- Attraction: Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House
- Location: 551 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
- Industry: Steakhouse
- Website: https://www.folksfolly.com
Picture this: a real estate developer with zero restaurant experience decides to turn a corner house into a steakhouse. His friends think he’s crazy. He names it a folly.
Fast forward nearly five decades, and Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House stands as Memphis’ most celebrated dining destination for prime beef.
Founded in 1977 by Humphrey Folk Jr., this locally-owned gem has transformed special occasions into unforgettable experiences for generations of Memphians and visitors alike.
What started as one man’s ambitious dream has evolved into a multi-generational family affair.
The restaurant occupies seven distinct dining rooms plus twelve private spaces that accommodate anywhere from intimate parties of two to grand celebrations of eighty guests.
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Keep Exploring →With its from-scratch kitchen churning out USDA Prime meats alongside fresh seafood daily, Folk’s Folly has earned its reputation as Memphis’ Original Prime Steakhouse.
Steaks That Steal The Show
The Prime Cuts: The beef here ranks among the finest you’ll encounter anywhere. The restaurant sources USDA Prime steaks from Chicago’s Stock Yards, where expert butchers hand-trim each cut.
Your filet mignon practically dissolves on your tongue – tender enough to slice with a fork and packed with rich, savory flavor. The petite filet weighs in at eight ounces of fully trimmed perfection, while those with heartier appetites can opt for larger cuts.
Pittsburgh-Style Preparation: If you appreciate that gorgeous charred crust contrasting with a perfectly pink center, you’ll be thrilled. The kitchen excels at achieving that ideal sear that locks in juices while creating a caramelized exterior adding texture and depth to every bite.
The Porterhouse & Ribeye: These hefty options showcase marbling at its finest. The 28-ounce porterhouse delivers two experiences in one – the buttery tenderloin and the more robust strip. Ribeyes arrive juicy and flavorful, with fat rendering throughout to create that signature steakhouse taste.
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Discover MoreBone-In Specials: Keep your eyes peeled for weekend specials featuring the bone-in filet. This off-menu treasure adds even more depth of flavor, and it’s become something of a cult favorite among regulars who know to ask for it.
The Medallion Sampler: Want to try multiple preparations?
The special featuring three four-ounce filet medallions lets you experience different flavor profiles in one meal. Each medallion gets topped with something unique – perhaps Maytag blue cheese crumbles on one, peppercorn sauce on another, and crabmeat béarnaise on the third.
Appetizers & Soups Worth The Splurge
She-Crab Soup: This Southern classic deserves your attention. Thick, creamy, and loaded with generous chunks of fresh lump crabmeat, the soup gets enriched with a hint of sherry that adds sophistication without overwhelming the delicate crab flavor. Portions are substantial enough to share.
Bleu Cheese Mountain: Here’s something you won’t find at typical steakhouses. Crispy kettle-style potato chips get absolutely smothered in warm bleu cheese fondue, then crowned with crumbled bleu cheese, fresh scallions, and diced red pepper. It’s indulgent, shareable, and addictively delicious.
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Keep Exploring →Crab Cakes: These signature items showcase Folk’s Folly’s scratch kitchen philosophy. Lump crabmeat gets gently folded with celery, onion, seasonings, and crispy panko breadcrumbs before being flash-fried to golden perfection. The Louis sauce provides the perfect tangy complement.
French Onion Soup: Hearty and satisfying, this classic arrives with a toasted crouton floating in rich broth, all topped with melted Gruyere cheese that stretches luxuriously with each spoonful.
Fried Dill Pickles: A complimentary Southern treat awaits you in the Cellar Lounge – perfectly crispy fried pickles that set the tone for your meal while you sip cocktails and enjoy live piano music.
Seafood & Specialty Entrees
Fried Lobster: This distinctive preparation transforms lobster with a delicate crispy coating. The lobster maintains its sweet, tender texture while gaining textural contrast that doesn’t mask the seafood’s natural flavor.
Australian Rack of Lamb: Imported lamb prepared to perfection offers an elegant alternative to beef. The meat arrives tender and flavorful, standing as one of the menu’s standout options.
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Discover MoreFresh Catches: Daily seafood specials might include perfectly grilled sea bass resting on wild rice medley, or blackened salmon with chipotle glaze. The kitchen treats seafood with the same reverence as their steaks.
The Secret Burger: Insiders know to order the off-menu gourmet prime burger served on focaccia. It’s everything you’d expect from a steakhouse burger – made with prime beef and elevated with quality ingredients.
Sides That Shine
Garlic Potato Casserole: Creamy, garlicky, and utterly comforting, this side dish perfectly complements your steak without competing for attention.
Potatoes Au Gratin: A perennial favorite featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream and cheese, baked until golden and bubbling.
