Hussle Your Bussel at Ruby's in a Rush

Ruby’s in a Rush

Out of Five Stars
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2.5
Food: 3.5
BFYB: 3.5

Sometimes, Brad and I like to take a quiet little lunch, away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan area, to a place where we can discuss any order of business as easily as we would discuss our favorite colors or the potentially devastating impact of baseball’s Mitchell Report. Well, of course, there are few places better for that quaint meeting than Ruby’s in a Rush. In fact, I dare say it might even be better if you’re not in a rush!

Located in the beautifully designed and fresh environs of the Gateway Plaza—it still has that new building smell!—Ruby’s in a Rush doesn’t come across any differently than any other little lunch spot set inside an office building, like a newsstand with more tile and a TV. They’ve tried to make it feel more cozy with pictures of folks eating and such, but there’s little one can do with the physical space they’ve been given. Besides, the people swinging in and out of there are in a hurry, so its utilitarian spatial qualities make sense.

While the décor doesn’t invoke feelings of comfort, the way that Ruby and Gloria welcome their visitors lends the impression you’ve stepped foot in their living room. You couldn’t ask for nicer folks—sweet, accommodating and efficient. And that little touch—unlike the pale, unemotional “welcome to (insert name)” greetings you get in chain restaurants—makes a huge difference.

Though the service is the most striking aspect at Ruby’s in a Rush, it wouldn’t matter without good food. I think of Ruby’s as a sandwich shop, primarily, but this last visit, I ordered from the hot bar. Citrus-seasoned tilapia, yellow rice and black-eyed peas. The fish was so good, I had an extra piece. Brad ate the Club, which was big enough and good enough to keep him shut up for a good five minutes.

So yeah, I probably wouldn’t take my wife to Ruby’s for our 30^th Anniversary Dinner, but I’d go almost any time to pick up a quick and delicious lunch. Shoot, I might go just to say hey to Ms. Ruby and Ms.Gloria… and maybe have a bite while I’m there. -- Chris Horne