Merrick Inn Restaurant

We’re from out of town and decided to try Merrick’s based upon the reviews. We weren’t disappointed. The upscale country decor has a distinctly Lexington flair. The service was excellent and the food very good. It was plated beautifully. Sea bass was on the specials menu and was prepared with just the right amount of seasoning. The risotto was ok, not really to our taste, but the fish and other excellent sides more than made up for it. We also had the crab cakes which were generously portioned. We recommend!

We love the outdoor patio. Server was attentive and gave us great brunch recommendations. This is definitely southern comfort food done well. Both the shrimp and grits and chicken cordon blue were excellent. If you like a mimosa with brunch, they offer several varieties including a cherry one.

We haven't been in years and thought Father's day would be good! Seated quickly, we did have reservations! Server was great!! Food was excellent. I had chicken and waffles and man, huge serving. Everyone loved it.

Great dinner with friends. We ordered a wide variety of dishes. Peach sangria was wonderful. Lamb chops were awesome but they are loin chops and not rib chops. We had the stewed tomatoes and corn as sides. Both were tasty but could have been served hotter. Great spot for a group dinner. Especially for out of towners like us. Our service was fantastic. Great bar and patio for pre dinner drinks. Free valet parking makes getting in and out a breeze. I’d come again.

This was our first time eating here. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Very nice. We got the lobster and crab nachos to start with and let me tell you, they were delicious! Lots of seafood, great flavor! Then for the entree we got the pecan crusted pork tenderloin. And it was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. It had a wonderful caramel sauce. I forgot to get pics of it. But it's a must try if you go here. We also had a couple cocktails, which were a little pricey but they were okay.

We visited for the first time on a Saturday morning for Brunch. It was AMAZING. Every aspect was perfect. The service and food were top notch. Sandy was exceptional and made us feel very welcomed. We plan to be back very soon for dinner.

Everything about the Merrick Inn was fantastic, from the moment we walked up to the entrance to the bar area and dining room. The service was really good but the food was the star of the show. I had the chicken and waffles and that was some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. The Mrs tried the French toast and it was delicious. The couple with us tried the omelette which was perfectly cooked and the shrimp and grits were done of the best they had ever had! All in all it was a great choice and we will go back again for the Sunday fried chicken.

Merrick Inn has been on my dinning list for a long time. Upscale dinning experience with a delicious Cosmopolitan, Shrimp and Grits appetizer and I enjoyed the Mediterranean Mushroom dish. Absolute the best experience. After dinner we drove to Chinoe Road and enjoyed a beautiful home decorated lavishly for Christmas. It was a magical evening.

Elegant ambiance, genteel service, expertly crafted food (chef food, not cook food), moderately high prices, but worth it (a bit like Jack Fry's in Louisville). Hearty portions, generous pours, stylish presentation. Cannot recommend more highly. Don't come in a hurry, you'll want to relax and savor. Reservations recommended. Highlight, beautifully done grouper fingers appetizer (I had as meal with Green Goddess salad--impeccable!)

Just amazing, as Always! The calamari is top notch, we had that with an app as well as the ribs. Our server told us the ribs are so popular, the employees can only order them on their day off. Not the best, but super sticky and tasty, Test of the crew had a flounder special, steak, fried chicken is always a favorite... corn pudding is amazing g, green beans are great, don't believe previous reviews. Seasonal cocktails were on point. Highly recommend

The best part: the service! Sandy was the sweetest waitress, so very personable and attentive. The restaurant is cute, the decor is interesting and includes lots of drinking monkeys. The restaurant and tables are clean! The parking lot was just about full when arriving on a weekday night with reservations. Not ideal, but oh well, we move on. Half of the table found their meal to be average. I ordered the Italian pasta, which had beautifully crusted and cooked chicken, but the overall dish was lacking to me. The champagne sauce needed something due to its almost tanginess, which the bruschetta helped with, but I didn't taste any balsamic or other complimentary flavor. I didn't enjoy the sweet potatoes and found the rolls to be okay. The asparagus was great, although I do prefer it charred. The carrots were my favorite dish! The peanut butter pie was good, nothing to rave about. And the blueberry bread pudding was great flavor-wise, but was terribly sweet. Overall, everything was good. But at the prices I'm looking for more than good. I won't return unless my company wants to. Not a place that feels very accommodating to young families and not an ideal place to breastfeed.

