Merrick Inn
It was here at Merrick Place, that Milam and his groom, Mr. Johnson, trained the fabled "Exterminator", Kentucky Derby winner of 1918. Here also, "Tut Tut", Komuraski, Commodore, Brown Wisdom, Miss Joy, Milkmaid, McKee and Dust Flower started on their paths to fame and fortune. None of these, however, gained such widespread fame as Merrick himself. Merrick finished in the money 157 times, winning 62 races.
The Merrick Inn has been owned and operated by the Murray family for nearly 40 years. Offering the finest in traditional southern dining and innovative specials. Times have changed, but we believe the beauty and charm of our inn remain the same.
Bar and patio seating are available starting at 4:00pm for cocktails.
Appetizers and sandwiches are available by 5:00pm and the full menu by 5:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE: RESERVATIONS MADE ARE FOR THE DINING ROOM. WE DO NOT RESERVE PATIO OR BAR TABLES.
Rehearsal Dinners
Corporate Events
I have frequented Merrick Inn for over 40 years. My first choice for special occasions or treating some out-of-townees. Never an unpleasant experience.
Staff was wonderful, went above and beyond after our meal to show us around and give us more history of the property and restaurant.
We are never disappointed with Merrick Inn. The food is delicious and the service is great!
Our Favorite Resturant and we are from out of town. Makes you feel like family. Alex is the best!!
Dinner was very good, especially the fried green tomatoes with country ham salad topping appetizer which proved to be a group favorite. Trust me, we are fried green tomato snobs, and these were great. Service was lovely. Our waiter was attentive and entertaining. The food was very good though I wouldn't say outstanding. The ambiance is worth the visit. Nice wine list as well.
Wonderful dinner, great service for our group of 8. They also took special care as it was our Anniversary and they made it very special. Good Food and well prepared and served. Not inexpensive, but not too high for the service, location and atmosphere.
Outstanding. Everything was fantastic. The only problem was a table for 8 in the same room and they were very loud . Absolutely nothing against Merrick
Outstanding in every sense. The bourbon selection is amazing.
It was awesome! The food was great and the atmosphere was pleasant! Service was superb!
Merrick Inn has great, friendly service and food that hits the spot. BTW, they have complimentary valet parking which is necessary as parking is difficult to find on a busy evening.
Delicious, we are never let down. Each visit is better than the last! This is our favorite place in Lexington to eat.
Everything from the top to the bottom was great
Service was outstanding, the food was great. Will go again soon.
Hosted some out of town business associates. We had a great time. For us, the noise level was not a factor...and I'm hoping our group of 13 didn't negatively impact someone else's evening! Great food, service and history.
Absolutely wonderful way to celebrate 18 yr wedding Anniversary with my terrific husband!!
Best restaurant in the city and the only one that has endured years and years!
Lived in central Kentucky all my life, and this was my very first visit to the Merrick Inn. I can definitely say it will be our go to from now on for date night, or any special occasion just to get together with family for a great meal and drinks in a terrific atmosphere. Not only was the service wonderful, but the prime rib had to be the absolute best I have ever had. Can’t believe it took us this long to find this gem!
It should tell you something and why we love the Merrick Inn patio...it’s our third time in two weeks!! The fish special (last night was halibut and Monday was grouper) we’re prepared superbly!! Love the lobster and crab tacos appetizer. We also love 1/2 price wine night where you can enjoy some small wineries for less than $30/bottle. Love that you carry Orin Swift from Napa!!
Great southern cuisine! Food is high quality and delicious. Excellent service. Great drinks!
A must go to every time we’re in Lexington. Hard to say enough good about this place. And - Monday is 1/2 wine night Even better!
Merrick Inn always a treat. Great food and service.
Always great food and service. Merrick Inn is our special occasion place!
GREAT FOOD, Wonderful place, great service, amazing atmosphere and a great overall experience. My wife and I truly enjoyed it. We will come back!!
Heirloom Tomato & Goat Cheese appetizer ("for two") 4 thin tomato slices.
Prime rib toughish, asparagus w sauce cold
Grouper fishy odor, tasted okay
Tiramisu unlike any I have ever tasted, very sweet
It was an ordinary experience, unlike past special experiences
We enjoyed our meal this weekend. Always enjoy coming to Lexington to eat at Merrick Inn.
Merrick Inn was such a cute and quaint restaurant! Old vibes were on point and so was the food!! Def coming back when I’m in Lexington again!
Some of the most delicious food in town in a casual setting that feels "up scale." It is a "go to" spot for ordinary or special occasions.
I loved being there. Service great. Decent wine list. Walleye lacked flavor but is usually great. Corn pudding very good. Green beans mushy and lukewarm. We will return of course and recommend. Off nights happen
Perfect fit in the patio
Wife and I attend here frequently for special occasions. Good food and service. Thank you.
Was very disappointed. After reading so many possitive reviews I was looking forward to our first time at Merrick. Had the Filet and it was nothing special. Salad was not much. Appitizer was ok. Skipped dessert as we didn't see much that we thought worth trying. The atomosphere was old and tired. Don't think we will return.
Have been there many times and never been disappointed. Possibly the best restaurant in Kentucky definitely the best southern charm. Fried chicken is the best ever. Grouper fingers and fried banana peppers are excellent - try the creamy cucumber salad dressing you could put that on a rock and it would taste good. Everything there is good.
We go to Merrick Inn often- one of our Lexington favorites for a very long time. Highly recommend for any occasion!
I'd recommend it for any occasion. I believe our server was Jason and he was excellent. I had a spinach/strawberry salad which I enjoyed, but it was a tad heavy on the dressing. Just my personal taste.
This was our first time in many years eating on the Patio. Wow was it fantastic!! We surprised my bff for her 50th birthday. Our waitress was darling and attentive even when I knocked over an entire glass of ice water in my lap!! The food, patio and service were superb. The shrimp/lobster nachos were to die for and so was the heirloom tomato salad. We all had the grouper special. Excellent. My only teeny tiny suggestion would be to start offering a rose wine by the glass. You had a wonderful Rose champagne (Chandon) but having a rose wine by the glass would be perfect!! 🍷
Food and service was excellent. The restaurant is a lovely historic home with tasteful antiques. We really enjoyed our evening.
Nice dinner, good food, friendly service
Took my daughter for her 50th birthday and we were both very pleased. Food was fabulous and we are already planning to return next year to celebrate my 70th.
Have been going here for over 40 years. ALWAYS great tasting food.
Alex is the best host! He is always so busy, but never flustered, always friendly. We were there for restaurant week, and it was great! My wall-eye pike was fried just right, and my husband could not stop talking about how wonderful the pork chop was! We truly enjoyed our evening, from the valet parking to dessert!