Ruth's Kitchen, located at 6790 Market St in Wilmington, NC, is a true gem for those seeking home-style cooking at reasonable prices. This diner-style restaurant is beloved by locals, with many regulars flocking for its nostalgic atmosphere and hearty meals. Patrons rave about the extensive menu, which features daily specials and a satisfying selection of sides, including favorites like collard greens, mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding. Diners can enjoy everything from a classic breakfast of fluffy biscuits and gravy to comfort food staples like liver and onions. Customers have praised the quick and friendly service, making it an ideal spot for lunch, especially for those on a tight schedule. The ambiance is welcoming, with a clean and well-renovated interior that accommodates both sit-down meals and take-out orders. Highlights include the kid's menu and generous portions, ensuring that families can dine together affordably. As one reviewer noted, the long-standing establishment is not just about food; it fosters a community atmosphere. Whether you're craving pancakes at 5:30 AM or a heartwarming dinner, Ruth's Kitchen delivers both quality and warmth in every dish. Overall, it’s a place that evokes nostalgia and satisfies the soul, making it a must-visit for anyone in the Wilmington area.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Has drive-through
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Ruth's Kitchen
Sarah Lee
Jun 4,2025
There's only one way to describe ... good home style cooking. A lot of the customers are long time regulars. Typical meal is entre with 2 vegetables or side salad plus bread. Also have variety of desserts. Has been renovated and is always clean regardless of how crowded. Can have table, sit at bar, or get take-out. Very reasonably priced.
Ken Nugent
May 28,2025
My wife and I split a 3 egg omelate, had fried potatoes, tomatoes and a biscuit with gravey. Food was good, delivered timely and hot. Our bill including tip was well under 20.00.
Trisha Murrill
Apr 6,2025
Great place to get home cooked meals for reasonable price. Diner with fast and friendly service. We eat there regularly for lunch. They have different daily specials along with regular menu items. They serve meals with meat and choice of sides/ vegetables as well as burgers and sandwiches. Food is good, and we love that we can go for our lunch hour.
J Y
Mar 26,2025
This is a nostalgic restaurant serving good food. Opens at 5:30 am weekdays for breakfast, 6:30am on Saturdays. The best biscuit in town. They also have marmalade!
James Nellis
Mar 25,2025
First time here and found a gem of the old style diners! From the menu to the mix of table and chairs and clientele we enjoyed our lunch of liver and onions and chicken livers. Great choices of sides and very pleasant and experienced server who kept pace with the crowd with a smile on her face; Nana!
Matt Howell
Mar 23,2025
A true piece of old Wilmington. Ruth's is my go-to for breakfast, and their lunch and dinner service is just as incredible. It's a place that feels like home. They never miss. I love the staff, I love the food, I love the building. Do not sleep on this true local favorite.
Marcia Lee
Mar 17,2025
Its your favorite calabash seafood shack meets your favorite diner. Best diner food in Wilmington! The atmosphere is bland but that's part of the charm. You have to experience it! Update. Best grilled cheese in town!!
Lucretia Allen
Mar 16,2025
Service was great and so was the food. Breakfast tasted home made and delicious. Liz was prompt, friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Loved their homemade Biscuits, Grits was delicious and bacon was the best I ever tasted. Atmosphere small and cozy with lots os locals conversing and having a good time. Very inviting and parking is located in the small shopping plaza. If ever in the area again, will certainly be back!
Reviews For Ruth's Kitchen