Happy Hour | Ruth's Chris has super rib-eye sliders and quality cocktails

If there's a happy-hour nosh Seattleites revel in more than chicken wings and nachos, it's sliders. The old reliable burger has morphed into a shared plate of mini burgers, and now even mini meatloaf and beef sandwiches.

Ruth's Chris Steak House picks it up a notch by offering two gourmet versions: mini Kobe burgers and rib-eye sliders. I saw some bar patrons mull over which to order, so let me help. The answer, unequivocally, is the rib eye.

The thin slices of marbled steak are seared, doused au jus and put on a garlic-butter-spread bun. It's as heavenly as it sounds, each bite into the folded slices of peppery beef tasting juicy and tender. The Kobe isn't as flavorful. I even prefer the plate of seared ahi tuna over those mini burgers.

Their sliders get all the attention, but Ruth's Chris is one of the city's best-kept secrets for happy-hour deals on quality cocktails and wine, $2.95 to $3.95.

Ruth's Chris Steak House, 727 Pine St. in downtown Seattle, offers happy hour 4-6 p.m. daily plus 9-11 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 9-10 p.m. Sundays, when bar food costs $4.95 (sliders come in orders of two), selected cocktails and wines, $3.95, and beer and well cocktails, $2.95 (206-624-8524 or www.ruthschris.com).

Tan Vinh: 206-515-5656 or tvinh@seattletimes.com