Written by Charlene McMurtrie, Phoenix TasteCaster
Morton’s The Steakhouse
The Shops at the Esplanade
2501 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602-955-9577
www.mortons.com
It’s no secret that Phoenix has long been a getaway for the wearied-wintered Chicagoan seeking the warm rays of the desert sun. And for many looking to permanently thaw out, Arizona has become home. So the fact that Morton’s The Steakhouse, a Chicago original, has two locations in the Valley of the Sun makes perfect sense.
The Atmosphere
Windy City natives will feel right (back) at home here. And for those with no relation to Chicago, you’ll appreciate the club-like atmosphere that is classy yet unpretentious – upscale yet down-to-earth. Dark wood paneling with built-in wine racks, comfy yet stylish chairs, private booths and ambient lighting create the setting and mood for a special evening. In fact, Morton’s is often reserved for “special occasions” and wine-and-dine business meetings – a status it certainly lives up to. But, what many don’t know is that Morton’s can be enjoyed every day – and you don’t have to be in the top tax bracket to do so.
Power Hour “Bar Bites” for Five Dollars
Power Hour is Morton’s version of happy hour and reverse happy hour (5 pm -6:30 pm daily and 9 pm-11 pm Monday-Saturday/ to 10 pm Sunday) with a menu of delicious fare and drinks at very reasonable prices. The following Bar Bite selections we tasted are $5 during Power Hour:
Three Miniature Crab Cakes served with mustard mayonnaise sauce
Fresh lump crab and mustard mayonnaise sauce made for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Even one of our tasters, a Maryland (home of the crab cake) native gave them the nod and a sign of approval.
Blue Cheese French Fries
Blue cheese melted over French fries and seasoned with red pepper and chives added a bit of zing to the rich, creamy, French fried goodness. So yummy, I said “to hell with my diet.”
Iceberg Wedge Bites with blue cheese dressing, the yin to Blue Cheese French Fries’ yang, is crisp, fresh iceberg lettuce topped with tomato, egg, bacon and blue cheese dressing – otherwise referred to as little bite-sized salad deliciousness.
Three Mini Prime Cheeseburgers were served next. These burgers served on silver dollar rolls with lettuce, tomato and purple onion and melted cheddar cheese were a group favorite. But there was something about the patty that we couldn’t quite make out – it was juicy and super savory. That something, as John our host told us, is tomato juice, one of Morton’s special ingredients that they add to the beef. We recommend you try it next time you make hamburgers at home.
Jumbo Lump Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip served with toasted French bread croutons. Another group favorite, the fresh lump crab added a seafood flare to this rich and creamy dish.
Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches. Cooked medium rare and perfectly sliced, the filet was sandwiched on a soft bun with a mustard mayonnaise sauce. Simple. Straightforward. Delicious. 
Other Morton dishes from their regular menu included:
Macaroni and Cheese
Sure your mom has her recipe that can’t be beat, but Morton’s takes this homemade favorite to a new level. Their recipe includes cavatappi pasta, four different cheeses and chile paste, for a little kick. And kick it does.
New York Strip
Our night wouldn’t be complete without tasting a Morton’s specialty – The New York Strip. Ours was grilled medium/medium rare – slightly pink on the inside and nicely crisp on the outside.
The end to a great evening of tasting: Dessert.
We were served Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake and two soufflés (raspberry and /Grand Marnier soufflé). For chocolate lovers, the cake with hot chocolate center just oozed with deliciousness. And of course, the light-as-air, melt-in-your-mouth soufflés were a true treat.
Asides:
- Morton’s is one of the few restaurants that presents their menu verbally
- They are a committed member of the community and are responsible for raising funds that support charitable causes. One recent example: they recently raised $5,000 for St. Mary’s Food Bank and $180,000 for Feed America.
- Celebrities, such as Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Maureen O’Sullivan and Mia Farrow have dined at Morton’s in Phoenix.
Hours of Operation
Bar
Monday – Saturday 5pm – 11pm
Sunday 5pm – 10pm
Dining Room
Monday – Saturday 5:30pm – 11pm
Sunday 5pm – 10pm
Private Dining Rooms
Available to private parties for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Recent Awards/Videos:
Arizona Business Magazine: #1 Steakhouse (4th year in a row)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Platinum Awards, Best Afternoon Martini