With the end of the forced lockdowns, it’s always fun to go out and try all the restaurants we’ve been denied for so long. And what’s better than a casual steakhouse chain restaurant? You get fine steaks with more reasonable prices and a more relaxed atmosphere. That’s always a fun way to spend time with family and friends.
Of course, not all steakhouse chain restaurants are the same. Some are better than others, which leads everyone to wonder as to which brand is the absolute best.
Most experts and customers do think that the winner in this category is Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. But every champion has its challengers as well.
Why Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse?
If you check out other lists of the best steakhouse chain restaurants, you’ll notice that each one of those lists invariably include Ruth’s Chris. It’s basically a known fact that it’s a superb choice.
This is also why Ruth’s Chris has so many locations in the US. You can find one of their restaurants in 38 states out of 50. The brand actually has at least 150 locations spread all around the world.
Enter any restaurant, and you’ll find a location that just meets your every expectation of a steakhouse. These expectations include an extensive menu, with plenty of steak options to choose from.
If you’re new to Ruth’s Chris, do yourself a favor and start with the fabled Cowboy Ribeye. This is a bone-in steak you just have to try, even if you’re not really a fan of bone-in steaks. You might change your mind once you get a taste of the USDA Prime cut ribeye as Ruth’s Chris prepares it. And it’s a substantial steak as well, at 22 ounces.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, Ruth’s Chris is renowned for that as well. The lobster is always a good bet here. You should also have a go with the Petite Filet & Shrimp, which is their specialty dish. You get 6 large shrimp pieces, along with 2 super-tender medallions. It’s a real treat.
The Palm as an Alternative
A visit to a Palm restaurant is always an adventure. You do have to find it first, since there are only 21 locations spread over just 10 states. And be ready to bring a bit of money, as dining here may cost you at least a couple of hundred dollars.
High quality means high prices, at least at The Palm. The good news is that you don’t feel like you’ve been robbed after a visit here. In fact, you might feel the opposite, as the food is so terrific that you may think that you’ve been undercharged for the meal.
What makes the steaks at The Palm different is that they have an expert who picks their beef. This expert insists on beef that’s been fed only corn. In addition, the meat has to be aged at least 35 days.
This also has lots of steaks to pick from, but many consider the 12-ounce Center-cut Filet Mignon as the best on the menu. This option exemplifies the high quality of the beef.
In fact, everything here is great, including the various starters and sides. The seafood is excellent, and you can always try the terrific lamb. With the fantastic cocktails and extensive wine list, this is one place where you’ll want to celebrate the best days of your life.
The Capital Grille
Many consider The Capital Grille as a main rival of Ruth’s Chris. The Capital Grille also has plenty of locations, with 63 establishments spread around the country. There’s even one in Costa Rica.
The success of the chain was actually unexpected. It opened during the recession of the early 1990s, and the upscale restaurant was located in what was then a rundown area of Providence. Yet the quality of the food got it through, and by 1997 that first restaurant was pulling in more than $4 million in sales per year. Naturally, the brand replicated that original restaurant in more locations.
The Capital Grille is different from Ruth’s Chris in several ways. The Ruth’s Chris menu is relatively simple, but the menu at The Capital Grille is much more extensive.
To help you pick out the best, you should try the Dry Aged Porterhouse Steak. This may well be the best porterhouse you’ve ever tried (as many customers have already mentioned). Another great option is the Gorgonzola and Black Truffle Crusted Dry Aged Bone-In NY Strip, which is so tender and flavorful that you’ll have a smile on your face for the whole night.
Final Words
Which is the best? Does Ruth’s Chris still reign, or should you go with The Capital Grille or The Palm? Find out for yourself – that’s always a fun food experiment to try!
