Ruby's Diner — Restaurant in Laguna Beach

It is a hot day 93+ degrees! Pokémon GO has the "Fest Makeup Day" from 11am to 2pm, so we decide to visit Ruby's Diner before heading over to downtown Disney to catch Pokémon.

1st thing I noticed was a wonderful patio area, and the cool music playing in the background. The patio seating is spacious and the area is covered. I found the space relaxing. This location has a carhop area, most of it is shaded; with luck a person can park in the shade and eat in their vehicles and enjoy a meal. (coincidently, I had an opportunity to chat with the owner) I had the opportunity to convey to him my perspective about the carhop area) he was very positive and thankful on my feedback. As I do think that if all those "carhop" area spots had full shade it would be better, especially on these super hot days!

As noted from my 1st impression, the noteworthy aspect of this particular restaurant are the beautiful patios. People are in need of fresh air, everyone is stuck at home breathing AC, and granted it is hot outside, it was truly wonderful to enjoy lunch in a relaxing environment. *PLEASE NOTE: the restaurant is beautiful inside, but because of covid-19 no one is eating inside the restaurant, therefore, my comments are BASED on the patio accommodations this restaurant has made to comply with covid-19)

NOW when it comes to food, I am very very very VERY particular about how my hamburger should be cooked. Most times, when it comes to eating a burger at a restaurant, I'm always somewhat disappointed. As I always want the meat well done, and if the meat is overcooked then it becomes hard and dry. When the server brought my plate, I was happy to see that the meat looked well cooked, and when I took the 1st bite, I knew it was cooked to perfection: juicy, cooked perfectly, and tasty!! Shakes are always AMAZING at Rubys so I won't go into details on that.

Instead, I do want to make an observation regarding face mask. As we all know, restaurants require for their staff to wear a mask. At the same time, masks eliminate that human connection we get when we are greeted with a smile. I was delighted to see that each employee had a personalized mask. Allowing the servers to connect with their customers by displaying a portion of their personalities. CONNECTIVITY is key during these confusing times, having something to relate to is in my humble opinion crucial to maintaining a sense of familiarity. As I do think business can be selective on personals mask, as in, if they are going to wear a non uniform mask, they should wear items that are non political or offensive but more in a spectrum of colorfulness and commonly related topics. (obviously these are personal opinions, someone may feel its necessary to have uniform mask, as for now, I do think this Ruby's location has elected a fun way to keep their business feeling comfortable in a "homelike"' welcoming environment.

SIDE NOTE (as mentioned above, the plan was to eat then leave to find Pokémon) instead, since the environment was super welcoming, and THE LOCATION has plenty Pokémon, we decided to Pokemon...

Experience - Ruby's Diner is a well thought out 40s-50s chain style restaurant that boasts non-hydrogenated, zero trans-fat, cholesterol-free, pure vegetable oil for cooking. I stopped herewith my family of 5 (2AD, 5-2-5mo.) after a long day at the beach. We were told the roof was only open on weekends so we found a seat. The service was great and the food was great. They give the kids little fold-up cars to make which is a nice touch.

Ambience - What can I say they thought of just about every detail. The cars out front to the diner bar and stools. It is a great throwback stop especially for the kids.Perhaps the music was only off or down really low when we were there but that is a big part of the environment for me would have been nice to hear old tunes.

Staff - The staff seemed experience but slightly preoccupied. They could be a bit more attentive in general but our waitress was on point. We had to track down a person to grab us a high chair event hough our hands were full of babies and kids. It's always nice when an establishment asks and accommodates up-front as I find I have 2 completely different experiences with my family or by myself when dining in general. I tend to frequent the restaurants that blend that line with great service for both more often.

Amenities - They offer patio seating although only on the weekends. This was a deduction for me. Opening the rooftop patio during the week seems like it would promote the experience. I get the logistics but it should always be an option if requested. Especially in a place where your guests are often travelers that may not get to come back. There are booths, public restrooms, high chairs, foldable cars with stickers for kids, a bar, & a small lobby/waiting area. Overall this location is clean the tables, chairs, and booth areas are clean.

Value - Ruby's is a good value for a sit-down restaurant . Expect to spend between $12 to $25 if your hungry.

Panda Power Meal - Start with the Loaded Tots with country gravy. Split a Double Dark Chocolate Chip Shake or Banana Split while you wait for your Sriracha...

Ruby's Diner, located off PCH, offers a delightful dining experience with its stunning ocean view dining deck and nostalgic ambiance. The restaurant captures the essence of classic American diners, complete with retro decor and friendly service.

The highlight of Ruby's Diner is undoubtedly its great-tasting burgers. Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger or crave a specialty option, Ruby's delivers on flavor and quality. Their burgers are made with juicy patties, fresh ingredients, and served on perfectly toasted buns. The menu also offers a variety of toppings and add-ons to customize your burger to your liking.

The ocean view dining deck at Ruby's Diner adds an extra touch of charm to the experience. It provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the picturesque coastal scenery. This outdoor setting is particularly appealing for those seeking a refreshing and enjoyable dining experience.

Additionally, Ruby's Diner often incorporates classic cars into their theme, creating a unique and nostalgic ambiance. The vintage cars displayed inside the restaurant add a charming element to the overall dining atmosphere, making it a memorable setting for guests of all ages.

The friendly and attentive service at Ruby's Diner contributes to the positive experience. The staff is known for their warm hospitality and willingness to ensure that every guest feels welcome and well taken care of.

Overall, Ruby's Diner off PCH provides a delightful combination of delicious burgers, a captivating ocean view dining deck, and a nostalgic ambiance. It's a great place to enjoy a tasty meal while immersing yourself in the classic American...