Seeking Sandwiches: Meet city work lunch haven Al’s Deli & Diner

Posted on 19 December, 2023

It’s a conundrum city workers know too well: the quest for a lunch option that’s quick, hefty and delish.

Well, here to answer all our prayers is the final piece of the Alinga Street revitalisation puzzle: Al’s Deli & Diner.

The little brother of live music venue and bar Fun Time Pony and decadent retro Italian Bada Bing Dining Club, Al’s Deli & Diner will fill a very special kind of hole in the lives of city workers: the quest for a superb sandwich.

With New York deli vibes and more quick lunch options than you can point a pickle at, the vision for Al’s was a collaboration between Rabble Group and former Teddy Pickers owner and chef Matt Rowlings.

“Al’s Deli & Diner was born from the struggle of finding a truly satisfying city sandwich but more than that, we wanted a menu that hooks you in for more. We craved that classic deli simplicity with top-notch ingredients.”

For those skimming this article in order to find the actual menu (yes, we see you), you’ll be pleased to know it’s mainly stacked with classics (Meat and Pickles, Egg and Lettuce, Schnitty) as well as a Bacon & Egg Roll and a rotating menu of specials, topped off with Redbrick Coffee. Not literally…you know what we mean.

While grab-n-go is the name of the game, inside there are some booths and bar seating that will make you think you walked onto the set of When Harry Met Sally. We have to say, it’s pretty cute.

Al’s Deli and Diner is now open from Monday to Friday, 6.30 am to 2.30 pm, however, it will be closed between 25 December and 8 January.

Photography supplied.