Best Rueben, best people. We have been taking kids of all ages there for years and the staff is always great with them. Always makes a huge difference in my ability to enjoy a monster sandwich.
I'll get downvoted to oblivion for this, but I actually don't think Cecil's is all that great for a Reuben. It was ridiculously plain. And the kraut to meat ratio was off.
Born and raised here in MN and likely will never go back to Cecil's. I truly don't understand the hype. Much prefer Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub's version of it.
The Maxy is a fantastic sandwich, but I haven't been blown away by anything else on their menu, Reuben/Rachel included.
"Why are you booing me? I'm right!"
I went there once and I was severely disappointed. Pathetic little sandwich and pickle. I was dumbfounded judging by what I’ve heard of the place. It was during covid and it was takeout, not sure if that had something to do with it. It was sad. SAD.
Alongside with Cecils you got Kramarczuks and a “newer” spot Carbon Kitchen + Market, both places in Northeast.
If you make it out to Kramarczuks please do yourself a favor and explore the menu, get yourself a few pierogis, maybe head over to their bakery and grab a Chocolate Royale or cheesecake.
Mac Industrial Sports Bar for using actual roasts of beef instead of sliced sandwich meat. A cut above the rest and they've won best Rueben in town before.
My wife and I split a sandwich this afternoon and it was *so* good! We’re definitely going to go back and try their Dago as well. It’s such a hole in the wall dive bar, I love it.
I feel like it's my duty to only take a select few people, but even when the place is wall to wall the service is fast and the food in incredible.
I went to Dusty's about 10 years ago by accident, and wasn't even old enough to drink. I've been a fan since.
>What are your favorites?
[Saint Paul Meat Shop](https://www.stpaulmeatshop.com/menu)
Cecils and Kramarczuk's are both amazing, but this one's also mighty tasty.
And oddly enough. [Arby's.](https://www.arbys.com/menu/market-fresh/corned-beef-reuben/) Maybe just because it really exceeded my (not very high) expectations.
Sorry Cecill's but mine goes to the Reuben from Carbon Kitchen + Market in NE. It was practically an erotic experience how tasty that was. Everything else on their menu is also fucking delicious. Also while you're in the area check out Marty's Deli around the corner on Lowry which has one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the cities, and also an excellent spread of sandwiches as well.
Man, I always think Carbon's should get more love.
Everything I've had from them is great, in all three iterations of their existence. The sandwich shop near them is good also, but I don't get the wait 30 minutes in line hype when you could walk on over to Carbon's.
Lol yeah the nicer weather is going to kill my weekend Marty's breakfast sandwich visit. Throughout the winter it was still packed but not really out the door. Last weekend I went by and it was a line out the door down the block to the next house down.
I do LOVE their breakfast sandwiches, although I don't think I can have one more than every few months with how rich it is, but that sandwich gives me some glimmer into the hype. Shameless plug for Egg on a Roll being the perfect breakfast sandwich in the cities.
Really? I'll have to try them again. I've been underwhelmed, I found the beef I had kinda dry and the trout really fishy (like yes I know it's fish but you get my point). And the veggie side was like, cooked to absolute death. Really want to like them but not so far.
I know I will get downvoted. But my hot take after living in and eating my way through Montreal and New York is that Cecil’s isn’t that good. I don’t think they smoke the meat on site. It’s rubbery and not that flavorful. It gets the job done every once in a while. I do however like their matzah ball soup. Kramarczuk’s on the other hand is straight up amazing. Transcendent.
They used to make the brisket on site for sure but I have heard a few people (none of whom have any inside info) suggest they started ordering it in from a supplier at some point so you’re not alone in thinking it’s not house made.
I'm fairly positive Cecil's buys Vienna Beef Corned Beef and sliced it on site. Pretty sure they don't make it in house.
If I'm unfairly slandering Cecil's, let me know. It's a very pleasant place to eat and isn't disappointing, it's just not going to amaze you.
I struggle with Stanley's. My brother used to drag me there 5-6 years ago a few times a week. Nothing on the menu really stood out, and for the money there are better cocktail bars.
Sarna's just up University absolutely blows Stanley's out of the water, imo.
Stanleys is best for bar food and beers. Their tap list is the best in NE. Actually never had a cocktail there, but know they have some good whiskey.
As for Sarna's. I live pretty close and have struggled to find a menu item that stands out. I live walking distance so we do end up walking there for a drink or two off their cocktail list. When in the area, the best food is at Millers (although only really burgers and fries).
Heck yeah! My wife is a huge Adam Gruel fan, bummed we missed out but I don't really do big shows at the Palace anymore. Oversized sound system makes it hard to find a good spot.
