Ruth’s Chris Steak House is known for its USDA Prime steaks, upscale dining rooms, and extensive selection of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits. For guests who want the Ruth’s Chris experience without committing to a full dinner, happy hour can be an appealing option.
Ruth’s Chris calls its happy hour program “Ruth’s Happiest Hours,” but availability, hours, menu items, and prices vary by restaurant. The company’s official website specifically recommends checking the individual location for the most accurate and current information.
This guide covers the Ruth’s Chris happy hour schedule, drink menu, cocktail prices, wine and beer specials, popular bar foods, and tips for getting the most value from a visit.
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour at a Glance
Ruth’s Chris does not use one identical happy hour menu nationwide. Participating restaurants can have different hours, promotions, food selections, and beverage pricing.
At several participating locations, the current “Ruth’s Happiest Hours” program runs 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM daily in the bar and lounge area. Other locations have different schedules; for example, Jersey City currently lists Sunday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, while Sarasota–Lakewood Ranch lists Sunday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. (Ruth’s Chris)
| Happy Hour Detail | Typical Offering |
|---|---|
| Program | Ruth’s Happiest Hours |
| Common time | 4:00 PM–6:30 PM |
| Days | Varies by location |
| Location | Bar and lounge |
| Reservations | Generally not required for happy hour |
| Cocktails | Selected cocktails |
| Wine | Featured wines by the glass |
| Beer | Select domestic and premium beers |
| Food | Shareables, sandwiches, and selected entrées |
| Pricing | Varies by location |
Because Ruth’s Chris operates more than 140 locations worldwide, the company says menu and pricing can vary by geographic location. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Drink Menu
The happy hour drink menu typically includes a selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, beers, and house mixed drinks.
Current location-specific menus can include cocktails such as the Rocks Rita, Pomegranate Martini, Ruth’s Manhattan, Dirty Goose Martini, Classic Lemon Drop, Blueberry Mojito, and Gambler’s Old Fashioned. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Cocktail Prices
At several current participating-location menus, selected steakhouse cocktails are priced at $10 during happy hour. Examples include a vodka martini with a twist, dirty gin martini, Old Fashioned, and margarita on the rocks. (Ruth’s Chris)
| Cocktail | Happy Hour Price at Participating Locations |
|---|---|
| Vodka Martini with a Twist | $10 |
| Dirty Gin Martini | $10 |
| Old Fashioned | $10 |
| Margarita on the Rocks | $10 |
| Classic Lemon Drop | Often included in featured selections |
| Blueberry Mojito | Often included in featured selections |
| Pomegranate Martini | Often included in featured selections |
| Ruth’s Manhattan | Often included in featured selections |
| Dirty Goose Martini | Often included in featured selections |
| Gambler’s Old Fashioned | Often included in featured selections |
The exact promotional price and available cocktail list can differ by restaurant, so the $10 figure should not be treated as a nationwide price. (Ruth’s Chris)
Popular Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Cocktails
Ruth’s Chris offers a range of handcrafted cocktails outside its promotional happy hour selections. The restaurant describes its cocktails as handcrafted with fine spirits and fresh ingredients. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Rocks Rita
The Rocks Rita is a tequila-based cocktail made with Herradura Reposado and Cointreau, combined with fresh lime and orange juice.
It is a good choice for guests who prefer a citrus-forward cocktail with tequila.
Pomegranate Martini
The Pomegranate Martini combines Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Cointreau, pomegranate, and fresh lemon juice. It is served with a sugared rim.
The drink is suited to guests who prefer a fruity, slightly sweet martini.
Ruth’s Manhattan
The Ruth’s Manhattan uses Woodford Reserve, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, and Angostura Bitters. It is served with cherries.
This is a particularly good choice for whiskey drinkers who prefer a classic, spirit-forward cocktail. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Dirty Goose Martini
The Dirty Goose Martini is prepared with Grey Goose and Dolin Vermouth and served with house-made blue-cheese-stuffed olives.
It offers a savory alternative to sweeter cocktails and can be a good pairing with steakhouse appetizers.
Classic Lemon Drop
The Classic Lemon Drop uses Ketel One with fresh lemon juice and an orange-sugared rim.
