Just wanted to drop a line to say how absolutely wonderful our recent visit to your place was! From the second we walked in, Erik totally blew us away. He was just so welcoming and friendly, setting such a fantastic vibe for the whole morning. He seemed to anticipate our needs before we even knew them, always there with a smile, making everything run so smoothly. It felt like he genuinely cared about us having the best time, and that really made a difference to how relaxed and happy we felt. It's honestly so rare to find someone who offers such personalized and thoughtful service; Erik truly is a superstar and a shining example of what hospitality should be! read more

Erik opened the restaurant and greeted us with a smile and a kind word. From then on he made us feel welcome and well cared for. Ruby's is lucky to have such a wonderful member of their restaurant family! Thanks Erik! read more

Even though this lovely restaurant is extremely far away from where I live I still like to go there. Their food is the finest quality and the service is excellent - I LOVE the cheeseburgers here and think them well worth the long trip. I love the booths, and the overhead model railroad that runs along tracks over your head - I am Very sorry that all of the other Ruby's Diners (Even in San Juan Capistrano) have gone out of business in the last 5 years - but very VERY Glad that this one location is still open! If I had to pick just one location in San Diego county for "The best exotic shakes" - the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake here would be #1 on my list. The straws are the same diameter as my little 'pinky' finger - and they HAVE To be: because the lumps of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough shot throughout this shake simply would not fit through a normal diameter straw! As it is: you do an awful lot of chewing - for a shake! I have not been in a while but I look forward to going there again for the great food and ambiance. I would recommend!!! ________________________________________________________________________ This half of the review got added AFTER the management replied to my initial unedited review. So, right after I had posted this review ... I had literally talked myself into going there again. I walked through downtown San Diego to the Santa Fe Depot Coaster Station and caught the next NCTD Coaster to Carlsbad Poinsettia station - and walked to Ruby's diner from there (about 2 1/2 hours to get there). I was drooling in anticipation of that shake the whole way there! I was waited on right away. The unique ambiance was always welcoming and the little kid in me loved the many models there. I ordered the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough shake [with extra malt powder] and the Mushroom Swiss cheeseburger. When it arrived: I knew I had died ... and gone to cheeseburger heaven. Correction: the straws that come with the shakes are 3/8" (1 centimeter) in diameter - not as big around as my pinky finger. They NEED to be huge to suck up the lumps of Cookie Dough swimming in the Malt/Shake!! After I drank the liquid there was still a large heap of miniature chocolate chips and chunks of cookie dough at the bottom that needed to be fished out with the long handled spoon - I chewed as much as I drank! The entire malt mixing cup comes with the glass and there is enough left in the mixing cup to fill the glass again! After I scarfed down that heavenly cheeseburger ... I confess - I ordered a SECOND identical Malted Shake!!! One wasn't enough to justify the 5 hour round trip. (I have a large size fuel tank on me. Hey, I walked over an hour in the hot sun there and back - I burned it off.) One of the aircraft models I recognized: the Lockheed Constellation. I asked Chat GPT AI what the other model was and it couldn't tell me - even though I showed it two different views taken 90 degrees apart. A Consolidated PBY Catalina - or a Martin JRM Mars - or a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress it said ... none of which appear to be correct. It was worth the 5 hour round trip by Train/Bus/Foot to eat there! Can you tell me what this second airplane is? "A Boeing 314 Clipper" ____________________________________________________________________ Update to my update: "HI Carl M. So sorry for the late reply! The review platform we use does not always generate updated reviews for us to see. So thrilled to meet another plane enthusiast, the one you are referring to is called a Clipper. Specifically, a Boeing 314 Clipper. Fun fact about these planes, after the war they started using them for fire rescue projects. I do not know the date for that, but they had to enlist the previous pilots to help teach the new ones. They actually held test runs at Lake Elsinore. We look forward to your return visit and so glad you enjoyed the malts. It's hard to find a good malt nowadays. All the best!! Ruby's Diner Carlsbad Team!" I'll be back: and I'm bringing a Friend with me next time!!! read more

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So very impressed with this location! Every time we come, we not only enjoy the food and shakes, but we also feel so taken care of. My latest visit prompted me to write this review because of how over the top the went to take care of us when our child knocked over and broke a shake glass. They heard the news and surrounded us so fast, I thought they had wings. They cleaned it up, knew there was glass in the food "from the sound of the break" (made us look and sure enough we found it), replaced it asap. I love this place! Special thanks to Angel and Alyssa! read more