Went here for a birthday dinner. The service was great; the food was about average, especially for the price point. I'm glad we tried it; the ambiance is nice for a family gathering.

A group of 7 women went to The Merrick Inn to celebrate an upcoming birthday. We all ordered drinks and several appetizers. Instead of an appetizer, I ordered a wedge salad which took forever to arrive. In the meantime we all ordered our dinners. Again waited a long time for any food to arrive. However, the meal came out exactly the same time as my salad, so I asked our server if he could take my fried chicken dinner back and keep it warm while I ate some of the salad. Now everyone is happily eating and I asked the server to please bring back my dinner. I waited and waited. In the meantime everyone is now finishing their meals and two more times I asked the waiter if he would please see where my dinner was. Now desserts were ordered. when he finally came out with my meal, it wasn't even what I had ordered (it was the Mediterranean chicken, not fried)! He seemed surprised when I told him I didn't want it. We are now over two and a half hours and he brings our bill and charges me for my salad. By this time, I asked to speak to a manager. He listened and then told me that mistakes happen, so he would go ahead and take my salad off my bill. I'm hungry; I'm mad and I will not be back

This was my Dads favorite spot. We were in town for a wedding and dropped in for brunch on a beautiful Saturday morning. We shared the smoked maple bacon. We both had the Lansdowne breakfast with two eggs, choice of meat, English muffin and breakfast potatoes. The smoked bacon was really good with a little kick to it. We enjoyed remembering several fun family dinners here Many years ago. Food and service are still very good

Nothing went wrong always great food and service . my friend and I celebrate our birthdays so at least twice a year we go but really we need to go more and plan to. The free birthday dessert was appreciated. Always busy but does not affect the excellent service and food.

Amazing birthday meal! We love Merrick. Best steak in Lexington. And we always get the wedge salad. The blue cheese dressing is absolute perfection. Our waiter was prompt and accurate. I love their updated patio area and new inside bar area - it's more casual and modern, but still charming!

Fantastic spot for celebrations. The interior creates a classy cozy and formal/upscale environment, with fantastic service throughout the experience. From the valet to the meal service, everybody is friendly and efficient. The food is packed with flavor in classical American dishes. Pricing is definitely on the higher end, but still fair given the experience. Would definitely recommend and would return for any future celebrations.

Merrick Inn never disappoints. We have been dining here for more than 3 decades. Pecan crusted pork loin with apple bourbon chutney is my wife's favorite dish. I tried the seafood nachos with a couple of sides. The creamy cucumber dressing on the house salad is still the best dressing I've ever had anywhere.

Went for Valentine's Day dinner. My waiter was Zach, big fan. Prime rib smacks and the portions were too big to finish. My girl loved the monkey wall paper in the bar area. I'm coming back, but wish they had blue cheese olives for dirty martinis.

So disappointed with our meal at Merrick. My food was over cooked... walleye & baked potato. Our service was not up to par either, had to asked several times for food/condiment items and refills on drinks. Malones and Tony's prices, unfortunately not Malones and Tony's quality of food.

My wife and I had dinner at The Merrick Inn last night. Food was good Service was good Ambiance was good Our waiter asked if we were celebrating a special occasion and I said yes, it's my wife birthday. In my experience, over 77 years, when a waiter or waitress asks if it's a special occasion and you say yes, they comp at least a small desert. IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DO THAT WHY BOTHER TO ASK. But that didn't happen last night. Thus 4 stars.

