Morton's, The Steakhouse

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Steakhouse With a Story Worth Telling

Morton's The Steakhouse traces its origins to an unlikely moment: a hamburger. Co-founders Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch first crossed paths at the Playboy Club in Montreal, where Klaus cooked a burger that stopped Arnie in his tracks. He burst into the kitchen demanding to know who made it — and when Klaus stepped forward, Arnie told him it was the best he'd ever tasted. They called it the "Million-Dollar Hamburger," and from that spark, a partnership was born. In 1978, they opened the first Morton's on State Street in Chicago, and the vision has held steady ever since: quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality.

Today the Burbank location on West Olive Avenue carries that same standard forward, as one of more than 65 Morton's steakhouses worldwide.

The Beef, the Seafood, and the Bar

The steakhouse identity is built on USDA Prime-aged beef — the top 2% of beef available in the United States. Morton's has worked with the same suppliers since day one, and the standard is firm: if the cut doesn't meet Morton's specifications, it doesn't reach the plate. Alongside the prime steaks, the kitchen offers fresh seafood — Chilean Sea Bass, Oysters on the Half Shell, Colossal Shrimp, Red King Crab Legs — making a case that a great steakhouse doesn't have to be a one-note experience.

The menu continues to evolve with seasonal additions. Current features include a Prime Bavette Steak Frites, Wagyu Beef Stroganoff, Oysters Rockefeller, and a Lobster & Crab Cocktail, alongside new cocktails and half-pour "Mor-'Teeny's" at Bar 12-21, the restaurant's lively bar program built around hand-crafted cocktails, imported and local craft brews, and chef-selected bites.

A Wine Program That Earns Its Recognition

The wine list at Morton's Burbank holds a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — recognition that reflects a collection of more than 300 wines spanning exclusive vintages, sommelier selections, and cult favorites. An on-site Wine Locker program allows guests to store personal bottles, and the team includes trained sommeliers available to guide pairings through every course. Morton's has also launched its own private label, "State & Rush," honoring the brand's Chicago roots with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir sourced from Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, California.

Private Dining and the Broader Experience

The Burbank location is well equipped for events beyond the dining room. Private rooms accommodate business functions, special occasions, and large groups, while catering and Prime Platter options extend the steakhouse experience off-site. Morton's also partners with athletes and their foundations for charity events, seasonal wine dinners, and exclusive one-of-a-kind menus — keeping the space active well beyond a standard dinner service.