Mertens Prime

Did a birthday happy hour here. The food was delicious. The steak was cooked just right. The best part of the meal was my espresso martinis. So freaking good. The service was awesome and incredibly kind. We definitely will be back

Did a birthday happy hour here. The food was delicious. The steak was cooked just right. The best part of the meal was my espresso martinis. So freaking good. The service was awesome and incredibly kind. We definitely will be back

Was a sad experience this evening. I was really looking forward to a grata birthday dinner but was sorely disappointed. The onion soup was pretty good as a starter, but the $125 we spent on a chateaubriand should have been better. The cut itself was from a big box packer maybe? It just was not of the caliber we were expecting. Then the cook maybe left it under the broiler and got distracted because it was char broiled on the outside, more that it should be. The “potato puree” tasted like instant potatoes. The seasoning on all of it was off. The it was sliced down the center and two hunks were put on a plate w a dollop of roasted garlic and herb butter. Presentation was horrid. All in all the atmosphere was good and I absolutely love old buildings and history, but the food was really lacking.

Was a sad experience this evening. I was really looking forward to a grata birthday dinner but was sorely disappointed. The onion soup was pretty good as a starter, but the $125 we spent on a chateaubriand should have been better. The cut itself was from a big box packer maybe? It just was not of the caliber we were expecting. Then the cook maybe left it under the broiler and got distracted because it was char broiled on the outside, more that it should be. The “potato puree” tasted like instant potatoes. The seasoning on all of it was off. The it was sliced down the center and two hunks were put on a plate w a dollop of roasted garlic and herb butter. Presentation was horrid. All in all the atmosphere was good and I absolutely love old buildings and history, but the food was really lacking.

We made a reservation for new years, because previously the experience was fantastic. This year was very different. The service was good, and the cocktails were delicious. However, the main dishes were undercooked, and uninspired. $67 for a room temp ribeye is outrageous… two years ago it came out on a ripping hot plate. My wife and two of our friends ordered chicken - all three plates came out bright pink - clearly unsafe to eat. It is a below average food experience. Unfortunately the manager didn’t seem to think it was enough of a concern to stop by our table and instead sent the hostess to argue with us about the experience. For the price there are better options.

We made a reservation for new years, because previously the experience was fantastic. This year was very different. The service was good, and the cocktails were delicious. However, the main dishes were undercooked, and uninspired. $67 for a room temp ribeye is outrageous… two years ago it came out on a ripping hot plate. My wife and two of our friends ordered chicken - all three plates came out bright pink - clearly unsafe to eat. It is a below average food experience. Unfortunately the manager didn’t seem to think it was enough of a concern to stop by our table and instead sent the hostess to argue with us about the experience. For the price there are better options.

I decided to come here to celebrate my 30th with a small party of 4 and expected a more elevated experience. The building was absolutely stunning on the inside and vintage. We were served by Matt and he was training as well (Kylie? I think it was a K name). Throughout the night I could quietly hear him explain things to her in detail as they were ringing in our orders which I loved. He was so thorough and I could tell he was one of the best! We started off with the rotating cheeses and figs for apps and both were fantastic. I decided to try the duck while the rest of the party chose other dishes. Everything was as delicious as I was hoping it to be. The flavors were there and everything was cooked properly. Our drinks also complimentary our meals as well! We decided to end the meal with the cheesecake and crème brûlée. The cheesecake was hands down the best cheesecake we’ve ever had! It was so fluffy in texture and the flavor was a perfect blend of creamy and tangy. The crème brûlée was also creamy and perfectly set. Since it was my birthday, I also decided to get the absinthe service because why not! It was so fun to finish the night with this service and would recommend to anyone interested in exploring a new liquor! All in all, it was probably my favorite birthday dinner to date. We never felt rushed, it stretched over the course of 2.5 hours which I appreciate for so much food, and Matt gave me a little candle for my birthday as well. Definitely recommend visiting for any occasion!

