubling down on the carbs. The giant fluffy maple bacon doughnut is a must-try.

Late night whisky and toasties – Beneath Driver Lane

Go underground for live blues music, French bar snacks and more than 500 bottles of liquid gold from around the globe at basement bar Beneath Driver Lane. Soak up all that whisky with a Reuben toastie on Rustica sourdough. It’s a decadent stack of Wagyu pastrami, pickles, sauerkraut, Russian dressing and perfectly melted gruyere.

New York style Reuben – Bowery to Williamsburg 

Step down into Bowery to Williamsburg and order up a teetering Rueben sandwich. The signature slice includes pastrami beef brisket, Swiss cheese, legit sauerkraut, Russian dressing and a fat juicy pickle. Bump it up and ask for double pastrami. Pair with a Melbourne-grade latte served in kitsch diner design cups.

Gluten-friendly Reubens – The Quarter

Fancy a spot of people watching? Wander down Degraves Street and find a spot under the sun shades at The Quarter. This laneway diner does a cracking Reuben on rye or gluten-free bread with a heaped serving of fries. Crunch through layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, dill pickle and Russian dressing.

Silverside Reuben – The Bond Store Cafe

A little slice of Europe in Southbank, comfort food is Bond Store's bread and butter. The warehouse cafe's menu spans from three-cheese brioche toasties to loaded brekkie buns and creamy malt thickshakes. The Reuben is stuffed with generous slices of corned beef silverside, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing.

Pet-friendly sandwich shop – Luncheonette

Discover the quaint and cosy Luncheonette, across from Kensington train station. Duck in for a Reuben sandwich and salty crisps, the tuna melt or a classic avo toast. Enjoy the sun in the outdoor seating area – and bring your pup, it’s pet friendly!