If you love a perfectly cooked cut of prime rib but don’t want to wait for a special occasion, Mortimer’s in Memphis has the answer. This family-owned restaurant has turned Monday and Tuesday evenings into a weekly celebration of slow-roasted beef that keeps locals coming back.
With hearty portions, classic sides, and a cozy atmosphere that feels like home, it’s no wonder Prime Rib Night has become a Memphis tradition.
Meet Mortimer’s, a Longtime Memphis Favorite
Mortimer’s has been serving Memphis since 1981, making it one of those places where generations of families have shared meals together. The family-owned bar and grill sits on North Perkins Road, where it’s earned a reputation as a neighborhood institution with serious staying power.
Some folks even call it Memphis’ version of Cheers because of its welcoming vibe and familiar faces.
The restaurant’s roots run deep in Memphis history. Many of its recipes and traditions come from The Knickerbocker, a beloved Memphis landmark that closed decades ago.
That connection to the past shows up in the decor too, with Knickerbocker memorabilia adorning the walls alongside wooden accents and comfortable booths that invite you to settle in for a while.
Inside, the atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and classic. The wooden interior creates warmth without feeling stuffy, and the layout encourages both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
There’s even a private dining room that seats 20 if you’re planning something special.
What really sets Mortimer’s apart is how it’s managed to stay relevant for over four decades. In a city where restaurants come and go, this spot has maintained its appeal by sticking to what works: quality food, reasonable prices, and an environment where everyone feels welcome.
The bar area buzzes with regulars, while the dining room serves families who’ve been coming here since the kids were in high chairs.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime regular, Mortimer’s greets you with the same Southern hospitality that’s kept it thriving since the Reagan administration. It’s the kind of place where the staff might remember your usual order, and where you can count on a satisfying meal without any pretense.
Why Monday and Tuesday Are Prime Rib Nights at Mortimer’s
Prime Rib Night started as a Monday exclusive at Mortimer’s, designed to bring diners in during what’s traditionally a slower evening for restaurants. The special kicked off at 5 PM and quickly became so popular that the restaurant couldn’t keep up with demand.
Lines formed, tables filled fast, and the kitchen stayed busy all evening long.
Seeing the overwhelming response, Mortimer’s made a smart move by extending the special to Tuesdays as well. Now both evenings offer the same generous prime rib dinner, giving more people a chance to enjoy it without the Monday night crush.
It’s become such a fixture that regulars plan their weeks around it.
The timing works perfectly for families and working professionals alike. Starting at 5 PM means you can come straight from work or bring the kids for an early dinner. The extended hours through 9 PM on both nights also accommodate those who prefer a later meal.
What makes this special so appealing isn’t just the food itself but the value it represents. At $29.99 for a complete dinner, you’re getting a premium cut of beef that would cost significantly more at a steakhouse.
The restaurant hasn’t skimped on portion sizes either, serving cuts that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
The twice-weekly schedule has created a sense of tradition among Memphis diners. Some groups of friends meet every Monday, while families have made Tuesday their standing dinner night.
It’s transformed what could have been a one-off promotion into a genuine community gathering that happens 104 times a year. For a restaurant that’s all about creating lasting memories, Prime Rib Night perfectly captures what Mortimer’s does best.
The Slow-Roasted Prime Rib That Keeps Diners Coming Back
The star of the show arrives at your table as a generous cut of beef that’s been slow-roasted to bring out its natural flavors. Mortimer’s doesn’t rush the process, allowing the meat to develop that perfect combination of a seasoned exterior and tender interior.
Most diners order it medium-rare, which showcases the appealing pink hue that signals a properly cooked prime rib.
Each serving comes with two classic accompaniments that elevate the experience. The savory au jus provides a rich, beefy flavor that complements without overpowering, while the zesty horseradish sauce adds a kick for those who like a little heat.
You can use them together or separately, depending on your preference.
The cut itself is substantial enough to satisfy without leaving you uncomfortably full. It’s the kind of portion that feels indulgent but not excessive, striking that sweet spot where you finish your plate feeling content.
The slow-roasting method ensures the meat stays juicy throughout, avoiding the dryness that can plague lesser preparations.
What consistently impresses diners is the quality control. Whether you visit on a Monday in January or a Tuesday in July, the prime rib maintains the same high standard.
That consistency has earned Mortimer’s a loyal following among prime rib enthusiasts who know they can count on a reliably excellent meal.
The preparation showcases the restaurant’s commitment to doing traditional dishes right. There are no fancy reductions or trendy twists, just expertly cooked beef that lets the quality of the meat shine through.
It’s comfort food executed at a level that keeps people talking about it long after their meal ends, and it’s the reason Prime Rib Night has become such an anticipated weekly event.
What Comes With Mortimer’s Prime Rib Dinner
Your Prime Rib Dinner arrives as a complete meal that doesn’t require any add-ons. Before your main course, you’ll receive a fresh garden salad that starts things off on a lighter note.
The salad provides a crisp contrast to the richness that follows, though you’ll want to pace yourself because there’s plenty more coming.
The side selection gives you real options rather than just token choices. You can pick from green beans, baked potato, rice and beans, or Italian spinach as your main side.
Each option pairs well with the prime rib, so the choice comes down to personal preference rather than trying to guess what works best.
Beyond those four standards, Mortimer’s rotates daily vegetable selections that might include black-eyed peas, turnip greens, pasta salad, rice pilaf, buttered corn, sliced tomatoes, fried okra, mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, cottage cheese, or pickled beets. The variety means you could come multiple times and never have the same exact meal twice.
It’s a nice touch that shows attention to keeping things interesting for regular visitors.
Homemade rolls accompany every dinner, arriving warm and ready for butter. They’re the kind of yeast rolls that disappear quickly, so don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to ask for more.
These aren’t afterthoughts pulled from a freezer bag but genuine homemade bread that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it.
The $29.99 price point for this complete dinner represents solid value when you consider what’s included. You’re not paying extra for the salad or nickel-and-dimed for sides.
Everything comes together as one package, making it easy to budget and ensuring everyone at your table gets a full, satisfying meal without surprise charges.
There’s Plenty More Than Prime Rib on the Menu
While Prime Rib Night draws the crowds on Mondays and Tuesdays, Mortimer’s serves an extensive menu of classic American fare every day of the week. The kitchen turns out exceptional steaks and fresh seafood that rival the famous prime rib.
If beef isn’t your thing, you won’t feel like you’re settling for second-best by ordering something else.
The chicken tenders have developed their own following, earning praise for their seasoning and crispy coating. These aren’t kids’ menu afterthoughts but legitimate entrees that adults order without hesitation.
The Chicken Beauregard takes things up a notch, topping grilled chicken with sautéed shrimp, crawfish, mushrooms, scallions, and Monterey Jack cheese for a dish that brings Cajun flair to the table.
Seafood options run deep here. Fried catfish arrives light and crispy with divine breading that doesn’t overpower the fish. Grilled salmon offers a healthier alternative, while seafood gumbo brings authentic Louisiana flavor.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, oysters on the half shell make an appearance as a special that seafood lovers circle on their calendars.
The half-pound Mort Burger has earned its place as a signature item, substantial enough to satisfy serious hunger. Sandwiches include options like the shrimp po’boy, served on soft, chewy bread that won’t scratch the roof of your mouth.
Every sandwich comes with a choice of homemade onion rings, seasoned fries, soup of the day, or red beans and rice.
Starters like fried mushrooms and nachos supreme give you something to share while you wait, and the menu’s variety means groups with different tastes can all find something they’ll enjoy. It’s the kind of place where you could visit weekly and never order the same thing twice.
A Cozy, Old-School Memphis Dining Experience
Walking into Mortimer’s feels like stepping into a different era, when restaurants focused on comfort over trendiness. The rustic interior features wooden accents throughout, creating warmth that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.
Comfortable booths line the walls, offering the kind of seating where you can actually relax instead of perching on some uncomfortable modern chair.
The Knickerbocker decor serves as a living connection to Memphis restaurant history. These aren’t random antiques but meaningful pieces that tell the story of where Mortimer’s came from.
For longtime Memphis residents, the memorabilia sparks memories of the original Knickerbocker and reminds them why they keep coming back.
Music fans might spot another interesting detail: Big Star memorabilia scattered throughout the restaurant. The owners have family connections to the legendary Memphis power pop band, adding another layer of local history to the walls.
It’s these kinds of authentic touches that give Mortimer’s its genuine Memphis character rather than manufactured nostalgia.
The bar area functions as its own destination, with regulars who come just to grab a drink and catch up with familiar faces. Local beers flow from the taps, supporting Memphis breweries while giving patrons options beyond national brands.
The full bar handles cocktails with the same straightforward competence that defines the rest of the operation.
Noise levels reflect an active, engaged dining room rather than library silence. People talk, laugh, and enjoy themselves without feeling like they need to whisper.
It’s loud enough to feel lively but not so chaotic that you can’t have a conversation. The atmosphere captures what neighborhood restaurants used to be before chains took over: places where the community actually gathered rather than just grabbed a quick meal.
Plan Your Next Prime Rib Night at Mortimer’s
Finding Mortimer’s is straightforward. The restaurant sits at 590 N Perkins Road in Memphis, with ample parking in their main lot. If that fills up, they lease an additional gravel lot across Renshaw, so you won’t spend your evening circling for a spot. Street parking works too if you prefer.
Hours vary by day, giving you flexibility in when you visit. Monday through Friday, the doors open at 11 AM and stay open until 9 PM, covering both lunch and dinner crowds.
Weekend hours shift to 4 PM to 9 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, focusing on the dinner service. Prime Rib Night starts at 5 PM on both Mondays and Tuesdays, running through closing.
Calling ahead makes sense if you have questions or want to check on wait times during Prime Rib Night. If you’re organizing something special, ask about their private dining room that accommodates up to 20 people.
Social media keeps you updated on daily specials and any changes to regular operations. Mortimer’s maintains active Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts where they post updates and interact with customers.
Following them means you won’t miss announcements about special menu items or seasonal offerings.
Arriving early on Prime Rib Night gives you the best chance of avoiding a wait, especially on Mondays when the special first started. Coming right at 5 PM or shortly after typically works better than showing up at peak dinner time around 6:30 or 7 PM.
That said, the restaurant manages crowds well, so even if there’s a wait, it usually moves at a reasonable pace. Bringing your appetite is the most important preparation because those prime rib portions don’t mess around.