Texas Roadhouse Vs Ruth's Chris: Which Has More Seafood Options?

Beyond the broad categorization of "steakhouse," Texas Roadhouse and Ruth's Chris don't necessarily have much in common. Texas Roadhouse, American's favorite casual restaurant, would definitely be considered an entry-level eatery. Most entrées come with two sides, prices are on the lower end, and the vibes are fun and relaxed. Ruth's Chris also serves steaks, but that's where the similarities end. Despite being a chain, Ruth's Chris aims for a more refined dining experience where visitors might celebrate an upscale date night or special occasion, sides are à la carte, and menu prices are quite a bit loftier. As a bonus, Ruth's Chris makes steaks melt in your mouth with 500-degree plates and a butter finish.

A pricier steakhouse isn't necessarily "better" than a casual one. If you are in the market for a seafood dinner, however, you will find quite a bit more in the way of choices over at Ruth's Chris. The Texas Roadhouse "Dockside Favorites" section of the menu has only three basic oceanic proteins: grilled salmon, fried catfish, and grilled shrimp. The grilled shrimp can also be served with steak as a surf-and-turf dish. Over at Ruth's Chris, on the other hand, you can pick from not only a greater number of seafood options, but some more lavish choices as well. There's Chilean sea bass, crab cakes, and a salmon/shrimp dish, and that doesn't touch the appetizer choices: calamari, ahi tuna, shrimp in multiple preparations, and a chilled seafood tower.

Again, comparing Texas Roadhouse to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is an "apples to oranges" proposition that doesn't do justice to either establishment. It's not surprising that Ruth's Chris has both more seafood in a greater variety of permutations than Texas Roadhouse, as it is a higher-end restaurant and, therefore, its patrons expect finer choices. Texas Roadhouse is in the business of delivering a good time: a Western-y saloon atmosphere where diners can kick back with a cold beer, clap for line-dancing servers, and maybe catch a sports game. Grilled salmon and fried catfish are apropos for the setting. Over at Ruth's Chris, however, the couple celebrating a job promotion or milestone anniversary with expensive wine would gravitate towards a more refined selection like Chilean sea bass. The French fries pictured on the Texas Roadhouse menu are neither offered nor missed.

When you have a yen for seafood, it pays to ask yourself what you're willing to spend and what sort of atmosphere you want to enjoy it in. Texas Roadhouse is literally half the price of Ruth's Chris when it comes to seafood, but you are getting literally half as many options, as well. Very few people are likely to expect a 1-to-1 tradeoff between these two restaurants, however, so we can't be mad at either Texas Roadhouse for sticking to what's simple and widely pleasing, or at Ruth's Chris for commanding premium pricing for a fancier array of seafood delights. While Texas Roadhouse holds its own when it comes to menu options — it not only has a better deal on ribs than Outback Steakhouse, but more choices as well — you aren't exactly spoiled for decisions when it comes to the fruits of the ocean.