A good Reuben is a simple deal: rye bread, corned beef or pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing, grilled until it holds together. A great Reuben is a different story, because it is stacked so tall that one hand just will not cut it.
Virginia has more of those than you might expect, from a downtown Roanoke counter to a beach-block sandwich shop a short walk from the sand. Some are classic New York-style delis with matzo ball soup and latkes on the menu.
Others are pizza shops, sports bars, or even a national chain that happens to make a hefty half-pound version. This list covers seven spots where the Reuben is the headliner, plus the practical details you need before you go, like hours, parking, and what else to order.
Grab some napkins and maybe a friend to split the onion rings.
1. R.T. Smith’s Deli, Roanoke, VA
Downtown Roanoke has a New York-style deli sitting right on Campbell Avenue, and its Reuben is the sandwich people plan their morning around. R.T.
Smith’s Deli is known first and foremost for a corned beef Reuben that arrives seriously oversized.
The menu leans on Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. Beyond the Reuben, look for signature sandwiches like The Madison and The Bostonian, plus fresh bagels for anyone stopping in early.
Timing matters here. The deli runs Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM and only 9 AM to noon on Saturday, with Sundays off.
I would treat this as a weekday lunch mission rather than a lazy weekend plan. Free street parking and a free lot make a quick in-and-out stop easy, and takeout and delivery are options if you would rather eat at your desk.
2. Chutzpah Deli, Fairfax, VA
With a name like Chutzpah, nobody expects a shy little sandwich. This Fairfax Towne Center deli runs in true New York Jewish deli style, with overstuffed sandwiches, a big menu, and plenty of personality.
The Reuben is the star, and one version even comes with onion rings. Fresh pickles and coleslaw land on the side, which is exactly how a deli plate should look.
There is a lot more worth ordering. Latkes, matzo ball soup, chicken soup, potato salad, the Mulberry Street Fish Sandwich, and grilled pastrami with eggs all share space on the menu, and breakfast starts at 7 AM on weekdays.
Saturdays get busy from morning through afternoon. If you want an easier visit, weekday evenings tend to be quieter, and the deli stays open until 8 PM Monday through Saturday.
Sunday hours run 9 AM to 3 PM.
3. New York Deli & Pizza Restaurant, Williamsburg, VA
Pizza shop or deli? On Richmond Road in Williamsburg, the answer is both, and the Reuben holds its own next to the pies.
New York Deli & Pizza Restaurant is a counter-service spot with plenty of seating and a patio. The Reuben here is a giant New York-style build, and the deli meats are freshly sliced and piled high, which is why the turkey sandwich earns attention too.
Groups can easily mix and match. Pepperoni pizza, steak subs, the Jersey Sub, stromboli, calzones, and onion rings are all on the menu.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area. Plan around the schedule, though, since it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and closed Sunday and Monday.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
4. Paul’s Deli Restaurant, Williamsburg, VA
Since 1977, Paul’s Deli has been a Scotland Street fixture in Williamsburg. It is family-owned, casual, and part deli, part sports bar.
The Reuben comes in generous portions, and it is one of the reasons this place keeps showing up in sandwich conversations. Greek and Italian standards round out the menu, including a French dip, a turkey sub, onion rings, and a moussaka pizza you will not find at many delis.
Late hours set Paul’s apart from everyone else on this list. The kitchen is open daily from 10:30 AM to 2 AM, so a Reuben craving at midnight is not a problem.
Expect a mix of college students, visitors, and groups watching games. High chairs and a kids’ menu make earlier visits easy for families, and reservations are not taken.
5. George & Sam’s Deli and Diner, Virginia Beach, VA
Reuben egg rolls. That one menu item tells you George & Sam’s takes the sandwich seriously enough to have some fun with it.
This family-owned deli and diner on Virginia Beach Boulevard specializes in classic pastrami, corned beef, and Reuben sandwiches. The traditional Reuben comes on grilled rye with Swiss and sauerkraut in a generous build, and there is also a Roast Beef Reuben for anyone who wants a twist.
Breakfast is a strong reason to come early. Deli French toast and deli hash share the menu with the Manhattan Melt, Mom’s Matzo Ball Soup, coleslaw, and chocolate cake.
Doors open at 8 AM every day. Most days wrap up at 3 PM, but Friday and Saturday stretch to 8 PM, and Friday evening is usually the calmer time to grab a table.
6. Tad’s Deli, Virginia Beach, VA
Sand on your sandals is not a dress code problem at Tad’s Deli. The shop sits on Norfolk Avenue close to the beach, which makes it a natural lunch break between waves.
The sandwiches use soft bread filled with generously sliced meats and just enough condiments. Reuben and pastrami specials are a big part of the appeal, and the Italian sub has its own following.
The vibe is relaxed and fairly quiet, with outdoor seating, high chairs, and a kids’ menu. Service is quick, which helps when the family is hungry.
Tad’s is a daytime operation. It is open 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, and closed Sunday, with no delivery, so plan to stop in or call ahead for takeout.
7. Jason’s Deli, Virginia Beach, VA
A chain on a deli list may raise eyebrows, but a half-pound Reuben makes a strong case. The Jason’s Deli on Virginia Beach Boulevard earns its spot with a hefty sandwich at a fair price.
Both the original Reuben and a turkey Reuben are options. Muffalettas and broccoli cheddar soup are also popular picks, and the salad bar gives lighter eaters a way to balance things out.
Flexibility is the big advantage here. Hours run 8 AM to 10 PM every day, and there is curbside pickup, a drive-through, delivery, and outdoor seating where dogs are allowed.
I like this one for mixed groups where not everyone wants corned beef. Full vegan and vegetarian menus, mac and cheese, a kids’ grilled cheese, and strawberry shortcake keep the whole table covered, with free Wi-Fi and plenty of parking.
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