Merle's is an absolute delight! I haven't live in Wilkes in decades but I do visit family from time to time. When I am in town I always check to see if Merle's is open and try to make it there for a cocktail. Not feeling cocktails they have a section of the menu dedicated to mocktails. Not just a juice or mixer with a dash of bitters either, they've put the same care into developing them that seems to go into the alcoholic cocktails. More of a beer person? Great! Merle's has a handful of NC drafts as well.
My first visit to Merle's was in 2023 in April. The cocktails consumed were balanced and well concocted. The use of the space, which I remember visiting when it was an antiques shop 'back in the day', was well used and the patio area quite niece. Every time after when we would visit town my wife and I would try to make it to Merle's, unfortunately we kept lucking out!
Recently I was down to help clean out my childhood home and the last day of my visit overlapped with Merle's first day open for the weekend. I decided to swing by and am so glad that I did! Not only were the cocktails wonderful but so was the conversation and camaraderie As an out of town local I was welcomed in and found plenty of conversations to be a part of.
I live in Columbus Ohio, where we have a lot of places to get cocktails and the sorts but I will tell you what, Merle's is such an absolutely welcoming gem that I think about visiting even 6.5 hours north! There aren't may things that make me excited to visit or do when I am back home but visiting Merle's sure is one of them! You're guaranteed to find friendly folks, a great drink, and a lovely place to relax. read more