These 10 Florida Delis Serve Reubens That Rival New York’s Best
Florida might be known for Cuban sandwiches and fresh seafood, but scattered across the Sunshine State are delis slinging Reubens that could make a New Yorker weep with joy. We’re talking towering stacks of hand-carved corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and just the right amount of dressing grilled between slices of perfectly toasted rye. From family-run lunch counters to beloved Jewish delis with decades of tradition, these ten spots prove you don’t need to head north to sink your teeth into an authentic, mouthwatering Reuben that checks every single box.
1. Pickles New York Deli (Longwood)
Hand-carved corned beef makes all the difference, and the folks at Pickles understand this better than most. Every Reuben that leaves their kitchen starts with meat sliced fresh to order, piled high with tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and just enough dressing to bring everything together without turning your sandwich into a soggy mess. The bread gets grilled until it’s golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft enough to bite through without launching fillings everywhere.
Longwood locals have been making the trip here for years, drawn by the authentic New York vibe and the kind of flavors that transport you straight to a corner deli in Manhattan. The restaurant doesn’t just claim their Reuben is award-winning—they’ve got the recognition to back it up. Walk in during lunch rush and you’ll see plate after plate heading out with those telltale grill marks and steam rising off the meat.
What sets this version apart is the balance. Too many delis drown their Reubens in dressing or skimp on the corned beef, but Pickles nails the proportions every time. The sauerkraut adds that essential tang without overpowering, and the Swiss melts into every crevice.
Pair it with a pickle spear and some crispy fries, and you’ve got yourself a lunch worth clearing your afternoon schedule for.
2. Flakowitz Bagel Inn (Boca Raton)
Some delis chase trends, but Flakowitz has been doing the same thing since way back—and doing it right. Their corned beef Reuben is old-school in the best possible way, the kind of sandwich your grandparents would nod approvingly at before diving in. Generous portions of tender corned beef get layered with all the traditional fixings, creating that perfect harmony of salty, tangy, and savory that makes a Reuben so addictive.
Walking into Flakowitz feels like stepping into a time capsule of classic Jewish deli culture. The menu reads like a greatest hits album: matzo ball soup, brisket, pastrami, bagels with all the spreads you could want. But that Reuben holds its own against everything else on offer.
The corned beef is never dry, the sauerkraut is properly fermented with that signature bite, and the Swiss cheese melts into a gooey blanket that ties it all together.
Boca Raton residents treat this place like a community gathering spot, and it’s not uncommon to see multiple generations sharing a table piled with sandwiches and sides. The portions are what you’d expect from a proper deli—meaning you might be taking half your Reuben home. Don’t skip the coleslaw on the side; its cool crunch provides the perfect counterpoint to all that warm, melty goodness between the rye.
3. Top Hat Deli (Fort Lauderdale)
Modern twists on traditional favorites define the menu here, but the Reuben stays true to its roots. Top Hat manages to feel both fresh and familiar, offering that classic sandwich alongside inventive comfort food that keeps the menu interesting without losing sight of what makes a deli great. Their take on the Reuben respects tradition while benefiting from the kitchen’s attention to quality ingredients and proper technique.
Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene leans heavily toward trendy and experimental, which makes Top Hat’s commitment to deli classics all the more appreciated. The corned beef gets properly seasoned and cooked until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork, then stacked generously between rye bread that’s been grilled to crispy perfection. Sauerkraut, Swiss, and dressing complete the picture, creating layers of flavor that work together like a well-rehearsed band.
Beyond the Reuben, the extensive breakfast menu draws early-risers, while knishes, brisket, and pastrami keep the lunch crowd happy. The contemporary vibe might throw you at first if you’re expecting checkered tablecloths and faded photos on the walls, but one bite of that Reuben will reassure you that they know exactly what they’re doing. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before hitting the beach or settling in for a proper deli lunch, this spot delivers on both atmosphere and execution.
4. Pomperdale Famous New York Deli (Fort Lauderdale)
Calling your Reuben “overstuffed” is one thing—actually delivering on that promise is another. Pomperdale doesn’t mess around with portion sizes, offering both half-pound and three-quarter-pound versions for those who take their sandwiches seriously. Hot corned beef gets piled so high you’ll need both hands and possibly a game plan to tackle this beast, all while sauerkraut, imported Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing work their magic between the slices.
