Ruth's Chris Menu: A Comprehensive Guide To Fine Dining Excellence

When it comes to fine dining, few names resonate as strongly as Ruth's Chris Steak House. Known for its USDA Prime steaks and exceptional service, this iconic restaurant has been a favorite among steak enthusiasts for decades. The Ruth's Chris menu offers an exquisite selection of dishes that cater to diverse palates while maintaining the brand's commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you're a long-time patron or considering your first visit, understanding the menu can enhance your dining experience significantly.

Established in 1965, Ruth's Chris Steak House has grown from a single location in New Orleans to an international chain with over 150 restaurants worldwide. The restaurant's success stems from its unwavering dedication to serving premium-quality steaks cooked to perfection in their signature 1800-degree broiler. Beyond steaks, the Ruth's Chris menu features an impressive array of seafood, appetizers, and sides that complement their main offerings.

What sets Ruth's Chris apart from other steak houses is not just their exceptional food but also their attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warm hospitality and professional service that makes each visit memorable. The menu reflects this commitment to excellence, offering carefully curated options that cater to various dietary preferences while maintaining the highest standards of quality and taste.

The History of Ruth's Chris Steak House

The story of Ruth's Chris begins in 1927 when Chris Matulich, a butcher in New Orleans, started selling USDA Prime beef to local restaurants. His son, Chris Matulich Jr., took over the business and eventually opened his own restaurant in 1965, naming it "Chris Steak House." However, fate intervened when a fire destroyed the original location during Hurricane Betsy. Rather than giving up, Matulich reopened in a new location and added "Ruth's" to the name in honor of his mother.

Founder Information

Key Milestones

• 1927: Chris Matulich Sr. starts selling USDA Prime beef
• 1965: Original Chris Steak House opens in New Orleans
• 1965: Reopening as Ruth's Chris Steak House after fire
• 1995: Expansion to national chain
• 2005: Initial Public Offering (IPO)

Signature Steak Selection

The cornerstone of the Ruth's Chris menu is undoubtedly their exceptional steak selection. Each steak is hand-selected USDA Prime beef, known for its superior marbling and tenderness. The restaurant's signature cooking method involves broiling the steaks at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a perfect sear while maintaining a juicy interior.

Popular Steak Cuts

• Filet (8 oz, 11 oz)
• Ribeye (16 oz, 22 oz)
• New York Strip (16 oz)
• Porterhouse (22 oz)
• T-Bone (24 oz)

What makes Ruth's Chris steaks truly unique is their finishing touch – served sizzling on a 500-degree plate with a pat of butter. This technique not only enhances flavor but also ensures the steak stays hot throughout your meal. The menu offers various portion sizes to accommodate different appetites, and each steak can be customized with different seasoning options.

Premium Seafood Options

While Ruth's Chris is primarily known for its steaks, their seafood offerings are equally impressive. The restaurant sources fresh seafood daily, ensuring the highest quality for their dishes. From classic preparations to innovative creations, the seafood menu provides excellent alternatives for non-steak diners or those seeking variety.

Featured Seafood Dishes

• Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon Butter
• Grilled Salmon with Herb Butter
• Lobster Tail (6 oz, 10 oz)
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Alaskan King Crab Legs

The seafood dishes are prepared using simple yet effective techniques that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. The Chilean Sea Bass, for instance, is pan-seared to perfection and served with a delicate lemon butter sauce that complements the fish's mild flavor without overpowering it. The restaurant also offers combination plates that pair seafood with their signature steaks.

Delectable Appetizers

A meal at Ruth's Chris begins with an impressive selection of appetizers that set the tone for the dining experience. These starters showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and expert preparation methods.

Must-Try Appetizers

• Calamari with Spicy Marinara Sauce
• Barbecued Shrimp with Creole Mustard Sauce
• Crab Cakes with Mustard Sauce
• Stuffed Mushrooms with Crabmeat
• Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

The Barbecued Shrimp appetizer deserves special mention, as it's a nod to the restaurant's New Orleans roots. Served in a rich, spicy sauce with Creole mustard, this dish exemplifies how Ruth's Chris successfully blends traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. The portion sizes are generous enough to share, making these appetizers perfect for group dining experiences.

