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Ruby's Diner

3.7 (613 reviews)
ModerateAmerican, Diners, Burgers
Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Ruby's Diner Photos

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RUBY'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Touristy
Casual
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Ruby's Diner

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Reviews With Photos

Kiyomi F.

My family and I had a great experience at this location! It's been so long since we've had ruby's diner and we loved that the ambiance hasn't changed. It's still giving that old school vibe that we love and cherish! The staff here was amazing, super friendly & prompt! We throughly enjoyed our meals. Plenty of seating inside and outside. We would love to dine here again!

Fish and chips.
Cezar S.

Can't go wrong with Ruby's Diner. Been to this location a few times with the family. My wife and I decided to dine in this weekend, January 17th. We were greeted when we walked in right away. The host didn't make a big deal with us bringing in our stroller. The place is the same. Old school looking, clean with friendly staffs. We ordered their onion rings and fish & chips. Did not disappoint with the flavor and freshness. My wife loved their onions rings and one of best fish and chips I've ever had. Juicy on the inside, not dry as some other places would have served it. However, it's only served with 2 pieces of fish. Their onion rings could have been serve with better portions as well. They're not cheap with sauces, as we asked for more tartar sauce and delivered 2 to our table. Will definitely go back here again.

Original malted waffle
Janelle V.

Ruby's Diner reminds me of college. We had a location nearby my alma mater so when my coworker suggested we go here before we headed back to the airport, it was super nostalgic for me! Despite this location being under construction during our visit, there seemed to be a good flow of patrons and we also were attended to quite well. I ordered a cup of coffee and let's just say I got my fair share of refills. For my food I ordered the original malted waffle with a side of sausage links and eggs over easy. The food came out hot and fresh and I definitely didn't leave hungry - just with a lingering desire for more waffles. Mmmm!! Also since it is October aka spooky season it was super cute that they had decorations up inside and outside the storefront (even while they were in the process of construction). It was definitely a nice touch! Thanks again, Ruby's Diner Carlsbad!

Tony H.

这家餐厅完美复刻了上世纪50年代的复古风格,从怀旧装饰到招牌菜品都还原了经典美式 diner 的原汁原味。无论是餐食口味、分量还是服务细节,都完全符合甚至超出预期。服务员会贴心地为孩子们提供折纸小汽车作为消遣。尽管整体环境略带岁月痕迹,但毋庸置疑,它绝对是周边区域内最值得选择的美式diner。 Good old school 50's style diner with all the decor and all the dishes that you would expect. Everything meets or exceeds expectations, and the servers were very good with giving our kid paper cars to play with. The place seems to be showing its age a bit, but definitely the best diner option in the immediate area.

BLTA
Mandi R.

This Ruby's feels like the end of an era. There used to be so many more Ruby's (on the pier), so I feel like still finding them is a real treat. This restaurant is a little smaller than other locations, but still has fun decor and a cool train that runs along a track at the ceiling of the restaurant. We had what one comes to expect from a Ruby's - friendly service and tasty diner food. I ordered the BLTA and while it wasn't the healthiest choice, it sure was good. I regretted not ordering a shake or cherry Vanilla Coke on this visit.

Cobb Burger Bacon
Kareem P.

I was reminiscing about Ruby's Diner, one of my favorite dining locations at the Oceanside Pier. They had closed many years ago and the building recently burnt down. But after doing a search online, I realize that they had a location in Carlsbad. This is my review of Ruby's Diner in the Carlsbad outlet mall. I am very happy that this Ruby's Diner is only 15 minutes away from downtown Oceanside. Although I don't come to this mall frequently, I may start returning more often thanks to my experience eating here. Ruby's Diner is known as a Classic American Diner that is well known for their burgers, fries & milkshakes. They're also famous for their vintage 50's & 60's themed decor & music. Their interior is very spacious and accommodate groups and families easy. You can also choose to sit outside on the patio as well. The vintage theme has various paraphernalia and decorations from the 60s era. They also have a functioning train set that runs a track on the ceiling above. The kids love it! I think the only CON I found for their atmosphere was in regards to their men's restroom being too small and only having 1 stall & 1 urinal. Their service is always courteous, fast & friendly and I love their uniforms. Although their menu is based on an American diner theme, there are many other options to help diversify one's dining choices. For breakfast, you can find items like eggs Benedict, omelettes, avocado toast, breakfast burritos, biscuits & gravy, chicken fried steak, waffles, pancakes, French toast, and of course, a typical American breakfast with eggs and bacon. Their lunch and dinner menu is just as extensive. Their portions are very fair considering the price, and overall, I love the customization options for customers who want to create their own flavor experiences by mixing & matching ingredients. My most recent experience was with a Cobb burger, Cajun Fries and a Salted Caramel Milkshake. I loved the variance from salty bacon, to juicy burger, to seasoned crispy fries & the sweet sips of heaven! Anytime I want a true vintage dining experience, I come to Ruby's Diner in Carlsbad to send me down memory lane. I recommend!

