When grabbing a bite at your favorite diner, the Reuben sandwich is a classic choice. This savory menu option features corned beef and layers of toppings. Even if you order this meal regularly, you might not know its origin story. Here are some facts about the sandwich to share with your friends.

The Origin of the Reuben Sandwich

What Is a Reuben?

Diners make a traditional Reuben sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread. It’s served warm, and often, with french fries. Many restaurants have their own spin on this dish, such as using turkey instead of corned beef.

Where Did It Get Its Name?

There are several theories about the origin of the Reuben, but the most accepted is that the sandwich is named after Reuben Kulakofsky, who played poker with a group of friends at a hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, in the 1920s. According to the granddaughter of Bernard Schimmel, the hotel’s chef, Schimmel created the sandwich for Reuben when the group requested snacks during a game. The sandwich included corned beef, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut pressed between rye bread.

Hotels in the area began putting the sandwich on their menus because everyone enjoyed it so much, and it garnered local acclaim for years. Later, a waitress reportedly entered the Reuben in the 1956 National Restaurant Association's National Sandwich Idea Contest, and it won. Since then, the Reuben has sustained popularity in diners and restaurants across the United States.

Are you craving a Reuben sandwich? Stop by Belgian Waffle & Pancake House in Branson, MO, from April through December. This local establishment is famous for its breakfast options, which include a variety of pancakes and delicious Belgian waffles. They also offer lunchtime favorites like burgers, BLTs, and salads. Visit this local diner online to browse their menus, or call (417) 334-8484 with any questions.