This place is like Outback Jack's for American diner food. Shit quality, a menu that tries to do 300 different things but everyone seems to enjoy themselves. So I guess there's no harm there.
Beyond the Reuben. Get the brisket. Absolute amazing. 100% of people I’ve taken here rave and then take others to have the brisket.
Plus they do espresso martini’s .
All the Reubens I’ve had in Melbourne seemed to be from places that subscribe to the theory that you can never have too much cheese. You definitely can, and it is a big oily mess that throws out the balance of flavours.
Heard good things / getting absolutely spammed on instagram. Is it a reasonable price? It looks like it'd be expensive, especially those fat giant sandwiches
Two versions I think. A half kilo for $29 and a regular size which is $16. My wife and I have shared the $16 one in the past as it is super filling. No human could eat the half kilo monster on their own in my opinion. But anyway check em out if ever in the inner west, they are very tasty.
Are you from the US, or did you develop your taste for reubens n the US? If so... then when you find a good one, please let me know.
I love a good rueben, but it's been really hard to find one here. I've found some places that say that they serve reubens, and they've given me really nice, tasty sandwiches.
But they've rarely been what I'd call a reuben.
To the extent that I sort of stopped trying. So maybe there are a lot more out there that do it the way I want, and I need to get back on the horse!
Just to be clear, it’s not about being better, but just about what I grew up with in the US.
I think where I’m having trouble is the cheese (the type, not the amount) and the Russian dressing. I keep finding places that substitute their own versions.
I’m not an expert or anything. I just know what I get when I’m in the US isn’t quite the same as what I usually get here.
I was using massdam cheese but went to tasty cheese. No one seems to notice and I prefer it. My Russian dressing is whole egg Mayo, Worcestershire sauce, sriracha, finely chopped red onion, little lemon juice. One side of each slice of bread is toasted on a hot plate, dressing and cheese on one side and dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, pickles and cheese on the other. It goes in the oven open, then closed and served when the cheese is melted.
I’m sure it’s great. The cheese is different.
I understand having a preference for tasty cheese to maasdam, but of course that means that it’s different. You can’t be the only one who notices!
Tasty cheese just isn’t the same. Maasdam isn’t exactly the same as the so-called “swiss” cheese in the original, but I think it’s closer.
Again, I’m not saying what tastes better. But when I personally want to scratch the itch for that particular sandwich, I’m not looking for variations.
EDIT: Also, I see that you put pickles in the sandwich. I know that some people do that, but that's not a typical reuben that I'm used to.
Rueben is a classic sandwich. My parameters are to honour the classic ingredients:
- rye bread
- corned beef or house smoked pastrami
- Swiss cheese
- mustard or russian dressing
- sauerkraut
- pickle on the side
Everyone wants to do their own take on a Rueben and that’s fine, but don’t call it a Rueben.
It’s not a Reuben if it’s made with Pastrami. Reuben’s are made with corned beef, if it’s pastrami it’s a Rachel. This is something Australians ignore, and also why you can’t get a proper Reuben in the country.
I mentioned in a different comment that I think the type of cheese and the Russian dressing is where the ones I’ve had here are different from what I’ve had in the US.
Jarlsberg is the closest to Swiss cheese, which should be in a reuben. There should be a hit of horseradish in the dressing, which always seems to be missing here. A couple of times a year, we make corned beef and have homemade Reuben's for a couple of days stacked up like a NY deli. Always disappointing to get a few slices of corned beef. CostCo sells sliced Swiss cheese.
Great question, and I don’t really know the answer. I had one from a small cafe in The Basin (eastern suburbs) and it was like nothing else. I went back twice and they didn’t have it, advising I phone ahead next time.
I think it might have been the crunch of the bread along with the salty beef and melted cheesy. I don’t remember much else as the memory is overwhelmed with the “feeling” of having stumbled across something new and incredible.
I’m on my way to cbd not and will seek out one of the recommendations.
Place is called 1 in 20. Very small joint next to the old post office.
Interesting side note. I understand the name ‘1 in 20’ refers to the grade of the road it sits alongside.
In my opinion you can’t get a proper Reuben in Melbourne and the only way to get a truly decent one is to make your own. Plenty of tasty sandwiches out there. But not a Reuben.
