Some families measure the years by birthdays that end in zero and anniversaries you can divide by 25. That is how special one downtown Minneapolis spot has become, where couples return for Christmas traditions and folks who first dined in the 1970s keep coming back for more.
The place has been slicing its most famous cut tableside since just after World War II, and the tradition has outlasted trends, remodels, and generations of regulars. What follows is the story of a restaurant that treats a steak dinner like an event worth planning around.
Stick around and you will learn where it hides, what makes it tick, and why locals still book tables for their biggest celebrations. There is a lot more to this old-school corner of Minnesota than pink neon and prime cuts.
A Downtown Corner With Deep Roots
Right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, at 26 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, sits a steakhouse that has been part of the city fabric since 1946.
Murray’s has held down this corner for close to eight decades, which in restaurant years is nothing short of remarkable. The name is stitched into the local memory of anyone who grew up planning their big nights out here.
The address puts it within easy reach of hotels, theaters, and the downtown core, so guests staying nearby often wander over on a recommendation from someone local.
Classified simply as a steak house, it has earned a loyal following that spans first-timers and folks who have been ordering the same cut since the 1970s. A 4.7-star standing across more than two thousand pieces of feedback tells you the affection is not just nostalgia talking.
Being downtown means it fits neatly into a night on the town, whether you are catching a game or marking a milestone. Few restaurants in the city carry this kind of history on a single street corner.
Nearly Eight Decades of Steak Tradition
Opening its doors in 1946 was a bold move, and the fact that it is still serving prime cuts today says plenty about staying power.
Murray’s has watched Minneapolis change around it while keeping its identity firmly planted in the classic upscale steakhouse tradition. Guests who dined here as children now return decades later and find the experience even better than they remembered.
One returning guest went 16 to 18 years between visits and came back to a meal they described as better than ever. That kind of consistency across such a long stretch is rare.
The restaurant leans into its heritage rather than hiding it, and the vibe has been compared to stepping onto the set of a 1940s film. There is a certain pride in doing things the old-school way while still keeping the service sharp and modern.
Regulars have turned dining here into a family rite, reserving it for anniversaries and celebrations worth remembering. Traditions like that do not build overnight, and Murray’s has had nearly 80 years to earn them.
The Silver Butter Knife Steak for Two
The signature dish that shares its name with this article is the Silver Butter Knife Steak, and it has been the star of the menu for generations.
Ordered for two, it arrives with a choice of soup or salad and a side, then gets carved right at the table in front of the guests. The tableside cut is part of the ritual, turning dinner into a small performance.
Regulars describe it as tender and cooked to perfection, one of the most succulent cuts they have had. It shows up often as a favorite among those celebrating anniversaries and holiday traditions.
A word to the wise: the steak for two is more generous than the name suggests. Some who have ordered it note the portion could easily satisfy four, so pacing yourself with the bread basket is smart planning.
The lobster tail pairs naturally alongside it for a surf-and-turf spread. Between the carving ceremony and the sheer amount of food, this is the order that keeps people coming back to Murray’s year after year.
Sides and Signatures Worth the Trip
Plenty of people actually choose this place because friends swear the sides are the real must-try.
The Thai chili brussels sprouts earn steady praise, and the mac and cheese runs thick and rich, though a couple of guests found it heartier than expected. Both round out the main event nicely.
The French onion soup gets called out again and again, built with soft caramelized onions and a strong cheese layer that keeps everything piping. It has become a small legend of its own on the menu.
Crab cakes and beef carpaccio show up as popular starters, with one guest rating the carpaccio above a well-known local rival. The lobster bisque appears as a soup of the day worth grabbing when it does.
Keep in mind that entrees generally do not come with sides, so ordering a few extras is part of the plan. The list is long and interesting enough that choosing becomes half the fun.
Between the shareable plates and the standout soups, there is far more here than beef alone.
Sweet Endings and the Famous Raspberry Pie
Dessert here is not an afterthought, and the raspberry pie is the name everyone drops first.
Piled high with berries, it strikes a balance between pleasantly tart and gently sweet, and the kitchen happily brings extra plates so a table can split it several ways. Servers often steer guests toward it as the ideal finish.
Beyond the pie, there is a chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream plus caramel and chocolate sauce that sends the meal off on a satisfying note. Even guests too full to order sometimes make room.
One diner who checked in through a promotion scored a chef’s choice dessert of ice cream with caramel over brownie and left more than happy with the bonus. Little touches like that add to the appeal.
The desserts have a reputation for feeling refreshing rather than heavy, a welcome close after a large steak dinner. Fantastic sweets get mentioned as a highlight almost as often as the beef itself.
Save a corner of your appetite, because skipping this course would be a genuine miss.
Old-Movie Ambiance and a Livelier Bar
Walk-in guests and planners alike tend to notice the atmosphere before anything hits the table.
The main dining room runs dark and intimate, with decor that carries a distinct 1940s film feel. It sets the stage for special occasions and quiet conversation.
The bar tells a different story. Regulars who come in for game days often prefer it, calling it quieter, brighter, and a fine place to watch snow fall through the windows in winter.
Seating in the bar comes in several forms, including high-tops, low-tops, and the bar itself, which makes it a solid backup when the dining room is booked. It also opens the door to the happy hour menu.
Happy hour draws a big crowd and leans shareable, giving newcomers a lower-stakes way to sample the place. It is one of the most talked-about parts of the whole operation.
Private rooms handle corporate gatherings and celebrations with an exclusive, quiet feel. Whichever corner you land in, the room shapes the night as much as the plate does.
Service That Regulars Rave About
Hospitality is where this restaurant tends to leave the deepest impression.
Staff members are described as knowledgeable, personable, and generous with suggestions, from steering guests to the raspberry pie to offering wine advice. The team works together seamlessly, with support staff clearing plates and refilling waters right on cue.
Small gestures come up often. One server hand-made sweet tea using simple syrup when a guest asked for something off-menu, and another noticed a steak cooked slightly past order and stepped in before anyone had to flag them down.
Timing gets high marks too, with meals paced so nothing feels rushed. A group that arrived an hour before closing was told to relax and ended up staying past 11, well after the official close.
Not every night lands perfectly, and a handful of guests have noted an off encounter at the bar. Still, the overwhelming pattern points to attentive, old-school service paired with modern polish.
The care shown here is a big reason people return for their most important celebrations.
Hours, Prices, and Planning Your Visit
A few practical notes will help you make the most of a night at Murray’s, located at 26 South 6th St in downtown Minneapolis.
Hours split between lunch and dinner across the week. Tuesday through Thursday it opens 11 AM to 1:30 PM, then dinner runs Friday 4 to 10 PM, Saturday 5 to 10 PM, Sunday 4 to 8:30 PM, and Monday 4 to 9 PM.
Pricing lands in the $100-and-up range, so this is firmly a special-occasion destination. Families who go here have joked about reserving it for the biggest milestones, which fits the celebratory spirit of the place.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for the dining room. If you arrive without one, the bar offers flexible seating and a chance to catch the happy hour menu.
The downtown location makes it easy to pair with a hotel stay, a show, or a game. More details and booking can be found through the restaurant’s website.
Plan ahead, come hungry, and you will understand why the reservations book stays full.
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