Merrick Inn
Review guidelines:
1 Fork = I would rather eat dog food.2 Forks = I would eat there if I was starving.
3 Forks = Not bad; someplace I would occasionally consider eating.
4 Forks = A good place to eat; I will put it into my rotation of places I dine frequently.
5 Forks = One of my all time favorites!
One caveat to note – I am allergic to fish and seafood, so if you are looking for those recommendations, you will have to consult someone else.
Because I have a daughter-in-law with Celiac and a really good friend who is Vegetarian, I will try to point out whether those options are present when I review a restaurant.
October 13, 2015 - Dinner
Merrick Inn
1074 Merrick Dr.Lexington, KY 40502
859-269-5417
Merrick Inn has been in business for more than 40 years according to their website. It is tucked away where non-locals would never find it without the benefit of GPS. The reason for the out of the way locale is that the restaurant is housed in the former “manor house for one of Lexington’s finest horse farms.” The farm land was developed into subdivisions and townhomes and the rest is history.
Merrick Inn is the go-to place for special occasions and entertaining visitors whether for business or pleasure. The occasion for my recent visit was to acquaint my cousin and her husband (visiting from CO) with Kentucky cuisine. The ambiance at Merrick Inn is wonderful – low lighting, comfortable seating, and a fabulous patio for alfresco dining.
We began the meal with an order of fried banana peppers – a mainstay of Kentucky appetizers. Theirs are crispy, well breaded, but not greasy. Everyone pronounced them delicious. All three of us proceeded to order the renowned fried chicken. It is the best in Lexington – no contest. The meal came with a side and soup or salad plus bread. The list of sides is long and very southern: choices include southern green beans, corn pudding, baked potato, and many daily choices. I chose the house salad with champagne dressing and corn pudding. Both were excellent sides. The visitors selected different sides, and everyone liked their choices. My cousin’s husband and I ended up sharing a dessert which was a toffee, dark chocolate bread pudding concoction. It was divine! The portions are large so, most people end up taking leftovers home in a box.
The service was impeccable as always. The server was very knowledgeable about the menu including the specials and was very attentive. Dinner for three including two cocktails, tax and tip was $110. In all the years I have been dining at Merrick Inn, I have never had a bad meal or bad service. That is a real testament to the quality of a fine dining establishment – and the staying power of Merrick Inn.
Parking is limited due to the surrounding townhomes, so you will find yourself either hunting for a space on your own or using the valet parking. Check out their hours and standard menu at: https://www.themerrickinn.com/. Nightly specials not posted on the menu are numerous. Reservations can be made through Open Table http://www.opentable.com/merrick-inn. Be warned – this is a popular place for dinner during the Spring and Fall Keeneland racing meets. If you don’t want to be disappointed, make your reservations several weeks in advance and don’t be surprised if the 7 and 7:30 time slots are already filled.
Gluten Free Options – none advertised.
Vegetarian Options – none advertised.
0 comments