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

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is known nationally for its sizzling steaks and white-tablecloth service, but the Atlanta locations add their own local flavor. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are choosing a special-occasion restaurant in the city, it helps to understand how Ruth’s Chris fits into Atlanta’s broader Southern and steakhouse dining scene.

Below is a practical guide to Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Atlanta, Georgia—including locations, what to expect on the menu, dress code tips, pricing expectations, and how it compares with other upscale options around town.

Ruth’s Chris in Atlanta: Locations & Atmosphere

Ruth’s Chris operates multiple restaurants in the metro Atlanta area. Exact hours and offerings can change, but these general patterns are helpful when you’re planning a visit.

Major Atlanta-Area Locations

You’ll commonly find Ruth’s Chris in high-traffic business and shopping districts, often near major hotels or office towers. Typical Atlanta–area locations include:

• Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park area – Convenient if you’re near the Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or downtown hotels. This spot is often busy around conventions, concerts, and game nights.
• Buckhead – Near high-end shopping and office towers, this area draws business diners, special-occasion celebrations, and locals looking for a classic steakhouse evening.
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs–Dunwoody area – Close to Perimeter Mall and major corporate offices, popular with business travelers and after-work dinners.

Because specific addresses or phone numbers can change over time, it’s smart to:

• Check the street address and current hours before heading out.
• Confirm parking options—some Atlanta locations use valet or share a garage with nearby offices or hotels.

What the Atmosphere Feels Like in Atlanta

Most Ruth’s Chris locations in Atlanta share a similar feel:

• Formal but not stiff – White tablecloths, dark wood, and dim lighting, but staff generally aim for a warm, approachable style.
• Business + special occasion mix – On any night, you’ll see business dinners, date nights, family celebrations, and pre-event meals.
• Separate bar area – Often more relaxed than the main dining room, with high-tops and bar seating; better for a lighter meal or solo dining.

If you’re coming from somewhere nearby like Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, it can be a good choice before or after events at:

• Fox Theatre
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Woodruff Arts Center

The Menu: Steaks, Sides, and Southern-Style Touches

While Ruth’s Chris is not a traditional “meat-and-three” Southern or soul food restaurant, Southern influences do show up—especially in side dishes and preparation styles.

Steaks and Entrées

The core of the menu is USDA Prime or high-quality cuts of beef, broiled at very high heat and served on sizzling 500-degree plates with butter. Common cuts include:

• Filet and Petite Filet – Tender, mild flavor, popular for special occasions.
• Ribeye – Rich and well-marbled, often the choice for steak enthusiasts.
• New York Strip – A balance of flavor and tenderness.
• Cowboy Ribeye or Bone-In Cuts – Larger, more indulgent options for big appetites or sharing.

In Atlanta, many diners order:

• Steak with a Southern-accented side (like creamed spinach or sweet potato casserole).
• Surf-and-turf–style combinations, pairing steak with grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or lobster tail when available.

Non-steak options usually include:

• Chicken entrées
• Seafood, such as salmon or shrimp
• Occasionally lamb or pork depending on the location and season

Southern and Soul Food–Adjacent Sides

This is where the Southern comfort-food influence shows up most clearly. Typical sides you’ll see at Ruth’s Chris in Atlanta include:

• Creamed spinach – Rich, creamy, and often treated as a must-order classic.
• Sweet potato casserole – Sweet, smooth, and topped with a pecan crust; very close to a traditional Southern holiday side.
• Mashed potatoes or loaded baked potatoes – Hearty and customizable.
• Macaroni and cheese – Varies by location, but usually very rich and creamy.
• Grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or Brussels sprouts – Good if you’re trying to balance heavier dishes.

These items feel very familiar to anyone used to Southern holiday tables or Sunday suppers, even though the restaurant itself is an upscale national steakhouse brand.

Starters and Desserts

Common starters:

• Shrimp cocktail
• Crab cakes
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Seared ahi tuna

Desserts often lean classic and indulgent:

• Cheesecake
• Bread pudding (sometimes with a whiskey or rum sauce, echoing Southern dessert traditions)
• Chocolate cake or lava cake

If you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, or graduation in Atlanta, the dessert menu usually works well for sharing at the table.

Pricing: What to Expect in Atlanta

Ruth’s Chris in Atlanta falls firmly into the upscale steakhouse category. It’s not a casual weeknight budget spot for most people, but rather a place for:

• Business dinners
• Special occasions
• Pre-event “splurge” meals

Typical Cost Structure

Prices vary by cut and size, but in general:

• Steaks – Typically priced similar to other high-end steakhouses in Buckhead or Midtown.
• Sides – Usually à la carte and shareable.
• Starters, desserts, and drinks – Add up quickly, especially with cocktails or wine.

