Ruben's High on Rye Sandwich,Gentle Ben's Brewing Co. Tucson, AZ

My son, Noel, and I found ourselves in Tucson over the holidays. Naturally, we went searching for a local brewpub. What better way to spend time in downtown Tucson, drinking local brew and eating something delicious. We ended up at Gentle Ben's, a brewpub located around the corner from the University of Arizona. Gentle Ben's has been a U of A fixture since 1970, serving thirst quenching brews and good food to hungry students, faculty, staff, and outsiders like us for over 40 years.

I asked the waiter what he liked. He told me to try the Ruben's High on Rye. Okay: I love deli food, (think Katz's in New York). Here in Wild Cat Country, I went with the waiter's recommendation: The Ruben's.

Ruben High on Rye

This Reubens (Rubens) arrived as a moist, eye popping sandwich, stuffed with succulent corned beef, dripping with sauerkraut, melted swiss cheese and Russian dressing. The corned beef is cooked with Gentle Ben's Red Cat Amber Ale and the required "secret sauce". Served  between pinwheel rye bread and crunchy fries, you bite into the sandwich thinking there is a place for good pub beer and deli inspired food. Of course, like any good, super stuffed sandwich, the juices fall unto the plate, dripping the seasonings on the fries. You eat the sandwich, fries, and drippings as a meal. Life is good.

For the brew, I chose Nolan's Porter, a milder, less hoppy brew than the heartier Northwest ales that I am used to. This ale makes sense: in the hotter and drier Southwest, you don't want such a heavy beer. Along with the food, you want to be able to eat and drink without the weight of a strong ale. After the Ruben's and porter, I tried the Tucson Blond. The blond drank down smooth and sweet, with a crispness and lightness that again fits with America's Southwest.

My son had the Western BBQ Burger. The burger arrived topped with smoked bacon, onion rings, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce. I didn't try it, but it looked good. Check it out.

Western BBQ Hamburger

• Monday- Wednesday
  11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Thursday-Saturday
  11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  Sundays
  noon-10 p.m.
  
  865 E. University Blvd.
  Tucson, AZ 85719
  (520) 624-4177
  

  
  

  http://www.gentlebens.com/