A new dining concept has opened in Walnut Creek, California, promising a unique experience for both children and adults. Ruby Lou’s, founded by Megan Abraham Benshalom, combines elements of a bar and restaurant with a play zone for kids, creating a space designed to cater to families of all ages.
The inspiration for Ruby Lou’s comes from Benshalom’s four-year-old daughter, Ruby Lou. After spending years working as a general manager at the upscale View Lounge in the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Benshalom decided to create a venue that would allow her to connect more with her daughter. “I felt like I was missing a big part of Ruby Lou’s life,” she shared.
After the closure of Skipolini’s, a family-friendly pizzeria that was a popular venue for children’s parties, Benshalom recognized the need for a similar establishment. “What I’m creating for Walnut Creek is an experience for multiple generations,” she explained.
Design and Atmosphere
The design of Ruby Lou’s is whimsical and vibrant, featuring decor inspired by childhood fantasies. The bar stools resemble Oreo cookies and ice cream cones, while lollipops hang from the ceiling. Shades of pink, purple, and cotton candy blue create an inviting atmosphere that echoes the playful spirit of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
Benshalom described the venue as an “immersive floral candy garden,” designed to engage visitors’ imaginations. The furnishings and decorations were either created by the owner or selected with the help of her daughter, ensuring that the space reflects a family-oriented vision.
Culinary Offerings
Ruby Lou’s not only focuses on creating a visually stimulating environment but also offers a thoughtfully crafted menu. Benshalom brings her two decades of experience as a mixologist to the cocktail offerings, featuring a selection of signature drinks alongside local beers and wines.
The food menu includes gourmet takes on classic favorites. Guests can enjoy nachos made with homemade potato chips and slow-braised short ribs, while hot dogs are prepared with Wagyu beef and served in pretzel buns. For younger visitors, an ice cream bar offers a variety of flavors, including huckleberry, pistachio almond, and birthday cake. The “YOLO” sundae, which combines scoops of all available flavors, is a highlight for indecisive patrons.
In addition to food and drinks, Ruby Lou’s provides entertainment options for children, including claw arcade games and interactive board games embedded in the tables. Adults can also join in the fun with games like KerPlunk, designed to encourage social interaction away from screens.
Ruby Lou’s is currently open for private events, with plans to welcome the public soon. The establishment will operate from 16:00 to 22:00 on Wednesdays through Fridays and from 12:00 to 22:00 on weekends. Located at 1501 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek, the venue aims to create memorable experiences for families.
Benshalom encapsulates Ruby Lou’s vision with the phrase, “Family by day, fabulous by night.” As this innovative concept unfolds, it promises to become a favorite destination for those seeking a unique blend of dining and play in Walnut Creek.
