Reuben’s Deli & Bar Paddington Closes For Good

After three years of operating in Paddington, Reuben’s Deli & Bar has closed its doors for good, with the owners bidding farewell to their loyal customers through a social media post.


Read: Fundraiser Launched for Planned New Paddington Bistro and Wine Bar


“It’s been an absolute honour to get to know the best damn customers in the world. We’ve met amazing people during our three years, and have many new friends,” owners Manny and Peggy Rosenberg wrote on a Facebook post.

reuben deli and bar
Reuben’s owners Manny and Peggy Rosenberg (Photo credit: Reuben’s Deli & Bar/Facebook)

The Rosenbergs shared they will also miss their neighbors, the shop owners of Paddington who were very supportive.

“We are happy you liked our favourite American foods as much as we do. But the pleasure was all ours. Love you all,” they said.

Locals are sorry to hear about Reuben’s Deli & Bar’s permanent closure, which, like its namesake, is popular for their Reubens.

reubens
Photo credit: Reuben’s Deli & Bar/Facebook

“The best Reuben sandwich in Brisbane gone. Best of luck for your future but wow what a loss for Brisbane,” local John said.

“So thankful for the taste of home away from home you provided. Wishing you both the best. We’ll miss you!” wrote Danielle.

reubens in brisbane
Photo credit: Reuben’s Deli & Bar/Facebook

Although closing their beloved restaurant was difficult, they were forced to stop trading after facing two years of debt which piled up during the pandemic. Fortunately, a buyer contacted the Rosenbergs, who wanted to take over the space at Given Terrace.

Besides their signature New York deli sandwich, the deli was best known for their South Philly Cheesesteak, Italian Hoagie, and smoked chicken salad sandwich.

new york deli sandwich
Photo credit: Reuben’s Deli & Bar/Facebook

Aside from notifying customers of their sudden closure, the owners also announced that they settled with the new buyer in July 2022, who will develop their own concept and not trade as Reuben’s. 

Mr Rosenberg, who had Total Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery in June 2022, will also focus on his health for now.

New York Deli Inspired Restaurant Opens in Paddington

If pastrami is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “deli,” you’ve got to visit Reuben’s Deli & Bar, the freshly opened New York deli restaurant in Paddington.

The menu covers the requisite Jewish soul food standards such as house-smoked pastrami on rye bread and bagel with a schmear of cream cheese, but owners Manny and Peggy Rosenberg added some twist by throwing in some German, Italian and Latino cuisines into the mix.

A short stroll from the Suncorp Stadium, Reuben’s Deli & Bar now occupies the space once occupied by Little Social, which was known for its comfortable, no-fancy, and relaxed vibe. 

Around 70 percent of the menu consists of the classic NY deli dishes, whilst the rest include fettuccine and meatballs, lamb shank, and jambalaya, a classic Louisiana rice dish.

The husband and wife tandem grew up with sandwiches, subs, and hoagies and wanted to bring these New York favourites to Brisbane. 

But if sandwiches, subs and hoagies aren’t your thing, you can order burgers served on toasted potato buns and with a zesty dill pickle spear. They have vegetarian burgers and gluten-free burger buns you can have on request. 

This restaurant is not just serving mouthwatering dishes. Reuben’s casual bistro atmosphere is also the perfect spot for a happy hour gathering with friends and work colleagues. 

They have eight craft beers on tap: Bacchus, Green Beacon, Ballistic, Balter, Mountain Goat and Brick Lane.

Can’t wait to have your serving of classic deli sandwiches? Visit Reuben’s Deli & Bar at 208 Given Terrace, Paddington. They are open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For further information, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.