You’re standing in the grocery store gift card aisle, staring at that black-and-gold card. Or maybe you just received a digital version in your inbox. It promises 500-degree sizzling plates and USDA Prime beef. But honestly, most people treat a Ruth Chris Steak House gift card like a simple "swipe and eat" plastic ticket without realizing there are some weird quirks to how they actually work.
Things changed a bit recently. Since Darden Restaurants—the behemoth behind Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse—acquired Ruth’s Chris, the ecosystem for these cards has shifted. It’s not just about a steak dinner anymore; it’s about navigating a massive corporate network while trying to keep that "boutique" steakhouse feel.
The Darden Connection: Can You Use It for Breadsticks?
Here is the kicker: because Darden now owns the brand, your Ruth Chris Steak House gift card is technically a member of a much larger family.
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In most cases, a card purchased at a Ruth’s Chris in the United States can actually be redeemed at other Darden-owned spots. We're talking Yard House, The Capital Grille, or even Seasons 52. However, there’s a catch. If you have an older card, one issued before the 2023 acquisition, it might only work at Ruth’s locations.
It’s confusing. I know.
If you look at the back of the card, check for the Darden logo or mention of "Darden SV, Inc." That’s your green light to use it across their portfolio. If it doesn't have it, play it safe and stick to the steakhouse.
The "International" Trap
Don't try to take your U.S. gift card to the Ruth’s Chris in Toronto or Cancun. It won't work. Gift cards are almost always currency-locked and region-locked. Canadian locations have their own separate gift card system. It’s a major bummer if you were planning a vacation dinner, but that’s the reality of international franchising.
Checking Your Balance Without the Headache
Nothing kills the vibe of a $100 ribeye faster than a "declined" message at the end of the night. You’ve got three ways to check a Ruth Chris Steak House gift card balance, and one of them is significantly better than the others.
- The Online Portal: This is the standard. You go to the official site, punch in the 16-digit number and the PIN.
- The Phone Call: You can call 1-877-500-9706. It’s an automated system. It’s fine, but waiting for the prompts is annoying.
- The In-Restaurant Ask: Honestly, just do this if you’re already there. The servers can run a "balance inquiry" without actually charging the card.
A quick tip: if your card doesn't have a PIN (some very old ones don't), you usually can't check it online. You’ll have to go into a physical location or call their guest services line.
Buying Strategies: Stop Paying Full Price
Why pay $100 for a $100 gift card?
If you’re strategic, you never have to. Around the holidays—usually from November through late December—Ruth’s Chris almost always runs a "bonus" promotion. Generally, if you buy $200 in cards, they’ll toss in a $40 "seasonal bonus" card.
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Wait! Read the fine print on those bonus cards.
Unlike the primary Ruth Chris Steak House gift card, which never expires by law in most states, those "bonus" cards are actually promotional certificates. They usually have a very tight window for use—often between January 1st and March 31st. If you don't use it by the deadline, that $40 vanishes. It’s a classic "use it or lose it" scenario.
You can also find deals on secondary markets like Card Depot or Raise. Sometimes you can snag a card for 4% to 7% off. It’s not a fortune, but it covers the tip.
The Problem With Online Ordering
Here is something that surprises people: you often cannot use a Ruth Chris Steak House gift card for online "To-Go" orders through their website.
I found this out the hard way. The online checkout system is frequently set up to only handle credit cards or specific third-party delivery apps. If you want to use your gift card for a carry-out order, your best bet is to call the restaurant directly. Place the order over the phone and tell them you’ll be paying with a gift card when you arrive.
It feels a bit old-school, but it saves the frustration of getting to the final checkout screen online and realizing there’s no place to put your card number.
What Happens if You Lose It?
Basically, you're out of luck.
Unless you have the original receipt or the card is registered (which most aren't), a lost Ruth Chris Steak House gift card is like losing cash. Darden’s official policy is that they aren't responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cards.
However, if you bought an e-gift card, you’re in a much better spot. You can just search your email for the original delivery link. If you accidentally deleted the email, the purchaser can usually contact the gift card support line (usually handled by a third-party like CashStar) to have it resent.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're sitting on a card right now, don't just let it gather dust in your junk drawer. Here is how to handle it like a pro:
- Screenshot the Digital Card: If you have an e-gift card, take a screenshot of the barcode and the numbers. Restaurant Wi-Fi or cellular dead zones in basement-level dining rooms can make it impossible to pull up an email when the bill arrives.
- Verify the Location: A few Ruth’s Chris locations are still independently franchised and might have different rules about Darden-wide redemption. A quick 10-second phone call to the host stand can confirm they accept the card you have.
- Combine With Happy Hour: Ruth’s Chris has a legendary "Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl" happy hour. Using a gift card there makes your money go twice as far. You can get a full-sized steak sandwich and a cocktail for a fraction of the dinner price.
- Check the Darden App: If your card is the newer Darden-branded version, you can sometimes upload it to the Darden "Taco" app or similar brand apps to keep track of the balance more easily.
Whether you're treating yourself or giving a gift, the Ruth Chris Steak House gift card is a solid choice for a high-end meal. Just remember that the "bonus" cards have expiration dates, and the physical ones are essentially cash—treat them with the same respect you'd give a hundred-dollar bill.