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Joe's Tavern

Joe’s Tavern marks a return to classic comforts

by Molly Nicholas

Paisano & Daughters, the crew behind Continental Deli, will open the doors to their latest joint – Joe’s Tavern – this evening. Named after the group’s founder Joe Valore, Joe’s Tavern is a wood-panelled love letter to New York-style taverns and the enduring comfort of the classics.

When the team first dreamt up their Australia Street project, the plan was to build a third-level bar above Continental Deli, but the idea was shelved after two years in council. Now, it’s been brought to life just down the street, replacing Flora, the group’s vegetarian restaurant which wound up in September seven months after opening.  

While the word tavern in Australia often suggests a suburban pub, elsewhere it means something more. In the American sense, it’s a spot that serves food and drink to anyone passing through, a place to rest, eat and stay a while. Joe’s Tavern captures that spirit and keeps things simple – a straightforward space where the drinks are classic and dishes are familiar.

Heading up the bar is Michael Nicolian, whose hospitality career began 22 years ago at renowned London bar Milk & Honey, and more recently worked with the team at Bentley before joining Paisano & Daughters, first at Gardel’s Bar and later at Continental Deli.

Drawing on his understanding of classic cocktails and refined techniques, Michael has spearheaded a cocktail programme that is simple yet intentional.

From the kitchen, patrons can expect steaks, cold seafood starters like prawn cocktails and devilled eggs, and nostalgic favourites such as crab and cornbread. The menu is spearheaded by Elvis Abrahanowicz (Bodega, Porteno) and Måns Engberg (Saint Peter) whose focus is rediscovering old techniques.

Returning to the kind of cooking that made taverns beloved in the first place, the intimate 30-seat bar and restaurant honours the chefs and culinary mentors who have inspired the team with portraits lining the walls.

At its heart, Joe’s Tavern is about gratitude – it’s a venue that honours the past while serving the present, acting as a simple reminder of why classic drinks and traditional kitchen skills still matter.

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