If you’ve never had a delicious Reuben sandwich at your local diner, don’t wait another second to try it. These filling sandwiches are loaded with corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing between two slices of rye bread grilled to perfection. Before you take a bite, learn more about how one of the most satisfying sandwiches ever created came to be. 

What You Should Know About Reuben Sandwiches

The Origins Are Contested

There are two legends that claim to reveal who first created this classic American diner sandwich. The descendants of Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian grocer from Omaha, NE, say that he invented the sandwich with the help of his friends during a late-night game of poker in the 1920s. As the story goes, Charles Schimmel, who was a friend and the manager at the Blackstone Hotel where they all played, began serving the sandwich on the lunch menu. The treat become so popular that it went on to win first place in a national sandwich contest in 1956. Later, the city of Omaha declared March 14th as Reuben Sandwich Day.

Meanwhile, Patricia Taylor, the daughter of German delicatessen owner Reuben Arnold, has claimed that her father created the sandwich at his New York City establishment in 1914. Taylor recounted how a Broadway actress requested her father make her something special eat. The actress liked his preparation so much that she reportedly dubbed it “the Reuben Special.”

So What’s the Truth?

Historians haven’t been able to determine which story is true. Research into when the Reuben first began to appear on diner and restaurant menus is also inconclusive. While the sandwich remains shrouded in mystery, at least one thing is clear: it’s absolutely delicious. As it’s spread in popularity, many different versions have appeared, including variations with coleslaw instead of sauerkraut or Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian. 

When you’re ready to taste the classic Reuben sandwich for yourself, stop by Belgian Waffle & Pancake House in Branson, MO. The family  restaurant and diner serves up a delectable variety of dishes with the freshest ingredients for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. View their menu online, or call (417) 334-8484 to speak with a member of their friendly team about placing an order for dine-in or carry-out.