Brookline Lunch Opened New South Boston Location
The family-run restaurant has expanded from its original Cambridge home into the former L Street Diner space.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Mahmood Abu-Rubieh has opened a second location of the long-standing Brookline Lunch in South Boston. The new eatery occupies the former site of the L Street Diner & Pizzeria at 108 L St.
Why it matters
The opening marks a new chapter for the family business as they look to grow their footprint across Massachusetts. This project reflects the next generation of the family building upon a comfort-food legacy that began in 1989.
The family has maintained business operations for 37 years since opening their initial site. The new establishment is located at 108 L St. and is managed as part of the family's broader expansion strategy led by the children.
The players
Mahmood Abu-Rubieh
He is the operator who spearheaded the expansion of the family business into South Boston.
Jamal Abu-Rubieh
He is the family patriarch who immigrated from Jordan to Massachusetts in 1976.
The details
The new restaurant features custom wooden booths built by Mahmood Abu-Rubieh and serves a menu that includes za'atar bowls and spicy sausage shakshuka. The kitchen prioritizes scratch-made items and utilizes a professional-grade La Marzocco espresso machine.
Timeline
Jamal Abu-Rubieh moved to Massachusetts in 1976.
The family opened the original Brookline Lunch in 1989.
The second location opened in South Boston in September 2026.
The pizza kitchen is expected to open in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This expansion represents a shift for the family business as they transition from a single location to a multi-site operation. By moving into the South Boston market, the company is scaling its presence to capitalize on the growing demand for their signature comfort food.
Residents of South Boston now have access to the family's specific menu items like baklava pancakes and za'atar bowls within their own neighborhood. Customers can visit the new location to experience the expansion of this long-standing local restaurant brand.
The takeaway
The family business continues to evolve by blending traditional recipes with modern operational expansion. Patrons can look forward to upcoming menu additions, such as house-made pizza, as the restaurant establishes itself in the neighborhood.
What happens next
The family plans to launch an additional pizza kitchen at the South Boston site in October 2026, which will serve house-made breads, pizza, and subs.
Further reading
For more updates on the local culinary scene, explore the Boston Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boston Magazine.
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