Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining
Fusion restaurant · Neighborhood Nine ·

Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining

Fusion restaurant · Neighborhood Nine ·

Thai-American fusion burgers, pasta, and brunch dishes

Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by Erika Adams/Eater Boston
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger & Dining by null

Information

1790 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 Get directions

$20–30

Reserve a table
Order delivery
See Menu

Information

Static Map

1790 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 Get directions

+1 617 945 3147
blackrubycambridge.com
@blackrubycambridge

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve a table

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Last updated

Nov 21, 2025

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@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

The Best New Restaurants Around Boston, July 2025 | Eater Boston

"Black Ruby punches up burgers, sandwiches, and pasta with zingy Thai herbs and spices. Take, for instance, the spicy larb pork burger, which reimagines the classic larb salad as a burger patty marinated in Thai herbs, then topped with other larb salad ingredients (mint, cilantro, dill, and toasted rice) and slathered in a spicy, creamy mayo. The decadent creation is served on a buttery brioche bun from next-door neighbor, the Mediterranean bakery Mahalab. The restaurant, which stands in the former home of fan-favorite Southeast Asian restaurant Chalawan Asian Eatery, is the brainchild of Monson Theerapanont (also behind Thai restaurant and sushi spot Sweet Rice in Charlestown) and co-owner and chef Pam Kamolnithi." - Erika Adams

https://boston.eater.com/maps/new-best-heatmap-boston-restaurants
Erika Adams/Eater Boston
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger and Dining
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

4 Major Restaurant Openings to Know Around Boston, January 2025 | Eater Boston

"Housed in the former Chalawan Asian Eatery space, this playful spot from co-owners Monson Theerapanont and chef Pam Kamolnithi remixes burgers, sandwiches, and pasta through a Thai lens. Menu examples capture that concept vividly: khao soi beef burgers smothered in Northern Thai–style curry sauce and topped with crispy egg noodles; spicy larb pork burgers served with a thick, creamy mayo and a bright herb mix; and rigatoni in a green curry cream sauce with grilled beef and sautéed mushrooms. One of the owners is also behind Sweet Rice in Charlestown, linking the project to an existing local Thai/sushi presence." - Erika Adams

https://boston.eater.com/2025/1/31/24356142/boston-restaurant-openings-january-2025
Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger Kitchen

Yojairy Jaime

Google
This restaurant blew my expectations!! Everything we had was delicious and moderately affordable. The mussels were my favorite dish, the red curry sauce was the best. These were the best mussels I’ve ever had!!! The tom yum shrimp pasta was also incredible and some of the best pasta ive ever had. The mango sticky rice sundae was a perfect way to end the night. I will be returning every chance I get.

Ai'Leen

Google
I really love the Larb Pork Burger! The pork is juicy, and the sauce has a perfect balance—it’s flavorful without being too rich, making it easy to keep eating. The burger bun has just the right texture—not too soft, not too hard—which makes it stand out from typical burger buns. I truly appreciate how the restaurant presents Thai food in a creative and modern way while keeping the authentic Thai taste. It’s refreshing, enjoyable, and makes me excited to try Thai food in a whole new form!

Alice Lee

Google
I had this place bookmarked for ages and was excited to try it for lunch. We arrived around 1:30p and only one table was occupied. Oddly, we had to wait about 5 min before staff came out of the back to greet and seat us. That was a hint of the slow service to come. It took longer than you would expect in a near empty restaurant to get water, get our order placed, receive our food, get the check. We had to wave and prompt each time. Unfortunately, despite waiting for the meal to be prepared, it was strangely only lukewarm. The sourdough brioche was warm to the touch but the texture suggested the buns were microwaved. The hamburger patties were barely lukewarm and quite overcooked. They only offer medium or well done and we asked for medium or if possible for medium rare. It seemed the patties may have also been microwaved as they were dry and not even warm. The toppings of caramelized onions and mushrooms were mysteriously flavorless. The fries were cooked to order and came out after we were halfway done with the burgers. They were drenched in too much sickly sweet chili sauce and mayo which made them a bit cloying. The rating is generous for what it was because if they had cooked the food to order and served it hot, the flavors are ok except for being too sweet. Likely won’t return.

Mika Astono

Google
A one of a kind fusion spot, focusing on Thai inspired classics such as burgers and pasta. With a ceramic black tiled interior and tucked behind an uncomplicated exterior, the Black Ruby is aptly named and perfect for a date night! We started with the two faces of their take on a martini, the Jasmine Tea Martini manages to keep the tea’s unique and earthy taste, whilst the Thai Tea Martini is ideal for those with a bit more of a sweet tooth. Neither a bad choice. The fusion pastas were made well enough to deserve a spot at an Italian restaurant, without losing its Thai identity. The pumpkin rigatoni was a pleasant and creamy fall treat, and though the Tom Yum pasta lacked a bit of the sourness one would expect it is unmistakable that the famous soup has inspired it. My only regret was not trying the very creative burger takes on Thai favorites, and I will certainly be back to try more of the menu!

kikie kuki

Google
Loved this place! The food was flavorful and beautifully presented, and the atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming. The staff were friendly and attentive, making the whole experience really enjoyable. Perfect spot for a nice meal in Boston I’ll definitely be back! 🍷✨ps.must have to order mussel red curry this dish is excellent

