
Folk's Folly Prime Steak House
Memphis' original prime steakhouse since 1977, offering refined dining, exceptional steaks, and classic Southern hospitality.

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Folk's Folly Prime Steak House

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Memphis' original prime steakhouse since 1977, offering refined dining, exceptional steaks, and classic Southern hospitality.
"This is the best steakhouse in Memphis, hands down. If you're serious about steak, this is the place to go."
Private Dining Reservations
Book private dining rooms in advance by calling. No additional cost for private experiences.
Weekday Visits for Ambiance
Consider weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Prime Steaks
Renowned for USDA prime cuts, perfectly cooked and served sizzling. Indulge in a flawless American steakhouse experience.

Impeccable Service
Hospitable and attentive staff like Greg, Corinne, and Ashley ensure a personalized and memorable dining experience.

Elegant Atmosphere
A cozy yet refined white-linen setting with a piano bar, ideal for special occasions and intimate dinners.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Private Dining Reservations
Book private dining rooms in advance by calling. No additional cost for private experiences.
Weekday Visits for Ambiance
Consider weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier.
Unique Appetizer Choices
Try the colossal onion rings or she crab soup for a unique culinary start.
Tips
from all over the internet
Private Dining Reservations
Book private dining rooms in advance by calling. No additional cost for private experiences.
Weekday Visits for Ambiance
Consider weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier.
Unique Appetizer Choices
Try the colossal onion rings or she crab soup for a unique culinary start.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Folk's Folly is celebrated for its prime steaks and impeccable service, making it a top choice for special occasions and steak enthusiasts. While many praise the perfectly cooked steaks and attentive staff, some reviews note inconsistencies in side dish quality and a desire for more personalized acknowledgment of celebrations. Despite minor critiques, the exceptional quality of the steaks and the elegant ambiance draw patrons back.
"My husband surprised me with a private dining experience at Folk’s Folly for my birthday and I loved it. Our waitress Corinne was excellent, the atmosphere was excellent, and the food was amazing. The ONLY thing I can say is that the mashed potatoes were a bit dry and bland, but aside from that my calamari, steak, lobster tail, green beans, and literally everything else was 10/10.
Also, my husband said that private dining isn’t at any additional cost, you just have to call to reserve."
Jerra Lane
"I recently took my husband to this restaurant for his birthday, and unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown. His mac and cheese arrived cold, and despite informing the staff that it was a special occasion, we didn't receive any form of acknowledgment, such as a complimentary dessert or even a simple birthday greeting. This was surprising since I've never been to a restaurant that didn't recognize a birthday in some way.
On a positive note, my steak was outstanding. I ordered the 'petite' steak, which turned out to be satisfyingly thick and perfectly cooked. The grits were equally enjoyable. However, the king crab croquettes fell short in flavor; while the texture was spot on, they desperately needed more seasoning. The catfish appetizer was decent, but not memorable, and could have benefited from a more seasoned batter.
Overall, while certain dishes didn't quite live up to our expectations, the steak was exceptional and would definitely be a reason for us to return. However, given our experience, this wouldn't be our choice for celebrating a special occasion."
Iris San Miguel
"From the moment we walked in we were greeted with friendly faces. The room attendant, Dillon, and our server, Shannon, were so attentive.
Our food was SPECTACULAR!
We ordered the fried pickles, a wedge salad, a filet, ribeye, asparagus, spinach and mushrooms.
Our steaks were cooked to perfection. The vegetables were so flavorful!!
We had the best night and I recommend FF to anyone!!"
Lauren Boston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Folk's Folly is renowned for its USDA prime steaks, cooked to perfection, and its classic Southern hospitality.
Yes, Folk's Folly offers private dining rooms. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant. There is no additional cost for private dining.
The restaurant offers a cozy yet elegant atmosphere with a refined, white-linen setting and a piano bar, ideal for special occasions.
Yes, in addition to steaks, Folk's Folly offers seafood specialties, duck, chicken, and lamb dishes.
Popular side dishes mentioned include jalapeno mac and cheese, asparagus, spinach casserole, and hand-battered onion rings.
Folk's Folly is frequently chosen for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, noted for its special occasion ambiance.
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Restaurants in Memphis
Folks flock to this busy restaurant in the heart of East Memphis for the USDA prime steaks served with sizzle and a pat of herb butter. If beef isn't your thing, they also serve salad and seafood. Either way, be sure to save room for bread pudding.
Folk’s Folly embodies an unwavering commitment to our customers by offering a fine dining experience through personized service and the highest quality of food. In honor of our commitment to you, our staff is trained to provide prompt, efficient and friendly service that will enhance your evening with us and make a definite and lasting impression on each guest who walks into our restaurant.