Here’s a rough expectation guide (not exact pricing, just a planning tool):

💡 Tip: If you want the experience at a lower cost, many Atlanta locals look for:

• Early-evening bar specials (when available)
• Fixed-price menus sometimes offered on holidays or special occasions

Dress Code and Dining Etiquette in Atlanta

Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Atlanta generally follows an upscale casual to business casual dress guideline.

What People Commonly Wear

You’ll usually see:

• Men: Collared shirts, dress pants or dark jeans, dress shoes; some wear jackets, but they’re rarely required.
• Women: Dresses, blouses with skirts or dress pants, or polished jumpsuits; dressy sandals or heels.

Clothing that may be discouraged:

• Athletic shorts
• Torn or distressed clothing
• Beachwear
• Very casual flip-flops or slides

Because Atlanta often blends business and social outings, you can safely aim for:

• Office-appropriate clothing if coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Perimeter offices.
• “Nice date night” outfits if you’re going from home or a hotel.

Reservations, Parking, and Timing in Atlanta

Reservations

In Atlanta, reservations are strongly recommended, especially:

• Thursday–Saturday evenings
• Around major holidays
• During big events (concerts, sports, conventions) near Downtown or Buckhead

You can usually book:

• Online via the restaurant’s reservation system
• By calling the Atlanta location directly

If you’re planning a group dinner for a corporate meeting, graduation, or family gathering, ask about:

• Private dining rooms
• Set menus or group pricing
• Audio/visual capabilities if you need presentations

Parking and Transportation

Parking depends heavily on the specific Atlanta location:

• Downtown / Centennial area – Often uses valet or shared hotel/garage parking. Plan for traffic and event congestion.
• Buckhead – Commonly valet or garage connected to an office tower or hotel. Street parking is limited.
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs–Dunwoody – Usually a mix of surface lots and garages; sometimes valet as well.

If you prefer not to drive, rideshare services are widely used in Atlanta, especially when combining a steakhouse dinner with cocktails or wine.

How Ruth’s Chris Fits into Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta is known for a rich mix of Southern, soul food, and contemporary dining, from casual meat-and-three spots to high-end tasting menus. Ruth’s Chris sits in a particular niche within that landscape.

Where It Sits on the Southern & Soul Food Spectrum

While it’s categorized here under Southern and Soul Food because of its menu elements and flavor profile, it is primarily:

• A classic American steakhouse
• With Southern-leaning sides and dessert styles
• And a service style that feels familiar to those used to Atlanta’s more formal dining rooms

If you’re specifically craving:

• Traditional soul food (like fried chicken, collard greens, oxtails, smothered pork chops, cornbread, or peach cobbler), you might pair a trip to Ruth’s Chris with a visit to one of Atlanta’s dedicated soul food restaurants on another day.
• An upscale steakhouse experience with a nod to Southern comfort flavors, Ruth’s Chris can fill that role.

When Locals Tend to Choose Ruth’s Chris

People in Atlanta often choose Ruth’s Chris when they:

• Host business dinners near Downtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter office corridor.
• Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or promotions.
• Want a predictable, classic steakhouse with consistent service and familiar menu items.

If you’re visiting Atlanta, it may be appealing if you’re staying near one of their locations and want a reliable upscale dinner without exploring less familiar neighborhoods.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Atlanta Visit

To get the best experience at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Atlanta:

1. Book ahead

   • Reserve a table if you’re dining on a weekend, during peak times, or with a larger group.

2. Time around traffic and events

   • Atlanta traffic, especially around Downtown, Buckhead, and the Perimeter, can be heavy around rush hour and event times. Build in extra time for parking and arrival.

3. Share sides

   • Sides are usually generous enough to share, making it easier to try classic Southern-inspired dishes like sweet potato casserole and creamed spinach without over-ordering.

4. Ask about specials

   • Some Atlanta locations offer seasonal dishes or special preparations that incorporate regional ingredients or flavors.

5. Consider the bar area

   • If you can’t get a reservation but want a more spontaneous evening, the bar area sometimes offers first-come, first-served seating with the full or partial menu.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Atlanta combines a nationally recognized steakhouse format with touches that resonate with Southern and soul food traditions—especially in its sides, desserts, and sense of hospitality. Whether you’re a local planning a milestone celebration or a visitor staying near Downtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter, understanding how it fits into Atlanta’s restaurant scene helps you decide if it’s the right choice for your night out.