Morton's, The Steakhouse

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Steakhouse Built on a Legendary Hamburger

The origin story of Morton's is unexpectedly humble. Co-founders Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch first crossed paths at the Playboy Club in Montreal, where Klaus cooked a hamburger that stopped Arnie in his tracks. He burst into the kitchen demanding to know who made it — and when Klaus stepped forward, Arnie declared it the best he'd ever tasted. They called it the "Million-Dollar Hamburger," and the partnership it sparked led to the opening of the first Morton's on State Street in Chicago in 1978. More than four decades later, that founding principle — quality, consistency, genuine hospitality — still drives every location, including the West Palm Beach steakhouse at 777 S. Flagler Drive.

USDA Prime Beef, from the Top 2%

At the core of Morton's reputation is its beef. The kitchen works with the same suppliers it has used since day one, and those suppliers set aside the best of their inventory specifically for Morton's — if the cut doesn't meet the restaurant's standards, it doesn't make it to the plate. The steaks are sourced from USDA prime-aged beef, representing the top 2% of beef available in the United States.

The menu extends well beyond steak, though. Fresh seafood — Chilean sea bass, oysters on the half shell, colossal shrimp, red king crab legs — rounds out the offering, and the kitchen regularly introduces seasonal dishes. Current additions include a Prime Bavette Steak Frites, Wagyu Beef Stroganoff, Oysters Rockefeller, and a Lobster & Crab Cocktail, alongside new seasonal cocktails.

A Wine Program Worth Noting

The West Palm Beach location holds the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a recognition that reflects a wine list of more than 300 labels. The selection spans exclusive vintages, cult favorites chosen by the sommelier team, and a rotating "Bottle Shock" feature that highlights carefully selected bottles for a limited time. For regular guests, an on-site Wine Locker program allows for personal cellar storage within the restaurant. Morton's has also introduced a private label, "State & Rush," honoring its Chicago roots with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir sourced from Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, California.

The Space and the Occasion

The dining room is designed to handle the full range of occasions — cocktails at the bar, a quiet dinner, a business lunch, or a private event. Intimate private dining rooms accommodate groups and special functions, and Morton's also partners with athletes and foundations for charity events and exclusive seasonal wine dinners. Whether the visit is routine or celebratory, the steakhouse format here is one that has been refined over decades across more than 65 locations worldwide.