I decided to come here to celebrate my 30th with a small party of 4 and expected a more elevated experience. The building was absolutely stunning on the inside and vintage. We were served by Matt and he was training as well (Kylie? I think it was a K name). Throughout the night I could quietly hear him explain things to her in detail as they were ringing in our orders which I loved. He was so thorough and I could tell he was one of the best! We started off with the rotating cheeses and figs for apps and both were fantastic. I decided to try the duck while the rest of the party chose other dishes. Everything was as delicious as I was hoping it to be. The flavors were there and everything was cooked properly. Our drinks also complimentary our meals as well! We decided to end the meal with the cheesecake and crème brûlée. The cheesecake was hands down the best cheesecake we’ve ever had! It was so fluffy in texture and the flavor was a perfect blend of creamy and tangy. The crème brûlée was also creamy and perfectly set. Since it was my birthday, I also decided to get the absinthe service because why not! It was so fun to finish the night with this service and would recommend to anyone interested in exploring a new liquor! All in all, it was probably my favorite birthday dinner to date. We never felt rushed, it stretched over the course of 2.5 hours which I appreciate for so much food, and Matt gave me a little candle for my birthday as well. Definitely recommend visiting for any occasion!

I enjoyed their new Cajun chicken and waffles with the slice thick bacon. The food came great. The chicken was well cooked. The hostess Laila was just helpful and gracious. The bar tender Matt was knowledgeable. The establishment was very Rich and historical. Can’t wait to go back again.

I enjoyed their new Cajun chicken and waffles with the slice thick bacon. The food came great. The chicken was well cooked. The hostess Laila was just helpful and gracious. The bar tender Matt was knowledgeable. The establishment was very Rich and historical. Can’t wait to go back again.

Honestly the food was not very good. The steaks didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The shrimp came out with big poop veins, the fries were undercooked, the steaks were overcooked. The best thing was the free bread and butter food wise. Otherwise I really enjoyed the mai Thai, probably my favorite thing I've had. I'll be back for that drink

Honestly the food was not very good. The steaks didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The shrimp came out with big poop veins, the fries were undercooked, the steaks were overcooked. The best thing was the free bread and butter food wise. Otherwise I really enjoyed the mai Thai, probably my favorite thing I've had. I'll be back for that drink

I really wanted to love this place. Made a reservation about a month in advance for Valentine's Day. The woman hostess didn't smile, say hello or even wish us a happy Valentine's Day. She seemed like we were bothering her. OK, shown to our table; lots of other couples, this showed promise! Sat for easily 15 minutes before our waitress took our drink order. Probably another 15 or 20 before we received them. The whole night went like this. Our waitress was friendly when we saw her, which wasn't often. The poutine was excellent. Our cocktails were excellent. My husband ordered a steak rare and it came out well done. Overall I was extremely disappointed for what's supposed to be a higher end restaurant in Grand Rapids. Would I go back? I'd probably give them another try, but not for dinner.

I really wanted to love this place. Made a reservation about a month in advance for Valentine's Day. The woman hostess didn't smile, say hello or even wish us a happy Valentine's Day. She seemed like we were bothering her. OK, shown to our table; lots of other couples, this showed promise! Sat for easily 15 minutes before our waitress took our drink order. Probably another 15 or 20 before we received them. The whole night went like this. Our waitress was friendly when we saw her, which wasn't often. The poutine was excellent. Our cocktails were excellent. My husband ordered a steak rare and it came out well done. Overall I was extremely disappointed for what's supposed to be a higher end restaurant in Grand Rapids. Would I go back? I'd probably give them another try, but not for dinner.

Simply delightful. From the moment we walked in, our host was warm and very welcoming, as was our server. The bartender made me a perfect Aviation cocktail, despite it being ordered off-menu. Our server worked with us on a grilled version of the salmon entree, to help us avoid dairy: it was 100% delicious, cooked perfectly. The beet salad is incredible, too. A lovely dining experience, pre-show with Opera GR. Can’t wait till we return!!

Simply delightful. From the moment we walked in, our host was warm and very welcoming, as was our server. The bartender made me a perfect Aviation cocktail, despite it being ordered off-menu. Our server worked with us on a grilled version of the salmon entree, to help us avoid dairy: it was 100% delicious, cooked perfectly. The beet salad is incredible, too. A lovely dining experience, pre-show with Opera GR. Can’t wait till we return!!