Ruth's Chris Steak House
2961 Michelson Drive
Irvine, CA
(949) 252-8848

We'd love to give the prize to a more local eatery, but we must give credit where credit is due.  Yes, the steaks are overpriced, but for complete steak nirvana there is nothing like Ruth's Chris Steak House.

Ruth's Chris Steak House serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA Prime beef.   The steaks are broiled in their trademark 1,800° oven and served on a very hot plate so that your steak is always presented sizzling hot at your table.  If you eschew beef, the menu includes select fresh seafood and other meat entrees, including seasonal specialties like Venison and Garlic Encrusted Halibut.  A variety of fresh-cooked vegetables, including seven kinds of potatoes, salads, homemade desserts & an extensive selection of over 100 domestic & imported wines complete your dining experience.  The problem I have though, having experienced the filet (pictured above), it's hard to bring myself to order anything else because I know I'll be missing out on the filet.

Ruth's Chris (RC) serves everything a la carte, so you'll need a few additions.  For an appetizer, I've enjoyed both the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and the Mushrooms Stuffed with Crabmeat (broiled mushroom caps with jumbo lump crab stuffing sprinkled with Romano cheese).

For your side, the Sliced Tomato and Onion (a sliced beefsteak tomato on a medley of lettuces, topped with sliced red onions, vinaigrette and bleu cheese crumbles) is something very simple and light to accompany the meat.  For a potato, the mashed are a popular favorite, but I love the Steak Fries.

I've already drooled over the filet, but the Ribeye is also very good (as are all the steaks for that matter).

I can't say that I go to RC for the desserts, especially after such a heavy meal, but I've sampled the Chocolate Sin Cake and it was, well, chocolaty.

For all you fans of Morton's Steakhouse, we acknowledge that fine establishment and thoroughly enjoy the steaks there as well.  After our next visit, the tide may well turn, but for today, the glory goes to Ruth's Chris Steak House, which we proclaim the Best Steakhouse in and around Tustin.

-- Dors Venabili