Morton’s the Steakhouse in Uptown has a bold new look, new menu

disco dining room

I like the new black marble bar, but the frilly lights have to go. At least Ryan, my favorite bartender, is still there

Morton’s, the Steakhouse (that’s its real name), has just completed an interior  renovation of their Uptown restaurant, which is barely a year old.

Guess a new owner means a new look, and a new menu.

Last year,  Morton’s was acquired by Tilman J. Fertitta, whose Landry’s Inc. owns such brands as Houston steakhouse Vic and Anthony’s, plus Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Rainforest Cafe, The Chart House and the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“Morton’s will be refreshed and modernized while still maintaining its first class atmosphere and food quality,” Fertitta said in a statement last December. “The Morton’s guests will continue to receive exceptional food and service, and we plan to introduce new food items and expand our culinary offerings.”

Less wood, more chrome. Less dim, more sparkle. Less formal, more casual. Gone are the tuxedo uniforms, the wood bar, the dark corners. The menu has several more offerings, which now includes salads, ginormous steaks, several small steaks and seafood.

Waiters say their customers seem to like the new look, which reminds me of a hotel lobby. But business is up, says maitre d’ Brian Perry, so they must be doing more than a few things right.