Ruth's Chris may be expensive, but at the end of a meal here you will know where that money went! From the very start with delicious fresh bread, to an appetizer of Cajun Gumbo to the main course... More

Ruth's Chris may be expensive, but at the end of a meal here you will know where that money went! From the very start with delicious fresh bread, to an appetizer of Cajun Gumbo to the main course for me of Outstanding seared on Butter T-Bone, i will know i have had a special dining experience. Ruth's Chris Steaks are to be beaten by NO ONE. This place beats the pants off anywhere else in Chicago with the one exception of Morton's. Gibson's, Smith and Wollensky are a JOKE compared! Do yourself a favor and make a visit to Ruth's Chris while in Chicago or anywhere else in the nation! You won't regret it.
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I first ate at a Ruth's Chris steakhouse in St. Louis. At one time they tore down that one. I understand they have re-opened one, but I digress. This is without a doubt my all-time favorite... More

I first ate at a Ruth's Chris steakhouse in St. Louis. At one time they tore down that one. I understand they have re-opened one, but I digress. This is without a doubt my all-time favorite steakhouse. It is also fine dining in the best sense. Yeah, the food is expensive and you can buy a $500 bottle of wine, but it's worth it (well, the food anyway. I can't speak for the wine). This is the kind of place where you dress up, get your car parked by well-dressed gentleman that you tip and where the wait-staff is dressed well. Men hover around the walls waiting to fill your water glass. The food is ala carte, so be prepared. The steaks are prepared on plates so hot they have to warn you. The steaks come sizziling in butter and may spit a bit on you, so be warned about that. I am telling you that you will not have a finer steak for the price. So many places want to be like Ruth's Chris but never match up. The only drawback I can find is that they advertise on Rush Limbaugh's show. This does not detract from the food, however.
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Even though Ruth's Chris is a chain restaurant, it's still a great steakhouse. The thing to order is the butter filet - it comes out spitting butter back at you, tender and juicy. I also really like... More

Even though Ruth's Chris is a chain restaurant, it's still a great steakhouse. The thing to order is the butter filet - it comes out spitting butter back at you, tender and juicy. I also really like the house salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Another star is the lobster bisque - one of the best I've ever tasted. It's creamy and tangy with chunks of lobster. Service is always great, and the wait is never long.
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At first, I was not overly impressed. We had to wait to be seated though we had reservations, and our table was placed awkwardly against a column, making the table jut out into the general traffic... More

At first, I was not overly impressed. We had to wait to be seated though we had reservations, and our table was placed awkwardly against a column, making the table jut out into the general traffic path. But our waiter, though obviously Friday-night busy, took his time explaining the specials, offered suggestions and listened carefully to our orders. The steaks were cooked exactly as ordered and were huge; we ate them with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic spinach and sauteed mushrooms. Of course, as we had to "save room" for dessert, we had leftovers, which inevitably made a great breakfast. The dessert was delicious and tasted fresh (Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake). We also enjoyed a 10-year Tawny Port; there were many after dinner drinks to choose from. The music seemed to be a southern/Cajun/Frank Sinatra blend and cigar-smoking appeared popular. The bathrooms were very clean (and the restaurant in general). Despite the touristy area and mild-chain feel, I would definitely visit again and probably take my parents who would appreciate the simple, steak-focused menu.
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