The Crescent City Grill is a long-standing Meridian favorite, but it’s manager and head chef have left to take over an even longer-standing Meridian eatery — Weidmann’s. A couple of reviewers headed to lunch at Crescent City recently to see how the restaurant is doing under its new bosses.

    The food: Both reviewers gave the food a really big thumbs up. The menu is more or less the same, but the quality of the food has improved and inspired one reviewer to say of his blackened chicken sandwich, “This meal makes me smile.”

    The atmosphere: Two thumbs down. Among other upkeep problems, the carpet is disgusting, and the ceiling looks as if it might flake some old paint in your food. Try to keep your eyes on your plate when you eat here.

    The cost: The prices seem to have gone up a smidge in recent months, but are still reasonable.

    The service: Anytime you go into a restaurant, there’s a chance you’ll get a bad server — but that didn’t happen to our reviewers here. Two thumbs way up for excellent service.

    Overall: Two big fat thumbs up. The food is good enough to make you forget that you’re in a poorly maintained building.

    Recommended dishes: Shrimp creole, cajun enchilada, or any fish entree.

    Not recommended: Pass over the gumbo and save room for something else — it’s decent, but not as good as it used to be.