Eddie Merlot's - Polaris Parkway

I have been dying to go to this place since I saw the sign posted during construction. Although I am searching for that ultimate cool little locally owned place and not a chain, Eddie Merlot's was an exception. Merlot's is a small chain out of Indiana with only four locations. The building went up pretty fast and has been open since Mother's Day. I finally got the group to go tonight. We headed over at 5:30pm, and the wait staff was still arriving which makes me think that they are not open for lunch. They have complimentary valet service, but it looked like no one was taking advantage of it. I went there straight from work which was a good option because the place is pretty swanky. There isn't a dress code as far as I could find, and two friends of mine showed up in shorts, t-shirts and sneakers and were not turned away. The building is quite deceiving; it is actually quite big. There are many rooms that can be set for large groups and closed off if necessary. I would imagine that they are banking on lots of business from the newly built Hilton right next door.
Okay, on to the meat of the review...no pun intended. We were seated right away in the back of the restaurant (first good sign). We perused the menu, and even though I had been studying it for two days online I was still torn on what to get. They have an extensive wine and martini list of which I sampled a delightfully sweet Reisling. I was anxious to order the Brie en Croute. The brie arrived within puff pastry and was served with fresh raspberries, sliced apples, crackers and spiced walnuts. I can only say - delicious. We also order the Beef Carpaccio which I didn't think I was a big fan of but it was very good. Finally, we sampled the Blue Cheese Potato Chips - again...delicious. Since I knew I was filling up on the appetizers, I didn't think I wanted to order a "real" dinner. Like most good steakhouses, everything is a la carte. The sides, we were told, are big enough for two people, but in actuality could be split among three people. I ordered the French Onion Soup, which was HUGE and again, very good. I also ordered the Lobster Mashed Potatoes which can only be described as decadent. I cannot gush enough about this place. Other orders placed at the table: Lump Crab Cakes served with jalapeño sweet corn, Double Cut Pork Chop (the thickest pork chop I have ever seen!) with Macaroni and Cheese on the side, Prime Filet Mignon with Eddie's Potatoes on the side and a Caesar Salad. There were no complaints about any of the food. I was able to sample most of the items. Even though we were completely stuffed, we HAD to try some items from the dessert menu. S'mores, Warm Apple and Peach Crisp (with Cinnamon Ice Cream) and Berry Crepe arrived at the table. Even though I "couldn't possibly eat anything else" I had to at least take a small bite of each item, and I was not disappointed. All in all, the service was impeccable and quite patient with our tardy and indecisive group. My very picky friend noted that Eddie Merlot's was definitely in his top 10 of best restaurant experiences, which is saying a lot. I ended up so stuffed and felt as though I was waddling out of the restaurant two hours later.
The food was stupendous and service impeccable. Since the whole menu is a la carte, it can get quite pricey, but the food and experience are well worth the money. Like I said before, I cannot say enough good things about this place. I just got home uncomfortably full, but can't wait to go again and try some of the other things on the menu that I didn't get to tonight. Plan a nice evening with friends or pop in after work for appetizers and drinks. Eddie Merlot's should definitely be on your list!