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Ruby's Cafe
Category: Restaurants Sandwiches Sandwiches [Edit]
6233 Hollis St(between Doyle St & 62nd St)
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 601-0622
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
157 reviews for Ruby's Cafe
Review Highlights
"I recommend the chicken avocado spread for lunch."
(in 4 reviews)
"i had the roasted chicken breast with mango chutney."
(in 8 reviews)
"I ALWAYS get the same thing, its been too good to get..."
(in 3 reviews)
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157 reviews in English
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Review from James P.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you're stuck in Emeryville, and need a good, quick lunch (sandwich, salad, soup), try Ruby's. But get there early or you'll face a long line. If you can't make it early, they line usually moves pretty quick. I work in the area, and a week rarely goes by that I don't stop for lunch here. The Wed. special is usually a pulled pork sandwich, and it's good.
Service is excellent, prices could be lower but they're not bad. -
Review from RastaGirl J.
Oakland, CA
10/21/2011
My issue wasn't so much with the food but the service wasn't very good. The guy who took my order, gave me a wrong item and when I went back to say what I originally ordered, he had the nerve to tell me that I told him something else. And he did it with a really cocky attitude. Then the girl who took my money never smiled, I said hello and thank you when she just about threw my change at me, never uttering a word. So I kept my change instead of putting it in the tip jar.
I work too hard for my money to deal with bad attitudes when spending it. I won't be going back. Very unfortunate because I really liked the food. But the people working there don't seem to like their jobs very much. Oh well not my problem. I'll go where my patronage is appreciated. -
Review from Shannon S.
Oakland, CA
4/20/2011
Mmmmm, mhmmm. mmm mmmmmmm mmmmm. Oh, sorry, my mouth was full.
I tried their roasted turkey sammich & had a chocolate chip (chunk) cookie. It was all delicious and I'll happily pay a little more to get a quality sandwich here than a fast food Subway or Togo's sandwich.
It's a bit chilly out today, I think I'll try their soup... -
Review from Kat C.
12/13/2010 5 photos
The city of Emeryville is speckled with little cafe's and restaurants like Ruby's. It's cozy, convenient, and not fussy. The menu is simple and the customer service is friendly but not 'in yo face' uncomfortable.
To start, I had the hot chocolate. For someone who likes sugar (and a lot of it), it's a bold statement to say this drink was overbearingly sweet... I couldn't finish it! Comparable to the Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha at Starbucks... (you should've heard me answering the phone at work...)
My boyfriend had a Bagel with cream cheese, lox, capers, and onions on a bed of lettuce ($6?). I don't know why it reminded me of The Little Mermaid... but it was pretty!
I had the Oven Roasted Chicken sandwich ($6?) and a side of Minestrone soup ($3.50/cup?). By request, it came out warm and toasted, which made for an attractive tablescape of crumbs and drips of flavored mayonnaise. The sandwich was so deliciously savory and juicy that I couldn't resist eating it like a slob. The Minestrone soup was chunky and very soothing. Just what I needed on a muggy Saturday morning.
I want to give it more stars but I have yet to dine at all the other cafe's in the area. Perhaps my star rating will change once I have more to compare this place to :) For now, I'm a fan of that chicken sandwich!! -
Review from Melinda Y.
San Leandro, CA
12/9/2010 1 photo
It was pure happenstance that we ended up here today for lunch. We were so set on Seoul on Wheels today, but alas they broke the Tues/Thurs routine and stayed in SF when they should be here. =(
Okay, let's settle for Ruby's then. In the past, I frequented Ruby's on a regular basis for either their soup or Caesar salads. It's close. The food is decent. Boy, are they over-priced for what they are. ($8-9 for a chicken Caesar salad?) Many of my coworkers complained about their soup being watered down. It's been a while since I last had some. The food is not exactly something you would crave. That's exactly the reason why I often walk past, on my way to something better and worthy of my hard-earned bucks.
