Chicago - Ruth Chris - and ?

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

My DH wants to take me to Chicago for our anniversary. He suggested going to Ruth Chris. I have a few questions. First, is it worth all the money? About how much are we talking here? Any way to get discounts? Dress code? Also, our youngest son would be with us. Will I feel really awkward bringing a toddler? He's very well behaved and would be able to sit still while he's being fed (as long as the meal isn't 2 hours long) , but I don't want to be the only one with a kid.

Any other suggestions for what we should do while we're there? A show is out b/c he's well behaved but not completely silent or wiggle free.

 

[My3kiddos]

I've never been to Ruth Chris, but from what I understand it's like Mortons. Mortons to us is definitely worth the price since we only go 2-3 times a year and I get gift cards from my bank points. We usually spend around $150 but always have lots of food leftover. Dress should be at least dress casual (slacks/skirt and blouse for women, slacks and dress shirt for men). We have seen families with children at Mortons, but it's hit or miss. I don't think you will feel uncomfortable having your toddler there, but you might call and make sure they have high chairs before you go. If you go I hope you enjoy it! We have wanted to try Ruth Chris, but we are hooked on Mortons.

 

[ospopo5]

Never been there but heard it's good. Weber Grill is supposed to be good too if your looking for a steak house in the city.

 

[ah1126]

It is pretty good. My husband and I went a few years ago for our Anniversary. Everything is ala cart. I think he got soup, and I got salad, we both ordered a steak and shared a side and we both drank water. It was about $150 for the two of us, we had $75 in gift certificates to help pay. I think you can check out the website and see the current prices. I am glad we went once and tried it, but I doubt we will ever eat there again unless we have gift certificates to pay most of the cost.

 

[dawson5]

We have one here and have gone for special occasions. Every.single.time. they screw up my husband's meal. Last time his steak was sent back three times. Just haven't had a good experience yet.

You are talking Chicago prices, which I'm assuming are probably more than here (near South Bend, IN). I think steaks ran around $60 each and you buy sides. Sides are usually large enough for two people to share. With drinks, I think our bills averaged around $150. The steaks are tender and have good flavor, sides are decent. Have you googled to get a look at their menu? We're used to meals being pretty inclusive, steak comes with a potato of some sort, maybe a side veggie and a salad.

Whenever hubby goes to Chicago, he's always angling to go to Ditka's (?). I've never been, but he raves about it.

 

[Janet Hill]

Definately not budget.

My husband and I go ~2-3 times a year. It's very good and the service is impeccable. I have seen children there in a high chair, but it's not the norm.

I know that the one in Arlington Virginia has a prix fixe menu for $39.95, which includes dessert. The portions are smaller than the ala carte menu, but definately enough food.

I have heard that the quality can vary by location, so you might want to check the reviews for the one Chicago. My husband was on business travel and went to one in NY and said it was awful.

 

[Bbbethei]

I've been there quite a few times. The food is expensive, but excellent quality. You can find a better value if you order from the seasonal classics menu. The options are limited, but you can get a starter, entree, side, and dessert for $40 per person.

However, I don't think I've ever seen a toddler while there. As much as I love my kids, I would never bring them there at that age. Not only may it be disruptive to those around you; but if you're going to spend that much money on a meal, you really want to be able to enjoy it and not worry about them making too much noise!

 

[ICF]

I've been to the one in Indy 4 or 5 times.

Typically a dinner for me and my wife -- 2 steaks, salad, 3 sides to share and a coke (my wife typically just has water) runs us in the neighborhood of $110 or so before tax / tip. The steaks we usually get are roughly $30 (or at least were a couple of years ago when we last went) and the sides are $8 - $10 but are big enough to easily share between two people and still have some to take home.

I'll say I've never seen a young child in there before....kids 8 - 10, sure....but I've never seen a 2 year old in there before.

As for dress....I've seen people in jeans before and people in fancy suits / dresses. The norm is probably "business casual" I'd say but at least at the one here I dont think they really care what you are wearing.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

Thanks for all the response. I don't know if I could fork over that much cash for a steak. Why not just go buy a whole cow? lol I'll have to think that over.
They do have menus online, but unless I looked in the wrong place, they didn't have prices.

So, does anybody have any other suggestions of where to go? Is Weber's more family friendly?

 

[maggiew]

Personally I didn't like the food there. Neither did DH. Our steaks came out on what seemed like a platter of melted, spurting butter. Didn't like that.

I would dress nice - something like a summer dress. Your DH maybe khakis and polo shirt.

I didn't see any kids there the night we went. Personally it wouldn't be a place I would bring a toddler.

Maggie

 

[headoflife]

Weber Grill is more casual and family friendly. I have never been, but have heard it is good, but not great. You might want to check out Wildfire as well, if you want steak. I think it is quite good, and while not cheap, much more rereasonable. hey are a Lettuce Entertain You restauraunt. It is nice, but not really formal.

As for other activities, it depends when you come. There are concerts in Millenium Park, and people often bring kids. Whaen are you visiting, and what do you ejoy?

 

[JoiseyMom]

Personally I didn't like the food there. Neither did DH. Our steaks came out on what seemed like a platter of melted, spurting butter. Didn't like that.

I would dress nice - something like a summer dress. Your DH maybe khakis and polo shirt.

I didn't see any kids there the night we went. Personally it wouldn't be a place I would bring a toddler.

Maggie

You are correct, they cook their steaks in butter!

 

[Kate and Pete]

You are correct, they cook their steaks in butter!

