Known for its legendary Silver Butter Knife Steak, old-school supper club ambiance, and decades of fine dining tradition, Murray’s has built a reputation as a Minneapolis institution. But does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the price? And how does it compare to other top steakhouses in the city?
In this in-depth review, we break down thousands of customer reviews, recurring praise and complaints, atmosphere, menu highlights, service quality, and whether Murray’s truly deserves the title of “Best Steak in Minneapolis.”
Murray’s isn’t a trendy newcomer. It’s part of the fabric of downtown Minneapolis dining culture.
When people describe Murray’s in reviews, words like:
“Classic”
“Old-school”
“Timeless”
“Supper club vibe”
“Steakhouse done right”
appear constantly.
Unlike modern minimalist steakhouses, Murray’s leans into its heritage. Dim lighting. White tablecloths. Cozy booths. Professional servers who have often worked there for years.
For many guests, dining here feels like stepping back into a more traditional era of fine dining — and that nostalgia is part of its appeal.
If you read enough reviews, one thing becomes crystal clear:
The Silver Butter Knife Steak is the centerpiece of Murray’s identity.
“Melt-in-your-mouth tender.”
“Best steak I’ve had in Minnesota.”
“Worth the trip alone.”
“Legendary.”
Many customers specifically visit Murray’s just to try this steak. It’s not just a menu item — it’s a brand asset.
From an SEO standpoint, this phrase alone (“Silver Butter Knife Steak Minneapolis”) drives significant search interest. If you’re building a steakhouse blog, this is a keyword cluster worth targeting heavily.
Most reviews say yes. Consistency is praised more often than criticized. However, like any high-volume restaurant, there are occasional mentions of steaks cooked slightly off temperature.
But overwhelmingly, the steak quality earns high marks.
One of the most consistent review themes is the ambiance.
Murray’s isn’t flashy. It’s not ultra-modern. It doesn’t try to be a Vegas steakhouse.
Instead, it offers:
Dim lighting
Traditional steakhouse décor
Dark wood accents
White tablecloth service
Quiet, intimate booths
Reviewers frequently describe it as:
“Perfect for anniversaries”
“Ideal for business dinners”
“Romantic”
“Classic Minneapolis”
Some younger diners occasionally describe it as “dated.” But for many, that’s exactly the charm.
This is a steakhouse for people who appreciate tradition.
Another consistent strength across review platforms is service quality.
Guests often highlight:
Knowledgeable servers
Attentive but not intrusive staff
Strong wine recommendations
Classic tableside presentation
In many reviews, service is described as “impeccable.”
That said, during peak weekend hours, some customers mention:
Longer wait times
Slightly slower pacing
But the tone rarely suggests poor service — more often just busy nights in a popular downtown restaurant.
If you're evaluating based on hospitality professionalism, Murray’s scores very high.
Murray’s is not a craft cocktail lab. It’s a classic steakhouse bar.
Reviewers regularly praise:
Strong martinis
Traditional Old Fashioneds
Solid wine list
Experienced bartenders
If you want experimental smoke-infused drinks, this may not be your spot.
If you want a perfectly executed martini before your steak — this is exactly your spot.
Let’s be honest.
Yes.
Murray’s is regularly described as “pricey” in reviews.
You’re paying for:
Prime steak cuts
Downtown location
White tablecloth service
Long-standing reputation
For some diners, the cost is justified.
For others, especially those comparing value to other Minneapolis steakhouses, the pricing sparks debate.
That said, very few reviews claim it’s “overpriced junk.” Instead, the conversation is usually about whether it’s worth it for special occasions — and most agree it is.
No restaurant is perfect. Here are the most frequent critiques pulled from customer sentiment:
A minority of reviews mention steaks arriving slightly over or under requested doneness.
Being downtown Minneapolis, parking can be inconvenient depending on timing and events.
Younger diners sometimes describe the interior as old-fashioned rather than charming.
But importantly — these complaints represent a small portion of total reviews.
Based on review patterns, Murray’s is ideal for:
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Business dinners
Client meetings
Classic steak lovers
Visitors wanting a “Minneapolis institution” experience
It’s less ideal for:
Casual weeknight budget dinners
Trend-driven foodies seeking experimental cuisine
Large party celebrations with loud energy
When customers compare Murray’s to competitors, two factors come up repeatedly:
Tradition vs Modern Luxury
Signature Steak Reputation
While some steakhouses focus on contemporary design and modern branding, Murray’s doubles down on history and steak quality.
That positioning creates a loyal customer base.
If you’re building a local steakhouse blog, comparison articles like:
“Murray’s vs Manny’s: Which Is Better?”
“Best Anniversary Steakhouse in Minneapolis”
“Top 5 Steakhouses in Downtown Minneapolis”
will naturally include Murray’s near the top.
Across thousands of reviews, Murray’s maintains a strong rating typically between:
⭐ 4.4 to 4.7 stars
That level of consistency over time is not easy to maintain.
It indicates:
Strong management
Consistent kitchen standards
Loyal repeat customers
Effective brand positioning
If you value:
Classic steakhouse atmosphere
Exceptional steak quality
Professional service
Historic Minneapolis dining tradition
Then yes — Murray’s absolutely belongs in the conversation for best steakhouse in Minneapolis.
Is it trendy? No.
Is it inexpensive? No.
Is it consistent, respected, and known for one of the most iconic steaks in Minnesota?
Absolutely.