Sou L.

This place is currently going through renovations, however it's open from dine in. The staff there are very friendly. Their burgers, fries, salad and shakes were delicious!! Yes... my kiddo enjoyed his burger so I didn't get a chance to take a photo !

Charlotte C.

It's a very steady Eddie place to eat. I've never had a bad experience at a Rubys. This one was no exception. Immediately upon walking in it is very clean. We were seated right away. The staff seemed a little tired but that could just be the day or for personal reasons or maybe they are short staffed. You never know. Our server was nice and patient. My son isn't always the most chill kid and she just pushed through his 100 questions and 100 requests for more cats to build. The food and drinks came out quickly and they did check on us throughout the meal. The food itself was good enough. Nothing to write home about but wouldn't be opposed to coming back. We got the peanut butter shake (amazing), bacon burger (delicious), chicken strips (yum), kids Mac and cheese (good-just basic Kraft) and all with fries. The fries were a little sad; not quite warm but that's my only complaint.

It replicates those 70s diners in movies.

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8 months ago

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1 year ago

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11 months ago

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5 months ago

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3 months ago

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7 months ago

Loved it here. Long time employees are the proof of a great place to work. Good food, great service, fun place. Super milkshakes!

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2 years ago

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4 months ago

Brooke is the best! She made us the absolute best hand mixed shakes and the food was incredible!

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7 months ago

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9 months ago

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9 months ago

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4 months ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 months ago

Excellent service and very tasty food. Staff is caring and service is with a smile. Atmosphere is fun and delightful!

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2 years ago

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10 months ago

Great food and service. Yummy shakes. The booths are comfy. I'm not a fan of the fifty's tunes but no biggie.

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5 months ago

Big portions and fast service. The food is absolutely delicious and the service is excellent

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9 months ago

Man walked In They sat us down immediately and food and service was very good and hospitality

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

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4 years ago

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7 months ago

Service was good, but food was not worth the money. Quality really has gone down and would not be coming back.

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Ruby's Diner Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ruby's Diner

Do they still have beignets?

They were included in the breakfast I ordered on the menu....but they didn't come on my plate. Perhaps they were out that day or they have stopped keeping them on the menu.

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20|Twenty

20|Twenty

3.9
(883 reviews)
0.7 mi
$$
Full bar
Locally sourced ingredients

The breakfast options were not only surprisingly diverse for a hotel restaurant, but well…read moreportioned, well prepared, and quite delicious. We had the All-American Breakfast with a side pancake (we could not substitute the toast for a pancake), Crab Benedict, Classic Benedict, Brioche French Toast and a side of bacon. The food came out fast and hot! I'm a sucker for hollandaise, so if you are too, be sure to ask for extra; I should have. Our server, Henry was full of quiet but radiant positive energy as he anticipated our every need! It was a wonderful experience to end a 3-day work event! PS My wife ate dinner here two other nights with colleagues and enjoyed it just as much.

Had a very nice lunch on 4/18 with our dog. It was very relaxing sitting out in the spacious patio,…read moreenjoying the beautiful Carlsbad weather. The restaurant is very nice and clean both inside and outside. We were greeted by a very friendly hostess, so great first impression. Henry was our server and he was amazing! Very professional, great sense of humor, and very attentive. Took great care of our dog too. Some other staff members came by and everyone was very nice. We ordered the crab cakes, spicy N'duja and shrimp rigatoni, and fresh catch tacos. Everything had good flavoring and the portions were more than reasonable. We also felt the prices were reasonable considering the location, quality of the food, high-level service, and beautiful relaxing ambiance. We eat out often but don't really leave reviews. But our experience at 20 | Twenty was definitely worth mentioning. We will return and try other items next time in the area and will be sure to tell others about it! Thanks for a very very pleasant surprise!!

Photos
20|Twenty
TWENTY/20 Grill terrace with coastal views, fire and water features
TWENTY/20 Grill terrace with coastal views, fire and water features
20|Twenty

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Eureka!

Eureka!

