12/08/08

NOT worth the money - food preparation & quality POOR

by DanOH92

This was our first time at RC & we wouldn't ask for it again. POSITIVES: 1) good service; 2) cozy ambience albeit very traditional, dark wood, dim lighting; 3) good bread; 4) sweet potato side was excellent; 5) they comped a dessert since it was our anniv. NEGATIVES: 1) baby arugula salad for $7.50 was tiny w/ 2 slivers of mushroom; 2) $35 salmon special was good but root veggies were very salty & side of scallops were tiny, rubbery; 3) $38 ribeye was ordered med. rare but came out med (almost m.well), very tough, & in a sizzling pool of butter, apparently a signature detail; 4) $9 caramelized ban creme pie dessert was very disappointing - white choc. ban custard had little taste & pastry shell was stale, tough, greasy.

We would have expected less if it hadn't been for a slight air of pretention & pricing that rivals steakhouses in Vegas. $38 ribeye should be a tender, well-marbled cut of beef and not the tough sirloin-like cut that I got. And a steakhouse should get the temperature right - c'mon! If RC wants to set themselves at this price-point then they should provide a quality product at an appropriate price. I also expected some signature seasoning or au jus (e.g. balsamic reduction) w/ the steak but all I got was plain red meat. Also, the texture (no tasty caramelized crust) was such that I wondered if I got a steak that had been partially nuked then put on the grill for sear marks.

Unfortunately, this dining experience fell far short of our expectations. Ruth Chris presents many of the cliche trappings of a traditional steakhouse but their food lacks the substance to set the restaurant apart from other local steakhouses. My benchmarks for a steakhouse are Craftsteak (MGM) & Delmonico (Venetian) in Vegas - both are no more expensive than RC. Short of jetting to Las Vegas I would pick Hyde Park or Fish Market for more consistent & better quality steak or fish, respectively.

• Pros: Service, free valet parking on weekend, good bread
• Cons: Tough overcooked steak, overpriced, tasteless dessert

Sophisticated American chain serves up corn-fed USDA prime cuts and New Orleans-style appetizers and sides.

by Contributor

In Short
This offshoot of a popular New Orleans hangout for politicians features decor of dark woods and comfortable booths, with a separate bar scene. Choice cuts of custom-aged beef arrive in sizzling butter on 500-degree plates. The menu also offers chicken, pork and seafood entrees along with Creole appetizers like shrimp remoulade. Family-style sides include gargantuan onion rings, creamed spinach and various styles of potatoes. Traditional homemade desserts like cheesecake and bread pudding conclude the meal.

• Pros: steak favorite

05/23/08

always perfect

by saluki23

I've been to 5 ruths chris' nationwide (columbus,chicago, philly, king of prussia, westchester) and ALWAYS have a great dining experience whether alone or with my family. The columbus restaurant is always clean, great food, and great service.

• Pros: ALL of their food is top notch
• Cons: price

04/20/06

Special Occasions would work

by kantek

I have to say the steaks were very well prepared. The feeling when you walk in feels very nice and elegant. The staff was extremely friendly and checked up enough to make sure I was okay but not be annoying about it. The steaks were hot when it came out, as was my gumbo. The side dishes were nice too, but on the expensive side for what you get .I was fooled into buying the $8.00 water bottle, but pass on it! Unless, you must have it that is. All in all, the best steak I've had, pricey is the menu, but service was great. I'd recommend for special occasions, as it's pretty elegant.

• Pros: Steaks, Service, Environment
• Cons: Pricey, Special Occasion Plac

02/21/06

Too Pricey for Too Little

by pheible

I have been to RCs one time only... and it will be my only time. My food was only alright, they don't know how to cook steaks to order (rare does not mean no pink whatsoever). The wine list was only mediocre and the prices were outragous for what I got. Definately will not be going again.

• Pros: Decently Good Service
• Cons: Mediocre Steaks, Cost, Poor Wine List

01/07/06

Food great!

by rotsac1

Went on an extremely busy nite around mid-December. Avoided overloaded and backed-up valet parking by using adjoining lot. Seated promptly, and attended to very nicely in spite of several loud tables around us. After they left, it was very pleasant, and service was excellent. We will return. Steaks are top-notch. Just remember to avoid peak times for better atmosphere and parking.

• Pros: Steaks, Service
• Cons: No parking, during peak times

10/26/05

Good but...

by brit1

I LOVED the restaurant - so stylish and chic, but in no way snooty or pretentious. The service is oustanding too. As for the food, the steak was extremely good, but I was astonished at the prices of the side dishes. It was a great dining experience but I really don't think it was good value for money. I have enjoyed steaks just as much for half the price at the Polaris Grill.

• Pros: Chic and exclusive, Great food, Oustanding service
• Cons: Price

10/10/04

Great for carnivores & herbivores alike!

by chicnyclady

The thought of eating at a steak joint never appealed to me, but I willingly do it for my carnivorous husband. I was very impressed by this establishment for several reasons: The ambience and decor is very rich and sophisticated - I love their ingenious wine coolers - reminiscent of old world style, the hostesses and staff are wonderfully accomodating (they go out of their way to address you by surname) and the steaks, dishes are well (and generously) prepared. Thank you, Jason, for advising us!

I, obviously, encounter difficulty finding nicely prepared non-steak dishes at steak restaurants, but the menu consisted of several options - my grilled portobella mushroom dish was excellent.

My husband was impressed by the steak: cut, preparation, perfect consistency (they could ease up on the butter, though). Overall, I think Ruth's Chris is an excellent restaurant; certainly worth the price.

• Pros: Well prepped steak, Great veg options, Excellent service
• Cons: , More reds, please

07/25/04

Not Impressed

by danperk

My wife and I went to Ruth's Chris for our fifth wedding anniversary. We expected it to be a little expensive, but very nice. We made reservations and when we arrived we were seated right away. The prices were hefty and included no sides. Any way we both ordered steaks, hers medium well, mine well. When the steaks arrived mine was very pink inside my wife was still bleeding. We sent them back. When they returned mine was alright, but my wife's was still rare, so they took it back again. The third time her steak came back she ate it. Before she finished it she still found more under cooked spots. $95 and they couldn't get it right in three tries, come on.

• Pros: free valet parking, atmosphere
• Cons: , steaks were wrong

07/12/04

Worth Every Penny!!

by jmyum

My husband and I love steak and have visited Ruth's Chris restaurants in several cities. We have loved it every time! The food is outstanding! The sizzling butter sauce served with each steak is unique and flavorful but not overbearing, and the service is first rate. The price tag can be hefty, but a visit to Ruth's Chris is worth every penny!

• Pros: Food, Ambiance, Service