After 89 years as a cash-only establishment, the popular Central Square diner Brookline Lunch now accepts card payments. It is thought to be the last restaurant in the area to accept credit cards.
“Our customers have supported us long before we accepted cards and many knew to bring cash before visiting,” said Mahmood Abu-Rubieh, a cook and the son of the owners. Accepting cashless options “[is] a minor change to the Brookline Lunch experience that we hope is more convenient for our customers and our staff.”
“We considered accepting cards over the years, but never felt that it was absolutely necessary,” he added. “Instead, we prioritized keeping our pricing accessible for our customers: locals, students and families who want to be able to go out for brunch without breaking the bank.”
The Brookline Street spot implemented card payments on Feb. 11 after adopting a point-of-sale system to streamline how the establishment takes orders and conveys those to the cooks and other staff involved in preparing the food. “Business has remained steady as we’ve transitioned over,” Abu-Rubieh said.
His parents Jamal and Manal Abu-Rubieh bought the breakfast joint in Cambridge in 1989 and have run it with their seven children ever since. Menu items like baklava pancakes often mean long lines to get inside.
In June 2025, Brookline Lunch announced a second location in the former Busy Bee Restaurant and Diner space at 1046 Beacon St. in Brookline, which also will accept card payments when it opens, expected to be in late April or early May.
Mushhoor Abu-Rubieh, Mahmood’s brother, will run the new restaurant. It will keep the Busy Bee name “given the restaurant’s prominence in the Brookline community” for over 50 years, Mahmood Abu-Rubieh said.
Brookline Lunch is also known for donating funds to various charities that honor the family’s Palestinian roots. The restaurant is matching any donations patrons make to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund during its Iftar dinner series for Ramadan, where a different Palestinian artist, chef, or local will be highlighted each week. This week’s local artist is Gina Al-Karablieh, who has a “Palestine Print” series featuring photos of Palestinian villages and plants.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.