A really good Reuben can turn an ordinary lunch break into the best part of your whole week. Across North Carolina, tucked into strip malls, corner stores, and busy avenues, there are delis quietly stacking corned beef so high you need both hands just to lift the sandwich.
The grilled rye, the melty Swiss, the tangy sauerkraut, and that creamy dressing all come together into something worth the drive. Here are nine spots where the Reuben is treated like the star it deserves to be.
1. Lunch Box Deli, Raleigh, NC
Weekday lunch crowds in Raleigh know exactly where to go when a serious sandwich craving hits. Sitting off Trawick Road, this counter-style deli builds its Reuben with house-made 1000 Island dressing, plenty of sauerkraut, and meat that gets pressed properly so every layer holds together.
The portions lean big, and the ingredients pull their weight. Juicy meat, cheese that actually melts, and bread toasted to that ideal crisp-but-not-brittle point make this a sandwich people come back for again and again.
Service moves fast, which matters when you only get a short break. There’s a free parking lot out front, a restroom on-site, and the whole visit is built for a quick in-and-out.
Keep in mind the hours run Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, with a shorter Saturday window and closed Sundays, so plan your midday escape accordingly.
2. Katz Deli, Charlotte, NC
Homesick New Yorkers in Charlotte tend to gravitate toward one relaxed, homey eatery on Camfield Street. The vibe here is unmistakably NY-style, from the pastrami and corned beef to the pickles and knishes lining the menu.
Order the Reuben and you get a balanced stack of pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss, and thousand island dressing, with a crispy dill pickle and well-seasoned coleslaw riding along. There’s even a turkey version for anyone who wants to switch things up.
Open every day from 8 AM to 3 PM, it’s an easy stop for a morning or midday meal. Delivery, takeout, dine-in, and in-store shopping are all on the table, and you’ll find both a free lot and free street parking nearby.
Don’t skip the Dr. Brown’s soda for the full experience.
3. Phil’s Deli II, Charlotte, NC
Family-run and full of regulars, this Providence Road neighborhood deli has a way of making first-timers into loyal fans. The Reuben here leans on crispy rye bread, tender thinly sliced meat, and sauerkraut that stays balanced instead of overpowering everything else.
You can go the classic corned beef route or try Amy’s Turkey Reuben, which swaps in coleslaw for a slightly different bite. Either way, the sandwich comes out hot and comes together beautifully with a side of potato salad.
Breakfast, brunch, and lunch all get attention, so it’s a flexible stop whether you show up early or roll in at noon. Sundays get busy, so weekday mornings are your quietest bet.
Kids’ menus, high chairs, outdoor seating, and plenty of free parking make it welcoming for groups of any size.
4. Montford Deli, Asheville, NC
Hidden inside the Montford Corner Store on Merrimon Avenue, this counter-service takeaway has become a go-to for Asheville folks chasing a proper Reuben. The setup is unfussy, the space is cozy, and the sandwiches punch well above the casual setting.
The corned beef Reuben on toasted rye pairs perfectly with the classic potato salad, and the rotating specials are almost always worth a look. Fried okra, Cuban sandwiches, and a chopped cheesie round out a menu that keeps things interesting.
Beyond the food, it’s an easygoing, welcoming spot that stays open later on weekdays than most delis, running to 7 PM Monday through Friday. Dogs are welcome outside, there’s free wi-fi, and a drive-through makes grabbing lunch a breeze.
Free parking is rarely a problem here, which is a small miracle in Asheville.
5. Zella’s Deli & Restaurant, Asheville, NC
Craving a New York City deli feeling without leaving the mountains? A spot on Tunnel Road delivers exactly that, with authentic Reubens, standout pastrami, and homemade pickles that set the tone.
The Reuben arrives loaded with meat, plenty of cheese and sauerkraut, and a homemade thousand island dressing that ties it all together. It rides on genuinely good bread and pairs with crispy fries that fans rave about just as much as the sandwich itself.
Service tends to be quick and friendly, and the atmosphere stays casual and cozy. Open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, it also offers a full vegan and vegetarian menu alongside the deli classics like the pastrami Philly and chopped cheese.
Kids are welcome, parking is plentiful, and the whole place carries that unmistakable NYC deli energy.
6. First Carolina Delicatessen, Greensboro, NC
On Spring Garden Street in Greensboro sits an unfussy NY-style deli that treats the Reuben like a headliner. Tender corned beef, a juicy pickle, and grilled rye come together in a sandwich locals rank at the very top.
The wider menu is deep, too. There’s a solid Italian sub, a corned beef and pastrami combo, and the beloved Hackensack, plus German potato salad and rotating specials worth asking about.
What makes it easy to love is the friendliness baked into the place, along with generous hours that stretch to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays, it’s a reliable weeknight dinner option when you want deli food later than most kitchens serve it.
A free parking lot and quick service keep the whole visit painless.
7. Jams Deli, Greensboro, NC
Greensboro’s west side has its own contender, and it wins hearts with a Reuben and a basket of curly fries. Over on Friendly Avenue, this laid-back eatery keeps prices fair and quality high, which is a combination that keeps the seats full.
The Reuben here shows off beautifully melted cheese, rye bread roasted just right, and the ideal hit of mustard. It runs on the gloriously messy side, which regulars insist is the mark of a Reuben done properly.
Fast prep, friendly staff, and a clean dining room with plenty of seating make it a comfortable place to settle in. There’s free wi-fi if you need it, easy parking, and a menu that stretches from a French dip to grilled pimento cheese.
Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays.
8. Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House, Wilmington, NC
That retro airstream-style facade in Wilmington practically begs you to pull over, and the Reuben inside earns the detour. Known as the Wall Street Reuben, it’s the kind of sandwich that gets called the best some folks have had outside of New England.
The menu goes well beyond one great sandwich. A Cuban, a meatball melt, a Gorgonzola beef dip, and pickles worth ordering by the pint all share the spotlight, with reasonable prices across the board.
Open late seven days a week, it’s equally suited to a quick lunch or an easygoing dinner with a group. High-top tables, a trendy-but-cozy feel, and fast service keep the energy up.
Dogs are welcome inside and out, there’s a kids’ menu, and parking is rarely a headache.
9. S & L New York Style Deli, Wilmington, NC
Ask anyone from Queens who’s settled in Wilmington where the real deli is, and this family-run spot on South 17th Street comes up fast. The no-frills atmosphere and friendly counter feel like the closest thing to an up-north deli you’ll find near the coast.
The Reuben is the kind of sandwich you’d guard against a hungry seagull, packed with flavor on grilled rye. Homemade food runs through the whole menu, from the Greek salad to the godfather sub, and even a cannoli waiting for dessert.
Regulars have been showing up for two decades, which tells you plenty about the consistency. Bagels and breakfast fare fill the early hours, since doors open at 6:30 AM Monday through Saturday and close by mid-afternoon.
Curbside pickup, delivery, and easy free parking round out a genuinely welcoming visit.