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You don’t have to travel downtown for an outstanding dining experience. Known for their delicious steaks, Folk’s Folly even has a Prime Cut Shoppe called Humphrey’s if you prefer to celebrate special occasions in your own kitchen!. Beyond an impressive offering of steaks, they also offer delicious dishes built around other proteins like duck, chicken, lamb, and seafood.
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Recognized year after year as the best steakhouse in Memphis, Folk's Folly guarantees a flawless American feast from start to finish. With its very own butcher shop next door, the restaurant asserts that steak is clearly the specialty. However, the menu also boasts an array of other delicious main courses, including grilled duck breast and Alaskan king crab legs.
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Folk’s Folly is a timeless steakhouse that has been serving exquisite meals since its inception in 1977. Renowned for its classic Southern hospitality and exceptional steaks, this restaurant is a cherished hotspot in the city's culinary scene. Guests can expect a refined yet welcoming ambiance, complete with cozy wood-paneled interiors and attentive service.
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Folk’s Folly has been serving some of the city’s best steak and seafood for decades. Treat yourself to boldly flavored dishes, like the Maker’s Mark Medallions, Smoked Pork Chop, a 28-ounce Porterhouse Steak, or an 18-20 ounce lobster tail. Complimentary fried dill pickles, an extensive wine list, and beautiful, handcrafted cocktails are also available.
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Folk’s Folly is Memphis’ original prime steakhouse, serving its customers proudly since 1977. Folk’s Folly pairs together fine dining and relaxed Southern hospitality for a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. At this steakhouse, you can enjoy cuts like filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and porterhouse with a variety of enhancers.
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Escape downtown and savor a superb dining experience at Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House. Known for its delicious steaks, this establishment also offers delectable dishes featuring duck, chicken, lamb, and seafood. Live music in the cellar lounge adds to the special ambiance, making it an ideal destination for a romantic night out.
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Look no further than Folk’s Folly, a co-family-owned Memphis steak house is a must for any visit!. Their steaks are seasoned and grilled to perfection, and their seafood is unforgettable. Folk’s Folly has a classic steakhouse menu of steaks, seafood, and delicious sides paired with an excellent selection of wines and cocktails.
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Since it opened in 1977, it has been the premier Memphis destination for steaks. The restaurant is known for perfectly cooked prime steaks that arrive to the table on a hot plate sizzling in butter. Sides like potatoes au gratin, spinach casserole and hand-battered onion rings are served family-style for all to share.
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If a hearty steak dinner is the only thing that will suffice, Folk’s Folly is the place. Dubbed Memphis’ original steak house, Folk’s Folly has been in operation since 1977. Known for their perfectly seared prime cuts, they also make a splash with specialty sides and sauces, vegetables, salads, and so much more.
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Memphis’ original prime steakhouse, Folk’s Folly, has been serving the residents of Memphis since 1977. With intimate lighting, private dining and a cozy lounge, Folks Folly Prime Steakhouse is the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing evening with your closest family members.
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Folk’s Folly opened its doors in 1977 as owner Humphrey Folk’s vision of what a true steakhouse should be despite his family and friends’ doubts. That’s why he decided to name the restaurant Folk’s Folly, which, as history has shown, was a fruitful and successful folly.
Come for the Food: First Class Fine Dining in Memphis
If your taste buds lean towards meat and potatoes, we absolutely have you covered. From porterhouse, to ribeye to filet mignon, Folk’s Folly offers a large variety of quality, prime steaks. Start your meal with the crawfish beignets or the sausage-stuffed mushrooms.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in the Memphis Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.3/5 (339 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 551 South Mendenhall Road Memphis, Tennessee - Categories: Steakhouses, Seafood, Venues & Event Spaces- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Highest-paying jobs in Memphis that don't require a college degree
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Established in 1977, Folk's Folly is the original prime steakhouse in Memphis. This Memphis restaurant got its name as an homage and an “I told you so” from the owner to his friends who warned him that opening a restaurant would likely result in failure.
Highest-rated restaurants in Memphis
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (342 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse– Price: $$$$– Address: 551 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117-4217– Read more on Tripadvisor
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Kevin Chandler, from left, Mike Irby, Steve Cameron, Lon McDurmon, III, Alejandro Montoya and Patrick Wade renovate the bar and lounge area at Folk’s Folly Restaurant, 551 S.
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