Occasionally I struggle with the rating for a place due to mixed feelings - this is one of those places. I have been here 3 times now while in Wichita on business - so view my comments from that perspective.
In summary, I like going here, have met some fun people here, and will return. But I am disappointed by the foo-foo nature of the so called "martini's" that they serve. Ok, maybe I am being a old fart, stuck in my ways. But that is who I am and I won't apologize.
A martini is a martini - fine if you want vodka instead of gin, or a vesper (gin and vodka), but "Godiva chocolate infused vodka, Godiva white chocolate liquor, and dark creme details cacao"? That, my friends, is a dessert, not a martini. And a Cosmo is a Cosmo - just because you serve it in a cocktail glass (what some of you refer to as a martini glass) does not make it a "martini" - just like a Manhattan is not a Martini, even when it is served in the same type of glass.
I guess I am sounding like an old grumpy guy, and I don't mean to be down on Mort's. I like going there. I am just a little frustrated since we went there because everyone talks about their great "martini's", But what I saw was a menu of sweet concoctions meant for a younger crowd that thinks they are being cool drinking "martini's" when they are really just drinking sweet dessert drinks.
What I like about Mort's:
- fun and casual atmosphere, unpretentious and entertaining
- friendly bar staff
- fun ad friendly crowd
- outdoor area for nice evenings (or smoking)
- a couple of TV's for catching the game (and the TV's are nicely placed out of the way so they do not dominate the bar)
- a few snack offerings to mellow out the alcohol
- good, strong, decently made cocktails
- reasonable prices and good drink specials
What I didn't care for as much:
- limited selection of top notch spirits - particularly gin, vodka, and bourbon
Note 1: in a quality true martini, the flavor of the spirit dominates. Thus martini drinkers tend to have a preference for a particular gin (or vodka) so it is essential that good selection of quality gin (or vodka) be available to meet their preferences.
Note 2: the same applied to bourbon or rye for a Manhattan
- Stir!!!! Or at least be prepared to stir. For most people other than James bond, a proper martini (or Manhattan) is stirred. Shaking chips and melts the ice too fast, watering down the drink. It also makes it cloudy with ruins (in my opinion) the visual appeal of a clear amber Manhattan.
Note 3: the bartender seemed surprised when I asked for my second Manhattan to be stirred, and then didn't stir it long enough.
- They need to have proper ingredients. My original order was for a vesper - gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet. The first bartender didn't mow what it was. The second did, but admitted to not having the Kina Lillet. Did they have Lillet Blanc? No. How about Cocchi Americano as a substitute? No. Not even Orange Bitters. The suggestion was to use Stoli Orange flavored vodka. Sorry - see note 1 above.
- But if I wanted a chocolate vodka drink, I was all set
So you see where I am going with this. I'll go back to Mort's the next time I am in Wichita, but now that I know what they think a martini is I will stay away from those. read more