I was visiting my aunt and uncle who live in Skaneateles this past week (they're originally from Chittenango/Bridgeport, and I grew up in Liverpool, now live in Chicago, come back to visit a couple of times a year), and yesterday, after a nostalgic drive to Chittenango, we stopped for dinner at Ruby Begonia's, which I found on Yelp. Southern cooking is one of my favorite cuisines, though my aunt and uncle aren't necessarily of the same mind. They went along because they love me and it was my last night in town. We were greeted by a nice gal named Danielle who got us seated and asked if we'd like drinks first since it was a little before 5 and the kitchen hadn't quite opened. My aunt and uncle loved their glasses of 19 Crimes Cabernet and I was very happy with my Mint Julep, minus the sugar cube, since I don't like my drinks sweet. We started the meal with the Housemade Buttermilk Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes. Neither are to be missed (the cornbread was like having a tiny dessert before dinner, which you'll never hear me complain about), but the tomatoes--dang! Next time I'm going to order two plates just for me and call it my dinner. DO NOT MISS THE FRIED GREEN TOMATOES! My aunt and uncle had the Fried Chicken Plate, which they loved, repeatedly saying, "This is way better than the fried chicken at Tops!" They couldn't finish all of it and brought it home to eat for lunch today. The online menu says it comes with Slow-Cooked Green Beans but the in-house menu serves it with Slaw. While they loved the slaw, they said they might've preferred the green beans as a more substantial veg accompaniment. Danielle was perfectly happy to make reasonable substitutions, so if we'd thought to ask her, I bet she would've said yes to shifting out the slaw for green beans, or yes with a minor upcharge. I ordered the Fried Fish & Slaw which was amazing. My favorite meal in the world is fried catfish, but it has to be done right. The place I think that does it best is me in my own kitchen, but I will now say that Ruby Begonia's is tied with my own kitchen. Maybe even slightly ahead of my own kitchen because whatever seasonings they use kick ass. The fish was actually a freshwater catfish from Southeast Asia called Swai, though it was hard to distinguish from regular catfish. It was perfectly fried, served piping hot (as were my aunt and uncle's entrees), and I stopped talking while I ate it because it was so freaking good. I asked Danielle if she could switch out the accompanying French Fries for Grits and she said no problem. I love grits but often they need to be jazzed up with cheese or sauces or other flavorings to be exciting. I have no idea what was done to make my plain white grits so fluffy and out-of-this-world, but like everything else we ate last night, they're not to be missed. I know this is a long review, but too bad y'all! I like long reviews because they give me a sense of what to order, the general ambience of a place, and the degree to which the staff is willing to engage with their diners. I like to talk to people who work in restaurants. I've rarely met a server who's steered me wrong in terms of what's good to order on the menu. I also just like to meet people, find out where they're from, and what brought them to their current jobs. Danielle was a sweetie pie. There were two large parties on either side of us and she made sure our order went in first. She also checked on us after each round of deliveries--drinks, appetizers, and mains. We would've ordered dessert but we were too full. Next time. Because we're definitely coming back. One small suggestion: None of us are vegan/vegetarian but we know some vegans/vegetarians we'd like to bring to Ruby Begonia's, and it would be good to have a permanent vegan/vegetarian entree, like, for example, the Trumpet Mushroom Ragu Over Grits listed on the Sunday Supper Club menu on the restaurant's website. My aunt would also have loved to see a salad option listed on the Sides menu. read more

Was so looking forward to coming back and getting a full entree after the teaser sample size versions of their menus items we received at a Yelp event. Being a Southern girl at heart I love true Southern comfort food. I was very disappointed with the service and food or should I say lack of both. Took forever once we were seated to take our order mind you it was not busy and was early in the dining service. The wait staff came out three times to tell us they were out of the items we ordered. I would think there would be tighter communication with the kitchen and wait staff but to be out of that many items at 6pm, is not a good customer experience. The menu is not extensive so left very little entrees available to choice from. I ended up ordering a side of two biscuits which were lackluster to say the least. There was not even enough butter for one biscuit much less two and given time to get waitress took my second biscuit home rather than requesting more butter. My partner in crime ordered the appetizer of Pork Belly which I was told was very good. Left hungry which called for a fast food stop on our way home. As a staff member at a restaurant if there were that many times I had to come out and say something wasn't available I would apologize and ask manager to stop by table. Neither of which happened. We were there over an hour and forty minutes and left hungry and frustrated. We saw very little of our waitress other than to bring menu back out to reorder. Disappointing to drive 50 minutes one way for some comfort food only to leave hungry. The restaurant and bar area are pretty and they did put a lot of work into the remodel, wish they put same effort into menu and ordering of food needed to support menu. Really need a front house manager to address issues and concerns and to ensure a positive dining experience. Restaurant truly has the potential to be something great. read more

