Mercury Chophouse – Arlington is about 2.5 to 3 miles and 8 to 10 minutes from the UT Arlington campus, on the ninth floor at 2221 E Lamar Blvd, a short drive rather than a walk. Weekday lunch starts at 11 AM, dinner runs to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, and the Boardroom seats 8 to 20.
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A short drive north of campus
UT Arlington sits on the south side of I-30, near downtown. Mercury Chophouse – Arlington is on the north side, in the Entertainment District, nine floors up in the Brookhollow Two office tower at 2221 E Lamar Blvd, Suite 910. The distance is about 2.5 to 3 miles and the drive takes 8 to 10 minutes when the district is quiet. It is a car or rideshare trip; there is no walking route worth recommending.
From campus, head to I-30 and take the Ballpark Way exit north about a mile to E Lamar Blvd. Highway 360 north to the Lamar exit is the other approach, with the tower about a mile west. Park in the garage or the outdoor lot and take the lobby elevator to the top floor; both are free.
Campus occasions and where they fit
| Occasion | When | Best fit at Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Campus visit with a prospective student | Weekday | Lunch from 11 AM; Chophouse Burger $17, Club Sandwich $14 |
| Parents in town for the weekend | Friday or Saturday night | Dinner with the sunset; book ahead, both nights fill |
| Graduation dinner | Weekday evening or Saturday | The Boardroom for 8 to 20, or a main-room table |
| Faculty recruiting or department dinner | Monday to Thursday | One check for 12 or more; kitchen until 9 PM |
| Thesis defense celebration | Any weekday | Bar seating and the cocktail list, or a table for two |
The one gap is Sunday, when the restaurant is closed. A Sunday commencement means the celebration dinner lands on Saturday night, when Mercury serves from 4 to 10 PM, and reservations for those Saturdays go fast.
The room your parents will talk about
The dining room has a curved wall of floor-to-ceiling windows facing west and southwest over the Entertainment District, with the Six Flags Over Texas tower, Globe Life Field, AT&T Stadium and Hurricane Harbor all in the frame. Sunset lands in the glass around 8:15 PM in May, when most graduations happen, and 5:25 PM in December for the winter ceremonies.
Inside: white tablecloths and linen napkins, leather chairs, tufted booths under a blue-lit banquette wall, crystal chandeliers, a glass-front wine wall at the entrance and a grand piano by the windows, with live piano on select evenings. Guest reviews on the site mention the warm bread with garlic butter, the view and a pianist and singer on the night of their visit. The Boardroom at the back shares the same window through a frosted glass door.
A menu for a mixed table
A graduation table usually mixes a grandparent who wants a filet with a student who wants pasta. The Center-Cut Filet Mignon is $62 for 6 oz, the Hand-Cut Ribeye is $75, the Grilled Chicken Pasta is $29 with pappardelle and a white wine cream sauce, and the Tortellini Bolognese is $32. The Caprese Salad at $18 with fresh burrata works for the vegetarian seat, and the kitchen can build a plate from sides such as Corn Risotto at $16, Whipped Potatoes at $14 and Grilled Asparagus at $18 if you mention it when booking.
Dessert is where the table agrees: the Brownie with vanilla ice cream is $15, the Strawberry Cake is $17, and the Chocolate Torte at $15 is gluten free. Composed entrées carry a $25 split plate fee, and a 20% gratuity is added for six or more. The menu has every price.
Dress code for students
This is the part to tell the graduate before they leave the dorm. Mercury is business casual. Hoodies, sweatpants, athletic wear, graphic T-shirts and baseball caps are not permitted in the dining room; flip-flops and slides are too casual. Collared shirts and sports coats are encouraged for men, jeans without rips are fine for everyone, and a jacket and tie are never required. Cowboy hats are welcome as long as they come off once seated. The dress code page spells out the rest.
Booking a graduation group
The Boardroom seats 8 to 20 at one long table behind a frosted glass door, with a large screen and a fully integrated AV system for a slideshow, and semi-private seating extends to 28. One check is presented, a food and beverage minimum applies to parties of 10 or more and is quoted with the proposal, and requests through the event inquiry form are answered within 48 hours. Commencement weekends are the busiest of the year for this room, so send the request as soon as the date is set. Smaller groups book through OpenTable or 817-381-1157.
Book a Table
Reserve on the ninth floor at Mercury Chophouse – Arlington. Choose a date and time below, or call 817-381-1157.
Reserve on OpenTable Request a Private Event
Open Monday to Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday 11 AM to 10 PM, Saturday 4 PM to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. 2221 E Lamar Blvd, Suite 910, Arlington, TX 76006.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mercury Chophouse on or near the UTA campus?
Near, but not on it. The restaurant is about 2.5 to 3 miles north of campus at 2221 E Lamar Blvd, on the ninth floor of an office tower in the Entertainment District. Plan on an 8 to 10 minute drive or rideshare; it is not a walk from campus.
Can students wear hoodies or sweatpants to Mercury?
No. Hoodies, sweatpants, athletic wear, graphic T-shirts and baseball caps are on the prohibited list, and the restaurant reserves the right to decline service for non-adherence. Jeans without rips and a collared shirt are fine. Management enforces the policy, so dress the part.
How early should we book for UTA graduation weekend?
As soon as the ceremony date is confirmed. Friday and Saturday nights fill first, the Boardroom books ahead for commencement weekends, and the restaurant is closed Sunday, which pushes Sunday ceremonies onto Saturday night. Private room requests receive a reply within 48 hours.
Can we bring a party of 15 to Mercury after commencement?
Yes. A group of 15 can take the Boardroom, which seats 8 to 20 at one table, or sit in the main dining room. Either way one check is presented for 12 or more, a food and beverage minimum applies to 10 or more, and 20% gratuity is added.
Is lunch at Mercury doable between campus tours?
Yes, on weekdays. Lunch service starts at 11 AM Monday through Friday with sandwiches from $14 and entrées such as the Chicken Fried Steak at $24. Allow 10 minutes each way for the drive and tell the server your return time. Saturday has no lunch service.