Everything you need to know about Market House Meats (1124 Howell St, 624-9248) is painted on the front of the building. You can’t miss the mission statement, written across the top in bright-red letters the size of elementary-school students: “CORNED BEEF.” In much smaller green letters below that, there’s a footnote reading “*SINCE 1948.” And lower still, right by the front door, you’ll see another hand-painted sign promising “SEATTLE’S BEST REUBEN.” You have likely been burned before when it comes to promises of “Seattle’s best”—the Starbucks corporation will have a lot to answer for when the revolution comes—but this is one assertion I can’t argue with; I haven’t found a better Reuben in Seattle, or anywhere nearby for that matter. (The only one that comes close, in my estimation, is the mixed pastrami and corned beef Reuben at Goldberg’s Famous Deli, over in Factoria.)
Nostalgic East Coast transplants will find a pleasing familiarity in Market House’s unself-conscious, plain presentation…