Scotch: Current favorite- The Arran (anything by them), Glenmorangie 12yr Lasanta, sherry cask finished. The Balvenie Double Wood, also like Oban 18yr, and The Glenlivet Nadurra (Oloroso sherry cask finished) among others. Neat please.
About meReal name: Aaron
Location: Farwell, Michigan - near Clare (dead center of lower peninsula).
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Healthcare- Licensed & Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at MyMichigan Health, a University of Michigan Health System.
A 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?
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Never been….and I don’t plan on it. Because you know you will make a better steak. And choose the perfect bottle of red wine to go with
I have a few colleagues who say it’s the best they have had. But I don’t think they truly cook steaks. So I don’t know. Will be interested in reading what others say here as well.
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Definitely good steak ... or at least it was the last time I went to one back in 2008/09 (DC area). If you know what you're doing ... and have access to prime beef, you can do as well yourself ... but it sure is nice to have someone else doing the work and delivering not just really good steak but also sides to match.
It's... fine. I've found the steaks to be under seasoned for my tastes. I guess the thing about RCs, or any steakhouse really is though I can cook that steak better for me, nailing sides and cocktails and the steak and having it all hit the table at once is difficult if it's just you. I can think of at least three steakhouses here in San Diego i'd go to before RCs. Unless someone else is paying, I mean at that point, by all means let's go!
Clark My favorite is Cowboy Star, then Lou & Mickey's. And my number 3 choice is gone, apparently (Donovan's, not sure if their Del Mar location is still open). I've heard really good things about Born & Raised, but I've not been. And I can think of a few places that aren't straight up steakhouses but still do a really good steak with maybe a wider range of other food.
Like you, I can cook steaks the way I like them, and almost never order steak when we eat out. BUT, I'd go back to RC just to see if it's as good as I remember from years ago, (before I found AR).
I’ve only been once to a Ruth’s Chris, back in the 80’s. From what I remember it was very good and the sides were equally awesome. Don’t let anyone here talk you out of going though. Remember, you’re not having to cook, people are waiting on you, it’ll be a nice relaxing evening for you and your wife. That’s almost as important as the quality of the food. You will also be able to say whether or not you cook the best steaks up against one of the best steak houses out there!
Last edited by Panhead John; June 25, 2023, 09:21 PM.
Yep, don’t discount all the work that goes on before, during and after the sale! Yes, we all probably prepare, cook and clean up better and cheaper per pound, but you’re also paying not to do that.
Unless it's an exceptional steakhouse (and we wouldn't count Ruth's as "exceptional" vs other places, personal opinion) --- practically any Pit member should be able to cook a steak just as well as a restaurant can.
There are people who love the RC's side dishes.
The last time we ate at RC, it was fine, but nothing we'd brag about. But then again, we'd rather cook a similar meal at home and save some $$, and enjoy the fruits of our labors.
Are there steakhouses we'd go out of our way to eat at? Sure.
Can we name them right now? Nope... but we do know that RC wouldn't be on the list -- not because it's bad, but because it wouldn't rank high vs other places we'd choose.
Would we tell you not to go? No -- certainly please go and enjoy the meal. We wouldn't turn down an invitation to eat there (especially if someone else were paying for it ), it just isn't on our list of to-go places.
I’ve been to Ruth’s Chris about a half dozen times. 5 times on business, and once because someone gave my wife and I a $150 gift card for there.
I am underwhelmed by them. The meat may be good, but under seasoned in my opinion. I feel the only time I got a ribeye there it has a lot more waste than expected, whereas the filet or other cuts I’ve not left a scrap on my plate. It was cooked to what I ordered every time.
Be aware that *nothing* is included with your $50+ steak. All sides and salads are ala carte. I do like their wedge salad as I recall.
Honestly if I wanted a steak out I think I could get one I enjoyed just as much, for a lot less, at some chain place like Longhorn. Or better yet a place we have here called Connor’s Steak and Seafood. I’ll only go to Ruth’s Chris if someone else is paying.
But that’s just my opinion, and as you say - when you can make great steaks at home, we tend to get pickier about having them out.
Been to RC in Vegas several times and in Irvine and now Long Beach, California. They use Prime Beef and offer several different cuts and cooked in1800 degree broiler ovens so your plate is sizzling hot at 400-500 degree with butter and au jus when its served to you. You have to order all your side dishes Ala carte but the lobster mac and cheese, garlic mashed potatoes are really good. It's pricey, but worth trying it if you have never experienced a Ruth Chris Steak Restaurant.
WillTravelForFood We ended eating at some place on Fremont St. I remember it being good, but not overly memorable. The night prior we ate at the ‘Ski Lodge’ in the Cosmopolitan. That was wild. The food was really good and the atmosphere was awesome. One of those, ‘we don’t want to go back because the second time around might ruin our memories’ type experience. It was also our first kid-free vacation since our honeymoon, so I’m sure that contributed.
Darn you, Grillin Dad. Every time we've attempted to hit the Ski Lodge, they're either closed or booked for a private event. We've heard it's terrific. The italian place it's associated with is also supposed to be very good. On our list of "will get to eventually"
I’ve been to Ruth Chris once, in Chicago in the early 90’s. It was okay, but I felt there were a number of better steakhouses in town. That said, if it was the only fancy steak place in town and my wife wanted a date night, I’d go. Panhead John is right (wow, does it feel weird typing that), the pampering you get at a nice restaurant is worth the expense occasionally.
I have been a number of times. The steaks are ok. The portions are great and the brand presents itself well. I agree totally that the steaks are just not seasoned that well. We have said it here many times, it takes alot for a restaurant to impress me these days. For the money, cook your own steaks!
That's one of my biggest pet peeves is under-seasoned steaks, second only to tough, second-rate cuts and poor doneness. I am NOT a 'less seasoning the better, let the meat speak for itself' kinda guy. I think every element is necessary on a good steak, like instruments in a symphony.
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When Mrs and I dine fancy, steakhouses are the only place we go. I consider that to be the quintessential American dining experience.
We’ve been to a few Ruth’s Chris, but none lately. It’s a chain of franchises. As such, your experience is going to depend on the location and the franchisee. We had a great experience in New York City. We had a poor experience in Atlantic City. We had a so-so experience in Wilkes-Barre. And, that sort of makes sense: NYC, Ruth’s Chris is long established and faces strong competition. AC, Ruth’s Chris is in Caesar’s and serves tourists. Wilkes-Barre, it’s in a local casino and it’s the only game in small town NEPA.
However, we are never going to become regulars at Ruth’s Chris, so even within that variation, there’s no way to know if any of those experiences are one-offs. Bad night? New server? There’s no way of knowing.
I think your best course of action here is to wait for local reviews. The Pitmaster Club is too wide of a net. I will say that a great restaurant steak with great service and ambiance isn’t a meal; it’s an experience, and you should treat it like that. The food is only part of it.
I agree, they should be sharp and on their game then!
If you have friends who play, they might have comps or offers that include dining credits. You should get a card and run $10 through a slot, see if you get an offer.
), it just isn't on our list of to-go places.
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