A suspected leak of carbon monoxide prompted the evacuation of a popular steakhouse near the Inner Harbor last night and sent 17 people to area hospitals.

The Baltimore Fire Department received a call shortly after 8 p.m. of an "unusual odor" at Ruth's Chris Steak House at 711 Eastern Ave., said Chief Kevin Cartwright, a spokesman for the Fire Department.

About 150 patrons were evacuated, and 17 of them were treated for suspected carbon monoxide exposure and taken to hospitals, Cartwright said. Most complained of dizziness and nausea, but their conditions were not considered life-threatening, he said.

Carbon monoxide was detected at a level of 400 parts per million near the boiler in the building's basement, Cartwright said. A level of 100 parts per million generally prompts an evacuation of a building; firefighters don self-contained breathing equipment when levels hit 35 parts per million, he said.

A representative of the restaurant chain who was at the scene last night declined to comment.