Ruth's Chris Steak House - Kansas City
Prime Beef, Predictable Pours, No Surprises
Country Club Plaza · Kansas City · American Steakhouse
Reviewed March 27, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list here reads exactly like you'd expect from a national steakhouse chain — heavy on Napa Cabs, a respectable Champagne section, and almost nothing that'll make you stop and say 'wait, what is that?' It's polished, it's safe, and it was clearly built to sell bottles to people who already know what they like. That's not a knock, exactly — it's just the truth.
Selection Deep Dive
The list runs 150-250 bottles with a clear Napa Valley backbone and a solid Champagne lineup anchored by Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Charles Heidsieck, and Dom Perignon for the celebrators. Red wine depth leans heavily American — Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir are the crowd favorites, and they're here for a reason. The Catena Malbec gives you an Argentina nod, but don't come looking for Jura oddities or grower Champagne rabbit holes. This is a list curated for a specific customer, and it delivers exactly that — no more.
By the Glass
Somewhere in the 15-25 range for glass pours, which is respectable for a steakhouse. Expect the usual suspects — a Cab, a Pinot, a Chardonnay, and probably a Champagne option to kick off the evening. Rotation feels static; this isn't a list that's being refreshed weekly with whatever the floor staff is excited about.
Bodega Catena Zapata 'Catena' Malbec — $55
In a list dominated by Napa markups, the Catena Malbec tends to be the most fairly priced red on the table. It's a serious bottle from a serious producer — dense, structured, and built for exactly the kind of beef coming off these 500-degree plates.
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve
Everyone goes straight for the Veuve or splurges on the Dom, but Charles Heidsieck quietly outperforms both at its price point. It's richer, more complex, and frankly more interesting than the Yellow Label — most tables walk right past it.
Dom Perignon
Iconic name, four-times retail markup, and you're drinking it in a loud steakhouse. The Dom deserves better, and so does your wallet. Save it for somewhere that'll actually let you appreciate it.
Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon + USDA Prime Ribeye
Frank Family's Cab is built for exactly this moment — it's got the fruit weight and structure to stand up to a heavily marbled, butter-finished ribeye without getting lost. It's the most honest pairing on the menu.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Ruth's Chris Kansas City is a reliable steakhouse wine list doing exactly what it's supposed to do — nobody's getting hurt, nobody's getting surprised. If you're here for the beef and want a bottle that won't embarrass you, you'll find it; just don't expect the list to be the reason you came.
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