Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, located inside Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, is a romantic fine dining restaurant featuring steak and seafood options, along with an extensive wine list. The restaurant, only 20 minutes from Iowa City, is named after one of the founding family members of the casino.
The atmosphere at Ruthie’s is very romantic and charming, with candles and flowers on each table and dim lighting. Thanks to its upscale feel, it is a great option for hotel or casino guests or those who want a nice date night. Currently, the whole restaurant is decorated for the holiday season, which makes it very inviting.
To start your meal, you will be served a complimentary warm bread basket that includes various breads and a whipped butter flight. The butter trio is house made and includes plain, Oreo chocolate and black pepper garlic. An item on the starter menu that is a must try is the beef tip tartare. It comes with three crostini topped with beef tips, arugula and bleu cheese crumbles. The beef tips are incredibly tender and juicy, the arugula adds a bit of freshness and the bleu cheese incorporates a slight tang. This dish is extremely flavorful with an elegant presentation.
As mentioned, the menu is primarily steak and seafood, including “build your own” section of the menu called “Steak & Chops.” Whatever you choose, will leaving you feeling very full and satisfied. The Maryland Ribeye is a top choice, which is a 14-oz. ribeye steak served to your liking; it is topped with lump crab and a side of broccoli. The steak is juicy and consistently cooked throughout, with a nice sear on the outside and perfect grill marks. The Del Mar Risotto is a very filling dish, brimming with seafood; it features a lobster tail on top of the bed of risotto, along with blue prawn, lump crab and peas mixed into the slightly sweet, rich risotto. Any entrée choice can also include a family-style side as an option.
Guests will be surprised at the large portions at this upscale restaurant. The menu changes seasonally, which is a great excuse to keep coming back. Ruthie’s is open 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Ruthie’s is closed on Mondays.
For more information on Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, visit www.riversidecasinoandresort.com.