Sizzling Hot Steaks

Photo courtesy Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is known for its delicious steaks and friendly service. Although the restaurant chain traces its roots to New Orleans, it’s a favorite among kamaaina.

This year, the eatery celebrates 35 years at its Waterfront Plaza location, 24 years at its Wailea location and 17 years at its Waikiki location.

“Our team is committed to providing our guests with an extraordinary experience unlike anything else in Hawaii,” says Emi Chang Espinda, director of sales and marketing for Ruth’s Chris Hawaii. “We serve the finest steaks selected from the top 2% of the country’s beef and served sizzling hot — broiled in 1,800-degree ovens and served sizzling on 500-degree plates, so that every bite is hot and delicious. Our team provides the best service, and a level of hospitality that has made Ruth’s Chris one of the most revered names in steak.”

With several private dining options, Ruth’s Chris is also a go-to for special occasions — like Father’s Day, which is next week already.

We caught up with Chang Espinda to learn more.

DO: Tell us about Ruth’s Chris’ special Father’s Day menu.

ECE: Celebrate Dad with some of our most popular offerings. Choose from our Cowboy Rib-eye ($85), which is a 26-ounce bone-in USDA Prime cut. Or, opt for our Bone-in Filet ($88), an incredibly tender 16-ounce bone-in cut aged to the peak of flavor. Our Tomahawk Rib-eye ($161) is a whopping 40-ounce USDA Prime bone-in rib-eye, well-marbled for peak flavor. In addition to these specialty cuts, you can choose one of our signature sides: Au Gratin ($17) features diced Idaho potatoes in a three-cheese sauce; Garlic Mashed Potatoes ($15) is our take on a classic — smooth and creamy with hints of roasted garlic; Sweet Potato Casserole ($17) comes with a pecan crust; and Lobster Mac & Cheese ($33; $18 without the lobster) features cavatappi pasta and tender lobster in a white-cheddar sauce.

DO: What about the Ruth’s Classics menu?

ECE: We just launched our new Ruth’s Classics menu, which is available from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. This is a three-course meal (call for cost). Start with either our steak house salad, Caesar salad or Louisiana seafood gumbo. For your main course, choose from our Steak & Shrimp, which features our tender 6-ounce filet with three large shrimp, or our Steak & Lobster plate, which includes our tender 6-ounce filet paired with a buttery cold-water lobster tail. Sides include your choice of creamed spinach, garlic mashed potatoes or steamed white rice. The meal is completed by a dessert selected by our chef.

DO: In addition to your main dining room, Ruth’s Chris offers private dining options. Could you tell us more about that?

ECE: When it comes to private dining events, our three Hawaii restaurants can accommodate groups of all sizes, from intimate to grand dinners. Each of our private dining rooms are elegantly decorated and equipped with all the amenities you need to host a successful event. Our private dining menu offers a range of options to ensure an extraordinary experience. You bring your family, friends and associates and let the celebrations begin.

DO: Ruth’s Chris is known for its steaks, but there are a lot of other dishes on the menu. What are a couple of delicious but underrated options?

ECE: While steak is king, we also offer island fish and seafood including our Chilled Seafood Tower ($86 small; $166 large), which comes with a selection of shellfish and seafood served on ice with cocktail and Sriracha-lime sauces, and our Lobster Mac & Cheese.

DO: What kind of service can diners expect?

ECE: At Ruth’s Chris we provide exceptional service that makes all our guests feel special. Ruth’s Chris founder Ruth Fertel vowed to treat every customer like a guest in her home and our team members continue her legacy today.