Reins Deli-Restaurant — Restaurant in Vernon

When I think of Connecticut, I think of one thing… Rein’s Deli. My father grew up in the Rhode island and Connecticut area, and went with his dad. Now when I have the pleasure of driving down from Massachusetts, usually for a soccer tournament, this family tradition is the first thing on my mind. I understand Connecticut is large, yet this quaint restaurant off the Hartford turnpike in Vernon might as well be the only stop in this state. Pulling into the driveway after a long car ride fills me with anticipation! The large sign reading Rein’s Deli New York Style Restaurant, on a sign that resembles a New York theater sign. Entering in, you are immediately welcomed by a warm, slightly sweet, and rich smell. You are quickly confronted with the deli portion of the restaurant, which sells just about everything, especially pickles. Yes, They are known for their sandwiches, but their pickles, that’s what makes them famous. It's impossible not to gaze over the desserts, snacks, and large quantities of pickle-themed items. After appreciating the New York-inspired decoration including a human-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty, you can head over to the line. Even during the lunch rush, I've never waited more than 15 minutes for a table. You have many seating options, all inspired by iconic neighborhoods in New York including Brooklin, Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. The staff hurriedly attends to you, and are both professional and friendly. They offer you drinks and an extensive menu featuring over 100 items, which are all unique yet work well with each other. You can expect mouth watering sandwiches, which aren't overly greasy yet make your mouth water. Their flavor palette has been crafted masterfully over the 52 years they've been open for. Personally I get the Rubin on Rye. It is a well cut corn beef, swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut. It's delightful and simple, yet it's crunch and flavor has never been matched. Another popular choice is the pastrami sandwich,piled high with tender, flavorful meat that rivals the height of lady liberty — good luck taking a bite. Coming with each of their meals are their pickles. They are amazingly crunchy and seasoned with dill, I couldn't get enough. But not to worry, just ask, and they will bring you more. Even my mom, who does not particularly like pickles, enjoys Rein’s homemade ones. Be careful not to eat too fast, a mistake I often make. I become full in less than ten minutes, which is rare as I'm a slow eater typically. The portion sizes are huge, and though I want to, I am yet to finish a sandwich. Even my father, who shares this favorite restaurant with me, struggles with these central park sized sandwiches! Because of this, we rarely order dessert, but when we do, it will always be one of their specials. These treats displayed on the chalk board are extensive, usually around three per day, and somehow, they always pair perfectly with the season. Something lighter and fruity for the summer, Pumpkin or spiced for fall, and a richer, chocolate for the winer. Or perhaps, I just order what I'm in the mood for. They truly have something for everyone here. Leaving this oasis in an otherwise desolate state, you'll find yourself satisfied and your car full of leftovers. The only downsides to this quaint heaven is that you may never enjoy a sandwich as good as one from Reins Deli — unless, of course, you come back. After a visit, whenever you hear Connecticut, this deli is all that will be on your mind. I wholeheartedly give Reins deli 5 stars, for its timeless charm, exceptional food, and...

Came here for bagels and was treated rudely by the shorter in height, darker haired, and less personable of the two women working the bagel counter at this time, about six o’clock in the evening today (Monday, 4-7-2025). I handed this cashier, who got my bagels for me, the exact amount in cash that I was charged and she rudely replied, “Thanks,” followed by a brief pause and then added, “..for the tip.”

I didn’t know it was customary to tip when someone hands you a bag of bagels. I didn’t recognize this woman who got my bagels before and I have been getting bagels at the counter since last year, so for all she knew I also could be someone who usually tips for bagels and just didn’t today. Even though that’s not the case, from her standpoint, she didn’t seem to care.

I generally tip and tip well when there is some sort of preparation involved by the person being tipped or served when seated. The bagels aren’t even made there. All the cashier did was be able to count to 13 and take my baker’s dozen of bagels out of one bag and put them into another. I have been coming here altogether for nearly 35 years, mostly to dine there and don’t think I’ve had a genuinely bad experience worth mentioning until now, which is why I’ve updated my past rating of five star only down to four stars based on tonight’s experience. Rein’s never tolerated behavior like this in their establishment all those years and I hope this is just something that has flown under the radar as I’m sure I’m not the first one to be mistreated by this worker. Please don’t let your restaurant be tarnished by modern day lacking work ethics and poor customer service and I hope this is treated with zero tolerance. I think I may try Between Rounds at least for bagels next time.

As a final note, I hope it was worth it to her to be so selfish to have her say over a tip at the cost of hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars of business to the restaurant that even one bad review like...

We recently visited Rein's Deli in Vernon, Connecticut, and it was a complete disaster. Let’s start with the prices—overpriced doesn’t even begin to cover it. You’d expect a deli to deliver on quality and value, but instead, I was served greasy, fatty pastrami that could only be described as a culinary crime. I’ve had better deli sandwiches from a gas station.

But the real kicker? The attitude of the management. Apparently, some of the staff at Rein’s believe they’re the arbiters of humor. I witnessed an elderly gentleman from New York—who was nothing but friendly and warm—get publicly embarrassed by a female manager for making a harmless joke. He’d been a loyal customer for over a decade, yet that day, he was treated like a villain for simply trying to share a laugh. Talk about a betrayal! This man wasn’t being offensive; he was just being friendly, and the management turned a delightful moment into an awkward confrontation.

It’s shocking to see a restaurant so completely out of touch with the very spirit of New York humor. And they call themselves a New York style deli?

Here’s a tip: If you can’t handle a little levity, maybe you should reconsider running a deli. We’re not in some conservative, puritanical bubble here. People come to enjoy good food and good company, not to be shushed and humiliated.

Instead of addressing any misunderstanding, the management chose to defame and embarrass loyal customers. It’s no wonder that I’ll never set foot in this place again. If you want decent deli food, go anywhere else. Rein’s can keep its fatty pastrami; I’ll take my business to a place that knows how to treat its customers with warmth...