Chicago-----Morton's or Ruth's Chris
 

I want Morton's, Hubby wants Ruth's Chris. Any of you "in the knows" have an opinion on which of these two will give us THE BEST dining experience? (steak's not really my thing, but sometimes I let him get his way-----just want to know which wins in the quality,
service, and atmosphere categories). Also, which is closer to the Crowne Plaza Allerton in case it's a "draw". Thanks!

I think it's something of a toss up. I believe Morton's originated in Chicago. If so, it may be the best choice for that reason alone.

The key lime pie at Morton's is good.

In Seattle they have a rather amazing Early Bird deal--several courses for a set reasonable price.

I think it was the Morton's in Chicago that charged us top shelf liquor prices for each refill of iced tea they gladly brought us.

As something of a steakhouse connoisseur, I'll throw my two cents in. Living in NYC, we regularly go to the great steakhouses. Between those two, Morton's is better, especially in Chicago. I think Ruth's Chris is actually at the bottom of the list. But there are, IMO, better than Morton's. Of the "chain" places, I think Smith & Wollensky is the best, and there is one in Chicago. Also, the Chop House is very good, as is Gene & Georgetti's. All of those are far superior to Ruth's Chris. Morton's is good, but is probably the most expensive of all of them and I think, while good, it is not the very best.
Hope this helps. Enjoy.

Thanks for your opinions! I'm thinking we may "pass" on the top shelf iced tea. :) :) Live and learn!! Do you have any more info on Gene and Georgetti's? Where is that one? Also, am I mistaken about Smith and Wollensky's? I went into one across from the Downtown Sofitel and walked right out due to the awful fish smell in the entranceway. (am I thinking of the same place?? why would I smell fish in a steakhouse? or am I confused?) thx again for your suggestions.

The Sofitel on Rush in Chicago is across the street from McCormick & Schmicks a (basically) fish house (and a good one). Perhaps that's what you're thinking?

Our son.....a Chicago firefighter carnivore of huge proportions, holds Gibsons as his favorite for a Steak 'stravaganza.

You're right tuckerdc-----I got the names mixed up----the only part I got right was "Surname" and "Surname". :) :) This is how rumors get started!!!!!! I'll do some research on Gibson's. Thanks!

Here's a link to Gene & Georgetti's, it's an old Chicago institution.

http://www.geneandgeorgetti.com/frame_home.html

I've never been to Gibson's so I can't comment on it, but a friend of mine is from Chicago so I can get another opinion from him and repost.

Just returned from the website almesq. What a menu!!! Grazie!!

My pleasure, enjoy.

What about Wildfire, in the River North area? In Chicago, it's hard to beat the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. Personally, I would much rather have one of their delicious filet steaks than either Ruth's Chris or Morton's. Better experience, better menu, and if I'm not mistaken, better price value, IMHO. Walking distance from the Allerton.

I'm putting in a plug for Gibson's. At their request, we took our son and his wife there to celebrate when he got his MBA from Chicago.

It is not to my knowledge a chain, so you are having a real local experience, and both the steak and the scene are great.

Like all steak houses, it is a kind of machine (get you to the table and get you a big hunk of meat) but it is the only steak place I have ever eaten where the waitress encouraged us to order LESS food than we planned. She was right and got a great tip!

I'll also put in a plug for Gibson's but make reservations EARLY and definitely try what I believe is called the "turtle pie" for dessert.

Gibson's has a great steak and a fun atmosphere and I love it. However, for me, the steak at Morton's (Chicago Location only) still beats any steak anywhere.

Although I can't speak to the Chicago locations of either Morton's or Ruth's Chris, I have been to both in a number of other cities. Morton's wins across the board; better food, better service, better atmosphere.

We ate at Ruth's Chris in early December; it was okay, but wasn't the best. We actually had the best steak in recent years at Stetson's in the Hyatt Regency.

I vote for Mortons between those two, but I like Ruth's Chris too.

However, as others in this thread are suggesting--you can go to a Mortons or a Ruth's Chris in a zillion states. It might be fun while on vacation to go to a Chicago steakhouse institution like Gibsons.

Gibson's on Rush Street - not the suburban location.

If it's still a choice between Morton's and Ruth Chris only?

Morton's at the original location - no doubt. I do like Ruth Chris, but it does not come close to the 2 above.

I like Morton's cause you can order Grand Marnier souffles!

If I'm going to be in Chicago I would pass on the chains & try something local. Gibson's also gets my vote.

I like Morton's much better than Gibson's myself. Between Morton's or Ruth's Chris- Morton's is better steak, IMHO.

Actually there are many other unsung great steakhouses downtown. We have a following here near my college in Will County that make the trek and only go to The Saloon Steakhouse at 200 E. Chestnut- pay to park etc.

That one is vastly better than others I have seen in the "top ten".

The Saloon is a lower priced but excellent quality place. Morton's is expensive and you will spend a whole lot more before you are done.

Check out www.metromix.com for the previews.

You ask the "closest" question as well. If you plug in your lodging in the distance indicator on metromix you'll have answers for all of your choices.

Colette:
Further to my earlier post where I recommended Gene & Georgetti's, I asked my friend from Chicago and he said he liked Gibsons better than G&G. So that would be another vote for Gibsons.
I agree with the others that you should try some place with local flavor rather than a place you can go to in almost any city, which is why I recommended the Chop House and G&G. Gibsons also falls into that category. Although Morton's is still a good option since it originated in Chicago and is better than the Mortons anywhere else.
Let us all know what you decide, and post back after you go, and enjoy!

Actually, Morton's is a Chicago institution. It started in the windy city.

"Author: cherie1
Date: 02/17/2006, 02:00 pm
I vote for Mortons between those two, but I like Ruth's Chris too.

However, as others in this thread are suggesting--you can go to a Mortons or a Ruth's Chris in a zillion states. It might be fun while on vacation to go to a Chicago steakhouse institution like Gibsons. "

For great steaks - you'll want to consider The Chop House. Great old place with superb cuts. I eat there every other month or so. I occassionally try others for a change, but always go back.

James

Until recently, I would have replied: go to Gene and Georgettis. Time has passed it by and it is coasting IMHO.

You can go to a Mortons or Ruth Chris anywhere.

My rec: Gibsons. LMF

Gibsons is THE best. When you come, the Italian Wine bar (same owners) may be open across the street.


Just to mix it up a bit---
If you want to try Hugp's Frog Bar for great seafood--this is right next door and owned by Gibsons. This way you can eat steak one night and seafood the next. Hugo's is awesome

Last time I was at Gibsons, there was a "well-connected" looking guy next to us who was making his very pretty date/girlfriend/wife/whatever cry in the most Soprano like manner I have ever seen. Behave yourself there!

Morton's, hands down. And save room for dessert.

I'm in line with happy1: Gibson's is our favorite steak house, foodwise and atmosphere. Hugo's Frog Bar next door is a wonderful seafood restaurant and since their kitchens adjoin, you can get the steaks from Gibson's. The group also own Quartino's which recently opened and got 3 stars from the Chicago Tribune, great review for a modestly priced Italian restaurant. You can eat at Ruth's Chris or Morton's anywhere: go to Gibson's when in Chicago. And do save room for dessert!

Mortons sucks in every city. Ruth's Chris, depsite the stupid name, is better. The Palm is the best!!