Ruth’s Chris Steak House is now open and serving up its sizzling beef fare in Downtown Long Beach, the chain announced today, almost two and a half years after officials shared their plans for the space.

The 8,075-square-foot high-end steakhouse, located on the ground floor of the former Salvation Army building at 180 E. Ocean Blvd., features three main dining rooms, a bar, an outdoor patio and two private dining rooms that can be used for personal and family gatherings, business meetings and more.

The restaurant’s construction was part of a larger renovation of the 12-story building, which was sold by the Salvation Army to Thrifty Oil Co. five years ago for $35.8 million.

“We are honored to bring this new Ruth’s Chris location to Long Beach and serve the community and those that live in and around the area,” General Manager Wendi Thompson said in a statement. “Ruth’s Chris offers its guests a one-of-a-kind experience – whether they’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying an intimate dinner.”

Like the more than 150 Ruth’s Chris locations around the world, the Long Beach location will serve up a variety of USDA Prime beef cuts on 500-degree plates. The restaurant chain’s specialty cuts include a bone-in filet, a bone-in New York strip and a massive 40-ounce tomahawk ribeye.

Ruth’s Chris also serves lamb chops, shrimp, crab and lobster tail. The restaurant features around 250 wines and more than a dozen signature cocktails.

The entryway to Ruth’s Chris Steak House gets shined up as the new restaurant is now open in Long Beach Monday, August 1, 2022. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.

“This location is our first in Long Beach, representing an exciting expansion in Southern California that further entrenches us in the area’s fine dining scene,” Cheryl Henry, president and CEO of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming new guests, as well as those who are already familiar with and passionate about our brand.”

Guests should be sure to adhere to the restaurant’s dress code. While the steak house describes its atmosphere as “comfortable, family friendly and welcoming,” some apparel is not permitted, including clothing with offensive graphics and language, exposed underwear, cut-off shorts, tank tops and ball caps.

The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 4-10 p.m. and Sundays from 4-9 p.m., as well as a happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Sunday through Friday.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House as the new restaurant is now open in Long Beach Monday, August 1, 2022. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.

Brandon Richardson is a reporter and photojournalist for the Long Beach Post and Long Beach Business Journal.