Today, I had the "Philly Cheesesteak." It was more of some sort of roast beef and caramelized onions with melted cheddar cheese on toasted bread ($8). The sandwich appeared simple, but the flavors weren't bad. My coworker had the caprese sandwich ($6.50). The sandwich was in a roll that was a bit spongy and could have used a crustier bread, perhaps toasted, to save it from it's chewy texture. -
Review from Michael L.
San Jose, CA
4/27/2011
Not bad, but there are better sandwiches around. I had the Roasted Chicken with Mango Chutney - pretty good, but the chutney quickly becomes overpowering. Also, the bread they use is spongy and oily. It doesn't taste bad, but I feel like they could use better bread.
And $2 for a cookie? Really? Plus, the snickerdoodle I had was hard. A good snickerdoodle crumbles in your mouth, dammit.
Still, it's a nice little place, and I've yet to try their other sandwiches or soups, so it may redeem itself yet. -
Review from Lauren S.
Berkeley, CA
8/14/2011
Not since Deaf Dog was around in Sonoma County have I found a heath bar and caramel blended coffee drink this good! They win on that alone.
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Review from Beth F.
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've eaten at Ruby's a handful of times. I typically order their mozzarella sandwich, but today I decided to branch out and try something different: Veggies Go Greek. The pita sandwich arrived teeming with crisp peppers, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. It was topped with feta, a light white sauce, and had hummus as a finish. I quickly devoured the fresh, satisfying goodness. Yum!
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Review from Eric B.
Vallejo, CA
1/4/2011
I used to come here on a daily basis a few years back when I used to work down the block from it. I love their breakfast croissants. Beats anything coming out of any of the chain/fast food restaurants.
Depending on when you go, the service will either be really fast or really slow. You know you're in for a wait when the line goes out the door.
I also love their service. Jessica is really friendly & outgoing, and remembered my name and my usual order, since I was a frequent customer. The rest of staff was cool like that, too.
I docked them 1 star cause just about everything on their menu is over-priced. But from what I've had (soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast croissants), everything is very good, quality-wise. -
Review from jeff r.
Emeryville, CA
9/19/2010
Boycotting this establishment until its owner Albert Repola stops leaning on the City of Emeryville to regulate his competition out of existence.
He may have every right to do so, but we have every right to know about it, and to act accordingly. I am.
http://blog.mises.org/... -
Review from Art T.
Emeryville, CA
4/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My Saturday morning ritual is to drop the dogs off at doggy day care a block away and come here for the Belgian waffles with fruit and whipped cream and a cappuccino.
I like it, but my wife hates the coffee. Therefore, this ritual only happens maybe once a month.
They're really great about the waffles. We've gone in the early afternoon, after they've cleaned up the waffle iron and prep area, and despite my,"No, really, it's OK!" the staff warmed it back up and made my day.
I can't think of anything negative other than my wife's objection, which is why I had to take away a star. Those are the rules. -
Review from Jaime H.
San Francisco, CA
7/9/2010
I frequent this cafe for lunch since it is near my office and everyone here is Stellar! and the food is Stellar!
I just came back from a team lunch, we sat in the cafe today rather then grabbing and going. I had the asaragus soup and garden salad - both so yummy! This place is soup, salad or sandwhich and they have daily specials.
Service was quick and super friendly, as usual! (we beat the lunch rush by a couple minutes.)
We run down here all the time for latte's too when in dier need of caffiene fixes.
I saw a ton of people walk in with these little bakery boxes, apparently there is a cupkate truck around the corner everyonce in a while.
Happy lunching! -
Review from Desiree L.
Berkeley, CA
8/17/2010
I had the Chicken Fuego Sandwich, which isn't on the menu and is extremely delicious. It has a little spicy kick to it. Unfortunately, it doesn't come in half-orders.
I also had the Curried Chicken Salad and the Ginger Cookie. The Ginger Cookie is soft, chewy and moist. I want to order an entire box of them next time I'm there.
I went during lunch time and the line was out the door, but it moves fast. Also, the food is prepared very quickly. It is a very clean establishment and the bathroom is well maintained. -
Review from Royal C.
