If you are chasing the perfect Reuben, set your GPS to Scottsdale and do not look back. Goldmans Deli keeps things simple, generous, and wildly satisfying, the kind of place you tell friends about before you even leave the parking lot.
From the first crunch of toasted rye to the melty tangle of Swiss and corned beef, every bite proves the hype. Here is everything you should order, notice, and love when you finally make the drive.
The Signature Reuben
You can almost hear the toast crackle when the Reuben lands, rye griddled just enough to hold in the juices. Layers of corned beef fold like silk, salty and tender, meeting sauerkraut that bites back with clean tang.
Russian dressing bridges it all, sweet, peppery, and just messy enough to demand extra napkins.
What makes Goldmans version special is balance. The beef is generous but not overwhelming, so the Swiss actually sings, gooey and nutty across each edge.
Every bite stays cohesive, never collapsing, never dry. You taste craft and repetition, the confident rhythm of a busy flat top.
Pair it with a pickle spear and you understand the house style: straightforward, Chicago roots, Scottsdale sunshine. No frills, no fluff, only satisfaction.
This Reuben is why people drive across the state and arrive smiling.
The Corned Beef Quality
At Goldmans, corned beef is the heartbeat. Sliced to order, it carries that deep rosy hue, a whisper of spice, and the kind of tenderness that hints at patient brining.
You get a silky chew, never stringy, never tough, with edges kissed by the grill to wake up aroma.
The portioning feels generous without stunt sizing. Thin slices are layered to build structure, so every bite pulls cleanly.
The seasoning leans classic, allowing the beefy minerality to lead while pepper and coriander nudge from behind.
On the Reuben, it shines. On rye with mustard, it still steals the show.
This is the meat that defines the deli and explains the loyal crowd at lunch. When you crave a bite that tastes like experience, this is it, carved, stacked, and served hot at the counter.
Rye Bread Matters
Great Reubens live or die by rye, and Goldmans nails it. The loaf carries a confident caraway note that perfumes the first breath before you bite.
Toasting is even, giving that faint, pleasing crackle while staying flexible enough to hug the filling without shattering.
The cut is intentional, not too thick, so the ratio stays tuned. Butter meets heat and creates a thin, savory shell that locks in juices from the corned beef and sauerkraut.
That layer adds flavor, not just texture, a quiet richness that elevates every mouthful.
Even on simpler builds like corned beef and mustard, the bread remains a star. It frames the meat, lets the Swiss melt properly, and keeps your hands clean.
When a sandwich eats neatly and tastes balanced from first to last bite, thank the rye. At Goldmans, you absolutely will.
Sauerkraut and Swiss Harmony
Goldmans treats sauerkraut and Swiss like duet partners, each with room to shine. The kraut is bright, lightly drained, and warmed so it melds rather than waters down the bread.
You taste cabbage snap and lactic tang without losing the sandwich to sog.
The Swiss is properly melted, not scorched, laying down that nutty, buttery blanket. It ties the salty beef to the tangy kraut, smoothing edges while adding mild sweetness.
Together they build a layered flavor that feels complete without shouting.
On a crowded lunch rush, this harmony keeps consistency high. Every Reuben leaving the flat top carries the same balance and warmth.
You get a clean bite, a tidy stack, and that satisfying moment when cheese stretches and kraut crunches. It is a simple equation, perfectly solved by repetition and care.
Russian Dressing Done Right
The Russian dressing at Goldmans is the quiet hero. It is creamy with a peppery tingle and a gentle sweetness that never tips into candy.
You will catch whispers of pickle relish and spice, a flavor that wakes up the kraut and coaxes the beef forward.
Applied with restraint, it avoids the soggy trap many delis fall into. Instead, it paints the rye and becomes part of the structure, adding slip without mess.
That balance keeps the sandwich compact and utterly devourable from corner to corner.
Ask for a side cup if you like an extra swipe on the last bites. It doubles as a great fry dip too.
But on the standard build, trust their hand. The dressing completes the Reuben like punctuation, decisive and satisfying.
No Frills, All Comfort
Goldmans Deli leans into a no-frills attitude that feels instantly welcoming. You step up, order at the counter, and watch a small crew move with practiced ease.
The decor is straightforward, clean, and focused on function over flash, the kind of place where regulars know the drill.
That simplicity lets the food speak loudly. Plates arrive fast, hot, and generous, usually with a pickle and plenty of napkins.
The vibe hints at Chicago roots, but it is pure Scottsdale neighborhood comfort, with families, workers, and travelers sharing booths.
What you notice most is momentum. Orders flow, conversations hum, and the room smells like griddle, rye, and coffee.
It is the backdrop a great Reuben deserves, removing distractions so you can focus on the crunch, melt, and sigh of real deli satisfaction.
Best Pairings For Your Reuben
When the Reuben is the headliner, keep the sides supportive. Goldmans fries arrive golden and crisp, perfect for dipping in Russian dressing or mustard.
The pickle spear cuts through richness with a sharp snap, resetting your palate between big, salty bites.
Coleslaw is another strong move, offering cool crunch and creamy contrast. If you like heat, ask for a little extra mustard to swipe across the crust.
A fountain soda or iced tea rounds out the set, the bubbles doing real work against the melty Swiss.
Prefer lighter? Split the sandwich and add a cup of soup if available.
The whole spread stays affordable, quick, and satisfying. At Goldmans, pairings are practical, exactly what you want beside a classic sandwich that already does the heavy lifting.
Timing Your Visit
Goldmans opens at 8 AM and closes at 7 PM, which makes lunch the sweet spot. Late morning is ideal if you want a shorter line and peak griddle rhythm.
By noon, the counter gets busy, but the staff handles the rush with friendly speed.
Fridays run the same hours, so consider an early dinner for a calmer scene. Seating is straightforward, with booths and tables turning quickly, especially during cooler Scottsdale days.
Parking is simple in the plaza, and the location off Hayden Road is easy to find.
If you are road-tripping across Arizona, aim to arrive hungry and unhurried. A little timing ensures the Reuben hits your table hot and balanced.
Check their website for any updates, then show up ready to order and enjoy.
Service With Personality
The crew at Goldmans moves with practiced rhythm, and you feel it from the first hello. Orders are taken clearly, questions answered honestly, and suggestions offered without pushiness.
There is a neighborly tone that suits the no-frills setting perfectly.
Watching the flat top in action is part of the charm. You see bread toasting, meat steaming, cheese melting, and baskets sliding down the line.
It is efficient but never impersonal, and there is real pride in getting the stack just right.
If you are new, they guide you toward classics like the Reuben or corned beef on rye. Regulars get quick nods and remembered preferences.
It is the kind of service that keeps you returning, confident your sandwich will taste exactly how you hoped.
Why It Is Worth The Drive
Arizona is big, but some cravings deserve miles. Goldmans Deli delivers that kind of destination bite, anchored by a textbook Reuben that nails heat, balance, and flavor.
You arrive, take a seat, and realize the reputation is well earned.
The prices are fair, the portions honest, and the vibe refreshingly simple. Nothing feels fussy or overbuilt, just experienced hands doing familiar work with care.
Whether you are crossing town or crossing counties, the outcome is the same: satisfied, full, and already planning a return.
Factor in easy parking, straightforward hours, and a 4.5 star reputation, and the choice becomes easy. Bring a friend, split sides, and savor the steam rising from toasted rye.
One bite into that corned beef and you will understand why the drive was absolutely worth it.