Located in the heart of downtown Montreal on rue Sainte-Catherine, Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse has been a staple of the city’s deli scene since 1976. Over the years, this family-run, kosher-style establishment has built a reputation for serving some of the finest smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal. I decided to stop by for lunch, and I’ve learned why it’s been around for nearly 50 years with no signs of going anywhere.
When I entered, I was greeted by Art Deco-inspired decor and a busy, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a classic New York delicatessen. I was quickly seated by friendly staff and was happy to see a large menu including matzo ball soup, potato latkes, karnatzels, and a vast array of sandwiches, confirming I was in the right place. Fortunately, I already knew what I wanted: some smoked meat.
Of course, being at Reuben’s Deli, I had to order myself the “Original Reuben Sandwich,” a classic Reuben with a generous portion of smoked meat, melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Reuben’s secret sauce on pumpernickel. Taking a recommendation from my waiter, I also ordered the “Famous Super Sandwich,” the quintessential smoked meat sandwich featuring a healthy ten ounces of smoked meat with mustard on rye; I added a slice of Swiss cheese as well. They also offer a one-pound variant for when you’re feeling a little more peckish. On the side, I got french fries, coleslaw, and a pickle.
The huge sandwiches arrived steaming hot and were presented nicely. The meat in the sandwiches was peppered, hand-cut, smoked beef brisket, and it was delicious! The slices weren’t too thin or lean, and the saltiness and fattiness came through beautifully. The secret sauce and mustard on the Famous and Reuben, respectively, were distributed perfectly. I could taste some with each bite, but they weren’t slathered on heavy-handedly. The bread was soft, and the cheese on the Reuben melted in my mouth. I have zero complaints about either of the sandwiches. Personally, I preferred the Reuben because of its added crunchy texture courtesy of the sauerkraut, but I loved every bite of the Famous as well. Unsurprisingly, the fries were of great quality: a good portion size, freshly cut, and not frozen. The coleslaw was thin-sliced, crunchy, and not soggy, and had a minor element of spice to it that I really enjoyed.
Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse is a must-visit destination for anyone who takes their deli meat seriously. It’s a little on the pricey side, with both of the sandwiches I tried priced at just under $30, but that’s certainly not to say I didn’t get my money’s worth. The restaurant also features a full deli counter where you can take a cut of meat home for yourself. For dinner, it becomes a proper steakhouse. Especially considering its walkable distance from the downtown McGill campus, I will be going back for seconds soon.
Pickle Perspective
Nu’s new deli review series will include a pickle perspective to discuss, arguably, the most important part of the deli experience.
The pickle at Reuben’s Deli is a full-sour kosher dill, and it was adequate. It was nice and juicy, and the saltiness was strong. Personally, I prefer a pickle to have a good crunch to it, and, unfortunately, there was a little left to be desired on that front. Overall, the pickle gets a 7/10.
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