Unexpected closures of Ruby’s Diner locations leave customers heartbroken

Ruby’s Diner permanently closed locations in Huntington Beach and Oceanside Feb. 26, leaving many longtime customers devastated. JACK CLENDENING, Staff Photographer

Visiting Huntington Beach on a balmy day, one is bound to see crowds of locals sunbathing, surfing, building sandcastles and swimming in the crisp, blue ocean. To end a long day of activities, beachgoers cruise down the boardwalk pier, eager to scarf down a cheeseburger and milkshake from the world-famous restaurant Ruby’s Diner.  

But after 25 years of bringing smiles to hungry faces, visitors will have to find a new tradition. Ruby’s Diner released a Facebook statement Feb. 26 announcing both their Huntington Beach and Oceanside locations would be closing their doors. 

“We are deeply saddened to be closing, but we are so thankful for all the wonderful memories that were shared over the years at the end of these two iconic piers,” the statement read.

Many are heartbroken by the news of the closures. Ruby’s Diner in Oceanside was a place of fond memories and experiences for loyal customer Amanda Lower.

“As a young military family of six, we would often find little things to do on the weeknights or weekends that wouldn’t be too costly,” Lower said. “One of those things was to walk the pier close to sunset, just to get a couple milkshakes to share. Our kids loved sitting inside the restaurant, watching the fishermen and people walk by. As parents, we loved creating these memories with our kids.”

That family-friendly environment of the Huntington Beach location, established in 1996, provided a safe place for parents to bring their children to chow down on a few all-American favorites, said customer Gabriel Candelaria.  

Candelaria and her family, living in New Mexico, would come to visit Huntington Beach every year, she said. Her eight-year-old daughter would put a quarter in the gumball machine every time she went to the Ruby’s in order to try to get a red gumball — which would entitle her to a free float. In July 2019, she finally nabbed one. 

“It’s still one of her favorite memories,” Candelaria said. “The Huntington beach location is (her) favorite place in the world ... She loves to sit by the window and look at the ocean as she eats.”

The location was also a haven for Chapman University students. Kaila McCord, a freshman integrated educational studies major, said she had fond memories of the diners due to their location, longevity and atmosphere. 

“Many people feel attached to Ruby’s because it has been around for so long and it has a beautiful view of the ocean from the pier,” McCord said. “It’s been a place for many people to gather to meet family and friends, so people have had memories and feel connected to it.”

Although both dining locations may be physically gone, Lower said the memories created at Ruby’s Diners will last a lifetime. 

“I want to thank the owners for the memories,” Lower said. “How many places are on the Pacific Ocean that you can walk out onto a pier and have dinner while watching a sunset? Whenever I make it back (to Huntington Beach), I will miss Ruby’s.”