Whether it came to be in a New York deli or at a hotel in Omaha, sandwich lovers can all agree: The Reuben is an American icon. There’s also no arguing that it’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal with the calorie count to keep you warm in the last of these gray winter days. Our food critic put on her stretchy pants to find some of the tastiest takes on the Reuben sandwich.
The Classic
Extra-tangy sauerkraut and corned beef give this Reuben an Old World appeal—appropriate for a restaurant that’s been turning them out for more than 45 years. // 7263-A Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
The Trencherman
Reuben options include a 40-ounce version, but even the normal-size ones are overstuffed and come with a choice of corned beef or pastrami—or both. // 12214 Fairfax Towne Center, Fairfax
The Neatnik
Don’t want to get your hands dirty? This Reuben holds together with lots of Swiss. The toasted rye bread isn’t greasy with butter, so it’s a clean eat. // 38-D Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg
The All-Arounder
Ethel’s New York Deli (pictured)
The ingredients, from imported Swiss to nutty seeded rye, shine individually and together in this high-quality but still lustily lowbrow Reuben. // 15111 Washington St., Suite 113, Haymarket
The Aesthete
Going for Instagram potential? Look no further than the buttery marble rye packed in a pink cardboard box. Bonus points for the housemade chips on the side. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 102, Arlington
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