Ruby Chow’s in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching Atlanta’s international cuisine scene and keep seeing the name Ruby Chow’s, you’re probably wondering what it is, where it is, and whether it fits what you’re looking for on a night out in the city.

This guide walks you through what Ruby Chow’s is known for, how it fits into Atlanta’s restaurant landscape, what to expect from the menu and atmosphere, and how locals tend to work it into a night on the town.

What Is Ruby Chow’s?

Ruby Chow’s is an Atlanta restaurant that focuses on Asian-inspired international cuisine, often blending influences from Chinese, Southeast Asian, and broader global flavors.

For Atlanta diners, Ruby Chow’s typically appeals to:

• In-town residents looking for a stylish, social place to meet friends
• Visitors staying near the city’s core who want something trend-forward rather than purely traditional
• Food-focused locals who enjoy trying globally inspired small plates, cocktails, and shareable dishes

You can expect a modern, creative approach to international flavors, more in line with Atlanta’s newer wave of restaurants than a classic neighborhood takeout spot.

Where Ruby Chow’s Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta has a deep bench of international restaurants:

• Buford Highway is known for traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, and Central American spots.
• Doraville and Chamblee offer highly regional Asian cuisines in more casual settings.
• In-town neighborhoods (like Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, West Midtown, Inman Park, and Poncey-Highland) often feature modern, chef-driven restaurants with global influences.

Ruby Chow’s fits into that in-town, modern, chef-driven category:

• More polished and social than a strip-mall hidden gem
• Usually cocktail-forward, with attention to bar service
• A place where dishes may be interpretations of classic Asian flavors rather than strict traditional recipes

If you’re comparing options, think of Ruby Chow’s as a spot you’d choose when you want vibes + flavor in the city core, not a deep-dive into ultra-traditional regional cooking.

Typical Location Context and How to Get There

Ruby Chow’s has been associated with central, nightlife-friendly parts of Atlanta. While exact address and suite numbers can change as restaurant spaces evolve, you’ll generally find it:

• Inside the I-285 perimeter (ITP)
• In or near neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, or BeltLine-adjacent areas
• In a spot that’s convenient to pair with nearby bars, music venues, or other restaurants

Getting There from Different Parts of Atlanta

• From Midtown or Downtown:
  A short drive, rideshare, or in some cases, a quick hop via MARTA + rideshare. Many locals take rideshare to avoid parking stress and to be free to enjoy drinks.

• From Buckhead:
  Usually a 15–25 minute drive outside rush hour. Many diners head down Peachtree or use GA-400/I-85 and then cut across surface streets.

• From the Suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Smyrna):
  Plan extra time for peak traffic; Friday and Saturday evenings can be especially busy heading into the city. Many people park once, have dinner, and then walk or rideshare short distances between multiple spots.

What to Expect from the Menu

Specific dishes change over time, but Ruby Chow’s is usually described as Asian-inspired international cuisine with a creative edge. You’re likely to see:

Common Menu Themes

• Small plates / shareables
  Think dumplings, buns, skewers, crispy bites, or vegetable-forward starters that work well for passing around the table.

• Noodle or rice dishes
  Stir-fried noodles, fried rice variations, or saucy bowls drawing from Chinese and Southeast Asian flavors.

• Larger plates
  Entrées that can be shared among a small group—perhaps a whole fish, braised meats, or signature house specialties.

• Bold flavors and sauces
  Chili oils, fermented components, citrus, herbs, and spice-forward sauces are common, especially in a modern Asian fusion setting.

Dietary Considerations

As with most Atlanta international restaurants in this category, you can generally expect:

• Some vegetarian or vegan-friendly options, especially in small plates or sides
• Gluten-conscious choices may be possible, but you often need to ask about soy sauce, breading, and cross-contact
• Spice levels can vary; staff can usually guide you to milder or hotter dishes

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, Atlanta diners commonly:

1. Call ahead to ask what can be modified
2. Arrive early (before peak hours) for more staff attention
3. Ask directly about sauces and garnishes, which is often where gluten, shellfish, or peanuts appear

Drinks and Bar Program

Ruby Chow’s tends to lean into a strong bar program, which is a big part of the appeal for many Atlanta guests.

