Folk's Folly Prime Steak House

The Folk’s Folly story began in 1977 with unconventional origins, as the best stories often do. Native son Humphrey Folk, Jr. was a prominent and shrewd developer, whose hard work carried him all over the country, cultivating his sincere appreciation of food and fine wine, as he was always an advocate of mixing business with pleasure. Undaunted by a complete lack of restaurant or culinary experience, he decided to convert a quaint and intimate house into a small eatery. His peers offered little encouragement as they quoted dismal restaurant success rate statistics, so he added the word “folly” (defined as “an unwise investment or expenditure”) to his own name, and Memphis’ Original Prime Steak House was born.

Business boomed and the restaurant became a popular stop among locals. Humphrey began giving coveted gift packages of prime steaks to his associates in the construction industry, and as requests that steaks be retailed for home consumption increased, the restaurant expanded again in 1989 to include the Prime Cut Shoppe, offering take-home or overnight delivery of our USDA Prime selections.

With only a gentleman’s handshake to signify agreement, famed local restaurateur Thomas Boggs became managing partner in 2003. Thomas’ contagious enthusiasm and expertise in the restaurant industry built the bridge for continued success for the next generation. While both Humphrey and Thomas have since deceased, Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House remains a family affair. Thomas’ eldest daughter Lauren McHugh Robinson is the CEO and managing partner alongside her sisters Ashley Boggs Robilio and Samantha Boggs Dean. Humphrey’s four sons Tripp, Michael, Christopher, and Carey also remain active partners.

Today, guests are beckoned by classic sounds from the grand piano in the Cellar lounge, and are invited to enjoy cocktails and complimentary fried dill pickles, a Southern favorite, before dinner. Wine lovers delight in perusing one of the city’s most extensive wine lists, which boasts over 250 fine wines. A recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” since 1999, Folk’s Folly’s wine list offers the perfect varietal and vintage to enhance any evening.

Consistently voted “Best Steak” by readers of all major Memphis publications, Folk’s Folly pairs fine dining and relaxed Southern hospitality in a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. This Memphis landmark embodies an unwavering commitment to quality by offering corn-fed prime steaks and fresh seafood with all menu items prepared in the customized scratch kitchen that was added to our little home so very long ago.

We hope that you enjoy your evening and look forward to having you dine with us again, and again, and again…