Ruby Tuesday in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and searching for a familiar casual restaurant with an internationally inspired, American-style menu, Ruby Tuesday is still a recognizable name. While it’s best known as a national chain, what actually matters to you is: Where are the locations near Atlanta? What’s on the menu? Is it worth a visit compared with all the local options around the city?

This guide walks through how Ruby Tuesday fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, what you can expect when you visit, and practical tips for locals and visitors.

Ruby Tuesday’s Place in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Atlanta has a strong international cuisine presence—everything from Buford Highway’s global restaurants to upscale fusion spots in Midtown and Buckhead. In that mix, Ruby Tuesday fills a different niche:

  • It’s a casual, family-friendly chain with broadly American fare.
  • The menu often includes internationally influenced dishes (pasta, Asian-inspired appetizers, Tex-Mex flavors), but in a very approachable, mainstream way.
  • It can be a familiar option if you’re traveling, meeting a group with mixed tastes, or want something predictable near major roads or suburban areas.

You won’t typically find Ruby Tuesday in the heart of Atlanta’s trendiest food districts. Instead, you’ll more often see locations around the metro area, especially near interstates, shopping centers, and suburban corridors.

Where You’re Likely to Find Ruby Tuesday Around Atlanta

Exact locations can change over time, but Ruby Tuesday restaurants around metro Atlanta are commonly found:

  • Near major highways such as I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, and GA‑400
  • In or near shopping centers, strip malls, and big-box retail areas
  • In suburban cities that ring Atlanta (for example, areas like Marietta, Kennesaw, Douglasville, or Duluth often host chain restaurants like Ruby Tuesday)

If you’re staying in Atlanta and want to visit a Ruby Tuesday, the most reliable approach is:

  1. Look up Ruby Tuesday locations using your map app and search “Ruby Tuesday near Atlanta.”
  2. Check the distance from your neighborhood or hotel—many will be a short drive outside the core city.
  3. Confirm hours and whether they’re open for lunch, dinner, or both.

Because Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, consider:

  • Inside the Perimeter (ITP): Fewer Ruby Tuesday locations directly in central intown neighborhoods; you may be driving out toward the perimeter or suburbs.
  • Outside the Perimeter (OTP): You’re more likely to be close to a Ruby Tuesday if you’re in OTP communities with major retail corridors.

What’s on the Menu: What Atlanta Diners Can Expect

Ruby Tuesday’s menu is American casual dining with international touches, which can work well for mixed groups who don’t want anything too adventurous but still like variety.

Common menu categories you’ll see:

  • Burgers and Sandwiches

    • Classic cheeseburgers
    • Bacon or mushroom–Swiss style burgers
    • Chicken sandwiches and sometimes sliders
  • Steaks, Chicken & Ribs

    • Grilled steak cuts
    • Ribs with barbecue sauce
    • Grilled or crispy chicken entrees
  • Pasta & “International” Comfort Dishes

    • Pasta dishes in Alfredo or tomato-based sauces
    • Dishes with Italian-style flavors
    • Occasionally Asian-influenced or Tex-Mex–style appetizers
  • Seafood

    • Grilled or fried fish
    • Shrimp dishes
  • Salads & Salad Bar

    • Ruby Tuesday is often associated with a create-your-own salad bar, when available
    • Entrée salads with chicken, shrimp, or steak toppings
  • Kids’ Menu

    • Burgers, chicken tenders, pasta, or similar kid-friendly options

For Atlanta diners, this makes Ruby Tuesday a practical choice when:

  • You’re traveling through the metro region and want familiar, predictable options.
  • You have a group with different tastes and comfort levels with food.
  • You want a sit-down meal that isn’t fast food but also isn’t a high-end restaurant.

Menu offerings can vary by location and over time. It’s wise to check a current menu online or call the specific restaurant if you have particular preferences or dietary limitations.

Dietary Considerations for Atlanta Guests

If you’re in Atlanta and trying to eat around specific needs, Ruby Tuesday usually offers:

  • Grilled proteins (chicken, steak, fish) that can be paired with vegetables
  • Salads and salad bar (where available), which may allow more control over what ends up on your plate
  • Basic options that may fit simpler eating patterns, such as:
    • Plain baked or mashed potatoes (location-dependent)
    • Steamed or sautéed vegetables
    • Side salads with dressing on the side

When you arrive:

  • Ask your server what can be modified (sauces on the side, substitutions of sides, etc.).
  • If you have allergies or strict dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly and ask which items are prepared separately or more simply.

