Popular Marina Del Rey Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Shut Down Over Vermin Infestation

Upscale steakhouse forced to close due to major health code violations, including evidence of pests and unsanitary food prep surfaces.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Ruth's Chris Steakhouse location in Marina Del Rey, California was forced to temporarily close its doors after a health inspection uncovered a 'vermin infestation' and other major violations, including issues with food contact surfaces not being properly cleaned and sanitized. The pricey steakhouse, which charges over $70 for a filet and $20 for cocktails, was cited for two 'major' violations during the inspection.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing challenges some high-end restaurants face in maintaining proper health and sanitation standards, even as they charge premium prices. It also comes amid a broader trend of vermin infestations leading to temporary closures of restaurants across Los Angeles County in recent weeks.

The details

During the health inspection, officials found several violations at the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse location, with two categorized as 'major.' These included the presence of 'insects, rodents, birds or animals' and issues with 'food contact surfaces' not being properly cleaned and sanitized. The other violations were related to equipment storage and structural upkeep, but were not considered major problems. The restaurant was forced to temporarily close due to the vermin infestation and unsanitary food prep conditions.

  • The health inspection and closure occurred on February 17, 2026.
  • The restaurant claimed it would reopen for dinner service on the same day, February 17, 2026.

The players

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

A high-end steakhouse chain that charges premium prices, with the Marina Del Rey location cited for major health code violations including a vermin infestation.

Los Angeles County Public Health Department

The government agency responsible for conducting health inspections and enforcing food safety regulations at restaurants in Los Angeles County.

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What they’re saying

“The results of our latest health inspection do not reflect our commitment to running a clean and safe restaurant. We complied with the health department's decision to close the restaurant following pest activity confined to a small area of the restaurant and have actively worked with our pest control provider to address the issue. We will reopen tonight at 6 p.m. for dinner service.”

— Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Representative (The Post)

“From my experience at this particular Ruth, I'm not surprised. Last time I was there we sat at the bar and it was absolutely filthy. Full bus tubs everywhere, nothing wiped down. We ended up just getting a drink and bouncing without getting food, and we even had a gift card.”

— Reddit User (Reddit)

“Man all those sky-high-prices don't cover rodent infestation!”

— Reddit User (Reddit)

What’s next

The restaurant claims it has addressed the pest issue and will reopen for dinner service on the same day the closure was ordered.

The takeaway

This incident at the high-end Ruth's Chris Steakhouse location underscores the challenges even upscale restaurants can face in maintaining proper health and sanitation standards, and the potential reputational damage that can result from health code violations, even at establishments charging premium prices.