Ruth's Chris: Is it worth the pricey splurge for premium beef?
The West Des Moines eatery is an expensive treat for meat lovers
Ruth’s Chris — the new premium steakhouse in West Des Moines — may bust your belly or your wallet. Or both at the same time.
Perhaps you are a seasoned diner that has eaten at another location during your travels. Or more likely, you’re curious as to how good this beef paradise can be? Is it worth a splurge of $200-$300 for a lavish meat lover’s dream?
I do love beef. Whether that be in the form of a well-marbled filet or prime rib, or the decadent delight of a B-Bop’s burger.
When a special occasion arrived (a friend’s birthday), I took the plunge.
The filet mignon cut at Ruth’s Chris, prepared medium rare. (Photo by John Naughton.)
Knowing before you go is essential here, even if you’ve braced yourself for an expensive credit card charge.
You can find the menu (without prices) here: Ruth’s Chris.
You can locate an unofficial list of prices elsewhere online.
So I was prepared to pay high prices for an entree and a couple of sides (we chose asparagus and mashed potatoes) and the crab cakes appetizer.
I was raised on Iowa beef and I can tell you where the best Iowa steak I’ve had is served (the 16-ounce bacon-wrapped filet Rube’s in tiny Montour), where you can have a premium meal in Des Moines (801 Chophouse, Fleming’s) or the pleasures of prime rib in small town Iowa.
The thing you pay for here, besides a wonderful cut of meat is the experience. And that’s hard to attach a price tag.
Adding a bottle of Champagne with corkage fees lets you have the best of both worlds. (Photo by John Naughton.)
What you’ll get is a divine meal. The service has a reputation for being exemplary, and I can’t say my meal (an early 3 p.m. dinner on a Saturday) was up to that standard. The food was very well prepared, precise to order, and delicious. The atmosphere was high end and delightful.
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