Some families in Minneapolis have a rule about one particular steakhouse. You only go on a birthday that ends in zero or an anniversary divisible by 25.
That tells you two things right away: the place is special, and it is not cheap. Since 1946, this downtown dining room has stayed dark, classic, and proudly old-school while the city around it kept changing.
The star of the show is a steak for two that gets carved right at the table and is famous enough to have its own nickname. People drive in for game nights, Christmas traditions, and once-in-a-decade celebrations.
Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, when to book, and how to plan a visit that feels worth every dollar.
A Downtown Address With Decades Behind It
Right in the core of downtown sits a steakhouse that has outlasted trends, fads, and plenty of skyline changes. Murray’s is found at 26 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, in the heart of the city.
It is a classic upscale steak house, and it has been feeding hungry diners since 1946. That makes it one of the longest-running destinations for steak in the Twin Cities.
Many people call it an institution, and the label fits. Food publications and locals alike often point newcomers here when the question is where to get a steak dinner in Minnesota.
The spot is easy to reach for out-of-towners too. Guests staying at the hotel next door often wander over after locals recommend it.
Game-day crowds also make it part of their routine. Some regulars stop in every single time they come to town for a game.
The location means you are close to theaters, arenas, and downtown hotels. It works well as the anchor for a whole evening out in the city.
So where did this all begin, and why has it stayed so beloved? The story starts with a family-style tradition that never quite went out of style.
Seventy-Plus Years of Celebrations
Opening a restaurant in 1946 was a bold move, and keeping it going for more than seven decades is even bolder. Murray’s has managed exactly that.
Some diners have been coming here since the 1970s. For them, the dining room is less a restaurant and more a family chapter.
The place has become tied to milestones. Anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday traditions show up again and again in the stories people tell about it.
One couple makes it their annual Christmas tradition. Others return after five years away and find it still feels like that special place to go.
That kind of loyalty is hard to fake. A steakhouse does not stay busy on a Wednesday night by accident.
Part of the appeal is consistency of identity. The restaurant has not tried to reinvent itself as something trendy, and fans seem grateful for that.
Old-school is the whole point here. Next up is the room itself, which plays a big role in setting that mood.
The Dark, Intimate Dining Room
Lighting matters, and this dining room keeps it low on purpose. The ambiance inside is very dark and intimate, which suits date nights perfectly.
The decor leans classic and stylish. It is the kind of setting people mean when they say classic steakhouse fine dining.
Couples marking anniversaries love it for exactly that reason. The atmosphere makes an ordinary weeknight feel like an event.
Some diners note that a good part of what you pay for is this overall experience. The room, the pacing, and the service all add up to the evening.
Not everyone wants a dim setting, though. For those who prefer a little more light, the bar area offers a different option, covered later in this article.
The dining room also gets lively. On busy nights, expect a full house and a buzz of celebrations around you.
It is a room built for lingering. And the reason most people linger is sitting on a cutting board at the center of the table.
The Famous Silver Butter Knife Steak
Few steaks come with a nickname, but this one earned its title. The Silver Butter Knife Steak is the dish most closely tied to Murray’s.
It is a strip sirloin served as a steak for two. Servers often say it is what the restaurant is known for.
The name hints at the promise of tenderness. Many diners describe it as tender and cooked perfectly, and some call it one of the most succulent cuts they have had.
Here is the fun part. The steak is carved right in front of you at the table.
The tableside cut is more about tradition than fancy plating. One honest note is that the presentation after carving is simple, but it all disappears quickly anyway.
The steak for two also includes a choice of soup or salad and a side. That makes it a full meal rather than just a slab of beef.
Portions are generous. In fact, the size surprises many first-timers, which brings up a useful planning tip.
A Meal Built for More Than Two
The label says for two, but plenty of guests leave thinking it could feed four. Leftover boxes are common here.
The steak for two arrives with soup or salad for both diners and a side. Add the complimentary bread basket and the table fills up fast.
That bread basket comes to every table. It includes the house garlic toast, which is popular enough to be a talking point on its own.
A smart move is to pace yourself on the bread. Going easy early leaves room for the steak and dessert.
Soup options have included lobster bisque as a soup of the day. Salads like the Caesar get steady praise too.
Sides are tasty but individual portions can run small. Some find them not quite big enough to share among a larger group.
For couples, though, the steak for two package is a strong value within the menu. Want to compare cuts instead?
The kitchen has options for that too.
Flights, Chateaubriand, and Other Big Cuts
Indecisive diners, rejoice. The menu offers ways to try more than one cut in a single sitting.
