Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe
“It's so nice to find a spot near Rockefeller Center and News Corp that's not touristy.”
“For those who enjoy people watching, there is plenty of that to do here.”
“Outdoor seating is perfect on a hot, sunny day, because the place is cool and always has shade.”
Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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So I would love to give Morrell more stars because the wine was really good and so was the service, the food for me however really missed the mark. I had never been to Morrell's before so didn't really know what to expect, but it's what you'd imagine if you've ever been in a wine bar before. Located right across the street from Rockefeller Plaza, it can probably be a bit touristy, but I did not find it to be so when I was there. I went to Morrell's for a few drinks before getting dinner there with friends. The wine I had (and unfortunately cannot remember the name of) was very good, I have no complaints with the alcohol. Now, everyone I had dinner with said that their food was good, but nothing to rave about. My friends had the Greek Salad, English Pea Risotto and the Mushroom Fettuccini and from what I could tell, everyone was satisfied with their dishes and everything tasted fine. I had the short rib. Of the three short ribs on the plate, two of them were pure fat, no meat whatsoever. Now some people like fat on there meat, I am not one of those people though. I think it's nice for meat to cook in its own fat, but it's not something I enjoy eating on the finished product. Nor do I think it should compose 2/3's of my entire meal. Other than that, the dish was flavored nicely, but there was something additional scattered on the plate, which tasted fine, but looked kind of strange and had a strange texture. Still cannot place what that was. With all that said, I feel that three stars is warranted, especially given the cost of dinner. Morrell's is very expensive, and I'm super disappointed that my dinner fell way short of expectations. That being said, I don't think I'll be getting dinner there again any time soon.
Location, location, location. Can you beat having a nice little wine bar, with outdoor seating, right on Rockefeller Center? This is great spot to stop in for lunch, or just for a glass of wine in the evening, as I recently did. During our visit, on a Saturday evening, the place was very quiet but not empty. Their wine by the glass list is not huge, but they have some very nice, interesting wines to choose from, both from CA and Europe. Pricing is what you'd expect for this NYC location. I didn't not have any food, but it's nice to have a place you can just drop in for a glass of wine.
This is a very popular location for after work crowds and out of towners considering it is located right across the Rockefeller Skating Rink. We have been stopping by here for years for several reasons, to sit at their indoor wine bar on those cool days or their great outdoor seating on those pleasant weather days. They have a cozy indoor bar with a great selecting of wines by the glass. One of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc wines, Merry Edwards, is also available by the glass. I am also a customer of their wine store where I have bought many unique and small production wines.
Sat outdoors on a nice spring day and it was perfect. While warm, the shady awning keeps it cool. I came for brunch and everything was perfect. The salmon sandwich couldn't have been better and the plum wine was the perfect addition. Cannot wait to come back
On a recent trip to the city to take in a show, we needed a place for dinner and cocktails. I had been to Morrell once before but only for cocktails so I knew I wanted to come back to try the food. We were seated immediately which came as a shock because it was a Saturday, almost Spring-like day in the heart of Rockefeller Center.
We were seated in an excellent booth toward the back of the restaurant and water came out promptly. Because of the time of day there were only a few small-plate options available, but we were assured that the dinner menu would be available shortly. While we enjoyed our drinks, we tried the deviled eggs and the warm olives as well as the four-cheeses plate. All were very good and I especially like the warm olives.
Conversation was easy and the decor of the restaurant was very tasteful. Seating was very comfortable and there was ample room on the table for the rest of the food we were to order.
In addition to our opening assortment of small-plates, we were given new menus for dinner and we added to our palette: Duo tartar, Mini Steak Sandwich, Pork Tacos, Herb Chicken, Crabshrooms and the Onion Tart. All of the food came out hot and was really very good. Prices were reasonable and we were not hurried through our meal.
I was very impressed by the martini I was served- just right. And coming from the Patron Saint of the Martini– you know that counts for a lot.
