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Merchant, Madison, WI

Merchant

4.5
4.5
1333 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Merchant is a neighborhood-driven restaurant and craft cocktail bar named to honor the local farmers and purveyors who use age-old methods and produce and sell top ingredients with pride. Merchant seeks to honor the American Craft Movement by exploring our deep local culinary and bartending traditions; sourcing ingredients locally from local purveyors, and creating innovative and inspired dishes and cocktails. Now, after we've reopened our doors in 2020, our mission at Merchant is now broader with a renewed consciousness to treat each other and ourselves well, and position our business not only around the craft of cooking and bartending, but employing Merchant as a driver of social change through civic, cultural, and artistic activism and expression. This next decade will be devoted to furthering our values by focusing on safety, health and wellbeing, equity, love, inclusivity, and community for each other and our guests.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 14 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Oyster Bar, Cocktail Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Late Night Fri, Sat 10:00 pm–1:00 am

  • Phone number

    (608) 259-9799

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Paulie Bolland

  • Private party facilities

    We have semi-private dining available. Please call (608) 259-9799 to speak to management.

  • Private party contact

    Joshua Berkson: (608) 259-9799

  • Neighborhood

    Madison

  • Cross street

    E. Doty Street

  • Parking details

    Streetside and Parking ramp available across the street

  • Public transit

    Downtown bus lines are one block away.

  • Entertainment

    We have Madison's finest DJs late night on Friday and Saturday nights and live bands on Thursdays at 9:30. Please check the entertainment schedule athttp://www.merchantmadison.com/entertainment/

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • 20% Off + Bar Snacks!

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Fri - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Enjoy 20% off everything from the bar alongside our Bar Snacks food menu every Tuesday through Sunday from 4-6pm!

Popular dishes

What 1,333 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Lively

  • Wisconsin

    Contemporary American

  • Madison

    Innovative

  • Madison

    Hot spot

  • Madison

    Lively

  • Madison

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. KathyL

    Milwaukee

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Good sandwiches but otherwise “meh.” The Merchamt Old Fashioned was excellent but the Blod Orange G & T’s were awful; I couldn’t finish mine. The cheese curds, which I used to love, were nearest better than awful. They were like something you’d get from the frozen section of the grocery store. The burgers and chicken sandwiches were above average. Not sure I’m going back which is a shame — it used to be one of our favorite spots…
  2. dlynch4444

    Milwaukee

    31 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    3 of us had dinner on the 30th May 2023. Two large groups were seated near us so our waiter was busy which would account for my score on service. My food was very good. I had the Steak and Fries, it was a hanger steak and it was perfectly done medium rare. We also liked the chicken sandwich but my wife had the steak sandwich which wasn't very good. The fondue was on the steak not on the side, so beware if you order this, you might like the fondue on the side. If not, it is a very messy sandwich to eat. Overall a good time and we will be back.
  3. SaraT

    Chicago

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Great ambiance and aesthetics with a great and large outdoor seating area. Our food was very good, especially the passion fruit tart for dessert. However the drinks were so so. One of the main reasons we dined here was for their extensive crafted cocktails. For the price you pay per cocktail I was not impressed with the products taste or quantity. Also 2 of the 4 cocktails we had were significantly under filled in the glass. Service was good though.
  4. DrLittle

    Little Rock

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outdoor dining is wonderful, except for the loud music (which only we noticed!). Everyone was professional and the food excellent.
  5. HeidiF

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding brunch and delicious cocktails. Highly recommend!
  6. BethH

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We reserved a table outside. It was a gorgeous morning. The service was stellar, our server was very engaging. The only reason I rated the food at “4” was because the potatoes were disappointing. Merchant had the best breakfast potatoes in the past. I raved to my out of town friends about the potatoes and then we received a totally different fare. I These were just average at best. Still love Merchant.
  7. AndreaS

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely time. Good menu. Tasty food. I also love the way, on a nice night, even when indoors some of the windows are open and you can feel the breeze. Great place.
  8. I9C9

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The appetizers were good, and so were the drinks, but the steak was overcooked and cold and the french fries were cold
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great date night spot for delicious appetizers and creative cocktails
  10. KAREP

    Minneapolis

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Merchant! Food is always fresh and delicious. Cocktails are a real treat!
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time at Merchant. First impressions were on point, the place itself is inviting and fun. We got there a bit early so they offered us seating at the bar. Our table was ready on time and the hostess took our order right away as the server was busy (graduation weekend). The chips and onion dip was so amazing I immediately asked for the recipe! The curds were good too. The steak frites were great and the steak was perfectly medium-rare. The wine selection was great, we went with a Chablis. Burger was also a solid 10. Overall Merchant was great - especially the food.
  12. vg02

    New England

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, delicious food, creative cocktails and above all excellent service (hostess and servers).
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great staff! Servers, bar tenders, and everyone in between are amazing! Great customer service and all have an infectious positive attitude. Great vibe in a beautiful restaurant! The drink menu is not to be over looked!
  14. CassandraC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    930 reservation and felt rushed out. Rushed to put in order and leave. If the kitchen doesn't stay open late enough for a 930 reservation, don't allow them.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Thank you for accommodations and sitting us outside. Good food and great service!
  16. Creeture

