Cafe Mertens

Corner of Commerce and Oakes, 35 Oakes St SW, Grand Rapids
(616) 551-1713

Recent Reviews

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Steve

Classy vibes, great service, good but not great food, and overpriced. Went in December so sat inside; perhaps outside would add even more to the experience.

Jason

The starter was good, bacon wrapped dates, but everything after was very plain with almost no flavor. Had to really apply the salt to bring out any taste. The ribeye was okay, but not worth $61. The gnocchi had no flavor and the Brussel sprouts were merely cooked in a pan without any seasoning, sauce, other elements like bacon, onions, mushrooms, etc. Merely Brussel sprouts fried in a pan. Service was unengaged and despite the fact we'd be included we were there for a birthday on the reservation no mention of it at all from the greeter or waitress. I do have to give the waitress credit in that she took my wife's drink off the bill when she did not drink it due to its extreme sourness. All in all a very forgettable experience and one I will not look to spend the money on again. Much better places in GR for good quality and hospitality.

Opentable Diner

We were one of 3 tables on a Sunday night. Second time at this restaurant, 1st time was a few years ago. Food took forever even though we were the first table to get our order in. Not impressed by wines by the glass offerings. Restaurant had no ambiance and is looking run down (beyond the old look it's meant to have). Steak was a gray color. Server didn't know her wines. Few staff that were there all looked preoccupied.

Sue

The crab cake appetizer and the French onion soup were very good, but the entree's were lack luster. The 8oz sirloin was under seasoned and the Chimichurri sauce was tasteless. The salmon was also very middle of the road. Again, lack of seasoning and a mediocre sauce. Definitely not worth the price.

Maribeth

We really enjoyed the GR Restaurant week menu at Mertens prime, and I glad we went because it introduced us to this amazing restaurant! Kate our waitress was amazing and went over and beyond helping my daughter in law Ruth her food allergies! We will return

Laura

We liked coming here for special occasions. They always do a nice birthday dessert. We got the apple crumble this time.

todd

Food was rather ordinary for the price. Service was very poor. It took 20 minutes for a server to show up. Waiter seemed to think all martinis are made with vodka. Waiters and runners were unfamiliar with restaurant week offerings. Wife had to eat soup with a fork. Entree arrived before we could finish our appetizer. Entree and desert were not as hot as they should be. Seating in the bar area by the front door was cold and crafty. To their credit the wsiter (who was doing double duty as bartender due to staff shortage) comped our drinks due to all the miscues (even without complaints from us).

Jordan

They are struggling with service. For example it took 10 minutes to have a server come after being sat then took 15-20 to get cocktails. The server took the appetizer order after the cocktail order and the appetizer came before the cocktails. Some simple decisions though really hold them back. Banquet style chairs like you would see at a wedding, plates that are barely real, cheap water pitchers for example. Lastly, ordering a $120 steak to then use paper napkins made me feel like I was at a BBQ joint. Now the good - the food. Appetizer was pretty yummy and the steak for two was quite good! Oh, and they are giving $10 discounts in return for a 5 star review on Yelp or Google.

Molly

Our server was really helpful and knowledgeable about restraurant week and made some great recommendations! Thank you Kate!

Pamela

We ordered from the restaurant week menu and had a fabulous dining experience! The food was exceptional! Attention to detail by the server was 5 stars!

Mike

The service was great, very friendly staff and the restaurant is self looks great. The issue was the food quality. Had the duck wontons and they were just ok, after that the chateaubriand and it was very under seasoned along with the texture of a cheap sirloin steak. Also had a dirty martini with Hendricks gin and it was sweet for some odd reason. We had high hopes but sadly unless this place drastically changes the quality of the food, we will not be back.

Preston

Really liked the clam chowder and the pork belly. Staff was kind. Corey made sure we were well taken care of. Will come back.

Larry

Took my wife to Mertens for dinner and once again, they nailed it. We both had the Steak bite bowls, which were the ultimate comfort food for a chilly rainy day. Laila, our server was very sweet and helped make our experience wonderful. Thanks again, Mertens! See you next time!

Mark

The filet I had was excellent. Flavorable and tender. One of the better steaks I have had in a while! Will come here again.

Vicki

We had a great time event though the server was new and the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed.

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