Ruth’s Place1236 Civic Center Dr.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
714-953-9454
Near the Santa Ana Civic Center is Ruth's Place. Billed as a soul food restaurant more than a BBQ restaurant so taking that into consideration I still wanted to try the ribs. The ribs with two sides, I got double mac and cheese, were $9.64.
First the mac and cheese. Not good at all. Really it's macaroni and small pieces of cheese mixed in. The macaroni was tender but with very little cheese it was dry barely edible pasta.
The ribs weren't much better. The ribs were very thin with a small amount of meat. What's worse it that the ribs were dry and just plain terrible. The tomato based sauce, did add some flavor but nothing could hide the dry, bad tasting ribs. The ribs are not smoked. So for you BBQ purists this isn't a place you want to try.
The cornbread was actually good. A very nice crunch on the outside and moist inside.
Service is good and while there are two tables inside it's mostly a take out place. I wouldn't go to Ruth's again. If you're in the neighborhood, go to Burrell's. It's much better.
