Lisa E.
Yelp
We really enjoyed our time at Morty's Wine and Beer Bar, despite not having any wine or beer...as the cocktails were very good and a bit creative.
At the very end/beginning of West End Avenue, near John Jay College and St. Lukes Roosevelt (ok, Mt. Sinai West) is a block long strip of grey polished stone facades belonging to Morton shops. Morty's, with it's high ceilings, low top indoor and outside tables and couch area, serves food and drink which I could only assume originates in one of these adjoining shops.
Friends were interested in watching the Yankee game, and we arrived with all 3 screens already in play yet the ambiance is far from sports bar.
HH is a few bucks off the cocktails, beers or wines, still up near 12+ a glass..but well made and unique.
The West Side, Manhattan was excellent, though our gracious server answered "there is not cherry in a Manhattan" to my search of a Luxardo in the glass...hmmm.
Luckily, the next had one present, as did the 2 Train to Brooklyn.
Friends enjoyed their French 75, a new twist that included Empress Gin, Prosecco, Elderflower and Lemon Juice...as you may know, the Empress Gin has a wonderful, lavender color that's hard not to admire.
Food...eh, ok, not spectacular.
Guac and chips, very good, well made guac, the server said chips were made fresh in house, I beg to differ and I see on the menu as I write this review that they are Fresh Xochitl Chips, not impressed.
Grilled Chimichurri Skirt Steak, looked nice but it was not a hit. I am not sure that the steak was actually skirt steak, which we have all the time at home, this was more like strips of flank steak, but tough..
We chose a 5 selection Cheese and Charcuterie Board which I highly recommend..in fact, trade the steak for a 7 selection board and double the Prosciutto and French D'Affinios cheese.
All in all, a fresh new spot to gather, as we are overwhelmingly bored with the same old on the UWS in the 70's & 80' where we work.