A new family-friendly establishment, Ruby Lou’s, has opened its doors in Walnut Creek, California, offering a unique blend of dining and entertainment for both adults and children. The restaurant, named after owner Megan Abraham Benshalom‘s four-year-old daughter, aims to create an engaging environment where families can enjoy high-quality food and drinks while kids have their own play zone.
Benshalom, who has spent two decades as a mixologist in upscale restaurants, drew inspiration from her experiences and her desire to spend more time with her daughter. After feeling that work commitments kept her away from meaningful moments in Ruby Lou’s life, she decided to create a space that combines elements of a bar, restaurant, and play area.
“What I’m creating for Walnut Creek is an experience for multiple generations,” Benshalom said, emphasizing her vision for the establishment. The ambience reflects a whimsical design, featuring bar stools shaped like Oreo cookies and ice cream cones, with colourful decorations reminiscent of a candy shop.
A Culinary Adventure for All Ages
The menu at Ruby Lou’s is crafted with care, offering an array of gourmet snacks and fancy cocktails. Signature cocktails will highlight Benshalom’s expertise, and the drinks menu includes selections of local beers and wines. The food offerings are equally innovative, with dishes like homemade potato chip nachos topped with slow-braised short ribs, and gourmet hot dogs made with Wagyu beef served in pretzel buns.
For the younger patrons, Ruby Lou’s features an ice cream bar with flavours such as huckleberry and mint chocolate chip. The “yolo” sundae is sure to be a hit, allowing children to sample a scoop of each flavour.
In addition to dining, children can engage in various games, including claw arcade games and board games integrated into the tables. Adults can also enjoy oversized games like KerPlunk, encouraging social interaction away from their devices.
Creating Community Connections
Benshalom’s journey to opening Ruby Lou’s began when she sought to fill the void left by the closure of a beloved local pizzeria, Skipolini’s, which had been a popular venue for children’s birthday parties. Recognizing the need for a similar space in Walnut Creek, she envisioned Ruby Lou’s as a place where families could celebrate together while adults unwind in a vibrant atmosphere.
The establishment is designed to cater to both family gatherings and adult outings, with the tagline, “Family by day, fabulous by night.”
Currently, Ruby Lou’s is open for scheduled private events and will soon welcome the public. Regular hours are set from 16:00 to 22:00, Wednesday through Friday, and 12:00 to 22:00 on weekends. The venue is located at 1501 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek, and interested patrons can find more information on their Instagram page, @rubylouswalnutcreek.
As Ruby Lou’s begins its journey, it promises to offer a distinctive experience that blends culinary delights with family fun, making it a noteworthy addition to the Walnut Creek community.