Had my choice of where to take out work colleagues , I chose Merrick because every experience had been exceptional. Until Tuesday, 8 of us, the drinks were good, the wedge salad solid. The baked potatoes were not even warm , and serviced on a dish smaller than the potato, couldn't even open it without getting it everywhere. I had the NY 16oz, upon delivery I should have sent it back, it was so thin it looked like a Aldi sirloin. Ordered it med Rare, the thinner part was well done and it temp worked its way to the thickest part. My buddy also ordered the NY his looked much better, unfortunately he could only eat half as most was gristle , the same with pretty much everyone, very very subpar dinner . Deserts weren't much better as the delivery just looked like slop. I won't be back for some time due to this subpar performance, we spent a bunch and no manager ever came by to ask anything. The poor girl waiting did the best she could.

Amazing environment excellent staff great food. Fried chicken is a must. Recommend the Kentucky hot brown as an appetizer

Probably the best atmosphere of a restaurant I have been to, and I have eaten at the Yale Club. CRAZY nice establishment, and the food itself is not as expensive as one would imagine. Very fancy, and location is great for parking. Food was great. Crazy bourbon selection. Only loses a star is that you sit very close with other parties, making it slightly uncomfortable. We'd come back if lived closer, but I suggest to anyone in the area

This was an amazing meal. The fried chicken had 4 large pieces. The corn pudding and baked potato was delicious. And to top it all off the blueberry bread pudding was otherworldly--- mouth watering!!!

My first time at Merrick Inn, we reserved a private room upstairs for a graduation brunch. The staff was great for our party of 15. All the food came out hot. I especially loved the crab cake Benedict. The omelette was the only thing I didn't care for. The atmosphere here is truly unique and a historic Kentucky experience. The outdoor patio is great on a nice day and a little more casual than the inside. If you're looking for an elevated southern experience, look not further than Merrick Inn.

Loved our recent visit to Merrick. Service was prompt and friendly. Food was quite enjoyable as well. Will return.

Went to dinner with my father in law and some friends. Everybody loved their food. I ordered their specialty fried chicken. I don't think I've ever gone to a sit down nice restaurant and ordered fried chicken. Usually fried chicken is fast food. This chicken was the best fried chicken that I've ever eaten bar none. It had flavor possibly from being brined, was super juicy, and was incredibly crispy. The breading was absolutely filled with flavor as well. I look forward to going back on my next trip to have it again. The chicken is the benchmark for all fried chicken to me from that point on. Specialty rinks were excellent....and the waiter was excellent and attentive. Great place to eat. Atmosphere was like eating in someone's living room in an old house.

It's a Lexington staple. Honestly It was just ok for me. Nothing amazing are that really blew my socks off. I went for my birthday and ordered the fried chicken (recommended) corn casserole and the asparagus. It was ok. The service was great though, our server was great and helpful, and funny. Also the setting is aged but I believe that's what makes the place their authentic self. Still a beautiful place to visit. Also they have a massive outside area too. One thing I will say is try the desert if you get a chance. We did and it was delicious!

LAZY & UNINSPIRED = Management to Food to Service Service = POOR at best. Not one staff remembered it was a 50th birthday celebration. Waitress, Carmen, forgot dressing, couldn't describe most food or sides, literally told us she "can't work and watch t.v., especially when basketball is on" as she forgot bill, did not offer desert and was rarely around for food. NOT ONE bus person came around to fill water or help. MANAGEMENT= Never walked around. Absolutely no oversight. When I went to him before leaving, he never stood up. LAZY & TOTALLY NOT MANAGING. Food: -Pecan crusted pork tenderloin - flavorless, covered by fruit suffocating all food, no pecan crust noticeable. Definite skip!! -Fried chicken- dark meat good, fry delicate and flavorful. -Bacon wrapped shrimp - very good SIDES -Corn pudding - good and fluffy -Asparagus - standard fair All else (green beans, etc. Mediocre and not worth it) Ambiance - pub style with a light aire of jeans and dress shirt, not elegant​​ Price = $$$ too expensive for mediocre quality and way too expensive for such terrible service. ​

Great food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere. Definitely a place for groups and occasions.

