I’ve had my fair share of pastrami in New York City. It’s practically a food group here. But I just found a new contender that needs to be on your radar immediately.
I’m talking about the Reuben Fresser sandwich at Mark’s Off Madison. This isn’t just a sandwich. It’s an absolute unit. If you’re looking for the ultimate deli experience with a high-end twist, this is the one.
The build is legendary. They start with thick slices of deli rye and give them a generous swirl of Russian dressing. Then come the classics: a mountain of sauerkraut and a layer of Swiss cheese. But the star of the show is the meat. This isn’t just a Reuben; it’s a hybrid. They pile on warm, steaming corned beef and then add a massive layer of their piping hot, smoked pastrami. Look at that steam!
They don’t just close it up and serve it. They take the whole open-faced sandwich and throw it into a buttered pan. It goes straight into the oven until the bread is perfectly toasted and the Swiss cheese is gooey and melted. Look at that crust!
When they slice it in half, the cross-section is unreal. It is packed. The combination of the salty corned beef and the smoky, peppery pastrami is a total game-changer. Every bite is a perfect balance of the tangy kraut, the creamy dressing, and that high-quality meat.
The result? Incredible.
I took a massive bite and was instantly in heaven. The rye is crispy on the outside but still soft enough to hold everything together. This is a “money shot” sandwich if I’ve ever seen one. It’s messy, it’s heavy, and it’s everything a New York sandwich should be.
Mark’s Off Madison is definitely bringing the heat with this one. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this Reuben needs to be on your devour list. Just make sure you bring an appetite.
Seriously. Who’s hungry?