Ruben's Federal Hill — Restaurant in Baltimore

Edit 03/02/24: Updating star rating. Things have drastically improved. I waited until after numerous visits before posting and now have a consistently good experience. Food is hot and fresh, customer service is great... And honestly, I am now addicted. Will continue to go regularly for as long as this keeps up! EDIT 05/12/23: This is my first time back since my last review. I had truly hoped they returned to their former glory, but can confirm they have not. They have definitely improved speed of delivery of the food, but have done so at the cost of freshness and flavor, while still shorting you on the expensive ingredients even if you pay extra for them. Once again: Cali Burrito with double st3eak. Received? A giant burrito with barely any meat, zero guacamole, and a ton of fries. Enough that this would definitely qualify as a "French fry burrito" on the menu and everyone would love it. Service remains awesome, so there is that.

This is definitely a great drunk food treat, but once again, at $19 for a French fry burrito, you deserve better. I didn't have anything else this time, but have to assume if there is no concern for quality of one item, there is no concern for quality of any item.

EDIT 12/30/22: As much as I want to love this place, I can no longer recommend it. It is overpriced and inconsistent. Over the course of the year, the expensive stuff (meat, guac, etc) was decreased while cheap filler was put in its place, all while prices increased. I was an ardent fan of the Cali Burrito, and this most recent time requested double meat because the amount of steak has been on a steady trend downward. Tonight I got a double meat Cali Burrito that had the normal amount of meat (not double as requested), zero guac, and a ton of fries. For $19. Insane.

I hate writing negative reviews, but this place has been on a steady decline for months, which requires an updated review. 2 stars instead of 1 because the window customer service remains awesome. Fantastic "fast food" Mexican. Take away only and no seating on the sidewalk. Fairly limited menu, but it's fast and pretty authentic. Also one of only a couple places serving food late in the neighborhood.. Up to 2am on busy nights. Cali burrito and Chicken Quesadilla are my go to eats typically, but the tacos are great too. The portions are very generous, but the prices are a little high, but I consider them fair. Be sure to get some fresh made guac while...

Editing this in 2022, sadly im giving up rubens. I have been a loyal patron for about 4 years now, going once or twice a week at work for lunch. They have been gradually changing how they make their food in the last year and a half, and now with the crazy price hike i cant justify it anymore.

The rice had changed a few times, it was pink for a while but they toned that down and its mostly back normal again as of june 22. They do not put pico on burritos and quesadillas anymore, which is an odd decision for the burittos (happy for the quesadilla tho). They cut their burittos in half now, which is insane to me and one of the most frustrating changes (i get mad when i have a rupture in my buritto- cut in half seems like a sin). The cheese also changed, for most probably for the better- its seems like a higher quality cheese with a nice melt to it but honestly the generic mexican taco cheese they used before was great. Also the chicken seems to be cooked differently now, i actually think this is one change that was for the better- they get more of a grill on it and has a deeper flavor. Lastly, what ever magic they used to grill the tortillas on has either changed or disappeared all together, that distinct "rubens" flavor and aroma that got me addicted 4 years ago just isnt there anymore and i dont know what caused that.

Its still a good buritto tho and i was still eating them loyally until a couple of weeks ago when they hiked the price up from $10 to $16... even the original buritto, theres no way im paying that and so i bid my precious rubens and my memory of what once was goodbye.

The hot sauce is still some of the best ive ever had though and i will continue to swing by and pick a...

When it comes to satisfying late-night hunger cravings, this place is an absolute gem. The birria tacos they serve are simply out of this world.

First of all, the flavor is incredible. The tender, slow-cooked meat combined with the rich spices and savory broth creates a taste sensation that is hard to beat. Each bite is bursting with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It's the perfect balance of savory and spicy, leaving you craving for more.

Not only is the taste exceptional, but the portion sizes are generous as well. When those late-night munchies hit, you can rest assured that Ruben's will provide you with a satisfying meal. Their tacos are filled to the brim with flavorful birria, and every bite feels like a delightful indulgence.

Another aspect that impressed me was the service. Despite the late hours, the staff at Ruben's were friendly, attentive, and efficient. They handled the busy late-night crowd with ease, ensuring that everyone's orders were taken care of promptly.

Lastly, the overall experience at Ruben's was fantastic. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, adding to the enjoyment of the meal. It's the kind of place where you can unwind, grab a delicious taco, and satisfy your hunger while enjoying the vibrant ambience.

In summary, Ruben's Mexican Food Birria Tacos is a late-night haven for those seeking exceptional flavors and satisfying portions. Their birria tacos are a culinary delight that will keep you coming back for more. With friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, Ruben's is a must-visit for anyone looking to satisfy their...