Reins Deli-Restaurant • 1972

Bob Rein, his wife Betty, and brother Bernie brought New York-style Jewish deli tradition to central Connecticut in 1972, piling pastrami and corned beef sky-high and ladling matzo ball soup that draws pilgrims from across New England. The crispy half-sour pickles arrive at every table before the menu does. Booths fill with families craving latkes, knishes, and towering Reubens that require both hands and a strategy.