Eating Outside the Box: Ruby's Shake Shack

(Crystal Cove Welcome Center)

One of the greatest or most iconic American meals has to be a cheeseburger and ice cream shake. The chain restaurant Ruby's has done a great job of sharing this delicious meal with millions of people from their oldies restaurants to a few new twists such as the Beachcomber and Shake Shack down in Laguna Beach. Both are located off PCH at the Crystal Cove beach cottages and have become a huge hit.

(Crystal Cove Beach, Laguna Beach)

The cottages were very popular in the 30's and 40's amongst surfers and their families ready for some time on the Southern California coast. The cottages were abandoned and weren't considered until they were reconstructed in the early 2000's. Ruby's created the Beachcomber amidst the cottages and is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is more of a sit-down restaurant with pricier and more inventive items, doesn't take reservations so there is usually a wait, but it is well worth the experience.

(Cottages, pre-remodel)

As for the Shake Shack, it was created above the cottages along PCH as a sandwich and milkshake joint. It is also right off the running path, so it often attracts runners, walkers, and bikers, finishing up their weekend or weekday workouts. It also attracts beach goers ready for an afternoon snack in the summers and consistent locals year-round. A few months ago, Ruby's choose to remodel the Shake Shack to expand from just sandwiches to practically a full menu with burgers, hot sandwiches, and even breakfast menu. We went last weekend for breakfast, or rather it was brunch by the time we arrived, after a walk on the Crystal Cove Beach.

(The Beachcomber, Crystal Cove)

When you arrive, you can scout out one of the tables or barstools overlooking the beach, and then you order from the window. The service is great and relatively fast. Once you order, you take your number to your table and they deliver your food to you.

I debated whether to go with something off the breakfast menu or eat one of their famous burgers. The only thing I did know, was that I wanted a shake. They have excellent portions, even enough for two, so I split the cinnamon roll french toast meal (with eggs and bacon or sausage) with my aunt and I split a chocolate shake with my grandpa. He choose the healthier breakfast scramble with salsa scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, fruit, and wheat toast. My grandma had her heart set on a cheeseburger, but tested out the new healthier option with a lean meat patty, and came with their french fries. It had an interesting taste to it - something different, so if you are looking for a good 'ol fashioned cheeseburger, I wouldn't suggest experimenting with the healthy option. All sandwiches come with fries and there is even an option to swap them out for sweet potato fries. How neat!