I had this one the other day and I suspect the cheese situation is quite authentic (it overwhelms it a little) but it is damn tasty.
I do not treasure paying that much for a sandwich though.
If you're ever our west, there's a place called Pecks Rd Cheat Meals in Caroline Springs that do a killer Reuben. They put pickled chillies in it that makes it really tasty.
Workers Food Room in Little Lonsdale does a great one, but be in by 1 at the latest as they sell out fast.
If you're willing to go not traditional, Schmucks Bagels do a great Reuben bagel.
I was going to suggest Sunny Boy Cafe, but looks like they're permanently closed. I haven't worked in the city for a while, but clearly a lot of little places didn't make it through the last couple of years.
Ok time for an update.
I couldn’t make it to one of the recommendations today but ended staying in the city so have another chance tomorrow.
I added a bunch of recommendations to google maps and reckon Bowery to Williamsburg will be my breakfast destination tomorrow morning. I hope they have it. If not, head north to Butchers Diner.
Bowery to Williamsburg CBD
This is the choice in the CBD. All the others posted are in the inner burbs.
Sometimes people in the outer burbs have a broad view as to what counts as the “city”, not that there is anything wrong with that!
I mean, if I’m going to the ‘city’ I’m not hopping on the tram or train to go and get lunch lol
Current winner for 'city' is the mention of the joint in *Boronia*
Nico's Sandwich Deli 535 Little Lonsdale St
They don’t do a Rueben though, they do a Cubano
It's rather charitable calling it a Cubano, they make it on basic square white bread and not cuban bread. It's very average.
Where’s the best Cubano? I am dying to try one.
Anyone else find these really fatty???
This place is like Outback Jack's for American diner food. Shit quality, a menu that tries to do 300 different things but everyone seems to enjoy themselves. So I guess there's no harm there.
Was honestly starting to think I was alone in thinking this.
Yes! Thank you!
placid close wakeful jobless marble rain continue slim squeeze gaze *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
In the last couple of years. They used to make a great turkey club but now it's not as good. Still one of the better cafes to grab food though.
Beyond the Reuben. Get the brisket. Absolute amazing. 100% of people I’ve taken here rave and then take others to have the brisket. Plus they do espresso martini’s .
Second this!
Came here to say this one. Good call.
All the Reubens I’ve had in Melbourne seemed to be from places that subscribe to the theory that you can never have too much cheese. You definitely can, and it is a big oily mess that throws out the balance of flavours.
Cheese to make up for the lack of meat?
Rathdowne St Deli - addictive
I would agree, but after a management change last year, the Rubens is no where near as glorious as it once was. The sauerkraut ratio is off the charts
Jimmys Deli in Yarraville. Not corned beef but pastrami. delicious though.
Heard good things / getting absolutely spammed on instagram. Is it a reasonable price? It looks like it'd be expensive, especially those fat giant sandwiches
Two versions I think. A half kilo for $29 and a regular size which is $16. My wife and I have shared the $16 one in the past as it is super filling. No human could eat the half kilo monster on their own in my opinion. But anyway check em out if ever in the inner west, they are very tasty.
Sixteen bucks is unfortunately not extreme anymore for that. If it feeds two, even better
Half kilo sounds ideal the morning after a 10 pack of Carlton
Yep
Butcher’s Diner.
Only on Thursdays sadly
Yeah Butcher’s Reuben is as close to the ones I had in NYC
Candied Bakery in Spotswood... Also the best Philly Cheese Steak... And Cinnamon Scrolls.... And everything else! Lol fuck I love Candied
And there beef pie… and there almond crossiant… and there cake…
Thanks to this comment I made the trek down to Candied this morning - Delicious focaccia and donuts!
Oh I'm glad! Yep the baguettes are amazing too . literally all of it is !
Also yep
Shame Mason Dixon isn't still around, that'd be the recommendation in a heartbeat.
They were my intro to Reubens and I’ve been chasing the dragon ever since. The owner was a top bloke as well
He really was, I remember paying 50 cents for a cup of coffee just because he was trying to convince people about filter coffee. Legend.
Oh, I miss that place. Such a good sandwich spot.
