The Reuben sandwich is arguably Omaha's most prized culinary contribution, having been first invented at The Blackstone Hotel (now Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel). It’s also worthy of its own annual day in the spotlight: National Reuben Sandwich Day is March 14.

There’s no shortage of amazing Reuben sandwiches in Omaha (at Barchen Beer GardenBarrett’s Barleycorn Pub & GrillBrazen Head Irish Pub, Dundee DellCrescent Moon and Wilson & Washburn, to name a few), we’d like to recommend some tasty spin-offs inspired by the classic. From egg rolls and nachos to hash and pizza, here are options for getting your Reuben on in Omaha. Please note that some of these creations are available at select times during the year, particularly around National Reuben Sandwich Day in March.

Reuben Egg Rolls at Crescent Moon, which also proudly serves the original "Blackstone Reuben," are a permanent fixture on The Moon’s menu. These made-daily bites are hand-rolled in-house and filled with tender corned beef, shredded cabbage, Swiss cheese, and their own special sauerkraut blend. 

Crescent Moon Reuben Rolls

During National Reuben Month in March, local craft brewery Vis Major Brewing serves up Reuben Pizza. The special begins with a Thousand Island base and is topped with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, pickles and caraway. 

Reuben Pizza at Vis Major Brewing

If you love the Reuben taste with some crunch, Reuben Nachos are on the menu at Brazen Head Irish Pub

Reuben Nachos at Brazen Head Irish Pub

Stoysich House of Sausage is an Omaha meat market and a local institution offering 140 sausage varieties, like Dutch Apple, Swiss & Jalepeño, and a Round Rubin cooked sausage–an award-winning variety made of corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.

Stoysich House of Sausage

Photo by Dan Brouillette

During two weeks in January, restaurants in Blackstone District, also offer savory fun like Reuben pierogis, Korean-inspired Reubens, Reuben tostadas and a Reuben patty melt and compete to for the sauerkraut crown in the Great Reuben Debate. We’ve given you some ideas, so now it’s time to route your Reuben tour in Omaha. We suggest mixing in Reuben sandwiches with more limited-edition Reuben offerings for the full Reuben experience; let us know how it goes!

Check out more specialty food offerings that await you in Omaha.