Monterey Park, CA
8/30/2010
This is an easy one: Get a Chicken Fuego.
Well, unless you don't like anything with even a hint of spicy, or if you don't want to eat anything that's a little unhealthy for you. All their other sandwiches are decent but not amazing.
Also have to mention that one time they forgot my order when there were over 10 people in line and 8 or 9 waiting for their orders, but they promptly noticed, made my Fuego, and gave me a free cookie. -
Review from Jana S.
Updated - 6/30/2010
Is the adage true: "if it ain't broke, why fix it?"
Not trying out for a remake of Twilight Zone, but same friend, same spot, same thing ordered by her, and same thing ordered by me!!!
She a Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola: $5
Me a chicken vegetable stew: $5
The amount of care and ingredients that went into the soup stew: thinly sliced mushrooms, flavorful diced chicken breast, celery, puree of veg, nice flavorful, and NOT salty (which I hate, since i hardly ever add salt to my food, and sugar to my joe).
Strangely familiar, and the repeat performance was great! I noticed this time their assortment of salivating jars of cookies, oat cakes, shortbreads, F macaroons, and a whole long display case of more pastries... Definitely, just as I yelped last time, fills up quite quickly during the lunch hour.... the queues don't lie in attesting to their likeability!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2010
Been a little while since i've been back....the soup at this deli was rather great. It was very… Read more »
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Review from Isabelle L.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2011
At first my husband told me to go to a cafe for dinner at Emeryville. I was thinking what can we eat from a cafe ,especially in Emeryville. When we drove in to 6233 Hollis St, the parking lot is already full of car and we need to park our car down the block. I never knew Ruby cafe is big.
I like the way they design the cafe and love the stickers they post by the bathroom doors... The cafe reminds you of a coffee shop, but they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and BEERS... They even have happy hours too.
We order the sweet potatoes fries, large spanish salad ( OMG, it's huge) and steak dinner. My husband love the steak. I try some and they are so good too.... -
Review from C L.
San Jose, CA
7/31/2010 34 Check-ins Here
I eat here too often because it's steps away from work, but I'm addicted to their "Chicken En Fuego," a recurring hot sandwich special that's not on their menu and takes a little while longer to make. Service is prompt and friendly without fail.
The one thing missing is a menu board; customers have to walk up to the counter to grab a menu and then get back in line. But you really don't need the menu -- just go when the "En Fuego" is available. (It's actually available every day as long as you feed the tip jar!) -
Review from Ed U.
Honestly, I wouldn't have visited Ruby's had I...
(a) Not taken a wrong turn onto Hollis on my way to the Emery Bay Public Market.
(b) Not noticed the large Art Deco building in which the cafe is housed.
But the bigger question is that if Rudy Can't Fail, can Ruby? It's a deep, provocative question that has bothered me ever since I thought they were both called Ruby's. Now I've been to Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe down the street before for a Mexican-style breakfast, but Ruby's has never been on my radar. Why would it? It's one of those mommy magnet places where those huge rubber baby bugger bumpers get in my way toward the utensils.
God forbid one of those hausfrau harridans could lift a finger to move their prams. Thanks mommies. Anyway, it's a place to get a fruit plate, a sandwich, a donut, a cup of joe...the standard items in a lunchtime cafe. I went for the $6.95 Half Seasoned Roast Beef Sandwich on a French Roll (see photo). I'm not sure what it was seasoned with and why I got only half of it, but it was a decent enough sammie if a bit oversaturated with mayo. I imagine the extra mayo is a Caucasian preference since that's the only people that seem to come here.
I tried a $3.95 cup of the Chicken Noodle Soup (see photo). It was definitely from a can. The noodles were way too identical and wilty-wet to be homemade. If I worked at Pixar or Peet's headquarters, maybe I'd come here if I was tired of the company cafeteria. Maybe. But I don't think I have the athleticism of jumping over another infant carriage. I guess Ruby can fail. But that's OK...she never said she was perfect.
