Ruth's Chris Steak House in Myrtle Beach: What to Expect and How to Reserve

A high-end steakhouse where the plate arrives sizzling

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Myrtle Beach serves prime beef cooked at 1,800 degrees and finished with butter on a heated plate—the signature approach that defines the chain. The restaurant occupies a standalone building near the North Myrtle Beach area and seats roughly 200 diners across multiple rooms. You'll find the atmosphere formal without being stiff: white tablecloths, dark wood, and a wine list that runs deep. The kitchen handles steaks, fresh seafood, and house-made sides, and the pace is deliberate—expect to spend two to three hours from arrival to dessert.

This is not a casual dinner spot or a place to grab a quick meal. Ruth's Chris positions itself as an occasion restaurant: anniversaries, business dinners, celebrations after a tournament win. The price point reflects that positioning. A single steak runs $40 to $65 before sides, drinks, or tax. Most diners leave having spent $80 to $150 per person.

Key Takeaways

• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially Thursday through Saturday and during peak season (spring and summer months).
• The signature experience is a prime steak finished tableside with butter on a heated plate, paired with house sides like creamed spinach or truffle mac and cheese.
• Dress code is business casual at minimum; jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate.
• The wine program includes over 400 selections, and the sommelier staff can guide pairings or suggest by-the-glass options.

How to make a reservation and what to know beforehand

Call the restaurant directly at the Myrtle Beach location to reserve a table. You can also book online through the Ruth's Chris website by selecting the Myrtle Beach location and your preferred date and time. Reservations are taken up to 60 days in advance. During March through May and September through October, book at least one week ahead; during summer (June through August) and holiday weekends, two weeks is safer.

Walk-ins are seated if space allows, but you may wait 45 minutes to over an hour during busy periods. If you arrive without a reservation on a Friday or Saturday night, expect to be turned away entirely. The restaurant does not hold a standby list; you either have a reservation or you join the walk-in queue.

Inform the host when you call or book online if you're celebrating a milestone—birthday, anniversary, promotion. The staff acknowledges these occasions but does not perform tableside theatrics. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, mention them at reservation time so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.

The menu: steaks, sides, and what pairs with them

Ruth's Chris offers prime beef cuts: filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, porterhouse, and a bone-in strip. Sizes range from 12 ounces to 20 ounces. The filet is the most tender and mild; the ribeye carries more marbling and fat flavor; the New York strip splits the difference. All steaks arrive on a 500-degree plate with a pat of butter melting into the surface. The kitchen does not serve steaks below medium-rare.

Sides are ordered separately and meant for sharing: creamed spinach, truffle mac and cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus with hollandaise, and a loaded baked potato. Most diners order two sides for the table. Appetizers include shrimp, crab cakes, and oysters. The seafood menu features fresh fish daily, usually grouper, mahi-mahi, or salmon, prepared grilled or broiled.

Desserts are house-made: chocolate cake, crème brûlée, cheesecake, and seasonal fruit preparations. The wine list emphasizes Bordeaux, Burgundy, and California Cabernet, with selections at every price point from $40 to over $300 per bottle. By-the-glass pours start around $12 and go up from there. The bar also serves cocktails and has a full spirits selection.

Dress code and what the dining room feels like

Business casual is the minimum standard. Men should wear a collared shirt and slacks or dress pants; a sport coat or blazer is common but not required. Women typically wear dresses, blouses with slacks, or business-appropriate separates. Jeans, athletic wear, tank tops, and flip-flops are not permitted. The host will politely turn away anyone who does not meet the code.

The dining room is divided into sections: a main room with a view of the kitchen, a wine cellar room with glass walls showing bottles, and private dining spaces for groups. Tables are spaced to allow conversation without overhearing neighbors. The lighting is low and warm. Background music is soft jazz or classical. The overall effect is sophisticated and quiet—this is a place where you can hear your companion speak.

Timing, parking, and practical details

Dinner service runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. most nights; hours may extend during peak season. Lunch is not offered. The restaurant is closed on major holidays. Parking is free and ample in the lot directly in front of the building. The entrance is accessible, and restrooms are on-site.

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your reservation time. The host will seat you promptly if you're on time; arriving significantly late may result in losing your table during busy periods. The meal itself typically unfolds as follows: cocktails and appetizers (20 to 30 minutes), entrée (30 to 45 minutes), dessert and coffee (20 to 30 minutes). If you're in a hurry, this is not the right restaurant.

Special occasions and group dining

Ruth's Chris accommodates private events and group dinners in dedicated spaces. Groups of 12 or more should contact the restaurant directly to discuss menu options, pricing, and timing. The restaurant can arrange wine pairings for groups and often offers a set menu at a fixed price per person for parties of this size.

For smaller celebrations—a table of four for an anniversary, for example—simply note the occasion when you reserve. The server will be aware and may offer a complimentary dessert or champagne toast, though this is not may provide and should not be expected as part of the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Business casual is the minimum—collared shirt and slacks for men, dress or business separates for women. Jeans, t-shirts, and casual athletic wear are not permitted. The host will enforce the dress code at the door.

Can I bring children?

Children are permitted, though the formal atmosphere and lengthy meal duration make it better suited to older kids and teenagers. The menu includes simpler options like grilled chicken or fish, and the staff accommodates requests. Call ahead if you're bringing young children so the kitchen can prepare.

What if I don't eat red meat?

Ruth's Chris serves fresh seafood daily—grilled or broiled fish, shrimp, and lobster tail. The kitchen also prepares chicken and lamb. Vegetable sides are available, though the menu is designed around beef. Call ahead to discuss options if you have specific dietary needs.

Is there a private dining option for groups?

Yes. Groups of 12 or more can reserve private dining space. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss menu options, wine pairings, and pricing. Smaller groups can be seated together in the main dining room if you mention the occasion when you reserve.

How far in advance should I book?

During off-season (November through February), one week ahead is usually sufficient. During peak season (March through May and September through October), book two weeks ahead. Summer and holiday weekends require reservations made three to four weeks in advance to may provide seating.