Wrapped Arby's Reuben Sandwich
I recently posted I Have Been Diagnosed with NRNS (Need Reuben Now Syndrome) with a link to an Arby’s Restaurant humorous commercial highlighting their Reuben Sandwich. My intention was to try one soon and the opportunity presented itself after flying into San Diego this week.
Unwrapped Arby's Reuben Sandwich
It has been years since I last ate a Reuben Sandwich at Arby’s. It is a seasonal item and not offered year round. I was really looking forward to giving the sandwich a fair review considering that it is constructed at a fast food restaurant. There were the five basic components; Rye Bread (marbled), Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island Dressing. This was however all that could be said about this Reuben from Arby’s.
The Rye Bread was barely toasted. The Sauerkraut either had no flavor (how is that possible?), or the Thousand Island Dressing was applied so heavily that it dominated the Sauerkraut. I really have no idea what type of cheese was used, so it would be hard to make a positive comment. Even the sliced Corned Beef was flavorless.
I was not expecting to enjoy even a mediocre Reuben Sandwich, but I did anticipate having a sandwich that was comparable to some of the other offerings available at Arby’s. Their Market Fresh Turkey Sandwiches are very good with the turkey meat being minimally processed. I really wanted to have a positive experience and be able to recommend the Arby’s Reuben Sandwich. Even taking into account that it is a fast food version of an amazing sandwich, I cannot find one positive compliment.
In my post Reuben Sandwich Reviews, the Arby’s Reuben Sandwich receives the ranking: Shameless.
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Do you think that the poor Reuben experience at Arbys was a one off due to preparation and construction or do you think that they would all taste like this?
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I think that if the bread had been well toasted, the sandwich may have been salvageable. However, I have heard from others that the bread is what killed their opinion of the Arby’s Reuben Sandwich.
I, too, was dismayed by the softness of the bread. It should be toasted! Also, it looked like marbled rye, but lacked a strong flavor it should have had. And, even though I ordered mine with extra sauerkraut (what is it with sandwich places not thinking people want a solid layer of kraut on a reuben?) There was not a strong kraut flavor, or a very thick layer of it. I am solidly disappointed.
I have eaten several dozens of Arby’s Reuben sands over the past 10 years or whatever its been. True the bread is soft, but that is not a deal breaker for me. On occaision they overdo the 1000 dressing at my area store, but not usually. Of course they are not great, like (some) real restaurants or home made. I don’t expect that and so have always much enjoyed them. I rarely get the chance to have a “real” Reuben in my area. When I do it’s an extra treat but I just can’t blame Arby’s. I think they are almost doing the best they can, what with processed meat being what it is, and when you wrap a hot sandwich the steam will quickly moisten the bread.
The bread in the Rueben sandwich is what I don’t like , way to soft. I notice I’m not alone.