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The restaurant has a nice warm lounge bar area, where you can move to their beautiful dining room. Service was very good and attentive. Food Salmon was cooked perfectly and was very good. Fried chicken subbed green beans was all cooked perfectly and tasted great l. Really appreciate the owners, Todd and Jody taking the time to say hello and see how we enjoyed dinner. Hidden Gem in Chittenago worth the ride out. Reservations are suggested. read more

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An extra star because the owners are so charming. Cool bar area. The main front dining room gave vibes of a Southern home. Tables have white tablecloths. The fried chicken was the best I've had in a while. The smothered pork loin was also delicious. We tried all the sides and the favorites were Amy's baked beans, collard greens and the cornbread. The shrimp and scallop cakes were a little breads but delicious nonetheless. I preferred the coconut cake to the chocolate cake read more

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I had the Chicken fried chicken, it was absolutely delicious. The cornbread was the best I have ever had. The waiter we had was very friendly and very busy, he was hustling. The dinning room was very nicely decorated and inviting we had a table that looked out on the yellow brick sidewalk. Please make some time for Ruby Bagonias, you will not be disappointed. read more

Ruby Begonia’s - This is the Chicken fried chicken over mashed potatoes with slow cooked green beans. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chittenango, New York

Decided to check out this new place in what used to be Tacoma's in the village. The dining room was nice, with tablecloths! The bar looked very sparse. They definitely need some decor and to up their beer selection. Nothing craft and nothing on draft. :( But the two bourbon-based cocktails I had were good if unexceptional. It appeared that they used bottled juice instead of fresh squeezed, which if it is the case is a disappointment. The shrimp & scallop cakes were good and a reasonable price at $15. I would have ordered the cornbread app, but at $12 that seemed overpriced. The Ruby Burger also at $15 was reasonable considering it included hand cut fries and a fried green tomato. They will probably work out some kinks with the menu, but for now it looks promising. read more

I've been here four times now, salivating to try the ribs, each night they didn't have any (I was there early each night, so it's not like they ran out). The southern food experience is fun and the drinks are always good. I love what they've done to the place- great classy atmosphere right in Chittenango! read more

The decor is beautifully simple. The wait staff was friendly and service was good. I had green fried tomatoes for an appetizer, and they were the best I have ever had. The shrimp and grits were a good-sized portion and absolutely delicious! They pay attention to detail with both taste and presentation. It is not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. I would definitely return. read more

Made reservations 3 hours prior, for 7pm. Our party of 4 arrived 15 minutes early, saw an open door with no sign to an alcove containing nothing, walked past it to the sandwich board and nearby door on the sidewalk, walked into what looked like an undecorated, disjointed lobby with an empty bar area, several women having a drink in a seating area to the side, we walked into a stark, cold dining room, and found ourselves back at the empty alcove that it must have been intended we enter in the first place. A woman then, without greeting us or asking our name, waved us to follow her to a reserved table. The waitress was lovely and informed us, after taking our drink order, that they were out of steak, cornbread, and biscuits. My husband and friends were already disappointed, since the online menu and in-dining menu were not remotely similar. We left. There was no bread option, you were out of beef at 6:45pm, the restaurant had no smell of ANY cooking food, and it looked like a senior-housing fundraiser- cheap, bright, silent, and sterile. For a restaurant specializing in comforting soul food, there was NO COMFORT WHATSOEVER. From the sidewalk, I called a restaurant up the hill in Caz that I hadn't been to since 2004- and even though they had a wedding, no reservations, and their basement dining room was nearly full, they squeezed us in and we had a great meal. $315 including tip was well worth it. read more