FOOD - 3 stars...good size sandwich, too heavy on the mayo
AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...tall ceilings and space to spare despite the baby brigade
SERVICE - 3 stars...nice..."nice"
TOTAL - 3 stars...serves its purpose for the immediate vicinityListed in: Go East, Young Man!, BLTs and Bahn Mis, Heroes and…
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Review from Mimi Z.
Berkeley, CA
9/6/2010
3.5 stars
Nice staff, good fast service
THis is a cute little cafe/lunch place. I really like the eggplant sandwich. I've heard great things about the chicken curry salad and the mozzarella sandwich.
The baked goods look yummy but I have yet to try any. I will def be coming back here soon to try the other things -
Review from Jason C.
Emeryville, CA
7/18/2011
I like Ruby's. Simple and straightforward. I love getting the bagle with cream cheese with tomato and cukes. The clam chowder on Fridays is great, too.
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Review from Halani X.
West Sacramento, CA
8/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
I beat the lunch rush coming here around 1. There were about 5 people ahead of me. I saw the special "chicken en fuego" sandwich, so I ordered it based on the rave reviews. I also ordered a peach Italian soda.
The service was reasonably quick, although the woman behind me in line for her sandwich before me. No big deal. I tasted my peach Italian soda. Peachy and a little too sweet, but nonetheless refreshing. The Chicken el Fuego sandwich consisted of chicken breast, avocado, Swiss cheese, onions all smothered in a chipotle sauce. Overall it was very good, but not as spicy as I had anticipated.
For the price and quantity, I give the place an average rating. The friendly service bumps up my rating an extra star. -
Review from Sammy S.
Alameda, CA
3/6/2009
So I'm one of those girls who kind of hates attention and tries to blend in with the crowd, but then gets upset that no boys make inappropriate jokes about what's underneath my nun-like flannel shirt.
Well, I don't have that problem at Ruby's, where the entire technology industry of Emery ville lunches. And if you work in the tech world, you would know that men make up the majority of said world. Nerdy men. Nerdy men who try to dress well. Nerdy men who try to dress well and are kinda food and wine snobs. Nerdy men who try to dress well, are kind of food and wine snobs, who have extreme starring problems.
Fortunately, Ruby's prepares your meals about as quickly as you can say "Hold the wiener schnitzel!" So I'm never subject to the ogling for too long.
I don't sit and eat here, because honestly, trying to eat my mozzarella sandwich, while holding my book AND sucking in my stomach and batting my eyelashes is far too daunting for my lunch hour.
Therefore, I usually brown bag it and return to my cube where I sit, shoulders hunched, trying not to get crumbs on my keyboard, giving dirty looks to anyone that dares to walk by my screen while I'm Face Book Scrabbling.
Despite the stare downs, which in all reality are flattering, because no one outside Emery ville gives me so much as a glance unless they're giving me pity eyes because I tripped on a curb again, Ruby's kills it.
I've tried the chicken, turkey ,and mozzarella sandwiches, which all quenched my appetite accordingly, as well as the tasty chicken noodle and asparagus soups.
The menu is a little confusing, and I pretty much always end my meal with a scorched tongue, but the price is right, the ingredients are fresh, and my ego is fed for the week to come. I'd say Ruby's is a straight up success. -
Review from Yun W.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2011 12 Check-ins Here
This place is definitely one of my fav sandwich places. Fresh ingredients in all their salads and sandwiches. And they pile it ON for only $6-8. Love it. My fav is the Chicken avocado sandwich, love the avocado spread they put on fresh foccacia. Not to mention they serve tons of cookies and other baked goods too. I'm there at least once a week.
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Review from Kiki G.
Oakland, CA
11/11/2009
I miss Ruby's! Once upon a time, I worked down the street. Now, I live and work on the other side of the universe. Ok, ok. The other side of the county. Whatever. It feels like it is so far.
When I find myself dropping in on former work friends, I always suggest that we lunch at Ruby's. The line out the door says it all. I resisted the sweets at the end of the meal, but just barely.