Jea Kim

Google
Thai-American fusion done right. Thai fusion restaurants are popping up everywhere these days, but Black Ruby is one of my top three in the GBA. Instead of leaning on the usual duck curries or pad thais, their angle is Thai-American and Italian fusion. It sounds gimmicky, but most dishes still carry a bold Thai identity. Too often, “Thai-inspired” pastas or burgers at elevated casual pubs are just vehicles for a smear of tom yum sauce or an overload of sweet chili. Here, they don’t hold back. The food keeps its sweet-spicy-fragrant backbone, without losing acidity or fire. The Spicy Seafood Pasta and Basil Sausage Pasta were strong examples. The seafood pasta was one of the best I’ve had in a while. Bright, spicy, fragrant, and a surprisingly natural pairing with pasta. The sausage dish played up its sweet-spicy notes with crispy basil, adding fragrance and a touch of bitterness that balanced everything beautifully. The only menu I found off-balance was the Tom Yum Shrimp pasta. Conceptually clever, a Thai spin on spicy arrabbiata. But the heat was overpowering, even if I appreciated the flavor boost from leaving shrimp heads intact. Overall, a rare fusion spot that actually respects the strength of Thai flavors rather than watering them down. I haven’t tried their burgers yet, but given how popular they are, I’ll definitely be coming back to try those.

bopha peng

Google
The green curry pasta was sooooo delicious! I was skeptical since I am much more familiar with traditional SEA flavors but that pasta hit the spot! I was amazed at how well the flavors worked well together. It was a nice savory dish. The chicken sandwich was okay I wish the bun was toasted or at least warm. The drinks were yummy too! Servers were nice as well

Gloria Ha

Google
We heard good things about Black Ruby so we were excited to try it! It was pretty packed on a Friday evening, so I would recommend making a reservation. We sat at the bar, which was nice. I thought the calamari was really good! Great flavor and crunch. I would get this again. My husband really liked the tom yum shrimp pasta. I thought it was good but not amazing. We appreciated the sauciness and shrimp flavor. The shrimp lemongrass salad was refreshing. The chicken katsu burger with green curry was good but I didn't think the chicken was that tender. Overall I loved the calamari and my husband loved the pasta. I'd be down to come again to try more of the menu!
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Nitasha K.

Yelp
Food and ambiance were great 5/5. We came in with a relatively large group yesterday, 7 adults two kids. The spring roll appetizer was really good as were the sriracha fries. My husband enjoyed the Khao Soi burger and I loved the tom yum pasta! The pasta was so flavorful and had a hint of tom yum that was very creatively done within a non traditional route. My review is more of a 4.5 because the service was not that attentive, couldn't really advise one of us with a dietary restriction what items would be appropriate, and then the servers didn't check in. However, food was good and ambiance was lively so I'd be willing to return in the hopes that it was just an off day for service!
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Jasmine J.

Yelp
Was recommended to try this thai fusion burger joint and I'm so glad I did! From the interior, the service, and the food, I was thoroughly impressed and will be back to try more food. We ordered the seasonal maple wings which was so crispy and flavorful, slightly spicy. Reminded me of Korean fried chicken. The thai garlic burger with sourdough bun was our favorite. The sauce was to die for and the sourdough bun felt substantial while still being soft and fluffy. Also ordered the basil burger with the classic bun which was yummy as well with a perfectly fried egg. Shared a side of fries which was the perfect size for two. Seems like a lot of people ordered pasta dishes so I will be back to try those next time!
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Lena L.

Yelp
Called asking if restaurant takes walk ins since online booking is full and told to come in. However the restaurant is busy on a Thursday night with one group in front of us waiting. We put our name down and waited as we see two tables open for our party size. We waited 30min to finally be seated at the open table we saw when we walked in. Not sure if they had a reservation cancel or just spacing out orders. Anyway we were super excited to try the food and asked for recs. We went with the recommended fries, burger and pasta. Calamari came out quickly and is amazing. Full of flavors and has a nice crunch. The satay fries is kinda what it sounds like, and the scallion fries actually have chives not scallions. Burgers were good and the massaman one was def better with the curry sauce adding extra kick of spice. The most anticipated pastas however were kinda disappointing. They are very creamy and I couldn't taste the ton yum, basil or green curry in the dishes. Tom yum pasta had lemongrass in it but I couldn't taste it at all. They have a nice drink menu but we didn't get to try it, maybe next time I'll just come try out the drinks and grab a small bite. The bar/restaurant does have a good vibe.
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Mercedes C.

Yelp
Out of all the restaurant options I gave my daughter, Black Ruby immediately topped her list- especially since she'd just come back from Thailand not long ago. On Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, it turned out to be the perfect spot for a relaxed birthday lunch before I made the trek home. From the outside, you might not expect the chic and modern vibe inside. Black rectangular wall tiles are laid vertically, a faux palm tree adds just the right hint of tropical charm, light woods on the floor and cement accessories. And the large front windows, bring in beautiful sunlight. Between my daughter's shrimp roll and salad, my calamari, shrimp ceviche, my lychee juice and her cocktail (could've been stronger), everything hit the mark. The shrimp roll was her favorite- light, fresh and seasoned mayo. The calamari was buttery-tender with a light heat in the dredge that gave it just the right kick for me. Each bite was perfect. Nothing was out of place. I slipped a note to our wonderful server, Bell, asking if she could surprise my kid with mango sticky rice and a candle- and it was a total yes! It was such a lovely touch to end an already special meal. Black Ruby isn't just another spot for lunch- it's one of those places where the thoughtful design, warmth, and flavor all come together effortlessly. Black Ruby isn't just any spot for lunch, it's the kind of place that puts a smile on your face and makes you want to go back again soon.
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Yu Ya H.

