When it comes to dining out at chain restaurants in America, the options are abundant. Among the popular choices, TGI Fridays and Ruby Tuesday often compete for customers’ attention. In this article, we will closely examine both restaurants, comparing and contrasting their menu options, drinks, locations, and more. So, if you’re wondering which one to choose, read on to make an informed decision.
Ruby Tuesday: A Win for the Kids
Taking kids out to eat can be a challenging task, especially if they are picky eaters. Ruby Tuesday caters to young appetites with a larger kids’ menu, offering more enticing options like crispy shrimp and quesadillas in addition to the usual favorites like macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders. TGI Fridays, on the other hand, has a more limited selection with only four choices for kids.
Ruby Tuesday: A Dessert Lover’s Paradise
If you have a sweet tooth, Ruby Tuesday is the place to be. While TGI Fridays offers tempting desserts like Oreo Madness and rainbow cake, Ruby Tuesday takes the lead with a larger selection of treats such as Lemon Italian Cream Cake, cheesecake with fresh strawberries, warm chocolate chip cookie skillet, and rich chocolate lava cake.
Ruby Tuesday: Pasta Perfection
When it comes to satisfying your craving for pasta, Ruby Tuesday offers a wider range of options compared to TGI Fridays. With dishes like Chicken and Broccoli Penne in cream sauce, Blackened Shrimp and Sausage, Parmesan Shrimp, Chicken Carbonara, and Crispy Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese, Ruby Tuesday’s pasta menu is sure to delight pasta lovers.
Ruby Tuesday: Burger and Sandwich Galore
For those who enjoy sinking their teeth into burgers and sandwiches, Ruby Tuesday has a slightly larger selection than TGI Fridays. With choices like the Smokehouse Cheeseburger topped with crispy onion rings, a stuffed Meatball Hoagie, and a spicy Jalapeño Queso Bacon Burger, Ruby Tuesday caters to a variety of taste preferences.
TGI Fridays: Appetizer Extravaganza
If you’re a fan of appetizers and enjoy a variety of flavors to kickstart your meal, TGI Fridays takes the lead with a longer list of options. From wings, loaded potato skins, and spinach-artichoke dip to unique offerings like fried green bean fries with cucumber-wasabi sauce and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, TGI Fridays has a wide selection to tantalize your taste buds. While Ruby Tuesday offers appetizers like sticky ribs and crab dip, the selection is not as extensive.
Ruby Tuesday: Side Dish Variety
A great side dish can complement your main course and enhance the overall dining experience. Ruby Tuesday offers a larger selection of sides compared to TGI Fridays, including loaded tater tots, rice pilaf, buttered corn, grilled zucchini, corn chowder soup, and roasted baby bella mushrooms.
Ruby Tuesday: Build-Your-Own-Salad Garden Bar
If you’re looking for healthier options, Ruby Tuesday stands out with its build-your-own-salad Garden Bar. In addition to offering a honey-glazed salmon bowl and chicken Caesar salad, Ruby Tuesday allows customers to create their own salads with a variety of ingredients. This customizable approach to salads ensures a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.
TGI Fridays: Extensive Beverage and Cocktail Selection
When it comes to beverages and cocktails, TGI Fridays takes the lead with its diverse offerings. From the Ultimate Friday Margarita to the Ultimate Double Berry Mojito, TGI Fridays offers a wide range of cocktails. They even provide to-go cocktails, allowing customers to enjoy their favorites outside the restaurant.
Ruby Tuesday: Unique Daily Specials
For those who appreciate variety and a little excitement in their dining experience, Ruby Tuesday offers unique daily specials. These specials often feature specific dishes or promotions that are available only on certain days of the week. Examples of these specials include the Endless Garden Bar on Wednesdays, where you can enjoy unlimited trips to the salad bar, and the Prime Rib on Fridays and Saturdays, a mouthwatering choice for steak lovers. These daily specials provide an added element of surprise and entice customers to visit Ruby Tuesday on different days of the week.
TGI Fridays: More Locations
One notable advantage that TGI Fridays holds over Ruby Tuesday is its widespread presence with a larger number of locations. With a history spanning nearly 50 years, TGI Fridays has established itself as a global chain with over 900 locations across 60 countries. In the United States alone, there are 551 TGI Fridays locations, making it more accessible to a wider range of customers.
The extensive network of TGI Fridays allows for greater convenience, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals living in areas with limited dining options. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a small town, chances are you’ll find a TGI Fridays nearby, ready to serve up its signature dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
Verdict: Making the Right Choice
Both TGI Fridays and Ruby Tuesday have their own strengths and unique offerings. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a dining experience.
If you have picky eaters or are dining with children, Ruby Tuesday’s larger kids’ menu and dessert selection may be appealing. They also excel in pasta dishes and offer a variety of burgers and sandwiches.
On the other hand, if you’re a fan of appetizers and enjoy a wide selection, TGI Fridays is the winner in that category. They also boast an extensive beverage and cocktail menu, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a vibrant bar scene.