Planning a high-end dinner means knowing what to expect on the bill. If you're eyeing a visit, understanding Ruth's Chris dinner prices helps you budget accurately before stepping foot inside. Famous for searing its custom-aged USDA Prime cuts at 1,800 degrees and serving them on 500-degree plates, this upscale chain commands a premium price tag.
Expect main entrées to range roughly from $55 to $95 for individual steaks, while shared cuts and specialty plates climb much higher. Sides, appetizers, and drinks are billed separately, meaning a typical two-person outing easily totals over $200 before tax and tip.
Breakdown of Ruth's Chris Steak Prices
Unlike many casual steakhouses where a side dish comes bundled with your plate, Ruth's Chris operates strictly on an à la carte model. The base price gets you the meat, sizzled in butter, but nothing else.
Signature Cuts and Filets
Tenderloin and strip options form the backbone of the menu. Because these cuts vary in size and marbling, price points adjust accordingly.
- Petite Filet (8 oz): Usually starts around $58 to $65. It's a smaller, highly tender cut for lighter appetites.
- Classic Filet (11 oz): Ranges from $68 to $80. This is the standard crowd-pleaser for thick, lean beef.
- Ribeye (16 oz): Priced near $73 to $85 due to heavy marbling that melts during the high-heat cooking process.
- New York Strip (16 oz): Generally costs $67 to $75, offering a firmer texture and robust, beefy flavor profile.
Specialty and Shared Steaks
If you want a bone-in option or a cut meant for sharing, the price per person scales up, though large-format cuts often offer better value per ounce.
- Cowboy Ribeye (22 oz bone-in): Sells for about $88 to $105, packed with rich flavor from the bone.
- Porterhouse for Two (40 oz): Ranges between $130 and $175. This massive USDA Prime cut splits the difference between a strip and a filet.
- Tomahawk Ribeye (40 oz bone-in): The crown jewel of the menu, often priced at $158 to $195, making it ideal for groups of two or three.
Appetizers, Salads, and Soups
Starting your meal with a starter adds a significant layer to the final check. Most appetizers are portioned generously enough to split, which helps manage costs.
- Sizzling Blue Crab Cakes: Usually priced around $24 to $32, featuring jumbo lump crab and lemon butter.
- Shrimp Cocktail or Seared Ahi Tuna: Typically cost between $22 and $25.
- House Salads (Caesar, Steak House, or Chopped): Generally run $14 to $18, offering fresh greens and traditional steakhouse dressings.
- Lobster Bisque or French Onion Soup: Rich, slow-simmered options priced around $15 to $18.
À La Carte Sides and Sharing Strategies
Because side dishes at Ruth's Chris are designed family-style to feed two to three people, you don't need to order one per person.
- Mashed Potatoes and Classic French Fries: Cost roughly $13 to $15.
- Creamed Spinach or Steamed Broccoli: Typically priced around $14 to $16.
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: A decadent upgrade running between $24 and $28, combining rich seafood with heavy cheese sauce.
Ordering smartly means picking one potato dish and one vegetable dish to share across a table of two, keeping your side expenses manageable rather than doubling up unnecessarily.
Value Alternatives: Prix Fixe and Happy Hour
If you want the upscale experience without paying peak à la carte rates, look for specific promotions offered by your local franchise location.
- Ruth's Classics Prix Fixe: Frequently available during specific hours or seasonal windows, this three-course menu includes a starter (salad or soup), a choice of select entrées (like a petite filet with shrimp), a personal side, and dessert. Pricing usually hovers around $50 to $70 total, representing a substantial discount over ordering items individually.
- Sizzle, Swizzle, and Spin (Happy Hour): Offered at participating locations during early evening hours, usually in the bar area only. It features discounted smaller plates, premium burgers, and select cocktails, letting you sample the kitchen's quality for a fraction of the dinner bill.
To check exact menu availability and seasonal pricing near you, visit the official Ruth's Chris Menu before booking your table.
Common Mistakes That Inflate Your Bill
It's easy for a modest dinner celebration to spiral into an unexpectedly expensive ordeal if you aren't paying attention to hidden cost drivers.
- Over-ordering sides: Ordering individual sides for each guest leaves you with excessive food and a bloated bill. Stick to a one-side-per-two-people rule.
- Ignoring drink markups: Wine pairings and craft cocktails at upscale steakhouses carry high markups. A couple of rounds of drinks can easily rival the cost of an entrée.
- Skipping the prix fixe check: Always ask your server if a seasonal fixed-price menu is active, as defaulting straight to the main menu can cost you significantly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dress code enforced at Ruth's Chris?
Yes, most locations enforce a business casual or smart casual dress code. Athletic wear, beachwear, and baseball caps are generally discouraged, ensuring an upscale atmosphere throughout the dining room.
Can I share plates?
Kitchen policies permit sharing entrées, particularly for large cuts like the Porterhouse or Tomahawk. Servers will often split the plate in the kitchen for convenience, though an extra charge may apply for specific split items.
Do prices vary by location?
Pricing fluctuates depending on the city, local operating costs, and franchise ownership. Downtown metropolitan locations or tourist hubs like Las Vegas typically feature higher menu pricing than suburban outposts.
Are reservations required?
While walk-ins are accommodated when bar space or table availability permits, making a reservation online or via phone is strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinner slots.