Its bright citrus profile makes it a refreshing option before dinner.
Blueberry Mojito
The Blueberry Mojito combines Bacardi Superior, blueberries, mint, and fresh lime juice.
The fruit and mint flavors make it a lighter-tasting alternative to whiskey-based cocktails.
Gambler’s Old Fashioned
The Gambler’s Old Fashioned is made with Knob Creek, demerara, and Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters.
Guests who prefer bourbon and traditional whiskey cocktails may want to consider this option.
Brown Butter Old Fashioned
The regular cocktail menu also features a Brown Butter Old Fashioned made with Knob Creek, Fee Brothers Bitters, house-made brown butter syrup, and filthy cherries. It is served smoked. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Wine Menu
Wine is another important part of the Ruth’s Chris beverage program. Happy hour wine selections can include featured house red and white wines, along with specific bottles or varietals depending on the restaurant.
Some current participating-location menus list featured wines by the glass at $10 for a 6-ounce pour and $13 for a 9-ounce pour. (Ruth’s Chris)
| Wine Option | Example Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| House Red, 6 oz | $10 |
| House White, 6 oz | $10 |
| House Red, 9 oz | $13 |
| House White, 9 oz | $13 |
These prices are examples from current participating-location happy hour menus and are not guaranteed nationwide.
Featured Chardonnay
Some Ruth’s Chris happy hour menus list Narrative Chardonnay among the featured wine selections. Chardonnay can be a suitable choice with seafood, chicken, creamy sauces, or lighter appetizers.
Featured Cabernet Sauvignon
Acquisition Cabernet Sauvignon appears among the featured happy hour wine selections at several current Ruth’s Chris locations. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural choice for steakhouse food because its full-bodied character can complement grilled beef.
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Beer Prices
Select beers are also available during happy hour at participating restaurants.
Some current menus list:
| Beer Category | Example Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer | $5 |
| Premium Beer | $6 |
These prices are listed on current Ruth’s Chris happy hour menus in locations such as Myrtle Beach, Chattanooga, and Atlanta Buckhead. (Ruth’s Chris)
The exact beer brands offered can vary by restaurant.
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Food Menu
Happy hour at Ruth’s Chris is not limited to drinks. Participating restaurants may offer full-size appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and steak-focused selections.
Current menus can include:
- Prime Cheeseburger
- Seared Ahi Tuna
- Steak Sandwich
- Spicy Shrimp
- Goat Cheese & Artichoke Dip
- Zucchini Fries
- Artisan Chicken Sandwich
- Steak & Frites
- Calamari
- Fried Oysters
- Lamb Lollipop Chops
- Loaded Fries
- Caesar Salad
The exact selection depends on the restaurant. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Prime Cheeseburger
The Prime Cheeseburger is one of the more substantial choices for happy hour. It can be a convenient option for guests who want a full meal while enjoying the bar atmosphere.
Seared Ahi Tuna
Seared Ahi Tuna is a popular lighter option. Current menus describe it with a zesty mustard and beer sauce.
Steak Sandwich
The steak sandwich provides a steakhouse-style meal in a more casual format. It can be an attractive choice for guests who want beef without ordering a full steak dinner.
Spicy Shrimp
Spicy Shrimp consists of lightly fried large shrimp served with a spicy cream sauce and tangy cucumber salad.
It pairs particularly well with refreshing cocktails or crisp white wine.
Steak & Frites
Some participating happy hour menus feature an 8-ounce petite filet with julienne fries and béarnaise sauce. Current examples list the happy hour price at $58, compared with a regular listed price of $70. (Ruth’s Chris)
Because this is a substantial entrée-style option, it can be one of the more expensive happy hour food choices.
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Food Prices
Prices vary by location, but current menus provide a useful example of what guests may encounter.
| Happy Hour Food | Example Price |
|---|---|
| Loaded Fries | $9 |
| Caesar Salad | $8 |
| Black & Blue Lettuce Wraps | $17 |
| Seared Ahi Tuna | $18 |
| Fried Oysters | $17 |
| Calamari | $19 |
| Spicy Shrimp | $22 |
| Lamb Lollipop Chops | $25 |
| Steak & Frites | $58 |
These are examples from current Ruth’s Chris happy hour menus and should not be interpreted as nationwide prices. (Ruth’s Chris)
Half-Price Wine Bottles During Happy Hour
Some Ruth’s Chris locations also offer selected bottles of wine at half price during their happy hour promotion.