This place brings me back to my childhood. I think this might be the only Ruby's left in San Diego so whenever I'm at the outlets I eat here. I love how this restaurant has stayed true to how all Ruby's looked. The onion rings have changed to being more beer battered but the food is still just as good as I remember it being. The service is always fantastic and the restaurant is always full of people and is very lively without being too loud. read more

Ruby's Diner - BLTA with fries - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Ruby's is always fun for the family. Classic feel with a tasty solid Burger, fries, and BOMB milkshake and some great pop and rock music from the Golden era is such a great vibe making you want to go eat out and enjoy a meal! The service here is always great with friendly people. My 4-year-old was super pumped on the train and the decor throughout the restaurant as well. Great kids menu and the chicken salad I ordered was huge. The men's bathroom here really had a gnarly long term grease smell to it that was screaming for a deep cleaning. I know that's not what everybody goes to Yelp for when reading reviews, but when you are taking your family out to a meal and your kids or disabled family members have to go to the restroom, this is important and definitely part of the experience. I would have given the review four stars here but I took it back a notch because of the bathroom. I will definitely update next time we're there if it's any different. read more

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We came to the outlets to do some shopping & were looking at the food choices but once I saw a Ruby's Diner, I knew I wanted that right away. Food was good, typical burgers & sandwiches. My favorite were the sweet potato fries!! The strawberry lemonade was also nice & sweet. I like how they put strawberries inside & not just the syrup. Our waiter was Olivia & she was friendly & welcoming. The inside was clean & had plenty of things to look at. I would definitely come back here with my family. read more

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The folks at Ruby's are just incredible and we love going there! The service and good are just outstanding! We visit there several times a week and always enjoy the meal & service We Love Ruby's read more

While shopping we got a little hungry and stopped in here for some snacks. We may have gone a little overboard with the fried stuff out of hunger and didn't finish it all but it definitely hit the spot. Some of us were more health conscious and ordered a salad. The Cobb salad was HUGE and pretty good as well. Finally, you can't go to Rubys and not order a milkshake. Mint chocolate chip was what we shared. It came with tons of mini dark chocolate chips read more

Ruby's Diner - Huge Cobb salad - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Such a great spot! The sandwiches are super tasty and full of flavor, and the seafood is really fresh and perfectly cooked. Everything we tried was amazing! The place has a nice, relaxed vibe, and the staff are super friendly and helpful read more

Ruby's Diner - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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It's Easter Sunday and the place is bustling with people for brunch. Service is good with them showing you the table to asking how you're doing with a smile. Food came out pretty fast and it's good. Their kid's shakes are think and delicious. The train over head adds to the ambiance to the place especially Donnie's. read more

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Worst food here I got the chicken strips and they were dry not cooked they were very dry and the server wasn't very good. I am disappointed in this place the only good thing is their shakes read more

Sorry, but food has deteriorated here over the past year. Been there three times in past year and each time the breakfast was poor - bacon dry; breakfast potatoes cool and unappetising; scrambled eggs dry and tasteless. Fried eggs and service good. It's a pleasant spot for breakfast but the food just does not warrant a visit again. read more

I used to be a regular patron of Ruby's when I lived in the area, but hadn't been in years, until a recent trip to San Diego for Mother's Day weekend. I was pleased to find it fairly busy on a Monday at lunchtime, but we were seated quickly and our order taken shortly after. The portions are still nice and large, and the parry melt was more than big enough for my mom and I to share. Our food was delicious, as always, and the price point still reasonable. With so many longtime restaurants closing in the area, it's nice to see Ruby's still doing well. read more

Our son's soccer team had a tournament in Carlsbad this past Sunday, and we came in with a group of 23 people. Despite how busy the place was, we were seated together within five minutes, and the staff was ready to take our multiple orders right away. The service was excellent--friendly, efficient, and patient with our large group. The food was great, and all the orders came out quickly and correctly. Getting the check was fast and easy, which allowed us to get back to the field in time for the kids' final match. Huge thanks to the entire staff for making our experience smooth and enjoyable. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

Ruby's is a diner with a diner menu. What that means is that they breakfast all day and a variety of lunch and dinner options. We decided to share and opted for the Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese salad. They were flexible and were able to leave off the cheese. We also had the Tuna Melt which came with French Fries. It was all good. It is a bright space that looks like the old fashioned diners. There of booths of multiple capacities. The servers were soda jerk hats with a change maker around their waist. The atmosphere alone is worth trying this charming diner. read more

