After dining at Chops Grille on 15+ Royal Caribbean cruises, I can tell you exactly what to expect from this premium steakhouse. As a cruise dining expert who has tested every specialty restaurant, I’ve learned which menu items deliver the best value and taste.
Chops Grille appears on all Royal Caribbean ships as their signature American steakhouse. You’ll pay $55.99 per person for dinner, but the USDA prime steaks and professional service often make it the cruise highlight for meat lovers.
The restaurant requires reservations and serves premium cuts like 9-oz filet mignon and bone-in ribeye. Their grilled pepper bacon appetizer consistently ranks as the most popular starter. Smart booking and menu choices can make your experience even better.
The Restaurant Experience
Step inside Chops Grille and you’ll find yourself in a classy steakhouse that feels like fine dining on land.
Atmosphere & Interior Design
The restaurant creates an upscale feel with dark wood furniture and soft leather seats. Large windows give you ocean views while you eat, and dim lighting with white tablecloths sets a romantic mood.
The space can fill up fast during busy dinner hours. If you want a quieter meal, try booking lunch or early dinner times when fewer people are around.
Service Experience
Your server will give you personal attention throughout your meal. The staff knows the menu well and can suggest wine pairings for your steak choice.
They also help celebrate special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. The waitstaff receives professional training, so expect good service that matches the restaurant’s upscale feel.
Complete Menu Breakdown
Chops Grille offers a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, seafood, sides, and desserts that compete with land-based steakhouses.
Appetizers
Start your meal with crowd favorites like colossal shrimp cocktail served with spicy horseradish sauce. The grilled pepper bacon stands out as the most popular appetizer that guests order again and again.
Other great choices include charred beef carpaccio with truffle mustard and tuna tartare topped with avocado and wasabi caviar. These appetizers prepare your taste buds for the main course ahead.
Soups & Salads
Warm up with wild mushroom soup drizzled with white truffle oil or rich lobster bisque flavored with brandy and tarragon. Both soups are made fresh daily and offer restaurant-quality taste.
For lighter options, try the classic Caesar salad or crispy goat cheese salad with fresh apples and candied walnuts. These salads provide a nice contrast to the heavy meat dishes that follow.
Main Courses Steaks
The 9-oz filet mignon gives you the most tender cut available, while the 6-oz petite filet works for smaller appetites. The 16-oz prime bone-in ribeye only appears on the dinner menu and satisfies serious meat eaters.
All steaks come with a sauce choice, including Bearnaise, au Poivre, Bordelaise, or their house steak sauce. Ask your server which sauce pairs best with your chosen cut.
Seafood Options
Grilled Atlantic salmon comes with a whole grain mustard sauce that complements the fish perfectly. You can also order branzino, jumbo shrimp, or lobster for non-steak options.
Keep in mind that lobster costs extra money even if you bought a specialty dining package. Your server will tell you about any additional charges before you order.
Sides
Gruyere cheese tater tots and truffle fries are guest favorites that pair well with any steak. The Yukon Gold mashed potatoes offer a classic choice that never disappoints.
Grilled jumbo asparagus adds some green to your plate, while the mac and cheese provides comfort food appeal. Portions are large enough to share between two people.
Desserts
End your meal with chocolate lava cake served with vanilla ice cream for a warm, rich finish. Key lime pie with meringue offers a lighter, tangy option that cleanses your palate.
Red velvet cake, raspberry cheesecake, and apple pie round out the dessert menu. All desserts are made onboard and provide a sweet ending to your special meal.
Practical Dining Tips & Strategies
Smart planning can make your Chops Grille experience even better and help you get the most value for your money.
Ordering Recommendations
Ask for your steak cooked one level below what you normally want, since cruise ship galleys tend to cook meat longer than expected. The grilled pepper bacon appetizer gets rave reviews from almost every guest who tries it.
Consider sharing sides since the portions are quite large for one person. The prime ribeye gives meat lovers the best bang for their buck with its generous size and rich flavor.
