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Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille Reservations

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Restaurant Reviews for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

165 West Napa St
Sonoma, CA 95476

Celebrity Chef Carlo Cavallo invites you to tour the cuisines of Northern Italy & Southern France. His seasonally driven menu's feature wild game, Dry Aged Prime Steaks, Fresh Seafood, Oyster/raw bar, Live Maine lobster's/ Dungeness Crab's and local organic produce some from Chef Carlo's garden. The restaurant's interior has warm earth tones illuminated by hand-blown glass chandeliers from local artisans.

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Private Lot
Cross Street: 2nd St West

See more Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		3.7 out of 5 (61 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies (29)
neighborhood gem (26)
vibrant bar scene (18)
special occasion (15)
good for groups (13)
great for lunch (13)
notable wine list (13)
hot spot (12)
great for brunch (11)
romantic (10)
great for outdoor dining (3)

+ see more special features/tags

Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was the first time dining at this restaurant, we will definitely return."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/08/2010)

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Review 2 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Been here a few times and nothing really has improved, unfortunately. Food is average and bar scene lively, but waiting 45 minutes for our "reserved" table is unacceptable. People arriving after us that complained loudly enough, were seated before we were (we were only 4). There did not seem to be a dedicated host, but a poor guy that bussed tables, delivered food, and sat people all at the same time and seemed very disorganized and unsure of who had reservations. The restaurant did not seem to honor reservations but sat people randomly as they came in (if you were 2, you got your table in minutes), rather than making sure a 4-top, for example, was available by pushing 2 tables together (which we noted was completely do-able.)"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/01/2010)

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Review 3 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The restaurant was way to noisy. Tables are very close and crammed together. We arrived early to have a cocktail at the bar , it too was very crowded and noisy. They seated us 45 minutes prior to our rez. The menu was amazing. A great variety. The seafood side of the menu was fantastic. I loved the seafood stew and we enjoyed the oysters made a variety of ways. There is a chefs sampler menu we considered trying that sounded delicious. We LOVED the vodka caviar sampler. Caviar was nothing to brag about but the flavored chilled vodkas made locally were fantastic. Loved the Meyer Lemon vodka. Great starter. Service was great.
We will definatly go back, food & service make tolerating the noise worth it."

Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/01/2010)

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Review 4 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Mediocre Food in a mediocre environment"

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/26/2010

(review submitted 02/28/2010)

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Review 5 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Loved everything about this place."

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/25/2010

(review submitted 02/27/2010)

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Review 6 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Rosemary took amazing care of us! The food was fabulous as well as the atmosphere! I will definitely go back & have been spreading the word :-)"

Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/24/2010)

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Review 7 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Seafood was fresh and tasty. Great service.The portions are small so we had to keep ordering food."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/24/2010)

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Review 8 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Small wait, which was no big deal. Appetizers (Oysters and Mussels) were good, but two of our main courses (ribs and mahi-mahi) were lacking in overall flavor. Polenta was also bland. The seafood stew was very good."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/22/2010)

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Review 9 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Have agreat happy hour oysters took friends who love them very impressed nice and fresh"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/19/2010

(review submitted 02/21/2010)

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Review 10 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Seating was too close and without separations. Very noisy making it hard to even concentrate on partner's conversation. Parking was not the best and overflow parking is in an unpaved lot requiring walking through muddy puddles when raining."

Special Features: notable wine list

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/19/2010)

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Review 11 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Everything is nice and fresh except the facts that they didn't turn on lights at lunch and didn't come back to ask for further service. Without lights, interior is somewhat dark even at daylight."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/18/2010)

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Review 12 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We spent valentines evening there and had outstanding food, there homemade pastas are very awsome. We never felt like we were forgotten by our waiter. The oyster selection was very good and I have heard that the happy hour is good."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/18/2010)

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Review 13 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Not enough help for 3 day weekend - only 2 people serving/bussing/seating - waited an extremely long time for food. Had to ask for coffee refills. People who arrived & ordered after us, received their food first. Had to ask when we would get our appetizers. The next day (Valentine's Day) we discovered the wrong credit card was returned. Called restaurant, was told they would look into and call back. 4 hours later received call, msg was left for other card owner, to call back tomorrow because they are "slammed" with business tonight. 24 hours later, still no word. We just cancelled the card. No apologies for card loss, slow service, nothing."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/15/2010)

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Review 14 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Meritage is a comfortable, friendly restaurant with good to very good food, great, knowledgable service, reasonable prices, and a fun,friendly atmosphere. It's a popular local spot -- not just touristy, although the outdoor patio is summer could do woth bit more ambiance. The seafood (oysters!)and pastas are particularly good."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/15/2010)

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Review 15 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Everything was excellent and we would highly recommend Meritage"

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/12/2010

(review submitted 02/14/2010)

