Carmel’s Upscale Tavern Creates Inviting Atmosphere
Writer / Matt Keating
Photographer / Brian Brosmer
Matt the Miller’s Tavern in Carmel certainly lives up to its description as “craic.”
The Irish word “craic” means “a sense of high energy, community and togetherness.” It’s what makes the upscale American tavern the perfect place to have an excellent meal, a fun time and celebrate life’s special moments.
Marissa Hoppe, assistant general manager, says Matt the Miller, 11 W. City Center, has been so consistently popular because, “we provide excellent service with quality food and fair prices. Our atmosphere is also very inviting. The key is to be memorable in a positive way, so customers choose us in the future.”
Matt the Miller’s staff strives to prepare exceptional food at reasonable prices with extraordinary service. They want their guests to leave their worries at the door, meet up with their friends and family and enjoy good times, good food and good spirits.
Hoppe says she loves Matt the Miller’s location, atmosphere and staff.
So, does Dave Parker, Carmel resident.
“I absolutely love their burgers, salads and desserts,” Parker says. “It’s a relaxing place, and the staff is so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I think the food and staff are two of the reasons it’s such a popular place.”
Hoppe noted that the most popular menu items are the Shrimp & Grits, Bavarian Pretzel Bites, Asian Salmon and the Ahi Tuna Flatbread.
Hoppe’s favorite is The Swordfish Tacos.
Matt the Miller’s menu is diverse, slightly unusual and freshly prepared. The menu was designed with both the “Everyman” and the “Eclectic” in mind and a broad spectrum of flavors that appeal to both.
Starters include Pacific Rim Calamari, a fresh calamari garnished with an explosion of Asian flavor, Loaded Tavern Chips, topped with Bleu Cheese sauce, shredded white cheddar, diced tomatoes, smoked bacon, scallions and tarragon essence, and Hot Buffalo Wings, among other choices.
Matt the Miller’s also has a wide selection of salads like the Shrimp Chopped Salad with chopped mixed greens tossed with red champagne vinaigrette, tomatoes, edamame, cucumbers, bacon, and crumbled goat cheese and topped with sautéed shrimp and pomme frites.
A large selection of sandwiches include The Very Veggie, which consists of zucchini, squash, portobello mushrooms and sweet peppers on grilled whole grain bread with rich Havarti cheese, field greens and finished with a balsamic reduction, a “Turkey Rachel,” a twist on the classic Irish sandwich with sliced turkey breast, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Marie Rose sauce on toasted Rye, the BBQ Burger, Matt’s Burger, cooked to order and topped with pepper jack cheese, crispy onion straws, lettuce, tomato and Marie Rose sauce on a toasted brioche bun, among other great burger choices.
A very large selection of steaks, fresh fish, soups and a large kid’s menu are also available.
Desserts include a Giant Carrot Cake, a Big Fat Chocolate Cake with a heaping slice of moist, rich chocolate cake, topped with chocolate icing and a drizzle of raspberry sauce and a New York Style Brûlée Cheesecake. Dessert Minis are also available.
Matt the Miller’s has private dining spaces in Langston’s Dining Room, which features wood and stone details throughout, a private bar, and a Mezzanine that is home to Matt’s Wine Bar.
Matt the Miller’s has 26 taps of craft, draft and local beers and an extensive wine list, including 24 offerings of premium wines not normally found by the glass from their Enoline Wine System.
The newly created Wine Bar in the Mezzanine offers a casual but intimate atmosphere. The Wine Bar is adorned with murals of some their favorite wineries from Napa and offers 26 premium wines. Guests are encouraged to participate in Matt the Miller’s Retail Wine Night on Wednesdays, during which their inventory of wine is offered at deep discounts and can be enjoyed either in The Wine Bar or taken home.
“The most popular drinks here are The Blueberry Basil Lemoncello, The Moscow Miller and the fabulous draft beer and wine list,” Hoppe says.
From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, every Sunday, a popular brunch features an omelet station with bacon, scrambled eggs, Belgian waffles, assorted flatbreads, fresh fruits, salads and more.
Despite the recent construction woes in the area, Matt the Miller’s has continued to lure their new and long-time guests.
“We would really like to thank our guests for their patience and loyalty during all of our transitions and road construction,” Hoppe says.
So, stop in and enjoy some good food and “craic” times.
