The dress code for Ruth’s Chris Steak House is business casual, designed to create an upscale dining experience. Guests should avoid gym wear, tank tops, flip-flops, and ripped clothing. Men usually wear collared shirts and slacks, while women opt for dresses, skirts, or tailored pants.
Understanding the Ruth Chris Dress Code
The dress code at Ruth’s Chris isn’t just about rules—it represents the restaurant’s commitment to creating a specific dining atmosphere. Let’s explore why this matters and what it means for your visit.
Why dress code matters at Ruth’s Chris
Ruth’s Chris Steak House has carefully cultivated its reputation as an upscale dining destination. The establishment maintains a dress code primarily because it has an image to uphold as a fine-dining restaurant. This policy isn’t arbitrary—it serves to create consistency in the dining environment and sets expectations for guests.
When dining at Ruth’s Chris, you’re not just paying for excellent food but for the entire experience. The dress code creates a refined atmosphere where business deals are closed, special occasions are celebrated, and memorable meals are enjoyed. Furthermore, it helps distinguish the restaurant from more casual dining options, positioning it as a destination for special moments.
The official policy: Business casual explained
Ruth’s Chris officially describes their dress code as “BUSINESS CASUAL – PROPER ATTIRE REQUIRED”. But what does this actually mean? Business casual at Ruth’s Chris typically includes:
- Dress pants or khakis
- Button-down shirts or polo shirts
- Dresses, skirts, or blouses
- Nice jeans paired with appropriate tops
Essentially, while a jacket or blazer isn’t strictly required, many guests choose to wear one to enhance their dining experience. The restaurant is quite clear about what’s not permitted in their dining rooms, including:
- Gym wear and pool attire
- Tank tops
- Clothing with offensive graphics or language
- Revealing clothing or exposed undergarments
There’s also a specific policy regarding headwear—hats should be removed when entering the restaurant, and guests wearing ball caps are asked to dine in the bar/lounge area instead of the main dining room.
How the dress code enhances the dining experience
The dress code at Ruth’s Chris notably contributes to what they describe as a “comfortable, family-friendly, and welcoming atmosphere for everyone”. By maintaining certain standards, the restaurant creates an environment where guests feel they’re participating in something special.
Many diners actually enjoy dressing up for their meal at Ruth’s Chris, seeing it as part of what makes the experience memorable. The dress code helps create a consistent ambiance where everyone feels appropriately attired, removing potential discomfort that might arise from vastly different dress standards among patrons.
The policy strikes a balance—formal enough to feel special yet flexible enough to accommodate various personal styles. This middle ground helps ensure that the focus remains on the exceptional food and service rather than on what others are wearing.
What You Can Wear to Ruth Chris
Now that we understand the dress code policy, let’s explore what outfits will help you look appropriate at Ruth’s Chris without overdressing or underdressing.
Smart casual vs. business casual
At Ruth’s Chris, business casual serves as the official dress code, yet many guests opt for smart casual attire as well. Business casual typically includes dress pants, button-down shirts, and blouses, whereas smart casual offers slightly more flexibility.
For instance, a polo shirt with khakis fits perfectly within their business casual guidelines. Meanwhile, smart casual might feature a nice blouse with dressy jeans or a casual dress that still looks polished. Both styles are welcomed at Ruth’s Chris, giving you options depending on your comfort level.
Can you wear jeans to Ruth Chris?
Good news for denim lovers—yes, jeans are acceptable at Ruth’s Chris! Nevertheless, there are some important considerations. Primarily, opt for nice, clean jeans without rips, tears, or excessive distressing. Dark wash or black jeans generally look more upscale than light wash varieties.
Moreover, what you pair with your jeans matters significantly—a collared shirt or nice blouse elevates denim instantly. Despite accepting jeans, Ruth’s Chris doesn’t actively advertise this flexibility, as they still aim to maintain a somewhat formal atmosphere.
What to wear for special occasions
For celebrations or milestone events, many guests enjoy dressing up beyond the minimum requirements. During special occasions, semi-formal attire such as cocktail dresses or suits makes your experience feel more memorable.
Men might consider adding a blazer or sport coat, though ties remain optional. Women often choose dresses, skirts, or dressy pants for these special meals. In fact, many regular patrons appreciate the opportunity to make their Ruth’s Chris visit feel distinctive through their attire choices.
Acceptable footwear and accessories
Regarding footwear, closed-toe shoes are generally preferred over sandals. Dress shoes, loafers, and nice boots work well for men, while women have flexibility with heels, flats, or fashionable boots. Cut-off shorts and flip-flops are explicitly not permitted.
