When Irish immigrants came to America in the 19th century, they often substituted corned beef for bacon. It was inexpensive and the salt-cured product became even more popular during WWI and WWII when fresh meat was rationed. Corned beef and cabbage became the Irish-American equivalent of the popular Irish dish of bacon and cabbage.
Wisconsin was appealing to Irish immigrants who came to the United States in the mid-1800s because they were used to farming and the land here was not that much different from home. Our state’s Irish heritage means that we have more than our fair share of Irish pubs and restaurants. They’re not the only places to get a great Reuben in Wisconsin, but they make up a good portion of the places on this list.
There are a bunch of different stories about the origin of the Reuben sandwich and none of them are Irish, but since it uses the time-honored Irish-American favorite of corned beef, it’s been co-opted by many Irish restaurants and synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day. In no particular order, here are 13 great places to get a Reuben in Wisconsin:
The beef here is cured for weeks, the saurekraut is made in house and so good, other restaurants buy it from them to use in their own recipes and the whole thin is then griddled to give it a buttery, delicious crunch. Located at 2701 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704.
This place is more than 50 years old and still going strong. The corned beef comes in thick slices and if you want something totally different, the Reuben soup is the way to go.
Located at 4156 N Oakland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211 and 8683 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53217.
First built in 1894, it's the oldest operating tavern in Wisconsin. The Reuben here is served with sweet potato fries an on a delicious rye. Located at 19 N Main St, Fountain City, WI 54629.
It's the brine that makes this sandwich so special. It helps that they've had 60 years to perfect it. It's on Miller Bakery rye and one of the best things you can have in Milwaukee. Located at 1634 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205.
A full half-pound of meat plus beer-soaked kraut make this a sandwich you're going to talk about for awhile.
Located at 1335, 1279 Main St, Green Bay, WI 54302.
The flavor from the dark marble rye gives a depth to this Reuben. The thick-cut beer is amazing, as well. Located at 4601 American Pkwy, Madison, WI 53718.
The critic's choice winner as best Milwaukee Reuben, this one gets a kick from horseradish mustard. They've also developed a Reuben burger that's weird and wonderful.
Located at 4919 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208.
Folks say to order any and everything that come with the corned beef. The Reuben is melty and wonderful. Located at 35 Tower Rd, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545.
Just look at the grill marks on that dark rye. The great, thick corned beef and flavorful Swiss make this one of the best in the state. Located at 143 W Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186.
Crispy toasted rye, amazing side options and even a Reuben omelet make this a great place to get corned beef. Located at 3429 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601.
The Reuben is a special here, so make sure to check the menu. But if you manage to catch it, you won't be disappointed. Located at 2404, 117 N Bridge St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Where is your favorite place to get a Reuben in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments.
