Competition names Austin's best Reuben

Austin (KXAN) - A sandwich showdown Saturday decided which restaurant could claim the title of Austin's best Reuben sandwich.

Manny's Uptown Kitchen organized the competition.   They called it the "Austin Restaurant Throwdown." 

Four restaurants faced off in the Reuben rumble:  Manny's, New World Deli, Fricano's Deli, and Garden Spot Cafe. 

The recently-closed Katz's Deli was supposed to be a part of the competition.  For many Austinites, Katz's was the place to go to get a Reuben.

"Unfortunately, he's moved on," said contest organizer Aaron Mayers, speaking of Marc Katz.  "But, we do all look forward to taking his place and keeping up with great Reubens around town."

"I think Marc always had a good product," Mayers continued, "but a lot of the restaurants here were always able to put up great Reubens."

In the end, Fricano's took the title.  The prize: bragging rights, mostly.  But all the restaurants could take pride in the fact that the contest raised money for good causes.  The event brought in about a thousand dollars, which will be split between four Austin charities.

Saturday's contest was all about Reubens, but organizers say they hope to expand the Austin Restaurant Throwdown to other classic menu items.