Gracias Ruby Me comi una deliciosa ensalada muy bien preparada con pollo frito ( bien hecho , no se sentía el aceite y bien crispy El servicio fue excelente muy amables todos los meseros , mi compañero una hamburguesa con papás ,,, muy grande la hamburguesa y deliciosa.... Extraño Ruby en San Diego !! El servicio en general fue muy bueno Todos ámables y precios justos .... Gracias read more

Rubi's diner such a fun place to grab a bite. I love the old-time music they play from the 50s. All the food is really good! We really enjoyed the 50s diner atmosphere. The service is really quick, friendly and efficient. read more

Ruby's Diner - Grown-up grilled cheese with fries and a classic burger at Rubys, strawberry lemonade, and an iced tea. - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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

This place is getting progressively worse. I don't come here often. We typically try to find any other restaurant that might be open for breakfast when coming out to Carlsbad. But, time and again, it becomes the default option to fall back upon whenever my mother wants to eat and then do something else in the immediate area. "Let's just go to Ruby's, Caleb ... it's right there and it's simple." I once thought that this place was close to being "reliably average". Over the last year, it has taken a dramatic turn into "pretty gross" territory. For the bulk of our breakfasts, everything was cooked pretty dry; making me feel that it had been premade in bulk and left under heating lamps until someone finally ordered hours later. This made all of our food rubbery, coarse, and overly chewy. The toast seemed to be relatively safe and the beignets were good as always, leading us to believe that they were made offsite with loving care and brought in to be served alongside the rest of Ruby's crappy food. Still, while the fare here seems to have gotten worse and worse, it still hasn't strayed into inedible territory. While I will shake my head and roll my eyes at the suggestion of a Ruby's breakfast, I'm not gonna pick a fight over it. In the meantime, all I can suggest is that if you have to dine here, make sure to get a side of gravy or salsa to help you choke down your lunch. read more

Cool back in the day diner. Service was great. Food was ok. Nothing special. Bacon on BLTA was too hard, seemed old leftover bacon. Chili fries were good and Patty Melt needed flavor. read more

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Located in the Carlsbad Outlet mall area. Lots of parking. They have inside and outside seating. Service was fast and friendly. Ask for a build your own paper car for the kiddo. They have different color cars. Ordered: Lemonade - kid loved it and they put it in a to go cup for us to take with. Cobb salad - you can't substitute the turkey for chicken. You can pay $4 extra for grilled chicken. I had asked but when I heard it was $4 I said no. Lo and behold they did it anyway and I was charged $21 for a Cobb salad. Not worth it. Chicken was good but the lettuce in the salad was not good. Iceberg maybe? Cobb burger - friend really liked this. Chicken tenders - SUPER over cooked. Kid wouldn't eat them. read more

Ruby's Diner - Cobb salad add $4 grilled chicken - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We come here once a year after we've visited the flower fields. Wasn't as busy. Though it looked it. Area was nice and clean. My only complaint was the food. My husband has a specific diet and the waiter knew that. He specifically asked for the veggie omelette with egg whites. He asked for only egg and spinach. No cheese no mushrooms or peppers. Food arrives and it was wrong. Cheese and mushrooms were visible. Fine. So we sent it back. We get the next one and it looks great til he took one bite and it had cheese! If he had been allergic this all would of been bad. Sure enough there was cheese inside. He said it was fine and I said no it's not. So we tell the waiter and he goes back and tells the chef. The chef did not seem too happy about it, but if he read the order right the first time, he wouldn't of had to make it a third time. read more

Ruby's Diner - What we originally asked for. Egg whites with spinach. - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Thank you for making my breakfast coffee with toast and egg whites Friendly service read more

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Always great food & service at Ruby's Prices very reasonable Patio dining very pleasant with good weather! We love going to Ruby's great time. read more

Great Diner with a-lot of diner style food options. nostalgic from the tables, chairs and waiter/waitresses uniforms. Don't forget to try one of there shakes before you leavd read more

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The mushroom burger was actually pretty tasty. I was kinda surprised since I would've thought that it was so so but in this case, I really liked it. The calamari too was very crunchy. The restaurant gets very crowded though since it is in an outlet mall. But overall service was awesome! The ambiance had a cute 50s diner look which takes you back in the past. The servers were super attentive and usually checked if we needed anything. Definitely a good quick bite option if needed. read more