Yelp
Probably one of the few asian fusion spots I enjoy! Their menu looks really interesting so I decided to give it a try and did not disappoint! Got there on a weekend around 11:30am without reservation and there were a lot of empty tables. People started trickling in around noon so there might be a wait later during peak lunch hours. The space is cozy and beautifully decorated. I got the Khao Soi burger with an egg on a sourdough bun. I am still thinking about it! The patty is well seasoned and the curry complements the patty well. The crispy topping adds an extra layer. Sourdough bun from a local bakery is chef's kiss. The burger definitely can get very messy but very much worth the mess. We also got the thai scallion fries and I love it. It's chewy inside like mochi and crispy on the outside. Love the play on textures! Will definitely come back (definitely not dinner) because it will be packed and service can be a little sparse.
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Rebecca D.

Yelp
I really enjoyed my dinner at Black Ruby! The vibes were cozy, low lighting, music not too loud. There was some outdoor seating but it was a little chilly so we chose to sit indoors. Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I ordered the green curry sandwich with a crispy tofu patty instead of chicken on a vegan bun. They were generous with the tofu portion and I loved the green curry sauce. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the tofu was marinated or had more flavor. It was very good texture-wise but because it was such a big hunk of tofu it was a little bland. I would have actually preferred a thinner tofu patty in some kind of marinade or with a more flavorful coating. My friend and I also split the sweet potato fries and they were delicious! I would definitely come back.
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Katie C.

Yelp
I selfishly want to keep this place a secret, but it's too good not to rave about. I've been 3-4 times since they opened and haven't had a single disappointing meal. Two of those visits even happened back-to-back - that's how good it is. The burgers are definitely the star here. They're packed with flavor, texture, and richness, striking the perfect balance between classic burger satisfaction and a fun Thai-inspired twist. I also tried a pasta dish, which was great, but the burgers are where this place truly shines. And don't skip the fries - they're a must! Whether you sit at a table or the bar, the ambiance is lovely. The service was a tad slow a couple times, but very friendly and far from a dealbreaker. Overall, 5+ stars!
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Meghan L.

Yelp
I came here for dinner with a couple of friends and were seated immediately since we didn't mind sitting outside. The interior design inside was modern mid century. For dinner I had the following items: Khao Soi Beef Burger -- Tasted like Khao Soi curry if you ever had that so good. Although the patty was not dry, it was ever so slightly overcooked in both of our opinions. Tom yum shrimp -- This has a spicy kick to it but was so good. It's basically tom yum cream sauce with fettuccine. The noodles were cooked al dente. Honey Cheese Fries -- This was on their seasonal menu and it's so good. I loved the sweet and salty flavor. Should be an all year round side option. Overall I would come here again. I think this is a good and fun place to eat. I love their interesting take on American food but with Thai flavors.
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Greg W.

Yelp
Black Ruby is touted as a burger place, but to pigeon-hole it in any one kind of restaurant (other than fusion) is doing it a disservice. There is a melting pot of Thai and many other cuisines that come together to make the menu what it is, which is a place that anyone should be able to find a great eating experience. Noodle dishes touted as pasta, burgers that are riffs on Thai and Asian cuisine, and the more "traditional" appetizers make up a menu that feels like a globe-trot more than a lunch or dinner. We tried a number of different dishes and were pleasantly surprised and had expectation exceeded by each of them. From the crispy basil burger to the spicy shrimp appetizer (special that day) to the Tom Yum Shrimp pasta, everything was dare I say borderline perfect. Executed with a deftness or slight of hand that seemed almost unexpected and left me longing for more as we paid our bill and said goodbye. If you are experiencing a sort of hesitation to trying Black Ruby, you honestly should just take the plunge and try it yourself because I don't know if there is a single review that can put the overall experience into words. The value, service, decor, and everything else other than the food all falls into place once you have your first bite of your meal. In a world and environment that we rarely frequent locations, Black Ruby feels like a place that if it were closer that we would do on an almost weekly basis. If you are interested in unique or fusion experiences, Black Ruby is a MUST for your list.
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Johnny L.

Yelp
Went there again and got the khao soi burger again, which was as good as I remembered it to be. This time, we also got the basil and sausage pasta to share. The spice level was right for me (I typically go for mild, and this wasn't too spicy for me) and I really enjoyed the dish overall. It was another enjoyable Black Ruby meal, thanks!
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Meg C.

Yelp
Pretty tasty Thai fusion spot in Porter. The spicy lemongrass shrimp salad was not spicy, but had nice sweet citrus flavors from the tangerines. The shrimp was cooked well, but it was served warm which sort of threw me off a bit, as I expected it to be cold in a salad. The green curry fried chicken sandwich was decent - the chicken was crispy, the curry sauce was good and the fresh brioche bun was solid. I also had a spicy pineapple margarita, which I'd skip, as it didn't really taste like pineapple. Overall the food was good but I found it to be pricey given the casual food fare and portion sizes. Service was a bit aloof and not very engaging, but fine generally. The space has a slightly elevated modern feel and definitely has been transformed since its Chalawan days. Might return to try more food but would skip the drinks.
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Adina B.

