Ruth’s Chris: A Rare Treat Well Done

by Phantom Foodie

Filet and lobster tail. Photo by Phantom Foodie

Ms. Foodie and I tossed the budget aside this month and went all in on a special date night at Ruth’s Chris. It was a welcome change—and a truly memorable one.

In fact, it was so nice we did it twice: once at the restaurant and once at the happy hour bar, on two separate nights. Whether you’re stopping by for an after-work drink or settling in for a full steakhouse dinner, this local favorite delivers on both fronts.

First, the bar. If you want a high-quality experience at a friendlier price point, try happy hour, Sunday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. We were impressed by the expansive yet cozy bar, with news and sports on the TVs and a well-balanced music mix in the background.

The happy hour menu features sandwiches and shareables—zucchini fries, goat cheese and artichoke dip, spicy shrimp, and seared ahi tuna, to name a few. We chose the seared tuna and the steak sandwich, served with perfectly cooked, flavorful fries. Our bar mates praised the cheeseburger and the artisan chicken sandwich: a cilantro-marinated breast topped with mango chutney and Brie.

Night number two moved us from bar to booth. The dining room carries that same confident ease, with floor-to-ceiling wine displays that tempt at every turn. The room is filled with ambiance—ideal for a classic romantic dinner or a polished business meal. Booths and tables offer ample comfort, with partitions that allow for easy, intimate conversation.

The staff are pros—warm but never overbearing, quick with recommendations, and clearly proud of the food they present. The service was impeccable, complete with a manager stop-by to check on our experience. It was seamless team service from start to finish.

And the filet? Textbook perfection: buttery, tender, and cooked precisely to order—medium rare (none of that “medium rare-ish” or “medium rare plus” business). It arrived glistening in a signature pool of sizzling butter that melts in your mouth and dares your arteries to complain.

Add a classic side like creamed spinach or a gigantic loaded baked potato, and you remember instantly why steakhouses became special-occasion staples. While the chef’s fall selections were tempting, Ms. Foodie went straight for the three-course option—comforting, filling, and spot-on: steak house salad with homemade balsamic, garlic mashed potatoes, and a steak with lobster tail.

Save room for dessert. The creamy cheesecake or the flourless Chocolate Sin Cake makes for a deeply satisfying, timeless finale.

For a night out that blends polish with indulgence, Ruth’s Chris Reston is a sure bet. Steaks, seafood, and service—done right.

Private events. Online ordering. Gift cards. Thanksgiving options available for dine-in or take-home.

Happy Hour Sun - Fri 4-6pm

571.749.9537

11990 Market St Unit 106

Note dress code

The Reston Letter and its staff do not receive solicitation, compensation, or special endorsement from any restaurant or culinary establishment. Our reviewer dines unannounced to make the experience genuine. Our mission is to provide our readers with an accurate representation of our reviewer's experience so they may make their own informed decisions. Taste, service, and culinary preferences vary.