What Ruth's Chris Steak House Is and How It Operates

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a steakhouse chain with locations across the United States and internationally. The restaurant is known for serving high-end cuts of beef cooked at very high temperatures and finished with butter. Unlike some fine dining establishments that operate as single locations or small groups, Ruth's Chris runs as a larger chain with standardized menus and service approaches across its restaurants.

The company was founded in 1965 in New Orleans and has grown to operate more than 150 locations. Each Ruth's Chris location functions as a full-service restaurant where you order from a menu, sit at a table, and are served by waitstaff. The restaurant does not operate as a membership club or require reservations in advance, though making a reservation is recommended, especially for dinner service or groups.

Key Takeaways

  • Ruth's Chris serves premium beef cuts cooked at high heat and finished with butter, with entree prices typically ranging from $40 to $70 depending on the cut and location.
  • The restaurant accepts walk-ins but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, particularly on weekends and at popular locations.
  • Sides, appetizers, and beverages are ordered separately from the entree and add to your total bill.
  • Ruth's Chris accepts major credit cards and cash, and most locations include an automatic gratuity for larger parties.
  • The dress code is business casual to upscale casual; jeans and t-shirts are typically not appropriate.

How Pricing Works at Ruth's Chris

Ruth's Chris prices entrees by the cut and weight of the steak. A filet mignon, New York strip, or ribeye will each have different prices, and larger cuts cost more than smaller ones. Prices vary by location and change over time based on market conditions for beef. You can expect entree prices to fall somewhere between $40 and $70 at most locations, though some premium cuts or locations in major cities may exceed this range.

Sides such as potatoes, vegetables, and salads are ordered and charged separately from your entree. A side typically costs $8 to $15. Appetizers, soups, and salads also appear on the menu with their own prices. Beverages—including wine, cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks—are ordered and charged separately. A bottle of wine at Ruth's Chris typically ranges from $30 to several hundred dollars depending on the selection.

Your final bill will include the cost of all food and beverages ordered, plus tax. Many locations add an automatic gratuity (usually 18 to 20 percent) to bills for parties of six or more. You can request to modify this gratuity before or after the meal, though the default is applied at the time of payment.

Making a Reservation and What to Expect When You Arrive

You can make a reservation by calling the restaurant directly, visiting the Ruth's Chris website and using their reservation system, or using third-party reservation platforms like OpenTable. Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended for dinner service, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Lunch service is typically less busy and walk-ins are more easily accommodated.

When you arrive, you will check in with the host stand. If you have a reservation, provide your name. If you are walking in without a reservation, the host will tell you the current wait time or whether a table is when ready available. During busy periods, waits can range from 15 minutes to over an hour. The restaurant will seat you at a table once one becomes available.

Once seated, a server will bring you water and the menu. You will have time to review the menu and decide what to order. The server will return to take your order for entrees, sides, and beverages. Food preparation takes time at Ruth's Chris because steaks are cooked to order at high temperatures. You should expect 20 to 30 minutes between ordering and receiving your meal.

Dress Code and Atmosphere

Ruth's Chris maintains a business casual to upscale casual dress code. This means collared shirts, dress pants or khakis, and closed-toe shoes are appropriate. Women typically wear dresses, blouses with pants or skirts, or similar attire. Jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, and athletic wear are not appropriate for Ruth's Chris. Some locations may be slightly more or less formal, so if you are uncertain, you can call ahead and ask about the specific dress code at your location.

The atmosphere inside Ruth's Chris is designed to feel upscale and sophisticated. Lighting is typically dim to moderate, with wood and leather furnishings. The noise level is moderate—you can have a conversation at your table without difficulty. The restaurant is intended for a special occasion or business meal rather than casual dining.

Payment Methods and Tipping

Ruth's Chris accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and cash. You do not need to bring a specific payment method; any of these will work. When you are ready to leave, you can ask your server for the check, or in some cases the server will bring it to you without being asked.

If an automatic gratuity was not added to your bill (which happens for parties smaller than six), you are expected to add a tip. Standard tipping at a fine dining restaurant is 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill. You can add the tip when you pay with a credit card by writing it on the receipt, or you can leave cash on the table. The server will process your payment and return your card or change to you.

Special Occasions and Private Dining

Ruth's Chris offers private dining spaces at many locations for birthdays, anniversaries, business meetings, and other events. These private rooms can accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 100 or more people, depending on the location. Private dining typically requires advance planning and a minimum spending requirement that varies by location and group size.

To arrange a private event, you can contact the restaurant directly by phone or through their website. The restaurant will discuss your date, group size, budget, and menu preferences. Many locations offer set menus for private events rather than individual ordering, which can simplify planning for large groups.

Dietary Restrictions and Menu Customization

Ruth's Chris can accommodate many dietary restrictions, though the restaurant's core menu is centered on beef. If you follow a vegetarian diet, the menu includes salads and some vegetable-based sides, but entree options are limited. If you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy, inform your server, and the kitchen can prepare dishes without breaded or flour-based components.

You can request modifications to your order—for example, asking for a different side instead of the one that comes with your entree, or requesting that butter or sauce be served on the side. The server will communicate these requests to the kitchen. Some modifications may incur an additional charge if you are substituting a more expensive item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Ruth's Chris?

No, walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner service and weekends. Without a reservation during busy times, you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour for a table. Lunch service is typically less crowded and walk-ins are more easily seated.

What is included with a steak entree?

The entree price covers the steak itself, which is cooked to your requested temperature. Sides such as potatoes or vegetables, salads, appetizers, and beverages are ordered and charged separately. Some restaurants include a straightforward salad or bread with the entree, but this varies by location.

Can I bring my own wine to Ruth's Chris?

Most Ruth's Chris locations do not allow outside wine to be brought in. The restaurant has its own wine list and bar program. If you have questions about a specific location's policy, call ahead to confirm.

What time should I arrive for a reservation?

Arrive within 5 to 10 minutes of your reservation time. If you are running late, call the restaurant to let them know. Most restaurants will hold your reservation for 15 to 20 minutes past the reservation time before releasing the table.

Is there a children's menu?

Most Ruth's Chris locations offer a children's menu with smaller portions and simpler preparations. You can ask your server about children's options when you arrive, or call ahead to confirm what is available at your specific location.