The Steakhouse that made Prime Rib World Famous

How Lawry’s The Prime Rib Steakhouse Turned Prime Rib into a Global Icon

When you think of prime rib, a moment of indulgence and luxury likely comes to mind. But how did this cut of beef, once relegated to being a dish served in homes or special occasions, transform into a globally cherished symbol of fine dining? For that, we owe much of the credit to one name: Lawry’s The Prime Rib.

For over eight decades, Lawry’s has been synonymous with prime rib. More than just a restaurant, it’s an institution that celebrates an elevated dining experience, and its legacy cemented prime rib as an essential dish for food lovers across the world. Here’s how Lawry’s turned a beloved roast into an icon.

A Legacy Born in Los Angeles

The story begins in 1938, when Lawrence Frank and Walter Van de Kamp opened the first Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills, California. Their goal wasn’t just to serve great food but to introduce Los Angeles to something completely new. At its heart was a simple, brilliant concept: a restaurant centered entirely around a perfectly prepared plate of prime rib.

While prime rib wasn’t a new cut of beef, it wasn’t yet the centerpiece of an elevated dining experience. Lawry’s changed all that by treating the dish with the reverence and artistry it deserved. Using the highest-quality beef, a signature seasoning blend (yes, the same Lawry’s Seasoned Salt we know today!), and a unique tableside carving service, they gave diners far more than just a meal―they delivered a culinary event.

An Experience Like No Other

Key to Lawry’s appeal was its theatrical and luxurious presentation. Instead of plating food in the kitchen, servers rolled gleaming silver carts tableside, housing whole roasts of perfectly cooked prime rib. The sight, sound, and even smell of steaming hot beef being carved for each guest made every visit feel special. Each slice was tailored, from rare to well-done, and plated with care alongside classic accompaniments like creamed spinach, creamed corn, and a Yorkshire pudding.

This approach wasn’t just about feeding the stomach―it was about delighting the senses. Lawry’s transformed the serving of prime rib into an art form, creating an experience that diners loved to share and talk about long after they left the table.

The Innovation of Lawry’s Signature Prime Rib Recipe

Of course, all the drama in the world wouldn’t matter if the flavors didn’t deliver. What set Lawry’s apart was that their prime rib has always been extraordinary. Using their proprietary seasoning blend, their roasts are slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring every bite has just the right balance of tenderness and robust flavor.

But they didn’t stop at the roast. Classics like their famous spinning salad―a crisp, fresh salad tossed tableside with a house-made dressing―and creamed corn side dishes became nearly as iconic as the beef itself. These recipes reflected the creators’ understanding that great dining was in the details. Even their famous horseradish sauce, with its balance of heat and tang, became a staple on global tables.

Expanding Prime Rib’s Global Appeal

After solidifying their reputation in Los Angeles, Lawry’s began spreading their prime rib gospel to new cities and countries, taking their signature experience to diners around the world. From Chicago to Tokyo to Hong Kong, each location brought that same meticulous attention to quality and showmanship.

What’s remarkable is how each restaurant retained the old-world charm of the original Beverly Hills location, ensuring consistency in flavor, presentation, and ambiance. By introducing prime rib to international audiences in such a memorable way, they inspired a global craving for the dish.

Contributions to Culinary Culture

Lawry’s influence transcends their individual locations. They played a pivotal role in elevating beef to fine-dining territory and setting a gold standard for what makes an unforgettable meal. The restaurant’s emphasis on quality cooking, thoughtful presentation, and guest experience became a model for countless high-end restaurants that followed.

And their contributions don’t stop at the plate. The iconic Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, originally developed to season their prime rib, became a household staple across homes and professional kitchens all over the world. It’s a delicious reminder of just how wide-ranging their culinary impact has been.

A Legacy That Lives On

Today, Lawry’s The Prime Rib continues to attract diners seeking tradition, flavor, and a touch of glamour. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, the experience is timeless. Each slice of that famous roast reminds us all of the power of food to unite people, spark conversation, and create lasting memories.

Quite simply, Lawry’s didn’t just make prime rib famous. They made it iconic. And for that, food lovers everywhere are forever in their debt. Whether you savor it at one of their restaurants or attempt it at home with Lawry’s famous seasoning blend, you’re tasting a bit of history―a sumptuous legacy served one slice at a time.