Just a few years ago, to experience Morton's of Chicago, you had to go visit Chicago. Since then, they've been expanding rapidly with locations. Now there are over 55 locations all over the United States and around the world with more planned. There are currently two in New York City. One in midtown Manhattan (551 5th Avenue at 45th Street) just minutes away from Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and Grand Central Station with seating for 160 and party space for up to 100. There is also a location in downtown Manhattan (90 West Street) with seating for 190 and party space for up to 80.

Now onto the review:

Reservations

Reservations are accepted and encouraged at both locations. In most cases, it is recommended that you make reservations at least one week in advance, particularly on weeknights.

Attire

While there is no dress code at Morton's and most diners do dress fairly casually, you will find a significant minority dressed in suits.

Menu


Appetizers

Most of Morton's appetizer selection is fairly standard - Caesar salads, crabcakes, shrimp cocktails, oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon. My person favorite are the broiled scallops wrapped in bacon with apricot chutney, a wonderful combination of tastes and texture. I've also tried their raw oysters which were a disappointment. Perhaps the only dish that I've disliked at Morton's. I've had better and larger oysters for a quarter of the price. You may want to pass on these too.

Entrees
As well as the usual steak options - filet mignon, porterhouse steaks, New York strip sirloins, ribeye steaks - there are also non red meat alternatives such as Maine lobster, crab cakes, salmon and swordfish filets, lamb chops, chicken, and shrimp. All are excellent. My favorite is the Porterhouse steak, a giant cut of beef consisting of 2/3 New York strip sirloin on one side of the bone and 1/3 filet mignon on the other. For smaller appetites, the filet mignon with Bearnaise sauce is recommended. I have not personally tried any of the non steak items but I've heard that they're equally superb.

The sides are very good. I particularly like the steamed asparagus with Hollandaise sauce. The potato skins and mashed potatoes are also very good.

Desserts

If you love desserts, you're gonna love Morton's. Make sure to save some room at the end of your meal for these sweet delights. Chocolate velvet cakes, souffles, Godiva cakes, fresh seasonal berries, and cheesecakes are only some of your options. The Godiva cake and the chocolate velvet cakes are a chocolate lover's fantasy - highly recommended.

Service

The service at Morton's is exemplary. All staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and helpful. If you've never been at Morton's, the method of food presentation is unique. Shortly after being seated, your waiter/waitress will roll a cart up to the side of the table and give you a brief presentation on what's available on the menu. They will show you cuts of beef, fresh lobster, etc. and explain to you how each will be prepared. The dessert presentation is equally impressive.

Ambiance

The restaurants are rather large but cozy. They are usually subdivided into smaller more intimate rooms. The tables are large and the seating spacious. Lighting is low and romantic.

Summary

An excellent restaurant. I'm glad it's now in New York City. The food is great, the presentations entertaining, service attentive, and atmosphere perfect for a business dinner or a romantic evening. Go visit Morton's if you're lucky enough to have one in town.

Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Arrive with a hearty appetite but make sure you save room for dessert.
Best Suited For: Business