What's in a name: Ruth Fertel bought the original Chris Steak House in 1965 and relocated a short time later. Fertel was forbidden from using the name "Chris Steak House" at the new location, and "Ruth's Chris" was born. (kalleboo via Flickr)
Today, we come to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, what may be the most famous steakhouse in Washington, D.C.
Well, if it’s not, fine. But it’s gotta be at the top of the list when you think “steakhouse” and “capital.”
There are two Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in the District, but we’ll focus on the one in Dupont Circle in Northwest. According to its website, this particular palace that meat built is “reminiscent of an English Tudor castle, complete with winding staircases, small romantic nooks, and an enclosed patio overlooking the street.”
The restaurant also claims to be “the world’s largest fine dining company,” which is a very big boast indeed.
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After starting out on Broad Street in New Orleans in 1965, the company in December 2006 opened its 100th restaurant, this one in Providence, R.I. Owner Ruth Fertel passed into the big steakhouse in the sky back in 2002, but her legacy lives on in ribeyes, New York strips and filets.
Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ruth’s Chris celebrates Prime Hour – their version of happy hour – where the restaurant serves lesser-priced fare ($3-$9) like Prime Ribeye Sliders, Crab Cake Sliders and Prime Burgers. Drinks during this time slot will run from $5 to $9.
Ruth’s Chris’ “famous steaks are seared to perfection at 1800 degrees and topped with fresh butter so they sizzle all the way to your table.” There are seven of these mouth-watering slices of meat to choose from, including their Filet, Cowboy Ribeye, New York Strip and T-Bone.
Other entrees include Lamb Chops, Barbecued Shrimp, Fresh Lobster and Stuffed Chicken Breast. There is also a choice of six salads. Keep in mind that this is fine dining, but even so, the prices aren’t outrageous, just expensive, with entrees priced from $36 to $86.
The list of wine and cocktails is pretty expansive, too. And yes, they serve beer here as well for all you ham-and-eggers.
If you want it, there are also private dining reservations to be had.
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Required attire is business/casual, and jeans are OK. Just don’t come walking in off the street like Larry the Cable Guy after a three-day bender doing God knows what and looking it.
Reservations are recommended. They’ll also park your car for $7.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is open Monday-Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
It’s located a couple of blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro stop (19th street exit) on the Red Line.
All you high-end, steak-loving apartment renters in Dupont Circle, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the one.
