Imagine a place where steaks are so tender, you could cut them with a butter knife.
Now, what if I told you that place actually exists, and it’s been serving up beefy perfection for over 70 years?
Welcome to Murray’s, the crown jewel of Minneapolis’ steakhouse scene.
This isn’t just any old meat market; it’s a carnivore’s paradise that’s been making Minnesotans weak in the knees since 1946.
As you approach Murray’s, you can’t miss the iconic neon sign blazing against the Minneapolis skyline.
It’s like a beacon for beef lovers, calling out to hungry souls far and wide.
The sign proudly proclaims “THE HOME OF SILVER BUTTER KNIFE STEAK,” and let me tell you, that’s not just clever marketing.
It’s a meaty promise that Murray’s has been keeping for generations.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling steaks and the sound of clinking glasses.
The dining room is a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern elegance.
Think white tablecloths, warm lighting, and an atmosphere that says, “Yes, you’re about to have the meal of your life.”
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Silver Butter Knife Steak.
This isn’t just a piece of meat; it’s a 28-ounce strip sirloin that’s been aged to perfection for no less than 28 days.
Why the silver butter knife, you ask?
Well, legend has it that this steak is so tender, you could cut it with – you guessed it – a butter knife.
But don’t worry, they’ll still give you a proper steak knife.
They’re not savages, after all.
The menu at Murray’s reads like a love letter to beef.
From the classic New York Strip to the mouthwatering Ribeye, there’s a cut for every carnivorous craving.
And let’s not forget the Chateaubriand for Two, a 24-ounce beef tenderloin that’s carved tableside.
It’s dinner and a show, folks!
But Murray’s isn’t just about the beef.
They’ve got a supporting cast of sides that could easily steal the spotlight.
Take the Murray’s Caesar salad, for instance.
It’s a crisp, garlicky prelude to your meaty main course.
And don’t even get me started on the au gratin potatoes.
They’re so cheesy and creamy, you might forget you came for the steak.
(But only for a second, because… steak.)
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but what if I’m not in the mood for a steak the size of my head?”
Fear not, my friend.
Murray’s has options for those with slightly less Jurassic appetites.
The menu features a selection of “Classic Steak Cuts,” including a more modest 8-ounce sirloin that’s lean, flavorful, and won’t make you feel like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant.
For the seafood lovers out there, Murray’s hasn’t forgotten about you.
The Australian Lobster Tail is a succulent treat that might just make you forget you’re in the middle of the Midwest.
And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, why not add some Oscar to your steak?
It’s a topping of crab, asparagus, and béarnaise sauce that’ll make you feel like royalty.
Beef royalty, but royalty nonetheless.
Now, let’s talk about the unsung heroes of Murray’s: the staff.
These folks know their steaks like I know my way to the fridge at 2 AM.
They can tell you the difference between a New York Strip and a Ribeye faster than you can say “medium rare,” and they’re always happy to help you navigate the menu.
But what really sets Murray’s apart is its history.
This isn’t some fly-by-night operation that popped up last week.
Murray’s has been a Minneapolis institution since Harry Truman was in the White House.
That’s right, they’ve been perfecting their craft for over seven decades.
The restaurant was founded by Art and Marie Murray, who started with a simple dream: to serve the best steaks in Minneapolis.
Little did they know that their little steakhouse would become a culinary landmark, outlasting trends, fads, and probably a few vegetarian phases.
Over the years, Murray’s has hosted its fair share of celebrities and dignitaries.
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But here’s the thing: whether you’re a big-shot CEO or just a regular Joe with a hankering for good beef, you’ll get the same top-notch treatment.
Because at Murray’s, everyone’s a VIP when it comes to steak.
Now, I know we’ve been focusing a lot on the food (because, well, it’s amazing), but let’s not overlook the atmosphere.
The dining room at Murray’s is like stepping into a time machine that’s been set to “classic steakhouse elegance.”
