Mertens Prime

3.5

1546 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Romantic
Charming
Fancy

Mertens Prime, located in the historic 1914 New Hotel Mertens lobby in Grand Rapids, offers locally sourced, in-house hand-cut steaks, chops, and unique takes on classics. Scratch made kitchen where we make all the pastas and desserts. We have a large selection for vegan & vegetarian.

Prime features a full-service espresso machine and classic pastries like beignets. Guests can enjoy tableside presentations like filet dinner for two, a weekly curated rolling cheese cart, and bananas fosters and creme brulee.

The kitchen is scratch made and we feature many locally sourced products.

The bar top is one of the largest in Grand Rapids and seats 18 guests along with lounge tables. Our bar features a daily happy hour from 4pm-6pm 7 days a week for both food and beverage! Seasonal mocktails available along with many other non-alcoholic offerings.

Mertens Rooftop offers a full bar and a menu of appetizers. To book a reservation at Mertens Rooftop, select "Outdoor Seating", if available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(616) 551-1713
Website
http://www.mertensgr.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Catering is available for pick up.
Private party facilities
We offer a beautiful private room on our main floor that have all of the turn-of-the-century charm as our main dining room. Mertens Rooftop is also available for private events. See mertensgr.com for details, including complete event guides with menu and pricing options.

Location
35 Oakes St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Neighborhood
Grand Rapids
Cross street
Oakes St SW, between Ionia Ave and Commerce Ave
Parking details
Mertens Prime diners receive 100% 2-hours credit parking validation for either the Weston or Cherry city parking garages. A loading zone is located directly in front of the restaurant. Street parking is free on Saturday and Sunday and after 6PM on weekdays.
Public transit
Oakes & Ionia bust stop
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Bubbles for 2
$36.00 per party
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Indulge in a beautiful sparkling selection that is just enough for 2 people. This half bottle of wine is great for anniversaries or date nights. Girls night out maybe?

Popular dishes

Roasted Beet & Chevre Salad$17.00
Marinated beets over house salad with crumbled goat cheese, candied walnut & dried cranberries.
Family Style Caesar Salad$17.00
Classic Caesar Salad served family-style. Add steak bites +12
Family Style House Salad$17.00
Mixed greens, tomato, onion, carrot, shaved parmesan, crouton. Choice of ranch, blue cheese or house vinaigrette.

Best Bites

Escargot$14.00
Traditional preparation with fresh herbs and butter. Crostini
Roasted Bone Marrow$21.00
Canoe cut. Accompanied with onion jam, fresh herbs, toasted French baguette.
Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Beignets
Fresh beignet dough stuffed with a seasoned shrimp mixture. Deep fried and tossed in a sweet/savory mixture of Cajun seasoning and powdered sugar.
- 2 for 12$12.00
- 4 for 20$20.00
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
6 or 8 jumbo shrimp served with cocktail sauce & creamy horseradish
- 6$20.00
- 8$25.00
Mertens Cheese Cart
Enjoy our rotating selection of curated cheeses, paired with baguette, dried fruits, and nuts. Create your own custom cheese plate with the option of 3 or 6oz of cheese.
- 3oz$17.00
- 6oz$28.00

The Starter Kit

Figs in a Blanket$17.00
8 goat cheese stuffed figs wrapped in prosciutto. Drizzled with honey-balsamic glaze. Served with candied walnuts.
Smoked Crab Dip$15.00
Lump crab served in a creamy Cajun style sauce. Smoky finish. Pita Chips.
Sweetfire Spread$12.00
Warm cream cheese covered in a red & green sweet pepper jelly. Served with pita chips. *Has a Kick!*
Toasted Spinach & Artichoke Dip$15.00
Blend of fresh spinach, water chestnuts and artichokes. Topped with creamy cheeses. Baked until bubbling. Served with pita chips.
Mertens Bacon$17.00
3 Thick cut pieces of bacon served sizzling. Chimichurri.
Deep Fried Cauliflower Bites with Romesco$14.00
Cauliflower florets battered and deep fried till golden. Served with Romesco sauce and pumpkin seeds.
Assorted Mediterranean Olive Mix$7.00
Easy snacking. Eclectic mix of olives for sharing. Yes, they are pitted.
Truffle Fries$12.00
Finely shaved Pecorino infused with truffle piled high on a big bowl of fries. Garlic aioli & ketchup.

