Merrick Inn Restaurant
1 / 10

Merrick Inn Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A historic manor house serving authentic Kentucky cuisine and Southern comfort food, with a renowned fried chicken and a beautiful patio.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Merrick Inn Restaurant

Merrick Inn Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic manor house serving authentic Kentucky cuisine and Southern comfort food, with a renowned fried chicken and a beautiful patio.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience authentic Kentucky cuisine in a beautifully restored old mansion with a charming outdoor patio."

TIP

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance to secure your table, especially during peak times or weekends.

Dress Code

No jeans allowed in the dining room; opt for smart casual attire like khakis and a nice shirt.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Southern American

Price

$$$

Phone

(859) 269-5417

Address

1074 Merrick Dr, Lexington, KY 40502, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Manor House Ambiance

Historic Manor House Ambiance

Dine in a beautifully restored pre-Civil War manor house, offering a unique, elegant, and historic atmosphere.

8 of the Best Restaurants in Lexington, KY10 Iconic Restaurants to Experience in Lexington12 Coolest Places to Eat
Iconic Fried Chicken

Iconic Fried Chicken

Savor the legendary, hand-breaded Southern fried chicken, a must-try staple that has delighted diners for decades.

Top restaurants in Lexington for great fried chickenGoogle Review
Lush Outdoor Patio

Lush Outdoor Patio

Relax and dine on the picturesque brick patio, surrounded by lush greenery and a pergola for shaded comfort.

The Top Restaurants To Try In Lexington, KentuckyEssential Patios for Outdoor DiningGoogle Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We had a delicious dinner at The Merrick Inn
@indianagoldgroup
12 likes • 1.3K views

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance to secure your table, especially during peak times or weekends.

Dress Code

No jeans allowed in the dining room; opt for smart casual attire like khakis and a nice shirt.

How will Bebe react to her surprise birthday? #merrickinn. @Amelia #70thbirthday
@leswadd
24 likes • 518 views

Embrace Southern Comfort

Try classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits or the pecan-crusted pork tenderloin for an authentic taste.

Summer Patio Dining

Visit in the summer to enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio with pool and abundant greenery.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance to secure your table, especially during peak times or weekends.

Dress Code

No jeans allowed in the dining room; opt for smart casual attire like khakis and a nice shirt.

Embrace Southern Comfort

Try classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits or the pecan-crusted pork tenderloin for an authentic taste.

Summer Patio Dining

Visit in the summer to enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio with pool and abundant greenery.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Merrick Inn is lauded for its stunning historic ambiance and classic Southern comfort food, particularly its legendary fried chicken. Diners rave about the beautiful manor house setting and the charming outdoor patio. While many praise the attentive service and delicious meals, some have noted that prices are on the higher side for the overall dining experience.

"This was our first time eating here. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Very nice. We got the lobster and crab nachos to start with and let me tell you, they were delicious! Lots of seafood, great flavor! Then for the entree we got the pecan crusted pork tenderloin. And it was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. It had a wonderful caramel sauce. I forgot to get pics of it. But it's a must try if you go here. We also had a couple cocktails, which were a little pricey but they were okay."

Shawn Raines

"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."

Lisa Riley

"We’re from out of town and decided to try Merrick’s based upon the reviews. We weren’t disappointed. The upscale country decor has a distinctly Lexington flair. The service was excellent and the food very good. It was plated beautifully. Sea bass was on the specials menu and was prepared with just the right amount of seasoning. The risotto was ok, not really to our taste, but the fish and other excellent sides more than made up for it. We also had the crab cakes which were generously portioned. We recommend!"

Ed Wetzel

What People Like

Historic manor house ambiance
Legendary fried chicken
Beautiful outdoor patio

What People Dislike

Higher price point
Inconsistent service

Frequently Asked Questions

Merrick Inn has a dress code; jeans are not permitted in the dining room. Smart casual attire, such as khakis and a nice shirt, is recommended.

Lexington Kentucky restaurants

Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure your table, especially during busy periods.

Lexington Kentucky restaurantsGoogle Review

The restaurant is famous for its hand-breaded Southern fried chicken. Other popular choices include lobster and crab nachos and pecan-crusted pork tenderloin.

