Philadelphia, PA - When it comes to high-end dining in the Philadelphia region, steak lovers are presented with a wonderful choice between different styles of excellence. On one hand, you have the consistent, classic, big-city steakhouse experience. On the other, you have the unique, destination restaurant set in a historic and breathtaking location. This is the story of two such establishments: the renowned Ruth's Chris Steak House in the heart of Philadelphia and Oldestone Steakhouse in New Hope, the celebrated successor to the beloved Marsha Brown's.
Ruth's Chris Steak House: The Sizzling City Classic
- The Vibe: Located at 1800 Market Street, Ruth's Chris Steak House offers the quintessential fine-dining steakhouse experience. The atmosphere is sophisticated and business-casual, making it a reliable and popular choice for special occasions, corporate dinners, and a classic night out in the city.
- The Steak: The restaurant is world-famous for its signature method of serving USDA Prime steaks. Cooked to perfection in a patented 1800-degree broiler, the steaks are served on a 500-degree plate sizzling in butter, ensuring your last bite is as hot and delicious as your first.
- The Menu: Beyond the perfectly cooked steaks, the menu features classic steakhouse fare, including expertly executed seafood, New Orleans-inspired appetizers, and an award-winning wine list.
The Legacy of Marsha Brown and the Rise of Oldestone Steakhouse
- The Vibe: For decades, Marsha Brown Creole Kitchen was a beloved institution in New Hope, PA, famous for its incredible Southern and Creole cuisine served in a magnificent, converted 1870s stone church. While Marsha Brown's has since closed, its spirit and stunning location live on.
- The Successor: The historic church at 15 S. Main Street is now home to Oldestone Steakhouse, a restaurant that has embraced the grandeur of its setting. The atmosphere is truly one-of-a-kind, with soaring ceilings, original stained-glass windows, and a 30-foot mural, creating an unforgettable and dramatic dining experience.
- The Food: Oldestone operates as a high-end steakhouse, featuring USDA prime steaks, chops, a raw bar, and seafood. In a wonderful tribute to the location's history, the new owners also purchased some of Marsha Brown's signature Creole recipes, often featuring them on the menu.
The choice between Ruth's Chris and Oldestone comes down to the type of experience you are seeking.
For a classic, reliable, and sophisticated steakhouse dinner in the heart of Philadelphia, with the signature sizzle that has made the brand famous, Ruth's Chris is a perfect choice.
For a truly unique, destination dining experience where the breathtaking, historic atmosphere is as much a part of the meal as the food, a trip to Oldestone Steakhouse in the charming town of New Hope is an unforgettable event.
Both restaurants represent the pinnacle of steakhouse dining in the region, offering two distinct but equally exceptional ways to enjoy a fantastic meal.
