The Grotto on Merriman
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1841 Merriman Rd.
Akron, Ohio 44313
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| Phone: 330.869.4981 |
| Category: 191Banquet Room,Bar,Late Night,Live Music,Non-Smoking,Patio,Sports,Vegetarian Entrees,Wheelchair Access,Seafood Restaurant |
| Price Range: $$,$$$ |
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Reviews of The Grotto on Merriman
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Not So Much!
Looking for some good seafood, we went to the Grotto to celebrate Father's Day a day early since we were seeing a show in Akron. We had 5:30 reservations and were seated right away. Our first impression was from the filthy paper menus we were handed. After that, I couldn't help but look around. The wall next to our booth was splattered with various food and liquids, the ceiling was dirty, and judging from the floor under the adjacent table, sweeping was not a priority. When I asked about the fish of the day, the waitress told us that the seafood supplier has abruptly closed their doors and so there wasn't a fish du jour. I can't believe it but we ordered anyway. Our salads were grocery greens-in-a-bag with 2 shriveled and pockmarked grape tomatoes and a slice of cuke. I got the crusted Halibut and it was very good. My husband got a filet and chicken combo which was overgrilled and not very good. BTW. Although dinners are about $19-$30, asparagus (with what looked like cheese whiz mascarading as bernaise) is a $2 "upcharge"! I'm sure we'll find better ways to celebrate Dad's day in the future.
Review by Pia Onomato from Medina, OH posted June 19, 2008
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Ken Stewarts Food for 1/2 the Price
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 posted April 16, 2008
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excellent!
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 posted December 31, 2007
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Might look pricey but look again
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 posted February 19, 2007
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New Management = 300% better!
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 posted May 04, 2006
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Get there before 6 p.m.
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 posted April 30, 2006
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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 Northern Ohio Live Magazine posted June 03, 2005
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