Restaurant
Rusty's Sandwich Parlour
189 Nicholson St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia
Find Rusty's Sandwich Parlour
189 Nicholson St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Rusty's Sandwich Parlour
Nicholson Street regulars head straight to Rusty’s Sandwich Parlour for towering, crisp-toasted sangas packed to bursting. The standout is the Cubano—stacked with slow-braised pork, Swiss cheese, sharp pickles, and mustard. For poultry fans, the fried buttermilk chicken thigh arrives hot with crunchy red cabbage slaw and pickled jalapeños. Early birds lean into the folded omelette breakfast sandwich slicked with chilli jam, paired alongside pulling espresso. Plant-based diners get crisp crumbed eggplant, and any order can swap onto a remarkably soft gluten-free bun. Generous builds easily stretch into two meals, wrapped up to take home.
- The Signature Cubano: Slow-braised pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard packed into hot, crunchy toasted bread.
- Fried Buttermilk Chicken: Crispy spiced chicken thigh balanced with crunchy red cabbage slaw and pickled jalapeños.
- Breakfast Sanga: Soft folded omelette layered with Swiss cheese and sweet-heat chilli jam, paired with morning coffee.
- Dietary Inclusivity: Crispy crumbed eggplant options and dedicated gluten-free buns that hold up to heavy fillings.
What's On at Rusty's Sandwich Parlour
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Rusty's Sandwich Parlour
Why diners choose Rusty's for satisfying lunches, dietary inclusivity, and morning refuels.
Generous, Hearty Sandwiches
Generously portioned grilled sandwiches like the slow-braised pork Cubano or fried chicken thigh are substantial enough to split or save for later.
The portions were larger than we expected, so we took the other half home and enjoyed it for lunch later.
Jo SB Dedicated Dietary Accommodation
Full support for gluten-free rolls and dedicated plant-based items allows diners with dietary restrictions to enjoy toasted sandwiches with great texture.
they do an amazing gluten-free bun which is just great for me as someone who has been gluten-free for 20 years.
Sweeney Young Surpassing Expectations
An unassuming sandwich shop that consistently exceeds low or modest expectations with exceptionally balanced recipes.
I honestly went in with pretty low expectations—like, how good can a sandwich really be? But Rusty’s totally proved me wrong.
Leon B Comforting Culinary Satisfaction
Hot, carefully toasted sandwiches provide a deeply comforting and satisfying eating experience that brightens the day.
This produced a warm, crunchy, fluffy happiness house.
Jc Craig Morning Breakfast Set Deal
Before midday, guests can grab a bundled breakfast sandwich and specialty espresso deal that delivers exceptional value.
They also offer a breakfast set at $15 before 12 noon. It includes a breakfast sandwich and coffee, and it’s a steal if you’re in the area.
Y T Neighbourhood Morning Refuel
A convenient morning spot to refuel with quality coffee and a warm omelette sandwich to kick off the day or recharge after exercise.
Fantastic coffee, good bantering and I’m 89% sure their breakfast sandwich is one of the best sangas of all time
DJ MC Apples
Most popular items
Signature hot grilled sandwiches and rolls favoured by neighbourhood diners
Fried Chicken Sandwich
The chicken sandwich was so juicy the chicken was cooked perfectly and each bite was overflowing with flavour just lip smackingly good fr.
Lexi Cubano Sanga
Came here specifically for their famous Cubano Sanga ($19) – slow-braised pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
Jo SB Breakfast Sanga
We also tried the Breakfast Sanga ($15) – a soft omelette with Swiss cheese and a touch of chilli jam.
Jo SB Crispy Eggplant Sandwich
Had the Cubano and Crispy Eggplant and both were tasty, the pork was juicy and eggplant has the perfect crunch.
Joy Collins
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality touches, dietary care, and morning rituals that elevate your sandwich stop.
Gluten-Free Bun Option
For diners avoiding wheat or managing celiac needs, sandwiches can be prepared on a dedicated gluten-free bun that preserves a soft, toasted crumb.
Pre-Noon Morning Set
Early visitors can take advantage of a $15 breakfast special served before noon, bundling a morning sandwich with hot barista coffee.
Complimentary Focaccia Tasting
The team occasionally shares complimentary freshly baked focaccia for diners to sample while waiting for their order.
Dedicated Vegan Sauces and Plant-Based Lineup
Alongside plant-based sandwiches like fried eggplant and vegan sausage, sides can be paired with house-made vegan sriracha dipping sauce.
Before you head over
Practical advice on timing, dietary orders, and getting there
Arrive Early for Specials and Full Menu Availability
Stop in before 12:00 pm to grab the $15 morning special pairing an omelette breakfast sandwich with coffee, or arrive early as popular menu items can sell out by late morning.
Swap to the Gluten-Free Bun
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the standard roll with their dedicated gluten-free bun across the sandwich menu without losing toasted crunch.
Plan for Tram Access and Side-Street Parking
The shop sits directly along the Route 96 tram line on Nicholson Street; if you are driving, check surrounding residential side streets if immediate spots out front are full.
Explore more places in Melbourne
Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.
Similar places
More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.
- District Brewer - Cafe BentleighBentleigh · Coffee, Cafe, Bakery, Takeaway, Sandwich Shop
- JACK THE MILKMANMurrumbeena · Brunch, Coffee, Cafe, Restaurant, Sandwich Shop
- Lee Lee Hot BreadRichmond · Bakery, Sandwich Shop
- Oh HoneyGeelong · Brunch, Coffee, Cafe, Restaurant, Takeaway, Sandwich Shop
- Bellboy Cafe | Brunswick CafeBrunswick East · Brunch, Coffee, Cafe, Sandwich Shop, Restaurant, Takeaway
- Kampot KitchenPreston · Cambodian, Coffee, Sandwich Shop, Restaurant, Cafe
More in Brunswick East
Keep exploring this neighbourhood.
- GranaBrunswick East · Wine, Cheese, Wine Bar, Delicatessen
- SPICE MIX- Indian, Nepalese & Halal Restaurant MelbourneBrunswick East · Indian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Vegan, Restaurant
- Zia TeresaBrunswick East · Italian, Restaurant
- F.A.T. Fried and TastyBrunswick East · Chicken, Fried, Fast Food, Takeaway, Restaurant
- Mr.Lee Malaysian CuisineBrunswick East · Malaysian, Restaurant
- Bar IddaBrunswick East · Italian, Restaurant, Bar
Discover more in Melbourne
Explore another side of the city's food and drink.
- Higher GroundMelbourne · Coffee, Brunch, Cafe
- Grill'd Burgers - Point CookPoint Cook · Burger, Restaurant
- TalamiGlen Waverley · Vietnamese, Restaurant
- The Glass DenCoburg · Brunch, Coffee, Restaurant, Bar, Cafe
- Geonbae Korean Barbecue RestaurantFrankston · Korean, Restaurant
- Tombo DenWindsor · Japanese, Restaurant

























