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Went in with high expectations, and they were met in every way they could have been met. The food looked and tasted great. I had chicken and waffles. Fruit was included, as well as two different varieties of syrup. Our server, Sandy (Hope I'm spelling it right!) checked in frequently with our table, and was a sweetheart that made the experience genuinely memorable. If I ever travel this way again, I will absolutely be stopping here.
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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.
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Quite possibly the the only remaining Old Guard Lexington restaurant and it's alive and well! The beautiful thing about the American is that it only changes to add updated classics and specials. The old standbys remain the same and just as they were in your memory. This stewed tomatoes were outstanding, the corn pudding was outstanding, as were the fried banana peppers and the Berkshire pork chop. The service was outstanding,too. It was all outstanding. You won't be disappointed if you go - in fact you'll probably be extremely glad you went.
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Merrick Inn provides a unique and delightful dining experience. The service is extraordinary and the food is amazing. You will enjoy a nice quiet evening with friends and family that is second to none in Lexington. This mule I had was great.
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Merrick Inn is a gorgeous, equestrian-themed Lexington establishment that perfectly blends tradition and charm. I thoroughly enjoyed my Berkshire pork chops and the bourbon Keeneland Fall Meet special cocktail - both were excellent. The atmosphere is warm and eclectic without being overly loud, making it a truly worthwhile visit.
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A true Lexington classic. We are from California and whenever we visit Lexington we usually make a point to eat here.
Service is excellent and the food is always delicious. The steaks are cooked to perfection.
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Mandy, our server, was amazing—attentive, kind, and genuinely welcoming without ever being overbearing. She made the whole experience feel easy and relaxed. The food was incredible, making this a fantastic brunch spot overall. Definitely recommend the beignets—they’re a must. The atmosphere was another highlight; the older home vibe paired with the classy bar areas made it feel both special and cozy.
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I had such a lovely time at Merrick Inn Restaurant! As a lover of history, it especially was nice to get to eat dinner at such a lovely historical building with such deep relevance to Kentucky culture and history.
First, my food was great! It came out super quickly and was delicious with very large portion sizes. I had the Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin. it was great and the sauce it was prepared with was wonderful and very unique. It truly felt like some thing that I couldn’t just make it home or get anywhere. It was very worth trying and worth the money. Beyond that, the baked potato was cooked perfectly and the asparagus was some of the best asparagus I’ve ever had. The seasoning on it was perfect, and it was juicy, but still cooked very well. I also had the Pear and Sage Martini, Apple Cider Gin Sour, and creme brulee. They were all delicious. The cocktails really were very great and creative. I loved everything I ate.
My server, Kate, was extremely sweet and so helpful. She went out of her way multiple times to help me make decisions on what I was going to get, and gave great honest opinions on her recommendations. She was very quick, so friendly and welcoming to me, and very professional. I was so pleased with her kindness and service.
I did have a bit of an odd experience with the valet parking, as the person made me feel very stupid for not understanding valet parking (I’m pretty young and not really familiar with these fancy places/valet parking and was just treating myself to a nice meal before moving away from Lexington). They made me feel very bad for not understanding that it was valet, saying “hence the cars all backed in” and some other things. I just didn’t realize it was valet and it hurt my feelings, and I ended up parking my car and sitting in it for about 15 minutes debating on going somewhere else because I was unsure if maybe the restaurant was only for super fancy patrons who maybe would already understand the valet parking, etc. However, I
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I only prefer few restaurants in Lexington for American cuisine and I’ll be adding Merrick inn to the list. Everything was perfect from the dinner to the vintage setting and the service. I was totally satisfied with the taste and the portions, can’t wait to go back.
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Merrick Inn is a Lexington KY gem—especially for Sunday brunch, horse lovers, and anyone looking for a true taste of Kentucky charm.
We had the Merrick Inn Sunday brunch, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. The cozy, historic vibe paired with fantastic food made it a win from start to finish. I had the Huevos Rancheros—hands-down one of the best brunch plates I’ve had in a long time. The free valet made arrival easy and stress-free, especially when you’re trying to impress your wife and her equestrian crew.
As someone who appreciates both Kentucky history and local hospitality, it was a bonus to learn about the legacy of Merrick, the longest-living thoroughbred in history buried out front with its emotional support dog. The restaurant carries that tradition in a subtle and classy way—part southern charm, part equestrian elegance.
The staff was warm, the food was on point, and the patio space (3 bars in summer!) makes this spot even better when the weather’s nice. Whether you’re visiting from out of town for a horse show or you’re a local looking for a reliable go-to with friends or family, Merrick Inn is a must-visit for Lexington dining.
Perfect for brunch, date nights, or post-event meals after a long day at the barn or the races.
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