A New Look at Morton's Steakhouse

I can remember having many good meals at Morton's Steakhouse, located at 300 South Charles St. in the downtown Sheraton.

it opened there in 1998, and up until recently it was at least three years since I was there.

I was invited to see what they've done to literally re-shape the dining room, and a lot has been done, everything from the floor to the chandeliers, and even to removing walls.

At one time the bar was basically in another room, off the main dining room.

The main room now seats about 135, bu there is another room used for private affairs, with two TVs. The bar area is now incorporated into the dining room.

This presents a cleaner look and you can order your meal there.

During the renovation the restaurant never closed. It seems as if it's important to restaurants not to close during any kind of renovation.

The fear being, I guess: becoming out-of-sight, out-of mind.

When I was last there the servers brought around a cart with the various steak cuts on it. Now the menu is presented verbally by their professional staff.

As I can remember, many people liked having the steaks displayed at their table, but that does become labor-intensive for the servers.

As you would imagine, when you go to Mortons, you have to order the steaks. Well, you don't have to, but it's a good idea ordering that at a steakhouse.

I'm told two big hits are the New York strip or the filet, but the veal chops are also a big hit.

Morton's is open seven days a week, for dinner only. There's valet parking on Charles Street. Reservations are strongly suggested.

The dress is what is called today business casual, and there's an open kitchen for those who like to watch the cooking.

Baltimore is lucky to have a Morton's. It is, after all, international in scope, based in Houston.

For more information, visit the Morton's website.