Ruth's Chris Steak House in Charleston: What to Expect and How to Plan Your Visit

Where Ruth's Chris Sits in Charleston's Steakhouse Scene

Ruth's Chris Steak House operates a location in downtown Charleston at 181 Church Street, in the historic district near the waterfront. It is a national chain known for high-end beef service and tableside butter presentations—a signature touch where servers pour hot clarified butter over your steak at your table. The restaurant occupies a multi-story building with views of the surrounding architecture and street life, and it draws both locals marking occasions and visitors looking for a formal steakhouse experience.

The space itself reflects Charleston's blend of old and new: exposed brick, warm lighting, and a bar area that serves as a gathering point for the pre-dinner crowd. Unlike some Charleston restaurants built into centuries-old structures, Ruth's Chris is a modern establishment within a historic shell, which shapes both the atmosphere and the logistics of getting a table. The dining room maintains the formality expected at a high-end steakhouse while keeping the energy accessible rather than stuffy.

Key Takeaways

• Ruth's Chris serves USDA Prime beef aged in-house, with cuts ranging from filet mignon to porterhouse, and the tableside butter service is part of the standard presentation.
• Dinner is the main service; lunch is available Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the restaurant is closed Mondays.
• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends and parties of four or more, and can be made through their website or by phone at (843) 722-0057.
• The dress code is business casual to upscale; jeans and athletic wear are not appropriate, and the restaurant enforces this consistently.
• Parking in downtown Charleston is street parking or paid lots; the restaurant itself does not have dedicated parking, so plan extra time to find a spot.

What the Menu Offers Beyond Steak

While beef is the centerpiece, Ruth's Chris also serves seafood, chicken, and lamb. The menu includes fresh fish specials that change with availability, and sides are ordered separately—potatoes, vegetables, and salads come as add-ons rather than included with the entrée. This à la carte structure means the final bill can climb quickly if you order multiple sides or appetizers.

The wine list is extensive and leans toward American selections, with bottles ranging from accessible to investment-level. The bar also serves cocktails and spirits, and the bartenders are accustomed to classic steakhouse drinks like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. Desserts include house-made options and classics like crème brûlée and chocolate cake.

Timing, Reservations, and What to Know Before You Go

Ruth's Chris opens for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner service runs Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Hours can shift seasonally or for private events, so calling ahead is wise if you are planning around a specific time.

Reservations can be made online through their website or by calling (843) 722-0057. Walk-ins are accepted when space allows, but during peak times—Friday and Saturday evenings, holidays, and special events like Valentine's Day—you may face a wait of an hour or more. For groups of six or larger, the restaurant may require a credit card to hold the reservation and may have a cancellation policy; ask when you book.

The dress code is business casual to upscale. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and athletic wear are not permitted. Men typically wear collared shirts and slacks or dress pants; women wear dresses, skirts, or dress pants. The restaurant enforces this at the door, so plan your outfit accordingly.

Parking and Getting There

Ruth's Chris is located on Church Street in downtown Charleston's historic district, an area with limited and competitive parking. There is no dedicated restaurant parking lot. Street parking is available but can be difficult to find during busy times, especially evenings and weekends. Paid parking lots and garages operate nearby, including the Broad Street Garage and various municipal lots; rates vary but typically run $2 to $3 per hour or $10 to $15 for evening parking.

If you are visiting from out of town and staying in a downtown hotel, walking or taking a short ride-share may be easier than driving. The restaurant is accessible by car, but arriving 15 to 20 minutes early to account for parking is a practical approach, particularly on weekends. Public transportation options are limited in this area, so most diners arrive by personal vehicle or ride-share.

Price Range and What to Budget

Ruth's Chris is a high-end steakhouse, and prices reflect that. Entrées typically range from the mid-$30s to the mid-$50s depending on the cut and size of beef you choose. Sides, appetizers, and drinks are additional. A typical dinner for two—including appetizers, two entrées with sides, wine or cocktails, and dessert—often totals $150 to $250 before tax and tip.

The restaurant accepts all major credit cards and does not have a minimum spend requirement for reservations, though groups may be subject to different policies. Tax and gratuity are calculated separately at the end of the meal, as is standard in fine dining. If you want to know the exact price of a specific cut before you arrive, the staff can provide that information over the phone.

Special Occasions and Private Dining

Ruth's Chris accommodates birthdays, anniversaries, and business dinners. The restaurant can arrange special touches like a dessert plate with a message or champagne service if you notify them when you make your reservation. For larger private events—rehearsal dinners, corporate dinners, or celebrations of 20 or more—the restaurant has private dining spaces and can work with you on custom menus and pricing.

Contact the restaurant directly at (843) 722-0057 to discuss private event options and availability. The staff can walk you through menu selections, room capacity, and any service details specific to your event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted when tables are available, but during peak times—weekends, holidays, and evenings—you may wait an hour or longer. A reservation guarantees your table and is strongly recommended, especially for groups of four or more or if you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night.

What is the dress code, and will I be turned away if I don't meet it?

The dress code is business casual to upscale. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and athletic wear are not permitted. The restaurant enforces this at the door, so plan accordingly. If you are unsure whether your outfit fits the code, call ahead to ask.

Is there a kids' menu or are children welcome?

Ruth's Chris welcomes families and children, though the atmosphere is formal and geared toward adults. The menu does not have a dedicated kids' section, but the restaurant can accommodate simpler requests like grilled chicken or pasta. Call ahead if you are bringing young children so the staff can be prepared.

Can I bring my own wine, or is there a corkage fee?

Ruth's Chris has an extensive wine list and does not typically allow outside bottles. If you have a specific question about a wine you want to bring, call the restaurant to ask; policies can vary by location and circumstance.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

The restaurant accommodates vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-related requests. Notify your server when you arrive, or mention restrictions when you make your reservation so the kitchen can prepare. The staff is experienced in handling dietary needs at this level of service.