Ruth's Chris Steak House
Big List, Big Steaks, Predictable Markups
Downtown · Charleston · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 27, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Over 200 labels sounds impressive until you realize this is a national chain and the list is basically the same whether you're in Charleston, WV or Charlotte, NC. That said, it's a well-organized, well-stocked list that covers enough ground to keep a table of mixed drinkers happy. The real question is whether you want to pay chain-steakhouse prices for it.
Selection Deep Dive
The list leans hard into California reds and classic Champagne, which makes sense given the ribeye-forward menu. You'll find French heavy-hitters like Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Dom Perignon anchoring the bubbly section, while the Rhone makes a welcome appearance for anyone who wants something outside the Napa bubble. There's a nod to Italy via the Collevento 921 Pinot Grigio and even an unexpected Niagara option in the Reif Estates White Sands, which is genuinely interesting on a list like this. Gaps show up in the natural wine department and anywhere south of California domestically — this is not a list built for exploration.
By the Glass
Fifteen pours by the glass is respectable, running $14–$30, though the top end of that range starts to feel aggressive when you're ordering a second round. The Gruet Brut Rosé is a smart inclusion at the more accessible end — it's from New Mexico and punches above its price point. Rotation appears minimal; don't expect much seasonal freshness here.
Gruet Brut Rosé — $14/glass (est.)
Gruet is one of the most underrated sparkling producers in the country — made in New Mexico using traditional method, it's a legitimate Champagne alternative at a fraction of the cost. On a list full of $100+ bubbly options, this one is the move.
Reif Estates White Sands, Niagara
A Canadian Niagara wine on a West Virginia steakhouse list is the last thing you'd expect, and that's exactly why you should order it. Niagara's cool-climate whites are criminally underappreciated in the US, and this one is worth the curiosity tax.
Dom Perignon
Dom at a chain steakhouse is going to cost you well over $300 and the markup will be punishing. If you want to celebrate, Gruet or Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label will do the job without the four-figure regret.
Rhone (red) + Ribeye
A Rhone red — think Grenache-forward with earthy depth and dark fruit — cuts through the fat of a well-marbled ribeye without the tannic hammer of a big Napa Cab. It's a smarter pairing than the obvious California red and usually easier on your wallet too.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Ruth's Chris in Charleston delivers exactly what you'd expect: a deep-enough list, steep-enough markups, and a dependable experience that won't surprise you in any direction. It's a solid choice when someone else is paying, but hunt for the value pours if the check is yours.
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