Yelp
Was in town and hadn't had lunch yet. Black Ruby was on our list sped decided to pop in for a quick late lunch. The restaurant was bright and clean. It was pretty busy for a Sunday at 2pm. The staff was friendly. We ordered the corn nuggets - which were delicious! Sweet & a bit spicy with the honey mustard. They came out super hot (so really fresh!). I ordered the garlic Thai burger and my husband had the Thai larb pork burger. Both were so good. Hot, juicy, messy and had all the best Thai flavors expected from the description. Definitely would love to come back and try some of the others on the menu next time we're in the area.
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Eugene W.

Yelp
Green Curry Sandwich (9/10): This was our favorite dish of the night. The chicken was fried very well, and the sauce was mouthwatering. It has a spice level of 2 on the menu, but it really wasn't that spicy. I liked the brioche for the bun, but it also wasn't the best brioche I've had Khao Soi Beef Burger (8/10): Very delicious khao soi sauce. It just works so well. I loved the egg noodles. I think the disappointing part of this dish was the burger itself, actually. The meat was a bit underwhelming. The bun was the same as the green curry sandwich - I think the texture of the bread left something to be desired Tom Yum Shrimp (7.5/10): The portion sizes are way too small. $24 for what looks like an appetizer. Nonetheless, this dish had a delicious sauce and all of the ingredients were tender Tom Kha White Sauce (6/10): They unfortunately didn't have cod, so they subbed in shrimp. The dish sounded really good in theory, but was also a tiny portion size and not as good as the tom yum shrimp. Seasoned Fries (8/10): double-fried and deliciously crisp. I wish they came with a sauce other than ketchup, but oh well. Great side! Mango Sticky Rice (8/10): Mango sorbet was delicious. The mango itself was okay. Sticky rice was great. Sweetness level was perfect. The service was very odd. We were ignored by servers at every step of the process, from walking in and getting a table, to waiting for someone to even acknowledge us after being seated, to ordering, to getting water, to getting the check, to flagging someone down to pay our bill. At first, I chalked it up to the restaurant being packed. As the night wore on, the restaurant started emptying, but for some reason the staff were just as unresponsive. TL;DR Food is very creative and has potential. Service was poor. Portion sizes are small and many menu items are very overpriced. We left feeling hungry
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Caroline S.

Yelp
A great date spot! The food was tasty and the interior is very elegant. Service was also attentive and pretty quick. To go more in depth with the dishes: - Tom yum linguine: Shrimp was cooked wonderfully, pasta was also cooked well, our only issue was that the sauce didn't really have the tom yum kick. Don't get me wrong, it was very tasty. I just wouldn't guess that it was a tom yum based sauce. - Green curry fried chicken sandwich: Tastes exactly how you would expect it to! The chicken was tender, the sauce was flavorful, and the bun was SO GOOD (buttery, soft, and a good contrast from the fried crunch). - Shrimp salad: I would pass on this one. We expected it to be a cold salad but it was warmed and we were a bit confused by the flavors. Not bad, but also not our favorite. It would've been a lot better cold.
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Isabella C.

Yelp
Everything was super delicious! I definitely recommend making a reservation, because they are usually pretty busy. The calamari came with a yummy sauce and was cooked perfectly. The tom yum shrimp had a strong flavor and juicy shrimp. The burger was also juicy with a nice kick! And the workers were very friendly- they went out of their way to get us a table last minute. It's a cozy space with a nice ambience. I will definitely be back!
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Mei B.

Yelp
First review of the year. Let's go! After being MIA for a bit, my boyfriend and I were super excited to check out Black Ruby, the newest Thai fusion spot in Cambridge. The concept of blending Thai flavors with burgers and pasta caught our attention right away. The restaurant itself is super chic, and overall, we'd give our experience a 4/5. We ordered a Thai tea float, a Thai beer, and calamari for appetizers, followed by the Tom Yum pasta and Khao Soi burger for our entrees. We finished the meal with a mango sticky rice sundae. Everything was flavorful and creative, but a few things kept it from being a full five-star experience. The Tom Yum pasta was the highlight, with a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors, but the shrimp was a letdown. I ordered extra shrimp, only to find that they were butterflied with the shells still on, making them overcooked and difficult to eat. The Khao Soi burger was another standout, and my boyfriend thought it would have been perfect with more of the khao soi sauce. The mango sticky rice sundae was the best part of the meal. The vanilla ice cream took it to the next level, making it even more addicting. On the downside, the Thai tea float was mostly ice, and the ice cream on top was a bit too icy. The calamari was delicious but came in such a small portion that we finished it in minutes. Service was efficient but not particularly engaging, which wasn't a huge issue but didn't add to the experience either. For the price, we expected just a bit more, but Black Ruby is a great addition to the area with a creative menu. We might be back to try other dishes, but we're not in a hurry. If you go, definitely try the mango sticky rice sundae.
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Peter C.

