A great Reuben is a simple idea done right. You need good corned beef or pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss, a swipe of dressing, and rye bread that can hold it all together.
Illinois has plenty of delis and sandwich spots that take that combination seriously, from Chicago classics to smaller counters downstate. Here are eight places around the state where locals line up for a Reuben worth the napkins.
1. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, Chicago
Few delis in Chicago carry the reputation that Manny’s does. Open in the South Loop for decades, it runs as a cafeteria line where you slide your tray past hand-carved meats and pick your plate.
The corned beef is the star, sliced thick and stacked high. Order it as a Reuben with Swiss and sauerkraut and you get a sandwich that needs both hands.
It sits near Roosevelt Road, which makes it an easy stop before or after a downtown errand. Parking is available on site, a rare treat in that part of the city.
The setting is old-school and busy, with fast-moving lines during lunch. If you want the full Manny’s experience, go hungry and grab a side of potato pancakes.
2. Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen, Skokie
Bagels put Kaufman’s on the map, but the deli case keeps people coming back. Located in Skokie, this family-run spot has served the north suburbs for generations.
Corned beef and pastrami are cured and sliced in-house, so a Reuben here starts with quality meat rather than an afterthought.
The rye bread and house dressing round it out, and the sauerkraut adds the right amount of tang. You can grab a dozen bagels on the way out too, which makes it a smart weekend stop.
It leans deli-market more than sit-down restaurant, so plan for a casual counter experience. That easygoing setup is part of the charm.
3. Eleven City Diner, Chicago
Craving a deli fix with a diner twist? Eleven City Diner in the South Loop blends classic Jewish deli favorites with a full sit-down menu.
The Reuben comes stacked with corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and dressing on grilled rye. It fits right in alongside matzo ball soup and overstuffed sandwiches.
The retro diner setting makes it comfortable for groups, and the neighborhood location works well before a Museum Campus visit. Booths and counter seating give you options depending on the crowd.
I like this stop when I want deli flavors but also a spot where the whole table can find something. It covers a lot of ground without losing the Reuben’s core appeal.
4. Steve’s Deli, Chicago
River North isn’t the first place you might look for a proper deli, which is what makes Steve’s stand out. It brings a straightforward deli menu to a busy downtown neighborhood.
The Reuben leans on generous corned beef, melted Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
Because of the location, it draws a lunchtime office crowd, so timing your visit around the midday rush helps. The sandwiches travel well if you’d rather grab and go.
It’s an easy pick when you’re already downtown for shopping or meetings. Pair the Reuben with a cup of soup and you’ve got a solid weekday lunch.
5. The Bristol Bar & Grille, Peoria
Downstate diners in the Peoria area have long counted on neighborhood grills for a dependable Reuben. Casual bar-and-grill spots across central Illinois often turn out some of the most reliable versions in the state.
A classic build here means corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and dressing grilled until the rye turns golden.
These kinds of places usually pair the sandwich with fries or house chips, keeping the meal simple and filling. The relaxed setting works for families and after-work crowds alike.
If you’re passing through Peoria and want a hot, pressed Reuben without any fuss, a local grill is the move. It’s the kind of order that rarely lets you down.
6. Bari Foods, Chicago
Known best for its Italian subs, Bari Foods in West Town also runs a serious sandwich counter worth exploring. The shop doubles as a small Italian grocery, so you can browse while you wait.
Sandwiches here are made to order and stacked without shortcuts, which is exactly what you want in a Reuben.
The deli case and shelves make it a fun stop even if you’re only grabbing lunch. Prices tend to stay reasonable, another reason it stays busy with regulars.
Go early, because the lunch line builds quickly and popular items move fast. It’s a great combination of grocery run and sandwich stop in one visit.
7. D’Agostino’s Pizza & Pub, Chicago
Pizza might be the headline at D’Agostino’s, but the sandwich side of the menu earns its own fans. This Chicago neighborhood spot keeps a broad menu that goes well beyond pies.
A grilled Reuben with corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and dressing gives you a hearty alternative when the table can’t agree on pizza.
The pub setting makes it comfortable for casual dinners and game-day gatherings. Seating and a laid-back vibe make it easy to settle in.
I’d save this one for nights when part of your group wants pizza and you’re leaning toward a sandwich. Everybody walks out satisfied.
8. Fischman’s Deli & Liquors, Skokie
Old-school delis in Skokie have a loyal following, and Fischman’s has been part of that tradition for a long time. The counter-service setup keeps things fast and no-frills.
Corned beef and pastrami are the anchors, and a Reuben built on that base delivers the classic deli experience.
The neighborhood location and longtime regulars give the place a genuine community feel. It’s the sort of spot where the food does the talking.
Come for a quick lunch and you’ll understand why the north suburbs keep this deli in the rotation. A hot Reuben and a good pickle is all the reason you need.
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