Mertens Prime

3.6

1560 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

8:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Romantic
Great for creative cocktails

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
Street parking is available. The closest crossroads are Oakes St. and Commerce Street. The closest parking ramps are Cherry Street Parking Ramp and Weston Parking Ramp. We do not offer parking validation at this time.
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
$38.00 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?
Dessert Sampler
$20.00 per party
Prepaid
Feb 1, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
Enjoy our Flourless Chocolate Torte (GF), Lemon Bar with a luxurious seasonal berry sauce and our Creme Brulee
Wine Tasting With Larry O'Brien
$30.00 per person
Prepaid
Mar 20, 2025 only
6:00 PM
We’re thrilled to invite you to a very special Happy Hour Wine Tasting on Thursday, March 20th from 6:00–7:30 PM at Mertens Prime. This exclusive evening will feature a tasting hosted by none other than Master Sommelier Larry O'Brien — a rare opportunity to connect with one of only 273 Master Sommeliers in the world. Learn more about Larry O'Brien here. As we prepare for this event, we’d love to know how you might help promote it to your guests and network. Having Larry in Grand Rapids is a big deal for wine lovers and hospitality leaders alike, and we’d be honored to collaborate with you in making this a memorable evening for the community. We offer complimentary food from our new spring menu and event guide. Event Details: 📅 Date: Thursday, March 20th ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 Location: Mertens Prime 🍷 Wine selection & pricing: $30 to taste 5 select wines not usually featured by the glass. Complimentary food from new 2025 event guide and Spring Menu 📄 Tasting sheets & order forms will be available. Most wine available to take home same day.

Private dining

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 1,560 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.6

3.6 based on recent ratings

3.8Food
3.7Service
4.1Ambience
3.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Mertens Prime offers a "beautiful, old-world atmosphere" with a menu that is "very homemade" and features classic French bistro-style dishes and "really good steaks." The rooftop provides a "delightful" city view, complemented by "delicious drinks and bites." Guests appreciate the "attentive and friendly" service, making it a "unique venue" in Grand Rapids.

1,561 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brunch was so nice. Not crowded. We shared the chicken and Waffles board. Loved the lemon bar. Staff was friendly. Will be back for rooftop.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana2 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The cocktails were fantastic. The food was just “ok” for the price. I ordered the steak sandwich and was disappointed in the quantity of meat vs the amount of bread there was. The atmosphere was unique and our service was fabulous. They were launching a new menu, so I’m sure they were just ironing out a few kinks.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great choice for dinner! The duck was crispy and flavorful, and the bone marrow was rich and delicious. Vega was friendly and attentive. I’ll definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
D
Dave
Grand Rapids1 review
5.0
Dined on February 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff were amazing and the staff way knowledgeable on the menu. The drinks were excellent. Our food was delicious. My wife had the Orange glazed Salmon and Broccolini. I had the Ribeye it was seasoned and cooked perfectly. The restaurant has the unique history being and old hotel and the floor is beautiful and you can tell how original. We will be back and can’t wait for rooftop season.
Is this helpful?
K
Kevin
Grand Rapids1 review
2.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Was really excited to finally try Mertens. And after a friend couple had poor service on Valentine’s Day we still kept our date. Also read many poor reviews. It was just as poor. Hostess was not friendly. They were out of many items on menu. Very slow service for almost empty restaurant. Really bummed.
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
Chicago4 reviews
1.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
This was our first time and we won’t return. The service was EXTREMELY slow. We ordered an appetizer and then were told the kitchen didn’t prep it from last night so it wasn’t available. We ordered dinner and two items we ordered were not available and the server had to come back and tell us. We were charged for sauce the waitress suggested for our appetizer. There was an 18% gratuity already added to the bill for 5 people?!? The food was average at best. WAY WAY overpriced for the service, food, portions and overall experience. We would not return nor suggest this restaurant to anyone else. There was no manager in sight to address any concerns.
Is this helpful?
K
Kara
Grand Rapids1 review
2.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Was a disappointing experience. We waited for a long time before we were greeted by a server. The bartender was busy chatting while we waited for our drinks. The food was cold and overpriced. Our waiter was friendly but inexperienced. I don’t plan to go back.
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L
Leia
Chicago1 review
1.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Worst restaurant I’ve been to in years. The apps were disgusting and the audacity to charge $67 for that “steak” is a joke. Even the server seemed disappointed in his own restaurant.
Is this helpful?
A
Audra
Detroit2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious filet mignon, melts in your mouth! Our server was very sweet and attentive!
Is this helpful?
S
Sami
Grand Rapids1 review
2.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Not the best. 250 on dinner and drinks - both steaks were not cooked to the temperature requested. Everything came out cold and looked very unappealing. I’ve never wrote a review in my life, but do yourself a favor and spend the money elsewhere. After the experience we had, I felt obligated to steer people away.
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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 3.6 stars by 1560 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

8:00 PM

Booked 12 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
Street parking is available. The closest crossroads are Oakes St. and Commerce Street. The closest parking ramps are Cherry Street Parking Ramp and Weston Parking Ramp. We do not offer parking validation at this time.
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

Dessert Sampler

Wine Tasting With Larry O'Brien

Private Dining

Custom inquiry

10oz FILET MIGNON

Steak & Eggs

FRENCH ONION SOUP

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

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