Essentials: Binny's Brooklyn Reuben, Zingerman's Deli, Ann Arbor, Michigan
The most popular sandwich at the most famous deli in the Midwest
If you know anything about Zingerman’s, you probably know about the Reuben. It’s the most famous sandwich at the most famous deli in the Midwest, praised by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama. You can’t go wrong with the corned beef-heavy classic, but—like a plurality of Ann Arbor locals, per a Zingerman’s poll—I prefer the #48: Binny’s Brooklyn Reuben.
The name says New York, but the sandwich says Michigan, with real-deal pumpernickel rye from Zingerman’s Bakery, sauerkraut from Ann Arbor’s The Brinery, and custom-cured pastrami, perfumed with clove and black pepper, from Sy Ginsberg’s Meat & Deli in Detroit (plus, scratch-made Russian dressing and sliced Emmental cheese). If a visit to Ann Arbor isn’t in your future, you can mail-order a sandwich kit for $150. It’s worth the splurge. —Amy Cavanaugh
Amy Cavanaugh is the dining editor at Chicago magazine. A native New Englander, she’s lived in Chicago for a decade and loves venturing around the Midwest to eat and drink. Follow along on Instagram @AmyCavanaugh.
Kevin Necessary is a freelance illustrator and editorial cartoonist. He is currently the editorial cartoonist for The Cincinnati Enquirer. His cartoons are syndicated by GoComics, and his cartoons have been published in a variety of publications such as The Week and Politico. A Cincinnati native, Kevin will fight to the death defending Cincinnati chili. He lives with his wife, Julie, and three cats, Huckleberry, Grayson, and Bonnie.