Walk down the Riegelmann Boardwalk on a humid July afternoon and the air changes. It’s not just the salt spray from the Atlantic or the scream of riders on the Cyclone. It’s the smell. It is a thick, unmistakable perfume of griddled onions, frying clams, and cheap, cold beer. If you follow that scent, you’ll inevitably hit the blue-and-white awning of Ruby’s Bar & Grill. It isn't a fancy place. Honestly, if it were fancy, it wouldn't be Ruby's.
Coney Island is a weird, beautiful mess of a neighborhood that has been "dying" for about fifty years according to local pessimists, yet it refuses to actually kick the bucket. Ruby’s is a big reason why. It’s one of the few pieces of the old-school boardwalk that didn't get swallowed by corporate developers or high-end retail chains. Since 1934, this spot has sat on the boards, watching the world change while staying stubbornly, wonderfully the same.
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The Real Story Behind Ruby’s Bar & Grill
You can’t talk about the boardwalk without talking about Ruby Jacobs. He was the kind of Brooklyn character they don't really make anymore. Back in the day, he bought the place (originally called the Hebrew National Deli and Bar) in the early 70s. This was when Coney Island was, frankly, a bit rough around the edges. But Ruby didn't care. He turned it into a community hub. When people talk about Ruby’s Bar & Grill today, they’re usually talking about the sense of permanence it provides.
The interior is basically a museum that serves alcohol. The walls are lined with photos of the Cyclone in the 40s, old-timey strongmen, and a wood-paneled ceiling that looks like it has seen a billion sunsets. Actually, it has. The wood on the walls? That’s salvaged from the boardwalk itself. When the city replaced the old wooden planks with concrete or synthetic wood, the family saved the history. You are literally eating inside a piece of New York history.
What the Locals Actually Order
Look, if you go to Ruby's expecting a deconstructed avocado toast or a craft cocktail with elderflower foam, you're going to be very disappointed. That's not what this is. This is a "napkin-on-the-knee" kind of joint.
The menu is a love letter to the fryer. The fried clams are the heavy hitters here. They’re salty, crunchy, and taste like the ocean. Then there’s the corn on the cob—slathered in butter and wrapped in foil. It's messy. It’s inconvenient. It’s perfect. You eat it while sitting on a red plastic chair, watching the parade of people walk by on the boardwalk.
And the beer? It’s cold. Usually served in a plastic cup because glass and boardwalks don't mix.
Survival in a Changing Brooklyn
There was a time, around 2010 and 2011, when it looked like Ruby’s Bar & Grill was done. The landlord, Zamperla (which operates Luna Park), wanted to modernize the area. They didn't renew the leases for several longtime boardwalk staples. It was a whole thing. There were protests, petitions, and a lot of angry New Yorkers.
People genuinely cared. Why? Because Ruby’s represents the last vestige of the "People's Playground." It’s a place where a Wall Street guy in a suit can sit next to a local fisherman and both feel equally at home. That kind of egalitarianism is disappearing in New York. Eventually, a deal was struck. The Jacobs family kept the keys, and the bar stayed put.
It’s easy to look at a place like this and think it’s just a dive bar. But it’s more like a living organism. It survives because it serves a purpose that a shiny new Starbucks or a boutique clothing store never could. It provides a soul for the beach.
The Boardwalk Vibe
If you’ve never been, you need to understand the geography. Ruby’s has two "fronts." One side faces Surf Avenue, the busy street where the subway lets out. The other side opens right onto the boardwalk.
The boardwalk side is where the magic happens.
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On a Saturday night, there’s usually a DJ or a jukebox cranking out classic soul, old-school hip-hop, or disco. You’ll see grandmothers dancing with their grandkids. You’ll see tourists from Germany looking slightly confused but happy. It’s loud. It’s crowded. Sometimes the line for the bathroom is too long. But that’s the tax you pay for authenticity.
Why Ruby's Bar & Grill Still Matters in 2026
We live in an era of "concept" bars. Everything is designed to be Instagrammable. Everything has a theme. Ruby’s Bar & Grill doesn't have a theme because it just is.
It’s an antidote to the curated life. When you’re there, you’re not thinking about your "personal brand" or your LinkedIn profile. You’re thinking about whether you want another order of fries and if the sun is going to set behind the Parachute Jump or the pier.
There’s a specific kind of nuance to the service here, too. It’s fast, it’s efficient, and it’s unapologetically Brooklyn. Don't expect a twenty-minute explanation of the flavor profile of the lager. They’ll give you a cold beer and a smile if they have time, but they’ve got a hundred people behind you. It's honest work.
Misconceptions and Reality Checks
People often ask if it’s "safe" or if it’s "too touristy."
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- Is it touristy? Yes, in the sense that tourists go there. But it’s not a tourist trap. A tourist trap overcharges for bad food. Ruby's charges fair prices for solid, classic boardwalk food.
- The Crowd: It’s diverse. Truly. It is one of the most integrated spots in the city.
- The Food: Don't expect gourmet. It’s comfort food. If you want a 5-star steak, go to Manhattan. If you want a hot dog that tastes like summer, stay here.
How to Do Ruby’s Right
If you’re planning a trip to Coney Island, don't just wander in aimlessly. Do it with some intent.
- Timing is Everything: Go on a weekday afternoon if you want to soak in the history and talk to the staff. Go on a Friday night during the fireworks (usually starts in late June) if you want the full-throttle, high-energy experience.
- The Order: Get the clams or the shrimp basket. Pair it with a Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner. It’s the local brew, and it fits the vibe perfectly.
- The Seating: Try to snag a table right on the boardwalk edge. It’s the best people-watching real estate in the five boroughs. You'll see everything from professional mimes to people walking their iguanas.
- Cash is King: While they take cards now, having cash makes the process at the busy bar much faster. The staff will appreciate it.
- Look Up: Seriously. Spend five minutes looking at the ceiling and the old photos. It’s the closest thing to a time machine you’ll find for the price of a burger.
Ruby’s Bar & Grill isn't just a place to eat. It’s a survivor. In a city that is constantly tearing itself down to build something taller and shinier, Ruby’s stands there, weathered and salt-stained, reminding everyone that some things are worth keeping exactly as they are. It’s the heart of Coney Island, and as long as the beer is cold and the clams are frying, Brooklyn will be just fine.
Pack some sunscreen, leave the "fine dining" expectations at the subway station, and go grab a seat on the boards. You won't regret it.