Yelp
Definitely a cool fusion type of place that combines Thai with a variety of other cuisines. The obvious draw is the fusion between burgers and Thai flavors. Most patrons seemed to be ordering one of the burgers off the menu as opposed to the other dishes. The menu is pretty big. There seems to be a number of salads and apps to pick from. The pad thai spring rolls were pretty good. Worth a try. Definitely one of the cooler fusion ideas. Calamari was ok. The garlic beef burger was my favorite. I also tried the pork larb burger and the crispy basil burger. The latter comes with a fried egg on top. All of the burgers had a unique flavor. Tom Yum pasta was pretty spicy which was another highlight. Service was great. The atmosphere is pretty good too. Clean restrooms as well. Overall it's worth a try just to sample all the fusion options. There's a novelty to this place.
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Niamh M.

Yelp
One of my best favourite meals of 2025 so far! The burgers were delicious, so much flavour with and cooked perfectly. We tried the crispy basil and the Khao soi burgers. The Khao Soi was my favourite because the sauce was so tasty!! The seasoned fries were so hit when they arrived and were crispy but soft in the inside. The onion were also nice, not always on a menu but I really like them. Only complaint I have was the sides just came with ketchup but would have preferred a different sauce with them. The mango sticky rice was very nice! There was vanilla ice cream with it on top too! The service was quick and the restaurant was booked out. Definitely need to book in advance! Overall, I will definitely be back to try more burgers!
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Erica C.

Yelp
This is a place of Thai Flavors that you won't experience anywhere else in the city! There's no amount of words that would be able to convey the amazing flavor profiles, but I can only say that it's a must try place! My friend and I ordered three plates to share: the Khao Soi Beef Burger, Tom Yum Shrimp, and Red Curry Bolognese. The sourdough brioche buns are fresh and actually made by the bakery next door. The burger is definitely the star of the meal. Who knew that Khao Soi flavors could perfectly fuse into a burger! No sauce was left behind and it'll make you want to try the other craft burgers. The pasta dishes were also flavor bombs. It's the Thai Italian fusion you didn't know you needed. I loved the heat that came from the Tom Yum Shrimp, it wasn't too powerful but just right. The grape tomatoes and mushrooms absorbed so much sauce. And the red curry bolognese had the perfect amount of meat sauce that coated each pappardelle noodle. The servers were so sweet and attentive. The ambiance was sexy, moody, and modern with the low lighting, gold accents, and dark colored decor. I arrived at the restaurant around 5PM on a Thursday with no issues for street parking. There were plenty of street parking available outside of the restaurant. I would definitely come back again!
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Suha L.

Yelp
Black Ruby is one of my favorite new openings in Boston recently! I was really impressed by their concept. They do Thai-style burgers and pasta! Usually I am wary of fusion places but they do it so well. The Thai flavors are clear in every dish but doesn't overwhelm your palate and it's balance well. Each dish is also very unique! For food, we started with the calamari and got the tom yum shrimp pasta, cod tom kha white pasta, khao soi burger, and spicy larb pork burger. The calamari was good and I liked the crispy basil but it was nothing insane. Calamari is hard to make exceptional in my opinion. My favorite of the night was the tom yum shrimp pasta. It was spicy, earthy, fiery, and had so much flavor. The tom yum flavor wasn't off-putting either. I was worried it would have too much of a tomato essence but that wasn't the case. Also the shrimp was insane. You could literally taste the fire on the shrimp. The cod white pasta was also fantastic! It is very rich but not too heavy. The cod was cooked beautifully. The khao soi burger was good too but I actually wish there was more khao soi flavor. It had great textures though and the actual beef was cooked well. Lastly, the spicy larb burger was so unique. First off, it's a pork patty! I loved the spices and the juiciness of the pork burger. I am 100% coming here again and I'm so excited for more menu offerings too!
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June M.

Yelp
If you r looking for the restaurant that has NYC upper east side vibe, come here! I was so amused by the quality of food, the atmosphere and service at Black Ruby. They also have plenty street parking I got the green curry and the signature burger, so delicious! Highly recommend, I will be back for the drink option
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Carol L.

Yelp
This is the perfect place for brunch. It's fancy but not too fancy. The atmosphere is casual chic with soft music. I had the pork burger because it had a pineapple slice, who knew! It was sweet and meaty.
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Kevin G.

Yelp
5 out of 5 stars. Overall I really enjoyed the food here and thought the flavor combinations were good and the food was cooked well. The food came out in a timely manner, and most of the dishes came out super hot. The green curry and ribeye pasta was especially good. I will be back and look forward to trying the rest of their menu.
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Kristen K.

Yelp
Not bad, but didn't live up to the hype. Didn't have to wait at all for a table on a Saturday evening when we walked in which was great. Tried the Thai tea spritz which didn't visually remind us of Thai tea by looking at it but definitely surprised us with the flavor. We tried the calamari - can't complain but not especially standout - as well as one of the burgers and the cod pasta. Cod was definitely overcooked and dry. Good to try once, not worth a return.
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Husain V.

Yelp
Came here on a Thursday evening and with no resy. Thankfully we were able to get seated at a table without an issue. The staff here were very friendly and the ambiance was lovely. The food was very tasty. I love Thai food and having that incorporated into different dishes was quite a treat. Will definitely be returning to try some of their other dishes.
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Ron S.

Yelp
Such an interesting burger. Savory, sweet, spicy. Yum. I got the crispy basil burger and sweet corn nuggets as a side. Delicious. Great atmosphere and friendly service.
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Andres D.

Yelp
Very nice fusion burger spot. Vibe wise it's trendy, slightly upscale. Food comes quick and is quite good and hearty. The fusion really works--the burgers are yummy, with strong but not overpowering Thai flavors. One big highlight is the burger buns, which are a really nice sourdough. When I went the restaurant was full, which overwhelmed the only two waiters, but we still managed to get food quickly once we finally got to order.
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Brandon C.

Yelp
Amazing food! One of the best places I've been to in the Boston area. The Thai-Arnold Palmer was the perfect sweetness level, and a very unique drink. I ordered scallion fries expecting fries topped with scallions, but instead got fries made of scallions-a delightful surprise because they were super crispy for being vegetables and super flavorful. The larb burger was also a great Thai take on a classic. The interior was both upscale and welcoming, and the server was attentive throughout the meal and food came out quick. 5/5 stars for food, service, and ambience.
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Rosanna N.

Yelp
Good Thai American fusion restaurant. Tom yum shrimp pasta very flavorful not as strong as typical Tom yum flavor . Shrimp charred well but small portion for price. Shrimp roll was also pretty good and flavorful does not come with fries those must be bought separately
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Tiffany P.

Yelp
One of my friends took me to this place and honestly one of my new favorite thai fusion food I've had in a while. Larb Pork Dumplings: 10/10, I've never had a larb dish before so this was my first experience! Honestly this was an upgrade from the usual pork dumplings, I could really taste the fresh herbs maybe hints of lemongrass/thai basil that was incorporated in larb pork. I also loved that it had a bit of heat. My favorite was the crispy arugula, that added a nice crunch to dish. Tom Yum Shrimp Pasta: 11/10, this dish was AMAZING! I loved the tartness and the combo with the thai herbs, tomatos, and mushrooms. I love that no food was wasted and the shrimp head was incorporated with the dish. Shrimp had such deep smokey flavor as well. This dish was also more spicier than I thought, the more I ate I felt the heat creeping on me, but it was a GOOD spiciness level where you get addicted with every bite. Legit inhaled this dish, would 100% come back to re-order this again. Tom Kha White Sauce with Grilled Cod Pasta: 8.5/10. This dish was more of a creamy light coconutty dish. The grilled cod that came with this dish was super buttery, and tender with no fishiness. I thought this was a really good dish, but the Tom Yum definitely outshined this. Thai Tea Ice Cream Float: 10/10, this was a great thai tea that was not too milky and I liked that the tea flavor was deep. The ice cream on top was just bonus and added extra creaminess. Mango Sticky Rice Sundae: 11/10, you can never go wrong with Mango sticky rice!! Super sweet and tender mango, creamy ice cream with lightly sweet coconut cream and the sticky rice had the perfect chewiness.
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Alyanna T.

Yelp
My partner and I shared the green curry cream sauce w grilled beef pasta, crispy basil beef burger, and khao soi beef burger - TASTE: 5/5 - highlights included the Thai green curry sauce, crispy basil beef burger's caramelized onions, and everything about the khao soi beef burger; so much khao soi flavor! Would come back to try more of the fusion menu TEXTURE: 5/5 - the mezzi rigatoni was a nice al dente, though wish the pieces of grilled ribeye we got were more fatty. The homemade sourdough brioche buns were perfect -- thick, soft, and satisfying. The Thai-style marinated beef patties were tender, and both burgers were very saucy (note: messy too lol) PRICE: 4/5 - higher price points for burgers ($16-19 each), and they don't come with fries, though we were fine without SERVING SIZE: 4/5 - the pasta serving was much smaller than I expected for $25, but the burgers were loaded and stacked high SERVICE: 3/5 - walked in at 12:15pm on a Saturday and the space was half full. Food came out 20-30min after ordering and, with only two waitresses, getting the bill was noticeably slow for our table and others around us ATMOSPHERE: 4/5 - formerly the Chalawan Asian Eatery space, Black Ruby is casual chic and cozy. Heads up that the two bathrooms are a little tight PARKING: 4/5 - got a metered street spot right on Mass Ave x Exeter Park
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Mimi C.

Yelp
Holy smokes! I came here with not much expectations and walked away totally blown away! This cozy Thai inspired craft burger and pasta fusion restaurant has so many innovative dishes that makes you craving for more! The ambiance was elegant and service was superb! I can't wait to try the rest of the menu! THIS IS A MUST VISIT!
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Jeff C.

Yelp
Nice contemporary ambiance, friendly service and delicious sandwiches, I had the crispy basil beef burger, juicy with little kick, my wife had the thai bbq pork burger, she said it was delicious, tasty and juicy. Our friends had the green curry chicken sandwich with fried egg plant, it was crunchy and had good kick (hot spicy) and the Thai garlic beef burger, tasty and delicious. All were good, good service and clean and modern ambiance. Only street meter parking in busy area, we were fortunate to find street parking after circling the area twice, on a non-busy day, and side streets are resident parking w/resident sticker... parking is limited unless you wish to walk a distance or take the mass transit bus.
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Vianna N.

