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.