Free Guide to Ruth's Chris Steak House Dining

Understanding Ruth's Chris Steak House Menu Structure and Pricing

Ruth's Chris Steak House operates with a distinctive menu format that differs from many casual dining establishments. The restaurant focuses on premium beef cuts prepared using their signature butter-searing technique, which has been their hallmark since 1965. Understanding how their menu is organized helps diners make informed choices about their dining experience.

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The menu typically divides into several main categories. The steaks section features various cuts including ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, and porterhouse options. These come in different sizes, usually ranging from 10 ounces to 20+ ounces, with prices varying accordingly. A 12-ounce ribeye typically costs between $45 and $55 depending on location, while specialty cuts like the 24-ounce porterhouse may range from $65 to $75. Prices vary by geographic location, with metropolitan areas generally charging more than suburban locations.

Beyond steaks, Ruth's Chris menus include sections for seafood selections, lamb dishes, chicken options, and signature combinations. Many locations also feature seasonal specials that rotate throughout the year. The seafood offerings often include lobster tails, fresh fish, and shellfish preparations. These items typically range from $35 to $65 depending on the protein and preparation method.

Sides are ordered separately, which is an important distinction from some steakhouse competitors. Popular sides include loaded baked potatoes, creamed spinach, asparagus, and various potato preparations. Most sides cost between $8 and $15 each. This structure means customers build their meal by selecting a protein, choosing complementary sides, and adding appetizers or desserts as desired.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting Ruth's Chris, review their menu online or call ahead to understand the pricing structure in your local area. Budget for the protein, at least one or two sides, and plan for appetizers and desserts separately rather than expecting them to be included with entrees.

Making Reservations and Understanding Dining Policies

Ruth's Chris Steak House operates as an upscale casual dining venue, which means making a reservation is generally recommended rather than walking in without advance notice. Most locations maintain reservation systems that allow booking through multiple channels, including their official website, phone calls to individual restaurants, and third-party reservation platforms like OpenTable or Resy.

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The reservation process typically involves selecting your preferred date, time, and party size. Restaurants generally request a name and phone number to hold the reservation. Most locations ask parties to arrive within 10 to 15 minutes of their reserved time. If you anticipate running late, calling ahead to notify the restaurant helps them manage table assignments effectively. Cancellation policies vary by location, but many Ruth's Chris restaurants request cancellation notice at least 24 hours in advance if plans change.

Understanding dress code expectations helps ensure a comfortable dining experience. Ruth's Chris operates as business casual to upscale casual, depending on the specific location. Business casual typically means collared shirts for men, with jeans and athletic wear generally discouraged. Women's business casual includes dresses, slacks, or dressy casual clothing. Some locations in major metropolitan areas may have slightly more formal expectations, particularly during evening hours. Calling ahead to confirm dress code expectations for your specific location removes any uncertainty.

Party size considerations matter when making reservations. Large parties, typically defined as 8 or more people, may require special arrangements or may have different pricing structures. Some locations offer private dining spaces for larger groups. Ruth's Chris restaurants often accommodate special occasions, and notifying the restaurant about birthdays, anniversaries, or celebrations when making your reservation allows them to prepare appropriate acknowledgments.

Practical Takeaway: Reserve your table at least one to two weeks in advance for weekend dining, and confirm the specific dress code and any special accommodations for your location when booking.

Beverage Program and Wine Pairings

Ruth's Chris Steak House maintains an extensive wine program designed to complement their premium beef offerings. Understanding their beverage structure helps diners make selections that enhance their meal experience. Most locations feature wine lists with 300+ selections, ranging from accessible everyday wines to rare and collectible bottles worth several hundred dollars.

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The wine program typically includes several organizational sections. Red wines, which pair well with steaks, usually comprise the largest portion of the list. These include Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley and Bordeaux regions, Malbecs from Argentina, and various Italian reds. White wines are available for diners who prefer them or who are ordering seafood or chicken dishes. Rosés, sparkling wines, and dessert wines round out the selections.

Wine pricing generally ranges from $40 to $80 for standard bottle selections available on most menus, with premium and rare bottles commanding significantly higher prices. By-the-glass options, typically priced between $10 and $20, allow diners to sample wines without committing to full bottles. This flexibility accommodates both wine enthusiasts and casual diners.

Beyond wine, Ruth's Chris locations typically offer full bar service featuring spirits, cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Signature cocktails vary by location but often include classic steakhouse drinks like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and martinis. Craft cocktails featuring house-made syrups or infusions are increasingly common at many locations. Non-alcoholic beverages include soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water options.

For diners seeking beverage guidance, servers at Ruth's Chris are typically trained to discuss wine pairings with your selected entree. A filet mignon pairs well with lighter Cabernets or Merlots, while a ribeye or New York strip complements fuller-bodied wines. Requesting pairing suggestions allows servers to recommend options within your preferred price range.

Practical Takeaway: If you're unsure about wine selections, ask your server about pairings for your chosen steak, mention your general wine preferences, and inquire about by-the-glass options to avoid committing to full bottles.

Membership Programs and Loyalty Opportunities

Ruth's Chris Steak House offers loyalty and membership programs that provide ongoing value for regular diners. Understanding these programs helps frequent visitors accumulate rewards and benefits over time. The Ruth's Chris Rewards program, available through their website or app, tracks purchases and provides various rewards structures.

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The basic program structure involves earning points on eligible purchases. A typical earning rate provides one point per dollar spent on food and beverages. Points accumulate in a customer account and can be redeemed for rewards at specified point thresholds. Redemption options generally include discounts on future dining, complimentary appetizers, or special dining experiences at participating locations.

Membership tiers sometimes exist within loyalty programs, where customers who spend at higher levels receive enhanced benefits. A customer spending $500 annually might reach a higher tier than someone spending $100, with corresponding rewards enhancements like bonus point multipliers, special birthday offerings, or exclusive event invitations. Tier advancement typically resets annually, requiring continued engagement with the program.

Special promotions and member-exclusive offers rotate throughout the year. These might include double-point dining periods during specific months, bonus points on birthday month dining, or exclusive menus for members. Signing up for email communications from Ruth's Chris provides notification of these promotions, helping members time their visits to maximize rewards.

Corporate dining programs serve businesses seeking to entertain clients or reward employees. Ruth's Chris works with corporate clients to establish accounts with negotiated pricing, flexible billing options, and sometimes reserved seating or private dining arrangements. Companies interested in regular corporate dining should contact Ruth's Chris directly to explore options available in their area.

Practical Takeaway: Enroll in the Ruth's Chris Rewards program before your first visit to begin accumulating points immediately. For frequent diners, checking the program for member-exclusive promotions monthly can significantly enhance the value of your dining experiences.

Planning Your Meal: Appetizers, Entrees, and Desserts

Creating a satisfying Ruth's Chris dining experience involves thoughtful menu selections across all courses. Understanding the restaurant's offerings in each category helps diners build meals that align with their preferences and appetites. The typical dining progression begins with appetizers, moves through the entree, and concludes with dessert.

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Appetizer selections typically include items designed to complement a premium steakhouse experience. Popular options