Ruby Tuesday is not specialized in any one dietary style, but some Atlanta diners find it workable for flexible, not overly strict, approaches to eating.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like to Dine at Ruby Tuesday in Metro Atlanta

Ruby Tuesday locations around Atlanta generally have a casual, laid-back atmosphere:

  • Seating: Booths and tables; some locations may have a bar area with TVs.
  • Noise level: Often moderate; can be busier during peak lunch and dinner hours, especially near shopping centers.
  • Family-friendly: Many families in metro Atlanta choose Ruby Tuesday for a predictable experience where children are welcome.
  • Group dining: Locations with larger dining rooms may be able to handle small groups and casual gatherings, especially in suburban areas.

Compared with Atlanta’s many unique, independent restaurants, Ruby Tuesday offers something different: a consistent chain experience that tends not to be surprising, which some people appreciate on weeknights or during travel.

Typical Hours and When to Go

Hours can vary by location, but as a general pattern around Atlanta:

  • Lunch: Often open by late morning or early afternoon
  • Dinner: Open into the evening, sometimes later on weekends
  • Weekends: Can be busier, especially near shopping centers or movie theaters

Before you head out:

  • Confirm current hours for your chosen Ruby Tuesday.
  • Consider going during off-peak times—for example, mid-afternoon—to avoid crowds and potential waits.

How Ruby Tuesday Compares to Other Options in Atlanta

If you’re looking at Ruby Tuesday alongside other choices in Atlanta, here’s a simple way to think about it:

If you want…Ruby Tuesday might be…Other Atlanta options to consider*
Familiar American food with mild international influencesA practical, predictable choiceOther national chains or large casual restaurants around I‑285 and major retail areas
Deep, authentic international cuisineLess idealBuford Highway restaurants, local ethnic eateries in places like Doraville, Chamblee, Duluth
A quick bite before or after shopping or errandsConvenient if you’re already nearbyFood courts, fast-casual spots in the same centers
A “local Atlanta” dining experienceNot the main drawIntown neighborhoods (Midtown, Inman Park, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward) and local spots across the city

*These are general patterns, not endorsements. Availability and quality vary.

Ruby Tuesday can be a good fit when you’re prioritizing convenience, predictability, and a broad menu, especially if you’re in the suburbs or near the Perimeter. If you want to explore Atlanta’s famous international food scene, you’ll likely head toward local, independent restaurants instead.

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

To make the most of a Ruby Tuesday visit in or around Atlanta:

  • Plan around traffic: If you’re driving from intown to an OTP location, check travel times; Atlanta rush hour can significantly affect your plans.
  • Call ahead for larger groups: If you’re taking a family or group, especially on weekends, calling the location can help you understand wait times and seating options.
  • Check for specials: Many chain restaurants offer rotating promotions or weekday deals; these can influence what you order or when you go.
  • Pair with errands or travel: Ruby Tuesday locations are often near shopping centers or major routes, making them convenient when:
    • Running errands in suburban retail districts
    • Staying near the airport or along I‑75/I‑85 and needing a sit-down meal

Finding a Ruby Tuesday Near Your Part of Atlanta

Because locations and hours can change, the most reliable way to find a Ruby Tuesday that works for you is:

  1. Search by neighborhood or ZIP code in your map app (for example, near your home in Sandy Springs, College Park, or Decatur).
  2. Confirm hours and phone number for the specific restaurant.
  3. If necessary, call ahead to:
    • Confirm wait times
    • Ask about menu items or salad bar availability
    • Ask about seating for children or larger groups

For visitors flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it’s usually easiest to:

  • Look for Ruby Tuesday locations accessible via the interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑285),
  • Choose one along your route to your hotel or destination, and
  • Check driving time before you head out, especially during rush hour.

When Ruby Tuesday Makes Sense in Atlanta

Ruby Tuesday isn’t the centerpiece of Atlanta’s famous food scene, but it plays a clear role for many people:

  • Locals may use it as a familiar weeknight option near home or work.
  • Visitors may appreciate a recognizable chain when they’re tired from travel or not sure what everyone in the group wants.
  • Families and mixed groups often find it easier to agree on a place like Ruby Tuesday, where the menu is broad and the atmosphere is casual.

If you’re in or near Atlanta, Georgia and want a straightforward, predictable, sit-down meal with American dishes and some international influences, Ruby Tuesday can be a practical choice—especially if you’re already in the surrounding suburbs or near major shopping areas.