Main Course

Mushroom Stroganoff$31.00
House-made pasta packed with local mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
- Steak Bites$12.00
Butternut Squash Gnocchi$31.00
Potato gnocchi finished in a butternut squash sauce. Crumbled of goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and fried sage.
- Jumbo Shrimp$12.00
Scallop & Shrimp Pelomini$34.00
Bite size spinach ravioli packed with scallop and shrimp. Served with a miso butter sauce, peas, Korean crack egg and crispy fried chili garlic.
Moroccan Spiced Duck Tagine$47.00
Crispy duck legs served with a stew of Ras el Hanout and warm spices, apricots and golden raisins. Served over fluffy couscous. Toasted almonds and chopped parsley.
Vegan Moroccan Tagine$33.00
Stew of Ras el Hanout and warm spices, apricots and golden raisins. Served over fluffy couscous. Topped with Toasted Almonds and chopped parsley.
Chicken Milanese$33.00
Crispy, golden-breaded chicken cutlet. Served over a balsamic reduction and house salad. Choice of salad dressing.
Honey & Orange Glazed Salmon$41.00
12oz Glazed Atlantic salmon. Broccolini. *Option for plain grilled salmon*
Crispy Pork Belly$33.00
Glazed crispy Berkshire pork served over stewed Michigan apples. Cranberry sauce side.
Vegetable Lasagna$25.00
Layers of eggplant, roma tomato, caramelized onion. Spinach infused pasta. Topped with creamy bechamel and pesto.
Shaved Ribeye Sandwich$29.00
French dip style meets Philly toppings. 9oz shaved Ribeye. Provolone cheese. Peppers & onions. Au jus. Creamy Horseradish. Served with side salad OR fries.

Steaks

All steaks are served with roasted garlic and a side of herbed butter.

16oz Chuck End Ribeye$65.00
- Side Sauce$2.00
- Jumbo Shrimp$12.00
- Thick Cut Bacon Slice$2.00
10oz Filet Mignon$59.00
8oz. Steak Frites & Salad$49.00
Filet Dinner for Two$125.00
Chateaubriand. Approximately 20 oz. Center Cut. Carved tableside with 1 sauce & 1 side

Accompaniments

(all vegetarian options & portions for 2+ guests)

Glazed Brussel Sprouts$12.00
Roasted Garlic Potato Purée$13.00
Seared Mushroom & Onions$13.00
Side House Salad$8.00
Side Caesar Salad$8.00
Steakhouse Seasoned Fries$8.00
Roasted Broccolini$10.00

What 1,546 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.5

3.5 based on recent ratings

3.7Food
3.5Service
4.2Ambience
3.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Grand Rapids
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Mertens Prime is nestled in a historic setting with "amazing cocktails" and a charming atmosphere that promises a memorable dining experience. While some diners rave about the "best filet mignon" and delightful rooftop views, others note inconsistencies in service and food quality. It's an alluring spot for cocktails and unique dining moments.