Friday night at 6pm this place was full of happy people. The bartenders and waitresses were attentive and engaging. We started outside at the bar with a cocktail. I had the minty mule. Very good. We had dinner inside, it looked like an old, well appointed mansion. The grouper fingers were a tasty starter. I had the pecan crusted pork tenderloin after the recommendation from our server. She said it was featured on the food network and she did not mislead me! Absolutely loved the dish and my sides of scalloped potatoes and green beans. Dessert was also delicious. We had 2...Carrot cake and pound cake with caramel and chocolate sauce. Make reservations and enjoy a true Kentucky evening.

This restaurant was great. The staff was knowledgeable (ask for Grayson), assisted in menu choices based on preferences. They crushed it. We had the ribeyes and the filet. They were both tender and well seasoned, the butter was not overwhelming. The crab cakes were incredibly fresh, I would order those again and again. Yes they are pricey but are well worth it. I will be back!

The best patio for a cocktail!!! Came here to waste some time before a date and grabbed a drink- the bartender was so sweet and made me a type of orange martini (no idea what exactly was in it but it was delicious)! Came back a few weeks later for dinner, the food was good but being able to sit on the patio made it better!

Excellent old-school Kentucky ambience in a historic inn, on what was formerly a horse farm, now surrounded by townhomes. Being a historic property, the many interior rooms are a bit small but nicely decorated. Our group of 8 had a table in the bar area, which is decorated with historic horse-racing paintings, vintage pictures and a humorous "drinking monkey" theme. There is also an attractive outdoor bar area. Our waitress Sandy did a great job and came back to check on us multiple times. Most of us had the fried chicken which was excellent, one person had the pork tenderloin and one had steak which they liked. I had asparagus and a baked potato which were good. We also got the creme brulee dessert which was excellent. I thought the menu was a bit pricey for what it is, but not totally ridiculous and it's obviously a busy, popular place. Parking is tight shared with surrounding townhomes, but they offer valet parking. One minor point, the double exit doors next to our table were blocked by a large marble table in the outdoor bar area, a potential fire safety issue.

The place is nice- special even. Very old Kentucky we hear. An institution. Beautiful property. The service was exceptional. The food was meh. The salads were skimpy; other items - like the hot brown- were outsized. The filet was tiny, the halibut special was very sweet. The rolls were very good. We wanted to love it. We're glad we went but won't go again (we visit a couple times a year).

Had a great experience at The Merrick Inn. The service was amazing and the food was really good. Also, we went early so it was nice and quiet and very inviting. Will definitely go back.

Ambiance is everything! Service spectacular What else is truly required for a great evening? Any bourbon ever is available!

Merrick Inn was once a Thorobred Horse Farm far on the outskirts of Lexington that over time has been annexed into the City, which explains its curious location in a rather charming but crowded residential neighborhood. One of Lexington's finest dining and drinking establishments-high praise indeed. Reservations highly recommended. If you are lucky enough to be seated outside on the veranda on a nice evening you probably won't ever want to leave... Highly recommended to try this hidden gem/local legend. Merrick Inn does not disappoint.

Went for NYE! I had the 8oz filet Oscar, crantini, sweet potato mash, asparagus, wedge salad, and salted caramel cheesecake. It was all excellent!!!!! Can't wait to go again!

