With its canal location in central Indre By, beautiful Scandinavian apartment setting, and seasonal drinks, it’s easy to see why Ruby is an institution of the Copenhagen cocktail scene.
It’s not easy to get into Ruby, and we don’t mean because reservations are hard to come by due to popularity–though it is one of the more popular cocktail bars in Copenhagen, and for good reason. To actually find the bar, it requires ascending the stairs of an old townhouse (built in 1740) and heading through a small marked door. Once inside, guests will notice two rooms: the bar, with its modern Scandinavian-style; and the cozy lounge are with its leather armchair and cabinets filled with booze. There’s also a courtyard and on weekends a basement bar.
Ruby sits on the canal just across from Slotsholmen, the island in the middle of inner Copenhagen. The upstairs focuses on seasonal cocktails, while the weekend basement bar is where to head for classic (and hip hop). The bar has been open since 2007, becoming an institution in the Danish cocktail industry during that time.
Ruby tells us…
Please describe Ruby as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
Ruby can be difficult to find. You have to ascend some stairs into an apartment building and turn right into a small marked door. You enter straight into the bar area where the team are waiting to greet you. You can either sit in the bar area or go through to our lounge area or courtyard. If it is the weekend, there is the option to go down to our basement bar. We do table service but there is the option to stand if you like. We will give you some water and a menu which features 10 signatures, 3 non-alcoholic options as well as some beer and wine.
How would you describe Ruby in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
Cocktails, Scandinavian, multi-faceted
Other than Ruby what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
Ruby is in the centre of Copenhagen but we are hidden on a quiet street. We sit right on the canal with an amazing view. Behind us are some traditional Danish restaurants, the oldest Jazz Bar in Europe, as well as the main high street.
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
Ruby is busy everyday so a good time is as we open so you can get a seat at the bar. I like it when it is dark outside, it suits the atmosphere of Ruby. At this point it is normally busy and the energy is like a house party but with better drinks.
Describe the average drinkers that you serve?
We get a good mix of locals and tourists. The tourists are often curious about drinks, they are often in Copenhagen to visit one of the many Michelin Star restaurants and come to Ruby either before or after.
What’s your signature drink–or your favorite drink currently on the menu–and why should I order it?
My favourite is a new drink called Carrot Cake. It is a clarified milk punch, tastes just like a carrot cake. We use an Aquavit that has been opened by our founder, Fury. It has ingredients such as ginger and coconut. We mix that with fresh pressed carrots, cinnamon and orange peel cordial, raisins and dark rum before clarifying it with milk.
How much do drinks cost?
Our drinks cost 130 Danish kroner.
Is there anything to eat? If so – what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
We offer nuts, olives, meat and cheese plates.
What are the distinguishing features of Ruby?
We have 2 bars with different menus and themes. The main bar is focused on seasonal drinks whilst the basement bar is just classics and Hip-Hop. Walking into Ruby feels like you are walking into an apartment, it makes guests feel comfortable straight away.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Ruby stereo?
During the week it is mostly funk and on the weekend we like to play a bit more electronic.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 16:00 – 02:00
Sunday: 17:00 – 01:00
Reservations:
Reservations can be made via Ruby’s official website. For bookings over 10 people, reach out to the bar directly: bookings@rby.dk.
Website:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rubycph
Address:
Nybrogade 10, 1203 København, Denmark