We were thrilled to check out Ruthie's All-Day, a cozy venue serving up a modern take on Southern comfort food and barbeque. What we found was great food with some special touches that make Ruthie’s All-Day a “RAD” (get it?) place to bring your family, whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are three reasons why Arlington’s hottest new restaurant is also perfect for families.
#1 The food is delicious
Chef Matt Hill’s menu offers cuisine that will delight grown adults, tiny humans, and everyone in between. Breakfast features the ultimate comfort foods, like apple pie pancakes, crispy hash browns, and fried chicken and biscuits. At dinner, sophisticated dishes like the smoked rohan duck and yellowfin tuna tartare shine.
Despite being Arlington Magazine's best chef, Matt makes his menu down-to-earth and accessible to every palate. His “Meat+3” concept allows diners to share wood-smoked meat platters like brisket, pulled pork, and hanger steak and also choose from a mouth-watering selection of sides, like anson mills grits, pulled pork pinto beans, and glazed, roasted sweet potatos. You’ll also be amazed at what your kids will eat when the food is expertly prepared. Your mileage may vary, but I watched speechless when my five year old happily downed his crispy-salty-sweet brussel sprouts. Parents of picky eaters, do not despair! There are crowd-pleasers like burgers, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese on the menu as well. And their desserts are made in-house with as much care as the entrees.
#2 The venue is ideal
Ruthie’s is housed in a historic building formerly occupied by a chocolate factory and ice cream shop, and their design team carefully preserved and restored the building’s original character. The result is extra-large windows on three sides of the building, flexible seating with a large outdoor space, and a midcentury-meets-modern vibe. TLDR: they have ample parking, a big outdoor patio, and gorgeous design. It’s a convenient and beautiful place to bring your family.
#3 Ruthie’s is RAD for kids
Above all, we enjoyed our visit to Ruthie’s because we loved how they’ve achieved that balance of high-quality food with a neighborhood feel. True to their name, Ruthie’s is open all day for casual dining, making it a convenient spot to drop by when the moment suits you. It’s fine dining, but the staff are warm and friendly, and that Slayer espresso machine is always on. They’re not going to give you side-eye when your kid spreads his Thomas the Tank engines out on the table. They are going to greet you warmly and treat you like family. We very much enjoyed our experience with kids there, and we think you will too.
Ruthie’s All-Day is our new go-to neighborhood spot for whenever we are hungry for a quick bite or a fine meal. Dining in, on the patio, or taking out, Ruthie’s has something for everyone. Check it out – you will not regret it!
What you need to know:
Getting there and parking: Ruthie’s All-Day is located at 3411 5th Street S, Arlington, VA 22204. They are located in a shopping center directly off Glebe Road, with free and ample parking.
Take out: The menu is available for take out – order here. Delivery is not yet available.
For more information: Check here for menus, hours, and information about private events
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