The imported Swiss makes a noticeable difference. It melts smoother and tastes richer than the standard grocery store variety, adding a creamy element that balances the saltiness of the corned beef and the tang of the kraut. Thousand Island dressing brings a slightly sweeter note compared to Russian dressing, which some Reuben purists might debate, but it works beautifully here.
Everything gets grilled until the bread develops those dark stripes and a satisfying crunch.
Fort Lauderdale has no shortage of delis, but Pomperdale has built its reputation on going big without sacrificing quality. The three-quarter-pound option isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a legitimate challenge that rewards those brave enough to attempt it. Even the half-pound version qualifies as a serious meal, the kind that keeps you full well into the evening.
Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe bring a friend to help you finish if you’re feeling ambitious about that larger size.
5. 3G’s Gourmet Deli (Delray Beach)
Old-fashioned doesn’t mean outdated, especially when you’re talking about a grilled Reuben that comes with fries and coleslaw as part of the deal. 3G’s understands that a great sandwich needs great sides, and they deliver on both fronts. The Reuben gets proper grill time, developing that crispy exterior while the cheese melts into the corned beef and sauerkraut, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout.
Delray Beach locals know this place for its towering deli sandwiches and extensive menu that covers all the classics. Potato pancakes arrive golden and crispy, matzo ball soup comes with fluffy-yet-firm dumplings floating in rich broth, and those brisket sliders make excellent appetizers if you’re dining with friends. But the Reuben remains a staple order, the kind of sandwich that reminds you why this combination of ingredients has endured for generations.
The fries and coleslaw aren’t afterthoughts—they’re integral parts of the experience. Hot, crispy fries provide textural contrast, while the cool, creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing break between bites of that rich, savory sandwich. The portion sizes follow traditional deli logic, meaning you’re getting more than enough food to satisfy even serious appetites.
Grab a booth, settle in, and prepare for the kind of satisfying meal that makes you understand why people drive across town for a proper deli Reuben.
6. Roasters ‘N Toasters (Pinecrest)
Longevity in the restaurant business usually means you’re doing something right, and Roasters ‘N Toasters has been serving South Florida for years with consistent quality and authentic New York-style flavors. Their classic Reuben hits all the familiar notes—tender corned beef, tangy kraut, melted Swiss, proper dressing, grilled rye bread—without trying to reinvent what already works perfectly. Sometimes the best approach is sticking with tradition and executing it flawlessly every single time.
The combination Reuben takes things up a notch by mixing corned beef with pastrami, creating a more complex flavor profile that appeals to those who can’t choose just one meat. Both versions showcase quality ingredients and careful preparation, from the way the meat is sliced to how evenly the cheese melts. The smoked-fish platters, latkes, and matzo ball soup round out a menu that covers all the deli essentials without wandering too far from what they do best.
Pinecrest families have made this a regular stop for weekend brunches and weekday lunches, drawn by the reliable quality and generous portions. The pastrami melts deserve their own mention—rich, peppery meat grilled with cheese until everything melds together beautifully. But that Reuben remains the benchmark, the sandwich that newcomers order first and regulars keep coming back for, proving that sometimes the classics endure because they’re simply too good to improve upon.
7. TooJay’s Deli (Palm Beach)
Artisan rye bread elevates the foundation of this Reuben, providing a sturdier, more flavorful base than standard deli rye. TooJay’s layers hot corned beef with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing between slices that get grilled until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. The bread holds up to all that moisture from the meat and kraut without falling apart halfway through, which anyone who’s wrestled with a soggy sandwich can appreciate.
Then there’s the Triple J version, which takes an already substantial sandwich and adds pastrami plus pastrami-seasoned turkey to the mix. This isn’t for indecisive eaters—it’s for people who want to experience multiple flavors in one massive sandwich. The different meats bring their own seasoning profiles while still working together, creating layers of taste that keep each bite interesting.
The pastrami adds a peppery kick, while the seasoned turkey provides a slightly lighter counterpoint to all that rich corned beef.
