Blink and you might drive past Doyle’s on Dupont Boulevard, but locals know better. This humble American restaurant in Selbyville has a quiet claim to fame: a Reuben that can stand with the state’s best. With wallet friendly prices and small town warmth, it’s the kind of place that turns first time visits into rituals.
Come hungry and curious you’re about to learn exactly why this corner spot deserves a permanent pin on your map.
The Reuben That Built a Reputation
Start with the sandwich that locals whisper about like a delicious secret. Doyle’s Reuben arrives stacked tall, rye toasted just enough to crackle, marbled corned beef sliced tender, and Swiss melting into every corner. Sauerkraut brings the bright snap, while house style dressing leans tangy and restrained so you taste the meat.
You will notice the balance first. Nothing drips into a mess, and every bite holds together, which matters when you are savoring slowly. The portion is generous without showing off, and it lands at a price that makes ordering fries and a soda feel easy.
Ask for a corner booth if you want to linger. The staff will check on you with the right kind of attention casual and timely. If you love a slightly more toasted rye, say so up front they will gladly accommodate.
Pair the Reuben with crisp onion rings if you want extra crunch, or go classic with fries and a pickle spear. Either way, the flavors stay focused and nostalgic. By the last bite, you will understand why regulars defend this sandwich with near fan club energy.
First Timer’s Game Plan
Walking into Doyle’s for the first time feels easy, especially if you aim for late morning on a weekday. You will beat the crowds, snag a comfortable booth, and have time to scan the menu without pressure. Start with coffee or iced tea, then anchor your order with the Reuben so you do not overthink.
Consider the soup of the day as a warm up, especially if the weather turns brisk. Staff will gladly offer quick recommendations and portion guidance. If you love extra dressing, ask for a side cup to adjust each bite.
Prices are friendly, so building a sampler style meal is doable. Split an appetizer with your table and try a dessert to finish. When the dining room fills, the noise level stays conversational thanks to the cozy layout.
Before you leave, make note of the hours and weekend flow. Saturday can stretch into a busier dinner, while Sunday remains relaxed family time. If you are passing through on Dupont Boulevard, drop a pin so it is an easy stop next time you crave comfort food done right.
Bread, Toast, and Texture
Rye bread choice can make or break a Reuben, and Doyle’s uses a version with assertive spice yet soft crumb. The kitchen toasts to a light crackle that protects the interior without scraping your mouth. It is a small detail that keeps every bite tidy and pleasurable.
If you like a deeper toast, ask specifically for extra time on the griddle. You can even request a pat of butter on the exterior for a richer crust. The staff is straightforward and happy to dial it to your preference.
Textural flow matters here. Beef brings tender chew, kraut brings snap, Swiss brings melt, and rye contributes crunch. When the sandwich rests a minute before serving, everything settles into a cohesive stack.
The result is a sandwich you can handle without a plate disaster. Napkins stay mostly clean, and the pickle adds a cool reset. You will finish feeling satisfied rather than weighed down, which is exactly how a daily friendly diner classic should perform.
What To Order With The Reuben
Fries are the default side and they do their job crisp exterior, tender interior, seasoned just enough. Onion rings offer a more dramatic crunch and pair nicely with that tangy dressing on the side. If you are pacing yourself, choose the soup of the day to warm up without overfilling.
A bright slaw adds freshness between bites, and the pickle spear does vital palate clearing. Consider iced tea or a classic soda for bubbles. Coffee surprisingly complements the Reuben’s richness if you keep sugar low.
If you are sharing, build a mini spread. Reuben plus onion rings and a cup of soup hits multiple textures without overwhelming the table. Ask for extra napkins and an additional plate for easy splitting.
Those watching budget will appreciate that add ons do not spike the bill. Doyle’s keeps prices approachable so you can explore without hesitation. The goal is comfort first, which this lineup delivers with unfussy confidence.
Ambiance and Service Vibe
Doyle’s feels like a true small town diner where regulars greet staff by name and newcomers fit right in. The dining room stays bright from big windows along Dupont Boulevard. Booths and tables offer simple comfort without pretense.
Service is friendly, direct, and efficient. You will get refills before you need to ask, and special requests land without fuss. That easy rhythm keeps the meal relaxing even during busy windows.
Music, if playing, sits low, letting conversation flow. You can bring kids or catch up with a friend and not raise your voice. If you are solo, counter style seating can put you near the action.
Together, these touches make Doyle’s ideal for frequent visits. It is the kind of dependable spot you can recommend confidently to out of town guests. When comfort, value, and consistency matter, this dining room delivers exactly what you want.
When To Go and How To Park
Doyle’s sits on Dupont Boulevard with straightforward access and practical parking. Mornings after opening at 8 AM are calm, making them great for a leisurely first visit. Lunch rush can swell with locals, so arrive a bit early if timing matters.
Weeknights from Monday through Thursday stay steady but manageable. Fridays and Saturdays run later to 9 PM, which helps if you want a relaxed dinner window. Sundays close at 8 PM and lean family friendly with a slower pace.
Parking is typically painless, though peak meal changes can tighten spaces. Consider a quick loop around the lot before committing to a spot. Call ahead at +1 302-436-2112 if you are coordinating a group.
Check hours before holidays since schedules can shift. If you are mapping it out, the website has current updates and menu notes. With a plan, you will spend less time waiting and more time enjoying that Reuben while it is hot and crisp.
Budget Friendly Comfort
Doyle’s keeps pricing approachable so you can eat well without thinking twice. The Reuben delivers premium satisfaction at a dollar point that feels old school generous. You leave full, happy, and not anxious about the check.
That affordability makes it easy to add sides or a dessert. It also turns Doyle’s into a reliable weekly stop, not just a special trip. Locals appreciate that steadiness in a world where prices often creep.
Value here comes from portion honesty and careful cooking. Nothing is bloated or flashy, just thoughtfully assembled plates. You pay for what you get and you get exactly what you want.
If you are feeding a family, the all ages menu helps everyone land on something comforting. Budget watchers should peek at daily specials for extra savings. Put simply, Doyle’s proves that great food and fair prices still belong together on Dupont Boulevard.