Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Raleigh, NC, Ruth's Chris Steak House has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Ruth's Chris Steak House. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Solo diners should head straight for the counter — the cooks will keep you entertained and the line moves fastest there.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Raleigh, Ruth's Chris Steak House is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Tips from the regulars
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Ruth's Chris Steak House open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Ruth's Chris Steak House typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Ruth's Chris Steak House take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Raleigh are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Ruth's Chris Steak House kid-friendly?
Yes — Ruth's Chris Steak House welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Ruth's Chris Steak House serve?
It's classified under american, steak_house — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Raleigh.
Is there outdoor seating at Ruth's Chris Steak House?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at Raleigh, NC. Coordinates: 35.8380, -78.6442. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.