The Grotto on Merriman

The Grotto on Merriman Restaurant Reviews:

Ken Stewarts Food for 1/2 the Price April 16, 2008 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        My husband and I frequent the Grotto often. While a little bit pricey, the food is well worth the price. The Filet, Ahi Tuna and Salads are out of this world. We brag about the restaurant to anyone that will listen. The food, service and bands are excellent. Vicki and Lee: Kudos to you for having the best restaurant in Akron hands down. Review By: Bob & Colleen Gaynor From Akron, Ohio

excellent! December 31, 2007 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        I have visited many, many times and always found the food outstanding and the service excellent. The prices are a bit high, but certainly not when you consider the portions and the attention to detail. They have live music every weekend and it is usually top-notch! I've seen several bands, notably the Colin John Band - they are outstanding! Review By: Annie From Columbus

Might look pricey but look again February 19, 2007 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        At first glance the menu does look a little pricey but!!!! When your food arrives you will be surprised at how large the portion is. I ate there this past Sat night. I had never been there before so I had no clue what we were in for. It is a small place with a center bar and open kitchen. There is a Big screen in one corner and jute box in the other. There is something for everyone on the menu. Some meat, fish and salad dishes...what more do you need? I started with a buffalo Crawfish appetizer. It seemed a little expensive at $9 but I was pleasantly surprised and a little concerned when I saw the large portion I was getting. I must say it was an excellent choice. Lightly breaded and fried then tossed in buffalo sauce. Served with blue cheese and celery. A little spicey (which is fine for me) and really good!!!! My dinner choice was the Veal Chop Oscar. Again it seemed a little pricey at $24, especially since I had never eaten here and had no clue what I was getting. I was again surprised by a giant veal chop with what amounted to a large crab cake on it and a nice size portion of Asparagus. It was cooked perfectly and was too large for me to finish eventhough it tasted great!!! My only complaint was the service. Our waitress was slow, confused and really not friendly! Hopefully she was new and will improve! Review By: Dave From Akron

New Management = 300% better! May 04, 2006 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        After visiting the restaurant a few times a year ago and leaving with a "eh, so so" feeling, I came back down to the Grotto for a dinner date. Coming in the door, the new manager gave us a warm welcome and sat us at the bar while a table was prepared (it was PACKED!) the overall look of the place had only mildly changed, a little "homey" but i like that. The layout was better, with some round tables intermingled with the booths and square tables, and at the bar they put up hooks under the bar for purses and coats. They also have specials every tues-sunday, and holiday special events. so on to the dinner... There were a good serving of the regulars that come through, and a few made small talk to the cook through the food window. Everyone was having a good time. They had a great selection in the jukebox too. My date was vegetarian, and ordered from the vegetarian selections in the menu but wanted her meal changed. The cook ACTUALLY CAME OUT and spoke with her, then recommended somethin of his own and made it for her!!! She loved it, and he promised to make it next time we came down. i had an Ahi Tuna salad that was OUT OF THIS WORLD! home made dressing over sliced ahi tuna steaks and greens with cashew halves. W O W !!! We had a bottle of wine with dinner, and not knowing the selections well, our waitress really impressed us with matching what taste we asked for with her recommendations. It was a friday night, and they had a fantastic blues band come in about 10:30 or so and sing all night... the manager also told me about a new place they are building in the old Bumpus Emporium on tallmadge circle that will be a HUGE 4-star looking place with a big banquet hall and a giant bar area. don't know when it's gonna open... to sum up... The date was immaculate, the service was fantastic, and the food was TO DIE FOR!!! YOU HAVE TO GET DOWN THERE. Review By: Antonio From Akron, OH

Get there before 6 p.m. April 30, 2006 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        For bar food, this place is O.K.--if you dine outside--it's a bit smokey inside. After 6 p.m. the prices become ridiculous for the quality of food and service. It's not fine dining but is a nice treat for al-fresco summer evenings out. Review By: George From Hudson, Ohio

June 03, 2005        Despite its name, the Grotto isn't at all cave-like in appearance. Dominated by a large central bar, the restaurant has a placid cream-and-deep-blue color scheme with such decorative touches as polished brass railings, paisley fabric, and nautical prints and fish sculptures on the walls. As the rest of its name implies, there's an emphasis on seafood and meat, but the menu also offers two vegetarian entrees: a veggie stack (garlic mashers, portabella, roasted red peppers, mango salsa) and grilled vegetable fettucini. The seafood specialties include salmon Magnolia (rubbed with brown sugar and caramelized with orange beurre blanc) and lobster ravioli served in a garlic cream sauce. The beef Li'sab is a filet stuffed with basil pesto, with tomato and olive concasse. The dressings are homemade. Review By: