Rubin’s Shutters After 90 Years in Brookline

Rubin’s Kosher Restaurant. / Photo via Facebook

UPDATE, August 8, 9:48 a.m.: On Friday, the Boston Globe reported that the Rubin’s building’s new owner, investor David Danesh, would like to keep the kosher restaurant in operation. Danesh purchased the property last week, but he has not finalized plans with a new restaurant operator, he told the paper.

“I saved Rubin’s from being knocked down and turned into condos,” he said. “I love the food. I love the history.”

On Facebook, the Gellerman family, who purchased Rubin’s in 1996, said they would help the Danesh family find new ownership.

PREVIOUSLY:

One deli opens, while another one closes. Rubin’s Kosher Restaurant has announced it will shutter after service today at 3 p.m.

Rubin’s opened 90 years ago, and was long the shining example of a classic Jewish deli in the greater Boston area. A multi-year Best of Boston award winner, it varyingly earned recognition for atmosphere, endearingly gruff service included, as well as its smoked meats, sandwiches, and items like latkes and kugel. Pour one out for a generation of locals who will never have a chance to stand up to the challenge that was the Gramercy Park, a heaping helping of thinly-sliced pastrami and corned beef, tangy coleslaw, and Russian dressing between two slices of light rye.

Universal Hub first reported the closure. Current owners Erica and Allen Gellerman said last night the announcement came with “a heavy heart.”

It was a pure pleasure talking with people from all parts of the world and always learning from them
And of course enjoying being a part of the Brookline community…
We appreciated all the friends we made over the past 20 years

While Rubin’s filled a niche with an all-kosher menu, Boston is in the midst of a Jewish cuisine revival. Mamaleh’s opened last month from the State Park team, a throwback to another time and place at One Kendall Square, and next year, Jamaica Plain pop-up Exodus Bagels plans to open a diner and deli in Roslindale.

Rubin’s Kosher Restaurant, 500 Harvard St., Brookline, rubinsboston.com.