Bar 12-21
Bar 12-21
Morton's, The Steakhouse
Caesars Atlantic City
609-449-1044
by Frank Legato
In August, Atlantic City's growing collection of premium steakhouse restaurants added one of the best in the country, when Morton's, the Steakhouse opened at Caesars Atlantic City. But there is yet another new gem for the city just inside the entrance to Morton's—a comfortable, upscale lounge known as Bar 12-21.
The name pays tribute to the opening date of the original Morton's steakhouse in Chicago on December 21, 1978. Shortly after the new restaurant began to carve its name as one of the best steakhouses anywhere, word got around about the quality of the attached bar, where customers who had come from far and wide for the steaks lingered to enjoy an amazing menu of martinis, single-malt and blended scotches, imported cordials, and even a lineup of fine cigars.
The Morton's location at Caesars is the seventh in the chain—which comprises 69 locations in four countries—to include the Bar 12-21 offering, and as those numbers indicate, the bar is indeed something special. The first thing you'll notice is the classy, club-like atmosphere, with comfortable, high-back chairs surrounding the semi-circular bar and several small tables, with the added attraction of large plasma TV screens.
The food and drink offerings definitely live up to the classy atmosphere. Don't miss the collection of "Bar Bites" served between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and again from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. They are only $3, and they are magnificent, from oysters on the half-shell to "Colossal Shrimp" and petit filet mignon sandwiches. (Our favorite—three prime cheeseburgers on silver-dollar rolls.)
You may have a bit of trouble choosing from the remarkably extensive drink menu. There are 17 single-malt scotches ranging from 10 years to 30 years old; 14 cognac selections; 18 imported cordials; all the standard well drinks; signature specialty cocktails; and a mind-boggling menu of some 50 "Mortinis," from classic "Platinum Series" vodka or gin Mortinis served in metal martini glasses (including olives stuffed with blue cheese) to special concoctions like "Appletini," "Georgia Peach" and "Almond Joy" (see left).
If you like steaks, Morton's is a necessity. If you like creative cocktails in a great atmosphere, don't miss Bar 12-21.
Frank Legato is editor of Casino Connection and also editor of Global Gaming Business magazine. He has been writing on gaming topics since 1984, when he launched and served as editor of Casino Gaming magazine. Legato, a nationally recognized expert on slot machines, has served as
editor and reporter for a variety of gaming publications, including Public Gaming, IGWB, Casino Journal, Casino Player, Strictly Slots and Atlantic City Insider. He has an B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in communications from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He is the author of the recently
published book on gaming, How To Win Millions Playing Slot Machines... Or Lose Trying.
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