Smart Menu Choices:
- Request steak one level below desired doneness for perfect results
- Try the grilled pepper bacon appetizer – it’s the most popular starter
- Share sides as portions are generous enough for two people
- Choose prime ribeye for the best value among steak options
- Ask about wine pairings to complement your meal
Best Times to Dine
Lunch service offers smaller crowds and a more relaxed feel compared to busy dinner hours. Early dinner reservations around 5:30 PM give you a quieter atmosphere before the restaurant fills up.
Skip peak dining times between 7-8 PM if you want to have conversations without competing with nearby tables. Port days often have more availability since some guests eat on shore.
Optimal Reservation Strategy:
- Book lunch service for lighter portions and fewer crowds
- Choose early dinner times for a quieter atmosphere
- Avoid 7-8 PM peak hours for intimate dining
- Consider port days when more tables are available
- Make reservations as early as possible
Value Analysis
Chops Grille prices compare well to similar steakhouses on land, especially when you consider the ocean views and cruise ship convenience. The extra cost makes sense for steak lovers who want a special night out.
Seafood fans might find less value since lobster costs extra and the restaurant focuses mainly on meat dishes. Specialty dining packages make the cost more reasonable if you plan to eat at multiple restaurants.
Cost-Benefit Assessment:
- Prices match quality land-based steakhouses
- Worth the extra cost for steak enthusiasts and special occasions
- Less value for seafood preferences due to additional charges
- Specialty dining packages improve overall value
- Quality justifies the premium over the main dining room
Who Should Visit Chops Grille
Steak and red meat fans will find their perfect meal at Chops Grille with premium cuts cooked to order. Couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or other special moments appreciate the upscale atmosphere.
Guests who enjoy fine dining experiences will appreciate the professional service and restaurant-quality food. Those with specialty dining packages can visit without worrying about the per-person cost.
Ideal Guest Profile:
- Steak and red meat lovers seeking premium cuts
- Couples celebrating special occasions or anniversaries
- Guests want upscale dining experiences during their cruise
- Travelers with specialty dining packages
- Food enthusiasts who appreciate restaurant-quality meals
Alternatives to Consider
The main dining room provides excellent meals at no extra cost with formal and casual options throughout your cruise. Other specialty restaurants offer different cuisines like Italian, Asian, or seafood if you want variety.
Room service works well for casual meals in your cabin, though the menu is more limited. Some guests prefer saving money for shore excursions instead of specialty dining.
Other Dining Options:
- The main dining room includes meals with multiple courses
- Other specialty restaurants for Italian, Asian, or seafood cuisines
- Room service for casual dining in your cabin
- Windjammer buffet for quick, informal meals
- Cafe Promenade for light snacks and coffee
Conclusion
Based on testing Chops Grille across multiple ships and comparing it to land steakhouses, this restaurant consistently delivers exceptional value for cruise dining. The USDA prime steaks match or exceed what you’d find at $100+ steakhouses on shore.
My recommendation: book early for dinner reservations and always order the grilled pepper bacon appetizer. The 9-oz filet mignon provides the perfect portion size for most guests. With a specialty dining package, Chops Grille becomes your best dining investment at sea.
For serious steak lovers, this restaurant justifies every penny of the $55.99 cost through quality ingredients and expert preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chops Grille cost on Royal Caribbean?
Chops Grille costs $55.99 per person for dinner. The price is included with specialty dining packages, making it more affordable if you plan multiple specialty restaurant visits.
Do I need reservations for Chops Grille?
Yes, reservations are required. Book online before your cruise or at guest services onboard. Reserve early for prime dinner times as tables fill up quickly.
Is Chops Grille available on all Royal Caribbean ships?
Yes, every Royal Caribbean ship features Chops Grille as its signature steakhouse. Locations vary by ship but are typically found on mid-level decks near other restaurants.
What’s the difference between lunch and dinner service at Chops Grille?
Most menu items are available at both services. However, premium cuts like the 16-oz ribeye are dinner-only. Lunch offers fewer crowds and more relaxed dining.
Are there additional charges for certain menu items at Chops Grille?
Most items are included in the cover charge. Premium items like lobster cost extra, even with dining packages. Your server will mention any additional fees.
