The concept behind Joe’s Famous Deli is one founder Patrick Killalea had been playing with for years. Influenced heavily by his time living in Sardinia and working as a chef in America, he opened the first Joe’s at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast in 2022. This Brisbane location came a year later, bringing with it classic deli sandwiches with an Australian twist.

On the menu you’ll find American-style subs such as the Original Deli, layered inch by inch with cold cuts, provolone, pickles, red onion, iceberg lettuce and mustard. Another highlight is the Famous Meatball, stacked with pork and veal meatballs, Napoletana sauce, parmesan, Swiss cheese, aioli and salsa verde.

Unlike most sandwich shops, Joe’s is a licensed venue, which means you can also get natural wines, Margaritas and local beers with your sub, loaded hot dog or salad.

As a nod to its American roots, the venue’s fit-out is nostalgic with leather booth seating, red raw brick and beveled glass countertop. Killalea named Joe’s after his father, a man who’s values (“old-school, hardworking, humble”) inspired the place.