1,546 Reviews

N
Nicholas
Grand Rapids
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
We were seated above 5 minutes early which was great. We got put at a small circle table for 4 people and high chair way out of the way. And I understand since the staff was probably afraid of a noisy toddler on NYE, however he was really quiet and watched his tablet most of the meal. Which I’m really glad we had because it was the slowest and most disjointed dinner service I have ever had. It took 15 to 20 minutes before we even saw our server, drinks took forever to arrive. The restaurant was not busy at all, but instead of touching all the tables while in the dining room our server would touch one and then leave for a minute. It took 2 hours from when we sat down to actually get our food. I know this because I clocked it. Our semi warm kind of cold app took about an hour to an hour 15 to arrive. When the food came the runner had no idea who it belonged to. Back in the day the runners knew the order of the table and knew which dish went where. We were never offered another drink. If you are going to make people wait that long, at least keep the drinks going l. The food was okay but certainly not worth the inflated NYE prices to justify the cost. If you are going to charge more than your service should make up the difference. I have paid $350 for 2 people at other restaurants and don’t mind, but the service and attention should be on point. No live music, small cramped tables, semi warm appetizers, slow drinks with no offer of refills, and over inflated prices. Overall a disappointing night. I will say that our server was very nice, polite, and engaging. We have been to Merten’s before and it was very very good so I was very excited to take the whole family for a nice NYE meal, but last night was not their best effort.
Is this helpful?
L
Lauren
Grand Rapids
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Well, I tried. I keep trying to give this place a chance and I think I have to stop after my last visit on NYE. My main complaint on my final visit was that the food was not warm. The escargot had great flavor but that along with the butter was room temperature. Our main entrees (fillet and beef stroganoff) were luke warm. Again they had great flavor but they were not warm. The service was a tad slow too but I understand it was NYE, fairly busy, and they may have been understaffed.
Is this helpful?
R
Raymond
Detroit
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
This was our first time going to Mertens. It was a wonderful experience.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Grand Rapids
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cool ambience- salmon was delicious!! Great date dinner location. Service was excellent!
Is this helpful?
A
Ashley
Grand Rapids
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was mediocre, therefore overpriced for what it was.
Is this helpful?
r
rebecca
VIP
Chicago
45 reviews
4.0
45 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
great evening great service nice selectionof mocktails... duck was excellent and the bone marrow appetizer
Is this helpful?
J
Jon
VIP
Grand Rapids
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
We did come the day after Christmas so optional staff may have been working. We have been here multiple times before with the service and food was amazing. So could have been an off night. Service was slow though it did like there was adequate staff, maybe a little disorganized. Missed putting in 2 if the 8 orders, and follow-up was slow too. We will try again.
Is this helpful?
R
Rita
Grand Rapids
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I went to Merton’s Prime for Christmas dinner. They had a special menu - there were several choices for main dishes, appetizers, side, dishes, and desserts. There’s an extensive wine and drink menu. We were seated immediately, and our waitress was top-notch. The food was delicious and we had a lovely, relaxing dinner. We weren’t rushed and enjoyed every minute of our experience.
Is this helpful?
S
Sharon
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Matt was phenomenal!!! I enjoyed his recommendations and his service was superb!!
Is this helpful?
N
Noah
Grand Rapids
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was an incredible experience for us (four friends) who had not caught up in a long time. Incredible food, service, and ambiance.
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FAQs

Mertens Prime offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (616) 551-1713.

Mertens Prime is rated 3.5 stars by 1546 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

35 Oakes St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Oakes St SW, between Ionia Ave and Commerce Ave
Neighborhood
Grand Rapids
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Mertens Prime diners receive 100% 2-hours credit parking validation for either the Weston or Cherry city parking garages. A loading zone is located directly in front of the restaurant. Street parking is free on Saturday and Sunday and after 6PM on weekdays.
Public transit
Oakes & Ionia bust stop
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.mertensgr.com/
Phone number
(616) 551-1713
Catering
Catering is available for pick up.
Private party facilities
We offer a beautiful private room on our main floor that have all of the turn-of-the-century charm as our main dining room. Mertens Rooftop is also available for private events. See mertensgr.com for details, including complete event guides with menu and pricing options.

Mertens Prime

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

14 Grand Rapids Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

32 Grand Rapids / Western Michigan Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Bubbles for 2

10oz FILET MIGNON

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Mushroom Stroganoff

Soups

French Onion Soup$12.00

Clam Chowder$12.00

Salads

Roasted Beet & Chevre Salad$17.00

Family Style Caesar Salad$17.00

Family Style House Salad$17.00

Best Bites

Escargot$14.00

Roasted Bone Marrow$21.00

Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Beignets

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Mertens Cheese Cart

The Starter Kit

Figs in a Blanket$17.00

Smoked Crab Dip$15.00

Sweetfire Spread$12.00

Toasted Spinach & Artichoke Dip$15.00

Mertens Bacon$17.00

Deep Fried Cauliflower Bites with Romesco$14.00

Assorted Mediterranean Olive Mix$7.00

Truffle Fries$12.00

Main Course

Mushroom Stroganoff$31.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi$31.00

Scallop & Shrimp Pelomini$34.00

Moroccan Spiced Duck Tagine$47.00

Vegan Moroccan Tagine$33.00

Chicken Milanese$33.00

Honey & Orange Glazed Salmon$41.00

Crispy Pork Belly$33.00

Vegetable Lasagna$25.00

Shaved Ribeye Sandwich$29.00

Steaks

16oz Chuck End Ribeye$65.00

10oz Filet Mignon$59.00

8oz. Steak Frites & Salad$49.00

Filet Dinner for Two$125.00

Accompaniments

Glazed Brussel Sprouts$12.00

Roasted Garlic Potato Purée$13.00

Seared Mushroom & Onions$13.00

Side House Salad$8.00

Side Caesar Salad$8.00

Steakhouse Seasoned Fries$8.00

Roasted Broccolini$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Mertens Prime offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Mertens Prime restaurant rated?

Is Mertens Prime currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

14 Grand Rapids Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

32 Grand Rapids / Western Michigan Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day