Celebrating special occasions often calls for a memorable dining experience. Whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday, or another significant milestone, treating yourself and your loved ones to a lavish meal is a time-honored tradition. And when it comes to indulging in succulent steaks, delectable sides, and fine wines, two iconic steakhouse chains rise above the rest: Ruth’s Chris and Morton’s The Steakhouse. Both establishments are renowned for their upscale dining environments and mouthwatering offerings. But when our readers were asked to choose their favorite for celebrating big anniversaries, Ruth’s Chris emerged as the clear winner.
Ruth’s Chris: The New Orleans Sensation
With over 130 locations across the United States, Ruth’s Chris has earned a special place in the hearts of steak lovers nationwide. Founded in New Orleans, this restaurant chain has mastered the art of creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere for special occasions. Among the 170-plus responders in our recent poll, 22 enthusiastic voters favored Ruth’s Chris.
So, what sets Ruth’s Chris apart from the competition? According to our readers, it’s all about the steak. One commenter couldn’t help but describe their recent experience as “extraordinary.” Others echoed the sentiment, claiming that Ruth’s Chris simply does steak better. But the appeal doesn’t stop there; Ruth’s Chris also offers a diverse menu that includes a mouthwatering sirloin burger and a delightful sea bass dish.
Moreover, Ruth’s Chris distinguishes itself by offering a prix-fixe option on its regular dinner menu, making it an attractive choice for those looking to celebrate without breaking the bank. This feature sets it apart from Morton’s, which limits its prix-fixe options to private events. Additionally, Ruth’s Chris boasts a renowned broiling method for preparing its steaks and chops, ensuring they arrive at the table perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful.
Morton’s The Steakhouse: A Chicago Classic
Founded in Chicago and now operating over 65 locations throughout the country, Morton’s The Steakhouse has earned its own devoted following. While it didn’t secure as many votes as Ruth’s Chris in our poll, with 13 readers expressing their preference for Morton’s, it’s clear that this establishment has its own unique charm.
Fans of Morton’s often point to its delectable side dishes as a major draw. The parmesan and truffle fries, in particular, have earned a reputation as fan favorites. Morton’s also goes the extra mile by offering wine and whiskey-tasting flights to complement its meals, providing diners with a diverse array of pairing options.
Morton’s prix-fixe options, primarily designed for private events, might not be as accessible for those seeking a special occasion meal. However, its extensive selection of sides and beverage pairings make it an attractive choice for those with specific preferences in mind.
A Split Decision: Some Prefer Both
Notably, some of our readers found it impossible to choose between Ruth’s Chris and Morton’s. For them, either restaurant would make an excellent choice, and their indecision highlights the unique strengths of each establishment.
“It’s hard to decide. We’ve enjoyed eating at both,” one commenter remarked. This sentiment is a testament to the exceptional experiences that both Ruth’s Chris and Morton’s The Steakhouse offer to their patrons. Whether it’s Ruth’s Chris’ commitment to flavorful steaks or Morton’s dedication to impressive sides and pairings, both restaurants have their merits.
Local Favorites and Alternative Options
While Ruth’s Chris and Morton’s are standout choices for special occasions, some of our Facebook commenters opted for local steakhouses or alternative options. The Capital Grille, an upscale fine-dining chain, received seven mentions as a preferred destination for special occasion meals. Fleming’s, a 64-location chophouse chain with roots in Newport Beach, California, was declared the go-to choice by six readers.
A couple of commenters expressed their loyalty to Peter Luger, an old-school steakhouse that has been a beloved Brooklyn, New York institution since 1887. These local gems serve as a reminder that exceptional steakhouse experiences can be found in various corners of the country, often with distinctive regional flair.
The DIY Approach
Surprisingly, a handful of our poll respondents expressed a preference for celebrating special occasions at home, rather than dining out at a high-end steakhouse. They emphasized the joy of cooking a celebratory meal themselves, highlighting the wealth of celebration-worthy steak recipes available for home chefs.
Whether it’s a perfectly seared steak or a beautifully crafted steakhouse-inspired meal, these individuals showcased their culinary prowess and affirmed that celebrating at home can be just as memorable as dining out.