Spinach Casserole: This classic 1950s-inspired side brings nostalgia to the table, prepared the traditional way that made it a steakhouse staple.
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Keep Exploring →Asparagus: Prepared simply but beautifully, often served with hollandaise sauce that adds richness without overwhelming the vegetable’s natural flavor.
Colossal Steak Fries: These aren’t your average fries – they’re massive, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, perfectly seasoned and ideal for sharing.
Desserts To End On A High Note
The Signature Hot Chocolate Fudge Brownie: This dessert has achieved legendary status. Dense, loaded with pecans, served piping hot, and topped with vanilla bean ice cream, all drizzled generously with chocolate syrup.
It’s decadent enough to make you reconsider your capacity after a steak dinner, yet irresistible enough that you’ll find room.
Bread Pudding: Traditional comfort elevated with raisins and cinnamon, then draped with Bushmills Irish whiskey sauce for a grown-up twist.
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée: Classic French custard with that satisfying crack of caramelized sugar on top, garnished with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Southern Pecan Pie: Served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of sea salt caramel, this traditional favorite perfectly captures Southern dessert heritage.
The Cellar Lounge Experience
Live Piano Music: The Cellar Lounge stands out as Memphis’ only intimate piano lounge, featuring live grand piano performances Monday through Saturday. Talented pianists set the mood with everything from jazz standards to contemporary favorites.
Pre-Dinner Cocktails: Starting your evening in the lounge has become ritual for many diners. The space buzzes with energy as couples, business associates, and groups gather over martinis and fine wines before moving to the dining rooms.
Full Bar Service: Whether you prefer classic cocktails, an extensive wine selection, cognacs, or liqueurs, the bar delivers quality drinks in an atmosphere that encourages lingering and conversation.
Atmosphere & Setting
Old-World Elegance: Dark wood furnishings and heavy padded chairs create a classic steakhouse ambiance that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. The décor leans into retro charm with artwork by American artist Leroy Neiman adorning the walls.
Multiple Intimate Spaces: Seven distinct dining rooms mean you’re never eating in a cavernous hall. Each space maintains its own character while preserving privacy and intimacy. Private alcoves make romantic dinners feel even more special.
Converted House Charm: The restaurant’s origins as a corner house remain evident in its layout and cozy feel. Walk-in closets with Dutch doors, thoughtful amenities like chocolate mints and glossy matchboxes, and architectural details all harken back to a more gracious era of dining.
The Music Room: Don’t miss peeking into the special room decorated with black-and-white photographs honoring Memphis’ musical icons – a subtle nod to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Lighting & Mood: Dimly lit spaces create ideal conditions for date nights and special celebrations. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between formal and relaxed – sophisticated enough for important occasions yet welcoming enough that you never feel stuffy.
Practical Considerations
Pricing Philosophy: Expect to invest around one hundred dollars per person for the full experience with appetizers, entrees, sides, and dessert.
While Folk’s Folly sits on the higher end of Memphis dining, the quality of prime beef, generous portions, and exceptional execution justify the investment. This is destination dining meant for special occasions rather than casual weeknight meals.
Valet Parking: Complimentary valet service eliminates parking concerns, adding another layer of convenience to your special evening.
Reservations Recommended: While walk-ins are accepted, making reservations ensures you secure your preferred dining time, especially on weekends.
The restaurant fills up quickly, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Private dining rooms require direct contact with the restaurant at 901-762-8200.
Dress Code Awareness: Folk’s Folly maintains standards appropriate for fine dining. While not strictly enforced in all cases, dressing up enhances the experience and shows respect for the establishment’s traditions.
Best Times To Visit: Weekday evenings offer a more relaxed pace, while weekends bring vibrant energy and buzz. Arriving early for lounge seating helps avoid waits, especially on popular nights.
Weekly Specials: New special offerings debut each Wednesday and run through the following Tuesday. These creative additions to the regular menu provide opportunities to try unique preparations and seasonal ingredients.
Perfect For Celebrations: Whether you’re marking birthdays, anniversaries, business milestones, or family gatherings, Folk’s Folly excels at making occasions feel momentous. The attention to detail and celebratory atmosphere make your special day truly memorable.
Family-Friendly Despite Elegance: While the atmosphere skews sophisticated, well-behaved children are welcome. Families have been creating traditions here for generations, making it genuinely multigenerational in appeal.
The Prime Cut Shoppe: Located adjacent to the restaurant on William Arnold Road, this retail shop lets you take the Folk’s Folly experience home.
Purchase the same prime cuts served in the restaurant, fresh seafood, prepared salads, soups, desserts, and more for your own kitchen or to ship nationwide as gifts.
Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House
📍 551 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
