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

What Ruth's Chris Offers in Columbia

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Columbia serves dry-aged beef in a formal dining room with tableside butter service—the signature move that sets the chain apart. The restaurant sits in the Vista district, Columbia's arts and entertainment neighborhood, and specializes in USDA Prime steaks cooked at 500 degrees and finished with hot butter and seasoning at your table. You'll find cuts like filet mignon, New York strip, porterhouse, and ribeye, along with fresh seafood, lamb chops, and chicken prepared the same way.

The space itself is upscale and traditional: white tablecloths, dim lighting, wood paneling, and a full bar. It's the kind of place where you dress up, where servers know the menu inside out, and where the experience is built around the meal itself rather than novelty or speed. The wine list runs deep, with selections that pair well with beef.

Key Takeaways

• Ruth's Chris is located in Columbia's Vista district and requires reservations, especially on weekends and for larger parties.
• Steaks arrive sizzling on 500-degree plates with hot butter, and the restaurant handles cooking to your exact temperature preference.
• Expect to spend two to three hours for a full dinner, with entrees priced in the $40 to $60 range depending on cut and size.
• The dress code is business casual to formal; jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate for this venue.
• Ruth's Chris accepts major credit cards and offers private dining spaces for groups and special occasions.

How to Make a Reservation and What to Know Before You Go

Call the restaurant directly at their Columbia location to reserve a table, or book online through their website. Weekends fill up quickly, so plan ahead if you're dining Friday or Saturday. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, mention it when you reserve—the staff will acknowledge the occasion without being intrusive about it.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The restaurant runs on time, and tables turn over deliberately rather than quickly. Bring a valid ID if you plan to drink; the bar serves wine, spirits, and cocktails. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, call ahead so the kitchen can prepare accordingly. Ruth's Chris can accommodate most requests but needs notice.

The Menu and What to Order

The core of the menu is beef. The filet mignon is the most tender cut and the most forgiving if you're unsure about cooking temperature. The New York strip has more marbling and flavor. The porterhouse and T-bone are larger cuts with bone in, good for splitting or for serious appetites. The ribeye is richly marbled and fattier, which many steak lovers prefer. All steaks come in 12-ounce, 16-ounce, and larger sizes.

Sides arrive separately and are meant to be shared: creamed spinach, truffle mac and cheese, loaded baked potato, and seasonal vegetables. The lobster tail is a popular add-on. Appetizers include shrimp, crab cakes, and oysters. Desserts are traditional—cheesecake, chocolate cake, crème brûlée—and portions are large enough to share. The wine list leans toward California Cabernets and Bordeaux, but includes options at most price points.

If you're new to Ruth's Chris, order a steak cooked medium or medium-rare; the butter finish will keep it moist even if you prefer it less rare than you might elsewhere. Ask your server about the current specials, which often feature seasonal proteins or cuts not on the regular menu.

Pricing and What a Typical Dinner Costs

Entrees range from roughly $40 for a 12-ounce filet to $60 or more for larger cuts or the porterhouse. Sides run $10 to $15 each. Appetizers are typically $15 to $25. A bottle of wine starts around $40 and climbs from there. Dessert is $10 to $12 per person.

A dinner for two with one appetizer, two entrees, two sides, one dessert to share, and a bottle of wine will run between $150 and $200 before tax and tip. Lunch entrees are slightly less expensive than dinner. The restaurant does not offer early-bird specials or prix-fixe menus, so you pay à la carte.

The Vista Location and Parking

Ruth's Chris sits in the Vista, the neighborhood bounded by Huger Street, Gervais Street, and Assembly Street. The area is walkable if you're staying downtown, with galleries, shops, and other restaurants nearby. Street parking is available but can be tight on weekend evenings. The restaurant has its own lot, which fills during peak hours but usually has space.

If you're driving from outside downtown, GPS will get you there. The Vista is about 10 minutes from the South Carolina State House and 15 minutes from the University of South Carolina campus. Public transit is limited in this area, so a car or rideshare is the practical option if you're not staying within walking distance.

When to Go and What to Expect at Different Times

Lunch runs Tuesday through Friday, typically 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is quieter than dinner. You'll see business diners and couples. Dinner service is Tuesday through Sunday, usually 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with Friday and Saturday busier and noisier. Sunday dinner is popular for family celebrations. Monday the restaurant is closed.

Expect the dining room to be full on Friday and Saturday nights; the noise level rises, and service moves at a steady pace rather than leisurely. Weekday dinners and lunch are calmer. The restaurant does not rush you, but tables are not held indefinitely. Plan to spend two to three hours from arrival to departure.

Private Dining and Special Occasions

Ruth's Chris has private dining spaces for groups and can host rehearsal dinners, business dinners, and celebrations. The restaurant works with you on menu options and can arrange wine pairings. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss group size, date, and budget. Private events typically require a deposit and a may provide minimum spend.

If you're celebrating a milestone, the staff will mark the occasion—a dessert plate with a candle, a brief acknowledgment from management. It's handled with restraint, which fits the restaurant's overall tone. The Vista location is also popular for proposals and anniversaries, so if that's your plan, the staff will help make it memorable without being over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to dress up to go to Ruth's Chris?

Yes. Business casual is the minimum; formal attire is common. No jeans, t-shirts, or athletic wear. Men typically wear slacks and a button-up shirt or blazer. Women wear dresses, slacks, or skirts. The dress code is enforced, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring my own wine?

No. Ruth's Chris does not allow outside wine. The restaurant has a full wine list and a knowledgeable sommelier or server who can help you choose. If you have a specific wine preference, ask if they carry it before you arrive.

How far in advance should I make a reservation?

For weekday dinners, a few days ahead is usually fine. For Friday and Saturday, book at least a week in advance, longer if you're part of a large group or dining during a holiday week. Walk-ins are not may provide seating, especially on busy nights.

What if I don't eat beef?

Ruth's Chris serves lamb chops, chicken, and fresh seafood prepared the same way as the steaks—on hot plates with butter. The lobster tail is popular. The menu is not designed around non-beef options, but the kitchen will prepare them well. Call ahead if you have specific requests.

Is there a kids menu?

Ruth's Chris does not have a formal kids menu, but the restaurant will prepare smaller portions or simpler dishes for children. Call ahead to discuss options. The formal atmosphere and long meal duration mean it's better suited to older children and adults than to very young diners.