Ruth’s Chris Beverly Hills: What Most People Get Wrong

Ruth’s Chris Beverly Hills: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re walking down South Beverly Drive, past the boutiques and the expensive scent of luxury, when that smell hits you. It’s the smell of butter. Not just butter, but butter meeting a plate at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If you know, you know. We're talking about Ruth’s Chris Beverly Hills, a place that somehow manages to feel like a neighborhood secret even though it’s part of one of the most famous steakhouse empires on the planet.

But honestly? People get this place wrong all the time. They think it’s just another "chain" restaurant in a city obsessed with independent labels. They assume it's stuffy. They think they can roll in wearing flip-flops because it's California.

Wrong.

The Vibe at 224 South Beverly Drive

The Beverly Hills location isn't some sprawling, impersonal hall. It’s tucked away at 224 S Beverly Dr, and the footprint is actually kind of intimate. With a seating capacity of about 180, it feels dense in a way that’s exciting when the dinner rush hits. You’ve got people coming in for power lunches, sure, but the evening energy is where it’s at.

I’ve seen folks get genuinely surprised by the decor. It’s not that "stale corporate" look you might find in a suburban mall. It has this warm, darkly lit, classic steakhouse DNA that feels right at home in 90212. It’s where you go when you want to feel like a local, even if you’re just in town for the weekend.

Why the Name is So Weird (And Why It Matters)

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The name Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a linguistic nightmare. It’s a tongue-twister. But there’s a reason for it that actually explains the soul of the restaurant.

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Back in 1965, a single mom named Ruth Fertel bought a place called Chris Steak House in New Orleans. She mortgaged her home to do it. When a fire forced her to move locations, her contract said she couldn't use the name "Chris Steak House" at a new spot. So, she just stuck her name on the front.

It’s clunky. It’s stubborn. And that’s basically how they cook, too. They don’t change the formula because the formula works.

The 1800-Degree Secret

If you’re coming to Ruth’s Chris Beverly Hills, you are there for the sizzle. Literally. They use these custom infrared broilers that hit 1800 degrees. Most home ovens tap out around 500.

The steak comes out on a ceramic plate that’s been heated to 500 degrees. Then they drop a pat of butter on it.

  • The sound: A constant hiss that follows the waiter across the room.
  • The smell: Maillard reaction heaven.
  • The warning: Do. Not. Touch. The. Plate. Seriously.

The Filet is the crowd favorite here. It's corn-fed Midwestern beef, and because of that heat, the crust is distinct. It’s not just "grilled"; it’s practically fossilized in flavor on the outside while staying butter-soft inside. If you want to go big, the 40 oz Porterhouse for Two is basically a rite of passage. It’s a massive hunk of USDA Prime that combines the New York Strip and the Filet. It’s a lot of food. Like, a lot.

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What to Actually Order (Beyond the Beef)

Look, everyone knows about the steaks. But if you want to eat like a regular, you have to look at the sides and the appetizers.

The Sweet Potato Casserole is basically dessert masquerading as a vegetable. It’s got this pecan crust that’s crunchy and sugary. It shouldn't work with a savory steak, but it does. It’s weirdly addictive.

Then there’s the Creamed Spinach. This is a New Orleans legacy item. It’s smooth, rich, and probably contains more calories than a small village consumes in a week. You’ve also got the Sizzling Crab Cakes. They don’t use much filler—just jumbo lump crab and lemon butter.

The Celebrity Factor

It is Beverly Hills, after all. You aren't going to see a red carpet at the door, but this spot has been a low-key hangout for years. NBA stars like Russell Westbrook have been spotted dining here. During awards season, especially with the Golden Globes happening nearby at the Beverly Hilton, the "who's who" factor spikes.

It’s the kind of place where celebrities go when they don’t want to be "seen" at a trendy paparazzi trap like Catch or Craig's. They just want a good steak and a stiff drink.

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The "Rules" Nobody Tells You

Don't be that person who gets turned away at the door.

  1. The Dress Code: It’s business casual. This means no gym clothes. No tank tops. And for the love of everything holy, take off your hat. If you really want to wear your baseball cap, you’ll be asked to sit in the bar area. The dining room is for "grown-up" clothes.
  2. Parking: It’s Beverly Hills. Parking is a nightmare. There is valet, usually around $7-$10 depending on the day, or you can gamble with the street meters. My advice? Just use the valet. The stress of hunting for a spot on South Beverly Drive will ruin your appetite.
  3. Reservations: You need them. Especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Use OpenTable or just call them at (310) 859-8744.
  4. Happy Hour: It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the area. Usually runs 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You can get a "Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl" deal where the burgers and cocktails are actually affordable.

Is It Worth the Hype in 2026?

With so many new-wave steakhouses opening in LA—places focusing on grass-fed, wagyu, or dry-aged-for-three-years-in-a-cave beef—you might wonder if Ruth’s Chris Beverly Hills still holds up.

Honestly, it’s about consistency.

When you go to a trendy new spot, the service might be hit or miss. The steak might be experimental. At Ruth's, you know exactly what that 11 oz filet is going to taste like before you even sit down. It’s the comfort of the "sizzle."

Actionable Tips for Your Visit

  • Ask for the "Oscar" style: They’ll top your steak with lump crabmeat, asparagus, and bearnaise sauce. It’s decadent.
  • The Bread: It’s free. It’s warm. It’s tempting. Don’t fill up on it. Save the room for the Lobster Mac & Cheese.
  • Birthdays: Tell them. They usually do a nice little table decoration or a free dessert like the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake.

If you're looking for a reliable, high-end meal that feels like a classic "Old Hollywood" experience without the pretension of a private club, this is your spot. Just remember to wear a collared shirt and keep your hands off the plate.

Next Steps: Check the current Happy Hour menu on their official site before you go, as the "Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl" offerings sometimes change seasonally. If you’re planning a group event, they have a private dining coordinator who can handle the "Board Room" for more secluded meetings.