Ruthie's Steak & Seafood — Restaurant in Illinois

Normally I would take a lot of pictures but everything was SO good that I forgot to take pictures. All I can say is WOW - what an incredible restaurant. Whoever designed this restaurant and the menu deserves an award. There are literally no places like this in Southern Illinois - meaning an incredible steak house with actually amazing, creative food. I’m just blown away. We had the filet marmalade, filet medallions and shrimp, pork chop and prime rib as main courses, lobster bisque as a starter and brownie bread pudding for dessert. Honestly everything was cooked perfectly, tender, excellent flavors, well paired dipping sauces or sides. I just can’t get over how amazing the food was - and the steaks were cooked perfectly. We also had the side of mac and cheese and it was really savory but not too heavy. We also had some of their special Christmas cocktails and WOW again! Whoever built these cocktails deserves a raise.

Overall our bill was $250 for 4 people and considering what we ordered (10 items in total) and the high end quality of food and drinks received, this is a STEAL! I cannot wait to go back.

I should also mention the service was phenomenal, while the ambience and interior design were just perfection. But to be honest, the food is what is most memorable to me. I cannot...

We were with a group of eight on a snowy Friday night. It was the first time dining at Ruthies and not one of us were disappointed. In fact, we made a pack to make it an annual event. The room was nice and very well decorated. The place settings were modern and the roses on the tables made it extra special.

We started with salads and lobster bisque. Each serving was fresh and larger than expected. The majority of the table ordered filet medallions with shrimp sitting on fabulous mashed potatoes with onion straws and asparagus as a side. Each person said it was great and would order again. Pork chop and baked potato was also ordered with a rave review. Personally I had one of the specials, shrimp and grits. YUM! The shrimp was large on every plate. We ended our evening with one slice of chocolate cake...heavenly. Our server was exceptional and we kept him hopping. Our coffee cups were never empty.

I could go on and on and on, but I think you get the picture. If possible please give Ruthies a try, you will leave with a smile on your face and stomach full of...

The young gentleman bartending makes his own syrups. The Old Fashioned I had was one of the best, if not the best, I’ve had while traveling. The Caesar Salad was lacking dressing and flavor. There was no hint of that anchovy, wonderful fresh Caesar flavor. It was cold lettuce with two flavorless anchovies on top. I suspect the anchovies had been removed from the oil and stored in a separate container for a while which caused them to dry out and lose that wonderful anchovy-ness. Two additional dried out, flavorless anchovies cost an additional $3. I didn’t mind paying the upcharge but expected them to be oily and salty. The Filet Lollipops were delicious.

It was Christmas Eve and the restaurant was virtually empty. We were halfway through our meal and still hadn’t received our cocktails ordered prior to the food. I finally got up from the booth and found them sitting on the bar. Service could be much...