We tried the new brunch service at Merrick Inn. You can book a table on OpenTable - you can choose Bar or Patio. If you've only ever been in the house for dinner, the bar seating is fully inside, which can be seen from some rooms in the house. The patio is a covered patio with fans. There are 2 rear entrances if you pull around to the back with parking. The food was pretty good. I felt like with it being a new service there should've been some more information given by the servers about the menu. There wasn't any info about the menu or any cocktail/bar menu. After sitting for awhile, I noticed a special bar menu on a chalkboard by the hostess. I missed it and no one ever mentioned it. It had some interesting sounding mimosas and drinks, but again no one said anything. The dress code is very casual. I could see confusion (including by us) of some people dressed like dinner for in the house, but some were wearing basketball shorts, flip flops, etc. Next time we will happily dress more casual! Overall, I still give this 5 stars because this is new. The food was really good and our order came out correct. I hope they fine tune with some signature brunch drinks and a bar menu or more explanation from the servers. Also excited to see things like açaí bowl on the menu!

Me and my parents went to the Merrick Inn on New Year's Eve!! We had made a reservation. The man was very kind and easy on the phone! We got there and got seated quickly. When we walked in it smelled like an old lady's perfume and looked like an old lady's house. Once we got seated they took our drink order. Their appetizers on the menu were awful choices. We did not get any. They took our orders I got a drink and the 8oz filet Oscar it was yummy! I did take off the crab but I am sure it was delish. I also got the New York cheese cake for dessert it was the best. The waiter was really nice and I thought it was cute that they also got to dress up for new years while they worked. Over all it was delish!

Charming. The space is one of a kind. Old, romantic, historical vibes. Great service and great food.

Ordered the Chicken and Waffles which most people seem to like. I found them to be just ok. I have had better where I live. Nice patio and good service otherwise.

My friends and I have visited Merrick twice in a month. We found the food good, especially the fried chicken, with the exception of overcooked walleye, the first visit and dry salmon the second. The atmosphere is wonderful and service is good. Love the patio. An all time favorite with our group.

Nice vibe. Great service. Young waiter was tired and weird but, sleeper after early UK football games. Instead if rushing downtown just go to this place. Great Patio when it's not too hot outside

Merrick Inn Restaurant was a delight. It had been awhile since being at Merrick, returning to a place of so many fond memories can sometimes be dangerous, but this was not so. My wife's southern fried chicken meal was the experience that so many restaurants strive for but few succeed at. My center cut pork chop was a delight. Nathanial reached the perfect balance of allowing us to enjoy our evening and meeting our every need. My fond memories of Merrick were not diminished, and a new one was created.

The food was below standard; the octopus and shrimp scampi caused me to vomit as well as dreadful stomach reactions. The Sangria wine was like oversweetened fruit cocktail juice, and no alcohol taste whatsoever. Save your money and research more before frequenting this establishment

On a recent outing with friends, Fat Man Reviews made a trip into the Merrick Inn Restaurant, in Lexington, KY. Merrick serves southern fare with fresh ingredients in a comfortable manor house with a large patio. I sampled the Pineapple Martini made with house made pineapple infused vodka and vermouth. The pineapple is present from smell to finish, it was creamy, frothy but not overly sweet. It was excellent. Our group ordered the Fried Banana Peppers with house made cocktail sauce. The peppers are thick cut, breaded and fried to a golden brown and not greasy. The cocktail sauce is ketchup forward with a nice horseradish finish. The only knock is they are hard to cut with a butter knife. We also tried Trick's Beer Cheese, this is made with Wisconsin cheddar, smoked jalapeños and Country Boy brew served with crackers and pretzels. The beer cheese is very thick, but it is creamy. It has enjoyable heat and a smoky flavor. My fiancé ordered the Walleye Pike with fries and asparagus. The fries were out of a bag, cooked well but needed salt. The asparagus was steamed well but required seasoning. The walleye was flaky and had good flavor but was a little soggy and not crispy. The house made tarter sauce was very creamy and flavorful. I had the Angus Rib-eye(rare) with Mediterranean potatoes and corn pudding. The pudding was well-balanced with a pleasant buttery sweetness. The potatoes were au gratin style, cheesy and creamy. They were made with feta cheese, onions, red peppers, heavy cream and seasoning. The steak was cooked perfectly, seasoned well and fork tender. It was almost too tender as it melted like butter. Merrick has several starters, entrées, salads as well as weekly specials. The service is friendly. I highly recommend a reservation. The Fat Man says that Merrick Inn Restaurant is Fat Man Approved with 1 chin.

