Capital Grille Vs Ruth's Chris Steakhouse: Who Won?
Sure, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Capital Grille are both known for top-notch food and service, but we took a deep dive to figure out what sets the two classic steakhouses apart.
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00:00Sure, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Capitol Grill are both known for top-notch food and
00:04service, but we took a deep dive to figure out what sets the two classic steakhouses
00:08apart.
00:09While Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Capitol Grill are both upscale steakhouse chains,
00:13they possess very distinct atmospheres.
00:15Ruth's Chris is known for its warm and inviting ambience, though no two Ruth's Chris outlets
00:20are the same, with each one drawing on the local heritage of its specific location.
00:24That being said, many of the restaurants feature dark wood accents, plush leather seating,
00:28and subdued lighting, creating an intimate and cozy dining experience.
00:32This isn't always the case, however.
00:34Some locations are more chic, with modern takes on crystal chandeliers and contemporary
00:39art.
00:40Ruth's Chris.
00:41Ruth's Chris's.
00:42Ruth's…
00:43I don't know where to put the apostrophe.
00:46In contrast, the Capitol Grill offers a more elegant, metropolitan vibe, offering a more
00:50formal dining experience.
00:52Sophisticated and contemporary, Capitol Grill prides itself on an atmosphere that's stylish,
00:57but not at the expense of comfort and warmth.
00:59Among the restaurant's design features are Art Deco chandeliers and mahogany paneling,
01:03and some Capitol Grill locations feature unique architectural highlights.
01:07Notable examples include the historic Equitable Buildings bank vault-turned dining room on
01:12NYC's Wall Street, and the Las Vegas location with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking
01:16the Strip.
01:17What makes steakhouses so awesome is their extensive selection of beef cuts, each offering
01:21a distinct taste and texture.
01:23Going beyond the typical sirloin and filet mignon, the variety ensures that there's
01:27a perfect cut for every carnivore.
01:30Chef!
01:31Yes?
01:32What does steak mean?
01:35Ruth's Chris offers plenty of steak options.
01:37From the rich marbling and buttery flavor of the ribeye to the T-bone, which features
01:41both strip steak and a tenderloin, each cut offers a unique culinary journey.
01:46Some of the chain's other steaks include the bone-in cowboy ribeye, the New York Strip,
01:50and an impressive 40-ounce porterhouse for two.
01:52Ruth's Chris also serves two specialty cuts, a butter-soft bone-in filet and a 40-ounce
01:58marbled tomahawk ribeye.
01:59While not as extensive, Capitol Grill's selection is still impressive.
02:03The chain's bone-in New York Strip is a classic choice, but for those who prefer a more marbled
02:07cut, there's the bone-in ribeye.
02:09The steakhouse also offers a Chef's Suggestions section featuring gourmet twists on classic
02:14cuts.
02:15Capitol Grill states that they buy, quote, the very best that's produced, but isn't very
02:19open about where they source their beef.
02:21They also claim to be one of the only dining establishments in the U.S. that offers beef
02:25that's dry-aged in-house.
02:27The chain dry-ages its meat in temperature- and humidity-controlled compartments.
02:30This process takes between 18 and 24 days, in which time the beef attains better texture
02:35and flavor.
02:36The beef is also cut in-house.
02:37And what that does to the steak is it tenderizes the beef and it adds flavor to the steak.
02:41It's just the best scent-to-cut steaks that you can get.
02:44Capitol Grill's steaks are prepared in custom-built infrared broilers to ensure that each cut
02:48is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.
02:52The Capitol Grill's chef-executive partner, Mark Gruberman, told Fort Lauderdale Magazine
02:56that there's more to the process than just placing the meat in the broiler, saying,
02:59"...we really season the steak and place it on the hottest part of the grill.
03:03The high heat results in a crust, which allows all of the flavors and juices to be locked
03:07in."
03:08Gruberman recommends the porcini-rubbed bone-in ribeye with 15-year-aged balsamic, saying,
03:12"...the earthy flavor from the porcini rub is balanced perfectly against the sweetness
03:16and acidity of the aged balsamic."
03:19Preparing steak is a fine art.
03:21It requires a blend of knowledge, skill, and the right equipment.
03:24Ruth's Chris has mastered this delicate balance, beginning with their careful selection of
03:28the finest cuts of USDA Prime beef.
03:30The USDA Prime designation represents the top tier of beef, known for its rich marbling
03:35and tenderness.
