STEAKHOUSE REVIEW: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - Minneapolis, MN

Last night I had the pleasure of dining at one of the finest steakhouses in Minneapolis - Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.  Arriving 25 minutes early, Leah and I were immediately greeted by the friendly staff and told that our table would be ready shortly, and that if we wanted to get a drink at the bar they would come get us there - and they did!  The bartenders were very friendly and recommended a great malbec for us. 

After we got to our table, since it was our first visit, our waitress took us through the rich history of Ruth's Chris.  It was great to get some background on the chain and learn about the original owner Ruth, who had to mortgage her house after splitting up with her husband to purchase her first Chris Steakhouse.  Part of the original deal was that the steakhouse, which had been know to the community as a Chris Steakhouse for decades, had to remain a Chris steakhouse - so she branded it "Ruth's Chris."

The decor of the restaurant was not as impressive as other's I have been to, but there were some nice murals on the ceiling in the main dining room and the layout was such that every table had nice ambiance and space in between the other tables, which allowed for a quieter overall dining experience. 

Leah ordered the filet, and I chose to give the cowboy ribeye a try.  Both steaks were fantasic.  Tonja, our waitress was extremely attentive and engaging - the best waitress I've had in Minneapolis to date.  The steaks wet-aged in their natural juices, and seasoned with only the most basic spices - salt and pepper.  They are prepared in an 1,800 degree broiler to sear the outside as quickly as possible to retain the flavor and juices.  Perhaps even more unique was the fact that the steaks are brought out on 500 degree plates (which they warned us about twice, and meant it).  Ordering the steak medium-rare is recommended even if you like it medium to well-done, because you can cut the steak in half and turn the sides up to continue cooking it on the plate (it really works!).  I didn't use that technique of continued cooking, but Leah tested it out on her filet and what started out as a pink/red center was cooked through in a matter of seconds. 

Overall it was a great first experience, and when we go back we're going to ask for Tonja again. 

Service gets an "A+"
Steak gets a solid "A"
Ambiance being the only lacking quality - gets a "B-"

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious meal, great service, and a quiet environment to have an intimate conversation.