What Ruby Tuesday offers and how its pricing is structured
Ruby Tuesday is a casual dining chain with locations across the United States that serves American comfort food — burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and grilled entrées. The restaurant operates on a traditional sit-down model where a server takes your order and brings food to your table. Prices vary by location and menu item, but entrées typically range from around $10 to $20, with appetizers and sides adding to the total bill.
The chain has operated under different ownership structures over the years, and the number of locations has changed. Some locations have closed while others remain open. If you are looking for a Ruby Tuesday near you, the company's website has a location finder, or you can call ahead to confirm hours and current menu offerings, since these can differ between restaurants.
Like most casual dining restaurants, Ruby Tuesday charges for food and beverages separately. Your final bill will include the subtotal, applicable sales tax (which varies by state and county), and any tip you choose to leave for your server. Some locations may add a service charge for large parties, so it is worth asking when you arrive or when you call to make a reservation.
Key Takeaways
- Ruby Tuesday is a sit-down casual dining restaurant where servers take your order and bring food to your table, with entrée prices typically between $10 and $20.
- Menu items and prices vary by location, so calling ahead or checking the website helps you understand what to expect before you arrive.
- Your total bill includes the food subtotal, sales tax (which varies by state), and tip — not just the menu price you see.
- The chain's locations have changed over time, so confirming that a specific Ruby Tuesday is still open before you visit saves a wasted trip.
How to find current menu information and pricing
Ruby Tuesday's website displays a menu and often shows pricing for your region, though exact prices can still vary between individual restaurants. The easiest way to see what a specific location charges is to call that restaurant directly — the staff can tell you the price of a particular dish and whether any specials are running that day or week.
Many casual dining restaurants, including Ruby Tuesday, offer lunch specials or early-bird pricing at certain times. These typically feature smaller portions or a limited selection at lower prices than the dinner menu. If you are watching your spending, asking about these options when you call or arrive can reduce what you pay.
The restaurant also runs promotions at different times of year. These might include discounted entrées, free appetizers with purchase, or combo deals. Checking the website or calling ahead tells you whether any current offers explore to your visit.
What to expect when you arrive and order
When you sit down at Ruby Tuesday, a server will bring you water and take a drink order. Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, tea, and coffee cost extra and are charged separately from your food. If you order alcohol, those prices are also separate line items on your bill.
You will receive a menu and have time to decide what to order. Entrées come with sides — typically a choice of vegetables, a starch like fries or a baked potato, or a salad. The menu price you see usually includes these sides, but it is worth confirming with your server if you are unsure. Appetizers, soups, and salads are ordered separately and cost extra.
After you order, the kitchen prepares your food. Wait times vary depending on how busy the restaurant is and what you ordered. Grilled items typically take longer than sandwiches or salads. Your server will bring your food when it is ready and check back to see if you need anything else.
How payment works and what affects your final bill
When you are finished eating, your server will bring the check. This itemizes everything you ordered — each food item, each drink, any appetizers or sides. The subtotal is then subject to sales tax, which varies by state and sometimes by county within a state. You cannot know the exact tax amount until you see the bill, but it is typically between 6 and 10 percent of your subtotal.
After tax, you decide how much to tip your server. Standard tipping at a sit-down restaurant is 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax subtotal, though you can tip any amount you choose. Some restaurants add an automatic service charge for large parties (often 6 or more people), which is separate from and in addition to any tip you leave.
If you pay with a credit or debit card, the server will bring a card reader or take your card to process the payment. You will have a chance to add a tip before finalizing the transaction. If you pay with cash, you hand the server the amount you want to pay and they bring back your change.
Dietary options and menu modifications
Ruby Tuesday's menu includes salads, grilled chicken and fish options, and vegetable sides, which can work for people with certain dietary preferences. The restaurant can usually modify dishes — for example, substituting a side, removing an ingredient, or preparing something without added salt or oil.
If you have a food allergy or intolerance, tell your server when you order. They can let the kitchen know about your needs. However, Ruby Tuesday is not a specialized restaurant for allergen-free or restricted diets, so cross-contamination is possible in the kitchen. If you have a severe allergy, you may want to call ahead and speak with a manager about how the restaurant handles your specific concern.
What to know about Ruby Tuesday's current status
Ruby Tuesday has gone through ownership changes and location closures in recent years. Some areas that once had multiple locations may now have none, while other regions still have active restaurants. Before planning a visit, use the location finder on the company's website or search online to confirm that a Ruby Tuesday is open near you.
If you are looking for a specific location you used to visit, it is possible that restaurant has closed. In that case, searching for "casual dining restaurants near me" or checking review sites like Yelp can help you find similar restaurants in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to eat at Ruby Tuesday?
Most Ruby Tuesday locations accept walk-ins, but calling ahead to make a reservation is a good idea during busy times like weekends or holidays. If you have a large party, a reservation ensures the restaurant can seat you and the kitchen can prepare for the volume.
Can I order takeout from Ruby Tuesday?
Many Ruby Tuesday locations offer takeout and delivery through third-party apps. Call your local restaurant or check the website to see if takeout is available at your location and how to place an order.
What if I am not satisfied with my food?
Tell your server right away if your food is wrong, cold, or not what you ordered. They can take it back to the kitchen and have it remade or bring you something different. Most restaurants will not charge you for items that do not meet your expectations.
Are there any hidden charges I should know about?
The main charges are the food and drinks you order, plus sales tax and tip. Some locations may add a service charge for large parties, which the server should mention when you arrive. Always ask if you are unsure whether something will be charged.
Does Ruby Tuesday have a kids menu?
Most locations offer a children's menu with smaller portions and lower prices than adult entrées. Call your local restaurant to confirm they have a kids menu and what options are available.