Classic Sides and Accompaniments

Ruth's Chris understands that the perfect meal is incomplete without exceptional sides. Their selection of accompaniments features classic preparations with a touch of sophistication, designed to complement their main courses perfectly.

Signature Side Dishes

• Creamed Spinach
• Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Broiled Tomatoes with Garlic Butter
• Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

Each side dish is prepared with the same attention to detail as the main courses. The Creamed Spinach, for example, uses fresh spinach and a rich cream sauce that's perfectly balanced between savory and creamy. These sides are served family-style, encouraging sharing and creating a more communal dining experience.

Irresistible Desserts

No Ruth's Chris dining experience is complete without sampling their decadent desserts. The dessert menu features classic American favorites with a sophisticated twist, using premium ingredients and traditional techniques.

Popular Dessert Choices

• Chocolate Sin Cake
• Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
• Seasonal Cheesecake
• New Orleans-Style Bread Pudding
• Warm Apple Crisp

The Chocolate Sin Cake stands out as a fan favorite, featuring a rich, flourless chocolate center that's both indulgent and satisfying. The New Orleans-Style Bread Pudding pays homage to the restaurant's roots with its classic preparation and warm, comforting flavors. These desserts are portioned perfectly to end the meal on a high note without overwhelming the diner.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

Ruth's Chris boasts an extensive wine list featuring over 200 selections from renowned vineyards worldwide. Their sommeliers are experts in pairing the perfect wine with each menu item, enhancing the flavors of both food and drink.

Recommended Pairings

• Steaks: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
• Seafood: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
• Appetizers: Sparkling Wine, Pinot Noir
• Desserts: Port, Late Harvest Riesling

The restaurant's wine program is recognized with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, reflecting their commitment to maintaining a diverse and high-quality selection. For those interested in exploring wine pairings, Ruth's Chris offers regular wine tasting events and educational sessions with their sommeliers.

Specialty Menus and Dietary Options

Ruth's Chris demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity through various specialty menus that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. These options ensure that all guests can enjoy the restaurant's exceptional dining experience regardless of dietary restrictions.

Dietary-Friendly Options

• Gluten-Free Menu
• Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes
• Low-Sodium Options
• Lighter Fare Selection
• Kid's Menu

The Gluten-Free Menu includes several steak options, seafood choices, and even dessert alternatives. The restaurant takes great care in preparing these dishes to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring a safe dining experience for guests with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, their Lighter Fare menu offers smaller portions of popular dishes, perfect for those seeking a more moderate dining option.

The Ruth's Chris Dining Experience

Beyond the exceptional food, what truly sets Ruth's Chris apart is the complete dining experience they offer. From the moment you make a reservation to the final bite of dessert, every aspect is carefully orchestrated to provide maximum enjoyment and satisfaction.

Service Excellence

• Professional, knowledgeable staff
• Customizable dining options
• Private dining rooms available
• Special event accommodations
• Loyalty program benefits

The restaurant's commitment to service excellence is evident in their staff training programs, which emphasize both technical knowledge and genuine hospitality. Servers are well-versed in menu details, wine pairings, and can offer personalized recommendations based on guests' preferences. The attention to detail extends to the restaurant's ambiance, which combines elegant sophistication with comfortable warmth.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Ruth's Chris menu represents the pinnacle of fine dining, offering an exceptional selection of premium steaks, seafood, and accompaniments that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From their signature USDA Prime steaks cooked to perfection in 1800-degree broilers to their decadent desserts and extensive wine list, every aspect of the menu reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality and excellence.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, conducting business, or simply enjoying a night out, Ruth's Chris provides an unparalleled dining experience that combines exceptional food with professional service and elegant ambiance. Their attention to detail, from sourcing the finest ingredients to accommodating various dietary needs, demonstrates why they've maintained their reputation as a leader in the fine dining industry.

We encourage you to visit your local Ruth's Chris Steak House and experience their exceptional menu firsthand. Share your dining experiences in the comments below, or explore more articles about fine dining establishments on our website. For those planning their first visit, consider joining their loyalty program to enjoy exclusive benefits and special offers.