Breakfast is good, also. Too bad they don't do dinner! -
Review from Jessica P.
Emeryville, CA
3/27/2008
I just started working in E-Ville so I'm not that sure what's available to me yet. Ruby's had always been a drive-by for me..that mysterious place that is never open when I seem to be hungry in the area.
Now that my man can meet me for lunch we decided to give it a try. I feel bad, there weren't that many veggie options outside of a few salads, and yes, if you don't like Greek, then you're out of luck. Although, I'm one who could probably exist on potato chips and smoothies alone. I do not recommend that though.
I had the chicken breast on focaccia with avocado spread. I have to say, it was the softest yummiest bread and most moist meat (say that 3x fast) I've had in a while.
I won't say I'll never go back, since I would want to try the salad and other sammiches. It'll have to be for a work lunch though, heh.
I wasn't too keen on the music either, but as long as Rick Astley isn't following me around, I'm happy.Listed in: E-ville Lunches
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Review from trey c.
Oakland, CA
6/12/2008
The homie Tanisha reviewed this recently (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), and it looks like she was there the day after me. Fate has a cruel way of keeping us apart, I guess.
Anyhoo, Ruby's. Long line. Friendly service. Pretty good chicken breast sandwiches. The focaccia (sp?) bread is a solid choice and the chicken was nice, tender and smack full of flavor. Just like my love, baby.
And, to reference Tanisha's review again, she didn't get any dessert. I had some kind of blueberry coffee cake and it was really, really good. And I'm definitely going back to get one of those white chocolate chip cookies. -
Review from Courtenay B.
American Canyon, CA
Updated - 7/16/2011
I tried Ruby's today and will definately be back! I was just going in for some soup but saw the sandwich special and had both! It was a grilled chicken sandwich with chipolte sauce, avocado, grilled onions and cheese grilled. Very good! The soup was great, cheese tortellini with vegetables in a savory chicken broth. YUM. This might be my new favorite place, I found at least 6 items on their small menu that I can't wait to try!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/9/2010
I tried Ruby's today and will definately be back! I was just going in for some soup but saw the… Read more »
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Review from Callie K.
1/14/2008 7 Check-ins Here
Top 5 Reasons why I love Ruby's:
1. The best Caprese sandwiches around (I think it's the added pesto spread- yum!)
2. Consistent A+ service. From the barista to the guys who are making your soup & sandwich, everyone has a friendly smile and kind words to share- gotta love that. And they truly seem to enjoy working there.
3. A healthy 10 minute walk from work means I get the tiniest bit of mid-day much needed leg stretching.
4. You can often eaves-drop on the local geek-chic Pixar employees discussing the latest Pixar film to come out- not that I'm a huge fan, but I still find it fairly amusing conversation.
5. If you didn't bring a book, don't panic, Ruby's offers a healthy selection of artsy mags to the latest issue of People. Love it!Listed in: Emeryville, my home away from…
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Review from O K.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2011
Great fresh tasty food at unbeatable prices! Favorite lunch place. Good selection + coffee + tasty treats :)
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Review from Tam F.
10/3/2007
I miss this place.
Good for catering. Albert (owner) and Jessica (manager) are two of the nicest business people around. I used to eat here A LOT when I worked down the road. I think I must be feeling nostalgic for Emeryville these days. The downside is that parking on the street is ass-especially with all the construction on Hollis.
Good clean food. Coffee (imho) SUCKS-weak at best, and the pastries are from the same folks that make the pastries for Peet's. Good cookie selection. Always a great fruit salad and interesting sandwiches. Good morning bagel as well. -
Review from Bonnie M.
Oakland, CA
6/13/2007
I totally fell in love again for the second time the other day.
After not having visited Ruby's in almost a year (he was awarded custody after the split), I decided to sneak in for my usual-soy latte and a whole wheat bagel with hummus, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Ruby's is very consistent with their coffee making skills because I was not disappointed with my latte-nice strong espresso flavor but not overpowering or burnt tasting. Kind of like running into an old friend and you're reminded that they always knew just what to say to cheer you up.
