Greer's OC

We were the first to lament the transformation of the nostalgic 1940’s style Ruby’s Diner on East 17th Street in Costa Mesa to a new mid century modern Ruby’s Dinette last summer. We wanted to hate it.

Stripped away almost overnight were the nostalgic red vinyl booths, white Formica tables, and swing era theme, and in came a Googie-inspired look complete with light wood tones, lava lamps, and Warhol’s “Jackie O” and “Marilyn” prints that reminded us more of  “The Jetsons” than the iconic Ruby’s Diner that first opened on the Balboa Pier in 1982.  

Now we can eat our words. The turning point was when we finally dined there and fell in love with the new upbeat and optimistic interior and edited menu. The new Ruby’s Dinette is fast casual, with all of the Ruby’s hits like the Classic RubyBurger, five gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches, and of course, sides like chili fries and our favorite onion rings.

They introduced a dedicated Marianne’s Ice Cream counter for scoops, sundaes, and shakes, and you can even take home a pint of the revered Santa Cruz ice cream.

Kids will love the 10 choices of kids meals and 3 breakfast choices. Breakfast is served until 11:30 a.m. daily. 

Today only at Ruby’s Dinette, you can celebrate Ruby’s 32^nd anniversary and order a Classic RubyBurger for just $2.35, the original price in 1982.

Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ruby’s Dinette is at 438 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.646.7829.