Morton's The Steakhouse — Restaurant in Houston

I am writing to formally address the worst and most humiliating dining experience I have ever had—at Morton’s Steakhouse, on September 1, 2025. What was supposed to be a celebratory “birthday redo” dinner for my mother turned into an embarrassing, unprofessional, and frankly traumatizing ordeal.

This was not our first attempt. When we dined on July 6th for my mother’s birthday, Morton’s failed us then as well. At that time, Assistant General Manager Lark Collins promised—in writing—that the restaurant would comp meals for 5–7 guests, including appetizer, entrée, and dessert. My mother even called ahead to confirm directly with Ms. Collins. At no point was a $250 cap ever mentioned.

When we arrived, we informed the hostess and our server of the agreement. Our server, UT (I may be spelling his name incorrectly, but he mentioned it was like the university), was phenomenal and deserves recognition. Unfortunately, he was the only highlight of the night. Some sides were returned for being cold or unpalatable, but UT handled it professionally.

The issue began when the bill arrived. Outside of one alcoholic beverage, we expected no further charges, as per Ms. Collins’s written and verbal commitment. However, we were blindsided by a claim that the coverage was limited to $250. Our server, clearly uncomfortable, had to deliver this message on behalf of the on-duty manager, Maggie. Instead of addressing the situation with us directly, Maggie chose to communicate through UT—an approach that was both unprofessional and evasive.

When my mother asked to speak with the General Manager, Maggie initially refused to provide contact information. When she finally did, she informed us that she had been instructed to call the police on us. Let me be absolutely clear: at no point did we refuse to pay or attempt to leave without resolving the bill. We were calmly seated, seeking clarification, with written proof of the original agreement in hand.

Calling the police on a paying family of African American patrons—who were the only Black guests in the restaurant that night—was not only unnecessary, it was humiliating and dangerous. In today’s climate, this type of escalation carries heavy implications. The police officers who arrived even reviewed the emails from Ms. Collins and expressed confusion as to why Morton’s failed to honor its agreement.

The entire situation was deeply embarrassing, discriminatory in effect, and permanently damaging to our view of Morton’s and Landry’s restaurants. My family and I have dined at Morton’s and other Landry’s establishments across the country, and we have never been treated this way. To have one ruined birthday dinner “corrected” by an even worse experience is unacceptable.

I am requesting immediate acknowledgment of this complaint and a formal resolution from corporate. Morton’s not only failed to uphold its written agreement, but your management team escalated a simple customer service issue into a public humiliation for my family.

Until this is addressed, I can confidently say that neither I nor my family will ever spend another dollar with Morton’s or Landry’s.

Sincerely,

Jordan...

I made reservations for our anniversary since we were having a galleria staycation. We were seated promptly at the time of our reservation and we started with drinks. I asked if the sangria was red or white, I was told red, it was white. No big deal, server apologized and offered to replace but I figure I’m at least partially to blame as I should have read the drink menu. Drink was okay but I went ahead and ordered a bottle of wine to go with dinner. Bisque and salad were good, wife ordered a filet (medium) and scallops, I ordered the dry aged ribeye (medium rare to medium). Wife’s meal and our sides arrived, I was delivered a pork chop. Server collected it and apologized. it was a mix up with another table, I said no problem, mistakes happen. Here’s where the evening goes south. Received a visit from someone else and an apology. We then sat and stared at my wife’s plate and sides for several minutes. I had just mentioned to my wife that I was surprised they didn’t take everything and refire the ticket when were visited by somebody else who had everything collected. A brief time later we were then presented with our meal in its entirety. My assumption that the items would be replaced was incorrect, it was just left to die on the pass under heat lamps. What may or may not have been a ribeye was served to me and was absolutely cremated beyond recognition. Think char grilled well done +. In retrospect I really regret not taking photos. I really couldn’t tell what the cut of meat was it was so burnt. I ate a few small bites trying to make the best of it and not have a bad meal ruin our anniversary evening. My wife’s steak was now medium well from sitting under the lamps and I guess someone noticed we weren’t eating and my wife was asked about the temperature of her steak. When she said it was a little overdone we looked at each other and laughed realizing we were both not saying anything so the other would enjoy the meal. In the end they took the steaks off the bill and delivered us a shrimp cocktail which was good as well as a dessert to go but we still had a $300+ bill for drinks, wine, sides, and apps, so a lot to pay for the experience we had and uneaten entrees. I still tipped on what the bill would have been in full, but how does a restaurant with steakhouse in their name screw up steaks so badly? I would say it was deliberate but I swear, we were nice to everyone. I spent enough time in hospitality to know and appreciate the hard work everyone puts in and I never take it for granted. Maybe we were just the cursed table last night. Regardless, I don’t think I’ll trust Morton’s with any special occasions...

Dining Experience @ Morton's The Steakhouse. . Founded in February 1978 in the affluent Near North Side, Chicago, Illinois, United States Of America, Morton's The Steakhouse was set up by business partners Arnold 'Arnie' Jerome Morton and Klaus Fritsch. . Starting with just giant potatoes and beef steaks, Morton's The Steakhouse gained fame through regular customer Frank Sinatra, and today operates over 60 outlets across 10 countries. . Opted for the Surf And Turf (USD $91). The 16-ounce (or 450 grams) Beef Steak New York Striploin is simply seasoned with salt and black pepper, grilled to my choice of medium-rare doneness, perfect. It's tender and juicy with a gentle chew, slicing easily, carrying robust smoky meaty salty savoury peppery spice flavour. . The enhancement of Grilled Cold-Water Lobster Tail has sprinkling of salt, paprika, and fine coriander, with a bouncy springy succulent bite, carrying mellow smoky sweet savoury salty buttery flavour. . Enjoyed every bit of this luxurious dish that represents the best of land and sea. . The Loaded Baked Potato (USD $13) is huge, a whole skin-on potato, partially sliced open lengthwise, filled with sour cream, butter, spring onions, and pork bacon bits. With tender creamy soft crunchy textures and starchy earthy sour milky vegetal sweet meaty salty flavour, this warm side dish satisfies and delights. . The Bread Onion Caraway (USD $Complimentary) is dense outside, soft inside, and incredibly aromatic, with a bready earthy salty sweet nutty flavour that is so addictive. A house signature and creator of fond memories, this was so good I couldn't stop reaching for more. It's not just bread! Served with luxury butter, which lends a buttery milky savoury...