Reuben

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Quick Bite

A Reuben is a grilled rye sandwich stacked with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Omaha claims it as its own, and honestly, that hot, melty, tangy sandwich makes a convincing argument.

History

The Reuben has one of America’s great sandwich origin disputes. New York has a claim through restaurateur Arnold Reuben, but Nebraska has a very strong story centered on Omaha’s Blackstone Hotel.

According to Omaha lore, the sandwich was created in 1925 by Reuben Kulakofsky, a local grocer and poker player, during a late-night card game at the Blackstone. Charles Schimmel, the hotel’s owner and another player, liked it enough to put it on the menu at the hotel’s restaurant, The Plush Horse. History Nebraska notes this Omaha story and also acknowledges the competing New York claim.

The classic sandwich became corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing grilled on rye bread. The combination works because every piece does a job: salty beef, tangy kraut, creamy dressing, nutty cheese, and crisp buttery bread.

Today, Omaha still treats the Reuben as a hometown food. The former Blackstone Hotel building is now the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, and Omaha restaurants continue to serve versions that keep the origin story alive.

Fun Facts

• Omaha and New York both claim the Reuben, but Omaha’s Blackstone Hotel story is the Nebraska version.
• The classic meat is corned beef, not pastrami.
• A Rachel sandwich is a close cousin, often made with turkey or pastrami and coleslaw.

Where to Try

The Committee Chophouse / Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel Omaha, Nebraska
The Cottonwood occupies the former Blackstone Hotel building, making it the most historically fitting place to connect with the Omaha Reuben story.

Crescent Moon Ale House Omaha, Nebraska
A local favorite across from the old Blackstone, frequently praised for a Reuben melt tied to the original neighborhood story.

Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill Omaha, Nebraska
Often cited among Omaha’s strong Reuben stops, with a classic pub setting for the city’s signature sandwich.

About the Game

This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.

Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.

Recipe

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Home-Cook-Friendly Reuben Serves: 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Difficulty: Easy Style: Omaha / Nebraska Grilled Sandwich

Ingredients

• 8 slices rye or marble rye bread
• 1 pound sliced corned beef
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained well
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• ½ cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. Dry the sauerkraut: Drain the sauerkraut well and pat it dry so the sandwich does not get soggy.
2. Butter the bread: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
3. Add dressing: On the unbuttered side, spread dressing.
4. Layer the sandwich: Layer Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss.
5. Close: Close the sandwich with the buttered sides facing out.
6. Heat the pan: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
7. Grill: Grill each sandwich for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve: Slice and serve hot with pickles and chips.

Traditional note: To make it more traditional, use corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and rye bread. Grill it slowly so the bread browns while the cheese melts.

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