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, were brought together by a hamburger so good that Arnie burst into the kitchen demanding to know who cooked it. That meeting produced what they called the "Million-Dollar Hamburger" — and eventually, in 1978, the first Morton's on State Street in Chicago. More than four decades later, the vision behind that original restaurant — quality, consistency, genuine hospitality — drives every location, including the Palm Desert outpost on Country Club Drive.

The Steakhouse Standard

At the heart of the Morton's experience is USDA prime-aged beef, representing the top 2% of beef available in the United States. The same suppliers have been used since day one, and any cut that doesn't meet Morton's standards simply doesn't make it to the table. The current menu at Palm Desert extends well beyond the expected, with dishes like Prime Bavette Steak Frites, Wagyu Beef Stroganoff, Oysters Rockefeller, and a Lobster & Crab Cocktail — a reminder that this steakhouse takes its seafood seriously. Chilean Sea Bass, Oysters on the Half Shell, Colossal Shrimp, and Red King Crab Legs round out a menu that pairs land and sea with equal care.

Wine, Bar, and the Broader Experience

The Palm Desert location holds the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a recognition earned through a list of more than 300 wines spanning exclusive vintages, sommelier selections, and cult favorites. An on-site Wine Locker program allows guests to store personal selections, and a dedicated sommelier team is on hand to guide choices. The Bar 12-21 program adds another dimension — hand-crafted cocktails, imported and local craft brews, and chef-selected bar bites that keep the room lively well beyond dinner service.

Private Dining and Events

Morton's Palm Desert accommodates private gatherings in intimate dining rooms suited to business functions, celebrations, and special events. The broader Morton's culture also extends to community engagement, with the brand partnering with athletes and foundations for charity events, wine dinners, and exclusive one-of-a-kind menus. Each guest, whether at the bar or in a private room, is treated as a VIP — a standard the restaurant has maintained since that first Chicago opening.