Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Ruth's Chris Steak House

45 School St

Last inspected Nov 9, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More Issues RecentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

Quick Answers

When was Ruth's Chris Steak House last inspected?: The most recent inspection on record was on Nov 9, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Failed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?: Yes: 5 violations recorded, none marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?: 15 inspections on record, from Dec 13, 2023 to Nov 9, 2026.
Has Ruth's Chris Steak House ever been closed by the health department?: No closure appears in the 15 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Dec 13, 2023.

The Full Inspection History

15 inspections

Inspection

Nov 9, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Clean under the bench seating to remove evidence of mouse droppings.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

minorCode 590.005/5-501.13-COther

Official Wording

Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s Notes

There is a dumpster outside that has a missing(broken)wheel.Repair/replace dumpster There were lids open at the dumpster location.Maintain lids closed (PIC corrected)

In Plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official Wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Install a door in the back stairwell entering the main dining room to prevent any pest entry

In Plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

There was evidence of pest activity observed in the lower level board room(droppings under the bench seat cushions.) (The most recent pest report from 11.5.26 also stated activity & captures)(report was provided for review report stating all exclusionary measures were taken & remedied) Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection.

In Plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Secure all CO2 tanks

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 9, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 19, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official Wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Install a door in the back stairwell entering the main dining room to prevent any pest entry

In Plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted moderate mice droppings on the floor in the basement mechanical room.Remove and provide detail IPM style report by the licensed pest technician

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 19, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 21, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official Wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Install a door in the back stairwell entering the main dining room to prevent any pest entry

In Plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted moderate mice droppings on the floor in the basement mechanical room.Remove and provide detail IPM style report by the licensed pest technician

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

minorCode 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official Wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted a dead mice in the mechanical room in the basement.Call a licensed pest technician to remove

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 21, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 18, 2026

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official Wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Install a door in the back stairwell entering the main dining room to prevent any pest entry

In Plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted moderate mice droppings on the floor in the basement mechanical room.Remove and provide detail IPM style report by the licensed pest technician

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

minorCode 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official Wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted a dead mice in the mechanical room in the basement.Call a licensed pest technician to remove

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 18, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 20, 2025

Passed

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted no visible air gap in the prep sink.Provide

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Repair tile in the Server station near the dish machine. Repair tiles infront of the freezer door.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 20, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 12, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

4 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official Wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted Sirloin steak recorded temperature at 46F stored about 30 Min ago. Monitor the tempearure and minimize the product stored during service.

In Plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Refrigeration on the cook line reading 45F on the temperature ddevice in the unit.Repair

In Plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted no visible air gap in the prep sink.Provide

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Repair tile in the Server station near the dish machine. Repair tiles infront of the freezer door.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 12, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 1, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

4 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official Wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted Sirloin steak recorded temperature at 46F stored about 30 Min ago. Monitor the tempearure and minimize the product stored during service.

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Refrigeration on the cook line reading 45F on the temperature ddevice in the unit.Repair

In Plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted no visible air gap in the prep sink.Provide

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Repair tile in the Server station near the dish machine. Repair tiles infront of the freezer door.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 1, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 29, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

8 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official Wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted crab cakes and Lobster tail at 60F stored a night before in the refrigerator.Monitor/Repair Voluntarily discarded by the PIC

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-301.11-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Refrigeration broken underneath the rail in the pantry station. Repair

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Dish machine at the bar not dispensing detergent empty container.Provide COS by the PIC Dish machine at the bar/Server station recorded 0PPM with the chlorine strip.Repair

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Provide drain plugs for 3 bay sink a the bar. Hand sink at the dish machine leaking.Repair

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted no visible air gap in the prep sink.Provide

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No soap available in the hand sink in the bar area.Provide COS by the PIC

In Plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official Wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Repair tile in the Server station near the dish machine. Repair tiles infront of the freezer door.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official Wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Quat sanitizer at the 3 bay sink in the dish area recorded 500PPM with the sanitizer strip. Repair

In Plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 29, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 22, 2025

Failed

8 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official Wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted crab cakes and Lobster tail at 60F stored a night before in the refrigerator.Monitor/Repair Voluntarily discarded by the PIC

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-301.11-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Refrigeration broken underneath the rail in the pantry station. Repair

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Dish machine at the bar not dispensing detergent empty container.Provide COS by the PIC Dish machine at the bar/Server station recorded 0PPM with the chlorine strip.Repair

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Provide drain plugs for 3 bay sink a the bar. Hand sink at the dish machine leaking.Repair

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Noted no visible air gap in the prep sink.Provide

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No soap available in the hand sink in the bar area.Provide COS by the PIC

In Plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official Wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Repair tile in the Server station near the dish machine. Repair tiles infront of the freezer door. No light shields in the server station and dish area.Provide/Repair Missing ceiling tiles near the hood above the stand in refrigerator.Repair

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official Wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Quat sanitizer at the 3 bay sink in the dish area recorded 500PPM with the sanitizer strip. Repair

In Plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 22, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 16, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood stickers expired in April / June have hoods cleaned by licensed hood cleaning company with BFD

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 16, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 23, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood stickers expired in April / June have hoods cleaned by licensed hood cleaning company with BFD

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 23, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 9, 2024

Failed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood stickers expired in April / June have hoods cleaned by licensed hood cleaning company with BFD

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 9, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 3, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 3, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 19, 2023

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-501.13-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Thawing (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Reduced Oxygen Packaged fish thawed under refrigeration in packaging. Pierce or remove packaging prior to thawing.

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood sticker expired. Provide cleaning date

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 19, 2023 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 13, 2023

Failed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-501.13-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Thawing (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Reduced Oxygen Packaged fish thawed under refrigeration in packaging. Pierce or remove packaging prior to thawing.

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood sticker expired. Provide cleaning date

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 13, 2023 · Original Source