On a visit to Morton's the Steakhouse, in Brickell, we narrowly missed the power hour, which features appetizers priced from $5 to $6, so had to try the food at regular prices. Power hour pricing also includes select beers ($5), wines by the glass ($6.50), and cocktails ($7.50).
The blue cheese steak fries ($10.50) are fresh and served hot, with a side of ketchup. They come with melted blue cheese, red pepper flakes, and chives. They are delicious fries.
The crab cakes ($15) come optionally BLT style. We tried them as cakes. They are moist and have no overpowering crab, or seafood, taste. The dollop of tartar sauce is a bit small for the portion.
Four petite filet mignon sandwiches ($14), a best seller according to sales and marketing manager Aida Acosta-Jane, are an underwhelming effort. They are light on meat and have too much bread as a result. They need more meat and perhaps cheese, lettuce, tomato, and/or onion.
The chicken goujonettes ($10.50, another best seller) crispy chicken strips, with mustard mayo, weren't that flavorful. They could use a spicy kick such as honey mustard. They were moist and didn't have too much breading; both good things.
Service was a little slow, as one bartender took care of two tables and two patrons at the bar and it still took ten minutes before our wine was served. By the time the wine arrived, the food was there. Service was occasionally on point, like knowing that two of us were sharing the Caesar salad ($11, not eligible for the power hour pricing), and it arrived at our table already split; nice touch.
When Acosta-Jane was asked why the glaring discrepancy in pricing between power hour and regular hours, she offered, "Morton's caters to many different dining experiences. The power hour option is designed for more of a happy hour crowd. Regardless of the time of day, Morton's commitment to quality food is always on the menu." The way it stands, the discrepancy is just too much to stomach. The food isn't worth regular prices. The bar bites menu is consistent and doesn't change often. Booze come at decent happy hours prices, but better deals can be had elsewhere in Brickell.
Your best bet is to catch the power hour, but beware the possibility of agonizingly slow service.
Power hours are schedule Monday to Friday 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close; and Saturday to Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close.
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