A new restaurant named Ruby Lou’s has opened its doors in Walnut Creek, offering an innovative blend of dining and entertainment for both adults and children. The unique establishment combines elements of a bar, restaurant, and play zone, aiming to create an inviting atmosphere for families and friends alike.
Inspired by Family
Owner Megan Abraham Benshalom, a seasoned mixologist with over 20 years of experience in upscale dining, found her inspiration in her four-year-old daughter, Ruby Lou. The restaurant’s name is a direct homage to her child, who motivated Benshalom to pursue her dream of opening a family-friendly venue after she felt her demanding job at the View Lounge in San Francisco was taking too much time away from home.
“I have a four-year-old daughter whose name is Ruby Lou,” Benshalom explained. “She named the restaurant after herself.” This personal connection is central to the establishment’s concept of catering to multiple generations, making it a space where families can enjoy each other’s company.
With the closure of Skipolini’s—a popular family-friendly pizzeria—Benshalom saw an opportunity to fill the void by creating a venue suitable for children’s birthday parties while also appealing to adult patrons. “What I’m creating for Walnut Creek is an experience for multiple generations,” she stated.
A Whimsical Atmosphere
Upon entering Ruby Lou’s, guests are greeted by a vibrant atmosphere decorated with playful elements. The bar features stools designed to resemble Oreo cookies and ice cream cones, while colorful lollipops dangle from the ceiling. Shades of pink, purple, and blue create a whimsical environment reminiscent of a Roald Dahl fantasy.
“I’ve created, like, an immersive floral candy garden,” Benshalom said, highlighting the restaurant’s focus on creativity and fun.
In addition to the engaging decor, Ruby Lou’s offers a carefully curated cocktail menu, showcasing signature drinks crafted by Benshalom herself. Guests can also enjoy a selection of local beers and wines, ensuring a comprehensive dining experience.
The food menu is equally inventive. Benshalom has reimagined classic favorites, such as nachos made with homemade potato chips and slow-braised short ribs, and gourmet hot dogs featuring Wagyu beef served on pretzel buns. For children, an enticing ice cream bar offers flavors like huckleberry, pistachio almond, and birthday cake, alongside the option to indulge in the “yolo” sundae, which includes one scoop of each flavor.
Kids can engage in various activities, including claw arcade games and classic board games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, which are creatively integrated into the tables. Giant games of KerPlunk encourage social interaction, drawing adults away from their screens.
All aspects of the restaurant, from the furniture to the murals, have been meticulously selected or created by Benshalom, with input from Ruby Lou herself, ensuring a personal touch throughout the venue.
Describing the experience, Benshalom states, “Family by day, fabulous by night.” Ruby Lou’s aims to be a memorable destination for all ages.
Currently, Ruby Lou’s is open for private events and will soon welcome the general public, operating from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The venue is located at 1501 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek, and further details can be found on their Instagram account @rubylouswalnutcreek.
