There is no shortage of dining options in town; one of the most-beloved and oldest restaurants in Keystone is Ruby House. Serving diners for almost 50 years, stepping inside Ruby House is like taking a trip back through time. The restaurant’s rich history is on display throughout the building. The formal dining room features elegant turn-of-the-century decor including red velvet draperies, period photographs and prints, antique handguns and rifles, carnival glass and china, and other memorabilia lining the walls—an Old West tableau straight out of the 1890s. The quaint atmosphere and Western hospitality have been attracting diners from throughout the Black Hills for decades—locals and visitors alike. Ruby House has survived a fire and a flood and remains a beloved institution.
Though the menu has expanded over the years, the staff’s commitment to excellence has not. An extensive selection of items is available for lunch and dinner, with enough variety to please even the pickiest of eaters. Choices range from soups and salads to sandwiches, pasta, ribs, chicken, steak, and more. Kids can enjoy their usual favorites or splurge on a scaled-down prime rib. Time-honored favorites include the bourbon ribeye, Indian taco, buffalo stew in a bread bowl, Monte Cristo sandwich, and onion petals. Local specialties featuring buffalo, elk, and walleye are a hit with adventurous eaters. Water, milk, coffee, hot and iced tea, and soft drinks—including an old-fashioned sarsaparilla—will help quench your thirst. Alcoholic beverages can be ordered from the full-service bar at the adjacent Red Garter Saloon.
Ruby House’s prime location on the Keystone boardwalk makes it a convenient spot to kick back after a day spent exploring Mount Rushmore and other Black Hills attractions. Patio seating is a popular option when the weather is nice. Ruby House is open daily from mid-April to mid-October.