WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Downtown Walnut Creek is getting a bold new “arcade bar” that leans hard into color, nostalgia, and over–the–top decor, complete with 1950s pinups, classic game machines, and candy–shop vibes.
We stopped by the see how the new space is coming along, and even the front door is whimsical and dramatic! We also got a prospective opening date–more on that below!
For years, the cozy Buon Vino wine bar anchored the corner of Lincoln and Broadway. Now, the space is being totally reimagined and revamped as a brand new spot: Ruby Lou’s Boujee Bites & Games, a hybrid arcade–restaurant–cocktail bar at 1501 N. Broadway.
Downtown Walnut Creek boosters have been calling it “a vibrant new experience” and a “whimsical venue,” underscoring that this is meant to be more than just another bar with a couple of machines in the corner.
Pinups, Neon, And A Candy–Garden Interior
If you like minimalist design, this probably isn’t your spot.
From what we saw in the front window–and what’s been posted online–Ruby Lou’s will lean into a maximalist, retro look: nostalgic 1950s pinup imagery on the walls, a 1970s–inspired color palette, and a chartreuse Art Deco back bar that sounds like it was pulled straight from a movie set.
What Now reports that the interior is being designed to feel like a “candy–garden” — bright, immersive, and intentionally over the top — with details meant to delight kids at birthday parties during the day and adults bar–hopping at night.
In terms of a menu, their reporting says to expect things like wagyu beef hot dogs, mac and cheese, and sweets inspired by school bake sales.
The concept draws on owner Megan Abraham Benshalom’s background in theater set design and fine dining.
During daytime hours, the space is expected to skew family–friendly, with kids running between arcade cabinets, dropping quarters in classic–style game machines. In the evening, it will turn into a bar for adults who want a nostalgic/retro hangout spot downtown.
Ruby Lou’s is arriving at a moment when downtown Walnut Creek is quietly stacking up new nightlife and entertainment options.
In just the last few months, Stereo41 — a high–design, DJ–centered restaurant and bar in the old PG&E office on Bonanza Street — has opened with a dedicated DJ booth and hi–fi sound system.
Barebottle Brewing Company has also debuted its new taproom and kitchen across from Trader Joe’s, adding a serious craft–beer option and another big, social gathering spot.
Ruby Lou’s slots neatly into that mix, giving downtown a more playful, arcade–driven option to go along with the brewery scene and the new music–centric restaurant spaces.
So, when does this joyfully overwrought place open? A sign on the window when we dropped by says to expect a “tentative” December 1st opening date.
Want to know when the doors are finally open? Make sure to join our free 925 News newsletter and we’ll keep you in the loop!
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If you’re tracking Walnut Creek’s evolving nightlife, we recently toured the super–trendy, DJ–centered new Stereo41 restaurant and checked out the upscale new Barebottle Brewing taproom across from Trader Joe’s; we’ve also been following how Barebottle’s arrival capped months of mystery construction downtown in our earlier deep–dive on what was coming to that corner.
