The Meridian Restaurant and Bar at 5694 North Meridian Street opened on November 26, 2007, in the former location of Dodd's Townhouse. Built in 1880 as a two-story structure with log siding, it was recently expanded and renovated to create an upscale dining atmosphere on Indianapolis' most traveled street.

Some of the original logs remain in the restaurant's new design as a remembrance to the property and neighborhood's history in Meridian-Kessler. The lodge-like setting and its darker wood features may be reminiscent of a fine dining establishment in the Pacific Northwest or the New England states. A second fireplace and bar has been added to the inside dining area. An outdoor dining area also includes a fireplace and patio offering patrons a scenic view of Alice Carter Place, a natural gateway to the city's Meridian street corridor. According to the Meridian Street Foundation Newsletter, Alice Carter Place has been part of Indy parks since 1922. From the patio, a birdhouse inscribed with the Dodd's Townhouse name can also be seen. It is a relic of a past era when the former restaurant was established in 1948.

Seating capacity for 130 patrons is available on the restaurant's first floor and a second floor dining room is offered for private parties up to 18 individuals. Catering services and gift cards will also be available. The Meridian is a non-smoking restaurant with wheelchair access. Major credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa) are accepted.

Serving beef, chicken, fresh fish, lamb, pasta, pork, seafood and steak, the Meridian will feature regional American recipes. Lunch entrées range in price from 9 to 14 dollars while dinner entrees range from 21 to 34 dollars. A detailed menu is available at www.meridianonmeridian.com

Dan Dunville is the general manager and executive chef of the Meridian. He was formerly an executive chef at Ruth's Chris Steak House and a graduate of the American Culinary Institute, located in Hyde Park, New York. His braised pork shoulder entrée won first prize at the Indiana Pork's 11th Annual Taste of Elegance dinner in January of this year, which was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. In being named Chef Par Excellence at the culinary contest, he competed against nine of the Hoosier State's top chefs for a $1,000 cash prize. Dunville also received the Chef Pairing Wine Award for the wine he chose to complement his winning dish. The Taste of Elegance competition began in 1987 and has included over 500 chefs and 20 regional competitions.

Dunhill's culinary artistry is evident in several menu items, like the Lobster Pot Pie, Seared Crab Cakes and Shrimp Risotto that are featured appetizers for both lunch and dinner. The (TED) Thanksgiving Every Day sandwich has roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, lettuce and mayonnaise.

Rick Lux and Tom Megenhardt of commercial real estate services firm R.P. Lux and Steve Berg of S.A. Berg Company are the restaurant's co-owners. Lux and Berg have successfully created several neighborhood-oriented eateries, like Binkley's Kitchen and Bar, the Elbow Room and the Broad Ripple Tavern. Berg is also an accomplished home builder, having one of his homes featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

Like the Meridian, Binkley's also has a private dining area for groups. Former WRTV 6 reporter and restaurant reviewer Reid Duffy, known to local viewers for his weekly Duffy's Diner segments, spoke before the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club about his recent book, Guide to Indiana's Favorite Restaurants, there. Duffy may indeed be lured to the Meridian for their distinct entrees, but he might not be able to pass up that ever-tempting dessert.

Lunch hours at the Meridian are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. They will also have a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., which will be an a la carte menu, having a stated price for each item offered. The entire restaurant is available on Sunday evenings for groups planning that special event.

Ideally located on Indianapolis' main street, the Meridian promises an intimate and memorable dining experience in a tranquil setting in a historical location for couples, groups and travelers.