Steakhouse prices scaring you off, but you still want that Ruth’s Chris experience? Good news. Their happy hour, officially called “Ruth’s Hour,” makes the fine-dining thing a lot more affordable. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
What Time Is Happy Hour at Ruth’s Chris?
Happy hour at Ruth’s Chris runs daily, starting around 4:00 p.m. and wrapping up by 6:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy discounted small plates or full-sized steaks when dining in the bar or lounge between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily.
That’s a pretty generous window compared to most restaurants. Two and a half hours is plenty of time to grab a drink and unwind after work.
Here’s a simple breakdown by day, since a few locations trim the schedule slightly on weekends:
| Day | Typical Happy Hour Window | Notes |
| Monday | 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Standard schedule |
| Tuesday | 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Standard schedule |
| Wednesday | 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Standard schedule |
| Thursday | 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Standard schedule |
| Friday | 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Bar fills up fast |
| Saturday | Varies by location | Some end at 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | Varies by location | Confirm locally |
Since happy hour hours can vary slightly by location, it’s always smart to check your specific restaurant before heading out.
What Is “Ruth’s Hour” Actually?
Ruth’s Chris doesn’t use the generic “happy hour” label much. They brand it as “Ruth’s @ The Bar,” marketed under the tagline “Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl.” Same idea, fancier packaging.
It’s a nice bit of branding, honestly. It signals that even the discount menu still feels like a Ruth’s Chris experience, not a stripped-down version of one.
The name might change how it’s marketed, but the goal stays the same: good food, good drinks, lower prices, bar seating only.
What’s on the Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour Menu?
The menu focuses on bar bites and a few signature dishes, not a shortened version of dinner. Ruth’s Chris offers an array of promotionally priced bar bites and signature dishes designed to pair with your drink of choice.
A quick pricing note: when this happy hour launched in 2012, everything on the menu was a flat $7. Prices have climbed since then, and most items now fall in the $9 to $14 range, depending on the item and location.
| Menu Item | Price (Approx.) | What You Get |
| Prime Burger | $9–$12 | Steakhouse beef patty, brioche bun, served with fries |
| Steak Sandwich | $9–$13 | Sliced filet, béarnaise sauce, garlic bread |
| Spicy Shrimp | $8–$11 | Small plate, pairs well with cocktails |
| Tenderloin Skewers | $8–$11 | Small plate, lighter option |
| Prime Sliders (3-pack) | $8–$10 | Mini burgers, prime beef, no toppings |
Prices shift by city and by year, so treat these as a starting range, not a fixed menu. Always check the in-restaurant menu, since happy hour prices are usually printed in red for easy spotting.
How Much Do Drinks Cost During Ruth’s Hour?
Drinks follow a similar pattern. Flat pricing used to be the norm, and it’s crept up slowly over the years, same as the food side.
| Drink Type | Price (Approx.) | Notes |
| Hand-Crafted Cocktails | $8–$10 | Classic Cosmo, Manhattan, Moscow Mule |
| House Wine (glass) | $7–$9 | Usually one red, one white option |
| Draft & Bottled Beer | $5–$7 | Standard happy hour pour |
| Mocktails | $10–$11 | Alcohol-free, full flavor |
Same rule applies here: your local price may run a dollar or two higher or lower. City location, state taxes, and even the specific Ruth’s Chris franchise all play a role.
Is Happy Hour the Same Every Day of the Week?
Mostly yes, with small tweaks. Happy hour food pricing is offered in the bar and lounge only, and it’s available daily until 6:30 p.m. That daily availability is actually rare for a fine-dining brand.
Weekend hours are where things shift slightly. A few locations trim the window by 30 minutes on Saturday or Sunday, so it pays to double-check.
Either way, you’re not limited to a single “happy hour day” like some casual chains. Ruth’s Chris keeps the deal running seven days a week.
Can You Get Happy Hour Pricing on Takeout?
No, and this is a common mix-up. Happy hour pricing is exclusively for dine-in guests seated at the bar, and takeout orders are charged standard menu prices.
