I have been to several Ruby River Steakhouses over the years, and to this one in particular twice. I like that it is a regional chain. I place RRS a step south of the Black Angus chain circa mid-90s and a bit north of national chains like Texas Roadhouse.
I miss the peanuts (not sure if this is an issue at this location or across all locations). It was a tacky, granted, 'differentiator' that made for some light-hearted fun before your meal or while waiting for a seat, though I am sure it was a nightmare for the staff.
This is not fine-dining (see comparisons above). You aren't getting Charlie Palmer; then again, you aren't paying those prices. The steaks are well-priced even if they are almost too aggressively seasoned/tenderized (note I said 'almost'). The salads are all well-prepared. The jacket potatoes are a thing of trashy goodness. The sides are standard, though well done. If you come prepared, you don't leave hungry.
This location could probably use a refresh: some new carpet or, better yet, fake-plank flooring. The outside is starting to look a tad sketchy. The music caters to those who find the yodel-rock of nu-country-western music appealing (I tend to just laugh as it plays in the background). The decor is squarely garish Tejas cowboy bric-a-brac, so obviously affected you have to applaud the attempt in a place like SLC, or Reno, or Provo.
This visit, the thing that was the best was our server (I wish I recalled her name). Service with what seemed a genuine smile. Quick refills. Cheery responses. Case in point: we had a person with us that had dietary issues that don't bode well for a steakhouse. Rather than acting like she knew the answers, she went back to the kitchen no less than three times to check with the cooks.Never acted put out by the questions; in fact, she seemed interested in the dietary restrictions! Amazing. This location should give her a raise.
I'll come back next time I am in SLC. Ditto for the Reno location. If you come knowing what to expect, you likely won't be disappointed.
Speaking of which, some of the negative reviews are a hoot. They suggest a Grocery Outlet vibe trying to pass themselves off as Whole Foods foodies. Read the horseradish one. I'll wait. Priceless! Complaints about take-out . . . from a steakhouse?!?! You are a precious thing, you! I guess flexing a bit of finger-muscle counts as exercise, right? To be fair, I don't doubt people have an off evening at a place like this. But tone down the umbrage a scooch. You were eating at Ruby River!