EL RUBY MEXICAN RESTAURANT

EL RUBY MEXICAN RESTAURANT

4106 San Fernando Rd E & F, Glendale, CA 91204, United States

+1 818-247-7542

Mexican restaurant, Lunch restaurant, Mexican torta restaurant, Seafood restaurant
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About This Place

Situated in the heart of Glendale, EL RUBY MEXICAN RESTAURANT offers an authentic taste of Mexico through its vibrant and diverse menu, specializing in traditional Mexican fare with an emphasis on hearty lunch plates and fresh seafood. This family-owned gem captures the essence of Mexican cuisine with dishes crafted from rich, bold flavors and quality ingredients, creating a warm and inviting dining atmosphere that feels like a true local haunt.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the comforting aroma of slow-cooked mole, freshly fried tortillas, and the subtle smokiness of grilled meats. EL RUBY's menu is a treasure trove for food lovers hungry for an authentic experience beyond the usual Tex-Mex. Highlights include the irresistibly savory Menudo, a favorite for those seeking a traditional, soul-warming breakfast; the Mole Enchiladas, where layers of complex, nutty sauce embrace tender chicken; and the house specialty Fish Tacos, which deliver a perfect balance of crispness and zest, ideal for a sunny afternoon meal.

Seafood aficionados will relish the freshness of the Ceviche and the hearty offerings like the Molcajete – a bubbling, sizzling fiesta of grilled meats and vegetables served in a volcanic stone bowl, bursting with layered flavors. Those looking for a fulfilling bite will appreciate the classic Guarache, generously topped with beans, cheese, and your choice of protein, as well as the richly sauced Enchiladas De Queso and the ever-satisfying Burrito Mojado.

Beyond the main dishes, EL RUBY impresses with a selection of comforting breakfast options such as Molequilles and Eggs and Huevos Con Nopales, as well as flavorful combo plates like Taco Y Enchilada and Costillas En Salsa Verde. Their complimentary chips paired with freshly made salsa set the perfect stage for any meal.

The beverage menu complements the food beautifully, offering traditional favorites like aromatic coffee and refreshing Jarritos in multiple flavors, alongside classic fountain drinks and hot chocolate for a cozy touch.

What truly sets EL RUBY apart is its genuine, heartfelt service. As many patrons note, the staff treat every guest like family, creating a warm and welcoming environment that complements the top-notch cuisine. Matthew Fernandez appreciates the attentive table service, while Anthony Padilla remarks on the consistently fast and satisfying meals, great for busy days without sacrificing quality. Long-time customer Sal Meza praises the restaurant’s authentic Menudo, a testament to EL RUBY’s longstanding commitment to traditional flavors.

With its affordable pricing, generous portions, and a menu that spans from comforting breakfast plates to lively lunch and dinner items, EL RUBY MEXICAN RESTAURANT stands out as a beloved local favorite. Whether you are craving the fresh zest of ceviche on a hot day, a hearty molcajete shared among friends, or a classic cubana torta packed with rich flavors, this spot delivers consistently memorable meals that keep guests coming back for more.

For anyone seeking an authentic, flavorful, and satisfying Mexican dining experience in Glendale, EL RUBY is the kind of hidden treasure where taste, tradition, and genuine hospitality converge.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty Sport
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    06:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    06:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    06:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday
    06:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    06:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    06:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    06:30 AM - 06:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Matthew Fernandez
    1 week ago

    I decided to try this place on a whim and found it to be good, but no where near the best. The table service here is a welcome touch. Please note that you pay after you have eaten, and they only accept cash. There is an ATM on location, but frankly I would be VERY weary of using it - expensive fees or worse may be waiting in store. The sauce on my cheese enchiladas was excellent, it had a great depth of flavor that was slightly spicy but not overpowering. I thought the amount of cheese was just right, although the overall size of the enchiladas is not too big. The rice on the other hand was a bit of a letdown. There was nothing off-putting about it, but it just tasted sort of bland. The beans were a bit better, but still had my yearning for more flavor. As with all of these small Mexican restaurants the mini salad they add is a nice touch but absolutely nothing to write home about, I noted several large pieces of lettuce that were from the base of the lettuce (that white, hard bit) which were totally inedible. The drink selection here features many glass bottles varieties of Mexican favorites, such as Coca-Cola and Jarritos. Overall it was nothing special, but was good enough to satisfy a hungry individual. I might be inclined at a later date to give El Ruby one more chance to impress me. Also, the menu on the wall is in Spanish, but has pictures to help you decide what you want if Spanish is not your forte.

  • Nerses Kechkarian (Neno)
    2 week ago

    Amazing breakfast and lunch spot, authentic Mexican food and very affordable pricing...regular go for breakfast plates, wet burrito, and the torta. Great selections, family owned and staffed. They treat us like family everything we visit. Hidden gem.

  • ADAM JONG
    1 month ago

    I stopped with my wife and found a pleasant surprise! I had never been there before, so I ordered a few different things: tostada de ceviche, guarache, 2 fish tacos and a Pollo relleno with chipotle sauce. The ceviche tasted tender and I enjoyed the freshness of the dish, a must have on a hot day! The young lady that served us was very polite and thoughtful, she even closed the curtains for my wife when the sun was glaring I her eyes without us asking. All the other food seemed of good quality and fresh ingredients. Even the starter chips seemed made in house and the salsa was also good. Very good for a quick bite, it definitely surpassed my expectstions. I was enjoying the food so much that I almost forgot the photos!

  • Anthony Padilla
    1 month ago

    Breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is no plate that will disappoint. And the service is fast; unless they're packed (usually during the lunch rush), you can sit down and have an excellent meal and be out in about 30 minutes. Delicious Mexican food! A few egg plates for breakfast and a generous selection of lunch and dinner plates. All the plates were well served. The carnitas are tender and flavorful without feeling greasy. The carnitas sope is amazing! The gordita is thin, which I prefer, and they pile on the meat over the refried beans; then mounds of cabbage/lettuce and cheese covered in crema. The carne asada is tasty and tender, without being dry. The chilaquiles were good, a bit spicy, but you can definitely taste it's chile based and not tomato. Their rice and beans were also good, plenty of flavor without being salty. They even have curbside pickup for the grab and go lunch or dinner. Recently discovered that they will pair any sauce with almost any dish! My wife's favorite has become the chicken and cheese enchiladas with mole. I love the chile verde (green chile sauce) on my sopes and wet burrito (my mom said the chilaquiles were better with the green sauce ).

  • Sal Meza
    1 month ago

    the best authentic Mexican Menudo and all the dishes as Well prepared. I’ve been coming to this place for the past 15 years.

  • Dx Jr
    2 month ago

    Great delicious tasty and value food served with chips and salsa chips were fresh as well, coming back when in the area

  • Nathan Chavez
    2 month ago

    Delicious food! Fresh, quick, and tastes like my Grandma's. Caldo de Rez is probably the favourite item for the cold foggy mornings. The bowl overflowing with large portions of meat and veggies. The broth is super flavorful. The breakfast burrito is huge too! Try them all, you'll not be disappointed. My personal favourite is the salchicha burrito.

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