Ruth's Chris Steak House — Restaurant in San Diego

Last night we went out to Dinner for a Birthday with friends. The Birthday gal picked Ruth's Chris in Del Mar and we made our reservation. When we arrived early they showed us to the Bar and we all had a drink while waiting for the table to be prepared. We all knew this was a very expensive restaurant but it was a special event and we were sure the food and service would be as special. We had checked online earlier and noted that a "lite menu as well as a vegetarian menu" were available. I ordered a 16 Oz Ribeye with a loaded baked potato. I asked for it Medium Rare. The "Loaded Potato" was a large Russet, accompanied by approximately 2 Tbsp butter, 1 Tbsp Sour Cream and chopped chives, and 2 Tbsp Bacon Bits. Price was $14. It was brought to the table prior to the other food and because one of the party took quite a while with their salad, was not even warm when the steak finally did arrive. The "Ribeye" was delivered... cooked medium well. Not even a hint of pink. I notified the waitress "Sierra" and she apologized and said they would get me another one. They very quickly brought me another Ribeye that was cooked Medium... a slight hint of pink in the center. I pointed that out to the waitress and she did offer to get me a 3rd one. I was uncomfortable appearing to be difficult so I told her I would eat it and I did not want try a 3rd time. I cut into the steak and it was tough... Ribeye's are known for tenderness. It was grainy, had gristle and quite a bit of fat. Ribeye's do have a substantial amount of fat, but this was a $71 steak... I expected it to be delicious. I expected it to be tender, trimmed appropriately, and cooked as I ordered it. When "Sierra" offered the 3rd steak... she asked me "now did you want it cooked more or less?" A competent wait person would have known exactly what I ordered... and with one glance would have known it was wrong and why. I was disappointed to the point of disgust. Later she said as a result of the steak mishap they would comp me a desert. I told her I didn't want their desert. One of the other diners ordered steak and shrimp, steak and lobster was brought to the table. My wife asked about their "Lite" or "Vegetarian" menu as she has a very restricted diet due to health issues and we had noted the alternative menus mentioned in their web site. "Sierra" questioned my wife "are you a vegetarian?" My wife said no... that health issues were the reason. "Sierra" said my wife could make an entre out of any three vegetables on the menu... and offered they did not have a lite or vegetarian menu available. My wife ordered the "Crab Cakes" off of the appetizer menu... $29 and a Wedge Salad $19. The crab cakes were mushy and fishy... the salad excellent. The plating of the crab cakes was terrible. The plate was dirty with juice from the steaks and no attempt to make is attractive. I've been as or even more disappointed by a meal I have been served... but never, never at as expensive a venue where we were looking forward to so much more. We will never eat there again. I had a tough, mediocre at best, steak, over cooked, with a cool (temp) potato and without tax or tip spent $85. Together we spent $160+ and were not happy with the food, service...

Ruth's Chris: A Far Cry from Its Former Glory

From the aesthetics to the quality of service and food, my recent visit to Ruth's Chris was truly disappointing, and I regret to say I will never return.

Crowded Lobby: Upon entering, the lobby was overcrowded and unprepared for the guests arriving. Welcome Mat: The welcome mat was tired, tattered, and desperately needed to be vacuumed even though it was shortly after opening. Temporary Tables: On Valentine's Day, temporary tables were added, making the place feel as crowded as a high school cafeteria. We could easily hear conversations from nearly ten tables around us in various directions. Confused Wait Staff: Due to the added tables, the waitstaff were confused. We were led to the wrong table twice before finally being seated correctly on the third attempt. Proximity to Wait Station: We were placed right next to the waiter/waitress work station, where we could clearly hear constant conversations of the staff being confused about table assignments. This overshadowed any enjoyment of our meal. Food Quality: The food was not bad, but it was far from the quality and service one would expect at a higher-end steakhouse. It's now comparable to an Outback Steakhouse. Salty Food: The food overall was quite salty and not on par with what one would expect at a higher-end steakhouse. Menu Condition: There were tears and stains on the menu, which was very off-putting. Tacky Tipping Request: The parking lot attendant asked for a tip when our card was swiped (before receiving our car). Being asked for a tip in advance of service, especially at a higher-end steakhouse, is just tacky and was the perfect nail in the coffin to this utterly disappointing experience. 10) Staff lacked a a clean crisp appearance compared to the Ruth’s Chris we once knew and other higher end steakhouses.

Overall, the experience was a far cry from the Ruth's Chris we once loved. Management needs to address these issues to restore the quality and charm that once defined this...

Classy, full flavored, great service, throwback Steakhouse!

I have been going to Ruth Chris for years and I have always been satisfied. I recently went to Easter Sunday at the restaurant and once again they delivered.

Food: 5/5

If you have not been here they are known for their steaks. However the food is an amazing combination of steak, seafood, and sides. It’s really a throwback to the way a steakhouse was intended. On this particular visit I had the 12 oz ribeye medium rare with two lobster tails and a side of garlic mash potatoes. The steak came out perfectly cooked on a 500 degree plate that keeps the steak piping hot throughout the meal. The lobster tails were succulent and sweet. The mash potatoes were creamy and just seasoned just perfectly. The food here is always going to be their greatest pushing point because this is were they hit homeruns...and they hit them out of the park!

Service and seating: 5/5 (I would give them more stars if I could)

Service here is always top notch. They often have one server for you and an assistant server so your water/soda is always filled. Your silverware is replaced immediately and condiments are brought to you right away. This particular visit was amazing and the reason why their service is impeccable. On this visit our waitress accidentally told us that the Easter Special was not being offered. After checking in twice with her she said that she would check in with her manager. After getting our bread she returned and apologized up and down to us that she was wrong. We hadn’t even ordered so we honestly did not care. We were just happy that the special was being offered. She said because of her mistake the restaurant would comp us the four lobster tails that came with the special. Wow! Simply wow! She said it would not be an issue and made sure our experience was stellar.

Overall once again 5 stars out of 5. Plan on making reservations that way you are guaranteed your table. Parking is self serve and there is also Valet Parking. This is a great steakhouse that you need...