Ruby Sunshine

Indoor dining area of a restaurant at Congaree National Park, with yellow walls, red booths, and wooden tables.

Sunlight pours through Ruby Sunshine as you dive into New Orleans–twist brunch. Banana pudding beignets crackle at the edges with a banana-sweet center; fried green tomatoes arrive with remoulade and bacon onion jam that snap against the tongue. Eggs Benedict shines in variants—One Tomato Two Tomato (vegetarian), bacon-tomato classic, and the Trifecta—each with bold hollandaise and crisp toppings. Coffee from French Truck roasts cleanly; the room hums with a lively 79 dBA while the brun...

Quick facts

Meals Served: Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Signature Dishes: Banana pudding beignets; Fried Green Tomatoes with remoulade and bacon onion jam; Eggs Benedict variants (One Tomato Two Tomato Benedict, Eggs Blackstone Bennie, Trifecta); Sweet Heat Chicken & French Toast Bites; White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes
Local Specialties: New Orleans/Cajun-inspired classics (shrimp and grits, fried catfish, Creole cochon tacos) amid a sunlit brunch vibe
Popular Items: Banana pudding beignets; Fried Green Tomatoes; Eggs Benedict varieties (One Tomato Two Tomato; Trifecta)

What to order

Meals Served: Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Signature Dishes: Banana pudding beignets; Fried Green Tomatoes with remoulade and bacon onion jam; Eggs Benedict variants (One Tomato Two Tomato Benedict, Eggs Blackstone Bennie, Trifecta); Sweet Heat Chicken & French Toast Bites; White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes
Local Specialties: New Orleans/Cajun-inspired classics (shrimp and grits, fried catfish, Creole cochon tacos) amid a sunlit brunch vibe
Popular Items: Banana pudding beignets; Fried Green Tomatoes; Eggs Benedict varieties (One Tomato Two Tomato; Trifecta)
Menu Recommendations: Banana pudding beignets; Fried Green Tomatoes with remoulade and bacon onion jam; One Tomato Two Tomato Benedict
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Gluten-free
Vegan option (Skinny Migas)

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Starters $7.00-$9.80; Sandwiches $15.25-$16.70; Entrees (Ruby Specialties) $15.85-$25.30+; French Toast Entrees $10.50-$16.10+; Sides $2.75-$5.20; Beverages $4-$7; Juices around $4.90.
Reservations Policy: Walk-in only; no reservations accepted.
Typical Wait Times: Waits can exceed an hour at peak; some walk-ins report around 30 minutes.
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Free parking lot off Devine Street; nearby paid parking garages also available.

Visit strategy

Best For: Brunch with family
Friends gathering
Cajun-inspired brunch lovers
Not Ideal For: Those seeking a very quiet dining experience; not ideal for reservations
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Varies; seating can be quick, but peak times bring slower service
Vibe: Warm
Bright
Sunlit
Welcoming
Noise Level: Loud (around 79 dBA)
Busiest Times: Saturday mornings
Best Visit Times: Weekdays or off-peak hours; early mornings
Tips Advice: Arrive by 8:00-8:30 AM on weekends to beat the rush.
Beignets can be a bit dry; drizzle a syrup if needed.
Try the One Tomato Two Tomato Benedict for a vegetarian option and bold texture balance.

More details

Park Area: Congaree National Park
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats, Postmates
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Cocktail bar, flight of mimosas; French Truck coffee
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 0
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly atmosphere; loud environment; casual setting
Bar Seating: 1
Live Music: No live music
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Banana pudding beignets; One Tomato Two Tomato Benedict
Unique Factor: Banana pudding beignets and a sunny, Cajun-infused brunch vibe
Nearby Facilities: Free parking lot off Devine Street; nearby paid garages
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays during off-peak hours; Saturday mornings are busiest.
The Order Strategy: Skip the basic breakfast burrito and go straight for the One Tomato Two Tomato Benedict—vegetarian and unique. For coffee, order the French Truck drip; pair with Banana pudding beignets for a dessert-forward start.
The Vibe Check: This is a bright, sun-drenched brunch spot with a warm, welcoming vibe; family-friendly but the room can be loud at peak times.
The Crowd Factor: The line hits the sidewalk around 8:30 AM on weekends. If you want to minimize wait, plan for a weekday visit or arrive early on weekends.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want a sunlit New Orleans–inspired brunch with creative benedicts and beignets. SKIP IF: you need reservations or want a quiet, ultra-fast meal.
Distance From Park: approximately 21 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Bright, sunlit brunch spot with solid Cajun twists. Beignets are a crowd-pleaser though one reviewer noted dryness; benedicts land well with creative twists; overall value is solid for mid-range prices and a welcoming, family-friendly vibe.