Merrick Inn Restaurant — Restaurant in Lexington

The Merrick Inn fell considerably short of expectations, with issues spanning seating, service, and food quality. Despite having a 5:15 PM reservation when the restaurant was largely empty, the seating experience was particularly frustrating. We were initially directed to an undesirable table in the back bar area - cold and awkwardly positioned. Upon requesting a different table, we were offered another equally unsuitable option between the front bar and the restrooms under a large TV screen.

While the manager did eventually accommodate us with a better table after we prepared to leave, his approach to the situation was less than ideal. He informed us that all online reservations were automatically assigned to the back bar area, and that front bar seating required a direct phone call. This policy isn't clearly communicated on their booking website, which could easily lead to confusion for returning customers who aren't familiar with the recent changes.

The recently remodeled front bar area, while featuring interesting wallpaper choices, suffers from overly bright lighting that detracts from the ambiance. The atmosphere simply doesn't capture the same charm it once had.

The service issues were notable. While our server was pleasant, there were clear signs of inexperience. She appeared unfamiliar with both the menu and wine selections. The service issues extended to the food runners as well, who demonstrated poor serving etiquette by reaching across diners and failed to provide appropriate utensils (serving prime rib without a steak knife). A particularly frustrating oversight occurred when my wife requested her wine bottle to go - upon reaching our destination, we discovered the cap wasn't properly tightened, resulting in wine spilling throughout the takeout bag.

The food quality, particularly the prime rib, was underwhelming. The meat was tough with noticeable gristle, and the presentation was problematic - served soaking in au jus on the plate, creating a potential mess hazard while dining. This preparation method seemed poorly thought out and could easily result in stained clothing.

While the restaurant may still be worth trying for first-time diners, our experience suggests taking a break. Better communication about seating arrangements on their booking platform, improved staff training, and attention to food quality would go a long way toward enhancing the dining experience.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

Pros: Friendly server attitude Manager eventually provided better seating Interesting new wallpaper design in front bar

Cons: Poor initial seating management Unclear booking system for different bar areas Inexperienced staff lacking menu knowledge Subpar food quality and presentation Overly bright lighting affecting ambiance Awkward food service Improperly secured wine bottle...

Came here on a Tuesday, June 7, 2022. From start to finish this was a pretty terrible experience. I had heard such great things about this place and my hopes were very high.

My week-old reservation never went thru via opentable--granted, this was probably some sort of error on opentable's part. It's also possible the hosts never confirmed it, but I'll grant the shadow of the doubt here. Nonetheless when I called the day of to sort things out I was passed from one host to another until I was finally given a replacement reservation on the patio. Which I am fine with--it was a decent day outside anyhow.

I will say the cocktails were pretty good (we all tried the Kentucky Tea, Mint Mule, and the Raspberry Chambord ones, all very refreshing for a summer day) but nothing to write home about--you could probably brew ones just as good at home. My friend asked for his water from our waiter three times but did not get any until after he finished his entrée. Really? Apparently our waiter was actually the bartender--they're obviously short-staffed like everyone else in post-Covidia, but a bartender should be able to get water out at least.

I had the Grouper Fingers for an appetizer which were subpar...very little flavor--I heard these were very good but chicken fingers at a dive bar are tastier. I went with their famous fried chicken for the entrée but I'd say Gus' fried chicken is twice as good for half the price. It was ok fried chicken I guess but nothing to brag about, especially in the south. One of my friends had her salad come out after the entrée (she decided to just not have it brought at all) and my other friend and me both had our side soups (tomato bisques) come out after our entrée--and they were not very good either. I imagine all this is not the waiter's fault but back of the house issues.

This place obviously got hit very hard by the restaurant plague sweeping the country. Not worth $70 per person (with 20% tip)--hardly worth $40 a person considering the quality of food. Not coming here again for a very long time. It really makes one wonder how restaurants are going to survive the next five years at all. Either lower prices (not going to happen) or better service and food quality (very unlikely to happen) before it'll make going out worth the time and money again. On the other hand, maybe Americans could use some improvement in...

Upon a mild and star-kissed eve, I ventured with great anticipation to the venerable halls of Merrick Inn, a place of resplendent repasts and convivial cheer, nestled in the verdant embrace of Lexington’s own bosom. Little did I foresee, mine own adventure would unfold not amidst the clinking of fine silver upon the dining tables, but within the confines of the most unexpected of chambers – the lavatory.

As I wended my way through the labyrinthine passages of this esteemed establishment, a sudden call of nature bade me seek sanctuary in the gentleman's quarters. Lo! Upon entering, I espied a fellow, a forlorn figure hunched in despair, beset by a hunger most fierce and unrelenting. His eyes, hollow with longing, met mine, and in that instant, a silent pact was forged.

In the spirit of chivalry and benevolence, I hastened to summon an offering from the kitchen’s depths. The chefs, upon hearing my tale, prepared with alacrity a dish so sumptuous, so imbued with the essence of culinary mastery, that it seemed a veritable ambrosia descended from the heavens themselves.

Returning to the privy with a platter of the finest fare Merrick Inn could muster, I presented it to the hunger-stricken soul. With trembling hands, he partook of the feast, each bite an ode to the sublime artistry of the inn’s chefs. A transformation, wondrous to behold, took place as the sustenance revived his spirits, his countenance alight with newfound vigor and gratitude.

Thus, amidst the echoes of flushing waters and the aromatic mingling of soap and roast duck, a bond was forged, a testament to the unexpected encounters that await in life’s journey. Merrick Inn, thou hast not only sated the appetites of thine patrons but hast also played host to tales of compassion and camaraderie, unfurling in the most curious of settings.

Henceforth, let it be known, Merrick Inn stands as a beacon of hospitality, where not even the humble washroom is exempt from the reach of its benevolent hospitality. To dine within its walls is to partake in an experience unparalleled, a journey that may lead from the banquet hall to the bathroom, all whilst ensuring the legend of its culinary prowess and human kindness is indelibly etched in the...