We all know that the Reuben was invented in Nebraska. That salty, tangy, cheesy, kind of greasy sandwich with just a hint of sweetness is total heaven between two pieces of bread. And because the Reuben is a Nebraska invention, our restaurants know how to make it right.
Recently, USA Today's 10 Best named the Top 10 Reubens in Nebraska. Their picks were right on, and the winners deserve the accolades. The only problem is that every one of the winners is in Omaha or Lincoln. So we're giving you the winners of the top 10 along with some other alternatives that you can find outside of the two state's two largest cities.
The restaurants are presented here in alphabetical order, not in any type of ranking.
1. Barrett's Barleycorn Pub & Grill, Omaha
Barrett's came in #5 on USA Today's "Best Reubens in Nebraska" list. This popular dive bar has been feeding (and beering) hungry Omahans since 1987, and their Reuben is close to perfection.
2. Bison Witches Bar & Deli, Lincoln
Coming in at #10 on the USA Today list, Bison Witches serves a wide variety of sandwiches so there's something to please everyone...but lets be honest - you're there for the Reuben, right?
3. Bubba's Anytime, Strang
This small-town staple is usually busy, and for good reason. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is friendly, and you honestly won't find a Reuben this delicious and this inexpensive anywhere else.
4. Crescent Moon Ale House, Omaha
Crescent Moon landed the #1 spot on the "best Reubens" list, giving this popular bar and restaurant the honor of saying that they have the very best in the state. And honestly, we can't disagree.
5. Gerda's German Restaurant & Bakery, Omaha
Gerda's is an Omaha legend, and it's no surprise that it came in at #3 on USA Today's list.
6. Irv's Deli & More, Fremont
Irv's Famous Giant Reuben is so filling that you will definitely leave here feeling satisfied. Try to save room for some of the delicious side dishes, though.
7. J. Coco, Omaha
This "traditional with a modern twist" eatery walked off with the #6 spot on the "best Reubens" list, so you know it's worth a stop next time you're in the area. Plus, just look at that purple cabbage! Their Reuben is almost as beautiful as it is tasty.
8. Ken and Dale's Restaurant, Alliance
Often it's the unassuming, out-of-the-way spots that serve the tastiest foods. Those of you who are used to the Reubens in Omaha and Lincoln should wander on in to Ken and Dales next time you're way out west - you'll be pleasantly surprised at what they can do with this classic sandwich.
9. Localmotive Food Truck, Omaha
You Reuben purists might be a little wary of Localmotive's take on the classic sandwich, but take heart. The "rounders," or spherical pocket sandwiches, are a lot like Runzas...which you love, right? Localmotive was named #8 on the 10 Best list.
10. Mom's Cafe, Plattsmouth
This beloved business has been serving up warm, filling comfort food for basically forever. Their Reuben is just one of the many, many favorites people stop in for again and again.
11. Open Range Grill, Ogallala
You won't find anything over-the-top fancy at Open Range. You'll get the sturdy, hardy fare Nebraska restaurants have come to be known for, and you'll get plenty of it. Take a look at the dark rye on that Reuben and the sweet potato fries and tell us your mouth isn't watering yet.
12. River House Café, Plattsmouth
Yes, there are TWO restaurants in tiny Plattsmouth serving up Reubens so good you'd be willing to drive a few extra miles to taste them. The River House has consistently tasty food, and it's just a fun place to spend your mealtime.
13. Sandstone Grill, Burwell
This small-town eatery in the Sandhills surprises a lot of travelers with its incredible food. You won't be surprised next time you walk in and order the Reuben, however, because you already know it's going to be crazy tasty.
14. Sips & Subs, Lincoln
Sips & Subs came in at second place on the 10 Best list, and it was #1 in Lincoln. If that's not enough to convince you to stop in for a Reuben, well, we don't know what is.
15. Toast, Lincoln
Oh, that close-up...it's killing us. Made with just the right amount of filling on a hearty dark rye, this Reuben totally earned its title as one of the 10 best in Nebraska - it came in at #9.
16. Tommy's 24 Hour Family Restaurant, Grand Island
We love Tommy's. It's a fun place with a friendly atmosphere, great service and, most importantly, really tasty food. Their Reuben is no joke - you're going to love this sandwich.
17. Wilson & Washburn, Omaha
Wilson & Washburn picked up the #7 spot in the 10 best list with their daring twist on the Reuben: they use brisket instead of corned beef. You know if you change up the recipe of Nebraska's signature sandwich it had better be good...and W&W doesn't disappoint.
18. Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery & Deli, Omaha
Wohlner's Reuben is legendary - and they've had plenty of time to perfect it. It uses Nebraska beef and rye bread from Omaha's Rotella's Italian Bakery because Wohlner's likes to keep it local. This classic 'wich pulled the #4 spot on USA Today's list.
Well, it looks like you've got a lot of Reubens to get out there and try, huh? It seems like dang near every restaurant in Nebraska has a Reuben on its menu, so they can't possibly all fit on one list. You can let everyone know about your personal favorite in the comments, and then we'll all eat delicious Reubens until we pass out in pleasant corned-beef-and-Swiss-cheese food comas.
Want more of Nebraska's best? Check out some of our favorite spots for pizza, burgers (and MORE burgers), and steak. Or just take a look at these 20 Nebraska restaurants you have to visit before you die.
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