Craving a classic New York deli experience without leaving downtown Atlanta? Reuben’s Deli brings the city’s hustle, humor, and overstuffed sandwiches to 57 Broad St NW, and the Reuben is the headliner people rave about.
With a 4.6 star rating and a loyal lunch crowd, it is the kind of place where the line moves fast and the portions are even faster. Come hungry, speak up at the counter, and prepare to leave happy.
The signature Reuben experience
Walk in hungry, and the Reuben greets you like a legend. Piled-high corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and creamy thousand island spill from marble rye you can barely hold.
The first bite is hot, juicy, and a little messy, exactly how a proper Reuben should be.
You will hear regulars call out orders with confidence, and you should join them. Customize if you like, but the classic is a winner as is.
Ask for a side of pickles for an extra snap of acidity that brightens every bite.
Prices lean mid-range for downtown, but the value is in the heft and quality. Many split theirs, others accept the challenge and finish it all.
Staff banter keeps the vibe easygoing, and lines move quickly during lunch rush.
If you are new, arrive early or after peak hours for a relaxed first visit. Monday through Friday offer the longest window, with shorter Saturday hours and Sunday closed.
When you leave, expect to think about that Reuben for days, and yes, you will plan a return.
Corned beef and pastrami: the deli duo
At Reuben’s, corned beef and pastrami are the heartbeats of the menu. The corned beef is tender and thinly sliced, layered generously to create that classic overstuffed profile.
Pastrami brings peppery edges and smoky depth, perfect solo or blended on the house Reuben.
Ask for your preference: leaner slices or a little extra fat for lush texture. A swipe of spicy brown mustard highlights the spice, while Swiss adds a mellow, buttery finish.
Thousand island offers creaminess if you prefer a richer bite.
Rye bread matters here, with a soft interior that holds to the last bite. Some guests request toast for extra structure, especially with juicy meats.
Either way, the sandwich stays satisfying without feeling greasy.
For variety, try half corned beef and half pastrami to compare textures. Pair it with crisp dill pickles or Italian pasta salad for balance.
If you want a quick win, ask the crew for their favorite combo and watch your lunch transform.
Rye, rolls, and the bread question
Great sandwiches start with bread, and Reuben’s treats it like a co-star. Marble rye brings a subtle spice and sturdy structure that hugs hot meats.
Honey wheat offers softness for cold cuts and fresh veggies, while rolls are perfect if you want something pillowy.
If you are ordering a hot, juicy sandwich, consider toasted rye for extra grip. For lighter flavors like turkey or tuna salad, honey wheat keeps things soft and balanced.
Ask the crew which bread works best with your toppings and they will steer you right.
Crust texture matters more than you think. A slightly crisp crust prevents sogginess while keeping every bite comfortable.
When you add sauerkraut or thousand island, that extra resilience becomes your best friend.
Save room for the final bites because the edges hold surprises of melty Swiss and mustard. If you are splitting a sandwich, ask for a clean cut to keep fillings intact.
Bread decisions truly shape your meal, and Reuben’s gives you smart options.
How to order like a New Yorker
The vibe is New York fast and friendly, so step up with confidence. Know your meat, cheese, bread, and sauces, then call it clearly.
Do not worry about being perfect, the crew will guide you and keep it fun.
During lunch rush, lines move quickly because people order loud and keep it moving. You will hear jokes, recommendations, and the occasional playful shout.
That energy is part of the charm, and it makes the food taste even better.
If you are unsure, ask for the Reuben or Hot Blue by name. Mention add-ons like extra kraut or a side of pickles upfront.
Keep payment ready and grab napkins because these sandwiches are generously stacked.
For a calmer experience, slide in before noon or after one thirty. Saturday offers a shorter window, and Sundays are closed.
Either way, you will leave smiling, full, and already planning your next order.
Sides that complete the sandwich
Reuben’s sides turn a great sandwich into a full-on victory lap. Italian pasta salad carries a zesty, herby kick that pairs nicely with rich meats.
Dill pickles bring crunch and acidity, resetting your palate between massive bites.
Kettle chips add salt and texture when you want something simple. If you are feeling sweet, cheesecake shows up creamy and nostalgic, a little New York nod in downtown Atlanta.
