Strange to feel nervous heading to a trendy café in the West Village, but the freezing wind, almost had me turning back with my Maltese Luckily, Little Ruby’s West Village turned things around. It’s a dog-friendly spot where you can dine with your pup outdoors. I was ready to get my food to-go , but to my surprise, their “outdoor” area is actually a cozy, climate-controlled space connected to the main dining room. Total lifesaver.
The restaurant has a laid-back brunch vibe with a pretty interior and even a view of One World Trade. I went on a weekday around 11:30 AM and it was already packed - might be worth making a reservation. Staff were super friendly and even made my dog feel welcome. While it got a little noisy at times, it didn’t take away from the experience.
The food:
The Bronte Burger came with crispy sweet potato fries and a tangy house-made savory sauce. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the bread and would prefer a traditional hamburger bun as the patty would consistently slide when eating. However, the burger patty was very juicy and filled with flavor.
The Ricotta Hotcakes were a clear winner and standout - I wish I had ordered extra to go. The pancakes were light and fluffy, and the bananas added a natural sweetness.
Tried the Passionfruit Yogurt Bowl - it was just okay. The fruit was fresh but not as sweet as expected, and the yogurt was a bit too thick for my taste. Might skip this one next time.
Drinks:
That Watermelon Drink was delicious with a refreshing, real fruit flavor.
The Espresso Martini wasn’t quite my usual pick, but it was surprisingly decent to my taste. Not a bad way to start the morning.
I’ll definitely be back for the pasta this summer. The two drinks gave just enough of a buzz to enjoy a chill walk to nearby Washington Square Park. If you’re bringing your dog, don’t skip the dog run after.
Must-Go-Rating: 4.3/5 ✨
