If a great Reuben makes your heart race, New Jersey might be your happy place.
Across the state, humble delis and pubs are quietly crafting sandwiches that balance crunch, tang, and melty bliss in every bite.
You will find sky-high stacks, house-cured meats, and warm, buttery rye that crackles just right.
Bring an appetite, because these Reubens are the kind you remember long after the last crumb disappears.
Harold’s New York Deli – Edison
Harold’s is where you bring friends who swear size does not matter, then watch their jaws drop. The Reuben arrives like a skyscraper, layered with tender corned beef that tastes kissed by spice and time.
Rye hits the grill until buttery crisp, while Swiss melts into rivulets and sauerkraut adds just enough twang.
You will swipe the Russian dressing across everything because it balances the fat and salt so well. Share if you must, but it is more fun to attempt the mountain yourself.
The meat stays juicy, never stringy, and the bread holds up bravely to the weight.
Expect a classic, old-school deli vibe with chatter that feels like home. The sandwich is not precious, just perfect in that maximal Harold’s way.
Grab extra napkins, lean in, and let the avalanche of flavor happen without apology.
Kelly’s Tavern – Neptune City
Kelly’s feels like the pub you wish was around the corner from your house. Their Reuben leans generous without being over-the-top, with thick corned beef that eats tender and beefy.
Rye toasts to a gentle crackle so every bite starts crisp, then softens into tangy kraut and melted Swiss.
The Russian dressing is balanced, offering brightness without drowning the sandwich. You can taste the attention in the grill marks and the way the cheese settles into the meat’s edges.
It is the kind of Reuben that pairs perfectly with a beer and friendly bar chatter.
Locals swear the consistency keeps them coming back, and you will get it after one bite. Nothing feels fussy, just honest and satisfying pub comfort.
Sit back, breathe in that buttery rye aroma, and let the sandwich do the talking.
Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant – Newark
Hobby’s tastes like a postcard from another era, in the best way. The Reuben highlights house-cured meat that carries a deep spice and gentle brine.
Each slice folds easily, never chewy, nestling under Swiss that melts like a blanket over the kraut.
The bread is griddled evenly, buttery but not greasy, and it holds together just long enough for you to savor each bite. Russian dressing is tangy and clean, pulling all the flavors into focus.
You will feel the craft that comes from doing something right for decades.
This is a sandwich that does not need gimmicks to impress. It is about balance, tradition, and that deli rhythm you can taste.
Order confidently and add a pickle for snap, then sit back and let nostalgia do the rest.
Pastrami Grill Bistro – Garfield
At Pastrami Grill Bistro, meat leads the conversation. The Reuben hits with bold pastrami spice or classic corned beef, both sliced to hug the bread while staying satisfyingly thick.
Swiss melts into the folds, and sauerkraut adds that essential tangy zip.
The grillwork is thoughtful, producing rye with a gentle crunch and buttery sheen that never overwhelms. Russian dressing is applied with care, giving acidity to cut through the richness.
You will notice the smoke and pepper dancing through each bite, building a rhythm that keeps you reaching back.
The vibe is casual and unpretentious, which suits a sandwich this focused on flavor. Nothing distracts from the meat’s depth or the balance of textures.
It is the kind of Reuben that rewards a slow, focused chew, and maybe a second napkin.
Radin’s Delicatessen – Cherry Hill
Radin’s understands that Reuben cravings are not one-size-fits-all. You can go classic corned beef or switch lanes to pastrami, and both arrive generously packed.
The rye gets a proper grill, delivering a toasty crunch that stands up to juicy meat and melting Swiss.
Sauerkraut is lively and tangy, never soggy, and the Russian dressing ties everything together with a creamy zip. You will appreciate the way flavors stack without getting muddy.
Every element feels calibrated for maximum comfort and minimal fuss.
What stands out is consistency and choice: pick your meat, hold your ground, and enjoy the confidence that it will be good either way. The sandwich transports easily for takeout, staying sturdy and warm.
It is a South Jersey staple that respects tradition while giving you options.
The Kibitz Room – Cherry Hill
The Kibitz Room serves comfort the way your memory wants it to taste. Their Reuben is straightforward and soulful, with warm corned beef piled just right.
The rye is griddled to a delicate crisp that frames the sandwich without stealing the spotlight.
Sauerkraut brings gentle acidity, while Swiss drapes over the meat in soft, just-melted ribbons. Russian dressing is tangy and balanced, the quiet hero that makes every bite sing.
You will find yourself nodding after the first crunch, like yes, this is how it should be.
Nothing here tries to upstage tradition. The sandwich lands hot, balanced, and comforting, ready to cure hanger or homesickness.
Grab a pickle, settle into a booth, and let simplicity remind you why deli classics endure.
Berg’s Smoked Meat & Poutine – Belmar
Berg’s brings a smoky swagger to the Reuben playbook. The meat carries a rich bark and rosy interior, delivering deep flavor with every tender bite.
Rye gets a confident grill, so the crust crackles while the center stays soft and buttery.
Swiss cheese melts into the crevices, meeting sauerkraut’s bright bite head-on. Russian dressing adds creaminess and a gentle tang that reins in the smoke.
You will taste craft in the seasoning, a balance that keeps you craving another corner piece.
The atmosphere is casual and cheerful, perfect for a beach-town detour. This is a Reuben that is both familiar and leveled up by smoke and technique.
Order extra napkins and enjoy that lingering peppery finish as you plan your next visit.
Blueplate – Mullica Hill
Blueplate takes the Reuben’s soul and dresses it up just enough. Expect artisan rye that toasts beautifully, giving a fragrant crunch and slight chew.
The corned beef is tender and well-seasoned, while Swiss melts into a glossy layer beneath lively sauerkraut.
Russian dressing leans clean and slightly zesty, letting the ingredients shine instead of masking them. You will notice thoughtful touches: careful layering, even heat, and a plate that feels inviting without pretense.
It is comfort with a polished edge.
The result is a sandwich that tastes classic but looks a little more modern. Every bite still delivers warmth, tang, and buttery bread, just with a lighter hand.
Bring a friend and split fries, because you will want room for dessert too.
Millburn Deli – Millburn
Millburn Deli is a rhythm of quick hands and reliable flavor. The Reuben stands out for beef that is seasoned just right, sliced to fold and melt with Swiss.
Toasted rye provides a sturdy crunch that does not wilt under heat or dressing.
Sauerkraut is bright and never overpowering, while the Russian dressing taps the brakes on richness with tang. You will appreciate how clean the flavors stay, even a few bites in.
It is an everyday kind of excellence, the sandwich you crave midweek.
Everything moves fast but feels cared for, from grill to wrap. This is a Reuben that travels well and still hits warm and balanced at your desk.
Grab chips, chase it with a crisp pickle, and call it a very good day.
Town Hall Deli – South Orange
Town Hall Deli has that timeless aura that makes you slow down. The Reuben looks simple at first glance, then wins you over with depth.
Corned beef is tender and full-flavored, and the rye is grilled to a crisp edge that sings with every bite.
Swiss melts into silky corners, sauerkraut snaps with clean acidity, and Russian dressing smooths it all together. You will keep chasing the balance, wondering how something so straightforward becomes so memorable.
It feels like comfort perfected by repetition.
Sit at the counter if you can and let the history wash over you. The sandwich never shouts, it just delivers exactly what you hoped for.
By the last bite, you will already be plotting the next visit, maybe with a friend in tow.