Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for classic fine dining in Atlanta with a focus on sizzling steaks, white-tablecloth service, and a special-occasion atmosphere, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is one of the names that comes up again and again. Atlanta has multiple locations, each with its own feel, but all built around the same core idea: high-end steakhouse dining with a Southern-leaning sense of hospitality.

This guide breaks down how Ruth’s Chris works specifically in Atlanta, Georgia—from locations and parking to dress code, menu highlights, pricing expectations, and tips for locals and visitors.

Where to Find Ruth’s Chris in Atlanta

Ruth’s Chris operates several restaurants in and around metro Atlanta. Exact openings and closings can change over time, so it’s always wise to double-check before you head out, but these are some of the commonly known Atlanta-area locations:

Because hotel partnerships and leases sometimes change, the exact address of Atlanta locations can shift over time. For the most up-to-date Atlanta-specific address and phone number, consumers typically:

• Check the restaurant’s official locator page
• Call the hotel or business complex where the restaurant is housed
• Use a GPS map app and search “Ruth’s Chris Steak House Atlanta” with the neighborhood (e.g., Buckhead, Midtown, Airport)

If you’re staying in a hotel in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, the front desk or concierge often knows the nearest Ruth’s Chris and can help you with driving directions or rideshare pick-up points.

What to Expect: Atmosphere and Experience

Across Atlanta, Ruth’s Chris locations tend to share a similar feel:

• Fine dining environment – White linens, polished glassware, and attentive table service.
• Traditional steakhouse décor – Dark woods, soft lighting, and framed artwork or photos.
• Business and special-occasion crowd – You’ll see everything from corporate groups to anniversary dinners and pre-theatre meals.

In Atlanta specifically, the crowd often shifts by location:

• Downtown/Midtown areas tend to draw convention visitors, sports fans, and theatergoers, especially on event nights.
• Buckhead skews a bit more upscale and social, with locals coming in for birthdays, holiday dinners, and date nights.
• Suburban locations may feel slightly more relaxed, with families and larger groups.

If you’re planning a big celebration—such as a graduation party for Georgia Tech, Georgia State, or Emory, or a corporate dinner after meetings in Midtown or Buckhead—staff can usually accommodate group needs if you call ahead.

Dress Code in Atlanta

Most diners in Atlanta treat Ruth’s Chris as a dressy night out, especially in Buckhead and Midtown:

• Common attire:
  • Men: collared shirts, dress pants or dark jeans, sometimes jackets
  • Women: dresses, blouses with skirts, or nice slacks
• Often discouraged: very casual items like beachwear, gym clothes, or very distressed jeans

You’ll see some variation by location—suburban spots might be slightly more casual, while Buckhead tends to feel more polished. If you’re going straight from work in business casual, you’ll usually fit right in.

Menu Overview: Steaks, Sides, and More

Ruth’s Chris is known for USDA Prime steaks served on very hot plates, often with butter on top. In Atlanta, the menus track closely with the national offerings, with occasional local touches.

Steak and Entrée Highlights

You’ll typically see:

• Filet and Petite Filet – Tender and popular for special occasions.
• Ribeye and Cowboy Ribeye – Rich, well-marbled options for those who like more flavor.
• New York Strip – A more robust, classic steakhouse cut.
• Porterhouse or T-bone (at some locations) – Larger cuts, often shareable.
• Stuffed Chicken Breast, Lamb, or Pork – Non-steak options if someone in your group isn’t a big steak eater.

Most Atlanta diners expect to order steak and then add sides separately; entrées generally do not come with multiple sides included.

Seafood and Non-Steak Options

For those not craving steak, Atlanta locations usually offer:

• Lobster tails and shrimp dishes
• Salmon or other fish entrées
• Vegetarian sides and salads that can be built into a meal

If someone in your group follows a particular eating pattern (for example, pescatarian or low-carb), there are usually enough seafood and veggie options to make it work, especially by combining appetizers and sides.

Classic Sides

You’ll likely find:

• Creamed spinach or sautéed spinach
• Mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole (often a favorite in the South)
• Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts
• Macaroni and cheese

These side dishes are typically served family-style, meant to be shared around the table. Atlantans often order 2–3 sides for a table of 2, depending on appetite.

Price Expectations in Atlanta

Ruth’s Chris is firmly in the fine dining price range, comparable to other high-end steakhouses in Buckhead and Midtown.

While exact prices change over time and by cut, Atlanta diners generally budget for:

• Steaks: High-end entrée pricing, especially for Prime cuts and larger portions
• Sides: Ordered separately and shared, so costs can add up if you try many options
• Appetizers, cocktails, wine: Standard upscale steakhouse pricing

To plan realistically:

• Expect a higher per-person cost if you order steak, shared appetizers, multiple sides, dessert, and cocktails.
• You can reduce the price per person by sharing larger steaks, splitting sides, and limiting alcoholic drinks.