So if you’re thinking about ordering a discounted burger to go, that math doesn’t work here. The deal is tied to the seat, not the food itself.
If saving money matters to you, plan to actually sit down at the bar or lounge during the window.
Do You Need a Reservation for Ruth’s Hour?
Nope, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Happy hour seating at the bar is first-come, first-served, since Ruth’s Chris doesn’t take reservations for that specific area.
This means popular locations can fill up fast, especially on Fridays right after work lets out. Getting there closer to 4:00 p.m. gives you better odds of snagging a seat.
If the bar is packed, you can usually still wait it out at a high-top table nearby. Just know the clock is ticking on that 6:30 cutoff.
What If You Miss the Happy Hour Window?
Don’t panic, there’s a backup option at many locations. Some restaurants run a separate prix fixe menu, available Sunday through Thursday during early evening hours, typically including a starter, entrée, and side.
This isn’t the same as happy hour, but it serves a similar purpose. It’s a full seated meal at a set price, aimed at early diners rather than bar hoppers.
Options for the entrée often include a filet, salmon, or stuffed chicken breast. That’s a solid deal for a brand known for premium steaks.
Best Food and Drink Pairings to Try
If you’re new to Ruth’s Hour, a little pairing guidance goes a long way. Steakhouse bar food is meant to be shared, so don’t be shy about ordering a few things.
Start with the Spicy Shrimp if you like a little heat, or the Tenderloin Skewers if you want something closer to the classic Ruth’s Chris steak flavor. Both pair well with a glass of red wine.
The Prime Burger is the move if you want something filling without ordering a full entrée. Pair it with a hand-crafted cocktail, and you’ve basically built a mini steakhouse meal for a fraction of dinner pricing.
- Spicy Shrimp + a dry red wine
- Steak Sandwich + a classic Old Fashioned
- Tenderloin Skewers + a light cocktail or beer
- Prime Burger + a bold red or a cold draft beer
Splitting two or three small plates between two people usually works out better than ordering one large item each.
Tips to Make the Most of Ruth’s Hour
- Arrive right at 4:00 p.m. to beat the after-work crowd to bar seating.
- Ask your server which items are currently marked in red on the happy hour menu, since offerings shift by location.
- Skip takeout if you’re trying to save money. The discount is dine-in only.
- Call ahead on weekends to confirm whether your location ends happy hour at 6:00 or 6:30 p.m.
- Pair a discounted cocktail with a shareable bite instead of ordering a full plate solo.
Also read:
BJ’s Brewhouse Happy Hour 2026: Menu, Times and Deals
Cheesecake Factory Happy Hour 2026: Times, Menu and Deals
Final Thoughts
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour proves that fine dining doesn’t always need a fine-dining budget. With a daily 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. window, bar-only seating, and a menu built around shareable bites and hand-crafted cocktails, it’s one of the better upscale deals available in 2026.
Just remember the basics: no reservations, no takeout pricing, and hours that can shift slightly by location and by ownership type. A quick call ahead keeps surprises to a minimum, and the rest is just showing up hungry.
FAQs
What time does Ruth’s Chris happy hour start and end?
Most locations run it daily from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., though some restaurants adjust the end time slightly on weekends.
Is Ruth’s Chris happy hour available every day?
Yes, it’s offered daily in the bar and lounge, which is unusual for a fine-dining brand.
Can I order happy hour food for takeout?
No. Happy hour pricing applies only to guests dining in at the bar or lounge.
Do I need a reservation for the happy hour bar seating?
No, seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is your best bet.
Why do prices and hours differ between locations?
Ruth’s Chris operates a mix of company-owned and franchise-owned restaurants, and franchise owners have some flexibility on hours and pricing.
Is the happy hour food just small plates?
Mostly, but a few heartier options like the Prime Burger and Steak Sandwich are also included.
Are there non-alcoholic drink options during happy hour?
Yes, Ruth’s Chris has added mocktails to the menu for guests who want the experience without the alcohol.
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