I went to a RC in Minneapolis several years ago on business. IMHO it was okay but nothing special. I think it is probably difficult to season steaks in a way that is preferred by everyone. Some people (like me) prefer a steak with more seasoning. Others prefer to taste the flavor of the meat so they prefer less seasoning. We have a local steak house that I like better than what I had at RC, but I still prefer my own over anything I have found in a restaurant.
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Ruth's Chris Steakhouse?
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sighhh…always wanted to try them, but stopped going out to eat even back in The Beforetimes.Originally posted by Huskee View PostA new Ruth's Chris has opened up near me and I've never been to one. I've heard mixed reports over the years- many say it's one of the best steaks you'll get out, others say it's overpriced and not that wowing.
I don't mean to sound conceited, but like many here, *I* make the best steak, since I know how to make it how I like it. But I don't mind getting one out if it's worth it.
If you've been to one, how would you rate it? Do you have any suggestions for don't-gets or definitely-gets?
When we were in Los Angeles, we went to a steakhouse that was supposed to be famous; can't recall the name, though (The Palm? Maybe??…this would be in the '70s.)
The atmosphere was noisy and diner-y, the food eye-poppingly expensive, but good.Last edited by Prof Bunky; June 27, 2023, 12:44 PM.
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Probably the best (and most expensive?) “meh” steak you can find. They have mediocrity down to an art form IMO. They’re certainly not terrible, but I don’t think they’re all that & more either. One can certainly get a worse steak. I’m just not convinced that they live up to their own press or hype. Are they better than Outback? Yes. Is that a low bar? Yes.
I have a friend that LOVES to take people there…usually out of town guests. (Probably so they can be “impressed” with the bill. LOL) I’ve tagged along more than a few times. When HE is buying, I’ll go…mostly for the company & laughs. If “I” am buying…I’m more likely to do it myself…or go somewhere not a steakhouse. (It’s not about the money…I’ve spent more in sushi bars…it’s about “value” & expertise.)
With that…
It’s most likely worth going to at least once…just to say you’ve done it. Just know that you’ll probably spend way more than you thought you would and be done with it. It’s only money and they’ll make more.
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I’ve been to a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse once, twice, my first and last time. Overpriced, over-rated, a la carte.
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Classic family story: my parents took my grandparents to an RC for an anniversary or something. My grandparents were so offended by the concept of ala carte sides and the fact that a baked potato cost $5 or whatever it was at the time that they weren't really able to enjoy it.Last edited by gboss; June 29, 2023, 02:18 PM.
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That's what I didn't like about RC. Everything was Al a Carte...My best friend was the head waiter there in the early 2000's. When he worked there, we got the inside scoop about specials, wine tastings and over all a better deal because we knew someone on the inside...After my buddy left...That was the end of RC...Jus' Sayin'....
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Well, almost all of your high end steak houses are a la crate.
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I get that RC may be better in some locations than others, but we found our local and read some reviews: food poisoning, surly waiters, dirty cultery, cold food, steaks either raw or burnt, and an Official SpinBot™️ replying to every review saying, 'You didn't see what you thought you saw.'
We were going to give their Prix Fixe a shot. For less than half that price I'll try Chili's.
PS: Quick update: Yup, went to Chili's. Mrs. Prof had what was the equivalent of the RC Prix Fixe and it came to fifteen bucks. As opposed to fifty! Said the steak was a bit chewy but flavorful.
Last edited by Prof Bunky; June 29, 2023, 11:53 AM.
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I've been to Ruth's Chris several times and it is very good. Take your wife and enjoy your date night. That is really what this is all about. We all know just about everyone in The Pit can source and cook a better steak, that's not the point. I feel like all the nay-sayers and party poopers are probably divorced, almost divorced, single still living in their parents basement or sleep in separate rooms from their wives. If you ever get a Fleming's close by please make sure to try that as well. We have both in Greensboro and really enjoy Fleming's on special occasion. The ambience is just a little warmer, a bit softer if you will.
Ruth's Chris is especially known for their filet's. Sides that I particularly enjoy are the creamed spinach (OMG!), the cremini mushrooms and the roasted brussels sprouts. The lobster mac and cheese and au gratin potatoes are also very good. Service is excellent and they have an extensive wine list. Looking forward to hearing about your experience should you decide to go!
Fritz
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Mosca I get it but the OP was specifically regarding Ruth's Chris. I could have mentioned other places (which I did briefly) but wanted to stay on topic.
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We do like the Fleming's happy hour, 1/2 price apps/drinks in the bar when it happens
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Mom didn't even HAVE a basement.
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My couple cents. One opened in Chattanooga and me and the ex went. It was a good steak - I am partial to new York strips - but like others said it didn't knock my socks off. And we thought the sides were just ok. The ex had the lobster Mac and cheese and I don't even remember what I had. I am glad we went though - it was my birthday meal. Hulagn1971 until you mentioned it, i didn't realize that this factored into my divorce...
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My wife and I have been to a RC many times over the years and have enjoyed the meal. It is a little pricey but we have gotten a fish meal the last two times (grouper both times) and that was excellent. My wife says she won't order a steak at a restaurant any longer when she can get a better one (and cheaper) at home from the ones I cook.
We have gone in to a RC (Charleston, SC) and sat at the bar and ordered a drink. We ordered a french onion soup and a ribeye and split both and they were cool with that. A little cheaper that way but you get to taste the steak.
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They’re good. HOWEVER, I think you’re money is better spent on the most decadent steak you can find and a great bottle of red and making it at home. Generally I don’t go out for steak. The mark up pisses me off and it’s just too easy to make an amazing steak at home. My 2cents.
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There's a RC in the next block from our hotel in Indianapolis. I'm not going to eat there. You guys have convinced me. To be honest I rarely order steak when we go out because I know I could cook it better, for less money. That said, we did eat at a PF Chang's tonight and I had wagyu. It was ok, but I didn't have to order everything alacart, and it wasn't that expensive. Tomorrow night I have reservations at a Weber restaurant. I know there was a discussion about them sometimes back. In fact, that's what I was looking for when I saw this b
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But Wait! Social Media says its worth it!
My family of 4 went to Ruth's Chris for the first time, and our $500 meal at the upscale steak chain felt like a true value (yahoo.com)
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Curious if the opinions (including our own) would be the same or different if the topic was about any other randomly selected high-end steak chain
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Probably.
I generally pick a chain because it’s easy/convenient.
Given a bit of thought, chains will almost never make my shortlist. And only if location is a limiting factor. That’s not to say that they’re terrible…I just feel I can usually get a better meal at a one-off restaurant. Even if they’re part of a small group of varied restaurants.
I mean, if I’m going to go somewhere “special,” then I’m going to pick someplace special and not one of 60, 100, whatever or more.
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