Graduation Hugs

Celebrate USC Graduates at our

Graduation Weekend Gala

View The Celebration MenuReserve Your Table

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

MAY 8th & 9th

$85 PER PERSON

SEATINGS FROM 5PM – 9PM
Palmetto State Ballroom at the Hilton Columbia Center
Large parties welcome

At Ruth’s Chris Steak House, life’s biggest milestones deserve to be celebrated in unforgettable style. Graduation marks years of dedication, late nights and incredible achievement — and it calls for a gathering that lives up to the moment. During University of South Carolina Graduation Weekend in Columbia, our Graduation Gala offers families and friends a festive setting to come together, raise a glass and honor their graduate with an upscale dining experience designed for celebration — and perfectly suited for larger groups.

Celebration Menu

FIRST COURSE

RUTH’S MIXED GREEN SALAD
choice of balsamic vinaigrette or ranch

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ENTREE COURSE

your choice of one:

8 OZ PETITE FILET
STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST
SALMON FILLET
22 OZ COWBOY RIBEYE +$24

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ACCOMPANIMENTS

signature sides served family style

GARLIC MASHED POTATOES  |  CREAMED SPINACH

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GARNET & BLACK DESSERT

A SWEET SEND-OFF FOR THE CLASS OF 2026

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Iced Tea & Water

 

CUSTOMIZE YOUR MENU WITH THESE OPTIONAL UPGRADES

(additional charges apply)

APPETIZERS

SEARED AHI TUNA +$22
CRABMEAT STUFFED MUSHROOMS +$22
VEAL OSSO BUCO RAVIOLI +$26
SHRIMP COCKTAIL / SHRIMP REMOULADE +$24

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ENTREE COMPLEMENTS

BLUE CHEESE CRUST +$7
SHRIMP six additional cajun-dusted shrimp +$20
LOBSTER TAIL 5 oz cold water tail, cajun-dusted & broiled +$24
OSCAR lump crabmeat, asparagus & bearnaise sauce +$24

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Client-designated gratuity, 5% administrative fee and applicable sales tax will be added to all items. Prices and menu items are subject to change.

**CONSUMING RAW OR UNDER-COOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

FOR RESERVATIONS & ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Kelley Collins
kmcginnis@ruthschris.net | 803.476.1305

Courtney Escamilla
cescamilla@ruthschris.net | 803.476.1306

Graduation Gala at Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Columbia
Celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones in unforgettable style at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Graduation weekend calls for a celebration worthy of the occasion, and this exclusive Graduation Gala offers the perfect setting for families and friends to gather, toast the graduate, and savor an exceptional evening together.
Conveniently located in downtown Columbia at the Hilton Columbia Center and just moments from the University of South Carolina campus, this special event transforms graduation weekend into a seamless, elegant dining experience. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is known for its signature sizzling steaks, warm hospitality, and celebratory atmosphere — making it the perfect place to honor years of hard work and achievement.
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An Elevated Graduation Weekend Celebration
Held in the Palmetto State Ballroom, the Graduation Gala offers a thoughtfully curated chef’s menu designed to make your evening effortless and memorable. Guests will enjoy a multi-course dining experience featuring classic Ruth’s Chris favorites, including steakhouse staples like tender filet, fresh seafood, and signature sides.
The evening concludes with a celebratory dessert inspired by University of South Carolina colors — an extra touch that makes this occasion uniquely festive for Gamecock families.
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Perfect for Families & Groups
Graduation weekend in Columbia brings together loved ones from near and far. The Graduation Gala provides a relaxed yet refined environment where everyone can gather without the stress of coordinating reservations for large parties. With seatings throughout the evening, families and friends can celebrate together over a beautifully prepared meal in a spacious, elegant setting.
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Reserve Your Graduation Celebration
Tables for the Graduation Gala fill quickly each year. Secure your reservation early to guarantee a memorable dining experience during one of the most exciting weekends in Columbia. Celebrate your graduate’s achievement with a toast, a perfectly cooked steak, and an evening designed to honor this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.