For example, a current Myrtle Beach menu lists:
| Wine | Example Happy Hour Price | Regular Price |
|---|---|---|
| Trimbach Pinot Blanc | $30 | $60 |
| Whispering Angel Rosé | $32 | $64 |
| Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon | $49 | $98 |
These offers are location-specific and subject to change. (Ruth’s Chris)
For a group dining together, a discounted bottle can provide better value than ordering several individual glasses, particularly when multiple guests prefer the same wine.
What Time Is Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour?
There is no single nationwide happy hour schedule.
Several participating Ruth’s Chris locations currently advertise 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM daily. However, other restaurants have different hours. For example, Jersey City currently advertises Sunday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, while Sarasota–Lakewood Ranch advertises Sunday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Always check your specific location before visiting.
Where Is Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Served?
Happy hour promotions are generally available in the bar and lounge areas rather than throughout the main dining room.
Ruth’s Chris states that its promotional happy hour seating and menus are available exclusively in participating restaurant bar and lounge areas. (Ruth’s Chris)
This makes the bar a convenient option for guests who want to enjoy a cocktail and food without committing to a traditional dinner reservation.
Does Ruth’s Chris Require a Reservation for Happy Hour?
Ruth’s Chris states that reservations are not required for its Ruth’s Happiest Hours program. Seating is available in the bar and lounge areas on a first-come, first-served basis. (Ruth’s Chris)
Individual restaurant policies can change, so it is still worth checking the location page if you are visiting during a particularly busy period.
Best Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Drinks for Different Tastes
| If You Prefer | Drink to Consider |
|---|---|
| Whiskey | Ruth’s Manhattan |
| Bourbon | Gambler’s Old Fashioned |
| Tequila | Rocks Rita |
| Vodka | Pomegranate Martini |
| Gin | Dirty Goose Martini |
| Fruity cocktails | Blueberry Mojito |
| Citrus flavors | Classic Lemon Drop |
| Red wine | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| White wine | Chardonnay |
| Beer | Select domestic or premium beer |
Best Happy Hour Drinks to Pair With Steak
A cocktail or wine can complement the flavors of steak, but the best pairing depends on the cut and preparation.
Cabernet Sauvignon With Steak
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic steakhouse pairing. Its structure and dark-fruit character can work particularly well with rich cuts of beef.
Old Fashioned With Steak
An Old Fashioned offers a bold, whiskey-forward flavor that can stand up to grilled beef and rich sauces.
Manhattan With Steak
The Ruth’s Manhattan combines Woodford Reserve, vermouth, and bitters, giving it a complex profile that works well for guests who enjoy whiskey-based cocktails. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
Margarita With Appetizers
A citrus-driven margarita can provide contrast to richer appetizers such as fried shrimp, calamari, or other bar foods.
Best Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Choices for a Budget
If your main goal is to enjoy Ruth’s Chris while keeping the bill manageable, start by checking the promotional cocktail and wine prices.
At participating locations, $10 steakhouse cocktails, $5 domestic beers, $6 premium beers, and $10 six-ounce house wines can provide relatively accessible options compared with regular upscale-steakhouse pricing. (Ruth’s Chris)
For food, smaller shareables such as loaded fries or Caesar salad can cost considerably less than an entrée-style steak.
Is Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Worth It?
For guests who enjoy cocktails, wine, and steakhouse appetizers, happy hour can be a good way to experience Ruth’s Chris at a lower cost than a traditional dinner.
The biggest advantage is the combination of discounted drinks and selected food items. At participating locations, guests may be able to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail for around $10 or a featured wine for around $10–$13 while ordering food from the bar menu. (Ruth’s Chris)
However, value depends heavily on the location. Not every Ruth’s Chris restaurant offers the same happy hour, and some locations may have different schedules or promotional prices.
Tips for Getting the Best Value at Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour
Check the Location Before You Go
The official Ruth’s Chris website allows guests to select their restaurant and view location-specific happy hour information.
