Ruben James: Your Go-To Sports Bar for Delicious Bar Food in Burlington
Ruben James, located at 159 Main St, Burlington, VT, is a vibrant local sports bar that melds a lively atmosphere with delightful food offerings. Known for its varied menu, the bar excels in classic pub fare, from crispy sweet potato fries to their highly praised burgers and buffalo chicken wraps. Customers consistently rave about the friendly service and the welcoming vibe, especially during big sporting events. With a commendable selection of vegetarian options and impressive dishes, Ruben James stands out as a must-visit spot, perfect for both game-watching and casual dining.
Popular Menu Items
Garlic Buffalo
Taco Plate
Sweet Potato Fries
Drunken Cheeseburger
Gravy Fries
Buffalo Chicken
Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites
Frozen Margarita and Beer
Pulled Pork
Crab Rangoon
Mini Corn Dogs
Guacamole
Basket of Fries
Pork Potstickers
Fried Green Tomatoes
Buffalo Wing
Ruben James: Reviews & Ratings
Small local sports bar with good food. We got the potstickers and the sweet potato fries. Best fries I've ever had! So crispy and delicious the staff was very friendly. Our only complaint is that the place was chilly. Every time someone went in or out we got blasted with cold air.
We loved it here. Our waitress, Isabel, was super fun and extremely helpful. Everything we ate and drank was appropriately dive-y while also being delicious. I REALLY appreciated all the vegetarian options!!! Usually they are nonexistent in sports bars.
Kitchen & bar staff are great. I've been here few times & food is always good. Today I came in late as kitchen was closing. I was starving after 14hr day & hoped for fries. They let me order a Burger meal & were so nice. Especially Allie at the bar & Jay made it happen in the kitchen. They were both great. I'll always come here 1st when in Burlington
We love RJs. Great place to grab some bar food and watch a game. Awesome atmosphere during big sporting events. Food is very good considering the bar atmosphere. Wings are an obvious choice and are great. Another go to order is any of their wraps. They are delicious. Pictured is the crispy buffalo chicken wrap
I got to admit, I love this dive bar. The food is way better than it should be for this place. It, arguably, has the best burger in town. The drinks aren't expensive. It can get crowded and it can get noisy. I love that they show a lot of hockey. But when the games go late, even the play offs, they put being a college bar way over being a sports bar.
We visited in January and the place was very cold, especially in the washroom. You know it's bad when the inside is colder than outside. It looked unkempt and a bit run down. We had the mac n cheese and the wings, and while the portion sizes were very generous, the buffalo sauce on the wings was very vinegary and the mac n cheese was bland and tasteless. The prices are fair though and the beer was good with lots of options. Gave an extra star because of the chill sport vibes, nice place for the college students to hang out or just to watch the game given the multiple TV screens.
Location
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159 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States Hotline: +1 802-864-0744
Welcome to Ruben James, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Burlington, Vermont. Located at 159 Main St, this intimate sports bar invites locals and visitors alike to indulge in a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter, good company, and fantastic food. With a commitment to providing a delightful dining experience, Ruben James has cultivated a loyal following among those who appreciate hearty bar fare paired with a friendly smile.
The moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm ambiance that encourages camaraderie. Patrons rave about the diverse menu, featuring standout items like their celebrated **potstickers** and the wildly popular **sweet potato fries**, often heralded as some of the best around—crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious. It's the kind of bar food that hits the spot, whether you're here for game day or just a casual bite to eat.
One of the key highlights of Ruben James is its impressive range of vegetarian options, making it a rarity among sports bars and a favorite among plant-based diners. Reviewers like Leah Hall have expressed delight at the menu's inclusivity without sacrificing taste. Plus, the bar staff, including stars like Isabel and Allie, go the extra mile to ensure that every visit is memorable and accommodating, even extending kitchen hours for late-night cravings—just ask Alan Rogers!
For those looking to catch a game, the atmosphere is electric during sports events, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends. Enjoy a plate of their **crispy buffalo chicken wrap** or dive into their famed **wings**, all while soaking in the lively energy surrounding you. As Jonathan Bradley aptly noted, the food here exceeds expectations for a dive bar, making it a beloved destination for both regulars and newcomers.
While some have pointed out that the chillier weather can sneak in when doors open, the warmth of the staff and the heartiness of the food make up for it. At Ruben James, it’s not just about the meal; it’s about the overall experience—a blend of delicious eats, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more.
So, whether you're seeking the best burger in town or a place to enjoy a sports game with excellent bar bites, Ruben James is your go-to destination in Burlington. Don’t miss out on the local charm and culinary delights that await you!
- Accessibility
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Service options
- Has no-contact delivery
- Offers delivery
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Accepts NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards