Ruth’s Chris
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservation FAQs
Making a reservation is an important part of planning a visit to Ruth’s Chris. We’ve answered all of the common questions we receive below. Please don’t hesitate to call us if we missed anything.
How do I make a reservation?
The best place to make a reservation is on the Ruth’s Chris Steak House website. However, you can also make reservations by calling the restaurant directly at (757) 213-0747. You can also make your reservation online.
What is your reservation policy?
Reservations are recommended, but not required. Please call (757) 213-0747 to confirm your reservations. You also make your reservations online.
Can I modify or cancel a reservation?
Yes. You can cancel your reservation anytime up until your seating, although we appreciate if you can give us at least a couple of hours of notice.
When you made your reservation, you will receive an email confirming your reservation. It includes a link that allows you to cancel.
You can also cancel a reservation at Ruth’s Chris by calling the restaurant directly at (757) 213-0747 or through your OpenTable account (if you booked through OpenTable).
Can I request a special table, booth or window seat?
We will always try our best to accommodate any special requests to make your evening more memorable. Because some of our locations have limited availability, please call the restaurant in advance to make sure your request is noted for your reservation and please confirm when checking in at the host stand upon arrival.
Are walk-ins accepted or are reservations required?
Walk-ins are always welcome in our bar or lounge areas, or in our Main Dining Room if space is available. However, we strongly recommend reservations for our Main Dining Room.
Can you make reservations in the bar?
All bar seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
Can I make a reservation for a large group or private event?
Certainly. If your party has 6-8 guests, you can make your reservations online. We recommend you reserve at least a few days before your event, although the sooner you can call the better.
We also have private dining rooms that can host very large parties. If your party has 9 or more guests, please call Savannah Heidari, our private event coordinator, at (757) 213-0747 or email [email protected] directly to plan your event.
What are the busiest times for Ruth's Chris Steak House?
Ruth’s Chris is usually busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are usually recommended for the main dining room on any night of the week.
Reservations are not accepted for our bar or lounge areas.
What happens if I am late for my reservation?
If you know you are going to be late for your reservation, we strongly recommend that you call us in advance . We will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
We have a 15-minute grace period for reservations. If you arrive after 15 minutes we will do our best to accommodate you as we are able.
Restaurant Policy FAQs
Understanding our restaurant policies is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience at Ruth’s Chris. We’ve compiled answers to common questions about our policies below. If there’s anything else you need to know, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Can I modify or cancel a reservation?
Yes. You can cancel your reservation anytime up until your seating, although we appreciate if you can give us at least a couple of hours of notice.
When you made your reservation, you should have received an email from OpenTable confirming your reservation. It includes a link that allows you to cancel.
You can also cancel a reservation at Ruth’s Chris by calling the restaurant directly or through your OpenTable account (if you made your reservation through OpenTable).
What happens if I am late for my reservation?
If you know you are going to be late for your reservation, we strongly recommend that you call us in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
We have a 15-minute grace period for reservations. If you arrive after 15 minutes we will do our best to accommodate you as we are able.
What is the dress code?
At Ruth’s Chris we promote a comfortable, family friendly and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Proper attire required—business casual to elegant.
Thank you for not wearing sleeveless shirts, hats or ballcaps, athletic wear, overly revealing clothing, exposed undergarments, offensive graphics or clothing emitting marijuana odor.
To help ensure a superior dining experience for our valued guests, admittance to our restaurant is at the discretion of management, who reserves the right to refuse service to those who are inappropriately dressed.
We appreciate your cooperation and trust you will have a lovely evening.
What is your reservation policy?
Reservations are recommended, but not required. Please call the location you wish to visit to make and confirm your reservations. You also make your reservations online.
Do you have a policy regarding lost or left items?
If you leave or lose an item please call the restaurant. While we are unfortunately unable to take responsibility for lost items, we will do our best to help you locate the item and if we find it, we’ll hold on to it until you can retrieve it.
How do you handle customer complaints and issues?
We take questions and concerns about our restaurants very seriously. You may either contact us online or you can contact the General Manager of Ruth’s Chris, directly by calling us at (757) 213-0747.
What are your policies regarding special requests (e.g., specific table, decorations)?
We are glad to help you celebrate your special events! If you let us know about your special event at the time you make your reservation we will add our own special touches as well.
If you have a preference for a special table, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate. You’re also welcome to decorate the table to the degree that it doesn’t interfere with the experience of our other guests.
Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions.
What are your policies regarding the use of gift cards or promotional vouchers?
Ruth’s Chris sells gift cards which may be used at any of our restaurants. These can either be purchased at our website or you can buy them at the restaurant. Ruth’s Chris gift cards may be used in the main dining room, in our bar, or through online purchase.
Occasionally, we issue promotional gift cards, either electronically or in our restaurant. Each of these promotional cards have specific redemption rules and usage periods. If you have any questions about a promotional coupon or gift card you’ve received, please don’t hesitate to call us.
What is your policy on take-out orders and leftovers?
View our menu online and call (757) 213-0747 to start your take out order today.
If you have leftovers following your meal, we will be glad to help you package them up so that you can take them home.
Gift Cards
Giving the gift of a memorable dining experience is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions or simply show your appreciation. We’ve answered some common questions about our gift cards below to help you make the most of this generous gift.
How do I purchase a Gift Card?
Ruth’s Chris Steak House gift cards can be purchased on our website or in person at any of our Ruth’s Chris locations. Gift cards never expire and may be used at any of our U.S. locations.
Can I personalize the message on the gift card carrier?
Yes, you can add a personalized greeting on the gift card carrier. Please note that it will be sent exactly as typed so pay extra care when entering your message.
May I ship the gift card directly to my recipient?
Yes – you will have the option during the order process to ship the gift card to yourself or your recipient.
What should I be looking for in the mail?
If the order was sent using standard US mail service, look for a white envelope bearing a Darden Restaurants return address. If the order was sent Priority or Overnight, the card(s) will come in a priority or overnight envelope.
I am interested in purchasing gift cards in bulk quantities.
Please submit a request here for purchases of $10,000 or more.
Can I return or exchange my gift card?
Gift cards are non-refundable except in states where required by law.
How do I contact Ruth's Chris Steak House regarding my gift card purchase?
To contact our gift card team, please call (877) 252-0250. Inquires are received and responded to Monday – Friday 8a-8p ET
Other FAQs
Here are some other fun FAQs that don’t fit into one of other categories. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions that aren’t covered here.
Why is it called Ruth's Chris?
Our founder, Ruth Fertel, purchased a restaurant called Chris Steak House in May of 1965 in New Orleans. Ruth had never planned to expand, but after a fierce kitchen fire decimated the property she was forced to relocate in order to stay in business. Within ten days Ruth had the restaurant up and running. But the Chris Steak House name was not allowed to move with it. With little time and a mischievous smile, Ruth added her own name to the sign, making it “Ruth’s Chris Steak House.” Now with her own name in lights the tongue-twisting name was born. Later Ruth admitted the name was strange, but she managed to work around it.
Who is Ruth?
Fifty years ago in New Orleans—one of America’s most culturally rich cities—Ruth Fertel, a single working mother looking to provide a better life for her two sons, browsed the “Classifieds” section of the Times-Picayune. She spotted an ad reading “Steak House for Sale.” Driven by an inherent entrepreneurial spirit, she mortgaged her home to purchase Chris’ Steak House on the corner of North Broad St. and Ursulines in New Orleans. Even though she had no restaurant experience, her intelligence and drive to succeed enabled her to become a successful business owner and eventually to lead the company to become the largest upscale steak house in the world.
Ruth worked and lived by the mantra, “Do what you love, love what you do.” She had the reputation of being a driven, hard-working person who never met a challenge not worth overcoming. Ruth was successful because of her strong work ethic and keen ability to understand her guests.
Ruth had a certain way of doing things. How to run a restaurant. How to treat people. How to handcraft the perfect cocktail and how to maintain the best wine list in town. Of course, Ruth was a stickler for sourcing only the top 2% of the country’s beef and serving the best steak on a 500° sizzling plate (that’s so it would stay warm through the very last bite). She also insisted on making things fresh in-house daily, from fresh-squeezed juices for handcrafted cocktails to her own famous sides and desserts. Often, people would ask Ruth why her food was so good, and she’d simply say, “Just follow the recipe.” We invite you to experience how Ruth’s timeless recipe is alive and well to this day.
Who do I contact about a donation request or charitable contribution?
Ruth’s Chris Steak House takes great pride in being engaged and supportive within its local communities. If you are interested in partnering with Ruth’s for your upcoming event or are in need of a contribution for charitable purposes, please email [email protected] with your request, as well as applicable 501 (c)(3) or tax ID information.
Please understand not all requests can be honored due to the amount of requests we receive.
When is Happy Hour?
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Virginia Beach celebrates Happy Hour every Tuesday thru Friday, 4pm-6:30pm, in the bar and on the patio (weather permitting).