Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Treat Yourself to an Everyday Celebration
Since 1965, We’ve stuck to the same recipe for success that was created by our founder, Ruth Fertel: perfect steaks, warm hospitality, and good times that never stop rolling.When you visit Ruth’s Chris, you soon understand that this is no ordinary restaurant. From the U.S. Prime steaks, broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees, to the expertly executed local seafood, New Orleans-inspired appetizers, unforgettable desserts and award winning wine list, this is a steakhouse to which others aspire. We invite you to explore our website. Take your time to get to know us. We are centrally located in Destin – the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World.” We serve the finest wine along the Emerald Coast, the most incredible New Orleans inspired outdoor Courtyard Bar . Enjoy a cocktail before dinner in our East Bar. We boast an array of private rooms, our own private billiard room, valet parking, and live entertainment four nights a week (upon availability). We do all of this and more with southern hospitality. Our restaurant is open 7 days a week @ 5PM. We hope that you will visit us very soon!
It all starts with Ruth
Decades ago, Ruth Fertel’s bold vision and recipe for success laid the foundation for one of the world’s most legendary steak houses.
A Brief History
In 1965, a time when most women couldn’t even apply for a bank card without their husband’s signature, our founder Ruth Fertel risked it all and mortgaged her home to buy a small steak house in New Orleans. As a single mom with two boys, Ruth taught herself the restaurant business, endured countless challenges and, in the process, redefined hospitality.
Why “Ruth’s Chris”?
When a kitchen fire destroyed Chris Steak House in 1976, Ruth was forced to relocate her business, but the Chris Steak House name wasn’t allowed to come along. Short on time, Ruth improvised, adding her own name to the sign. That made it “Ruth’s Chris Steak house” and our legendary name was born.
one unforgettable journey…
1965
Looking for ways to increase income, 38-year-old single mother Ruth Fertel spotted a local restaurant for sale in a classified ad. Against advice from her banker, lawyer, family and friends, she mortgaged her house and bought the 60-seat Chris Steak House.
Hurricane Betsy
Just months after opening the restaurant, Hurricane Betsy roared into New Orleans. Amid flooding, devastation and a week-long power outage that would spoil her food, Ruth Fertel got busy: she cooked a feast and dished it out to weary relief workers and storm victims.
1967
Early on Ruth discovered a 500° plate with a pat of butter gave a satisfying sound and kept steak hot to the last bite. To replicate that sizzle worldwide, she would eventually put her chemistry background to work designing a proprietary 1800-degree broiler.
1976
After 11 years of success, a fire destroyed the steak house and Ruth was forced to find a new location. Her contract wouldn’t allow her to keep the original restaurant name so she added hers to it: Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
1976
She could have spent her career at the original restaurant, but Ruth always looked for new challenges. When her first franchisee set up shop in 1976, it began the transformation of Ruth’s Chris into the world’s largest fine dining company.
1989
Welcomed the first Ruth’s Chris southwest of the continental U.S. in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1997
By now Ruth’s Chris was the world leader in upscale steak houses and its founder had become something of an icon. After selling to a private firm in 1999, Ruth could finally slow down and make time for herself.
2005
Ruth’s Chris took a bold step: initiating a public stock offering, giving guests a chance to invest in a restaurant they already loved. A tribute to its founder, the company still trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol RUTH.
Dress Code
At Ruth’s Chris we promote a comfortable, family friendly and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. We ask Guests to support this atmosphere by not wearing clothing with offensive graphics or language, exposed undergarments, cut-off shorts and tank tops. Formal hats such as fascinators or cocktail hats are permitted in the main dining room. We kindly ask all Guests to remove ball caps when entering. Ball caps and team support jerseys are welcome in our bar and patio areas.