meadowlark restaurant

very good experience. i live in nyc and was in dayton for business and candidly we weren't expecting much in the way of dining so meadowlark was a pleasant surprise.

when we went the place was in the middle of a mall (i believe they're moving) so that didn't help our expectations but all that aside the food was delicious. themenuwas inventive but not trying too hard. all of the dishes, apps and entrees were fresh and very flavorful and the desserts were great. staff was very friendly, portions generous and prices reasonable. even my snobbish foodie colleague was impressed!

if you're looking for a good place in the dayton area i highly recommend.

i went to meadowlark yesterday with my girlfriend for a nice sunday funday brunch, and they impressed the hell out us. everything was incredible from start to finish. we began with some cocktails... i had the rhubarb smash, which was perfectly balanced and by far one of the most delicious cocktails i've ever had. i can't wait to go back for another one. their entire cocktailmenuis diverse and unique, and i look forward to working my way through it. we ordered the half portion of french toast for an appetizer. it was a nice sized slab of brioche dipped in a custard style batter, finished with belletoile triple creme cheese, poached blueberries, and walnuts. we took the first bite at the same time and had a similar reaction of pure disbelief as to how something can be so delicious. our minds were blown. normally, we would each order something different and share two entrees, but we both ordered the fried green tomato sandwich. served on sesame semolina, it had a generous portion of perfectly fried green tomatoes, tasty bacon, lettuce, goat cheese, and caper mayo. it was grilled all buttery and golden, and came with a choice of dressed greens or fries. we both had the latter with an extra side of caper mayo for dipping. it was sunday funday! my girlfriend, who absolutely despises ketchup, loved their house made ketchup with cumin. we purchased a container of it to take home. no, i'm not kidding. on top of everything, our service was exceptional, despite some spotty service we had received there in the past. molly was very friendly and attentive. top notch! we left meadowlark wondering why we don't go more often. this will be a regular spot for us from now on.

creative cuisine. themenuis a story of travel. a traveling foodie who brings it back home. i'm critical and food this place puts out really does make the grade.

meh. that about sums it up. food was............meh. i was with a large party and our biggest complaint was that the service was soooooo slow. and the server wasn't friendly or really even nice. none of the staff seemed to be pleasant. usually, with big parties, a manager will come over and ask how things are going, not here. the prices were fine, aptly represented i think, wide variety, nicemenuwith blurbs about each dish that was quite enjoyable. my salmon was overdone (and i like it well done but hadn't asked for that), the pork was overdone. the duck was very good and the spaghetti carbonara. chicken thighs and the sides were good, a little bit too spicy, but good. i would try it again to check outmenuchanges but i do wish they would be friendly and nice!

disappointed. just came from meadowlark which is one of our favorite dayton restaurants. the"restaurant week"menureplaced the regularmenuthis week and i have to say i was very disappointed. the cod was dry and overcooked, the polenta cake was so soaked in olive oil one couldn't tell what it was and the ice cream soda desert was just awful.

i know the "restaurant week"menugenerates traffic. the place was packed. but it will be quite while before i go back.

everyone at the table enjoyed their meal (two omnivores, two vegetarians and a vegan). it was all seasoned and cooked perfectly. i normally hesitate to order a veggie burger out since i can buy a frozen one and make it at home for a lot less. theirs was homemade and really fantastic. they switched the mayo for avacado and olive oil and it ha the same affect as mayo. i had never thought of that before but it was wonderful. my only complaint about the burger is the look/color. it looks like raw ground beef. though i know it isn't, it still grossed me out a little. the taste was so great though. i'd eat it again... i just won't look at it when i cut into it. i love the children'smenuoptions also. nice lunch.

eclectic excellence. i have been coming here for a long time, i am so happy with their new location since not only is it a lot bigger but it's now much closer to where i live! the first thing i ever ordered here, and consequently my favorite go-tomenuitem, is their lark burger. it is unlike any burger you will ever have, its marinated in herbs and red wine which imparts a superb and unique flavor. they make everything, from the pickles to ketchup in house and everything just has a bit of a twist to it. i suppose if you like your food to be the same ole same ole then you will probably not enjoy this as it not ordinary food. some of themenuitems can be on the pricey side, but i have never had a bad meal here so i was certainly recommend it for a nice night out or a special occasion. i would suggest reservations, and i also will say that i have always found the majority of their staff to be on the snobby side. it has always irked me a bit but i find the food more than makes up for it.

laura. what a great dining experience. our server ruthie is one of the best servers we have every had and was a wealth of information about themenuand even the wine. ask for her... tim was very helpful as well a diversemenufrom shrimp with grits (a plus) to vegetarian meals. it is our favorite restaurant in the area.

place just isn't the same since the big move. such a major disappointment. i have been to the old location a several times and really enjoyed each time. the food, wine menu, service, atmosphere. i wanted to check out the new location and brought my husband who has never had the meadowlark experience. everything has changed. the eclectic ambiance is gone and it is loud! a completely different clientel. it has lost the simple, casual and relaxed feel. as for the food, i can't believe this was the same chef. is it? while waiting at the bar for a table and sipping wine, we decided to order to go, we didn't have far to travel. food was still plenty warm. they forgot both of our soups, gave us one app, not two, both of our fish with summer vegies taste was overwhelming of red pepper and way over salted. we both ate half and thru the rest away. can't believe i am saying it but i will not be back. too disappointing in too many ways. oh, they still have a great wine list.


-----11 aug, 2010-----

worth the wait. we had to wait almost too long for a table but it was worth it. themenuwas very interesting. we needed help from our server deciding what to order. he did not do us wrong with suggesting the fish sandwich. i look forward to trying other items. there were too many to choose from. though i am still having cravings for that fish sandwich.

worth waiting for?. themenuat meadowlark is very inventive and has not failed to satisfy, however, the slow service has kept me from visiting as often as i'd like. my drinks are often long overdue or awaiting a refill and i haven't felt as welcome as i have from other local independents. i will try again, and recommend others do the same, however, i hope the manager can staff more servers or bussers to reduce current staff's workload.