A great Reuben is one of those sandwiches that people get very particular about. The corned beef, the Swiss, the sauerkraut, the dressing, and that grilled rye all have to work together.
Missouri has a surprising number of delis and old-school spots that take this sandwich seriously. If you have ever wondered where to find one worth the trip, this list rounds up eight places across the state that have built a reputation on doing the Reuben right.
1. Kohn’s Kosher Deli, Creve Coeur
Kosher delis are not as common as they once were, which makes this St. Louis area spot stand out right away. Kohn’s has served the community for decades and remains one of the region’s go-to places for classic Jewish deli fare.
The menu leans into the sandwiches you expect from a real deli, with corned beef and pastrami piled generously. A Reuben here fits right into that tradition, built on the kind of cured meat the kitchen specializes in.
Located in Creve Coeur, it draws a steady lunch crowd from around the metro. If you want a Reuben from a place that knows its way around corned beef, this is an easy first stop on any Missouri deli tour.
2. Protzel’s Delicatessen, Clayton
Family-run delis with real staying power are worth celebrating, and Protzel’s has been a Clayton fixture for generations. The shop is known for house-cured corned beef, which is exactly what you want holding up a Reuben.
Beyond the sandwiches, the counter offers a full selection of deli meats, salads, and takeout items that keep regulars coming back.
The space itself is small and unfussy, the kind of neighborhood spot where the focus stays on the food. For a Reuben made with meat cured in-house, this is one of the most reliable names in the St. Louis area.
It makes a solid lunch stop whether you are grabbing a sandwich to go or picking up meats for the week.
3. Blue Ribbon Bagel Deli, Kansas City
Kansas City is known more for barbecue than deli sandwiches, so a dedicated bagel and deli spot is a nice change of pace on the west side of the state. Blue Ribbon brings a traditional deli menu to the KC area.
Alongside fresh bagels, the shop turns out classic sandwiches that give locals a reason to skip the usual lunch routine.
A Reuben here sits comfortably among the deli standards, made with the corned beef and rye that define the sandwich.
If you find yourself in Kansas City craving something other than smoked meat, this is a good spot to change gears and go the deli route.
4. Carl’s Deli, Columbia
College towns tend to grow a handful of dependable lunch spots, and Columbia has leaned on Carl’s Deli for years. Sitting near the University of Missouri, it serves a steady mix of students, staff, and locals.
The menu covers a wide range of hot and cold sandwiches, giving diners plenty of options at a fair price.
A Reuben makes an easy choice off that lineup, grilled and stacked the way a deli sandwich should be.
For anyone passing through mid-Missouri or spending time in Columbia, it is a practical and satisfying place to break for lunch without much fuss.
5. Woody’s Deli, Springfield
Southwest Missouri gets its own strong contender in Springfield, where Woody’s has built a name on generous, made-to-order sandwiches. The deli keeps things approachable with a broad menu.
Hot sandwiches are a highlight, and a Reuben fits right into that category with grilled rye and melted Swiss.
The setting is casual and quick, which suits both a fast lunch and a relaxed sit-down meal.
If your Reuben search takes you toward the Ozarks, Springfield gives you a reason to pull off the highway and see what a local deli can do with the classic.
6. Eovaldi’s Deli, Joplin
Down in the far corner of the state, Joplin holds onto a deli with real Italian roots. Eovaldi’s has served the community for a long time and carries a heritage that shows up in its meats and specialties.
While the shop is known for Italian sausage and imported goods, the deli side keeps a full sandwich menu going for the lunch crowd.
A Reuben here benefits from a kitchen that takes its cured meats seriously.
For travelers cutting across the southwest edge of Missouri, this is a distinctive stop that blends old-country tradition with a familiar American deli favorite.
7. Nathaniel Reid Bakery, Kirkwood
Not every great sandwich comes from a traditional deli counter, and this Kirkwood bakery proves the point. Known nationally for its pastries, the shop also runs a savory lunch program that surprises people.
House-baked rye and quality ingredients give any sandwich here a leg up on the average lunch stop.
A Reuben built on freshly baked bread is a different experience from the usual deli version, and that is exactly the appeal.
If you want a Reuben with a bakery’s attention to the bread, plus a case full of pastries for dessert, this St. Louis area spot makes for a memorable detour.
8. Lester’s Sports Bar and Grill, St. Louis
Sometimes the best sandwich shows up where you least expect it, like a busy neighborhood grill. Lester’s, a longtime St. Louis spot in the Ladue and Frontenac area, is known for a deep menu of comfort food.
Sandwiches are a big part of what keeps the tables full during lunch and dinner alike.
A Reuben here comes grilled and hearty, right alongside classic sides like fries.
For a version of the sandwich in a lively, casual setting rather than a quiet deli counter, this rounds out the list with a different kind of Missouri Reuben stop worth remembering.
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