buzz reuben showdown

The search for the best reuben in CU

4:00 am Jul 3 - by Isaac Bloom – buzz Writer

While most Champaign-Urbana residents spend their hours wondering which presidential candidate will go all the way, or whether or not to support local referendums, I have found myself focusing on much deeper local issues. Recently, I set out to conquer one of these most grilling issues once and for all. Six reuben’s later; I finally have an answer worth sharing with you all. I brought with me an empty stomach, grueling judging criteria, and my two good friends Emily Bruegger and Caroline Thrun. Little did we know what exactly was in store. The following is our complete findings; average scores, additional comments, ratings, and recommendations. I hope you enjoy.

Murphy's Deli

Price: $9 w/choice of side
Quality of Meat: 5
Proportions: 5
Quality of bread: 5
Presentation: 5
Distribution: 4
Dressing/toppings: 4
Taste: 5
OVERALL:5

The golden Kraut award goes to: Murphy’s Deli. The sign out front doesn’t lie; they really do have the best reuben in town. It’s a little pricey, but you do get what you pay for. The greatest feature of the reuben would have to be their home cooked, home sliced corned beef. Juicy, paper thin, and rich with flavor, it is definitely the most delicious 6 oz. of corned beef I have ever had.

Crane Alley

Price: $6.95 w/choice of side
Quality of Meat: 5
Proportions: 4
Quality of bread: 4
Presentation: 5
Distribution: 5
Dressing/toppings: 4
Taste: 5
OVERALL:4.5

Coming in at second place is: Crane Alley. If you’re looking for a slimmer sandwich, full of flavor, and served with great sweet potato fries, than this is for you. Added plus is the incredible seating and atmosphere at Crane Alley. It is the perfect summer hotspot. Whether looking for a great meal or the perfect drink, you won’t be disappointed.

Courier Cafe

Price: $6.95 w/o fries
Quality of Meat: 4
Proportions: 3
Quality of bread: 3
Presentation: 4
Distribution: 4
Dressing/toppings: 5
Taste: 4
OVERALL:3.75

Third place goes to: Courier Café. The meat was a little dry, though good, and the service was a little slow, but the homemade dressing was delicious. An added bonus would be the horseradish served on the side.

Guido's

Price: $7.50 w/choice of side
Quality of Meat: 4
Proportions: 3
Quality of bread: 4
Presentation: 3
Distribution: 4
Dressing/toppings: N/A
Taste: 4
OVERALL:3.5

Fourth place goes to: Guido’s. Though their reuben wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, their onion rings were pretty close.

Arby's

Price: $7.50 w/choice of side
Quality of Meat: 4
Proportions: 3
Quality of bread: 4
Presentation: 3
Distribution: 4
Dressing/toppings: N/A
Taste: 4
OVERALL:2

Fifth place belongs in a category all to itself: Arby’s, who attempted to recreate the traditional reuben sandwich, but they failed (epically).

Penn Station

Price: $4.50 for a small
Quality of Meat: 3
Proportions: 1
Quality of bread: 1
Presentation: 2
Distribution: 2
Dressing/toppings: 2
Taste: 2
OVERALL:1.75

Sixth place goes to: Penn Station. The restaurant tried to adapt a sub par sub sandwich to the rueben mold. This is not allowed. Shame on you Penn Station.

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Last post: Jul. 4, 2008 at 12:35 pm

trisha (trisha ruiz) said on Jul. 3, 2008 at 11:09 am:

As soon as I get back into town, I'm taking the reuben tour of Champaign..except I'll get another Murphy's reuben with the money I would have spent on Arby's and Penn Station.

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Melinda Miller (Melinda Miller) said on Jul. 3, 2008 at 3:58 pm:

As a reuben connoisseur, I think it's a toss up between Murphy's and Courier. Murphy's sandwich was bigger, but I've had many a tasty reuben at the Courier. I have not tried Crane Alley's ... yet ...