Merlo's Highland Park

Anyone been yet? Anything to report? Have dinner plans for Saturday night and would love to give it a try. There are two positive Yelp reviews, for what's it's worth and a mention in the Chicago Magazine Dish, but would love some real intel.

http://merlosrestaurant.com/

581 ROGER WILLIAMS AVE.
HIGHLAND PARK
847.266.0600

Food was good and very fresh. Specials were creative. Service was a little slow, but hey it was first week of opening when I went. Maybe a hair too much salt used, but bold flavors. Prices were reasonable given the portion sizes and quality of ingredients. One criticism. Wine list needs a little work. Mediocre bottlings with exorbitant prices. Seriously could almost be cut in half to get to a fair price. Haven't yet checked their byo policy, but that will probably be the only way I drink there given current prices. Still a solid local Italian choice and a welcome addition to the hood.

Thanks, Matt. Sounds intriguing. Is it kid friendly? We ended up at Avli Saturday night, but will definitely have to try out Merlo's soon.

Definitely kid friendly. Kids were very happy with their choices and their food.

Thanks for the report Matt. I also have a question. Is Merlo's conversation-friendly? On a couple of occasions when I walked past it sounded fairly loud.

Also, just as a matter of curiosity does anyone know if the HP Merlo's has any relation to the Merlo's in Chicago?

Thanks again.