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 a hamburger so good that Arnie burst into the kitchen demanding to know who had cooked it. That burger became known as the "Million-Dollar Hamburger," and the partnership it sparked led to the first Morton's opening on State Street in Chicago in 1978. Today, the brand spans more than 65 locations worldwide, and the Coral Gables outpost on Ponce de Leon Boulevard brings that same founding ethos — quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality — to Miami.

The Steakhouse Standard

The centerpiece of any visit is the beef. Morton's sources USDA prime-aged cuts from the same suppliers it has used since day one, selecting only the top 2% of beef available in the United States. If a cut doesn't meet Morton's standards, it simply doesn't reach the plate. The current menu also extends well beyond the grill: Chilean Sea Bass, Oysters on the Half Shell, Colossal Shrimp, and Red King Crab Legs sit alongside seasonal additions like Prime Bavette Steak Frites, Wagyu Beef Stroganoff, and Oysters Rockefeller. The steakhouse format here is classic in structure but genuinely broad in range.

Wine, the Bar, and Private Dining

The Coral Gables location holds a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, recognition that reflects a list of more than 300 wines spanning exclusive vintages, cult favorites, and sommelier selections. Private wine lockers are available on-site, and the restaurant's in-house sommelier team is always on hand to guide pairings. Morton's has also introduced its own private label, "State & Rush," a trio of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir sourced from Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, California — a nod to the brand's Chicago roots.

Beyond the dining room, Bar 12-21 offers hand-crafted cocktails, imported and local craft brews, and chef-selected bites. For larger occasions, intimate private dining rooms host everything from business functions to seasonal wine dinners and charity events. Every guest, whether dropping in for a weekday lunch or marking a special occasion, is treated as a VIP — a standard the Morton's team has maintained for over four decades.