Spent a lovely evening here and the food was great. Service was very good and it was a great evening.

Lovely atmosphere and ambiance. Love the history of the building and the food is fabulous. This place is nostalgic.

Don't be alarmed when pulling up to this place. Its location is one of the best things about this restaurant. Merrick Inn is so neatly tucked away on top of the hill, with plenty of outdoor parking and valet service. As soon as I approached the entrance, I was immediately greeted by the valet. Everyone else I met after them were equally as welcoming. Walking into the place, honestly reminded me of my grandma's house hahaha. The decorations and layout definitely gave off a "homey" feel. My colleague and I had made reservations prior to arriving and were immediately brought to our table. Our server was super kind and was able to answer all my questions. It was my first time here, but my colleague had already been here several times. She first brought us over a bread basket, which consisted of 3 different kinds of bread (two are pictured, the third was a chocolate bread). We didn't have any appetizers, but we both got drinks. I chose the sangria, since none of the wines listed were sweet enough for me. The sangria was really good and actually stronger than I expected! For the main course, I went with the Italian Chicken Pasta which was fantastic! The chicken was delicious and seasoned amazingly. Their Chardonnay sauce had a hint of sweetness, which was great and they had the perfect amount of parmesan on top of the whole dish. The entree also came with two sides, so I choose the house salad and their crinkle fries. The house was pretty okay. It didn't have enough dressing, so I asked for extra. The crinkles fries were really good! They came out firing out and I enjoyed every last one I ate. Our server was really friendly and definitely almost convinced us to have dessert, but we were so full by all the food, that there was no room for another bite. Next time, I'd love to be able to enjoy their outdoor patio once the weather gets warmer. Until then, I may consider stopping by for some more pasta!

We got a seat by the burning fireplace for Sunday Brunch. Great for a cold dreary day. Then we got Sandy as our waiter. We will ask for her again. She's awesome. Eggs and Crab Benedict. Salad with the best Champagne dressing ever. Fried Chicken and Waffles. All were wonderful. Just a great place to go.

Really amazing service and ambiance. The food is great and I have Gaither the new buyers will work hard and make it lovely.

Merrick's was amazing. I would highly recommend the seafood nachos. They were amazing, so much seafood. Would recommend sharing as an appetizer. Plenty for 4 or as an entree for 1. Tenderloin skewer, ahi tuna and salmon were all outstanding. Creme brulee was a great ending. Service was outstanding. Definitely a must when visiting Lexington. So much history in the house.

We had high hopes...there were some disappointments. Started off with Grouper Fingers, which were good & pricey for the amount. The sauces were smashing! Hubby ordered a medium rare ribeye. It came well-done. They removed it from our bill. The Walleye Pike was great, minus the nasty green beans. The baked potato was okay. We ended with cranberry/pecan bread pudding Al a mode. Service was great.

Not 100% sure why this place has four stars but it did not live up to the Yelp reviews and seemingly stellar reputation. Went on a date with my partner and for starters, the restaurant is very dark inside which, I understand some patrons may like for certain occasions. However, romantic evening mood lighting is one thing, so dark you can barely see your food is another. Alternatively, there was an outside seating area which potentially may have been better...? The food was just okay. It was wildly under seasoned, both over (beef medallions) and under (crab cakes) cooked, and my husbands pasta tasted like an "elevated" version of top ramen. The service was great! Our waitress was very polite, engaging, and attentive. M.I. feels like one of those over hyped restaurants all the locals go to because it's just something they all do. As a visitor I'm hoping Lexington has some much better food options than this.