The Merrow — Restaurant in City of Long Beach

When I think back to my first time at The Merrow, the first thing that comes to mind is how amazing the music was. The vibe in there is unmatched, energy bouncing off the walls in the best way. It was a Saturday night (not super late) and we were able to enjoy our meals and conversations without feeling like we were stuck in a strictly bar atmosphere many places adopt during the night. The bar area was busy and full of life without being overwhelming or hindering our experience at the tables. My 10 year old daughter was with us, and the environment was never inappropriate for her to be in. Our waiter was amazing — fun and energetic but still professional and well-mannered. He knew the menu and was able to give us some recommendations that we’re glad we took. We had a few rounds of espresso martinis (10/10 recommend, especially for the little cannoli that it’s topped with!) and I had the short rib for my main dish. If I wasn’t in public I probably would have licked the plate clean, it was SO good. The only bad part is it ended too quickly and I didn’t savor it enough while I had it. My husband had the grilled cheese and while I didn’t get the chance to sample it, the fact that he left no crumbs behind makes me assume it was pretty good too. I made sure to grab a crewneck sweater on the way out and it’s turned me into a walking billboard because I wear it all the time, it’s SO comfortable. All in all, I’ve definitely got a new little favorite gem in Long Beach and will be recommending it to...

The Merrow is the newest restaurant in the West End of Long Beach and it’s an excellent addition! Stopped in for lunch; I had a burger and my friend had the chicken sandwich … both came with crispy seasoned fresh cut fries. We both loved our dishes! The Merrow is in the space that was The Whales Tale but once you walk in the door it’s unrecognizable from its old days. Top to bottom it has been renovated with the most artfully designed woodworking on the bar and booths. Everywhere your eyes go there’s something lovely to look at. Velveteen studded stools pull up to the bar and next to each one under the bar’s counter is a hook for a bag and a plug for phone charging! The service was top notch, the seating cozy and comfortable and the entire menu looks really great… not so much typical bar food! The young couple who own The Merrow have outdone themselves to add a great dining experience amidst the bars of the West End. Please pay them a visit … even if you just stop in for a drink. I can’t wait to go back to...

We went there a week after the opening and the food service was bad-bad - waited 1 hour to get our starters. Atmosphere and people are great but very long long time to have food. Cocktails were interesting - a little boozy. DJ starting at 8pm is too early - we were thinking it will be a nice restaurant but the music was blasting. We will give another try after the peak season. Edit: only 3 stars because there were no commercial gestures for the hour wait from the restaurant and one of the glass was not cleaned properly and had to return the cocktail - no gesture neither... Edit: food was a better but still some progress (glaze on the carrots was too much and too sweet, seasoning on salad is too heavy...) and service was definitely better !! Still a little too expensive ...