The Reuben sandwich is arguably Omaha’s most prized culinary contribution. It’s worthy of its own national day (March 14), but we dedicate the entire month to it in Omaha. Here’s a refresher on our standout sandwich’s origin story: During a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel, a local grocer was asked to “ante up” and create a new dish. The ingredients he had on hand resulted in an American menu staple: two pieces of grilled marble rye bread stuffed with slow-cooked corned beef topped with sauerkraut, bubbly Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian or Thousand Island dressing. 

Today, many Omaha restaurants, including Crescent MoonBarrett’s Barleycorn Pub & GrillWilson & WashburnJackson Street Tavern, and Brazen Head Irish Pub, serve lip-smacking classic versions that demand a taste, and we also urge visitors to try savory spin-offs from nachos to pizza, sausage to scones. Let’s Reub ‘n Roll! 

Reuben Egg Rolls at Crescent Moon are a permanent fixture on the menu. These made-daily bites are hand-rolled in-house and filled with tender corned beef, shredded cabbage, Swiss cheese and a unique sauerkraut blend. 

Crescent Moon Reuben RollsIf you love the Reuben taste with lots of texture, Reuben Nachos are on the Brazen Head Irish Pub menu. Bonus: They’re on special for $8.99 every Tuesday.

Reuben Nachos at Brazen Head Irish Pub

In Benson, Bärchen Beer Garden offers a Reuben on steroids: The Reuben Burger, with a wagyu patty, shaved corned beef, sauerkraut, baby Swiss cheese, house Russian dressing, and garlic aioli on a pillowy potato roll satisfies even the most enormous appetites

Reuben Burger at Barchen Beer Garden

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 Brouillet

During March, Sweet Magnolias bakes Reuben Scones. They are creamy, flaky, tangy taste-bombs. Also on special during Reuben month, Vis Major Brewing serves up Reuben Pizza. It begins with a Thousand Island base topped with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, pickles and caraway.  Reuben Pizza at Vis Major BrewingYou have all the fixings for an Omaha Reuben tour. Whether you go classic or taste one of our twists, you’ll discover delicious Omaha flavor that will have you longing for March all year. For more dining ideas, go to VisitOmaha.com