And some mad props to this place for having a non-dairy spread besides peanut butter for your morning bagel.
While I was waiting for my order I checked out the beautiful local art for sale-a photograph collection by an environmentally conscious artist.Listed in: Soy Lattes in the East Bay
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Review from miriam b.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2006
Click those Ruby slippers and wish you were in Bette's Ocean Diner.
This is not Bette's Ocean Diner and is really miserable, and was hoping for some good solid yummers. Not to be found here unfortunately. -
Review from Alan T.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2008
Nice and healthy selection of sandwiches.
Love their Roast Beef sandwich with horseradish sauce!
Love their Roasted Chicken sandwich with avocado!
Love their Roasted Chicken sandwich with cranberries! -
Review from Maia B.
Castro, San Francisco, CA
4/10/2008
Ruby's is a dependable place for a mediocre lunch. I've tried a couple other sandwiches, but the only one I like is the pesto/tomato/mozarella one which, while good, gets old fast.
The salads and sandwiches are around $8 each, which is more than I'm happy to pay.
What I like most about this place is that it's pretty far away from my office, so I get to take a long lunch break to walk there. Unfortunately, their outdoor seating is always in the shade, so I can't sit outside and enjoy the sun during my lunch break.
Cute decor, and the corporate crowd is slightly more hip than the one frequenting the Starbucks/Subway down the block. -
Review from Chiquita y.
Emeryville, CA
2/9/2006
Very friendly service, including kid-friendly with my youngster. Stays open until 4 pm/ late enough for an after-school snack.
We like the turkey sandwich, which is ample. Nice smoothies and coffee drinks. Great music playing in the background.
Death to Starbucks! In ode to the small business coffee shops...long may Ruby's stay open!
Update: our apologies to the Ruby's staff for my little girl's misbehavior last month--locking herself in the bathroon was definitely UNCOOL, and she got a swift consequence for it.Listed in: Eat. here. now., E-ville is not Evil
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Review from Joanne T.
Emeryville, CA
3/12/2009
Ruby's is so close to where I live so I decided to try it today. I had the curry chicken salad and my sister ordered the sandwich special (the fuego).
The curry chicken was tastily speckled with almonds and raisins, although I question their choice to serve it with raspberry vinaigrette - good thing i ordered the dressing on the side.
My sister's fuego was GOOD. Grilled, spicy chicken breast, a smooth layer of avocado, melted cheese, shaved red onion, all served on crispy toasted bread - YUM. I think it should be added to the menu permanently! -
Review from Tito Y.
Emeryville, CA
7/27/2009
This is my local 'walk my dog" lunch / coffee shack as part of my economic recovery challenge continues. Thus..what you do get are smallish yet filling tasty sandwiches but also means they don't try so hard and I don't pay so much kind of place. The coffee drinks or "just hot/strong enough" house pours are quite good and there will be a moderate chance you won't complain. .
Go in.. stand in line, order.. get a number sign and sit down. Your food is happily delivered to you while they take those number signs away, leaving you with your order, some utensils and drinks.
I will certainly return as since its down my street, and I never really thought of it being a big deal in yelping it in the past. -
Review from Vijay N.
Boston, MA
11/8/2007
My office is down the street so this is a great place to grab a little lunch. Sandwiches are fresh and tasty and the lemonade is delicious
Giant rice krispy treats dipped in chocolate - YOU'RE NEXT -
Review from Brigid B.
San Francisco, CA
9/3/2009
Ruby's is one of the few places that I can walk to from my office that has any soup. The fact that their soup also happens to be yummy is a rare ray of sunshine in the overcast life of an Emeryville worker bee.
The cookies and sandwiches are pretty good too, although nothing to write home about. You may just write home to tell Mom about Jessica and the other counter girls at Ruby's though, because they are so funny and chipper even when it's crazy busy. -
Review from Austin C.
1/18/2011
It's simple. The bagels are mean. The coffee is pumping and the babes are hot. However, I failed to try the sandwiches. Next time.
