Ruby Tuesday has been around since 1972 and since then they’ve delivered in the flavor department BIG TIME at their many locations.
As of 2021 they had 209 locations, and at each one the menu is “certainly hard to beat,” their many fans scream in unison all over the place.
I happen to be one of these, thus the purpose of this piece and all of these pieces I dedicate to the really epic menus the world over. These Ruby Tuesday items shall not disappoint you, our dear readers.
So what are some of the absolute best menu items to try next time you stop off at Ruby Tuesday?
And don’t worry, I know, I know…the mere mention of this restaurant chain brings up that classic hit by the Rolling Stones of the same exact name. That song was released by that band in 1967 and as stated, became quite the hit.
And maybe it is the mind association with that song that brings me back, but I’d also like to credit the overall feel of the physical restaurant locations as well. Walking into a Ruby Tuesday kind of reminds me of an era gone by, a lost era I’d very much like the world to return to.
Of course beggars can’t be choosers, so perhaps we’ll have to deal with this ever-changing world as we look out at it through the window of a Ruby Tuesday location, enjoying food for food’s sake.
"“Don’t question why she needs to be so freeShe’ll tell you it’s the only way to beShe just can’t be chainedTo a life where nothing’s gainedAnd nothing’s lost, at such a cost…”-The Rolling Stones /Keith Richards & Mick Jagger"
Well, the menu isn’t all that expensive, but they offer a wide variety of what is known in the casual dining community of affordable restaurants as American cuisine but of course there are always elements of international food like pasta and such.
And they do have burgers, but none of them made the list, but I assure you they’re delicious. I just wanted to feature other star items. And believe me when I say they are star items.
7. BBQ Cheese Bites
Starters are indeed very important. Which is why I always like to include at least one on these lists, and this one here sure does not disappoint.
I mean you’ve got your cheese; you’ve got the deep-fried factor here, which makes me think of jalapeño poppers but without the jalapeño, if that’s at all possible. Regardless, you don’t miss the pepper here, and these crispy bites start off the festivities with a satisfying crunch.
6. Lemon Cream Cake
Desserts as well are something I always like to feature in these pieces and that’s because if starters are important, then finishing a great meal is just as important. Ah…nothing better than a three course meal, is there?
And as far as desserts are concerned this one here is satisfying, sweet and citrusy enough to be a nice fresh end to a heavy meal.
5. Hickory Bourbon Salmon
‘Beware of restaurants serving fish when they shouldn’t be’ is the old adage, but why shouldn’t they be serving fish? is my question. They do a great job with it…served with zucchini that is indeed prepared beautifully and a rice pilaf.
Rice, veggies and a great piece of perfectly cooked fish go a long way and it bears mentioning for sure…now finish the fish with a bourbon glaze of all things, and you’ve got yourself a treat worth trying at least once…but you won’t be able to stop at just one time when this dish is concerned.
4.. Coconut Shrimp Appetizer
Shrimp is always a winner. I mean you can batter it in some flour, deep fry it and season it with just salt…put that in a paper bag and I’d eat it and be a happy shrimp-munching-camper.
Here, they’re prepared with a delicious coconut batter that doesn’t hit the mark for everyone, but here the combo of coconut and shrimp packs a punch worthy of your attention.
3. T-Bone Steak
Meat and potatoes. Perhaps there’s yet another staple of any diet. On a cold day, there’s oftentimes nothing better than a dish like this one served over at Ruby Tuesday—a piece of meat and a delicious baked potato. And what better cut of beef is there other than a beautiful T-Bone?
2. Pot Roast
Now as far as that aforementioned term ‘staple’ of cuisine, a pot roast is perhaps the most overcooked/overused meal in north American households, and there’s a very good reason for that: It’s economical, it’s quick and it’s delicious.
Now imagine being able to walk into a restaurant and order something that’ll take you back to Thursday night pot roast after a long day at school and an evening ahead of watching your favorite sitcom on TV? Enough said.
1. Ultimate Southern BLT
Now a sandwich at the number one spot! Sacrilege. Au contraire, I say, as sandwiches make the perfect meal if you ask me and of course the Earl of Sandwich…
This classic BLT at Ruby’s is indeed a treat and one that merits being called the number one menu item at a restaurant that sure has a special place in our hearts.
The Texas toast is a great addition, and of course along with the classic elements of a BLT…bacon, lettuce and tomato, are the deep fried pickles and their signature sauce. Next to some fries, and great ones at that, you probably get why this item is numero uno here today.
And indeed as the song says, there is absolutely no time to lose. Get to your local Ruby Tuesday location and try some of these many great menu items and others. And so one more time for the years gone past, nostalgia and great eats…
"“There’s no time to lose, ” I heard her sayCatch your dreams before they slip awayDying all the timeLose your dreams and you will lose your mindAin’t life unkind?Goodbye, Ruby TuesdayWho could hang a name on you?When you change with every new dayStill, I’m gonna miss you…”-The Rolling Stones /Keith Richards & Mick Jagger"
What are some of your favorite menu items at Ruby Tuesday, dear readers?