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Review 16 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Very easy to get reservation for 8pm but when we got there, it was so overcrowded we had to wait over 20 minutes for a table. Meritage was one of my favorite little gems since even before they moved to their current location. Unfortunately it appears that their greatness was in years past. Service was poor only because I rarely saw my server. I think an hour from seating to actual plates on table is too much. To be fair when my waiter was there, he was attentive and genuinely concerned. Food was probably most disappointng in it's decline. Pasta was overcooked and gummy. My MahiMahi, altough of of good sized portions, was very unevenly cooked and left a somewhat bitter, metallic taste. I will go there again but not right away."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/30/2010

(review submitted 02/06/2010)

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Review 17 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The restaurant was good; the service was good. Can't say anything speactaculor and can't criticize it. The temperature in the restaurant was a little warm, but not unbearable."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/29/2010

(review submitted 02/03/2010)

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Review 18 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We enjoyed the Thursday night fresh, live lobster dinner special (delicious 3 course meal for $25). Getting there during Happy Hour, we were able to sample the oysters at half price with a martini. We appreciated the upgrade, delicious chocolate desert for our birthday guest. The four of us had an outstanding evening in our cozy corner, preferred over the other closer table setting."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/21/2010

(review submitted 01/26/2010)

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Review 19 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The food here never disappoints. The service excellent. The only real negative is the noise. It is +++++++++++++++++"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/08/2010

(review submitted 01/10/2010)

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Review 20 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This is one of our favorite restaurants. Food and wine is great, wait staff is outstanding."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/03/2010

(review submitted 01/05/2010)

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Review 21 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Dinner was absolutely delicious from the appetizers to the oysters to the beet salad to our main courses. I've never tasted better gnocchi. We will definitely be going back."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/02/2010

(review submitted 01/04/2010)

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Review 22 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"Worst meal in sonoma! Server was too busy to even attend to my husband and I. NEVER will we dine there again!"

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Poor)
Service		(Poor)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 23 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We had a great time, our two year old was well taken care of."

Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/27/2009

(review submitted 12/29/2009)

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Review 24 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille was a destination spot for the oysters Rockafeller but the server forgot to place the appetizer part of the order! OUCH! We were compted desserts for everyone at the table but the it really didn't make up for the missed oysters :(
Otherwise the service, food and dining experience was great and well worth the travel time."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/26/2009

(review submitted 12/28/2009)

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Review 25 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"They make the best martini's and have the best oysters in town!"

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/26/2009

(review submitted 12/28/2009)

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Review 26 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"It's hard to review a restaurant that you ate at, but were never in. On Christmas eve, we were whisked through the restaurant to the "heated terrace." It was neither. The "terrace" appeared to be a portion of the former parking lot covered in canvas. "Heat" was provided by a generator-powered blower, which generated more noise than heat. An attempt was made to cover the blower noise with loud Xmas music.

The food may have been better than fair, but when you're losing feeling in your fingers, it's hard to tell. I realize financial times are tight, but when the restaurant is full, don't take reservations."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Poor)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/24/2009

(review submitted 12/26/2009)

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Review 27 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Our first time...and it gets a definite thumbs up. Nice cozy atmosphere. Our meals were all very good, the service prompt & attentive and a solid wine list. Looking forward to a return visit."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/18/2009

(review submitted 12/20/2009)

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Review 28 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We're not vegetarian, but the vegetarian tasting menu was great. You also have to try the caviar and vodka tasting. The wasabi caviar and green tea vodka was the best of the trio."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/12/2009

(review submitted 12/16/2009)

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Review 29 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We visited Meritage on a Monday evening and put ourselves in the hands of the Chef for his tastings menu. The Meritage staff was excellent - comfortably attentive to details without being fussy. The bar did a great job with the martini's, the chef did a great job with 7 creative courses from seafood to boar - very well presented. We really enjoyed our visit and recommend it as a mid week gem. The place probably gets pretty crowded and hard to get great service when its jammed - but we had a great time."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/07/2009

(review submitted 12/09/2009)

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Review 30 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Beautiful restaurant with excellent seafood. Loved the guitarist in the bar. We will definitely be back. The Lobster chowder was great! New York strip was quite good."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/02/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

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Review 31 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Everything was delicious. Amazing gnocchi!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/22/2009

(review submitted 12/03/2009)

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Review 32 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Very crowded and buzzing on a Saturday night. There are few good restaurants in Sonoma. Too loud and open for a simple, quiet dinner. Not for intimate dining. It was difficult hearing people at our table. Food was ok. We ordered the half lobster ($20). It's a nice option than to order a full-priced lobster. It came with nondescript mashed potatoes and veggies. I left hungry. Risotto and scallops was good, but not enough food for the two men who ordered. Four scallops is just too basic. Five would have been much more generous and pleasing. The dining room is far too open and exposed. It feels very dated and without style. The wait staff was very gracious."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/21/2009

(review submitted 11/23/2009)

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Review 33 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The food was delicious. I was thrilled that they did remember that it was my friend's birthday and provided a delicious dessert. The wait staff was extremely attentive."

Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/21/2009

(review submitted 11/23/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Based on the average of (28) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Reservations for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Restaurant Reviews for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille Reviews List

Review 1 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 2 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 3 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 4 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 5 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 6 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 7 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 8 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

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Review 27 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

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Review 29 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 30 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 31 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 32 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille

Review 33 for Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille