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A97

RUTHS CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

222 S TRYON ST, Charlotte, NC 28202
Restaurant · NC permit/State ID 20600110640
Latest gradeA (97)
Last inspectedOct 9, 2026
Inspections on record10
On record sinceApr 18, 2023

Score history

7085100 Apr 18, 2023: 97Aug 29, 2023: 98.5Jan 16, 2024: 98.5May 30, 2024: 97.5Oct 29, 2024: 97Feb 24, 2025: 98.5Jun 27, 2025: 98.5Oct 24, 2025: 98.5Feb 19, 2026: 97Oct 9, 2026: 97
Apr 18, 2023Higher is betterOct 9, 2026

Inspections & violations

Oct 9, 2026 A 97 · 4 violations
#15 · Food separated & protected −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11 (A)(2) Separate types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display. -P. Raw pork belly stored above white cheese sauce and shredded cheese in reach in cooler. Raw ahi tuna stored above RTE shredded carrots in salad cooler. CDI - Storage order in both coolers rearranged. For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#20 · Proper cooling time & temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.14(A) Quickly cool cooked foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. -P. Three containers of white cheese sauce sauce recorded above 41F from cooling overnight. Failed to cool in proper window. CDI - Discarded. For more information please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf Three containers of white cheese sauce cooled improperly in pans with Silan wrap on product. Was not portioned out, not uncovered and no active stirring. CDI - Discarded For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-501.12 Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. Two red cuttting boards scarred and in need of replacement.

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Feb 19, 2026 A 97 · 5 violations
#6 · Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use
Corrected during inspection
2-401.11 (A) Employees shall eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and other items needing protection can not result. Personal drink stored on ice machine lid at bar. CDI - Drink removed.
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it has not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P The PIC should train and assign staff to monitor date marking to prevent the use of food products that are no longer in compliance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C) Lobster bisque, French onion soup, and mashed potatoes did not have a date. CDI - Dated as PIC knew date of prep. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used −1
Corrected during inspection
7-102.11 Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers.-Pf Two chemical bottles unlabeled. CDI - Labeled
#40 · Personal cleanliness
Corrected during inspection
2-402.11 Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Two employees not wearing a beard guard. CDI - Beard guard put on.
#43 · In-use utensils: properly stored −0.5
Corrected during inspection
3-304.12 (F) Containers of water used for storing in-use utensils must be maintained at a temperature of at least 135 F and cleaned at least every 24 hours or when container has accumulated soil or residue. In use utensils stored in water recorded <135F. CDI - Utensils removed and washed in sink.

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Oct 24, 2025 A 98.5 · 3 violations
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P Bar dish machine recorded at 0ppm chlorine. Called for repair. VR to ensure compliance. Facility will wash dishes in main dish machine until repaired. For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY
#41 · Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Corrected during inspection
3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Wet cloth resting on cutting board.
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
4-901.11(A) Air dry equipment and utensils after cleaning and sanitizing. Minor wet stacking of bowls and plates observed. Allow for air drying

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Jun 27, 2025 A 98.5 · 4 violations
#6 · Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use
Corrected during inspection
2-401.11 (A) Employees shall eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and other items needing protection can not result. Employee drink stored on high shelf near salad area. CDI - Removed.
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. Some plates and one knife soiled. CDI - Taken to dish Machine for cleaning. REPEAT For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Lettuce and tomatoes recorded above 41F in ice bath. CDI - Discarded. Product overstacked. For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#40 · Personal cleanliness
2-402.11 Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Employee with beard not wearing a beard guard. Wear a beard guard.

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Feb 24, 2025 A 98.5 · 4 violations
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Corrected during inspection
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. Observed several blade on food dicers/spinners with food debris on them. CDI - Removed and cleaned on site. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf Salad in salad dispenser unit dated from Saturday was not dated. CDI - Dated. For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Ice machine by salad station had some black liner peeling. Drain machine and remove.
#49 · Non-food contact surfaces clean
4-601.11(C ) Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Exterior of dicer soiled with debris.

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Oct 29, 2024 A 97 · 5 violations
#15 · Food separated & protected −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. -P Raw burgers stored above king crab in reach in freezer. Garlic oil stored below raw steaks in WIC CDI - Storage order reversed For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Raw filets and butter recorded above 41F. CDI - Cooled down as they were out less than an hour. For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition
Corrected during inspection
3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P Milk recorded on day 8. CDI - Discarded. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used
Corrected during inspection
7-204.11 Provide sanitizer at correct concentrations, diluting as required.-P Quat sanitizer recorded too strong. CDI - Diluted.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-501.12 Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. One red cutting board scarred and in need of replacement.

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May 30, 2024 A 97.5 · 4 violations
#6 · Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use −0.5
Corrected during inspection
2-401.11 (A) Employees shall eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and other items needing protection can not result. Open drink stored on shelf above prep table.
#14 · Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction −1
3-203.12 Retain tag on the bag of shellstock until empty. Record date on the tag when the last shellstock from the container is used. Store tags in chronological order for 90 days. -Pf Facility is not holding old tags. Facility only had one old tag and did not have date. VR to ensure future compliance.
#25 · Consumer advisory provided for raw/ undercooked foods −0.5
3-603.11 (B)(1) Consumer Advisory Disclosures shall indicate that the animal-derived food is or can be served raw or undercooked by using words and phrases such as raw, undercooked, cooked to order, etc., or by asterisking to a footnote per 3-603.11 (B)(2). -Pf Gluten free menu did not have asterisk for steak and Shrimp. VR.
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control −0.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf Pasta cooling in large tubs. CDI - Opened and dumped onto sheet tray for proper cooling. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .

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Jan 16, 2024 A 98.5 · 1 violation
#24 · Time as a Public Health Control; procedures & records −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.19 (A) (1) Written procedures for Time as a Public Health Control shall be prepared in advance, maintained in the establishment, and made available for the Health Department upon request. Written TPHC procedures must specify methods of compliance with 3-501.19 (B) or (C). -Pf. Facility is holding melted steak butter on 2 hour TPHC but did not have any procedures nor begin/end times. CDI - Written procedures provided. TPHC procedure template may be found at: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation

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Aug 29, 2023 A 98.5 · 2 violations
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Corrected during inspection
4-602.11 (E )Clean the equipment and utensils used with nonTCS foods as required to avoid contamination. Ice machine had some black build up on walls. Clean.
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf Milk at server cooler was not dated, CDI - Dated. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .

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Apr 18, 2023 A 97 · 3 violations
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible
Corrected during inspection
5-205.11 (A) A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use Pf. Handsink in back prep room blocked by large equipment, CDI- Moved.
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
Corrected during inspection
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. Plates and metal containers soiled with food debris. CDI - Taken to dish machine. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Roasted garlic and mashed potatoes recorded above 41F, CDI- Discarded. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .

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Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “RUTHS CHRIS STEAKHOUSE” or State ID 20600110640). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.