If you’re craving a sandwich that’s piled high with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing on perfectly grilled rye, Nashville has you covered. From classic delis to creative takes at trendy eateries, the Music City serves up some seriously satisfying Reubens. In this guide, we’re diving into the top spots where you can indulge in this iconic, flavor-packed sandwich—each one guaranteed to hit the spot.
1. Mitchell Delicatessen (East Nashville)
📍 1306 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Mitchell feels like a neighborhood deli where craftsmanship and warmth intersect. Sunlight floods the rustic booths, chalkboard specials hover above reclaimed-wood counters, and the scent of fresh baking rye fills the air. Diners linger over plates of pastrami, pasta salad, or their famous Reuben—exuding genuine East Nashville charm without the pretense.
Why Their Reuben Stands Out
This is a corned‑beef origin story: each brisket is brined in-house and precision-sliced for ideal tenderness. Layered with Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and the right amount of classic Russian dressing, it’s pressed on buttered rye until the cheese drips and the bread crisps. Reviewers consistently highlight that the flavors harmonize without any component overpowering the rest—a true deli symphony.
Local Favorite Add‑Ons
- House‑made pickles and tangy potato salad on the side
- Optional upgrade: replace corned beef with seitan for a veggie spin
Insider Tip
Plan accordingly: Mitchell often sells out of corned beef before midday, especially on weekends. Swing by soon after opening (around 11 a.m.) to guarantee your sandwich. And don’t hesitate to ask about the vegetarian Reuben—they’ll craft it with equal devotion.
2. Tower Market & Deli (East Nashville)
📍 1305 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Tower Market isn’t trying to impress you with flash—it’s the kind of unassuming neighborhood deli that wins loyalty through consistency and character. Bright, clean counters, a few bar stools, and a walk-up sandwich window give it a familiar, old-school charm. The line snakes at lunch, the regulars know each other’s names, and the soundtrack is likely 90s alt-rock playing from someone’s speaker in back. It’s all delightfully casual and local to the bone.
Why Their Reuben Stands Out
Tower’s Reuben is a heavy-hitter: thick Boar’s Head corned beef, melty Swiss, house kraut, and Russian dressing on buttery, grilled marble rye. But it’s more than the sum of its parts—there’s care in how they build it, press it just long enough, and serve it piping hot. Many consider it the best grab-and-go Reuben in the city. Yelp reviews often call it “sleeper-level good,” especially considering its deli-counter setting.
Local Favorite Add‑Ons
- Upgrade with a bag of local kettle chips or jalapeño slaw
- The Reuben Breakfast Sandwich (when available) swaps corned beef for egg and pastrami on rye
Insider Tip
Order your Reuben “extra pressed” to get that crispy edge and fully-melted interior. And if you’re there early, ask if the Reuben Breakfast is running—it’s rarely advertised but regularly raved about by those in-the-know.
3. Noshville Delicatessen (Green Hills)
📍 4014 Hillsboro Cir, Nashville, TN 37215
Step into Noshville and you’re instantly transported to a classic New York-style deli—complete with leather booths, servers in black aprons, framed black-and-white photos on the walls, and the echo of clinking mugs and hurried orders. It’s a throwback that leans into nostalgia, but the service is snappy and efficient. It draws a mix of longtime Nashvillians, relocated Northerners, and families looking for a hearty weekend brunch.
Why Their Reuben Stands Out
This is a full-on Carnegie Deli–style Reuben, piled high with juicy corned beef, tangy kraut, and just the right smear of sweet Russian dressing. The Jewish rye is grilled golden and buttery, crisp enough to hold its own under all that heft. Unlike many delis that skimp, Noshville commits to abundance. If you’re hungry and in the mood for classic over clever, this is your move.
Local Favorite Add‑Ons
- Sub pastrami for a smoky twist (also available on the combo menu)
- Their matzo ball soup is a surprisingly perfect side pairing
Insider Tip
Split the Reuben with a friend and pair it with a side of latkes or a cup of soup—the portions are enormous. And if you’re looking to avoid the rush, arrive before 11am on a weekday when breakfast ends and lunch begins. You’ll beat the crowds and get fresh rye straight from the press.
4. McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (Donelson)
📍 2740 Old Lebanon Rd, Nashville, TN 37214
McNamara’s is a true Irish-American hybrid—dimly lit wood-paneled booths, a cozy bar decked with Celtic memorabilia, and live folk music drifting from the main room a few nights a week. It feels like it’s been lifted straight out of Galway and dropped into Donelson. Regulars pile in for pints and pub fare, and it’s one of the few places in Nashville where Guinness flows just as easily as sweet tea.
Why Their Reuben Stands Out
While not a deli in the traditional sense, McNamara’s serves a pub-style Reuben that surprises first-timers with its finesse. They use slow-cooked, thick-cut corned beef that leans more tender roast than deli-sliced, stacked with melted Swiss, house sauerkraut, and creamy dressing on toasted rye. The twist? They sometimes finish it on a flat-top grill for extra crust—a bold move that works brilliantly with a pint of stout.
Local Favorite Add‑Ons
- Swap the traditional Reuben for their Reuben Egg Rolls appetizer—crispy, golden, and filled with all the good stuff
- Their house-made chips or colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage) make it feel even more rooted in comfort
Insider Tip
Ask for your Reuben with a side of brown gravy—it’s not on the menu, but regulars use it for dipping fries and sandwiches. And if you’re catching live music (usually Friday/Saturday nights), arrive early—the place fills fast, especially when the fiddles start up.