La Habra barbecue spot serves Old West flavor and community aid

A La Habra barbecue restaurant is drawing diners with an Old West saloon setting, Southern breakfasts and brisket smoked for more than 16 hours, ABC7 Los Angeles reported Friday.

The restaurant’s local profile extends beyond food, with ABC7 reporting that it hosts home renovation help as well as food and blanket drives for the community.

Ruby Red’s BBQ, at 1841 W Imperial Hwy in the La Habra Marketplace shopping center, has been open for five years and operates seven days a week, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

ABC7 reported that the restaurant uses a wall of cowboy hats, antiques and other details to build its Old West atmosphere. Steve Williamson described the restaurant’s appeal simply: "This is a getaway."

The menu includes barbecue and Southern breakfasts, with customers traveling from outside the immediate area, ABC7 reported. Owner Nick Williamson said, "Our success comes from them, spreading the word to their friends and family that don't live around here" and "We have customers now that come from maybe an hour away."

The restaurant’s brisket is smoked low and slow for 16-plus hours, according to ABC7. The restaurant’s name comes from Steve’s wife and an at-home dye job that left her with ruby red hair.

ABC7 also reported that Ruby Red’s BBQ runs community efforts including programs to help renovate homes and food and blanket drives. "We haven't found a city that is more contributive to this kind of attitude than La Habra," Steve Williamson said.

Steve Williamson said the restaurant has found a strong fit in the city: "It is a welcoming place, and we absolutely love it."