Steaks. Who doesn't love slicing into a juicy piece of mid-western beef, bubbling with flavors and aromas to excite the senses?

I certainly do. Yet in today's low-cal, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet-crazed society, most people avoid steak houses like the plague.

Well, if you're ready to live a little and dive into what will likely be the best steak you've ever tasted, then take a deposit out of your bank account, get dressed up and head over to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

This opinion is based on my visits to the New York City, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Weehawken (NJ) and Parsippany (NJ) locations.

I listed the Parsippany location last for a VERY good reason. More on that later.

The Food
Despite its name, the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse has a varied menu that includes some exceptional (so I'm told) sea food and poultry dishes. But its the steaks that draw in the masses...and steaks they have a plenty :)

Each steak is made to order and comes red-hot and sizzling on the plate. You're actually told to hold up your napkin when the plate arrives to avoid being splattered by the bubbling butter that caresses each piece of beef.

As soon as you slice into your steak, you realize why butter is used to flavor it. The steaks MELT like butter, on the knife, and in your mouth. I have never eaten a more tender piece of beef anywhere...

The Filet Mignon's are sumptuous, the NY Strip extremely flavorful and the T-Bone's a delight. There are many more choices, but these are the three that I have partaken.

As for the portions - Enormous! You may gawk at the prices, which we'll cover in a moment, but once you see the size of the steak you get, you'll quickly forget that you're paying an arm and a leg for it.

As big and juicy and flavorful as the steaks are, the side dishes are just as impressive. While the variety of sides could use some additions, what is available, from your varied veggies to your bountiful potatoes, are exceptionally prepared. Some of the best baked potatoes are had here...

Ah, and then there are the desserts. If you have the room after consuming your enormous steak, try some of their luscious desserts - especially the NY Style Cheesecake. Incredible!

Service
This may be a chain restaurant, but they certainly don't act like one. The service at each of the locations I've visited, save for the Parsippany locale, was exceptional, friendly and extremely courteous. The waiters/waitresses listen carefully to your needs and they do a great job of conveying that to the chefs. If you want your steak done in just a particular way, they'll cheerfully oblige.

Ah, but there are exceptions to every rule. Yes - Parsippany NJ. One of the worst restauranting experiences I've ever had. Service was akin to a diner atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, I love diners, but when I'm about to drop $100 on a dinner for 2, I expect better service.

Add to that the need to send our dinners back TWICE because they were under-cooked, and then to get blasted by the waitress who felt the dinners were cooked to perfection was a bit more than I could stand. Her tip reflected my dissatisfaction.

But aside from that one instance, service simply couldn't be better at an establishment of this caliber.

Price
As previously mentioned, pricing is ala carte. If you order a steak, you get a steak - nothing more. This can easily lead to high bills, especially as you add on the side dishes, desserts and drinks.

Clearly, Ruth's Chris is a restaurant worthy of a special occasion, and not a weekly visit - unless your wallet can stand the strain. But even with its high prices, you leave with the sense that, based on the food, the service and the atmosphere, it was money well spent.

Atmosphere
Again, the atmosphere depends on the location. From my experiences, I would rate the Weehawken, NJ locale as tops. With it's view of NYC across the river, and it's spaciously, but not overcrowded layout, it adds well to the overall experience. The NYC and Philly locations were nice, albeit somewhat dark. The New Orleans locale, which may be the first in the chain, had a more southern appeal to it. And then there's Parsippany, NJ. Let's just leave that one alone :)

Summing Up
If you enjoy steaks, and you want to taste what a really good steak should taste like, then visit Ruth's Chris. You won't regret it.

Unless you go to Parsippany.

Ok - enough Parsippany bashing. I'm sure it was an isolated incident...

I hope.



Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Prepare to spend a lot based on it's ala carte menu
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening