The Merion Inn

Address:	106 Decatur St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Phone:	+1 609-884-8363
Site:	merioninn.com
Rating:	3.6
Working:	5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9:30PM 5–9:30PM 5–9PM

Location

Photos 88

Reviews 5

A Private User

On an off-season Sunday night (first Sunday after Labor Day, 2008) my girlfriend and I walked in at 7:30 looking to be seated. We were told by the almost laughably rude hostess that there was "Not a chance in the world" (and admittedly the restaurant was quite busy at the time, however there was no reason to phrase it like that) we would be seated before 8:30, so we made a reservation for that time and left to return at 8:30. We got to the restaurant at about 8:25, noticed that the outdoor seating area was totally empty and got excited that we might be seated outside on such a nice night. Then we announced ourselves at the hostess stand, and were then scolded by the hostess for returning early. We then sat, along with three other couples who all had 8:30 reservations, for 20-25 minutes after our seating time until they finally found a place to seat us at approximately 8:50. The restaurant was barely 2/3 full at this point; there were numerous empty tables throughout, and the patio was now packed with a grand total of four people. Our table was in a corner of the restaurant directly next to the hostess station, separated only by a wicker divider which was so close to my chair that I could not properly use a knife. In the meantime, there were, as I stated earlier, at least 10 completely empty tables in far nicer sections of the restaurant that were set up as two-tops. After finally flagging down a waitress after 15-20 minutes (I asked at the hostess station and was told that "we are very busy tonight" and that I would "just have to wait my turn", which is interesting considering most of the tables were empty) I ordered the beef carpaccio appetizer, and recieved a plate of very rare roast beef, with no seasoning, covered with onions and chopped red peppers. Not carpaccio in any sense of the word. My entree was actually quite good (a special scallop entree with a smoked tomato sauce) but my girlfriends Merion Flounder was completely unseasoned and bland as toast. The martinis were excellent, as advertised. For such a supposed "institution" in Cape May, I cannot believe anyone would ever come back to this restaurant if they consistently treat their customers like this. I dont know if it was because I was under the age of 60 or not a local, but the staff made us feel like they were doing us a favor by even letting us eat there. Well, there are a lot of restaurants in Cape May, and I will not be doing the Merion Inn any favors by returning there. I would highly suggest thinking twice before dining here.

A S

The Merion Inn seems to have a positive rating so we did not hesitate to call for a reservation. For the life of me, with the rude, condescending attitude of these people, I cannot possibly see how. We arrived 5-10 minutes early for our 8:45 reservation, greeted by a brusk, dismissive, Maitred asking "Will you be waiting at the bar or down there" gesturing to the vestibule area. No welcome, no pleasantries... We were made to feel as if we were in the way. It was then I should have taken my family out the door and to another of Cape Mays hundreds of restaurants, but I did not follow my gut feeling, so we sat. At 9:20pm, still waiting 35 minutes after our reservation time, I got up to peer into the dining area after seeing several couples walk right in. (Yes, I was living the Seinfeld episode.) Without an apology, or even so much as an acknowledgment of the delay, the Maitred blurted out "Theyre setting your table now". Rude! While this is going on, at about 9:00pm, a couple who had entered and inquired about a "nice table for two" was rudely told "Were still seating 8:00 reservations... Youre lucky if we can put you anywhere". YOURE LUCKY? You say that to a patron??? After finally being seated, the room was excessively noisy, with my family literally needing to lean way over into each others personal space to converse. It was like nothing I have ever experienced at any so-called fine dining establishment. For her part, the waitress was friendly, courteous and efficient enough, (Although we could barely hear her amid the din) but by the time we experienced her reasonable demeanor, we had already been soured by that obnoxious maitred and an unreasonably long wait time, with no acknowledgement of same. The food was pedestrian... Nothing that warranted the high price except that the restaurant happens to be in a tourist district. I strongly advise the proprietor of the Merion Inn to remind his maitred in no uncertain terms, that restaurants are a service industry, and however busy they might be, patrons expect to be treated respectfully, as if their presence, and their vacation dollars are appreciated. The Merion Inn, thanks in great part to that maitred, left our family with a bad taste, all in agreement, that we could never return to a place that shows such disrespect for its patrons.

Valerie Fenton

This is one of our favorite restaurants in Cape May. We visit the town once a year, and go to this restaurant easily a few times each trip. Its always packed - very popular place. So sometimes weve had to wait, but always well worth it. The food has always been fantastic, save like one time when a steak was slightly overcooked. The strawberry shortcake dessert is always ordered to share because it is HUGE, but inevitably we get another one because its so good!! The bar is one of those old school bars with the true professional bartender whos probably been there for years. He creates the best drinks and is just a really nice guy. We always get a great martini here. Theres one waiter there who we usually have the luck to get - hes, like the bartender, a true professional. I cant remember his name, but youll know when you get him. Truly raising the bar for customer service. Cant wait to go back this year!! Highly recommend!!

Sara Casey

My first time impression was not great. I was excited about the piano music & romantic lighting. With reservations I expected a nice table, but my husband & I were sat at the farthest end of the restaurant where I could barely hear the music. When I got up to look around for another place to be seated the place was so packed there was no where to move to. We also had no lamp centerpiece like every other table. I had to ask for one which the nice waitress brought us. And we were sat by a wall that had a spotlight on it so it was obnoxiously bright compared to the romantic ambience the rest of the place. So with an expensive menu where I couldnt enjoy my seat I wasnt thrilled. The food and staff were average. Nothing spectacular for the pricey menu. If I ever go back it would be just to sit at the bar with a drink to be able enjoy the music.

Matthew Ercolino

Old School! This place has been around long before Cape May was the cool place it is now. The food is solid and classically prepared with many of the old standards that you know and love, with very good service. The atmosphere is very old-world and there is a piano bar going on during the weekend nights. It has a great bar with all of the good stuff and then some and the bartenders know how to make a proper classic drink, the way it should be. The fact that things havent gotten a face lift in years is a huge plus for this place, especially compared to some of the newer high-end places that have opened up near by in recent seasons. Get a Martini at the bar with your date and sit down to a nice steak dinner with a glass of wine and a side car. You will not be disappointed!