Historic Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Updates Itself

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse has a new home in Woodland Hills, not too far away from the original. The spacious corner location at 5919 Canoga Avenue is a perfect fit for Ruth’s Chris unique dining experience, especially the steaks ceremoniously served on 500-degree sizzling plates.  (For more information, hours of operation or to make a reservation, please visit //ruthschris.com/woodland-hills/ or call (818) 227-9505.)

But the real story is that this restaurant institution, that has always prided itself on unique methods of preparation and southern hospitality, may have updated its decor, but the food and service are still as wonderful as ever. And research backs this up.

continuously in surveys conducted by companies ranging from J.D. Power and Associates to Newsweek and Statista’s 2023 “America’s Best Customer Service” rankings.  

With 300 brands on that list — based on over 4 million pieces of consumer feedback on over 3,000 businesses during the past year, Ruth’s Chris was in the top 50 and a top three brand in the upscale chain restaurant category for service, experience enjoyment and pricing.

The new Woodland Hills Ruth’s Chris restaurant promises to bring “an exquisite dining experience.” And it makes good on its promise. The huge 10,139 square-foot space, feels homey, organic and still spiffy, with very few walls. It’s as perfect as New Orelans, fun and fashionable, for a spontaneous meal out or the most formal occasion.

The space is thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortably elegant, warm, and welcoming time. Familes, couples and groups of friends fill each room. If there is any downside for me, it’s that photographs do not do it justice.

Ruth’s Chris has a reputation for the finest steaks, the best service, and southern hospitality since the first restaurant opened in New Orleans in 1965. The restaurant also considerately offers guests fresh seafood as meals or “complements” to the steaks, along with tempting scratch-made vegetarian dishes, desserts, craft cocktails and choice wines.

To start off the meal, a little loaf of bread right out of the oven arrives a little tub of spreadable butter. This could make an entire meal for some diners.

The company’s perfected broiling method and seasoning techniques ensure each cut of USDA Prime beef arrives cooked to perfection and sizzling on a 500-degree plate. Representing the highest-quality beef, these cuts are really well marbled and hand-selected for thickness and tenderness. Our server, Jarred, explained this in detail.

The 6 oz filet accompanying the buttery cold water lobster tail was also “buttery” with lots of flavor.

Our wonderful server, Jarred, also cautioned us about touching the plate while offering a glass of “The Featured Pour” and our favorite Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. The bold and structured wine is rightfully known for its “notes of cassis, cocoa and dark blue fruit”

There was nothing the staff wouldn’t do for us. When Jarred explained that no open alcohol bottles could be moved from the original Woodland Hills location, so no grappa here. The bar substituted cognac for the espresso “caffe correcto.” It worked for us.

Adjacent to the main dining room and casual dining room with few full walls are a luxurious bar and bar dining area, and a patio with ample seating. There is also a private board room and two private dining rooms. 

Seasonal offerings at the bar include the Filet & Cabernet Pairing available ($38), which includes a 6 oz. Filet topped with three large shrimp alongside a refreshing glass of DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon. Also on the menu: a Fireside Old-Fashioned Cocktail handcrafted with Elijah Craig small batch bourbon, Demerara syrup, Amaro Averna, Angostura and chocolate bitters for $17.

Ruth’s Chris Woodland Hills Happy Hour includes mouthwatering food and full-size appetizers, hand-crafted cocktails and wine starting at only $9 from 4:00p.m. – 6:00p.m. every Sunday through Friday. Seating is on a first come, first served basis at the bar; no reservations are taken.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House was founded by Ruth Fertel 58 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. A former administrator at Tulane University, Ruth had a recipe for everything, from signature sizzling steaks to hospitality. Also had a sense of humor and when the name was required to add the apostrophe and “s” she chuckled that it was an annoying tongue-twister.

She learned the business from the ground up, including butchering, after she bought a restaurant on a whim to support her sons’ university fees. This wildly successful formula proved how one neighborhood eatery can become the largest collection of upscale, international steak houses, with over 150 locations around the world.

As part of the pre-opening celebration for the relocated restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House hosted a special VIP dinner with community leaders, business owners and Ruth’s Chris executives where 100% of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 5919 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367, For more information, hours of operation or to make a reservation, please visit //ruthschris.com/woodland-hills/ or call (818) 227-9505.