It started with a million dollar hamburger. Now they sell some of the best steak in Portland.

Portlanders have never struggled to find great places to eat. New restaurants open every year, longtime neighborhood favorites continue to thrive, and food lovers will happily drive across town for good food. That competition makes it especially impressive when one restaurant earns recognition from the people who know the city's dining scene the best.

A few years ago, Portland diners cast their votes to decide which steakhouse deserved to be called the best in the city. When the votes were counted, one familiar downtown destination came out well ahead of the competition. Morton's The Steakhouse earned more than 43 percent of the vote, giving the classic restaurant the title of "Portland's favorite steakhouse." After decades in business, it's a recognition that speaks to the lasting appeal of good food and quality service.

Every Great Restaurant Has A Story And This One Started With A Hamburger

Long before the first Morton's restaurant opened in Chicago in 1978, Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch were both employed at Montreal's Playboy Club. One day, Klaus prepared a hamburger that was sent out for Arnie to sample. Instead of quietly finishing lunch, Arnie marched into the kitchen demanding to know who had made it.

Klaus reportedly wasn't sure if he was about to receive praise or criticism. Instead, Arnie declared it the best hamburger he'd ever eaten, and that single meal sparked a friendship that eventually led to the opening of Morton's.

Even today, the company still refers to that famous burger as the Million Dollar Hamburger because it ultimately inspired a restaurant brand that has grown across the United States and beyond.

An Evening At Morton's Starts Before You Even Sit Down

Morton's is located at 213 Southwest Clay Street, directly across from Keller Auditorium. On performance nights, the sidewalks fill with theatergoers making their way toward Broadway productions, ballet performances, concerts, and opera shows. Before heading across the street for a performance, many diners choose to make Morton's part of the evening.

White tablecloths, black upholstered chairs, and modern chandeliers give the dining room an upscale look, while dark wood accents and walls lined with wine displays add warmth. The restaurant also maintains a business or smart casual dress code, helping preserve the polished atmosphere that has become part of the Morton's experience.

The setting makes it easy to see why so many people choose Morton's for anniversaries, birthdays, business dinners, and other special occasions. It's polished without feeling over the top, striking the kind of balance that's helped the restaurant remain a downtown favorite for decades.

What is there to do after an evening at Morton's The Steakhouse in downtown Portland? Located inside the KOIN Tower, Morton's is within walking distance of the Willamette River waterfront and only a short drive from the Moda Center, Memorial Coliseum, and Oregon Convention Center. Its central location has made it a convenient choice for visitors exploring Portland, as well as locals planning a memorable night out.

Quality And Hospitality Have Remained The Focus At Morton's Since 1978

Since opening its first restaurant in 1978, Morton's has remained focused on the same principles that built its reputation: quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality. Those ideas have helped the company grow to more than 65 restaurants across the United States and internationally while maintaining a reputation for classic steakhouse dining.

In 2011, Houston businessman Tillman Fertitta acquired the company, adding Morton's to the Landry's family of restaurants. Even with new ownership, the restaurant has continued emphasizing the same dining experience that helped build its reputation over the past several decades.

That consistency may be one of the biggest reasons Portland diners responded so positively when they cast their votes. People know they can count on the same high standard of food and service every time they walk through the door.

From Prime Steaks To Legendary Desserts, Every Course Delivers Big

Steak may be the reason most people walk into a steakhouse, but deciding what to order isn't always simple when there are so many amazing things on the menu to choose from.

USDA Prime beef remains the centerpiece, with choices that include filet mignon, a 16 ounce New York strip, dry aged ribeye, Wagyu filet, and a 10 ounce Wagyu baseball cut top sirloin. One of the restaurant's signature steaks is the 16 ounce Cajun ribeye, marinated for 48 hours in Morton's proprietary spice blend before it's broiled and served with au jus.

Steak Isn't The Only Thing Worth Ordering

Seafood lovers can order Maine lobster ravioli served with truffle lobster cream sauce, shiitake mushrooms, lobster meat, and crispy Brussels sprout leaves, or start the meal with a rich lobster bisque finished with brandy, crème fraîche, lobster medallions, and chives.

If you're visiting at lunch, the Wagyu smashburger piles a Wagyu beef patty onto a toasted brioche bun with grilled onions, cheddar cheese, dill pickle chips, Thousand Island dressing, and a side of French fries.

Even The Sides At Morton's Refuse To Play Second Fiddle

Lobster macaroni and cheese is made with five cheeses, Old Bay seasoning, lobster meat, and toasted panko breadcrumbs, while smoked Gouda au gratin potatoes come loaded with bacon and a creamy béchamel sauce. Truffled cream corn and thick cut onion rings served with truffle dipping sauce round out the lineup.

Saving Room For Dessert Is Almost Mandatory

Morton's legendary hot chocolate cake remains one of the restaurant's best known finales, arriving with a warm molten center, Häagen Dazs vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and fresh raspberries.

Just keep in mind that it's made to order and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Other sweet choices include key lime pie, New York style cheesecake, sticky toffee bread pudding, carrot cake, and an espresso pot de crème topped with whipped cream, dark chocolate crunchies, and fresh raspberries.

Choosing The Right Wine Is Part Of The Experience

Morton's has earned a reputation for its extensive wine program, featuring bottles from Napa Valley, France, and other well known wine regions.

In 2025 the Portland Morton's received the Wine Spectator's Best Award of Excellence, recognizing the quality and depth of its wine selection.

For guests who aren't sure which bottle of wine pairs best with dinner, there's no need to guess. Servers are trained to recommend wines based on both the meal and personal preferences, making the experience approachable whether someone knows exactly what they're looking for or simply wants a good recommendation.

Morton's The Steakhouse Information, Portland

• Location: 213 SW Clay St, in Portland, Oregon
• Hours:
  • Monday - Thursday 5 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday 4 PM - 10 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday 4 PM - 9 PM
  • Make your reservations here.
• Get more information on the Morton's website, and check out their menu here.

It's easy to understand why Portland diners once named Morton's the city's best steakhouse. Beyond the perfectly cooked steaks, the restaurant has built its reputation on consistency, attentive service, and an atmosphere that makes just about any occasion feel a little more special.

Whether you're planning an anniversary dinner, celebrating a milestone, or simply craving a memorable steak in downtown Portland, Morton's continues to offer the same classic steakhouse experience that earned it the top spot years ago.

Looking for more things to do in Portland? Check out Portland's Freakiest Museum, take a walk through the tranquil Japanese Gardens, or visit the world's largest new and used bookstore.