A Steak Flight For Two lets you sample ribeye, beef tenderloin filet, and strip sirloin side by side. Servers sometimes say the strip sirloin is the house signature while the ribeye is their personal favorite.
Chateaubriand for Two is another shared option. That tenderloin has been described as very tender and cooked to a proper medium rare.
Individual steaks are also available. The ribeye and filet mignon both draw strong praise.
A fair heads-up for purists: the steaks here are seasoned boldly. Some diners find them salty or heavily marinated, and the steaks are pan-seared rather than grilled.
If you prefer a more natural flavor, mention it when ordering. Doneness can also vary, so speaking up early helps.
Steak is the headliner, but the supporting cast deserves a moment of attention too.
Sides and Desserts Worth Saving Room For
Plenty of people pick this steakhouse because they heard the sides were a must. Friends often pass along their favorite orders like family recipes.
Brussels sprouts, Szechuan green beans, mac and cheese, asparagus, and loaded hashbrowns all show up on tables. Crab cakes and seafood starters are also popular.
Then there is dessert. The raspberry pie is one of the most talked-about items in the whole restaurant.
It is famous enough that servers recommend it by name. Groups often split one slice three ways.
Chocolate cake is another favorite. For birthdays and anniversaries, a little dessert sometimes appears as a celebration treat.
A tip: mention your occasion when booking and again when seated. It helps make sure the right people know.
With dinner sorted, it is time to meet the folks who make the evening run.
Old-School Hospitality on the Floor
Good service at a classic steakhouse is half the menu. Staff here are often called knowledgeable, well trained, and genuinely warm.
Servers tend to guide orders with real suggestions. Many guests appreciate never feeling rushed.
Small gestures stand out. One server once made sweet tea from scratch with simple syrup when it was not on the menu.
Teamwork shows too. Support staff check on steaks, refill water, and pack leftovers without being flagged down.
Late arrivals are not always turned away. One group came in an hour before closing and was told to relax and stay as long as they liked.
Experiences are not perfect every night. Some evenings run slow, with meals stretching to around 90 minutes, and bar service can vary.
Overall, though, the hospitality is a big reason people return year after year. Speaking of the bar, it offers a different kind of night entirely.
The Bar, Happy Hour, and Private Rooms
Not every visit needs to be a full celebration dinner. The bar area offers a more relaxed path into the same kitchen.
Some regulars prefer it to the main room. It is quieter, a bit brighter, and you can watch the snow fall outside.
Happy hour is a popular draw. The menu is very shareable and a friendlier way to try the place on a budget.
The steak sandwich is a happy hour standout. It comes with tender steak, cheese on sourdough, and crispy fries.
Need something bigger? Private rooms are available for events.
Corporate groups have hosted dinners here and found the space quiet enough for real conversation. Consistent cooking across a full group makes it a reliable pick for work events.
So the restaurant can flex from casual to formal. Planning the trip comes next.
Hours, Budget, and Parking Tips
Timing a visit is easier with the schedule handy. Dinner starts at 4 PM most days.
Sunday runs 4 to 8:30 PM and Monday 4 to 9 PM. Tuesday through Thursday add lunch from 11 AM to 1:30 PM, then dinner from 4 to 9 PM.
Friday has lunch from 11 AM to 1:30 PM and dinner from 4 to 10 PM. Saturday is dinner only, 5 to 10 PM.
Reservations are wise, since even midweek nights fill up. A booking can get you seated right away on a busy Friday.
Budget for a splurge. A steak flight for two can approach $200, and a full dinner for two with extras can reach around $400.
Valet parking is offered, which is handy downtown. Nearby ramps can cost roughly $10 to $30.
Plan ahead and the night runs smoothly. Now for the big question: is it worth it?
Why the Tradition Still Holds
Some restaurants chase the next big thing. Murray’s simply keeps carving its signature steak, table after table, as it has for generations.
The 4.7-star standing across more than 2,000 opinions says plenty. Most people leave happy, and many come back for the next milestone.
It is not flawless. Bold seasoning and steep prices will not suit every diner.
Still, the package is hard to beat for a big occasion. Dark booths, tableside carving, raspberry pie, and staff who know the drill all come together.
Go for the Silver Butter Knife Steak, bring an appetite, and maybe a partner who shares well. Try the bar or happy hour if you want a lighter first taste.
That family rule about birthdays ending in zero starts to make sense. Some evenings deserve a setting that has been rehearsing since 1946.
Book the table, mention the occasion, and let the knife do the talking.
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