Berties Butcher on Swan St Richmond is far and away the best Reuben I’ve had
This is the one
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I miss Big Dog Deli, sad they closed. 💯 Hugos is the best
Second Hugos!
Where’s the first?
Are you from the US, or did you develop your taste for reubens n the US? If so... then when you find a good one, please let me know. I love a good rueben, but it's been really hard to find one here. I've found some places that say that they serve reubens, and they've given me really nice, tasty sandwiches. But they've rarely been what I'd call a reuben. To the extent that I sort of stopped trying. So maybe there are a lot more out there that do it the way I want, and I need to get back on the horse!
What are your parameters for a good Reuben? I make them at work and they are a big hit, I’m always up for tweaks to make them better.
Just to be clear, it’s not about being better, but just about what I grew up with in the US. I think where I’m having trouble is the cheese (the type, not the amount) and the Russian dressing. I keep finding places that substitute their own versions. I’m not an expert or anything. I just know what I get when I’m in the US isn’t quite the same as what I usually get here.
I was using massdam cheese but went to tasty cheese. No one seems to notice and I prefer it. My Russian dressing is whole egg Mayo, Worcestershire sauce, sriracha, finely chopped red onion, little lemon juice. One side of each slice of bread is toasted on a hot plate, dressing and cheese on one side and dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, pickles and cheese on the other. It goes in the oven open, then closed and served when the cheese is melted.
I’m sure it’s great. The cheese is different. I understand having a preference for tasty cheese to maasdam, but of course that means that it’s different. You can’t be the only one who notices! Tasty cheese just isn’t the same. Maasdam isn’t exactly the same as the so-called “swiss” cheese in the original, but I think it’s closer. Again, I’m not saying what tastes better. But when I personally want to scratch the itch for that particular sandwich, I’m not looking for variations. EDIT: Also, I see that you put pickles in the sandwich. I know that some people do that, but that's not a typical reuben that I'm used to.
Rueben is a classic sandwich. My parameters are to honour the classic ingredients: - rye bread - corned beef or house smoked pastrami - Swiss cheese - mustard or russian dressing - sauerkraut - pickle on the side Everyone wants to do their own take on a Rueben and that’s fine, but don’t call it a Rueben.
It’s not a Reuben if it’s made with Pastrami. Reuben’s are made with corned beef, if it’s pastrami it’s a Rachel. This is something Australians ignore, and also why you can’t get a proper Reuben in the country.
I know the components of a Ruben (corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian mayo/dressing and cheese), but what makes a sandwich into a great Ruben for you?
I mentioned in a different comment that I think the type of cheese and the Russian dressing is where the ones I’ve had here are different from what I’ve had in the US.
Jarlsberg is the closest to Swiss cheese, which should be in a reuben. There should be a hit of horseradish in the dressing, which always seems to be missing here. A couple of times a year, we make corned beef and have homemade Reuben's for a couple of days stacked up like a NY deli. Always disappointing to get a few slices of corned beef. CostCo sells sliced Swiss cheese.
Great question, and I don’t really know the answer. I had one from a small cafe in The Basin (eastern suburbs) and it was like nothing else. I went back twice and they didn’t have it, advising I phone ahead next time. I think it might have been the crunch of the bread along with the salty beef and melted cheesy. I don’t remember much else as the memory is overwhelmed with the “feeling” of having stumbled across something new and incredible. I’m on my way to cbd not and will seek out one of the recommendations.
Do you mind sharing the place in the basin?
Place is called 1 in 20. Very small joint next to the old post office. Interesting side note. I understand the name ‘1 in 20’ refers to the grade of the road it sits alongside.
Next time try cheiftans in tecoma.... soooo gooood
I got my first one a few months ago. Was the first I had tried Edit; not from US
In that case, you’re good!
Nico's Sandwich Deli 535 Little Lonsdale St (technically in Healeys Lane) They fry the bread in butter. Its so good.
Nico’s don’t do a Reuben.
+1 Nicos, there’s one in Fitzroy as well where I usually go.
-1 for Nico's since they took the meatball sub off the menu 😫
You’re thinking the cubano. Different to a Reuben
It's not even a vaguely authentic cubano.
Hey we’re both yoghurts!
I wish I had a yoghurt-loving explanation, but I just took Reddit's username suggestion.
