The Mercury

Well, the food here is great and it has been like that for the last twelve years (almost thirteen) that it has been in the business, Chef Ward keeps doing a fine job with his own place and food quality is consistent; it a shame that service is not. Like Mrs. Brenner said in her review... service can be excellent, average or poor depending on how inspired is the server! it is totally true, in my own experience, we happened to be seated next to the new GM family, who BTW happens to be Lisa Clark from Cafe Pacific, she does an amazing job a the door, always with a smile and a warm welcome that makes you feel like at home! Anyways, we could tell how this server was going the extra mile with them, we honestly felt kind of jealous at them because of the service they were receiving, this server who's name we cant remember due to his lack of personality had a really cocky attitude and if you have been at the mercury you know you can listen to everyone's conversations, we were really sorry of how miserable this guys was, I mean we went there to have a good time with friends and we could listen to him complaining about his coworkers, bragging of how "good" he is and how he would have things done. We had seen him before at the restaurant but never thought he would bad mouth his own team like that and we also over heard how things were done at Nick and Sam's over a year ago when he used to work down there, c'mon if you are really that unhappy go back there but do not complain out-loud were customers can hear you. We go there to enjoy our friends not to listens to servers conversations! Guys at the merc heads up!!! We love the place, we love the food, but the cocky attitude of his was very unpleasant. I do recommend the Mercury and i will keep doing it but next time will ask for a more humble and friendly server! lol Good job Chef Ward, good job Lisa and looking forward for many more years enjoying the mercury's outstanding food!

ok, so this place is in my neighborhood and i have had the chance to actually get to know the folks that run the place. everyone knows that chef chris ward is top notch, it really doesn't get better than chef ward. his kitchen staff is also superb, some of the hardest working folks in the restaurant business. it's busy every night--good economy, bad economy---the mercury is hopping. the reason is simple, high quality food that is prepared perfectly delivered to your table by the high quality, professional waiters. And then there's Hugo. Hugo is the best maitre'd in dallas. he is attentive, accomodating and on some occasions he surprises my wife and i with something special from the kitchen! folks, it doesn't get any better than this...if you haven't been to the mercury--you need to go. i suggest the cracklin' chicken. bon appetit

Ok, let's squash tomatoes! So, located @ Preston and Forest Ln, in a strip mall, in N. Dallas lies 1998's Best New Restaurant of the Year, named by local and nationwide media, The Mercury. Many people outside of "the industry" seem to forget about this jewel of a restaurant that has been kicking diners asses for 11 years! We personally thank Chef Chris Ward, a very shy 6'5 or so icon, for such an amazing establishment. He is a Chef's chef, all the leaders in "the industry" use a page out of his book,"Restaurant Life", seriously you should read it! Walking in for lunch we were respectfully greeted and offered a chair, then handed menus with amazing spells and potions created by Chef Ward. A first course serving of Sashimi of Yellowfin Tuna with mini sriracha jalapenos and ponzo sauce was and is the best sushi plate in the city, sorry Yutaka you shouldn't have showed him so much. The fresh cold flesh of raw tuna wows your palate with a spicy punch and citrus zing! We order the best deal in town, The Express! Nolan Ryan himself should be jealous of this 21 dollar punch out! Today the 3-course selections were Roasted Corn Soup, then 5oz Filet of Beef over banquette of vegetables, and finally Apple Crisp. The smokey Corn soup, served in generous portions, pleased the soul while almost licking the bowl and begging for more. The Filet was perfect size for lunch and mesquite grilled to a perfect MR. It was placed above a colorful bed of blanched and sauteed veggies and finished with Veal Demi...mmmm! After the amazing apple crisp and paying the bill, I felt on top of the world! The Best Lunch in Dallas!-DT

Service: *****
Food: *****
Atmosphere: *****

Note that ratings are based on lunch and not dinner.

My husband and I tried Mercury Grill last night for the first time. Restaurant week is a great time to try new places. This week restaurants should be at the top of their game even more to get that new business. Hostess was very friendly. Our food was even very good. No complaints to the chef for the preparation of the meal. In fact my steak was to perfection melting in my mouth good. My issues lie soley with the waiter. It seemed the wait staff was very grabby. I no more that put my fork down and they were trying to pick up my plate. (Which i was not quite finished with) This happened with first two courses. Then when our check came my husband had not even placed payment in it yet and the waiter tried to pick it up. We were not in a huge hurry and wanted to finish up our coffee we had. He did not even ask, "can I take this for you?" They were busy but they also had open set up tables so it was not like turning the table was that big an issue. We love good food and expect even better service. If you are not concerned with service than this is the place for you. I felt rushed through my whole meal and when I am paying good money for my meal I do not want to be rushed. I go to dinner to be waited on not rushed through it. So based on the service I can say we have chosen not to return to this restaurant in the future especially when there are other restaurants with better service. And yes I am rating low becasue of the service. For me it is a HUGE issue. We can excuse the meal not being 100% up to standards but never the service.