We visited on Valentine's Day after hearing really great things about the food. The menu this night was prix fixe for $75 but not worth that, in my opinion. Started off good with a yummy salad, scallop and shrimp next which also very good but 1 scallop and 1 shrimp pp. Short rib (I think was the cut) with mashed potatoes for main entree. Mashed potatoes were very good but such a small portion. The beef had a lot of fat and was very chewy. Dessert was very good and each person actually got their own small cake. I was disappointed in the size and that I left hungry after a 4 course meal. The place was decorated very nicely for the occasion and they had a harp player as well as the manager stopping at the table. I really liked the bar area and the cocktail menu was nice. A bigger wine and draft beer selection would be great. We will be giving this place another shot as we need a nice place in Chittenango and want to try the southern menu. read more

Ruby Begonia’s - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chittenango, New York

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Truly southern style food with delicious crispy fried chicken and fish and wonderful sides. A gem in central New York. Chittenango is very fortunate to have this restaurant on the main drag. read more

Dinner with visiting family, there were 8 of us. Excellent food, fried chicken, steak, coffee and chocolate cake for dessert. Reasonable prices and good value for the quality of service/ food. Owner came by to make sure we were taken care of. Recommend and will visit again when in town. read more

Ruby Begonia’s - Outside entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chittenango, New York

My soul food prayers have been answered. I moved here from the bayou and I gotta say this place hits the spot!!!! Chicken fried chicken was bomb, Mac and cheese, pork belly, shrimp and grits. Delicious. read more

Dropped in on a cold night and was delighted with the tasty supper of chicken fried chicken. Ate at the bar and chatted it up with Erin who had the bar totally under control. This is an "add to the list" when in town for business. read more

We ordered take out, the Fried Chicken and Pork Loin entrees. Both were cooked perfectly and seasoned to perfection. We will definitely go back again. We had a drink at the bar and Kaylee was a wonderful bartender and host while our food was prepared. Thank you! read more

Wow. I was pleasantly surprised with the meal the price, the service and the overall establishment. This newly opened and remodeled restaurant shows a high level of class. I ordered a steak which was served with a peppercorn sauce, mashed potatoes and grilled green beans. It was cooked to perfection. Also very reasonably priced. My wife had a burger that was garnished with a fried green tomato and caramelized onions. It was equally delicious. The service was great. read more

Ruby Begonia’s - Burger cooked the perfection and garnished perfectly with a fried green tomato and caramelized onions. A great combination. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chittenango, New York

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A new gem in Chittenango! What an amazing experience at this new restaurant. Food was cooked to perfection. The staff was very nice and attentive. Prices are very reasonable. Will definitely come back! read more

Ruby Begonia’s - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chittenango, New York

What an AMAZING addition to Chittenango! We had a group of 19 and the service, food, drinks, and coordination of planning with the staff was flawless!! Everything was so delicious!! Thank you so much! We're so excited to make this a regular date night spot! Truly a wonderful and hospitable family business! read more

Don't regularly write reviews but had dinner at Ruby Begonias tonite and the food was outstanding! Fried Green Tomatoes, Salmon, and Fried Chicken. Just a refreshing change and cooked to perfection. Sauces and sides hit the spot. Our waitress was attentive without being overbearing. Hostess and Owner(?) both were out and about checking in with patrons. Nice decor , only neutral was staff seemed to be running thru dining room (slow your stroll so diners can relax!) Great addition to CNY dining scene! read more

Fantastic atmosphere! The food was very good and priced well. The service was good and it wasn't too busy. We didn't need reservations.

The pictures do not do the food justice. Every bite was cooked to perfection, seasoned perfectly, and just the right temp. I don't know how fried chicken can melt in your mouth but it did and don't get me started on the crab cakes, all crab, no filler, and I usually don't like crab cakes. As for the atmosphere, the bar has all the comforts I look for, and the dining room was filled with natural light until the sun went down, then the dimmable lighting inspired the mood. I'm looking forward to trying different plates from this burgeoning eatery. read more