Merkels Tavern on Central — Restaurant in Middletown

Merkel's is a casual downtown hometown Tavern. It's a friendly place for food and drink. They have a wide selection of domestic and imported beers, as well as liquors and spirits for moderately priced cocktails. Merkels has great food - famous for their chicken wings (boned or boneless and choice of 5 sauces), soft pretzels, big burgers, small or basket size fries or onion rings, jalapeno poppers and more. Dine in or Take-out. The kitchen is open late - closes at 1:00AM. Merkel's is a sports bar where patrons can watch games on their numerous large screen TVs or play Keno. There is also a spacious game room with pool tables, darts, bowling and basketball game machines. I've told them a few times they need to add air to the underinflated basketballs because it's no fun trying to shoot basketball with basketballs that feel like heavy bowling balls. Merkels is very popular with locals, some weekday nights, but especially on weekends, and is typically more crowded during their later hours (10PM- 2:30AM). Last call & drinking Stops at 2:15AM, and Merkels firmly adheres to local and state liquor laws. The bar, game room and restrooms are always clean and well maintained. There is free parking behind businesses...

It was my first time in there tonight, and I told the bartender this was my first time. He said okay; I asked for a menu, and he said here you go. A couple minutes went by, and he asked me if I was ready. I said yes, so he proceeded to take my order. I asked for my drink first, and he said you need an ID. I said, Oh, I'm sorry, I don't have mine, so just forget the drink. He said, No, like, you need an ID to be in here after 7 PM. I said, OK, I can at least order food and leave, but he told me no. So knowing that it was my first time there, he didn't tell me about the rules prior. So you're not even allowed to get food if you don't have an ID present. This was the most ridiculous, the most wasteful amount of time, and the most disappointed I have ever been in a bar, restaurant, or tavern. In no way shape or form, if I say I am a first-time customer, do you expect me to know the rules? I was treated unfairly, and it was something I won't forget, nor did I appreciate it. I will never go back. And unfortunately, if I am asked about this establishment, I will have to give them the harshest, most critical review possible. Because all they did was offend, make assumptions, and deny me a great...

Editing on 7/10/24 to add to my previous review. I gave this bar a chance again and I really wish I hadn’t. It has gotten worse!!! both times I have been back, there has been NO FOOD or KITCHEN staff? Why? Homeless hanging out outside the doors asking for cigarettes and money… absurd. I will never be back and neither will my friends.

I frequent this establishment so I think it is time to speak up publicly. I used to love coming here. This place is going downhill. I have been served moldy ice in my drink, I have killed multiple bugs on the bar top, and lately the smell of sulfur is very intense! If you need help with bowling game or pool the bartenders will have to wake the manager up from his nap in the back to help you. Don’t order food in the daytime, it could take an hour if they are even serving food at all! Also they let people bring their KIDS into this bar! Time to find a new place...