Finding a reliable takeout joint is basically a rite of passage for anyone living in Philly. You need that one place where the General Tso’s is always crunchy, the delivery guy knows your confusing side-gate entrance, and the fortune cookies aren't stale. For a huge chunk of the Roxborough community, New Ruby Chinese Restaurant has been that rock for years.
It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred fusion experiment. It’s not "elevated" street food served on a slate slab with micro-greens.
Honestly? It's just a solid, high-volume Chinese kitchen that understands exactly what you want on a rainy Tuesday night. Located at 7140 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128, it has managed to survive the constant churn of the local food scene by sticking to a massive menu and lightning-fast service.
The Menu at New Ruby Chinese Restaurant is Honestly Huge
Most people walk in and get overwhelmed. I'm not kidding—there are over 200 items if you count the combination platters and the chef's specialties.
You’ve got your basics, of course. The Egg Rolls ($2.75) and Pork Dumplings ($9.35) are the standard openers, but if you want to know what people actually order, look at the General Tso’s Chicken Combination Platter. It’s the undisputed heavyweight champion of the menu. At about $17.50 for a platter (though prices fluctuate a bit depending on whether you’re ordering direct or through an app like DoorDash), it’s the definition of "bang for your buck."
They don't just do the heavy fried stuff, though. One of the more surprising things about the New Ruby Chinese Restaurant menu is the Steam Diet Specialties section.
If you’re trying to be somewhat healthy but your roommates are demanding sesame chicken, you can grab steamed shrimp with broccoli or mixed vegetables. No oil, no salt, no cornstarch. It’s a nice touch that most "cheap" takeout places ignore.
Why the Pu Pu Platter is a Retro Win
You don't see the Pu Pu Platter ($20.50) on enough menus these days. New Ruby keeps it alive. It's basically a sampler of all the "greatest hits":
- BBQ Spare Ribs
- Beef Sticks
- Egg Rolls
- Fried Wontons
- Shrimp Toast
- Chicken Wings
It's messy. It's greasy. It’s perfect for a group of people who can't decide on an appetizer.
What People Get Wrong About "Authenticity" Here
Look, if you go to New Ruby Chinese Restaurant expecting the hyper-regional, numbing Szechuan peppercorns of a high-end Chinatown spot, you’re missing the point. This is Chinese-American cuisine.
There is a big difference between what’s cooked in a home kitchen in Fujian and what comes out of a wok on Ridge Avenue. Chinese-American food was built on adaptation. Early immigrants substituted local ingredients—like broccoli, which isn't even native to China—to please Western palates.
New Ruby leans into this. Their sauces are often on the sweeter side, and the breading is thick. Is it "authentic" to mainland China? Not really. Is it an authentic part of Philadelphia's immigrant food history? Absolutely.
A Few Real-World Logistics (Parking and Delivery)
If you're planning to pick up, the Ridge Ave location is convenient, but parking in Roxborough can sometimes be a nightmare if you're there during peak dinner hours.
Most people just opt for delivery. They cover a 4-mile radius, which hits most of the local neighborhoods.
Standard Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The lunch specials are particularly popular with people working in the area because they run from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. You can get a main dish, pork fried rice, and a choice of soup or soda for way less than a standard sit-down meal elsewhere.
The Verdict on Quality Control
No restaurant is perfect. If you scan recent reviews from late 2025 and early 2026, you'll see the occasional complaint about the BBQ Spare Ribs being a bit lean or the duck being overcooked. That’s the reality of high-volume takeout.
However, the consensus is that the "front desk girl" is incredibly friendly—which matters when you're stressed out and just want your food—and the portions are consistently large enough for two meals.
If you're a fan of spicy food, you should probably ask them to "make it extra hot." Their standard "spicy" level is calibrated for a general audience, meaning it’s pretty mild for true chili-heads. The Szechuan Wontons and Hunan Beef are your best bets if you want a bit of a kick, but again, don't expect it to blow your head off unless you specifically request it.
Your Next Steps for a New Ruby Visit
If you're going to give them a shot, don't just order the first thing you see.
First, check their official website or the New Ruby Chinese Restaurant page on a delivery app to see the current "Best Sellers." The Cheese Steak Roll ($4.25) is a weird, beautiful Philly-Chinese fusion that you should try at least once. It's essentially a cheesesteak inside an egg roll wrapper. It’s local culture in a deep fryer.
Second, if you’re ordering for a family, the Special Combination Platters are the most cost-effective way to go. You get the entree, the rice, and the egg roll all in one container.
Finally, if you have allergies, be vocal. Like most traditional Chinese-American kitchens, they use a lot of soy, wheat, and occasionally peanut-based oils or garnishes. They’re usually pretty good about modifications, but with 200 items on the menu, things move fast in that kitchen. Call them directly at (215) 482-3800 if you have specific dietary needs rather than just leaving a note on a third-party app.