You may find:

• House cocktails featuring Asian spirits, flavored syrups, citrus, or tea
• Local and regional beers, sometimes with lighter styles that pair well with spicy food
• By-the-glass wines that can handle bold, sweet, or spicy flavors
• Non-alcoholic options, such as mocktails, sodas, or tea-based drinks

🍸 Tip for locals: Many Atlantans plan dinner at Ruby Chow’s as the first stop in an evening, then walk or rideshare to another bar, BeltLine patio, or music venue afterward.

Price Range and Budgeting

Ruby Chow’s sits in the mid- to upper-mid range for in-town Atlanta international restaurants.

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan:

Many Atlanta diners handle the menu by:

• Sharing several small plates among the table
• Adding 1–2 larger dishes for the group
• Splitting a cocktail or dessert round to keep costs balanced

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

Ruby Chow’s fits with Atlanta’s contemporary restaurant style, not a formal white-tablecloth setting and not a bare-bones fast-casual spot.

You can usually expect:

• Lively, social energy, especially on weekends
• A design-conscious interior—art, lighting, or décor that nods to its international influences
• A crowd that ranges from young professionals and couples to small groups of friends

When Locals Tend to Go

• Weeknights:
  More relaxed, easier to talk, and sometimes easier to walk in. Good for a low-key date or catching up with friends.

• Fridays and Saturdays:
  Louder, more energetic, and often busier. Many people combine it with a full night out in the area.

• Later evenings:
  If the kitchen stays open late, service can draw industry folks and night owls, depending on the current hours.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Practical Tips

Since Ruby Chow’s is an in-demand in-town restaurant, planning ahead helps.

Reservations

Many Atlanta diners:

• Reserve in advance for Fridays, Saturdays, and popular dining times
• Use a reservation system or call ahead to confirm
• Request bar seating when they’re okay with a more casual, social setup

If you prefer spontaneous nights, try:

• Early dinners (6 p.m. or earlier)
• Late-night slots, if available

Parking and Transportation

Parking situations differ by specific address, but typical Atlanta patterns apply:

• Some in-town restaurants have small lots or shared lots
• Street parking may be available but limited, especially near nightlife districts
• Many locals rely on rideshare to avoid parking stress and to enjoy drinks

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward, it’s often simple to take a short rideshare both ways and skip parking entirely.

How Ruby Chow’s Compares to Other International Options in Atlanta

If you’re trying to decide whether Ruby Chow’s is the right choice, it helps to know what else is around:

For Modern, Social, In-Town Dining

Ruby Chow’s is a good fit if you want:

• A stylish environment with a clear bar focus
• Creative takes on Asian and international flavors
• A place that works as both a destination and a launch point for a full night out

For Deeply Traditional Asian Food

You might look instead toward:

• Buford Highway (Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven):
  Dozens of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other regional restaurants with a more traditional focus.

• Shopping center-based spots in and around Doraville:
  These often specialize in very specific regional dishes with less emphasis on décor and cocktails, more on authenticity and value.

Many Atlanta food lovers appreciate both styles: Ruby Chow’s for an in-town night with friends, and Buford Highway or Doraville for weekend food adventures.

How to Plan a Visit to Ruby Chow’s in Atlanta

If you’re ready to check out Ruby Chow’s, here’s a simple Atlanta-oriented game plan:

1. Confirm the current address, hours, and menu
   Search by name and verify details directly with the restaurant.

2. Decide your night style

   • Date night
   • Friends gathering
   • First stop before bars or a show

3. Make a reservation if you’re going at peak hours
   Especially on Friday or Saturday evenings.

4. Figure out transportation

   • In-town? Consider rideshare or MARTA + short rideshare.
   • Driving from the suburbs? Build in extra time for traffic and parking.

5. Plan what’s next
   Many Atlantans pair Ruby Chow’s with:

   • A walk or short rideshare to another neighborhood bar
   • A show, concert, or event nearby
   • A BeltLine stroll if the location and time make sense

If You’re New to Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Ruby Chow’s can be a friendly entry point into Atlanta’s international food culture because:

• It’s design-forward and comfortable for people used to trendy restaurants.
• Staff are generally accustomed to guiding guests through the menu.
• It bridges the gap between global flavors and a familiar, modern dining format.

Once you feel at home with places like Ruby Chow’s, many locals branch out to:

• Buford Highway for a deeper dive into specific cuisines
• Ethnic markets and food courts in Doraville and Chamblee
• Pop-ups and food festivals around the city that celebrate Atlanta’s international communities

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just here for a weekend, Ruby Chow’s is one of the restaurants that shows how the city blends global flavors with a distinct in-town, social dining culture.