Having grown up along Route 110, I have fond memories of such ancient eateries as Lum’s, The Old Oaken Bucket, and my beloved Skip’s. In retrospect, however, the nostalgia may be fresher than some of the menu items were.

So that is why I was so pleased (and, frankly, pleasantly surprised) to find as fine an establishment as 110 Grill (www.110grill.com) perched right along the same storied strip where many of my old favorites once stood.

As soon as I stepped in, I could tell that this Grill was a step above what had been before – perhaps even 110% better! The reflective metallic sign catches the eye in a whimsical, casual way- shining in the sunlight like neon without the chintziness. Crossing over the broad patio (some of which offer outdoor fire pits, and all of which offer fun), guests instantly feel welcomed and relaxed. The open, welcoming space was designed by J.D. LaGrasse & Associates and the interior design consists of warm tones that elicit fireplaces and cozy nooks (including a 50-seat private dining/meeting/party space). The front lounge area features a sparkling bar with a fair share of flatscreens (and live music on Thursdays and some Fridays) that are available to all seats but also easily avoidable if a more human interaction is desired. The main dining area offers leather booths and dark wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by contemporary art and other interesting things upon which to rest an eye.

As soon as the food comes, however, all attention is deservedly fixed upon the artfully-presented plates of fresh ingredients that are combined with creative care and flair. From award-winning apps like the glistening Firecracker shrimp, the Buffalo chicken flatbread, and the authentic yet mild fried pickle chips with Sriracha aioli sauce to garden-fresh salads ranging from a seasonal mix of the area’s bounty to the 110 Caesar and Cyrpus salad that brings the Mediterranean diet to the Merrimack Valley (and beyond!)  – any of which can be further enhanced with chicken, salmon, tuna, shrimp or steak tips – to bowls of clam chowder and subtly sweet tomato soup (which pairs expertly with the grilled goat and American cheese sandwich), the starters are sure to start you salivating. The ”off the hook” menu includes salmon, swordfish and tuna and the ”in the cut” set has Bourbon-marinated, Whiskey-glazed steak tips, 21-day aged NY strip and Ribeye. Among the Chef’s seasonal specials are such satisfying slots as the 110 cucumber and avocado tuna, a gorgeous sesame ginger salmon, New Orleans-style Jambalaya, a chilled shrimp noodle salad and 110 beef Stroganoff, as well as a  fish and chips that is available with or without gluten. For those who want to have a hand free or who may be slightly less hungry after their appealing appetizers, there are a slew of “between the bread” options, like the 110 Classic cheeseburger (with choice of cheese and the possibility of mushrooms, unions, and/or bacon), the “cure” burger (which is topped with cheese, bacon, smashed tater tots, and a fried egg) of the smothered 110 Reuben (which is available on deceptively delicious gluten-free bread). No matter which you pick, the eye-popping, mouth-watering enjoyment just rolls on.

Speaking of gluten-free, 110 so hip to the requests of its guests that nearly the entire menu is available in a Celia-friendly way, with each item carefully and cordially delivered by the management staff (though the entire team has passed a strict allergy awareness program). While other restaurants make people with special requests feel ostracized and left out, the folks at 110 Grill want everyone to be comfortable and every dish to be as pleasing and satisfying as every other. With so much to choose from it is a tall order, but one the Grill tackles talentedly.

As many options are on the menu, they are all matched masterfully by the diverse drink offerings. From glasses, carafes and bottles of reds, whites and bubblies from California and Italy to a Bay State-heavy beer list and flights of craft beers that can either be selected by you or recommended by the chef (who, like the rest of the staff, is locally-sourced as well and knows the area as well as the menu) to a fresh fruit-infusing make-your-own Shandy bar, the beer and wine list are impressive and progressive. Add such craft cocktails as the City Lights Cosmo (with Absolut Citron and Cointreau, with a homemade cranberry-apple shrub), the 110 Pom Martini (with housemade pomegranate shrub), sharable Sangrias, and the gluten-free berry citrus Rickey to such sweet finales as the banana nut martini and “adult” iced mocha coffee, the beverage list also includes Scotch and Port menus and deliciously-flavored coffees.

And what would coffee be without dessert? In fact, at 110 Grill, the question is more what would anything be without dessert? For not only are there such visit-worthy standouts as the peanut butter cascade and the carmelized banana flatbread (which turns the traditional Indian Naan recipe into Nutella, caramel, and cinnamon-stuffed Nirvana) and even a I-can’t-believe-this-is-gluten-free chocolate cake which is perfect for any diet.

With restaurants in Berlin, Chelmsford, and Nashua, NH (and more coming soon to Hopkinton and Wayland), the locally-owned and sourced chain is starting to drift from its titular route, but the quality is consistent. So whether you are a (Merrimack) Valley Girl or Guy or just looking for a new suburban spot with all the panache of downtown, get your kicks at 110 Grill.