How We Make the Best Reuben in Town – From Bread to Bite

If you’ve ever bitten into a Reuben sandwich, you know it’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The crunch of rye bread, the tang of sauerkraut, the richness of pastrami, and the creamy kick of Russian dressing all come together in perfect harmony. But not all Reubens are created equal. At Falling Sky Brewing, we believe ours isn’t just good—it’s the best Reuben sandwich in town.

This isn’t your average deli sandwich. From our in-house cured brisket pastrami to the house-made sauerkraut and dressing, every element is crafted with care. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how we make the Reuben that’s earned a reputation among locals as a must-try.

What Makes a Reuben Truly Great?

The Reuben sandwich has a story that stretches back to early 20th-century New York delis. Traditionally, it’s built with rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, grilled until the layers meld together in a hot, melty stack of comfort food.

But here’s the truth: not all Reubens deserve the hype. Too often, you’ll find soggy bread, bland meat, or store-bought shortcuts. A great Reuben is all about balance—richness without heaviness, crunch without dryness, tang without overpowering acidity.

That’s where Falling Sky comes in. We don’t just assemble a sandwich; we craft an experience from bread to bite.

Bread: The Foundation of Flavor

Every great Reuben starts with the bread, and for us, there was only one choice: marbled Montana rye.

Rye brings a slightly tangy flavor that perfectly offsets the richness of pastrami and melted cheese. The marbled style adds not only a beautiful swirl but also a balance of light and dark rye notes. When grilled, the bread gets just the right amount of crunch without losing its chew.

It’s sturdy enough to hold up to sauerkraut and dressing, but soft enough to make every bite satisfying. That balance is why we chose it—and why it holds up as the best vessel for our signature Reuben.

Meat: Our House-Cured Pastrami

Here’s where we really set ourselves apart. While many Reuben sandwiches rely on corned beef, we go the extra mile with in-house cured beef brisket pastrami.

Our brisket is hand-trimmed, seasoned with a spice rub, and cured in brine for days. This slow process infuses the meat with bold flavors before it’s smoked to perfection. The result? Tender, smoky, and layered with depth.

Why pastrami? It offers a richer, spicier profile than corned beef, giving the sandwich an edge that sets it apart. Each slice is juicy, peppery, and designed to play in harmony with the sauerkraut and cheese.

It’s labor-intensive, but that’s the point. We’re not aiming for “good enough.” We’re crafting the best Reuben in town, and that means no shortcuts.

Sauerkraut: Tangy, Crisp, and Made In-House

A Reuben isn’t complete without sauerkraut, and we couldn’t dream of pulling ours from a jar.

Our sauerkraut is house-made in small batches, using a simple but careful fermentation process. Fresh cabbage, salt, and time create a tangy, crunchy kraut that wakes up the palate and cuts through the richness of pastrami and cheese.

The balance here is critical. Too sharp, and it overpowers. Too mild, and it disappears. Our kraut is just right—bright, crisp, and refreshing in every bite.

Swiss Cheese: The Melt Factor

Swiss cheese might seem like the simplest ingredient, but it’s a crucial one. Its nutty, slightly sweet flavor complements both the smoky pastrami and tangy kraut.

More importantly, it’s about the melt. Swiss melts beautifully, draping over the meat and pulling every bite together. When grilled, it forms that gooey, stretchy layer that makes the Reuben not just delicious but irresistible.

Russian Dressing: The Secret Weapon

No Reuben sandwich would be complete without dressing, and ours is made from scratch. Our Russian dressing is creamy, tangy, and just a little bit sweet, bringing together mayo, ketchup, spices, and a subtle kick.

Think of it as the glue that ties everything together. It blends the smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors into one cohesive bite. Without it, the sandwich would be incomplete. With it, every element shines.

Assembly: From Grill to Table

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together.

We layer marbled Montana rye with Swiss cheese, slices of our in-house cured pastrami, a generous heap of sauerkraut, and a slather of Russian dressing. Then, we grill it to golden brown perfection.

The result? A sandwich that’s crisp on the outside, melty and juicy on the inside, and loaded with bold, balanced flavors. It’s hearty without being heavy, messy in the best way, and always served hot.

Why Ours Is the Best Reuben in Town

So, what makes ours the best Reuben sandwich you’ll find?

Craftsmanship: Everything from the pastrami to the sauerkraut and dressing is made in-house.

Quality ingredients: We use marbled Montana rye bread and locally sourced products wherever possible.

Attention to detail: Every step, from curing to fermenting to grilling, is about balance and flavor.

Community love: Our guests tell us time and again—it’s their favorite sandwich in Eugene.

It’s not just about filling a plate. It’s about creating a Reuben that feels like comfort food elevated to an art form.

FAQs

What makes the Reuben sandwich at Falling Sky Brewing the best in town?The short answer: everything. From our house-cured pastrami to our made-from-scratch kraut and dressing, every element is crafted with care.

Do you bake your own bread for the Reuben sandwich?

We use marbled Montana rye bread, chosen specifically for its flavor and ability to hold up under the sandwich’s layers.

Can I get a vegetarian or gluten-free version of the Reuben sandwich?

Yes! We offer gluten-free bread options and can make a vegetarian-friendly version upon request.

What type of meat is used in the traditional Reuben sandwich recipe?

Traditionally, it’s corned beef. But at Falling Sky, we take it up a notch with pastrami for richer flavor and texture.

From Bread to Bite

At Falling Sky Brewing, we believe food should be just as memorable as the beer you pair it with. Our Reuben isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a carefully crafted experience. From the first crunch of grilled rye to the last bite of melty cheese and pastrami, it’s no wonder locals call it the best Reuben in town.

Ready to taste for yourself? Stop by Falling Sky Brewing and order one hot off the grill. Pair it with a pint, and you’ll understand why this Reuben has become a legend in its own right.