Dining

Ruby Sunshine

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
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.

Location

Brunch spread of pancakes, eggs, and fruit on a wooden table in Congaree National Park.French toast sandwich with mango glaze and whipped cream from a Congaree National Park cafe, plated on a white dish.

Frequently asked questions

Is there gluten-free options?

Yes, gluten-free options exist, and One Tomato Two Tomato Benedict can be made vegetarian.

Are there vegan options?

Skinny Migas are made with egg whites and spinach, offering a lighter vegan-leaning choice.

Is takeout available?

Yes. Takeout and delivery are available via Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats, and Postmates.

What parking is available?

There is a free parking lot off Devine Street; nearby garages are also present.

Do they take reservations?

Walk-in only; no reservations accepted.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.