Yelp
Thai Fusion Burgers & Pasta - A Bold Twist on Classics Thai fusion cuisine is always an exciting concept, but this new restaurant takes it to the next level by blending traditional Thai flavors into American comfort foods like burgers and pasta. We stopped by for a Saturday lunch and found the place is already full with people. While the food was impressive, the service left much to be desired due to a clear understaffing issue. Only two front-of-house staffs juggling multiple roles as host/server/food runner/drink maker. If this spot continues to gain popularity, which it likely will, they'll need to step up their service game to keep up with demand. The place it self is cozy and cute. Drinks: Thai Milk Tea - A refreshing and well-balanced classic. The sweetness and creaminess were just right, making it a solid go to beverage. Thai Coffee with Coconut - This came as a surprise, as it was made with coconut water instead of coconut milk or cream. It wasn't what we expected, but my husband enjoyed its light and unique taste. Appetizers Calamari - Perfectly crispy and well seasoned, served with a delicious spicy mayo that complemented it. A must try starter! Steamed Basil Pork Dumplings - While the dumplings themselves were flavorful, they arrived with sauce already drizzled on top rather than served on the side. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough sauce, making the dish feel incomplete. Offering the sauce separately would improve the experience. Mains Thai Basil Beef Burger - A classic burger elevated with bold Thai basil seasoning, cooked to perfection. However, the bun was on the denser side, which made the overall bite feel a bit too heavy. A lighter, airier bun would have balanced it better. Green Curry Pasta with Grilled Ribeye - A fantastic fusion dish that perfectly showcase Thai and Italian flavors. The pasta was well-cooked and generously coated in a bold, spicy green curry sauce. The only downside was the portion size of the ribeye, it was a bit too small compared to the pasta. Also, a fair warning: if you can't handle spicy food, this dish might not be for you! Dessert Mango Sticky Rice Sundae - Hands down, the best mango sticky rice I've ever had! The combination of textures and flavors was absolutely divine. If you visit, don't even hesitate order this! I could've easily eaten two if I weren't already full. Despite the service challenges, the food here is worth coming back for. The unique fusion flavors set this spot apart, and there's a lot more on the menu to explore. We'll definitely be back. Highly recommend giving this place a try!
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Alice Z.

Yelp
Such a creative menu! Got the green curry chicken sandwich and it was really good. Wish there was a tad more sauce and lower bread ratio. The cocktail and drink menu all looked so goood. Cute interior with nice decor and seating.

David M.

Yelp
Great, flavorful, creative burgers with good vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options. I had the spicy larb pork burger which I loved although it was maybe a little heavy on the dill. My wife had a green curry burger with tofu which was also great. The ambience was also nice, I was expecting sort of a casual vibe but it's quite a classy establishment.

Roy S.

Yelp
I started this review months ago and forgot to finish. Some thoughts are old and some are new! Overall, I think this is a great fusion spot and my honest rating after having been multiple times is 4.5/5. I greatly appreciate the variety of the menu items and that there are multiple vegetarian substitution options for most of the menu items, including the sandwiches (tofu or Impossible patty)! To start, the staff are very friendly and helpful, and the location and ambiance are pleasant. The food is definitely photogenic if you're into that (I've been more than four times and somehow have no photos, but I think the presentation is good!!). While advertising itself on being a burger joint, the menu has other options like salads and pastas. So far I've had a few of the burgers/sandwiches and most of the appetizers and sides. The fried calamari has been my favorite appetizer so far, and the green curry sandwich (I do not eat meat, so I get an Impossible patty) has been my favorite item, which imparts an incredible green curry taste using a very small amount of curry relative to the burger. My partner swears by the garlic burger, which seems to rightfully be their flagship item. One complaint that I do have is that the green curry comes with a very small amount of eggplant, but the bites containing eggplant are easily the most flavorful. I think some items have no place on the menu, such as sweet potato fries, which (in my experience) do not pair very nicely with the punchy, spicy, tangy, and sour Thai flavors that most of the dishes carry. Additionally, Black Ruby has been open for some months now and still seems to be either finalizing menu items or has been out of certain dishes for the entirety of its operation, which is a little confusing.

Ian S.

Yelp
This place has become one of my favorites. The best is the satay chicken sandwich and the Larb burger, but all the burgers are good.
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Carly R.

Yelp
This was incredible. A super cute and intimate space with delicious food. Not too expensive, or at least cheaper than I thought it would be going in. My friend and I each tried a different burger, and both were absolutely phenomenal. I got the larb pork burger, which was refreshing and my friend got the crispy basil, which was both our favorite. Will definitely be coming back!
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Kelvin N.

Yelp
I'd describe this place as just okay. Food is a solid 6.5 out of 10. The burgers themselves are decent but not showstoppers by any means. Pork dumplings and spring rolls were reasonably tasty (and plating/presentation was surprisingly nice) but portion sizes were quite small, though this was mostly to be expected. Best dish we had was a pasta with green curry sauce which was more memorable than the other more muted flavours. Ambiance is...dull. Wouldn't recommend for a date spot or anything. Tables are pretty close together, the music in the background is pretty anodyne, and there are some weird AI-generated pictures on the wall. The service was unfortunately just poor. In large part this seemed to be due to the place just being understaffed. We waited at the counter for around five minutes and were eventually pointed in the vague direction of our table, so we made our way over by ourselves. It took around 15 minutes before the waitress came by to take our order. We put in for a couple of apps and drinks, and after 10 minutes another waitress came by (not with apps, but ostensibly to take our order for the first time?). I'm being pretty nitpicky here but there was a general pattern of indifference across virtually every interaction. Napkins and plates were unceremoniously dumped on the table. Glasses went un-filled for a long time. The menus were very worn and looked ragged. The waitresses were very rushed/hurried (not their fault, they seemed quite overburdened) and there were some English communication difficulties as well. I suspect this would be a reasonably good choice to get takeout/delivery as the food isn't bad, but they have a lot of work to do refining their service and tending to other details if they want to be a serious restaurant.
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Megan Y.

Yelp
We visited Black Ruby on a Friday evening with a reservation and highly recommend making one if you can. It was pretty busy, but we were able to be seated right away. We got a couple of meads which were both good, the shrimp salad and Caesar salad as well as the khao soi and pork burgers. The salads were both fine, the shrimp wasn't exactly what I was expecting but still tasty (was a big lump of shrimp bits mixed with mandarin oranges on a bed of cabbage) and the Caesar in my opinion was fine but definitely nothing special. The burgers were both huge and delicious, especially the pork larb one. The herbs really add something unique to the burger that we've never really tasted before. We also tried the scallion fries which were basically chive cakes in stick form but were good as well. My main nit is that they're still using their soft opening menu, which would be fine except a bunch of items have been crossed out as no longer being offered. It was a little sad to see things that looked delicious but not an option anymore, plus the menus we got were pretty ratty and about to fall apart so it was a little tough to navigate.
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Alan D.

Yelp
I tried Black Ruby for the first time - what a great addition to the food scene! Inside it's nothing fancy maybe 20 tables with a bar that seats 8. It looks like they're serving beer and wine - no hard liquors or cocktails in sight. The Crispy Basil Burger was fantastic! Juicy (this is definitely a meal for extra napkins) and just a bit spicy, served on a roll that supports all the toppings, highly recommended! The Pork Dumpling / potstickers were also an interesting fusion. They're in a soft opening, so there was some confusion about takeout orders, and they missed my request for a side salad - but then promptly credited my account when I contacted them. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the mood for an interesting burger.

Alexandre S.

Yelp
I am a Chef. I love chicken satay and was SO excited to try this sandwich. While the chicken marinade and peanut sauce were excellent, possibly 5/5, the rest was unfortunately incredibly underwhelming for a "thai-inspired" sandwich. I would be happy to return for a side order of peanut sauce, or if they add a chicken satay appetizer or dish, but was very disappointed by this sandwich. I would not call the cucumber a "Thai sweet pickle." It did seem to have some sort of quick-pickling technique, but not enough to be noticeable. Also, please consider pickling the carrots instead of serving them raw and unseasoned. Nothing about either the cucumber or the carrots were Thai-inspired. I was very excited for the bun given that is it a "homemade sourdough brioche bun." Putting aside the fact that it was still raw and doughy, it was fairly well executed. While I wouldn't use the word "brioche" in its description, the sourdough was very flavorful. But again, nothing about it was thai-inspired. Consider adding coconut milk to the dough, or infusing it with lemongrass, coriander, chili flakes, or fish sauce/soy sauce. I was also expecting a slightly larger serving of chicken. At least as much as you would get when ordering a normal satay appetizer.
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John G.

Yelp
What a great and creative addition to the neighborhood! Not your everyday burger...it's craft Thai fusion! I've been a couple times and my favorite burger is The Thai, garlic, beef, burger. Came out so juicy and delicious. Wonderfully prepared with mushrooms and cheese that was oozing from all sides. The french fries, here are fantastic and the service, quick and friendly. My second favorite burger is the crispy basil, beef, burger. Some might find it a little spicy, but it's not over the top spicy . This is a great place. Give it a try, hovel up to the bar and enjoy a beer while you wait for your food or dine in!
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Zan D.

Yelp
This was extremely delicious. Tried the garlic and crispy basil burgers. And the spring roll and Thai tea. The garlic was very tasty. The people I was with said the crispy garlic was the best burger they could remember. The spring roll was tasty but nothing special. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive. The space was also really nice and new and bright. Definitely worth trying!

Pear B.

Yelp
Enjoyed the service (got seated immediately), the atmosphere (pretty details from decor to table etc, the food (get the Thai ice tea with scoop of ice cream was very tasty; the dumplings good texture and presentation; the pork sandwich; and mango rice dessert which mango was perfect ripeness and rice good texture).
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H S.

Yelp
Basil Burger was very good. Server needs better training on transmitting orders accurately to the kitchen, describing menu items accurately to the customer, and paying more attention to the customer.
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Navid R.

Yelp
All I have to say is WOW. I got the pad thai spring rolls, the shrimp tom yum salad, the Khai Soi Burger, and the Green Curry chicken sandwich. It is absolutely incredible, the thai sauces mixed with American classic dishes made me speechless. The one knock on this place is it's a bit pricey for a sandwich, but I would still say you have to come here to try this!

RM J.

Yelp
Good first experience. Probably need to return to try other things. Thai burger was tasty. Onion rings were generic / frozen variety which was disappointing.