Wanting to add a few more date night ideas for you gals and pals to utilize this fall season, I set out to experience what, I had been told, is a very popular spot in downtown Harrisonburg: Ruby’s Arcade. Because I am lacking a romantic partner to accompany me on such “date nights,” I enlisted the company of my friend Tristen.  

 

     As we were walking to the front door of Ruby’s Arcade we were quite confused. From the outside, this entertainment hot spot looked closed… at 8 p.m on a Thursday night? How could this be?

 

     Ruby’s Arcade is divided into two sections; although I do not know their official names, lets call them ‘the lounge’ and ‘the arcade’ to better your understanding.The lounge is the one visible from the front door. It is relatively quiet, providing a comfortable space to hang out if you and your significant other are looking to get lost in conversation or play one of the board games from Ruby’s very impressive collection.  

 

     The Arcade is further into the establishment. A spot more suitable if you are looking to impress your significant other with some hand-eye coordination skills that you ‘naturally have and totally haven’t been practicing every day for the last two months.’

 

     It is not the type of arcade one would expect upon hearing the word. The walls are not lined with old school video games; instead each of the walls is painted with a unique mural. Against the right wall is a piano with a sign that reads, “Please Play. Don’t Practice;” Encouraging yet slightly passive aggressive, which I can appreciate.

 

     Mackenzie, who proved to be a phenomenal hostess throughout the evening, greeted us just inside the front door. After asking if and where we would like to be seated, she led Tristen and I into the arcade and sat us in the middle of the action; four Duckpin Bowling lanes to the left; pool tables, Ping-Pong, shuffleboard and Fooseball to the right.

 

     The crowd on this Thursday night was drastically different from what I had anticipated. Ruby’s Arcade provides an extremely welcoming atmosphere. No one seemed out of place. Most people were in small groups, enjoying a nice platonic outing or group date. There may have been young parents with literal infants at the bowling ally, but that didn’t stop the group of college guys with a beer pitcher from playing pool and getting a little rowdy over the “swing the ring onto the hook” game. I do not know the actual name of the game but that pretty much covers it.

 

     There was another group of men who were all wearing their work uniforms. They seemed to be stopping by after work for a game of pool and a beer. There was another man playing Ping Pong against his teenage son, who would occasionally get distracted and leave the game to throw a dart or two.

 

     Then there were Tristen and I, who appeared to be the only two actually sitting at a table and ordering food; perhaps that was because it was approaching 9 p.m. and most people have had their dinner.

 

     Mackenzie took my drink order, which is always water because I have yet to turn 21 and soda makes my teeth feel gross. One thing that grinds my gears at restaurants is when you ask for water and are brought a glass full of ice with just enough liquid to submerge the cubes; so now there is not enough water to quench your thirst, and the water that is there is too cold to actually enjoy.

 

     But, thankfully, Mackenzie can do no wrong. She swiftly returns with a refreshing glass of water that contains the perfect water to ice ratio, which impressively stayed consistent with each refill.

 

     Straight out of the gate I knew I wanted to place an order of Mozzarella Sticks while I continued to peruse the menu for an entrée. I always think Mozzarella sticks are an excellent order to test food quality. Many places serve them and they are usually pretty good; and even when they are not good, they are never downright disgusting, (it’s fried cheese how badly can you mess it up.) But every so often you come across a place that raises the Mozz-stick bar. And let me tell you, Ruby’s Arcade is that place.

 

 

 

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     They exceeded all my expectations. The sticks were huge, expertly hand-crumbed (not just fried), and the perfect temperature for “optimum cheese meltyness,” as Tristen stated.

 

The menu was riddled with delicious pop-culture references; from the arch nemesis of Bob Belcher, “The Jimmy Pesto,” to the Game of Thrones’ “A Pizza Has No Name.” For my entrée I decided to embrace my dark side and ordered “The Boba Feta”, a burger with spinach, banana peppers and feta cheese, for $7.00, and with a side of mac and cheese for $2.50.

 

      The burger was delicious. It was the perfect size - big enough to fill me up but not too big to stop me from wanting to bowl after. The real star of the night was the mac and cheese.

Words cannot describe this perfection. This was the best mac and cheese I have ever had (and you can trust me ‘cause I have had a lot of mac and cheese).

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     It was creamy and fresh, heartwarmingly homemade and topped with breadcrumbs. It was not fatty or greasy, as I have found at other local restaurants. Seriously I could eat it every day until I died.

 

     Overall I had a very pleasant experience at Ruby’s Arcade. The staff was very kind and the food was phenomenal. The vibe is unlike anything else I have found in Harrisonburg and one that I eagerly wish to return to, this time with more pals and an ID that legally allows me to order a beer pitcher of my own.

 

     This has quickly become one of my favorite spots in downtown Harrisonburg and I encourage you to visit as soon as you can. Come join me at Ruby’s Arcade Sunday night, Nov. 13th, as I celebrate my 21st birthday!

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Address:

100B, 165 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

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Website:

http://www.rubysarcade.com/menu/ 

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