What Ruth's Chris Steak House is and how it differs from other steakhouses

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a chain of upscale steakhouses founded in 1965 in New Orleans. The restaurant is known for serving steaks on plates heated to around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which keeps the meat hot throughout the meal. Unlike some steakhouse chains that operate a small number of locations, Ruth's Chris has more than 150 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and internationally, which means pricing and menu offerings are more consistent across locations than at independent steakhouses.

The core difference between Ruth's Chris and other steakhouses lies in its operational model. Ruth's Chris is a publicly traded company with standardized menus, portion sizes, and cooking methods across all locations. Independent steakhouses or smaller regional chains may source beef differently, offer unique cuts, or price items based on local market conditions. Ruth's Chris also emphasizes tableside service and a formal dining atmosphere, which affects both the experience and the cost compared to casual steakhouse chains or neighborhood spots.

The restaurant sources beef from specific suppliers and ages it in-house. Most locations offer similar cuts: ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, porterhouse, and T-bone steaks, typically ranging from 10 to 20 ounces. Side dishes, appetizers, and wine lists follow a similar structure across locations, though some regional variations exist.

Key Takeaways

  • Ruth's Chris steaks arrive on heated plates and cost between $40 and $65 per entrée depending on cut and size, placing it in the high-end steakhouse category.
  • A full dinner for two typically runs $150 to $250 before tax and tip when you include appetizers, entrées, sides, and drinks.
  • The restaurant does not include sides with entrées; potatoes, vegetables, and bread are ordered separately and cost $8 to $15 each.
  • Ruth's Chris operates over 150 locations with consistent menus and pricing, unlike independent steakhouses where prices and offerings vary by location.
  • Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekends, as walk-in seating can mean long waits or unavailability.

Entrée prices and portion sizes at Ruth's Chris

Steak entrées at Ruth's Chris range from approximately $40 to $65, with the exact price depending on the cut and weight. A 10-ounce filet mignon typically costs less than a 16-ounce porterhouse or a 20-ounce T-bone. Prices vary slightly by location and can shift seasonally or when beef costs change, so the menu at your nearest Ruth's Chris may differ from another location by a few dollars.

Portions are substantial. A 12-ounce New York strip or 14-ounce ribeye is considered a standard entrée and is intended as a single serving, though some diners split. The restaurant does not include vegetables, potatoes, or bread with the entrée price. These items are ordered separately as sides and typically cost $8 to $15 each. A baked potato, creamed spinach, or asparagus with béarnaise sauce are common choices. This à la carte approach means the final bill for a steak dinner is higher than at steakhouses that bundle sides with the entrée.

Ruth's Chris also offers non-steak entrées such as lamb chops, lobster tail, and fish, which generally fall in the $35 to $55 range. These options allow diners who do not want beef to stay within a similar price tier as the steak offerings.

How appetizers, sides, and beverages affect the total cost

Appetizers at Ruth's Chris typically cost $12 to $20 and include items like shrimp, crab cakes, oysters, and cheese boards. Bread service is complimentary and arrives at the table, but butter is included. Wine by the glass ranges from $10 to $25, and bottles start around $40 and go well above $100 for premium selections. Cocktails cost $12 to $16.

Sides are where the bill grows quickly because they are not bundled with entrées. A single side dish costs $8 to $15. If two people each order a steak and want two sides each, that is four side dishes at roughly $10 each, adding $40 to the bill. Desserts range from $8 to $12 and include items like chocolate cake, crème brûlée, and cheesecake.

A realistic total for two people ordering two steak entrées, two appetizers, four sides, two desserts, and wine or cocktails typically falls between $150 and $250 before tax and tip. Tax adds 8 to 10 percent depending on location, and tip is typically 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax total.

How Ruth's Chris pricing compares to other steakhouse chains

Ruth's Chris occupies the upper tier of steakhouse chains. Competitors like Morton's The Steakhouse and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse operate at similar price points, with steak entrées in the $40 to $65 range and comparable side pricing. The Cheesecake Factory's steakhouse offerings and Outback Steakhouse are less expensive, with entrées typically $25 to $40 and sides often included. Local or independent steakhouses vary widely; some are less expensive than Ruth's Chris, while others charge more.

What distinguishes Ruth's Chris from lower-priced chains is the heated plate service, the consistency of the product across locations, and the formal dining atmosphere. What distinguishes it from some independent steakhouses is the standardization—you know what you are getting at any Ruth's Chris location. Independent steakhouses may offer unique cuts, higher-quality beef, or lower prices, but the experience and menu differ by restaurant.

Reservation policies and seating availability

Ruth's Chris accepts reservations through its website, by phone, and through third-party platforms like OpenTable. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekends. Walk-in seating is available at some locations during off-peak hours, but during peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings, holidays), walk-ins may face waits of 30 minutes to over an hour or may be turned away if the restaurant is fully booked.

The restaurant typically holds reservations for 15 minutes past the reservation time. If you are running late, calling ahead to notify the restaurant is advisable. Cancellation policies vary by location but generally allow cancellations up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.

Menu consistency and regional variations

The core menu at Ruth's Chris is consistent across all locations: the same steak cuts, similar appetizers, and comparable pricing. However, some locations offer regional specials or limited-time offerings that differ from the standard menu. Wine lists may vary based on local preferences and distributor availability. Dessert menus are largely standardized, though a few locations may feature house specialties.

If you have a specific dish or cut in mind, checking the menu on the Ruth's Chris website or calling your local restaurant ahead of time ensures it is available. Seasonal items, such as special preparations or limited beef cuts, may appear and disappear throughout the year.

What to expect during your visit

Ruth's Chris positions itself as a formal dining experience. Dress code is business casual to upscale; jeans and t-shirts are typically not appropriate. The restaurant provides white tablecloths, cloth napkins, and full table service. Water and bread arrive promptly, and servers are trained to explain the menu, suggest wine pairings, and manage the pacing of the meal.

The heated plate service is a signature feature. When your steak arrives, the plate is extremely hot, and the server will warn you. This keeps the steak at a high temperature throughout the meal. The experience is designed to feel special and deliberate, which is reflected in the pricing and the time required for a full meal—typically 90 minutes to two hours from arrival to departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ruth's Chris steaks come with vegetables or potatoes included?

No. Steak entrées include only the meat and arrive on a heated plate with butter. Vegetables, potatoes, bread, and other sides are ordered separately and cost $8 to $15 each. This à la carte approach is standard across all Ruth's Chris locations.

What is the difference between Ruth's Chris and Morton's or Fleming's?

All three are high-end steakhouse chains with similar pricing and formal dining atmospheres. Ruth's Chris is known for its heated plate service. Morton's and Fleming's have slightly different menu focuses and wine selections, but the overall experience and cost are comparable. The choice often comes down to location availability and personal preference.

Can I walk in without a reservation?

Walk-ins are sometimes seated during slow periods, but during dinner service and weekends, the restaurant is often fully booked. Calling ahead or making a reservation online through OpenTable or the Ruth's Chris website is the most reliable way to find a table.

How much should I budget for two people at Ruth's Chris?

Plan for $150 to $250 before tax and tip for two people ordering steak entrées, appetizers, sides, and drinks. Tax and tip will add another $40 to $70, bringing the total to roughly $190 to $320 for the meal.

Does Ruth's Chris offer anything for people who do not eat steak?

Yes. The menu includes lamb chops, lobster tail, fish, and chicken entrées in the $35 to $55 range. Appetizers and sides are also available to non-steak diners, so there are options for mixed groups.