Reuben Reuben I been thinking, let's get down to Porter's Pub

Harrison Thorp 12:06 a.m.


Reuben Reuben I been thinking, let's get down to Porter's Pub

My wrap-ensconced Reuben was a thing of beauty, not to mention absolutely delicious. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - The next time you see the Reuben sandwich on special at Porter's Pub, call out at work, ditch your job interview or cancel that Zoom meeting, whatever it takes.

You can always get another job, but specials like this are as rare as a pandemic-free day in June.

First the back story: I have always liked Reubens, but since becoming gluten sensitive almost 30 years ago, I have never been able to get a rye bread at a restaurant. I know there are some gluten free rye breads at the grocery stores, but making a Reuben is a project and I just never bothered to do it myself.

But The Rochester Voice had been meaning to check out one of Rochester's newest restaurants for some time, and the Reuben special last week seemed like the perfect time.

And as one who utilizes the word perfect rarely, this was the perfect Reuben.

First I told our waiter, Kevin Hanley, I would be happy to have my Reuben sans bread (because gluten free bread usually looks good but fall apart into an amorphous mound upon the first bite), but he suggested a gluten-free wrap.

Reuben with the traditional grilled rye bread.

This review could end with one word: Wow! But if it did I would not have done due diligence to this "perfect" lunch.

The wrap came out all marbled and crisp, but more importantly, it never collapsed or crumbled. Instead it held together beautifully as I consumed two-handed unafraid of its ingredients tumbling into my lap.

A generous portion of corned beef complemented by Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressings launched this sumptuous sandwich into the stratosphere, especially since these varied ingredients were combined so expertly that no single one rose above the other. It was one savory taste, indivisible, with justice for all.

Martha had it with the traditional rye bread, which she said was equally delicious.

And lest we forget, the sandwiches come with Porter's own homemade potato chips: indescribably delicious!

Now this most frugal of all food reporters must note that this spectacular sandwich/wrap came with a 16-oz. PBR for $8.50.

Hanley said today that the sandwich/beer specials are available Tuesday through Friday, and are usually $8.50 but sometimes could be little more depending on the offering.

Porter's Pub is located at 19 Hanson St., Rochester.

Check it out here.

Food ★★★★★

Service ★★★★★

Atmosphere ★★★★