Arrive Early
Popular happy hour periods can become busy, particularly near the end of the workday. Arriving closer to the beginning of the promotion can make it easier to find bar seating.
Compare Wine Sizes
If wine is available in multiple serving sizes, compare the 6-ounce and 9-ounce prices before ordering.
Look for Bottle Specials
If your group plans to drink several glasses of the same wine, check whether your location offers discounted bottles.
Ask About Current Promotions
Happy hour menus can change. Ask your server or bartender about current specials before ordering if a particular drink or food item is important to you.
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour vs. Regular Bar Menu
Happy hour usually provides a more limited selection of promotional drinks and food than the complete bar menu.
The regular cocktail menu includes handcrafted options such as Gin Collins, Brown Butter Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, Hennessey Sidecar, Blueberry Mojito, Pomegranate Martini, Dirty Goose Martini, and Ruth’s Manhattan. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
The happy hour menu, by comparison, focuses on selected promotional beverages and food items.
| Feature | Happy Hour | Regular Bar Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktails | Selected promotional options | Broader cocktail selection |
| Wine | Featured selections | Wider selection |
| Beer | Select beers | Broader availability |
| Food | Promotional bar menu | Full bar food/menu options |
| Pricing | Discounted on selected items | Standard pricing |
| Seating | Bar/lounge | Bar and restaurant |
| Availability | Participating locations | Generally broader |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ruth’s Chris have happy hour?
Yes. Ruth’s Chris offers a happy hour program called Ruth’s Happiest Hours at participating locations. Availability, hours, drinks, food, and prices vary by restaurant. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
What time is happy hour at Ruth’s Chris?
Many participating locations currently offer happy hour from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, but schedules vary. Some restaurants have different days and times. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
How much are cocktails during Ruth’s Chris happy hour?
Some participating locations currently list selected steakhouse cocktails for $10, including options such as a vodka martini, dirty gin martini, Old Fashioned, and margarita on the rocks. (Ruth’s Chris)
How much is wine during Ruth’s Chris happy hour?
Some current location menus list featured house wines at $10 for a 6-ounce pour and $13 for a 9-ounce pour. Pricing varies by location. (Ruth’s Chris)
Does Ruth’s Chris have beer specials?
Yes, participating locations can offer select beer specials. Current examples list domestic beers at $5 and premium beers at $6. (Ruth’s Chris)
Does Ruth’s Chris offer half-price wine bottles?
Some locations do. Current menus can include selected half-price bottles during happy hour, but the available wines and pricing vary by restaurant. (Ruth’s Chris)
Can I make a happy hour reservation at Ruth’s Chris?
Ruth’s Chris says reservations are not required for Ruth’s Happiest Hours and that seating is first come, first served in the bar and lounge areas. (Ruth’s Chris)
Is Ruth’s Chris happy hour available at every location?
No. Ruth’s Chris states that happy hour is available at participating locations and that offerings, pricing, days, and times vary. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
What is the best drink to order at Ruth’s Chris happy hour?
For whiskey fans, the Ruth’s Manhattan or Old Fashioned is a strong choice. Guests who prefer tequila may enjoy the Rocks Rita, while wine drinkers can look for the featured Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Can I order happy hour food in the main dining room?
Happy hour promotional food is generally available in the bar and lounge areas. Ruth’s Chris specifically states that its happy hour seating and promotional menus are available there. (Ruth’s Chris)
Final Thoughts
Ruth’s Chris Steak House happy hour is an appealing option for guests who want handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer, and steakhouse food at promotional prices. The program can include $10 cocktails, discounted wines, select beers, and a variety of shareable dishes, although the exact offerings depend on the restaurant.
Popular choices include the Rocks Rita, Pomegranate Martini, Ruth’s Manhattan, Dirty Goose Martini, Classic Lemon Drop, Blueberry Mojito, and Gambler’s Old Fashioned. Wine drinkers can look for featured Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, while beer drinkers may find discounted domestic and premium selections. (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
The most important thing to remember is that Ruth’s Chris happy hour is location-specific. Before visiting, check the official restaurant location for the current hours, drink menu, food selections, and prices so you know exactly what is available.