As for accessories, tasteful jewelry and watches complement the dining experience. Remember that hats should be removed upon entering the dining areas, although they’re permitted in the bar and patio sections.
What Not to Wear: Avoid These Outfits
Knowing what items to avoid wearing is just as important as understanding what’s appropriate at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The restaurant maintains specific restrictions to uphold their upscale dining atmosphere.
Clothing with offensive graphics or language
First and foremost, Ruth’s Chris explicitly prohibits clothing featuring offensive language or graphics. This policy reflects their commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment where all guests can dine comfortably.
Management takes this rule particularly seriously, as it directly impacts the experience of other diners. Considering the restaurant’s upscale positioning, this guideline helps preserve the sophisticated ambiance that makes Ruth’s Chris a premier dining destination.
Tank tops, gym wear, and pool attire
Athletic attire is strictly off-limits in Ruth’s Chris dining rooms. This includes gym wear, sweat pants, and any pool-related clothing. Tank tops are explicitly mentioned in multiple official sources as prohibited items.
Ultimately, these restrictions align with the business casual expectations of the establishment. The dining room maintains higher standards than the bar area, where the dress code might be slightly more relaxed depending on the location.
Exposed undergarments and revealing outfits
Ruth’s Chris clearly states that exposed undergarments are not acceptable attire. Additionally, revealing clothing showing excessive midriff or cleavage falls outside their dress code guidelines. In practical terms, this means bra straps should be concealed by your top or dress.
Similarly, pants should be properly secured to prevent underwear from showing. Management reserves the right to interpret these policies at their discretion, which allows them to maintain consistent standards.
Cut-off shorts and flip-flops
Cut-off shorts appear consistently on the prohibited items list across multiple Ruth’s Chris locations. Likewise, beach flip-flops are specifically mentioned as unacceptable footwear. Throughout their various locations, these casual items are considered too informal for their upscale dining experience. For those unsure about specific footwear options, closed-toe shoes are generally a safer choice that aligns with the restaurant’s overall business casual expectations.
Tips for a Comfortable and Stylish Visit
Planning your outfit for Ruth’s Chris involves more than just following basic rules. Let me share some practical tips to help you navigate different areas of the restaurant and dress appropriately for any situation.
Dressing for the bar vs. dining room
The dress code at Ruth’s Chris varies slightly between dining areas. In the bar and patio sections, the rules are more relaxed—you can wear hats and team support jerseys. Accordingly, if you’re meeting friends for drinks or a casual meal, the bar offers flexibility while maintaining a polished atmosphere. Conversely, in the main dining room, hats should be removed upon entering. This distinction allows guests to choose the experience that best suits their comfort level and occasion.
Seasonal outfit suggestions
Throughout the year, smart casual attire works well at Ruth’s Chris. During warmer months, lightweight blazers, summer dresses, or nice slacks with breathable shirts are ideal. For colder seasons, layered looks with sweaters under blazers or elegant wool dresses provide both warmth and style. Initially, consider the restaurant’s business casual baseline, then adjust based on the weather without compromising elegance.
How to dress kids for a family dinner
Ruth’s Chris welcomes families and encourages children to participate in the dining experience. Many parents find that having kids dress up enhances the special occasion feeling. Consider semi-formal outfits for children—button-down shirts and slacks for boys or nice dresses for girls. Subsequently, this approach teaches children about dining etiquette while making the meal memorable. Remember that the same restrictions on inappropriate attire apply to children as well.
What to do if you’re unsure about your outfit
If you’re uncertain about your planned attire, calling ahead is always a safe option. Different Ruth’s Chris locations may have slight variations in their dress code based on regional customs. Prior to your reservation, check the specific restaurant’s website or contact them directly. Primarily, when in doubt, err on the dressier side—it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed at an upscale establishment like Ruth’s Chris.
Conclusion
Dressing appropriately for Ruth’s Chris certainly doesn’t require excessive worry or a complete wardrobe overhaul. Throughout this guide, we’ve seen that while the restaurant maintains a business casual policy, they offer reasonable flexibility for diners. Above all, Ruth’s Chris aims to create a refined atmosphere where guests can enjoy exceptional food without strict formality.
Therefore, when planning your visit, remember that nice jeans paired with appropriate tops work perfectly fine, though many guests enjoy elevating their attire for the experience. Essentially, the restaurant asks only that you avoid athletic wear, revealing clothes, and items with offensive graphics—reasonable requests that help maintain their upscale ambiance.
Different occasions might call for different outfits. A casual dinner might warrant smart casual attire, whereas anniversary celebrations or business meetings might benefit from more formal choices. Similarly, the bar area allows slightly more relaxed attire than the main dining room, giving you options based on your comfort level.