Yikes! Nothin' like covering up the flavor of an expensive steak!

 

[Chrisvee]

We go to the one in Philly frequently. It's in the theater district. There's also one in King of Prussia near the big mall complex. The food and service are always excellent. Entrees run around $40, apps in the $10 range, and desserts in the $8 range. Sides are family style. It's a few dollars less pricey than Morton's and Capital Grille but in general they are all comparable. Dress code is business casual but it's not unusual early in the evening to see folks dressed in jeans or dress shorts with polo shirts, etc. There are generally always families there with kids of all ages because it's a big 'occasion' place for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.

Plates come out from under the broiler at 500 degrees. Yes, as in many restaurants, the steaks do have butter melted on top -- they can prepare it without.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Personally, I love Ruth's Chris. We have dined at the Chicago location about 5 times in the last 2 years and my steak has always been amazing. I don't believe that the butter covers up the flavor of the steak at all. IMO. I had a Kobe Filet from the Chicago Chop House and I liked my steak better at Ruth's Chris. I love that it comes out so hot that when you cut it up on the plate it cooks just a little more and with the butter, it literally melts in your mouth. That being said, the price is $$$ but in order to enjoy a meal of that quality you are going to fork over that amount wherever you go.

I really enjoyed the Chop House the steak was great don't get me wrong. The sides were definitely amazing there. We had a tuna appetizer that was absolutely delicious as well. I had a caprese salad with buffata mozzerella and it was creamy and man, if I could have that right now I'd be so happy!

I didn't care for Gibson's, I didn't like how my steak tasted char-grilled, I much prefer the way Ruth's Chris cooks their meat.

When it comes down to it, it's all about what YOU like. Everyone has different tastes!

Other steak places to consider: Chicago Chop House, Gibson's, Smith & Wollensky, & Capital Grille.

 

[drcmk]

I don't like steak, but I LOVE the steak at Ruth's Chris. For me, the butter makes it even more wonderful, but you can order it without butter. It is pricey, but it is a splurge. Definitely worth it for us. We've never had bad food there. the sides are huge and delicious. The coffee and dessert are very good, too.

We took our children to Ruth's Chris when they were seven or eight years old and it was very frustrating. They didn't particularly like the food because it wasn't prepared exactly like they were used to and that made them cranky which detracted from our enjoyment of our meal. We just took our children back to Ruth's Chris as young teenagers and we all enjoyed it much more. I probably would not take a young child unless he was very flexible about what he will eat and a very quiet and laid-back kid.

 

[Mousefan72]

We went to Ruth Chris once years ago and it was OK...not extremely memorable. If you like prime rib than I would suggest Lawry's. It is delicious and the atmosphere is terrific and all they offer is different selections of prime rib. Mortons is also terrific for steak. As to the question of what to do....we have whatever you want to do. The best museums in the country, Navy Pier which includes shopping, a huge ferris wheel and other rides, an IMAX movie theater, and several different types of boat rides, shopping on the Magnificent Mile, go to the top of the John Hancock or the Willis Tower, or take a carriage ride....just to name a few. Chicago is a beautiful city. You should enjoy whatever you do. As for the restaurants, just look them up on the internet. They all have websites and most display a menu.

 

[LoveKermit]

Totally just talked about this at dinner tonight....

We went to RC in St. Louis and it was in our hotel. It was pretty kid-friendly--and we went at a kid-friendly time (5/5:30). They had kid items, no menu per se. But what I don't know is if the non-hotel RCs cater as much. I'd call first. And DD was 3.5 at the time, did fine, no big deal.

Weber Grill is kid friendly--kid portions are HUGE. Steak, not as good.

Gibson's may be OK (DD was 6 months there, DNiece was 6, DNephew--1 year--stayed home) again at a good time, but not after 6:30. Smith & Wollensky--no way.

Different than steak AND kid friendly and across the street from RC is Harry Carey's. They probably have steak, but their pasta is good. Much more casual. And in the same area, if that helps.

Otherwise, I'm no help, really. Just wanted to chime in. I'm pretty picky about filet. The one in STL was outstanding--butter and all--and I'm a purist.

 

[maggiew]

Plates come out from under the broiler at 500 degrees. Yes, as in many restaurants, the steaks do have butter melted on top -- they can prepare it without.

Yes, I've had flavored butters and such on top of my steak. But that is not how it was at Ruth's Chris when we went. The steak was swimming in a pool of butter - not a small scoop of butter on the top!

We went to the one in Northbrook, not the one downtown. So it might be different.

I second the PP suggestion of Harray Caray's. You can get a good steak there plus some nice pasta for the toddler. Its also more relaxed and family friendly, yet still special enough for a special occasion.

Maggie

 

[DuckMom]

For me, Ruth Chris' is not kid-friendly. I wouldn't take my boys there, but I would just hate to pay that much money and not be able to slowly enjoy the meal. I love Weber Grill. I cannot comment on the steaks there, but the bbq is fabulous and the whole place smells wonderful. The kids meals are pretty cool too ... a whole platter with veggies, potato, etc and dessert (with fabulous cookies ... my boys let me eat those). The last time we were there, we saw Jimmy Smits ... cool side note I guess.

As far as things to do, hit Navy Pier and Millenium Park. I can spend hours just walking those places and people watching. If you go to Navy Pier, try to ride the ferris wheel at night ... so pretty. Another fun thing to try would be a carriage ride around downtown or on the lake. We got engaged on one of those ... very nice, romantic and scenery to occupy your son.

Have fun!