Ruby’s Bagels at Zócalo

## Ruby’s Bagels at Zócalo: Hand-Rolled Excellence from a Local Milwaukee Gem

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### Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsin residents seeking what many believe is the **absolute best bagel in Milwaukee**—and possibly the entire Midwest—look no further than **Ruby’s Bagels at Zócalo Food Park**. This small business, founded by Daniela "Ruby" Varela, has captivated the community with its dedication to the craft of a truly great bagel. The journey began with Varela's determination to fill a void in Milwaukee’s bagel scene, resulting in a unique recipe and a multi-day process known as **“spoiled and boiled”** that ensures a perfect, chewy, and soft interior with a solid crust.

More than just a purveyor of exceptional bagels, Ruby's is a business built on local values. It proudly **identifies as women-owned and Latino-owned**, with the team often affectionately referred to as the "Bagel Babes," underscoring its family-run roots and dedication to community. Operating out of the vibrant Zócalo Food Park, Ruby's Bagels has become a cherished neighborhood spot, beloved for its authentic product, simple-but-perfect menu, and commitment to the "old-school way" of bagel-making. Whether you're planning a massive brunch or just need a simple, delicious breakfast on the go, Ruby's is often touted as being absolutely "worth it."

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### Location and Accessibility

Ruby's Bagels operates from the communal and lively setting of the Zócalo Food Park, located in the Walker's Point area of Milwaukee, providing a central and easy-to-reach spot for locals.

636 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA

The location is designed for maximum convenience and an inclusive experience, making it an excellent choice for a **Quick visit**. Accessibility features are robust, ensuring all community members can easily enjoy their offerings:

• Parking: Offers both a **Free parking lot** and **Free street parking**, which is a significant convenience in the city.
• Accessibility: Features a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, making the entire food park environment welcoming.
• Crowd: The entire establishment is proudly **LGBTQ+ friendly**.
• Service: Provides both **In-store pickup** and standard **Takeout** services. Online ordering is often available during the week, making high-volume pickups, like the Thanksgiving bagel brunch mentioned by a customer, "amazingly easy."
• Payments: Accepts **Credit cards, Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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### Services Offered

Ruby's Bagels focuses on quality over quantity, offering a concise and expertly crafted menu designed for a perfect breakfast or light meal.

• Fresh Bagels by the Piece or Dozen: Available as a **Single Bagel** ($2.50), **Half Dozen** ($13.50), or **Full Dozen** ($25.00) of unsliced, freshly baked bagels. Bagels with cream cheese are also offered ($5.40).
• Value Pack Option: Offers **Yesterday's Best** (6 bagels for $8.00), a popular option for freezing or toasting, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing waste and offering a great value.
• Premium Cream Cheese Spreads: Provides a selection of rich, borderline decadent cream cheese flavors, available in a **2.5oz Side** for a single bagel or an **8oz Tub** for families or half dozens.
• Signature Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches: The menu features classic breakfast sandwiches like the **BEC** (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese, $11.50) and the **EC** (Egg and Cheese, $9.95), plus specialty items.
• Specialty Bagel Sandwiches: Includes the popular **Classic Lox** ($14.00) and the unique, dessert-inspired **Guilty Guava** ($5.50), which features guava jam and plain cream cheese, inspired by *guava and cheese empanadas*.
• Hot and Cold Beverages: Offers high-quality drinks including **Drip Coffee**, **Cold Brew** ($5.25), and **Natalie's Organic Orange Juice** ($5.00).

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### Features / Highlights

Ruby's Bagels stands out in the Wisconsin food scene due to its unique identity and quality focus, which have earned it national recognition.

• The Milwaukee-Style Bagel: The signature **hand-rolled, boiled, and baked** process, Varela's self-taught science experiment, results in a bagel with the perfect **solid crust and soft, chewy inside** that locals adore.
• Women- and Latino-Owned:** As a women- and Latino-owned small business, Ruby's represents the best of local entrepreneurship, emphasizing family, community, and the "first-generation hustle."
• Community-Supported Growth:** The business has a strong reciprocal relationship with the local community, which provided vital support during setbacks, reinforcing the feeling of "belonging" that founder Daniela Varela aims to create.
• Unique Flavor Innovation:** Features menu items that incorporate cultural heritage, such as the **Guilty Guava** sandwich, providing a unique and delightful twist on the traditional bagel experience.
• Ideal for Large Orders:** Known for handling large advance orders with "amazing ease," making it the top choice for special events, holiday brunches, or office catering in the area.

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### Contact Information

To place an order, inquire about catering, or learn more about the daily selection, please use the following contact details for the Zócalo location:

Address: 636 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA

Phone Number: (414) 210-3405 (Note: While a dedicated phone is often used, the general contact for the business is typically routed through its main operations.)

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### What is Worth Choosing

For Wisconsin residents, choosing **Ruby’s Bagels at Zócalo** is choosing a celebrated local institution that prioritizes flavor and quality above all else. What makes Ruby's a superior choice is its commitment to the meticulous, "old-school way" of bagel-making—the **hand-rolled and boiled method**—that delivers a texture and taste many customers swear is the best in the entire region.

Beyond the product, you are supporting a dynamic, **women- and Latino-owned small business** that is a true success story of the Milwaukee entrepreneurial spirit. The convenience of their location within the welcoming Zócalo Food Park, complete with **free parking** and easy **online ordering for pickup**, removes all barriers to enjoying this high-quality fare. If you’ve been searching for an authentic, chewy bagel that rivals any from the East Coast, or a uniquely flavorful sandwich like the **Guilty Guava**, making Ruby's Bagels your weekend breakfast destination is a choice you will be "gladly waiting for any day of the week."