Some Atlanta locations occasionally offer early dining menus or special multi-course options, especially on slower nights. These can provide a more structured and sometimes more budget-predictable experience.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Go

Reservations in Atlanta

For most Atlanta locations, especially:

• Weekends (Thursday–Saturday)
• Holidays (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve)
• Big event nights (Falcons, Hawks, Braves games, concerts, or major conventions)

…it’s strongly recommended to book a reservation in advance.

You can usually:

• Reserve by phone (calling the specific Atlanta location)
• Reserve online through widely used restaurant reservation platforms

If you have a large group, business dinner, or private dining request, calling the Atlanta location directly tends to be more effective than booking online.

Walk-Ins

Walk-ins are sometimes possible, especially:

• Early in the evening on weekdays
• At suburban locations away from major event venues

However, walk-ins on busy nights may face significant waits or limited seating. If you’re visiting Atlanta for a special trip, reservations are the safer choice.

Parking, Transportation, and Getting There in Atlanta

Transportation can vary significantly depending on the location:

Downtown / Midtown

• Parking: Often garage or valet parking associated with a hotel or office building.
• MARTA access: Some locations are within a short walk or ride-share from MARTA stations such as Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Arts Center, or Midtown.
• Rideshare: Popular choice for avoiding downtown traffic and parking costs, especially on event nights.

Buckhead

• Parking: Frequently valet, plus limited self-parking in nearby decks or surface lots.
• Traffic: Peachtree Road and Lenox area traffic can be heavy at dinner time and during shopping seasons.
• Transit: Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center MARTA stations can sometimes get you within a short rideshare or manageable walk, depending on the exact restaurant address.

Suburban Metro Locations

• Driving is usually the norm, with ample surface lot parking near office parks or retail centers.
• Useful if you live or are staying near Perimeter Center, Cumberland, or northside suburbs and don’t want to go all the way into the city.

Private Dining and Group Events

Many Atlanta-area Ruth’s Chris locations offer private dining rooms or semi-private spaces for:

• Corporate dinners and client meetings
• Rehearsal dinners and small wedding events
• Graduation celebrations and milestone birthdays
• Holiday parties

When planning an event in Atlanta:

1. Call the specific location and ask for the events or sales manager.
2. Be ready to discuss:
   • Number of guests
   • Date and time
   • Budget range
   • Any audio/visual needs (for presentations or speeches)
3. Ask if they offer set menus for groups, which can simplify ordering and keep costs predictable.

Private dining is popular in areas like Buckhead and Midtown, especially when companies are entertaining clients or when families are hosting out-of-town guests.

Dietary Preferences and Accessibility

Dietary Considerations

While Ruth’s Chris is steak-focused, most Atlanta locations are accustomed to:

• Gluten-conscious diners (some sauces, breadings, and sides may contain gluten, so it’s important to ask)
• Shellfish allergies (common due to shrimp and lobster options)
• Dairy-conscious diners (butter is used liberally, especially on steaks and hot plates)

If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, it’s a good idea to:

• Mention them when you make the reservation, and
• Remind your server upon arrival

Servers can often guide you to safer choices or adjust certain dishes where possible.

Accessibility

Most Atlanta commercial dining spaces are designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, including:

• Ramps or elevators for multilevel buildings
• Accessible restrooms
• Seating areas with enough clearance for mobility devices

If accessibility is a concern, you can call ahead to the specific Atlanta location and ask about:

• Accessible entrances and parking
• Elevator access (if inside a hotel or multi-story building)
• Best drop-off points for rideshare or personal vehicles

When Ruth’s Chris Makes Sense in Atlanta—and When It Might Not

For Atlanta residents and visitors, Ruth’s Chris Steak House often fits well when:

• You want a traditional, upscale steakhouse with a predictable experience.
• You’re hosting out-of-town clients and want somewhere polished but familiar.
• You’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or promotion.
• You’re staying in a hotel connected to or near the restaurant and prefer not to explore far.

It might not be the best fit if:

• You’re seeking experimental, chef-driven cuisine or hyper-local, trendy spots—Atlanta has many independent restaurants in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and East Atlanta Village for that.
• You’re on a tight budget and don’t want a high-end steakhouse bill.
• You prefer a very casual or loud sports-bar environment; Ruth’s Chris is more polished and formal.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Diners

A few Atlanta-tailored tips can help your dinner go more smoothly:

• Plan around traffic 🚗
  • Build in extra time if you’re coming from I-75, I-85, GA-400, or I-285 during rush hour.
• Check for major events
  • If there’s a big game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park, or a major concert, nearby locations can book up quickly and parking gets tighter.
• Mention special occasions
  • If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or graduation from a local school (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, etc.), you can mention it when reserving; staff often acknowledge special events in a modest, tasteful way.
• Consider early or late seatings
  • An earlier reservation (5:00–6:00 p.m.) or later (after 8:30 p.m.) can sometimes mean a calmer dining room and easier parking, especially in Buckhead and Midtown.

By understanding how Ruth’s Chris Steak House operates specifically in Atlanta, you can better choose the right location, time, and budget for your visit—whether you’re a local planning a big night out or a visitor looking for a familiar fine-dining steakhouse in the city.