4.4 – 1,405 reviews • American restaurant
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American comfort food in upmarket digs.
Merchant is Madison’s energetic industrial-chic cafe, craft cocktail bar and late night destination specializing in no-nonsense, affordable fare and drink steeped in old school culture and soul.
Our menu features elevated American classics like shrimp cakes, steaks, burgers, and mac and cheese. As Madison’s first craft cocktail bar, our drink list includes twists on classic cocktails using fresh ingredients and heritage spirits, fresh innovative non-alcoholic drinks, and wines from boutique producers, fresh beers on tap, and heritage beers.
Industrial-chic gastropub & liquor store serving farm-to-table New American fare & craft cocktails.
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Reservations: opentable.com
merchantmadison.com
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MERCHANT | Madison, WI
Merchant is an energetic industrial-chic cafe, craft cocktail bar and late night destination specializing in no-nonsense, seasonal fare and drink steeped in …
Reviews
Donald K. Barker
Such a fantastic night out from start to finish. Every bite was full of flavor and clearly made with care. We shared the chili crunch hummus, crispy cheese curds, and the oyster mushroom shawarma, and each dish impressed us more than the last. The passion fruit pisco sour was refreshing and perfectly balanced. Jessie took wonderful care of us—friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. This place instantly earned a spot on our favorites list, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit.
… moreSheri Mazariegos
Loved the general vibe of this place – decor and outdoor seating were great. Everyone that we encountered at Merchant were really welcoming and helpful – from the hostess to our waitress. We sat outdoors, which was really refreshing, could see the water at the end of the street.
The food was good, but not really 5 star worthy. The only item that we thought was memorably delicious were the deviled eggs – if you go, definitely give them a try. I had the Caesar salad, which I thought lacked taste and skimpy on dressing. My husband had the Friday fish fry – it wasn’t the traditional Wisconsin fish fry (cod and hash brown side) – it was sturgeon and seasoned fries. He said it was good – and the seasoned fries were delicious.
Street parking was tricky to find – fun area, lots of places, fun to walk around after and one street away from the capitol building – beautiful at night!
… moreSuzy B
Love the atmosphere. There is indoor and outdoor seasonal seating. It was a Saturday evening and we were seated immediately.
Beautiful atmosphere, sun was close to setting, the glow of the golden light from the big windows cast on diners gave a warm invitation to the place to be.
We had blackened catfish and a merchant burger. The burger is one of the best I have ever had. On my list of top ten burgers for sure. The egg cooked perfectly flowed over the top of the burger when the bun was pressed. The mayo and pickles gave it the right amount of tang. The salad so crisp and fresh. The blackened catfish a little spicy for the diner I was with. The cornbread is delicious. Loved the actual burning candlelight no fake flame. Loved having a bottle of water on the table. Ask for ice if you like ice water.
… moreYuki
Amazing atmosphere and great happy hour options. The cheese curds with hot honey and the crispy fries were delicious. Service was a bit slow and could be more attentive, but overall the food made it a good experience.
… moreThe Pirate Penguin
The food here was really good, but The Nightmare Before Christmas themed drinks and decorations were definitely the highlight of my dining experience,
… moreFelicia Chang
Stopped by for some drinks and snacks on a Saturday night. The cocktails were superb, especially the old fashioned and passion fruit porn star martini. The cheese curds were also very delicious. The interiors are very pretty and romantic for a date night.
… moreScott Yee
Took the family tonight for the holiday theme. They did a great job with the decorations and the service was pretty good. The food was not good for the price and in comparison to similar restaurants downtown. Specifically, the fish fry had a pretty limp celery slaw and the fish was not crispy. We ordered a side of fries for the kids to share because the kids meals didn’t come with any sides and the portion was small and over salted. Drinks were small and good – I had a sazerac the was on the smaller size and my wife had eggnog that came in a small expressobcup.
… moreWeary Traveler
Ate here for brunch. Food was very good. I did ask for eggs over medium and got scrambled eggs served to me but it wasn’t a big deal. I do wish the bacon was crispier and it was pretty chewy but had i known it was served this way i would have asked for crispy bacon.
… moreKristiana Velpula
Absolutely wonderful experience! My husband and I enjoyed my birthday dinner here. Everything was delicious! We ordered the chili crunch hummus, fried cheese curds, and the oyster mushroom shawarma. As well as the passion fruit pisco sour. Our server, Jessie, was great! Highly recommended and will be back!
… moreAmara Trawally
I had the pleasure of dining here for the first time yesterday 7/13 for my birthday and the service was amazing the rain came down pouring I made into the restaurant soaking wet I was offered a towel to dry up as much as I could (thank you so much to the two wonderful greeters who welcomed me in I’m so sorry I remember your names ) and to our server who was equally fabulous who made sure my nut allergy was not an issue. With that said the atmosphere was very pleasant and inviting. The food was delicious I different recommend and I will back hopefully not on a rainy day.
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