Morrell is great for small groups or couples or even to just come in for a cocktail at the bar. Outside seating is also available in the better weather. Well done, Morrell!
I have been to this place twice for their dinner plates. This is a fantastic place to eat a good dinner, enjoy some time outside, and look at the scenery.
Rockefeller Plaza is known for their tourist traps. Therefore, many businesses in this proximity are pricier than the average place in Manhattan, even if the higher prices are not worth the overall quality. Morrell's is an exception. Morrell's is not a tourist trap. The prices are much more reasonable compared to the other nearby restaurants.
The view is amazing. I love being able to enjoy my dinner outdoors while I look at this fine part of Manhattan. There are several beautiful buildings nearby, Rockefeller Center being the most famous of them. From my perspective, this aspect enhances the overall dining quality. For those who enjoy people watching, there is plenty of that to do here.
The employees appear to have a good eye on cleanliness and order. They appear to stay on top of their cleaning duties. Neither of my visits did I see any messes or clutter, indoors and outdoors. Therefore, I always felt comfortable sitting here and enjoying a good meal.
The customer service is superb. On both visits, I was served by the same waiter, whose name is Drago. He is amazing at his job. He is always pleasant to be around, he is always resourceful, and he is always happy to answer any questions I may have. I observed the other employees, and they all also appeared to be friendly.
On one visit, I ordered the rib dinner. On the other visit, I ordered the salmon meal. On both visits, I ordered the meal with a glass of merlot. Both meals tasted delicious! The plates were served to me hot and fresh. On neither visit did I have to wait any longer than ten minutes, which I feel is reasonable. This is also quicker than i originally expected because of how busy they were (on both visits, the restaurant was packed).
When I am in Manhattan and need a good dinner, I will continue to keep this place in mind. I feel like I can count on them for an amazing dinner and overall experience.
I came here on a Friday night around the time when the tree was just lit. You'd think it'd be a busy place but i easily made a 8pm reservation on opentable the day of.
My friend and I ordered the truffle deviled eggs which I would recommend if you like the truffle oil flavor. It's a little bit heavy, but aren't all deviled eggs?
My friend ordered the cod. I'm not a big fan of fish so I can't say how good it was. Except that the fish seemed like it was cooked to perfection and it was so easy to cut a piece, it like flaked right off (and I see that as a good sign).
I ordered the mushroom truffle pappardelle which tasted as expected. Except what I also enjoyed about it was there were so many mushrooms! Usually I feel like by the time I'm done with the mushrooms there's still lots of pasta left
We got the toffee pudding which also tasted as expected. Yummy and it hit the spot
We asked the sommelier to make a recommendation based upon what we ordered. And boy did she make a great recommendation. I'm not a big wine drinker but I feel like it's not often that I have a wine that tastes good with everything I ordered and it did. It tasted great with the fish, pasta and deviled eggs.
Some other reviews people have complained about the price. For what we ordered it felt like typical NYC prices. Maybe a tad more but you're paying to be so close to Rockefeller center and the tree!!
I would probably go back if I want to eat in the area again. I kind of liked how the restaurant wasn't too crowded. The service wasn't the best bc we rarely saw the waiter. But whatever. We didn't need to always be i contact with the waiter
I shouldn't love this place. It's in the middle of Rockefeller Center, a tourist magnet, and I'm a New Yorker. It's an extension of the next-door retail wine shop that used to be up on Madison Avenue. My first thought is that the place is a ripoff. However, I've spent numerous delightful weekend afternoons enjoying their warmed olives and salads and drinking their wines by the glass. In winters, you overlook the skaters in the ice rink. If I came weekday mornings I could catch the Today Show outside the window. I don't come here for dinners or lunch, but for its ambiance, location and light between meal fare. Although I find the wine shop mark-up a deterrent to my buying there, the cafe is a place–on weekends–that is quite delightful.