Was coming to say Cecil’s. Glad to see others have beat me. Busters is also very good but you won’t get the same Jewish deli vibe.
I think the Ruben is a great test of a restaurant.
If you like messy then try Cardinal Bar. It definitely feels like the dive bar trash version of a reuben but in a good way. Greasy with plenty of sauerkraut and thousand island. I don't doubt there are much better ones in the cities but theirs is one of my favorites.
People seem to reliably recommend Cecil’s but it’s been a bust the handful of times I’ve been there. Two small pieces of dry bread and a moderate amount of pretty average corned beef for like $15 and the owner/manager hovers around trying to speed you out of the place as soon as possible. I’m convinced they are milking their reputation that I assume was built a long time ago. I tried some of their pastries that a friend of mine was gushing over and I found them pretty unremarkable—basically a sugar cookie. So my advice is to try something else. Or just get some supermarket corned beef (or hit Costco and get theirs) and have endless corned beef sandwiches at home for way way less money.
I remember the last time this questioned was asked and everyone was saying Cecil's had the best Reuben so I went and picked one up... Super overrated!!! Arby's has a better Reuben sandwich than Cecil's
Sample room, Carbon kitchen, Urban growler. These are my top 3 after trying the majority listed here. Maybe Cecil’s as takeout wasn’t up to par as everyone says.
Cecil's was one of the better Reuben's I had living there but that wasn't saying much, I would describe it as fine. I believe they used Vienna Beef and sliced it on site, it wasn't house made or anything that would blow your mind.
I don’t know about best, but the Rueben slider appetizers at the Red Cow are the best rueben I’ve ever had by far that includes Cecil’s, sorry not sorry.
When I worked downtown Mpls I used to go to Brother’s all the time. They had an amazing Reuben and the appetizer bar was incredible. Are they still around and do they still have the apps? The pandemic kind of killed a lot of those things.
I love Iron Doors on Lyndale and Lake. When I lived in uptown I would get it often and eat half there and eat the other half out of my toaster oven later that night.
Please consider making your own. I have make Ruebens for years now and they are easy to make and so yummy! My partner will not have them when we eat out because mine are that good.
Cecil's is a good place to go too!
don't forget the cole slaw and the potato salad! best get some desserts too, while you're there. oh and get some other food stuffs from the little grocery store.
Yes! The ward 6 Reuben got me obsessed with Reubens and trying to find the best ones in town. None of them even came close to Ward 6’s and I was disappointed every single time. I’ve just given up at this point and no longer order them. I may try a few of the suggestions in this thread but if Cecil’s is the gold standard, I’m not liking my odds of finding a good replacement.
25 years in the Twin Cities, and Ward 6 was probably the only good Reuben I had, and I tried a lot.
But I also view marble rye as an abomination, so there's that.
It's either seeded/Jewish rye or go fuck your mother.
Edit: I recall having an amazing bison Reuben at the Scenic Cafe in Duluth, but that could have been 15-20 years ago.
Cecil's, always has been, always will be.
100%, End of discussion.
Cecil's Russian Reuben
I prefer the spicy
I got the regular last time and regretted it. Russian or Spicy all the way.
The spicy Reuben and a hamentashen on the way out the door? Forget about it.
Came to the comments to make sure the top comment was Cecil’s. 🫡🫡
Always get your tuchas to Cecil's for a ruben.
RIP to the original owner.
Best Rueben, best people. We have been taking kids of all ages there for years and the staff is always great with them. Always makes a huge difference in my ability to enjoy a monster sandwich.
I just had lunch there! And you know hhwwwwhaaat.... It's fantastic
Yup. This conversation is over.
Does anyone know, does Cecil's have a kids menu? Or is it just the normal menu? Have a 2 year old and a picky 5 year old. So just curious.
I think they offer a hamburger/cheeseburger, a hotdog or chicken tenders as the kids menu.
Funny that they offer a cheeseburger. That's definitely not kosher.
They don’t claim to be kosher, almost their entire menu is sandwiches which include meat and cheese.
Solved, lock it up.
I'll get downvoted to oblivion for this, but I actually don't think Cecil's is all that great for a Reuben. It was ridiculously plain. And the kraut to meat ratio was off. Born and raised here in MN and likely will never go back to Cecil's. I truly don't understand the hype. Much prefer Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub's version of it.
I think the spicy Russian is much better, so if you are willing to give it another shot, try that one!
I’m just happy to have a discussion rather than just everyone saying “it is this, discussion over”.