Palm Beach dining often skews fancy, but TooJay’s keeps things grounded with straightforward deli fare done right. The traditional version satisfies purists who want their Reuben exactly as it should be, while the Triple J appeals to adventurous eaters willing to embrace excess. Both arrive hot, with cheese properly melted and bread grilled to that perfect level of crispness.
Whether you’re team traditional or team triple-meat, you’re walking away with a sandwich that justifies the hype and the calories.
8. Big Stein’s Deli (St. Petersburg)
Unassuming spots often serve the best food, and Big Stein’s proves this rule beautifully. This neighborhood deli doesn’t rely on flashy decor or trendy marketing—they let their substantial sandwiches do the talking. The grilled Reuben consistently ranks among the most frequently ordered items, which tells you everything you need to know about how locals feel about it.
Word spreads quickly when a place nails the classics, and St. Petersburg residents have clearly spread the word about this one.
Substantial is the operative word here. The sandwiches arrive loaded with meat, cheese, and all the fixings, grilled to order and served hot. The Reuben features that essential combination of flavors and textures—salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy melted Swiss, and dressing that ties it all together without overwhelming.
The bread gets enough grill time to develop color and crunch while staying pliable enough to hold everything together through the last bite.
St. Petersburg’s food scene has exploded in recent years with new restaurants opening constantly, but Big Stein’s holds its ground by focusing on what they’ve always done well. No gimmicks, no fusion experiments, just solid deli sandwiches made with care and served with a smile. The Reuben’s popularity isn’t accidental—it’s the result of consistent quality, proper technique, and understanding that sometimes simple done right beats complicated done wrong every single time.
9. Larry’s Lunchbox (Naples)
Since 1987, Larry’s has been stacking sandwiches and ladling homemade soups for Naples locals who appreciate honest food made from scratch. Rita’s Reuben Ritual isn’t just a menu item—it’s become something of a tradition for regulars who order it by name. Hot corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing come together on grilled rye in proportions that have been perfected over more than three decades of serving hungry customers.
The name “Reuben Ritual” suggests this sandwich has earned a devoted following, and one bite explains why. The corned beef arrives hot and tender, never dry or overly salty. Sauerkraut provides that essential tangy crunch, while Swiss cheese melts into a creamy layer that binds everything together.
Russian dressing adds a slightly spicy, tangy element that complements rather than competes with the other flavors. The rye bread gets grilled until it’s crispy enough to provide structure but not so hard you need a jaw workout to bite through.
Longevity in the restaurant business requires more than luck—it demands consistency, quality, and giving people reasons to return. Larry’s delivers on all three, with homemade soups that change with the seasons and sandwiches that stay true to what made them popular in the first place. The Reuben showcases everything this place does well: fresh ingredients, proper preparation, generous portions, and flavors that keep Naples residents coming back year after year.
10. Hip Pocket Deli (Pensacola)
Family-owned lunch spots often have that special something chain restaurants can never quite replicate, and Hip Pocket brings that personal touch to every sandwich they make. Their traditional Reuben holds its own on a menu packed with diverse options like gyros, muffalettas, cheesesteaks, and pitas. The fact that they excel at such varied cuisines while still nailing a classic Reuben speaks to the kitchen’s versatility and commitment to quality across the board.
Pensacola’s dining scene might not get as much attention as South Florida’s, but spots like this prove the Panhandle knows good food. The Reuben features all the traditional components prepared with care—corned beef that’s been properly cooked and sliced, sauerkraut with the right level of tang, Swiss cheese that melts beautifully, and dressing applied with a light enough hand to enhance rather than drown. Grilled rye bread provides that essential crispy exterior and soft interior combination.
Generously portioned describes everything here, from the Reuben to those cheesesteaks and gyros. You’re getting serious value for your money, the kind of meal that fills you up without emptying your wallet. The family-owned aspect shows in the attention to detail and the consistency—when the same people are invested in the business day after day, it shows in the food.
Whether you’re a Reuben regular or trying one for the first time, Hip Pocket delivers an authentic version that respects the sandwich’s heritage while satisfying modern appetites.










