Steps from Ocean Beach in the Outer Sunset, family-run Ruby's has quietly turned into a neighborhood hangout, thanks to a taco-heavy menu and a now-permanent smashburger taco that likes to share the spotlight with a low-alcohol "mellow" margarita. Opened late last year by Nick and Monique Osborne in the former Beach'n space, the walk-up counter leans into surf-adjacent comfort food with a few curveballs, including an Irish taco and a fisherman’s stew adapted from the family's Mission Rock Resort recipe. Locals say the spot feels tailor-made for the neighborhood: quick orders, relaxed seating, and plenty of plates that travel well to the sand.
Smashburger Taco Earns A Permanent Spot
The smashburger taco started as a one-off special and refused to stay that way. Built from a short-rib-and-brisket blend pressed into a paper-thin patty, then topped with American cheese, little gem lettuce, sliced tomato, and pickled onions, it all gets folded into a palm-sized flour tortilla. According to The San Francisco Standard, customers began showing up and asking for it on days it was not on the board, which was enough to convince the Osbornes to make it a regular. The end result tastes like an In-N-Out burger that wandered south of the border and has quickly become one of Ruby's calling-card orders.
Tacos Are The Menu's Center
The menu at Ruby's revolves around eight tacos, ranging from market-fish and ribeye to the more out-there Irish taco built with corned beef and cabbage. The lineup highlights the Smash Burger, Carnitas, and Fisherman's Stew as standout choices, alongside wraps and shareable plates designed for families, per Ruby's. The mix of classic beach fare and playful mash-ups has helped fuel a steady buzz among locals.
Family Roots And A Local Track Record
Ruby's marks Nick and Monique Osborne's first venture beyond Mission Rock Resort, the family-run spot Nick's family has operated for roughly two decades. Business filings list Ruby's Taco Shop LLC with the Osbornes as managers, according to Bizprofile, and Mission Local captured the green-and-yellow storefront when it opened last October. The Osbornes told reporters they envisioned Ruby's as a place for beachgoing families and couples looking for a laid-back, post-sand meal.
Sourcing And A Low-ABV Cocktail
Early on, Ruby's pressed its own tortillas, but the crew soon realized that keeping up with service would mean bringing in backup. They turned to a friend who runs Tortilleria El Molino in Concord to supply the tortillas, The San Francisco Standard reports. On the drinks side, the restaurant pours a "Mellow Marg" made with a low-ABV agave spirit, a lighter pick for parents and anyone hoping to keep the evening on an even keel, as listed on Ruby's. Between the tacos, a bowl of fisherman’s stew, and a pitcher of mellow margaritas, the aim is to have something that fits just about any beach day.
Who Should Go
Ruby's slots neatly into the Outer Sunset's evolving food scene: family-friendly plates while the sun is up and snackable, couple-ready fare as the evening sets in. The takeout window looks straight onto the N-Judah line, which makes it an easy grab-and-go stop after a surf session or a walk along the dunes, and the counter-service setup keeps things moving. The Osbornes say they plan to keep the menu tight and the vibe welcoming as the neighborhood continues to shift around them.
