Ruth Ann’s: A Columbus diner serving up creative breakfast and comfort lunches

Editor’s note: This story was published in partnership with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Check out their full diner guide here: ajc.com/food-and-dining/best-diners-in-georgia/.

This restaurant began as a meat-and-three more than 30 years ago, but when founder Ruth Ann Heisey sold it to daughter Mary Heisey in 2006, Ruth Ann’s went in a new direction, offering gussied-up morning fare, such as French toast featuring Cap’n Crunch cereal, red velvet pancakes and even an espresso bar. Breakfast is a big part of the attraction at this daytime diner.

On the savory side, a standout Southern version of eggs Benedict, called the Red Rooster, features a couple of wobbly poached eggs, fried chicken and tomato gravy on a flaky biscuit. Omelets are filling and can be folded with chicken Florentine, cheesesteak, corned beef, veggies or ham and cheese. And pancake tacos hold eggs, cheese and bacon.

Lunch items include platters of country fried steak, turkey and dressing, meatloaf or a catfish filet with two you-choose-’em sides (top picks: cornbread dressing, mac and cheese or sweet potato souffle with raisins). Handhelds include the French onion-stuffed burger, held together by a toothpick with mini onion rings.

Ruth Ann’s also has servers who are cheery and chatty, while the veteran cooks in the kitchen have been known to break out in song.

And, of course, there are the regulars. “It’s very ritualistic,” Mary Heisey said. “We have a group of young fellas that come every Tuesday, and, certainly, families that are here every Saturday morning or couples that meet every Wednesday morning. That’s the comfort of consistency.”

941 Veterans Parkway, Columbus. 706-221-2154, ruthannsrestaurant.com