Review: Morton's The Steakhouse in Boca Raton
By Charlyne V. Schaub, Sun Sentinel Correspondent
Important: This article was last updated on November 18, 2010. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.
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 5050 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton 561-392-7724 mortons.com Cuisine: American Cost: expensive Hours: dinner daily Reservations: yes Credit cards: AE, DC, MC, V Bar: full service Sound level: conversational Outside smoking: no For kids: high chairs, booster Wheelchair accessible: yes  |
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First impression: Walk into Morton's and you immediately get the feel of an upscale steakhouse that closely resembles an updated private men's club. Attention to detail was evident immediately as the host replaced the white napkin on the table with a black one to go with our black clothing. Although Morton's has been in this location since 1999, nothing looks tired. It's a perfect special occasion dinner spot.Ambience: This Chicago-based chain gives off all the vibes steakhouse aficionados desire — a beautiful bar with comfortable, high-backed barstools; private wine lockers; wood paneling; stained glass and booths with a command of the room for people watching. It also has the obligatory wall of framed photos of high-profile diners.
Starters: Broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon ($18) were perfection — juicy and served with slightly peppery and not too sweet apricot chutney. Lobster bisque ($14) would suit most tastes, although lobster was sparse and one piece was cold.
Entree excellence: Morton's offers Chilean sea bass ($39) and jumbo lump crab cakes ($41), but it is best known for meat from quality purveyors Allen Brothers and Stock Yards. My rib lamb chops (3 for $41) had much more flavor than typical Colorado lamb, and my dining partner's single cut filet mignon ($40) was tender, flavorful and perfectly cooked.
Side issues: This was the low point of the meal. Onion rings ($10) were overly breaded and more like you would find at a sports bar. The accompanying Thai sauce was good but not enough to save the dish. Anyone who loves creamed spinach ($11) would notice the lack of distinctive flavor. It was far below our benchmark.
Sweet!: The double chocolate mousse ($10) was absolute perfection. It was light and airy with a quality chocolate flavor. The eggy creme brulee with caramelized sugar topping ($10) was also four-star. All desserts except cheesecake ($10) are made in house.
Service: Everyone — from the manager to the bus boy filling water glasses — was on top of every aspect of the meal. When the chocolate souffle we ordered was late, the server apologized and told us it fell. He offered us a 20-minute wait for another or a choice of desserts. Although we selected the desserts, the manager deducted $20 from the bill. Things will go wrong; it is how the problem is handled that makes the difference.
Insider tip: Wine is always best with steak, but you won't go wrong with the pomegranate mojito ($12.50).
Contact dining correspondent Charlyne V. Schaub at charlyneart@gmail.com.