4.0
(906 reviews)
3.5 mi
$$
Outdoor seating
Casual dining

You guys. Seriously. This place is SO GOOD!!! There are just so many positive aspects…read more.. From the moment we walked in the hostess was super friendly and seated us right away. She brought over crayons and coloring pages for my 4 year old and then let her pick out a sticker from a sticker book!! Our server greeted us promptly for our drink order and was very knowledgeable about the menu. Then a few minutes later someone brought my kiddo a snack plate!! What a genius idea!! It had a few carrots and orange slices and she enjoyed it while we had literally the best Brussels sprouts I've ever tasted. They were crispy and soooooo flavorful! I ordered the fig burger with a side Caesar and my daughter had a cheese quesadilla. The burger and the salad were both amazing!! I mean look at all the yummy Parmesan on the Caesar!! My burger was cooked exactly the way I wanted it and it was absolutely delicious. We had the peanut butter pie for dessert and let me just tell you, I did not want to share it at all! It was so rich and yummy. The overall vibe is casual and fun and a lot of people were having a blast during happy hour. Our service was excellent throughout. This place is a nice balance of family friendly, casual date night, or a fun night out. I will definitely be back!

I came here recently for happy hour. I had been before but my friend hadn't. They have a lovely…read moreoutdoor patio area where lots of kids were playing. The inside has big open windows. It was pretty busy but we were seated right away. Our server was friendly and welcoming. She answered our questions and took our orders for apps and wine. We were surprised by the extensive bourbon menu and wide price range, that's not something I've seen often. She brought us water and our food was up quickly. The fried pickles were exactly like they sound like they would be, but they need a different sauce. The frachos had good flavor and were filling. We both enjoyed them. We also both liked our wine.. They have daily specials and we both agreed we want to come back and try more items.

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Eureka!
Eureka!
Eureka!

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Wildland

Wildland

4.1
(493 reviews)
3.2 mi
$$

Came here for breakfast. I love the open-space concept and relaxing vibe. You order from the…read morecounter and seat yourself. The staff is friendly and accommodating. We got the breakfast plate and a variety of pastries. Breakfast Plate- This is a hearty plate with scrambled eggs, double smoked bacon, roasted potatoes, and sourdough toast. Eggs were fluffy and the roasted potatoes had a nice garlicky and herby flavor. The toast is fresh and tasty. Shoutout to one of the best bacons I've ever had! It was thick, almost like pork belly, with a crisp exterior while remaining juicy inside. Pastries- Their almond croissant is the best I've tried. It's perfectly flaky and buttery, with a generous amount of almond filling and just the right amount of sweetness. The apple pie danish tastes just like the dessert, with a fun, breakfast twist. The cinnamon crumb cake is my favorite! The cake is moisy and crumbly with a thick layer of streusel, finished with powdered sugar. They really know how to balance flavors and sweetness. Great experience overall!

I came here for a False Idol drink pop up a week ago. So I did not order drinks from their menu…read more But the food was great. I jad thr gnocchi which seemed to be like a potato Mac and cheese but way more satisfying. I also had their salted sourdough and that was an amazing booze sponge. Servers were on point. Place was hopping on a Tuesday and we were a large group but the staff had it going on. On the pricey side but its coastal and kind of a crafts cocktail warehouse vibe. I enjoyed it very much.

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Inside before the dinner crush
Inside before the dinner crush
Sour dough bread starter, the best thing we ordered
Sour dough bread starter, the best thing we ordered
Guaciale pizza

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Guaciale pizza
American Heroes & Brew

American Heroes & Brew

4.6
(449 reviews)
2.9 mi
$$

Get the meatball sandwich…read more Omg and the meatball parm fries. This place is so chill and has the best atmosphere for watching games or playing cards (all afternoon). A pretty good bargain on breakfast as well.

If I was just rating the service, it would be 5 stars no question! But since there's food involved,…read moreI want to be honest. I was soooo excited about the Philly connection, as I'm very familiar with cheesesteaks having lived near Philly in a past life. Well, I was sorely disappointed. We were told that the bread is flown in daily from Philly. Well, I don't know where it's coming from because it's definitely not the same bread as what they normally use there. The sandwich and meat were dry and flavorless. Totally underwhelming unfortunately. So then we saw that they made key lime pie there too! Again, I was SUPER excited because key lime pie is my favorite dessert of all time. And again...disappointment. I took one glance and saw that it was light green in color and knew I was gonna be mad. Yall, Key lime pie is yellow. You should NEVER add food coloring. That's just gross and inaccurate. The texture and flavor were also off. Texturally it was way too thick and dense, which would have been fine if it actually tasted like key lime. But it was severely lacking in that tart key lime flavor that it's known for. I'd definitely go back because of the service and vibe. But I'll maybe try a burger and the cheesecake instead.

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Interoperability
Interoperability
Onion rings
Onion rings
Outside patio

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Outside patio

Ruby's Diner - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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