Morton's, The Steakhouse

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Story That Started With a Hamburger

Morton's The Steakhouse traces its origins to an unlikely moment: co-founders Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch, both working at the Playboy Club in Montreal, connected over what Arnie called the best hamburger he'd ever tasted — the "Million-Dollar Hamburger." That chance encounter in the kitchen sparked a partnership that led to the first Morton's opening on State Street in Chicago in 1978. More than four decades later, the brand has grown to over 65 locations worldwide, with Atlanta's Peachtree Center address standing as Georgia's sole outpost.

Quality, Consistency, Genuine Hospitality

The founding philosophy — quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality — remains the operating principle at every table. Morton's points to the longevity of its staff and managers, some with the company for decades, as evidence that the culture runs deeper than a menu. Every guest, the restaurant says, is treated like a VIP, whether they're at the bar for cocktails, in the dining room for a romantic dinner, or in one of the private rooms for a business function.

The Steak and Seafood Offer

As a steakhouse, Morton's centers its menu on USDA prime-aged beef — representing the top two percent of beef available in the United States. The same suppliers have been used since day one, with inventory selected specifically to Morton's standards. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't get cut.

The seafood side of the menu is equally considered. Chilean Sea Bass, Oysters on the Half Shell, Colossal Shrimp, and Red King Crab Legs sit alongside the prime cuts, with the kitchen encouraging guests to pair land and sea for what it calls a classic dining experience. Recent seasonal additions have included Prime Bavette Steak Frites, Wagyu Beef Stroganoff, Oysters Rockefeller, and a Lobster & Crab Cocktail.

Bar 12-21 and the Wine Program

The bar at Morton's — Bar 12-21 — runs a program of hand-crafted cocktails, imported and local craft beers, and chef-selected bites. Seasonal cocktail menus and half-pour "Mor-'Teeny's" keep the offering fresh.

The wine list is where Morton's has earned formal recognition: the Atlanta location holds the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, part of a chain-wide distinction that sees every Morton's location maintain a list of more than 300 wines. Sommelier staff and General Managers are on hand to guide selections, and the restaurant offers an on-site Wine Locker program for regulars who want to store their own bottles. Morton's has also introduced a private label, "State & Rush," produced at Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, California — a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir that honor the brand's Chicago roots.

Private Dining and Events

The Atlanta location's private dining rooms accommodate business functions, special celebrations, and catered events. Morton's also partners with athletes and their foundations for charity events, seasonal wine dinners, and exclusive one-of-a-kind menus — all within the intimate setting of those same private spaces.