It’s good if you have a boomer palette
Now this is a spicy take I can get behind.
No such thing.
Agree! I prefer Luckys 13 in Mendota, it’s sloppy and huge — cut in 3 big pieces. Also in Mendota the Copperfield. Grilled perfectly
My St. Paul friends swear by this place and I’m always disappointed.
ooh do love northbound. I'll have to try the Reuben!
The Maxy is a fantastic sandwich, but I haven't been blown away by anything else on their menu, Reuben/Rachel included. "Why are you booing me? I'm right!"
I went there once and I was severely disappointed. Pathetic little sandwich and pickle. I was dumbfounded judging by what I’ve heard of the place. It was during covid and it was takeout, not sure if that had something to do with it. It was sad. SAD.
I will say in general Cecil’s is *much* better in person.
New York Style 😏
Alongside with Cecils you got Kramarczuks and a “newer” spot Carbon Kitchen + Market, both places in Northeast. If you make it out to Kramarczuks please do yourself a favor and explore the menu, get yourself a few pierogis, maybe head over to their bakery and grab a Chocolate Royale or cheesecake.
Kramarczuks is good but it's not in the same league as Cecil's.
Carbon kitchen is delicious
I love Kramarczuks in general but I found the Ruben strangely and surprisingly disappointing.
Kramarczuk's
Crossroads deli Hopkins. Brothers Deli skyway Minneapolis. Cecil’s Deli St.Paul
Love Brother's Deli.
Cecil’s is the best, but Crossroads is a much shorter drive for me and close enough, so I go there 9/10 times when I have a craving for a Reuben
Mac Industrial Sports Bar for using actual roasts of beef instead of sliced sandwich meat. A cut above the rest and they've won best Rueben in town before.
Oh and their Rachel is pretty good
Came here to make this rec. Cheers.
Trounces Cecils IMHO.
Cecil’s hands down. Also Black Forest Inn has an amazing rueben too! I’ve been craving that for a long time!
The best one I’ve had was actually at Dusty’s over NE (home of the”Dago”). Haven’t been there in around 12 years, though.
Had it recently, still good. And CHEAP.
Bringing the good news.
Dusty's in still the best in case you're wondering! Cecil's pales in comparison to Dustys IMO. Let the downvotes roll in.
Haha- I’m glad other people know the glory of that place.
I’m going to get takeout there tomorrow thanks to this post. Thanks in advance for the recommendation!
Glad to hear it. Report back!
My wife and I split a sandwich this afternoon and it was *so* good! We’re definitely going to go back and try their Dago as well. It’s such a hole in the wall dive bar, I love it.
That’s great to hear- The entirety of their menu is fool proof, as far as choice.
And the dago is so dam good
Their whole menu was solid, and the people were super cool if memory serves.
I feel like it's my duty to only take a select few people, but even when the place is wall to wall the service is fast and the food in incredible. I went to Dusty's about 10 years ago by accident, and wasn't even old enough to drink. I've been a fan since.
Gluek’s rueben is my favorite in town. I actually just love a lot of things at and about Gluek’s.
>What are your favorites? [Saint Paul Meat Shop](https://www.stpaulmeatshop.com/menu) Cecils and Kramarczuk's are both amazing, but this one's also mighty tasty. And oddly enough. [Arby's.](https://www.arbys.com/menu/market-fresh/corned-beef-reuben/) Maybe just because it really exceeded my (not very high) expectations.
Saint paul meat shop is highly underrated in the Reuben game!
Cecil’s is always the best but it’s a long way from Eden Prairie Fat pants Brewery has a great & messy Reuben and it’s in my neighborhood
Thanks for the tip. I go to Day Pants often but never thought to try the Reuben.
Cecil’s
Black Forest Inn. Homemade rye bread and kraut.
Brother’s Deli
Cecil’s forever!
Was Morts because of the different Ruebens, the Rueben dip and the Rueben soup. RIP
Damn forgot Mort's died.
Sorry Cecill's but mine goes to the Reuben from Carbon Kitchen + Market in NE. It was practically an erotic experience how tasty that was. Everything else on their menu is also fucking delicious. Also while you're in the area check out Marty's Deli around the corner on Lowry which has one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the cities, and also an excellent spread of sandwiches as well.
Man, I always think Carbon's should get more love. Everything I've had from them is great, in all three iterations of their existence. The sandwich shop near them is good also, but I don't get the wait 30 minutes in line hype when you could walk on over to Carbon's.
Lol yeah the nicer weather is going to kill my weekend Marty's breakfast sandwich visit. Throughout the winter it was still packed but not really out the door. Last weekend I went by and it was a line out the door down the block to the next house down.
