Rein's New York Style Deli has operated from its location on the Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, Connecticut, since 1972, establishing itself as one of the most beloved and enduring Jewish delicatessens in New England. The restaurant has developed a regional following that extends far beyond Vernon — Connecticut residents, New York City visitors making the drive up I-84, and a devoted regular clientele regard Rein's as the standard against which Connecticut deli food is measured. The kitchen produces the full catalogue of Jewish deli traditions: pastrami and corned beef hand-sliced from the brisket, matzo ball soup made from scratch with oversized matzo balls in clear chicken broth, a Reuben sandwich stacked with pastrami or corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye bread, and black and white cookies that have achieved near-iconic status among regulars. Serving portions are substantial in the category-defining deli tradition of abundance. The dining room is large, energetic, and informal, with a deli-case display of house-made prepared foods, an extensive retail component, and the lively atmosphere of a genuinely popular neighbourhood institution. Service is fast and efficient in the New York deli tradition. Rein's is open daily from 7 AM and is a fixture for early breakfast, quick lunch, and family dinner with equal reliability. The deli case offers prepared foods to go, and the retail section carries packaged products for visitors who want to bring Rein's home. The I-84 location in Vernon makes it a natural stopping point for travellers between New York and Boston.
Signature dishes
- Pastrami on rye
- Matzo ball soup
- Rueben sandwich
- Black and white cookies
Good to know
- Known for
- Connecticut's iconic New York-style Jewish delicatessen open since 1972 — a beloved roadside institution on I-84
- Hours
- Daily 7 AM-9 PM
- Reservations
- No reservations; walk-in only
Location
435 Hartford Tpke, Vernon, CT 06066
41.8348, -72.4838 View on map
Highlights
- Connecticut's most celebrated New York-style Jewish delicatessen, open since 1972 on I-84 in Vernon
- Hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef from house-prepared brisket — the kitchen's signature proteins
- Scratch-made matzo ball soup with oversized matzo balls in clear chicken broth
- Black and white cookies and a full retail deli case with prepared foods for takeaway
- Open daily from 7 AM — reliable for breakfast, lunch, or early dinner with consistent quality
Tips for visiting
- Pastrami on rye is the signature order; ask for lean or fatty cut depending on preference
- The matzo ball soup is a must-order starter, particularly in colder months
- Arrive before noon to avoid the lunch rush — the dining room fills between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM
- The deli case allows retail purchase of prepared foods for home — worth browsing before leaving
- Rein's is just off I-84 and makes an ideal planned stop on the New York-to-Boston drive
Accessibility
The Hartford Turnpike property has a large parking area with accessible spaces. The entrance and dining room are at ground level with standard restaurant accessibility. The deli case and retail area are accessible at the same level.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Rein's most famous dish?
Rein's is most famous for its pastrami on rye — hand-sliced pastrami on deli rye bread with mustard. The matzo ball soup and Reuben sandwich are also among the most-ordered items and are considered benchmarks of the form in Connecticut.
Is Rein's open for breakfast?
Yes. Rein's opens daily at 7 AM and serves a full breakfast menu including traditional deli breakfast items, bagels, lox, and egg preparations.
Is Rein's kosher?
Rein's is a New York-style Jewish deli but not certified kosher. The restaurant serves deli classics in the tradition of the form without maintaining strict kosher certification.
Where exactly is Rein's located?
Rein's is on the Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) in Vernon, Connecticut, near the I-84 interchange. The location makes it a convenient stopping point for drivers travelling between Hartford, New Haven, and New York.
Does Rein's take reservations?
No. Rein's is a walk-in deli with first-come, first-served seating. The large dining room accommodates walk-in groups well, though the lunch peak (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) may involve a brief wait.