Ruthie's All-Day Diner

This new addition to Glebe Road has been a darling of the local food critics and a favorite of some friends and family but I have to say that a recent visit made it clear it is neither veg-friendly nor a particularly good choice for those wanting to eat healthy.

The menu online doesn't reflect what is on the actual menu and on the day I arrived the only sort-of healthy option on the menu was the yogurt. I paired this with Hash Browns, figuring I could count that as both my carbs and fats for the day. The other options were either loaded with sugar or had meat.

As we sat there a large truck drove up to the back. After getting my food I realized this must have been delivering the food. For a diner they offer no fresh eggs and it was clear that the kitchen was mostly about reheating pre-made food or adding water (for things like the oatmeal).

My yogurt with "strawberry, local honey and granola" was a cup -- much like what you buy at DCA before flying. The "strawberry" was a jam with more sugar than fruit and the granola wasn't particularly crunchy. It was clear that this yogurt parfait thing had been made at least a day earlier.

The Hash Browns were no better. They really weren't Hash Browns, they were two overcooked and slightly greasy Latkes. But not as good as Latkes. They came with some bizarre dipping sauce which tasted more like something you would get with Buffalo Wings. I like a good dipping sauce but this was just foul.

One of the people with me got a biscuit with their meal. Like everything else it was clearly not fresh. The outside had a nice crust but the inside was leaden. It was served on the same plate as my Latkes so there was some confusion as to who it was for, and the butter was next to the dipping sauce so it was momentarily confused with sour cream.

Adding to my complaints, the Manager couldn't keep his mask on and wore it on his chin during our entire visit. Needless to say, I won't be going back.

Ruthie's All-Day Diner -- Diner with limited menu and bar-style food
3411 5th St. South, Arlington
https://www.ruthiesallday.com/

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