Delicious Steaks and Warm Hospitality at Ruth’s Chris

by

The Taste

Founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel, Ruth’s Chris Steak House boasts a reputation as one of the most respected and popular steak house chains in the United States. The restaurants specialize in offering premium steaks broiled to perfection, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.  

“Every Ruth’s Chris location strives to deliver unparalleled service, surpassing our guests’ expectations by providing what we call ‘plus one service,’” says Odenton General Manager Andre Bennett. “Simply put, we exceed what would be considered normal restaurant behaviors. What is normal for Ruth’s Chris would be considered going the extra mile or above and beyond by most industry standards.” 

A family-owned and operated franchise, Ruth’s Chris Steak House Odenton is conveniently located across from Odenton MARC Station. The restaurant group also operates the Annapolis location, neatly tucked in the Eastport maritime neighborhood. 

To learn more, we recently talked to Andre. 

What makes Ruth’s Chris Steak House Odenton different from other locations in Maryland? Based on what our guests say, what sets us apart in Odenton is the pure ambiance of our restaurant. When you walk through the front doors, the first thing you see is the beautiful marble host stand, where our hosts are waiting to greet you. Once you are seated, the hosts invite you to walk toward the bar, where you can feel the energy of our guests as they enjoy cocktails and conversation. When you turn the corner, you notice the crystal-clear wine walls, displaying wine from every corner of the world. As you continue walking, you pass large booths with incredible glasswork and admire the custom chandeliers that adorn the building.  

Tell us about your background in the restaurant industry. My experience dates back more than 25 years. I started as a short order cook for a small mom-and-pop Italian restaurant. I have since worked for and/or managed several well-known casinos, hotel chains, and celebrity chef restaurants. Some of those casinos include Harrah’s, Caesars Atlantic City, and Tropicana Atlantic City. The restaurateurs include Steven Starr, Wolfgang Puck, and Tilman Fertitta, to name a few.  

What are some of your most popular dishes? By far, the most popular items on the menu are our steak options. Whether it’s the 16-ounce ribeye—juicy and broiled to perfection—or the petite filet—lean, tender, and prepared to your preference—most guests choose to complement these options with our Maryland-style crab cake, Chesapeake style. This dish is prepared with lump crab meat and asparagus and topped with hollandaise sauce. Another popular entrée complement is one of our 8–10-ounce juicy lobster tails.  

Tell us about your premium cuts of steak and your unique broiling method. We are known for our USDA prime beef. Our premium cuts are of the highest quality and are known for their exceptional marbling, tenderness, and flavor. Although we offer a wide range of beef selections, one cut towers above the rest as our showstopper: our Tomahawk Ribeye. The Tomahawk isn’t just a steak; it’s an event. Weighing in at 40 ounces, it’s carved with the rib bone left extra-long and French trimmed for dramatic flair. Its bold presentation demands attention, while its intoxicating aroma—sizzling from our 500-degree plates—sets the stage for an unforgettable first bite and dining experience. 

All of our steaks are seasoned with salt and pepper and topped with butter. Our unique broiling method intensifies the flavor, texture, and presentation. This method not only sets us apart from all other steak houses, but it’s also a big part of the elevated experience. The signature 1800-degree broiler locks in the juices instantly, searing the outside of the steak with a perfect caramelized crust. Broiling creates complex layers of flavor that other cooking methods can’t match. Ruth’s Chris isn’t just about cooking beef; it’s about creating an experience. 

What is a popular seafood dish? While you can’t go wrong with staples like our calamari or our spicy shrimp appetizer, one of our most popular seafood dishes is the spicy salmon entrée, an 8.5-ounce salmon filet broiled. It’s topped with our spicy salmon sauce, which includes honey, ginger, soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, jalapeños, and green onions. These ingredients create a sweet, mildly spicy sauce that complements the filet.  

Tell us about your selection of beverages. We offer a wide range of high-end scotches and bourbons, multiple handmade craft cocktails, a variety of wine options, and ice-cold beer. We only use freshly squeezed fruit juices and house-made simple syrup, which give our cocktails a distinct mouthwatering, refreshing flavor. 

Describe the dining experience. At Ruth’s Chris, we provide the dining experience you expect. We are well-versed at reading our guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone, entertaining clients, or enjoying dinner with friends and family, we offer a dining experience like no other. 

Sweet Potato Casserole

Makes 4 Servings 

Ingredients 

Crust Mixture: 

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar 
  • 1/4 cup flour 
  • 3/4 cup chopped nuts
  • (pecans preferred) 
  • 1/4 cup melted butter 

Sweet Potato Mixture: 

  • 3/4 cup sugar 
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 
  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes 
  • 1 egg, well beaten 
  • 1/4 cup butter 

Process 

Combine Crust Mixture in mixing bowl and put to one side. Combine Sweet Potato Mixture ingredients in a mixing bowl in the order listed. Combine thoroughly. Pour Sweet Potato Mixture into buttered baking dish. Sprinkle Crust Mixture evenly onto surface of Sweet Potato Mixture. Bake for 30 minutes at 350F. Allow to set for at least 30 minutes before serving. 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House  | 1110 Town Center Boulevard, Odenton • 240-556-0033 • ruthschris.com