Umami is described as the fifth taste sensation, along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter. While usually reserved for Japanese or haute cuisine, I think a classic Reuben is one of the best embodiments of that elusive fifth savory taste. The salty meat, bitter sauerkraut, sweet Thousand Island, savory cheese and pressed rye come together to create the perfect sandwich (I might be projecting here, but I honestly believe it).
I have ventured across the corned beef spectrum between curing my own for two weeks to stumbling up to the Albertson’s deli counter to order a pound of pink, somewhat gelatinous, meat. Scratch-made ingredients are always better than their prepackaged counterparts, but unfortunately unless you have a full day to prepare it and feel like eating Reubens for two weeks straight, making your own corned beef just isn’t the most feasible (trust me, I’ve done it a few times). While the inner cook inside me often rejects the idea of completely outsourcing a dish from my repertoire, with the amount of places whipping up good Reubens in town, it is more than okay with me.
Creekside Market serves up a classic no frills Reuben that absolutely hits the spot. Cheap, hot, fast and cheesy, it is perfect for those who are looking to grab a bite on the go.
Cafe Genevieve prepares their Snake River Farms corned beef in house. Their thick cut Reuben with house fries will easily send you into a satisfied food coma. Loaded with meat and just the right sauerkraut to Thousand Island ratio, I would venture to say its one of the more delicious hearty sandwiches in Teton County. (Cafe Genevieve also uses their house-cured meat in their corned beef hash on their breakfast menu).
Lotus Cafe offers the classic Reuben with a fresher twist. Served on 460 rye bread complete with Farmer Fred’s sauerkraut and homemade Russian dressing, the sandwich comes with your choice of sides and won’t weigh you down for the rest of the day (turkey and tempe are also available, but you probably wouldn’t still be reading an article on corned beef if that was your thing).
E.leaven has plenty of lunch options, with their Reuben being one of the best. Served on marbled rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, deli mustard and a side of Thousand Island dressing, it is a great option for grabbing a quick bite for lunch.
Full Steam Subs features a loaded Reuben and is another great spot for a quick lunch or office take away. Follow them on Instagram and via Dishing for great sandwich deals through the week.
The Spur keeps their Reuben local with house-cured beef brisket, homemade sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, served on Persephone rye. While it makes a great mid day skiing lunch be warned, after indulging a beer a nap might sound more appealing than tram laps.
Silver Dollar Bar and Grill is a lunchtime hotspot in Jackson. With their prime location and historic bar there are few better places to enjoy a cheesy Reuben from while out and about downtown.
