Score With Satisfying Plates

Server Natasha Nishimura takes a bite of the restaurant’s Classic Sampler ($15.29).

Sports fans, take note. If you’re looking for a friendly place to eat delicious pupus, drink a cold beverage and watch a great game, grab a pal and stop by Ruby Tuesday. Cheerfully unique, the Moanalua location of the national chain feels just like a neighborhood sports bar.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel right at home. The restaurant is friendly and convivial, and its walls are covered with fascinating memorabilia. There are signed photos of famed flying aces, vinyl records cut by beloved Hawaiian musicians, and jerseys worn by local high school football stars.

And with several big-screen TVs over the bar, you’ll never miss a moment of the action when the game begins.

As savvy locals know, Ruby Tuesday even hosts ESPN Honolulu’s live radio show, Call The Coach, from 6 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday on its outdoor patio.

Primavera Pasta and Roasted Tomato Soup ($9.99 lunch only)

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“It’s a really nice turnout,” says Eddie Arnold, director of operations. “They’ve had various surprise guests, some of the actual players come down and people get to meet them.”

While cheering on your favorite team, check out some of Ruby Tuesday’s featured plates from its new main menu. From a starting lineup of scrumptious appetizers, Classic Sampler ($15.29) includes house-baked soft pretzels with queso, spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips, and mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.

“It’s neat to get the spinach and artichoke dip as part of a sampler,” says Arnold. “We’ve never offered it that way before.”

The game continues with Cajun Grilled Shrimp and Rice ($20.99). This entree features a pair of skewers with four large Cajun grilled shrimp on each one, served over a bed of housemade dirty rice consisting of ground pork, onion, celery, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning topped with a mildly spicy lemon sauce.

Cajun Grilled Shrimp and Rice ($20.99)

Brand new on the team — a trio of Steak Combos, starting at $23.29. These satisfying meals pair a 6-ounce sirloin with shrimp, chicken, or ribs, and two sides of your choice. The Hickory Bourbon Bacon Sir-loin Combo with Half-Rack Baby-Back Ribs ($26.99) features a sirloin made with lip-smacking hickory-bacon barbecue sauce combined with bacon jam and au jus.

“It goes great with steak and burgers,” Arnold says. “It has really nice flavor.”

On the flip side of Ruby Tuesday’s new main menu, its new lunch menu is available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Similar to the restaurant’s signature Smokehouse Burger, the new Smokehouse Sliders Garden Bar Combo ($13.99) includes a pair of delicious little burgers made with cheddar cheese, bacon, barbecue sauce and crispy onions.

“We’ve kicked ‘em up a notch,” Arnold says. “They’re served with fries and our Endless Garden Bar with more than 45 items.”

Classic Sampler ($15.29)

For a lighter meal, it’s tough to beat Primavera Pasta and Roasted Tomato Soup ($9.99). This lunch-sized portion of pasta features fresh broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini and roasted tomatoes tossed with lemon basil sauce. Bright and tasty, the roasted tomato soup makes this offering a winning combination.

COME AND RELAX

Live music is the name of the pau hana game at Ruby Tuesday’s Kapolei location. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, check out local artists like Paul Dunlap, Braxton Olita, Annette Oasay and Cory Oliveros, playing in a relaxing lanai setting. Buckets of beer — four icy bottles of Miller Lite or Coors Light — are available for $9.99.

Hickory Bourbon Bacon Sirloin Combo with Half- Rack Baby-Back Ribs ($26.99)

CATCH THESE DEALS

Offering nine entree options and seven delicious sides, Ruby Tuesday’s new Lunch Combinations are in a league of their own! Customers can choose from the following options:

• Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Turkey Burger or Primavera Pasta ($9.99 each)

• Crispy Chicken & Pimento Sandwich, Southern Fried Chicken Salad or Cheeseburger ($10.99 each)

• Parmesan Shrimp Pasta, Crispy Chicken BBQ Bacon Sandwich or Bacon Cheeseburger ($11.99 each)

Each entree comes with a choice of side. Options up for grabs are Garden or Caesar Salad, Roasted Tomato Soup, Garden Vegetable Soup, French Fries, Green Beans and Steamed Broccoli.