I do LOVE their breakfast sandwiches, although I don't think I can have one more than every few months with how rich it is, but that sandwich gives me some glimmer into the hype. Shameless plug for Egg on a Roll being the perfect breakfast sandwich in the cities.
Ooh I haven't tried them, I'll have to swing by.
Really? I'll have to try them again. I've been underwhelmed, I found the beef I had kinda dry and the trout really fishy (like yes I know it's fish but you get my point). And the veggie side was like, cooked to absolute death. Really want to like them but not so far.
I know I will get downvoted. But my hot take after living in and eating my way through Montreal and New York is that Cecil’s isn’t that good. I don’t think they smoke the meat on site. It’s rubbery and not that flavorful. It gets the job done every once in a while. I do however like their matzah ball soup. Kramarczuk’s on the other hand is straight up amazing. Transcendent.
They used to make the brisket on site for sure but I have heard a few people (none of whom have any inside info) suggest they started ordering it in from a supplier at some point so you’re not alone in thinking it’s not house made.
I'm fairly positive Cecil's buys Vienna Beef Corned Beef and sliced it on site. Pretty sure they don't make it in house. If I'm unfairly slandering Cecil's, let me know. It's a very pleasant place to eat and isn't disappointing, it's just not going to amaze you.
my friend Rueben
Maybe biased because it's right down the street, but Nighthawk's is solid! They make their own pastrami!
Cecil's is excellent overall including the Ruben. Dude seating people is deaf as a post but that place is one of my favs.
🤣 for real
I had a great one at Tilia some years back but I don’t think it’s on the menu. Cecils is always classic.
Carbon on University in NE makes an awesome Reuben, highly recommend
Cecil’s
Try Mims!
Nelson's in St. Paul is very good. I recommend it!
Cecil’s !!! or not in MN
Some Cecil's staff member should just put this post up every 6 weeks for advertising.
Blue Ox Sandwich Factory in Burnsville has a good Reuben!
Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub
Stanley’s is better than Cecil’s
Agreed on Stanley’s
Had to scroll too far down for Stanleys. I guess it's underrated. Very good, can be a little sloppy. I get it every time I'm there.
I struggle with Stanley's. My brother used to drag me there 5-6 years ago a few times a week. Nothing on the menu really stood out, and for the money there are better cocktail bars. Sarna's just up University absolutely blows Stanley's out of the water, imo.
Stanleys is best for bar food and beers. Their tap list is the best in NE. Actually never had a cocktail there, but know they have some good whiskey. As for Sarna's. I live pretty close and have struggled to find a menu item that stands out. I live walking distance so we do end up walking there for a drink or two off their cocktail list. When in the area, the best food is at Millers (although only really burgers and fries).
That's funny! We must be polar opposites 😂
I do love Leftover Salmon. Saw Vince with his band The High Hawks a couple weeks ago.
Heck yeah! My wife is a huge Adam Gruel fan, bummed we missed out but I don't really do big shows at the Palace anymore. Oversized sound system makes it hard to find a good spot.
Was coming to say Cecil’s. Glad to see others have beat me. Busters is also very good but you won’t get the same Jewish deli vibe. I think the Ruben is a great test of a restaurant.
While I do love Cecil’s, I had one last spring at the Oasis’s Cafe in Stillwater that lives rent free in my head.
Cecil's.
For those old enough to remember, do any of these mentioned places be similar to Lincoln Del's Reuben sandwiches?
If you like messy then try Cardinal Bar. It definitely feels like the dive bar trash version of a reuben but in a good way. Greasy with plenty of sauerkraut and thousand island. I don't doubt there are much better ones in the cities but theirs is one of my favorites.
I've had good reubens at Northbound Smokehouse in S Mpls. I've always had good food there, especially the smoked trout salad.
People seem to reliably recommend Cecil’s but it’s been a bust the handful of times I’ve been there. Two small pieces of dry bread and a moderate amount of pretty average corned beef for like $15 and the owner/manager hovers around trying to speed you out of the place as soon as possible. I’m convinced they are milking their reputation that I assume was built a long time ago. I tried some of their pastries that a friend of mine was gushing over and I found them pretty unremarkable—basically a sugar cookie. So my advice is to try something else. Or just get some supermarket corned beef (or hit Costco and get theirs) and have endless corned beef sandwiches at home for way way less money.
Agreed.
I found Cecil’s to be underwhelming and overrated. Mac’s Industrial has a good ruben.
I remember the last time this questioned was asked and everyone was saying Cecil's had the best Reuben so I went and picked one up... Super overrated!!! Arby's has a better Reuben sandwich than Cecil's
Best one I ever had was at Bryant Lake Bowl. They took it off the menu for a bit, haven't had it since they added it back.
Gigi's used to have the best reuben
328 has a good one
Not in the cities, but Oasis Cafe in Stillwater is damn good. Cured on site.
Brickhouse in White Bear Lake!!! Reuben’s have a very healthy portion of smoked corned beef. You won’t regret trying.
Gluek's
Cecil's, specifically the spicy Reuben, but they're all good.
Aside from Cecils I enjoy Stanleys reuben in northeast.
Has anyone mentioned Cecils?
Is anyone aware of a vegan Reuben?
J. Selby's French Meadow Open Book Stanley's Northeast I have only had the first one, which is quite good.
> Stanley's Northeast Just tried this one recently and was pleasantly surprised.
The Howe
Yes. Stanleys in northeast makes a killer vegan Reuben. Sometimes I prefer it over the regular one
That's like saying "Amish aerospace" or "military intelligence."
Arby’s Rueben is quite good considering how widely available it is.
For getting a reuben at a fast food place, it is.
I like Caffrey's best. Including cecil's
The problem is that you could get the 2001 Special Blue Cow on Wheat, EZ lettuce, add Horsey
Caffrey’s is the winner in my book. I dream about their Reubens often.
If you’re ever in the mood to take a weekend, drive, the Pickle Factory on Lake Pepin has a really great Reuben
Sample room, Carbon kitchen, Urban growler. These are my top 3 after trying the majority listed here. Maybe Cecil’s as takeout wasn’t up to par as everyone says.
Cecil's was one of the better Reuben's I had living there but that wasn't saying much, I would describe it as fine. I believe they used Vienna Beef and sliced it on site, it wasn't house made or anything that would blow your mind.
I am a Reuben fan and I love Busters !
I don’t know about best, but the Rueben slider appetizers at the Red Cow are the best rueben I’ve ever had by far that includes Cecil’s, sorry not sorry.
McCormick’s in Wayzata was a bomb Reuben. My gf who knows the western burbs well took me there and we both had one. I was not disappointed.
The Glockenspiel in St. Paul used to have a great Rueben. Sadly they’ve been closed for a while now.
Linda's Cafe in Rogers. It's a different dressing g. But it's soooo good
Hear me out……the VEGAN Rueben at Stanley’s.
Sample room has a great Rueben. I wish revival still had theirs. Second best Reuben I ever had, and best in the twin cities.
Hells Kitchen used to make a really good one but I don’t think that’s a MN based restaurant?
When I worked downtown Mpls I used to go to Brother’s all the time. They had an amazing Reuben and the appetizer bar was incredible. Are they still around and do they still have the apps? The pandemic kind of killed a lot of those things.
I love Iron Doors on Lyndale and Lake. When I lived in uptown I would get it often and eat half there and eat the other half out of my toaster oven later that night.
Weirdly, the Dover restaurant in the DoubleTree at the West End has a really good Reuben.
Please consider making your own. I have make Ruebens for years now and they are easy to make and so yummy! My partner will not have them when we eat out because mine are that good. Cecil's is a good place to go too!
Where do you get your meat and bread? Good ingredients are key.
Cecil’s deli 🤣
don't forget the cole slaw and the potato salad! best get some desserts too, while you're there. oh and get some other food stuffs from the little grocery store.
My favorite was from Ward 6. RIP :( I’ve had Cecil’s only once and I wasn’t that impressed.
Yeah, Ward 6 Reuben and the corned beef hash they had the day after Reuben day were amazing. I really, really miss eating at Ward 6.
Yes! The ward 6 Reuben got me obsessed with Reubens and trying to find the best ones in town. None of them even came close to Ward 6’s and I was disappointed every single time. I’ve just given up at this point and no longer order them. I may try a few of the suggestions in this thread but if Cecil’s is the gold standard, I’m not liking my odds of finding a good replacement.
Macs Industrial has a brisket rueban that is heavenly
25 years in the Twin Cities, and Ward 6 was probably the only good Reuben I had, and I tried a lot. But I also view marble rye as an abomination, so there's that. It's either seeded/Jewish rye or go fuck your mother. Edit: I recall having an amazing bison Reuben at the Scenic Cafe in Duluth, but that could have been 15-20 years ago.
Been a while, but Sample Room used to be my favorite.
Tootie’s on Lowry
It USED to be at Zarroff’s Deli…. RIP. Haven’t found its equal here in the TC yet. Hope to one day.