Previously Dodd’s Townhouse, Meridian Restaurant & Bar has come into the neighborhood with a smooth, fresh taste and an old time feel.
What was once a carpeted house with green siding now has a cabin-like appeal to it. Wooden floors and log cabin ceilings give the Meridian Restaurant & Bar a welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant has been at the crest of the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood for about two and a half years now and surrounding neighbors are enjoying the company. “I really found out we were a neighborhood restaurant when it was so much snow on the ground people weren’t driving, yet the neighbors were walking over to eat,” said server Anthony Davie.
“A lot of people think we’re an upscale restaurant,” said Davie. “Some will come dressed in a shirt and jeans and ask if they are under-dressed.” From business meetings to laid-back encounters, Meridian Restaurant & Bar has put a different face on white tablecloth, casual dining.
While dining next to the bay window, enjoying the beautiful greenery surrounding the restaurant, I enjoyed my bottle of Acqua Panna water in a wine glass. For dinner, I chose to have Caesar salad served with romaine hearts, croutons, sun-dried tomatoes, a hint of garlic and fresh ground cracked pepper, lightly dressed with Caesar dressing.
Although the salad was exceptionally fresh and crisp, it was time to move on to the entrée: Cajun Jambalaya Pasta. The dish was served to me on an elegant porcelain, white plate with the dish prepared so nicely I hardly wanted to indulge. Nevertheless, it had to be eaten. The pasta was served with red and green peppers, chicken, andouille sausage, tomatoes, and topped with succulent shrimp.
My taste buds were immediately awakened by the spicy Cajun flavors. The chicken and shrimp were very well seasoned, and the occasional smoked taste of the andouille sausage gave it a distinguished flavor.
Although I was unable to try everything, Davie would not let me leave until I heard his suggestions on his favorite dishes. “Honestly, adding turkey to our already awesome B.L.T. would be my favorite,” he said. “I also enjoy one of our new items on the menu, salmon,” which is sautéed and served with Wasabi potato pureé, gingered vegetables and a soy glaze.
One of the most popular entrees is the smoked corn pureé soup served with red pepper, tomato and onion. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Meridian Restaurant & Bar highly recommends that you try their Mahi-Mahi fish tacos or their lobster pot pie. Served in a personal size and adequately priced, this eatery is the perfect place for your next midday lunch date or formal dinner engagement. For those who want to dine with larger parties, Meridian Restaurant & Bar offers dining for private parties, seating 18-20 comfortably on their upstairs level.
“If it’s not on the menu, that doesn’t mean we can’t get it for you,” said Davie, who explained that the restaurant is not corporate, and does not have as many restrictions as corporate and chain restaurants do. They take pride in catering to its clientele.
Consider Meridian Restaurant & Bar, 5694 N. Meridian St., on your next outing.
For more information or to make a reservation, call (317) 466-1111 or visit meridiononmeridian.com.
