Martinis and Miniburgers at Morton's

It's usually not hard to convince co-workers to go check out a new bar, so Maura, Jen and I traveled up to the new 12-21 at the Morton's of Chicago in Bethesda.

Steakhouse bars are often dinosaurs, serving jumbo-size martinis and tumblers full of single-malt Scotch, but we were intrigued by 12-21's new weekday happy hour: From 5 to 6:30 and 9:30 to 11, the bar offers a selection of seafood and bar snacks for $3 or less, including three mini prime-beef cheeseburgers or a plate of four petite fillet mignon sandwiches for $3; oysters on the half-shell are a buck each.

Our snap verdict: The filet mignon sandwiches were dry; and although the mini-burgers were good, we've had better elsewhere (Maura loves the Elvis burgers at Jackie's in Silver Spring.) While not discounted, a trio of scallops wrapped in bacon was much-better received.

More praiseworthy is the Palm Beach Infusion. Smirnoff vodka is infused with fresh pineapple, cherries and mint for a few days before being shaken within an inch of its life and served with a thick, frothy head. Martinis arrive with huge olives crammed with blue cheese. Good thing you're saving money on the food, because the drinks start at $11.

That tells you everything you need to know about this clubby bar. If you're wearing a tie when you go out after work -- a little overdressed for Caddies -- then this is the perfect option for drinks and snacks. -- Fritz