Review // Meritage Urban Tavern at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Meritage Urban Tavern, an awesome steakhouse at JW’s Desert Ridge. We were seated on the patio, and because of the chilly weather, we had it all to ourselves. Before our meal, we smoked a delicious cigar. Fun fact, JW Desert Ridge carries cigars on property, and we enjoyed a big, full flavor one on this pleasant January evening. In addition, the Meritage has an extensive alcohol list, and to my pleasure, a wonderful beer list, with two of my favorite breweries on them – Dogfish Head and Brooklyn Brewery, two of my favorite breweries on the East Coast.

For our first dish, we had a chef specialty, that included the large crab legs I’ve ever encountered!, and plump shrimp. Both tasted fresh and scrumptious. The head chefs came out to speak with us, and we had a pleasure getting to know them. We then ordered an array of appetizers, most notably the Pork Belly. The Pork Belly was tender and savory, and everything you’d expect and more from this delicacy.

 For our entrees we tried the Meritage Meatloaf and Day Boat Scallops. The Meritage Meatloaf was impressively wrapped in Bacon and the tomato glaze elevated the dish. The Day Boat Scallops were fresh like the crab legs and shrimp, and you could tell the restaurant sources their seafood fresh for their patrons.

Finally we topped off our meal with the Red Velvet and Chocolate. The Red Velvet was a red velvet brownie with a vanilla bean cheesecake, and the Chocolate included a milk chocolate mousse decorated with white chocolate pearls. Both tasted heavenly, and were excellent. We had a fine time, dining with the Meritage Urban Tavern. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a delectable, hospitable experience!