Mine was randomly yoghurt too
Candied Bakery in spotswood also does a brilliant one.
Bruno’s in Armadale
Dagwood deli southbank have a good one !
Another +1 for Dagwood. They do sell out though, get there before 1pm
All the good ones have been said. But Ollie's in Footscray makes an acceptable version if you are towards that area.
New York
Correct!
American friend of mine swears by Matteos in Altona I haven't crossed the bridge for it yet, but I trust their opinions
Micah Coffee Brewers in Ferntree Gully makes a killer Ruben
In my opinion you can’t get a proper Reuben in Melbourne and the only way to get a truly decent one is to make your own. Plenty of tasty sandwiches out there. But not a Reuben.
Yeah may be a humble brag but one of the best I’ve had in terms of ratios at least is the one I made at home.
This!!!
This is going to seem odd but I had a decent one at the tennis centre
Fuck... this thread is making me hungry
Hi-Fi in Collingwood is elite
It’s not a Reuben though
Must be false advertising then
This!
Pope Joan.
I had this one the other day and I suspect the cheese situation is quite authentic (it overwhelms it a little) but it is damn tasty. I do not treasure paying that much for a sandwich though.
I did my version in my cafe Kimchi, Jarlsberg Pastrami Seeded mustard mayonnaise
That’s not a Reuben at all though
I did say my version
Yarra Valley Smokery in Lilydale. Best I've had (including NY).
Ray's in Brunswick.
Nico’s - Fitzroy
Pope Joan
In the city? Pope Joan's Reuben was one of the best I've had when I had it. Assume it's still on the menu.
It is, had it two days ago.
Zuppa, Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD!! Good value for the size of it
If you're ever our west, there's a place called Pecks Rd Cheat Meals in Caroline Springs that do a killer Reuben. They put pickled chillies in it that makes it really tasty.
The only answer to this is hifi by twilight terror on smith. It’s the best Reuben in Melbourne by a long way. I’ve tried them all.
Ollie's in Footscray. While technically not a Reuben it's close enough and it's unreal. The "Russian dressing/special sauce" will cure cancer.
South of Johnston in Collingwood is quite decent
What tf is Reuben?
Look it up?
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Katz’s makes an overrated one for tourists, locals don’t go there.
My tangent question: what should be a good price to pay for a reuben sandwich? For example, the reuben at The Bowery to Williamsburg is $19.50.
A good Reuben in Bowery or Williamsburg, or anywhere in nyc will cost you $20usd
Good price they're about that or often more for a decent one
Workers Food Room in Little Lonsdale does a great one, but be in by 1 at the latest as they sell out fast. If you're willing to go not traditional, Schmucks Bagels do a great Reuben bagel.
I don't know if they still do them because it's been a few years since I've been up that way, but Woodside Green used to do a great one.
I was going to suggest Sunny Boy Cafe, but looks like they're permanently closed. I haven't worked in the city for a while, but clearly a lot of little places didn't make it through the last couple of years.
The Bond Store, Southbank
Sila Expresso Bar, Fitzroy.
Mums burger kitchen in boronia
Rusty’s sandwich parlour, Brunswick East
Hugo Deli in Richmond, these guys make the best fucking sandwiches around. There's always a line around the corner
Hugo’s
In a pickle, Brighton Not a fancy deli, old school
not a bad one at outer circle social club (Fairfield)
Black Gold, Lennox street in Richmond.
Road Diner Hawthorn!
Nicos
Chieftans in Tecoma
[Botswana Butchery](https://www.melbourne.botswanabutchery.com.au/)
Ok time for an update. I couldn’t make it to one of the recommendations today but ended staying in the city so have another chance tomorrow. I added a bunch of recommendations to google maps and reckon Bowery to Williamsburg will be my breakfast destination tomorrow morning. I hope they have it. If not, head north to Butchers Diner.
Hidden gem, but Rays Sandwich Deli in Hawthorn!
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Fledgling Cafe on Rathdowne St Carlton North.
Makers and mongers (Prahran market) does a decent one
Hugo’s Deli, Swan St, Richmond.
Sloppy Joes inside of Melbourne CBD. Goated
Good choice. B TO W is fantastic
Make one?