Rusty’s Sandwich Parlour

Rusty’s Sandwich Parlour is a sandwich shop and cafe by Phil Gijsbers and Rob McKenzie (who also own Green Acre pizzeria, in neighbouring Brunswick).

Every aspect of the mint-green and crisp-white fit-out – from the warm wooden bench tops to the shelving – was made entirely out of recycled materials. The chairs, the coffee machine, and the fridge are also upcycled.

There are around 10 sandwiches on the menu, plus a rotating special or two. One highlight is the Cubano – orange-braised pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard in a sourdough bun. Not entirely traditional, but still great. Another, filled with spicy prawns, is reminiscent of a New Orleans-style po' boy.

The hefty vegan sandwich comes loaded with mushrooms cooked escabeche (vinegar-marinated), vegan feta and watercress. Fries are available as a side order (but aren’t always needed – these are big sandwiches).

Coffee is roasted by These Days (one of Gijsbers’s side projects) and there’s a range of juices to choose from. There’s also a small merch shelf piled with T-shirts, coffee gear and caps.