It is the kind of dessert you claim you will share and then do not.
Balance matters when your sandwich is stacked high. A lighter side keeps you from tapping out early.
Pasta salad and pickles are popular for a reason, especially with pastrami or corned beef.
Grab a fountain drink or sweet tea to cut through the richness. If you are taking lunch back to the office, secure lids and napkins.
By the last bite, you will be glad you ordered the extras.
Breakfast bites and coffee bar
Mornings at Reuben’s are underrated. Doors open at 8 AM on weekdays, and you can grab breakfast bites before the rush.
Think bagels, breakfast sandwiches, hot coffee, and the occasional pastry to start your day right.
The coffee bar is a highlight when you want more than drip. A latte or hot chocolate pairs surprisingly well with a toasted bagel or bacon egg and cheese.
It is quick, friendly, and perfect if you are heading to class or the office.
The staff keeps the banter going even before nine, which somehow makes mornings easier. Seating is limited, but takeout is easy and fast.
If you work nearby, this spot can become your weekday ritual.
Saturday hours start later, so plan accordingly. Sundays are closed, which makes weekday mornings your best bet.
Order confidently, sip something warm, and set the tone for a productive day.
What to know before you go
Find Reuben’s at 57 Broad St NW, right in the heart of downtown. It is steps from transit, making it easy if you are commuting or exploring.
Parking can be tricky, so consider MARTA or rideshare during peak hours.
Weekday hours run 8 AM to 8 PM, with a shorter Saturday window and Sunday closed. Expect a line at lunch, but it moves fast with efficient service.
Prices are mid-range, and portions are generous enough to share.
The energy is classic deli: lively, a little noisy, and full of regulars. Staff are quick with recommendations and humor, which keeps the atmosphere warm.
Order clearly, grab napkins, and claim a spot if you plan to dine in.
If cleanliness matters to you, choose a recently turned table or go to-go. For the best first bite, eat hot sandwiches promptly.
Leave a little room for cheesecake, because you will see it and want it.
Local love and the regulars
What makes Reuben’s memorable is not just the meat, it is the people. Regulars line up with a grin because the staff remembers orders and jokes back.
That quick back-and-forth makes even a short pickup feel like a bright spot in your day.
Students, downtown workers, and travelers all blend at the counter. You will see folks split sandwiches, swap bites, and praise the pickles.
Reviews consistently call out friendly service and genuine energy.
Of course, not every visit is perfect, and a few reviews note hiccups. Still, the tone overall is overwhelmingly positive, with repeat customers returning weekly.
When a deli builds a crowd that loyal, it tells you everything.
If you become a regular, try a new combo each trip and share your favorites. Ask for recommendations, and you will probably get an opinionated answer.
That is the fun of a true deli, and this one nails it.
Timing your visit for the win
Timing changes everything at a busy deli. Hit 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM for shorter lines and a smoother experience.
If you must go at peak, arrive ready to order and you will be fine.
Weekdays offer the longest hours, which is great for after-work cravings. Saturday gives a smaller window, so plan an early lunch.
Sundays are closed, so do not count on a weekend fix then.
Hot sandwiches are best eaten immediately, especially the Reuben and pastrami. If you are taking it back to the office, ask for a sturdy wrap and extra napkins.
Chips travel best, while pickles should ride upright.
On rainy days, delivery apps help, but in-person is the true experience. The counter banter, the steam from the slicer, the quick slice of cheesecake at the end.
Make the timing work for you and enjoy every bite.
Why the Reuben keeps you coming back
A great Reuben is more than ingredients, it is balance and bravado. Reuben’s nails the ratio of meat to kraut to sauce, then builds height without losing structure.
Each bite delivers warmth, salt, tang, and sweetness, and the rye keeps everything steady.
The sandwich feels familiar yet exciting, the kind you measure others against. It is comforting on a rushed weekday and celebratory when you bring a friend.
Even the last bite feels considered, with melty edges and a clean finish.
Service amplifies the experience. The counter team keeps things moving, offers a joke, and makes smart suggestions.
That mix of speed and personality turns a quick lunch into a small ritual.
When a place turns first-timers into regulars, there is a reason. Here, it is craftsmanship, value, and a little downtown Atlanta magic.
Try it once, and you will understand why people come back.