The decor is a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern sophistication.
Think dark wood, crisp white tablecloths, and lighting that’s just dim enough to be romantic but bright enough that you can still see your steak.
And let’s talk about that bar for a second.
It’s the kind of place where you can imagine Don Draper sipping an Old Fashioned while plotting his next big ad campaign.
The cocktail menu is a throwback to the golden age of mixology, with classics like Manhattans and Martinis sharing space with more modern concoctions.
But let’s be real: you’re here for the steak.
And Murray’s delivers in spades.
The Silver Butter Knife Steak isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.
When that 28-ounce beauty arrives at your table, it’s like time stands still.
The aroma hits you first – a perfect blend of char and beef that makes your mouth water instantly.
Then you cut into it, and… oh boy.
It’s so tender, you half expect it to melt on your fork.
The flavor is intense, beefy, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the meat without overpowering it.
It’s the kind of steak that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite, forgetting for a moment that you’re in a restaurant and not some kind of beef-induced nirvana.
But here’s a pro tip: don’t fill up on the steak alone.
As tempting as it is to focus solely on that beautiful piece of beef, Murray’s sides are not to be missed.
The au gratin potatoes are a cheesy, creamy dream.
The asparagus is always perfectly cooked – tender but still with a bit of snap.
And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, the lobster mac and cheese is a decadent treat that’ll make you question why you ever ate regular mac and cheese.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but what if I’m not a big meat eater?”
Well, first of all, why are you at a steakhouse?
But don’t worry, Murray’s has got you covered.
The menu features a selection of seafood options that would make any coastal restaurant proud.
The pan-seared salmon is a particular standout, with a crispy exterior giving way to a perfectly flaky interior.
And for the vegetarians in your group (who, let’s be honest, probably lost a bet to end up at a steakhouse), there are a few meat-free options that go beyond the typical sad salad.
The roasted vegetable plate is a colorful array of seasonal veggies that’s both hearty and satisfying.
But let’s get back to the beef, because that’s what Murray’s does best.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (and hungry), why not try the Porterhouse for Two?
It’s a massive 48-ounce behemoth that combines the best of both worlds: a New York Strip on one side of the bone, and a tender filet on the other.
It’s like the Voltron of steaks, only instead of fighting evil, it’s fighting your hunger.
And winning.
Now, a word of warning: Murray’s is not a place for a quick bite.
This is a dining experience meant to be savored.
So come hungry, come thirsty, and come prepared to spend a few hours in beef-induced bliss.
And speaking of thirsty, let’s not forget about the wine list.
Murray’s has a selection that would make any oenophile weak in the knees.
From bold Cabernets that stand up to the richest steaks, to crisp whites that pair perfectly with seafood, there’s a wine for every palate and every dish.
The sommeliers at Murray’s are like beef-and-wine matchmakers, always ready to suggest the perfect pairing for your meal.
As your evening at Murray’s winds down, and you’re sitting there in a happy, meaty haze, you might find yourself already planning your next visit.
Maybe you’ll try the Chateaubriand next time, or perhaps you’ll go for the Brie Cheese Filet (because why not add some creamy, melty cheese to your already perfect steak?).
Whatever you choose, you can be sure it’ll be an experience to remember.
Because that’s what Murray’s is all about: creating memorable meals that keep you coming back for more.
It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a Minneapolis institution, a beacon of beefy goodness in a world that sometimes forgets the simple pleasure of a perfectly cooked steak.
So the next time you’re in Minneapolis and you feel that carnivorous craving coming on, you know where to go.
Just look for the neon sign, follow the smell of sizzling beef, and prepare yourself for a meal that’ll have you singing the praises of Murray’s for years to come.
For more information about Murray’s, including their full menu and reservation details, be sure to check out their website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to navigate your way to this beef paradise, use this map to guide you to steak nirvana.
Where: 26 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Trust me, your taste buds (and your inner caveman) will thank you.