If you ask a University student what they miss most about living at home, chances are the answer you will get is home-cooked food. We all crave a home-cooked meal once in a while, and the best place to get one in Murray is Rudy’s on the Square at 104 S. 5th St.
The first thing you will see on your way into Rudy’s is “Murray’s oldest diner since 1936” printed onto the awning. Rudy’s is a Murray staple, well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Pamela Reed, owner of Rudy’s since its reopening in 2017, said that University students have always made up a big part of its patronage.
“Lots of Murray State students come through,” Reed said. “The alumni [come in] too, even ones who are in their 80s now. They’ll tell stories about how good [the food] was and how cheap it was. I think [new students keep coming] because it was one of the few restaurants around when the alumni were in school and they passed it down.”
Rudy’s on the Square has a classic Southern atmosphere. Its red booths and walls decorated with vintage shop signs are exactly what you expect when walking into an old diner. This Murray favorite is never too empty, so you can expect low chatter and the hustle and bustle of wait staff taking orders.
Rudy’s menu offers a variety of fair-priced comfort foods, with highlights like their sandwiches and all-day breakfast. Their filling dinner options include burgers, hot dogs, seafood and more. Sweet-toothed customers will also enjoy the diner’s selection of desserts, including pies and cakes.
Reed said the all-day breakfast menu and specials are popular with the Murray State students who come in. Waffles, loaded hash browns and pancakes with chocolate chips or strawberries are a few common favorites.
Jesse Adams, junior occupational safety & health and business administration & management double major, said he enjoyed going to Rudy’s after Murray’s Christmas parade to warm up with a cup of coffee and a slice of pie.
Rudy’s on the Square is the right place for anyone looking for a local meal to remind them of home. Their fresh food and warm atmosphere is among the best Murray has to offer.