03:36To lock in that delicious beefy flavor, the chain uses a high-temperature broiling method,
03:40finishing their steaks at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
03:43The intense heat sears the outside of the steak, creating a crispy crust while sealing
03:47in the juices, keeping the inside of the steak moist and tender.
03:50"...perhaps the only thing as unforgettable as the taste of a Ruth's Chris steak is the
03:56sound of a Ruth's Chris steak."
03:59Each steak is delivered to the table sizzling on a 500-degree Fahrenheit plate to ensure
04:03that it remains at exactly the right temperature throughout the meal.
04:06Additionally, each steak is topped with a dollop of butter and chopped parsley.
04:10The Capitol Grill boasts an impressive wine list that features over 350 options, encompassing
04:15a range of rare bottles from various wine regions across the globe.
04:19In fact, the list includes selections from most wine-growing regions, including Old World
04:23wines from Europe and New World wines from countries such as Australia, Argentina, South
04:28Africa, and Chile.
04:30Capitol Grill guests who don't want to commit to a full bottle can still enjoy a glass or
04:33two of the chain's pours thanks to Coravin pouring technology.
04:37This method allows for six-ounce wine servings without removing the cork, which preserves
04:41the integrity of the wine.
04:42Ruth's Chris offers a selection of wines that complement the restaurant's menu.
04:46While substantial, the chain's wine collection is smaller than that of Capitol Grill.
04:50Ruth's Chris offers more than 30 wines by the glass and over 20 wines by the bottle,
04:54showcasing a variety of both domestic and international pours.
04:58Both Ruth's Chris and Capitol Grill offer a variety of seafood options, but only the
05:02former serves a seafood tower.
05:04The chilled seafood tower comes with Maine lobster, colossal lump crab meat, and jumbo
05:08shrimp.
05:09The Capitol Grill equivalent is the Grand Plateau, featuring North Atlantic lobster,
05:13jumbo lump crab, oysters on the half-shell, and a shrimp cocktail.
05:17Another similar but slightly smaller appetizer is the cold shellfish platter with a pound
05:21of chilled lobster, oysters on the half-shell, and a shrimp cocktail.
05:25The chilled seafood tower at Ruth's Chris has received rave reviews from diners.
05:29One satisfied patron says that the chain nailed it, adding,
05:32"'OMG when it came out my jaw dropped.
05:34I was impressed by the display of food towering to eye level.
05:38Absolutely incredible."
05:39Another diner commented on the generous portion, writing,
05:41"'We had the seafood tower for two and it was really made for four or more.
05:45So much food.'"
05:47Ruth's Chris emphasizes a traditional, homey feel that's perfect for those seeking a comfortable
05:51and leisurely dining experience.
05:53In contrast, Capitol Grill tends to appeal more to those looking for a sleek, high-end
05:57environment, making it the perfect setting for business dinners or adult-only special
06:01occasions.
06:02Both restaurants have a dress code that prohibits athletic wear and excessively revealing clothing.
06:06Ruth's Chris has a special menu for children under 12.
06:09The little ones can select between entrees like grilled salmon, filet medallion, hamburger,
06:13and chicken fingers.
06:14Each main dish comes with either broccoli or french fries and a choice of dessert, but
06:17only if they're well-behaved.
06:18While children are welcome at the Capitol Grill, there's no catering to their culinary
06:29preferences.
06:30A TripAdvisor user explained,
06:31"'The Capitol Grill is a high-end dining establishment, and whilst I'm sure the management
06:36would welcome children, my own view would be that it would be inappropriate for children
06:40under 10 years of age.'"
06:41When it comes to chains, signature dishes often embody a restaurant's culinary style,
06:46helping to define and reinforce its overall image and appeal.
06:49A well-chosen signature dish can become synonymous with a restaurant, elevating it above its
06:53competitors and attracting repeat business, so it's not surprising that both restaurants
06:57offer their versions of the signature steakhouse experience.
07:00The Capitol Grill's menu features Chef's Suggestions that highlight its dry-aged steaks.
07:05These menu items combine high-quality beef with imaginative culinary twists.
07:09For instance, diners can select from options such as the Kona-crusted dry-aged bone-in
07:14New York strip with shallot butter.
07:16Meanwhile, Ruth's Chris has its signature steaks and chops.
07:19This menu section lets diners select from classic offerings such as New York strip,
07:23lamb chops, and tornadoes and shrimp.
