Maxwell's On The River

Exceeded Expectations While staying at The Merrill I was directed to Maxwells by the staff when I checked in. Being a veteran of many hotel restaurants and not always being impressed, I walked over to Maxwells to have a look before I went up to my room. What I saw was a very well designed dining area, very new and distinguished. The bar itself was shiny, charming and aesthetic. I went back to my room, had a quick workout in the fitness center, went for a nice long walk along the river, and then went to Warrior Crossfit for a WOD. When I got back to the hotel, I went back to my room changed, showered and heading down to Maxwells. I was very fortunate to arrive when I did as the restaurant was starting to fill up. I went to the bar and sat down and took in the ambiance for a couple of minutes. The bartender, who served me was a joy to talk to and I also stuck up a conversation with some folks at the bar who were staying at the Merrill as well. As you can imagine from all my activities that day I was famished, so I came with an appetite. Despite that over the last couple of days, I had consumed quite a bit of food. That said Maxwells was a perfect place to have a meal. The food was very well imagined, had just the right portion size and it was very high quality. I started off with one of the salads on the menu, a harvest salad which was composed of locally sourced items. The portion size just right and the ingredients were very fresh and high quality. My salad was composed of field greens, roasted beets, citrus, goat cheese, candied pistachios with a light coating of apple cider vinaigrette. This was a very appetizing and flavourful salad. Next up was the main and the side. Please note that some of the mains are served al la carte, and some have sides on the plate. The main dish was a summer feature, an amazingly light and flavourful pickerel dish about 7-8 ounces drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette, topped with lightly sauteed mixed veggies. This dish was top-notch, as an angler, I have caught and eaten pickerel shortly after catching it. This was was fresh and not fishy tasting at all. Pickeral itself is a light and flaky fish and should be prepared gently as it was at Maxwell's. They know what they are doing in the kitchen. My side was absolutely delicious creation, grilled and slightly charred asparagus with pecan smoked bacon, roasted peppers, with a light drizzle of balsamic. Wow just amazing, Maxwells is the perfect companion to the hotel as it is an extension of the high standard that defines The Merrill.

Stopped in for lunch and had an outstanding selection of salads, sandwiches and sides! The Ruben and Berry burger were delicious. Both served with a side salad. The salads was excellent, fresh and flavorful. We had sides of clam chowder, sweet potato fries and wings. All were delicious with nice presentation. Service was excellent as well with nice views from the large windows overlooking the river. Definitely recommend!

I loved this hotel. My first time to Iowa! I was staying for several days for a family wedding being held at the Merrill. I loved everything thing about this hotel! Beautiful rooms, clean and so comfortable. The staff were amazing and friendly! The restaurant was delicious and you could do breakfast, lunch, and dinner with great service! The ballroom on the 6th floor with a view of the Mississippi river and outside balcony with comfortable seating was the perfect venue so beautiful and peaceful! Dinner was delicious! I can't wait to come back and stay again!!!

Arrived here for supper. We were seated right away. Staff was attentive and friendly. Drinks, appetizer, and entree came out in a timely manner and were excellent. A long walk to the clean restroom. (Restaurant is basically in the hotel lobby, and the restrooms are near the pool.) It's a bit pricey but take your date.

Minus baseball season in the conjoined hotel lobby/restaurant everything was excellent, the food, ambience, and service were all 5 star

Excellent service, excellent food, and an excellent atmosphere. During my recent business trip to Muscatine, I was treated to a lunch at Maxwell's as a guest of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry. I ordered the side Caesar Salad and the Scratch-Made Soup of the Day (Beef Stew of some sort w/ mushrooms). My host ordered the Berry Salad with Grilled Chicken. The dishes themselves were prepared and presented beautifully and the aroma and flavor of my soup was incredible. The Caesar Salad also did not disappoint and my host finished every bite of his meal as well. 5 out of 5 stars and plans to return again in the near future!

Wonderful, relaxed atmosphere right on the riverfront. Most nights have live music. Typical bar food and typical but plentiful types of beer on top with many different types of brews! Local and otherwise.

We enjoyed a truly wonderful dining experience at Maxwell 's last evening. The drinks, appetizers and entrees were delicious. (There were 7 of us, so we ordered a wide variety from the menu. No complaints from anyone.) Our servers were terrific, too - attentive and professional. The restaurant was decorated beautifully, with a nice ambience. Our only negative was that it was chilly. But temps were in the teens, with wind a factor. Next time we will dress accordingly. So 5 stars rating for Maxwell's@