Top restaurants in Lexington for great fried chickenGoogle Review+1

Yes, Merrick Inn features a beautiful brick-laid patio surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for enjoying meals during warmer months.

The Top Restaurants To Try In Lexington, KentuckyEssential Patios for Outdoor Dining

Absolutely. The romantic ambiance of the historic manor house and the charming patio make it an ideal spot for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

TikTokGoogle Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Culture Trip

The Top Restaurants To Try In Lexington, Kentucky

Family owned and operated for approximately 40 years, Merrick Inn is a must-visit for anyone visiting Kentucky during the summer. Between the delicious Southern cuisine and the beautiful location, a manor house with lush landscape, this venue is a delight to visit during the warm season. The outdoor brick patio features a pool and is surrounded by verdant flora making the space a relaxing environment.

Visit Source →
Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Lexington Kentucky restaurants

Merrick Inn- PERSONALLY, MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN LEXINGTON. IT IS TRULY AUTHENTIC KENTUCKY CUISINE IN A BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED OLD MANSION. THE PRICES ARE A LITTLE ABOVE AVERAGE ($15 - 25 PER ENTREE) BUT THE ATMOSPHERE, SERVICE AND QUALITY OF FOOD ARE SUBPERB. NO JEANS ALLOWED IN THE DINING ROOM. AT LEAST KHAKIS AND A NICE SHIRT.

Visit Source →
Distilled Restaurant & Bourbon Bar |  Fine Dining & an Award-Winning Bourbon Selection in Lexington, KY.

8 of the Best Restaurants in Lexington, KY

For more than four decades, The Merrick Inn has been a staple of fine Southern dining in Lexington, KY, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere, traditional Kentucky dishes, and impeccable hospitality. Originally built before the Civil War and remodeled in 1936, the Inn once served as the manor house of a historic horse farm, home to some of the most legendary thoroughbreds in racing history, including Exterminator, the 1918 Kentucky Derby winner. Now, The Merrick Inn blends its rich history with an exceptional dining experience, known for its signature Southern classics, seasonal dishes, and famous fried chicken.

Visit Source →
Smiley Pete Publishing

Essential Patios for Outdoor Dining

Dining at this institution, which was recently acquired by new owners, has been a favorite Lexington tradition for more than 40 years. Located in the former manor home of a Thoroughbred horse farm, the restaurant and its idyllic covered patio are simply iconic. After several months of being closed for renovations, the restaurant reopened in early April – just in time for patrons to enjoy its brick-laid patio, with a pergola casting filtered shade, and hanging and potted plants offering a lush and inviting backdrop for the restaurant’s traditional, uncomplicated fare with a Southern twist.

Visit Source →
Lexington Herald Leader

Top restaurants in Lexington for great fried chicken

1074 Merrick Drive, themerrickinn.com/ Once the manor house for a horse farm, the Merrick Inn has been a family-owned restaurant for 40 years. Though it has an extensive menu, it is famous for its Southern fried chicken – white or dark meat and hand-breaded (two pieces are $17; four pieces are $23, with an additional charge for all breast meat). If you order chicken as an entrée, you get a choice of two sides, including such Southern favorites as green beans and corn pudding.

Visit Source →
USA Wire

10 Iconic Restaurants to Experience in Lexington

Steeped in history and character, Merrick Inn exudes a timeless charm that transports diners to a bygone era of elegance and grace. As you step inside, the rich heritage of this historic establishment greets you with warm wood accents, flickering candlelight, and a welcoming ambiance that whispers of days long past. The walls adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia tell stories of a Lexington that once was, adding depth to your dining experience.

Visit Source →
Your City Guide to Lexington Kentucky

Lexington Restaurants to Take Your Lover for Valentine's Day

The Merrick Inn Restaurant is a Lexington staple that has been serving up Southern cuisine for over 40 years. It has a lovely outdoor patio and garden — a perfect romantic setting for your date. Over the years, it has collected a number of prestigious accolades, including spots on the “Top 50 Southern Restaurants in the US” and “Top 100 Bourbon Bars in the US.” Does anything get you in the mood more than a smokey bourbon on V-Day?

Visit Source →
CookinGenie

10 Recommended Restaurants in Lexington

Merrick Inn has offered the best Southern classics and personal services for over 43 years. This charming Lexington, KY restaurant, covered with a patio, has a menu that keeps upgrading with modern updates. Apart from the mouthwatering food, people visit this place for its pre-Civil War manor home setting and sweeping green lawns.

Visit Source →
Kentucky Tourism - State of Kentucky - Visit Kentucky, Official Site

Fried Chicken Trail | Kentucky Tourism - State of Kentucky

There’s a whole lotta history at the Merrick Inn, which was built before the Civil War and for generations served as the manor house for one of Lexington’s most celebrated horse farms. The food offerings are just as classic, including the famous fried chicken and appetizers like fried green tomatoes and beer cheese.

Visit Source →
Global Viewpoint

12 Coolest Places to Eat

Tucked away in Lexington, Merrick Inn Restaurantis your perfect escape for some grown-up time. It’s a spot that’s all about Southern charm, set in a cozy 18th-century house. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, enjoy some quiet, and really dig into a meal without any distractions.

Visit Source →
One Bearded Golfer

SEC Roadtrip: UK – Where to Eat! An insider’s view of Lexington, KY

Set deep in a townhouse community on the grounds of former thoroughbred farm, Merrick Place, guests should be careful about parking. The patio is spacious and vibrant, remaining a see and be seen locale for decades. The interior dining spaces are the small rooms of the former farmhouse.

Visit Source →
Custom Bourbon Tours - Bourbon Adventures, Your Way.

Best Restaurants in Lexington, KY

A true Lexington institution, Merrick Inn is known for its Southern hospitality and homestyle cooking. Located in a historic manor house, the restaurant’s ambiance exudes Southern charm. Their fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and bourbon-infused dishes are some of the favorites.

Visit Source →
Skyline Explorer

20 Best Things To Do In Lexington (Kentucky)

Merrick Inn Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Lexington, Ky. It has been owned and operated by the Murray family for nearly 40 years. The Merrick Inn offers traditional southern dining and innovative specials in a manor house with a beautiful patio area.

Visit Source →
Bites of the Bluegrass

Top 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Lexington, KY

Merrick Inn is a Southern dining gem blending comfort food with refined flavors. Housed in a charming historic building, it’s one of the best places to eat in Lexington, KY, for those seeking a touch of elegance. The main menu features dishes like the following:

Visit Source →
TheTravel

Heart Of Bluegrass Country: The Ultimate Guide To Lexington & Things To Do

This restaurant is in an elegant manor house, complete with chandeliers. It offers high-end cuisine and is family owned. This gives it a level of authenticity, and it's a great place to have a more fine dining meal experience that feels true to Lexington.

Visit Source →
onlyinyourstate.com

12 Kentucky Restaurants With The Most Amazing Outdoor Patios You’ll Love To Lounge On

Merrick Inn may be known for its fried chicken, but there's no better spot to enjoy it than on their fabulous patio. The outdoor seating is expansive with both covered and uncovered areas and the surroundings are idyllic for a classic Kentucky meal.

Visit Source →
StyleBlueprint: For a Life of Style + Substance

Lexington, KY: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate

If you have the opportunity for an extended stay, dining at Merrick Inn — a historic manor-turned-top-rated restaurant — is a must!. They’re known for doing traditional Southern dishes very, very well.

Visit Source →
Stacker

Highest-rated Seafood Restaurants in Lexington by Diners

- Rating: 4.2/5 (238 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 1074 Merrick Drive Lexington, Kentucky - Categories: new american, seafood, breakfast & brunch- Read more on Yelp

Visit Source →
6AM - LEXtoday

Brunch in Lexington, KY: Our guide to the best brunch restaurants in the city

| Enjoy traditional Southern hospitality in the dining room or patio space. Brunch bites include avocado toast, brown sugar candied bacon, and a crab cake benedict.

Visit Source →
Nightflow.com

Lexington Nightlife • A Complete Guide [2025 February Update]

1074 Merrick Dr, Lexington, KY 40502-3704 this fine-dining spot servers delicacies such as filet mignon, seafood nachos, fried chicken, and pork chops.

Visit Source →
storybook-inn.com

Local Dining - Lexington Bed and Breakfast

Visit Source →
My Colorful Wanderings

50 Unique Things to Do In Lexington, Kentucky: Horse Country

Visit Source →
FlyerTalk Forums

Lexington Kentucky Dining

Visit Source →