Ruby's Diner - Calamari - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Was excited to try this place again after they closed down the location in Mission Valley! We came for lunch around 12pm on Saturday after shopping at the outlets and were seated right away. I got the Ruby burger with cheese and it was as good as I remember! My family also ordered the Ruby Melt, Ruby Club and Denver Omelette. All the dishes are good and portions are huge! read more

Ruby's Diner - Bottom: Ruby Burger and Ruby Club Top: Ruby Melt, Denver Omelette - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Came here for Saturday lunch while shopping at the outlets and was seated right away. I was excited to come after the location in Mission Valley closed years ago :( Burger was as good as I remember it and portions were huge! The club sandwich wasn't my favorite due to the bread. Was about $60 for 4 people read more

Ruby's Diner - Ruby's Club, Ruby's Burger with Cheese, RubyMelt and Denver Omelette - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

So disappointed! I get it. I come at seven. They close at eight. They're done. I received timed out sweet potato fries. I complained and asked for fresh fries IF they had some of them available. Instead of just saying we're not making new fries this late. This is what I got. You judge. read more

Ruby's Diner - You judge! - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

3.5 stars. To start I would return here, it's a place with cute seats, decor and the train going around the restaurant was fun. They have a cool car for the kids to put together while the food comes out. Their shakes and ice cream are good! I came here for that and then we were hungry for real food in the process. Our orders came out at vastly different times and the last order came out when everyone was done eating which was the most disappointing part. Their sandwiches didn't have a lot of flavor, but the bread was soft. Next time I think I would go with a burger, their Cajun and garlic fries are really good - ask for sides of ranch. The chili cheese fries seem to be a house special but they didn't amaze me. Looking to try other items on the menu next time we are in the area. read more

We had a great dinner other than my son thought the food was too hot. Our server Sarah was really nice. The Easter decorations added to the fun diner theme. read more

Came with my dad on a Sunday morning for breakfast. I got the amazing breakfast sandwich and it did not disappoint. It was absolutely delicious. The customer service was absolutely great. There was no line and we were seated immediately when we walked in if you're coming shopping at the Carlsbad outlets, I definitely recommend Ruby's diner. The whole mall is a great place to shop wonderful holiday ambience, along with a huge Christmas tree. Stop at Rubys! You won't be disappointed with the food and the service and it's beautifully decorated a great place for families to come and eat. read more

Ruby's Diner - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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

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

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

I'd say 3 for food - it's your average diner type food but I bumped it to a 4 because the customer service was great. It's in the middle of an outlet center so for is as expected. read more

Ruby's Diner - Blt - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Surprising better than expected. Ever since they closed the Ruby's at the end of the pier in Oceanside I haven't been to once since however after enjoying retail therapy I worked up an appetite. I didn't want to fuss over to BJ's or have pizza but a heart burger seemed to check off my hunger pains. Got the back cheese burger with fries and onions and boyfriend got a caramel chocolate milkshake. He said his milkshake was great and I'll have to take his word for it cause he didn't let me have any. But the burger was cooked to perfection, the fries were crispy with a mashed potato center like, and onion rings with perfect crunch. Really good food for the price! read more

One of the best Ruby's Diners I've been where they still showcase the antique toy cars and working train and the servers dressed like they're in the 50s to give you the ultimate classic feeling. Our host and server were really friendly, quick to take us to our seat and take our order. Server also gave us two paper toy cars and stickers for the kids to play with and right when they were done, the food came right out. We ordered quite a bit too. Food was plenty and delicious. Excellent service and great food. I couldn't have asked for a better place to have breakfast. Best breakfast place to have if visiting Legoland and outlet and/or staying at the hotels close by. Highly recommend this place. read more

Ruby's Diner - Running train - American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We stopped here for breakfast. I love the retro ambience here. The beignets caught my eye and I ordered them and coffee. This was a sweet surprise for my wife. The beignets were delicious and it's been at least two years since we've had them. The wait staff were so nice. Everyone you come in contact with was very upbeat and polite. For our main breakfast we split a turkey Benedict with seasoned potatoes. The picture is half of the order. Very large portions! It was delicious. They have a patio for outside dining and it is dog friendly. Great place to eat and I'd definitely be back. read more

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