When a beloved California diner brand with 43 years of history decided to bring its concept to Northern Nevada, University of Nevada, Reno students couldn’t have been more thrilled. 🍔
Ruby’s Shake Shop opened its doors on March 6, 2025, in a brand-new $2.4 million building directly across from UNR at 1703 N. Virginia Street.
This fast-casual burger and shake joint features fresh premium Angus beef, hand-battered chicken tenders, and handmade shakes mixed with Ruby’s famous vanilla soft-serve ice cream, all served with late-night hours perfect for college students craving quality food after studying.
How Ruby’s won Reno hearts
Ruby’s Shake Shop arrived in Reno with serious credibility, backed by over four decades of diner excellence that started on December 7, 1982, when founders Doug Cavanaugh and Ralph Kosmides transformed a converted bait shack at the end of Newport Beach’s Balboa Pier into the first Ruby’s Diner.
The restaurant was named after Cavanaugh’s mother, Ruby, whose likeness appears in the logo and advertising materials, giving the brand a warm, family-friendly foundation. 👩🦳
The strategic location across from UNR positioned Ruby’s perfectly to capture the college crowd.
Ownership specifically targeted students by staying open late—until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays—reasoning that “if the kid wants a shake at 11:30, I feel like I need to be there for him” after long study sessions.
Every burger features fresh premium Angus beef topped with Ruby’s special burger sauce, crisp lettuce, and tomato on toasted brioche buns, while chicken tenders are hand-battered and golden-fried to order—no frozen patties or pre-made items here.
The handmade shake program using Ruby’s famous vanilla soft-serve ice cream and premium mix-ins like Oreo, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and seasonal flavors quickly became legendary among students seeking that perfect dessert after meals or as a late-night treat.
Within months of opening, Ruby’s earned incredible recognition by being named Best Hamburger Restaurant in Reno by Google reviews—a remarkable achievement for such a new establishment proving the quality and value resonated immediately with the community. 🏆
The affordable pricing and combo deals sealed the deal for budget-conscious college students.
Reviews consistently praise how Ruby’s delivers quality and generous portion sizes at reasonable prices, making it accessible for regular visits rather than just special occasions.
Perhaps most importantly, Ruby’s created that fun, energetic atmosphere perfect for the college crowd.
The modern 2,300-square-foot space features a distinctive brick facade, glass storefront, and upbeat vibe that encourages lingering—it’s designed for take-out convenience but welcoming enough that students want to stay and hang out. ✨
Food Highlights
The Classic: Ruby’s signature burger features fresh premium Angus beef topped with American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and Ruby’s special burger sauce on a toasted brioche bun for just $9.99—simple, delicious, and perfectly executed. 🍔
Hickory Burger: This loaded creation stacks cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, hickory BBQ sauce, and crispy onion rings with Ruby’s burger sauce—it’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth every bite for $12.99.
Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich: A customer favorite combining hand-battered, golden-fried chicken breast with dill pickle slices, coleslaw, and Shop Sauce on a toasted brioche bun for $11.99—crispy, tangy, and satisfying.
Chicken Tenders Combo: The legendary tenders include four hand-battered, golden-fried fresh chicken tenders served with fries, coleslaw, cheese toast, homemade ranch, Shop Sauce, and a fountain drink for $15.99—it’s a complete meal that rivals any dedicated chicken spot. 🍗
Chili Cheese Fries: These shareable indulgences feature crispy fries smothered in homemade chili and melted cheese for $9.99—perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself after a long day of classes.
Oreo Cookies & Cream Shake: One of the most popular shakes, this treat blends Ruby’s famous vanilla soft-serve ice cream with real Oreo cookie chunks for $7.99—thick, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. 🥤
Atmosphere
Ruby’s Shake Shop delivers a modern, energetic fast-casual environment perfect for the college crowd and families alike.
The brand-new 2,300-square-foot building features contemporary design with a distinctive brick facade and glass storefront that creates an inviting, fresh atmosphere.
The space is designed primarily for take-out convenience but includes seating areas where students can grab a quick bite between classes or settle in for a meal with friends.
Late-night hours until midnight on weekends create a fun, accessible spot when most other options near campus have closed, making it the perfect destination for post-study cravings and celebrations. 🌙
Bottom Line
Visit Ruby’s Shake Shop for 43 years of California diner tradition brought to Northern Nevada, fresh premium Angus beef burgers never frozen, hand-battered golden-fried chicken tenders made to order, handmade shakes with premium mix-ins using famous vanilla soft-serve, late-night hours until midnight on weekends perfect for college students, and recognition as the Best Hamburger Restaurant in Reno within months of opening. 🎯
Address: 1703 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503
📞 (775) 221-7049
🕔 Mon-Thu, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM | Fri-Sat, 10:00 AM–12:00 AM | Sun, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM