This Minnesota steakhouse has a reputation built solely on people who eat a great meal and then refuse to stop recommending it.
The cut gets it right, every time, without the variation that quietly erodes trust in most steakhouses after repeat visits. This consistency is the whole story.
A steak done at just this level, meal after meal, builds a loyal following that needs no advertising. It just needs to keep showing up the same way.
This kitchen keeps coming up.
Go and taste the certain confidence that comes from knowing that something has really been done right, and then it’s done that way over and over again.
A legacy that began decades ago
Not many restaurants survive long enough to become a true institution. Murray’s has been setting tables since opening its doors. This longevity does not happen by accident.
Murray’s story is truly a story of consistency. Decade after decade, the kitchen has kept its standards high and the dining room has kept its charm intact.
There’s something almost rare about a restaurant that refuses to cut corners even when no one will notice.
The original Murray family built this place with a clear vision. Good steak, great service and an atmosphere that made every meal feel like a special occasion. This philosophy stayed long after the early years.
Honestly, there’s something comforting about knowing that a place has been this good for so long. Murray’s didn’t stumble on its reputation. It made one perfectly cooked steak at a time, and this base is rock solid.
You can feel the history the moment you arrive at 26 South 6th St in Minneapolis. The building carries a quiet confidence that newer spots simply can’t fake. It has earned its place on that street corner through decades of doing the job.
The Silver Butter Knife Steak
If there’s one dish that puts Murray’s on the map statewide, it’s the Silver Butter Knife Steak. The name alone sounds like something out of a foodie fantasy, and the actual dish lives up to every bit of that promise.
This is a steak for two, and the whole experience is part of the appeal. Your server slices it right at the table, which adds a theatrical touch that makes the meal feel truly festive. The cut is so tender it almost melts before you even start chewing.
I remember sitting across from someone who had never tried it before and watching their expression completely change after the first bite. No words were exchanged. The steak did everything. This quiet surprise is hard to manufacture.
It comes with a choice of soup or salad for two, which is a thoughtful touch. The lobster bisque is worth choosing every time. Rich, smooth and deeply satisfying, it sets the tone for everything that follows.
The Silver Butter Knife steak isn’t just a menu item at Murray’s. It’s a rite of passage for anyone serious about steak in Minnesota. Order it once and you’ll fully understand the hype.
Sides that steal the show
Most steakhouses treat sides as an afterthought. Murray’s treats them like co-stars.
The array of side dishes here is truly impressive. I have to admit that the sides are what convinced me to make a reservation in the first place.
The Thai Chili Brussels Sprouts are a must. They arrive crisp and bold, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. For a vegetable dish, they generate a surprising amount of conversation at the table.
Mac and cheese at a steakhouse might sound basic, but this version is thick, creamy, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes you glad you didn’t skip ordering a side.
Shredded potatoes are another strong contender, layered and rich in all the right ways.
What impresses me the most is how each side has its own flavor profile. Nothing tastes like it was just thrown in to fill up space on the plate. Every ingredient feels purposefully crafted and properly seasoned.
At Murray’s, making your meal on the side is a perfectly valid strategy. Pick a steak, then spend the rest of your energy deciding which sides to try. You won’t regret giving them so much attention.
Only good vibes inside
Classic is the word that keeps coming to mind when describing the interior of Murray’s.
The dining room has a timeless quality that seems purposeful rather than old. Dark wood, warm lighting and white tablecloths create an environment that immediately signals that this is not a relaxed Tuesday night place.
The bar area has a personality all its own. It’s slightly more relaxed, a bit brighter and honestly a great option if you arrive without a reservation.
The variety of seating there, from high tops to bar stools to low tables, means you’re rarely stuck waiting long.
One small thing I noticed was the sound level. The dining room hums with conversation, but it never gets so loud that you have to raise your voice. This balance is surprisingly difficult to achieve, and Murray gets it right without even looking like he’s trying.
Private dining options are also available, making this an ideal venue for corporate events, celebrations and landmark dinners. The space adapts well to different circumstances without losing its basic identity.
Desserts worth saving room for
Skipping dessert at Murray’s would be a genuine mistake. The kitchen applies the same level of care to the final dish as it does to the main event, and the results are worth every extra minute at the table.
The sponge cake is the one everyone is talking about. Tart, sweet and generously filled, almost too good to touch.
Almost. The crust is flaky and buttery, and the filling has that bright fruit flavor that cuts right through the richness of a full steak dinner.
Creme brulee is another standout. The caramelized fudge pops cleanly and the cream underneath is silky and perfectly firm. It’s a classic for a reason, and Murray’s version totally respects that reason.
Key lime pie also makes an appearance on the dessert menu and brings a refreshing citrus tartness that works wonderfully as a palate cleanser.
Chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce is the ending that makes you want to sit back and just appreciate the moment.
Service that sets the standard
Good service is easy to spot and even easier to remember. The staff operates with a level of care that really sets the experience apart from most places at this price point.
The team works together in a way that seems seamless. Plates quietly disappear, water is refilled without being asked, and the pace of the meal moves at a pace that never feels rushed or sloppy.
This kind of coordination requires real training and genuine pride in the work.
Small gestures make a big difference here too. When a guest requests something off the menu, the staff makes every effort to accommodate.
This willingness to go beyond the script is exactly what separates a good restaurant from a truly memorable one.
Murray’s has clearly built a culture of service that runs deeper than a training manual. The warmth is authentic rather than repetitive.
For a special occasion or even a well-earned dinner, this kind of hospitality makes every dollar feel worth it.
Meal times worth knowing
Most people think of Murray’s as a dining destination, and that reputation is well deserved. But the lunch service that runs Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. it’s one of the best kept practical secrets about this place.
The lunch menu brings the same quality cuisine in a slightly more affordable lunch format.
The steak sandwich is a real highlight, built with tender sliced steak on sourdough with melted cheese and served alongside crispy fries. It’s a proper meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Eating here for lunch also means a calmer, slightly quieter room compared to the dinner rush. The service remains clean, the quality of the food doesn’t drop and you get the full Murray’s experience without needing to book weeks in advance.
I’ve always appreciated restaurants that take their lunch service seriously. It’s easy to enjoy the reputation of dinner and call it noon. Murray’s clearly doesn’t work that way and it shows in every dish that comes out of the kitchen.
If a weekend dinner reservation feels out of reach right now, lunch is a really great entry point. Same cuisine, same standards and a chance to experience one of Minnesota’s most famous steakhouses on your own schedule.
Because the reputation continues to grow
Restaurants gain reputations slowly and lose them quickly. The fact that Murray’s has held its own in Minnesota for nearly eight decades says something remarkable about how this place operates on every level.
Word of mouth has always been the engine behind this restaurant’s appeal. Locals recommend it to out-of-towners. Visitors leave and tell people back home. Families build annual traditions around a table here.
This organic spread of excitement is something no marketing budget can create. Consistency is probably the biggest factor.
Coming back and finding the same quality you remembered is nowhere guaranteed, but Murray’s offers that reliability in a way that keeps people coming back with confidence. There’s real comfort in knowing exactly what you’re walking into.
The breadth of the menu also plays a role. Steak is the clear focus, but appetizers, sides, desserts, and even fish options give the whole table something to get excited about.
At the end of the day, Murray’s continues to grow its reputation because it continues to earn it. No shortcuts, no coasting, just a kitchen and a team that shows up and does the job of every service.
