I really like Beef and Bottle! The first time I went was 3 years ago and just went back recently but i wish I had returned sooner! I remember the food being good, but I don't remember the steak being THAT good. I ordered the filet med-rare topped with a blue cheese crumble crust and it was absolutely delicious. The steak melted in my mouth and I devoured every single little bite.
Beef and Bottle is a very different place on the side of South Boulevard, past Skaleybark. It is (I believe) the second oldest restaurant in Charlotte and still has that old school charm and feel. The restaurant is dimly lit with white linen table cloths, and low ceilings. It is a very small restaurant and resembles a trailer, if you will. (I know that sounds terrible but it actually adds to the ambiance of the place.) There is nothing fancy about Beef and Bottle. It feels nice but you won't get the same experience as you would at Ruth's Chris.
Their menu is simple but their steaks alone are worth it. They also have a decent wine list, but I noticed that most wines are only offered by the bottle. The service was decent but they seemed a little busy when I was there.
I've seen a couple reviews complaining of the atmosphere and I think that these people were probably expecting something more than what they got at Beef and Bottle. I suggest that you visit Beef and Bottle knowing that it is over 50 years old and still doing a great job of what they do best: steak. This is a cool first date spot or a place to gather with your friends to celebrate something in a old school, gangster type way.