07:26Nothing rounds off a sumptuous dining experience like a decadent dessert.
07:29Serving as the final touch to a meal, dessert leaves a lasting impression that shapes the
07:33final perception of a restaurant.
07:35On the other hand, for a restaurant, desserts offer an opportunity to showcase creativity
07:39and flair that distinguishes this business from its competition.
07:42"...and then we have a chocolate chocolate cake that's infused with chocolate served
07:46with chocolate ice cream and a molten chocolate topping."
07:48While chain restaurant menus can vary depending on location, it appears that, overall, Ruth's
07:53Chris boasts a more expansive dessert selection than Capitol Grill.
07:56Some of the sweet treats on Ruth's Chris' dessert menu are classics like creme brulee,
08:00cheesecake, and warm apple crumb tart, but the menu also includes more innovative dishes,
08:05such as the chain's rendition of traditional bread pudding infused with whiskey sauce.
08:09While Capitol Grill's dessert options are more limited, they're just as appealing.
08:12The menu features timeless favorites such as the classic creme brulee and cheesecake,
08:16and there are also more unusual options like the flourless chocolate espresso cake with
08:20fresh raspberries and the coconut cream pie with rum and caramel sauce.
08:24In formal dining settings, soup is often served as a first course of a meal.
08:28It acts as an appetizer, stimulating the appetite and preparing the palate for the dishes that
08:32follow.
08:33Soup can also be the centerpiece of a meal, particularly if they are hearty and packed
08:37with ingredients.
08:38Yeah, we both have so much in common.
08:42We both love soup.
08:44While Ruth's Chris and the Capitol Grill aren't known for their soup offerings, they are steakhouses
08:48after all.
08:49They do offer a small selection of soups, but if you're looking to add soup to your
08:52meal, you're better off dining at the Capitol Grill.
08:55Ruth's Chris only offers one soup on its menu, a creamy lobster bisque topped with chopped
08:59parsley.
09:00The restaurant also offers a rotating soup of the day.
09:02The Capitol Grill, on the other hand, serves a slightly broader selection of soups.
09:06From the comforting warmth of the clam chowder and the creamy indulgence of the lobster bisque
09:10to the cheesy French onion soup, Capitol Grill's soup menu caters to a variety of preferences
09:15and palates.
09:16While both Ruth's Chris and Capitol Grill are renowned for their high-quality steaks,
09:20they also serve a variety of seafood.
09:22One of the more unusual seafood options offered by both chains is lobster mac and cheese.
09:26While you can find the standard mac and cheese at many chain restaurants, you'll be hard
09:30pressed to come across a version of the dish that rivals the decadence of what's served
09:33at these establishments.
09:35Capitol Grill's lobster mac and cheese stands out thanks to its lavish ingredients and exceptional
09:39execution.
09:40The shareable dish features main lobster and a blend of four cheeses.
09:43Those are definitely nice big lobster claw chunks of meat in there.
09:47The menu item seems to have impressed diners, with one satisfied reviewer describing it
09:51as to die for.
09:53Another online reviewer calls the dish the best ever, adding,
09:56It doesn't matter what else we order for dinners, as long as that is one of the sides.
09:59The lobster mac and cheese at Ruth's Chris has received mixed reviews from patrons.
10:03While some have enjoyed the dish, calling it phenomenal and even the best lobster mac
10:07and cheese they've ever tasted, other diners haven't been as impressed.
10:10The biggest complaint seems to be the dish's lack of lobster, with one reviewer saying,
10:14The lobster mac and cheese came in a huge plate, but I couldn't taste any of the lobster,
10:18just the macaroni.
10:20Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and the Capitol Grill share many similarities.
10:24Both establishments pride themselves on their prepared-to-order steaks.
10:27They both specialize in prime cuts of beef and utilize high-heat preparation methods
10:31that render them wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
10:35Additionally, both chains offer a range of seafood options, appetizers, sides, and desserts
10:40that complement their steak selection.
10:42While choosing between the two restaurants boils down to personal taste and preference,
10:45it's our opinion that Capitol Grill has the edge over Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
10:49The Capitol Grill sets itself apart with a more contemporary and sophisticated dining
10:54atmosphere, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.
10:57Moreover, the restaurant boasts a slightly more creative and diverse menu that includes
11:01unique dishes that may not be found at Ruth's Chris.
11:04In addition, wine enthusiasts might find the Capitol Grill more appealing due to its comprehensive
11:08wine list.