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    Very loud! Seating is better for big groups, not good for two…No intimacy. Felt chaotic. Food was tasty and we enjoyed it, but the ceviche needed acid and the fries were mostly the little leftover bits. That said, the chicken sandwich was solid and the fried mushroom sandwich was well executed. Excellent selection of NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS! All very well done.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Edmonton

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the broiled whitefish and it was delicious. They make amazing cocktails at the bar. They will even put something together and surprise you! I will come back next time I’m in town.
  18. DMGM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Sunday brunch was good, serving sizes were appropriate and service was timely. I had their Eggs Benedict with shrimp, which was served with a lettuce salad and roasted red potatoes. The potatoes were excellent- nicely browned and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. I felt the Eggs Benedict needed a little more flavor, perhaps some salt (which I should have added myself). The shrimp cake was crispy and flavorful. I would order it again. One thing I absolutely would never order again is the Bloody Mary. It was very spicy and bitter, and had chunks of what I believe was horse radish (and other spices?) floating around at the bottom. Every time I took sip through the straw, I ended up with a mouth full of chunks to chew. So weird. Maybe it shouldn't have been served with the straw?? My friend also ordered the Bloody Mary and would not do so again. One other thing to note: If you go during the day, try not to sit on the inside wall to the left of the entrance. I sat there with my back against the wall, facing the windows, and I could not see the faces the of the people sitting across from me due to the brightness of the windows behind them and the lack of lighting to balance it over the table. I felt myself squinting the entire time - it was annoying. Plus, I was seated on a crack where two benches come together, which was also very uncomfortable. Our waiter seemed new to the job, but pleasant. The table was not completely cleared when we were finished eating. Three plates out of four were taken away, so that person had to sit there while we all finished our drinks with her dirty plate in front of her. These are all just little things, but if addressed, could take the experience from okay to excellent. Also, I think the website is beautiful but over promises: No Scotch Eggs on the menu the day we went - which are pictured on the website and was one of the reasons I chose the restaurant. I would recommend trying Merchant, but would mention these things.
  19. SteveM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome as always. Our favorite place in the square area. Never disapoints.
  20. MarkM

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My date and I shared the beet salad, shrimp cakes, and the steak sandwich. All were very good. The Karben 4 IPA was pretty good. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the nice staff, too. I'd definitely go back. I'd like to see more beer options on tap.
  21. ReservationsPls

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall1food4service1ambience3
    We were seated at 11:00 and our food did not come until after 12:00pm - more than an hour of waiting. Our table was by the kitchen door so we could see two of our dishes sitting there for 20 minutes. The server was unprofessional and clueless. She brought the wrong dish to my daughter but we were so hungry and frustrated we did not say anything - she just picked around the food she did not order. The server was not around much anyway to try to get her attention. She was wandering around the restaurant but not busy - no idea what she was doing but she clearly did not understand the “service” part of working in a service industry. This was my husband’s birthday brunch and it was extremely disappointing. We will not go back and will not recommend Merchant to anyone.
  22. TaraG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing experience at Merchant. The servers were so kind and thoughtful. The suggestions were great and they knew the menu inside and out.
  23. Jeff

    Phoenix

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Dinner menu is getting a bit tired and the waiters avoid you the last 10 minutes of Happy Hour. Bar makes pretty good drinks but every thing is a bit over priced.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Nice facility and good food. Was pricey though. Odd that the Diet Coke was delivered with just an open can, no glass, coaster or ice. Although not busy our server disappeared after delivering our food. Never asked if we needed anything, we did. He returned when we were finished and rdd was moved 2 of 4 plates. Came back 5 minutes later and left the check next to my soiled plates and bolted. Waited 5* minutes to lay before finding cash to pay. Oh, the smallish tip equated the smallish level of performance. Really sick if tipping for crap service.
  25. Carly

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a very nice brunch on Easter. We were excited to see the new Merchant.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Delicious!
  27. JeffS

    Denver

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time back in since they remodeled. Still amazing... great service...drinks (thought the beer list really needs improvement) and beautiful food
  28. KatieS

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing cocktails and don’t miss out on the homemade potato chips and French onion soup dip!
  29. Kellbell

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience. The new remodel is beautiful
  30. AshleyH

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    I liked the old interior better but the food is still delicious so I’ll still keep coming back.

    MerchantResponded on March 27, 2023Hi Ashley, Thank you for your review. We're so happy to hear how much you enjoy our food menu, and hope to host you again!

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Server was very polite and pretty responsive. Food was solid, but nothing notable. Their non-alcoholic drink list is exceptional. Ambience was excellent.
  32. Foodiegal1

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Food was good but pricey for certain items. Also would love to see mocktail options. Overall nice atmosphere and service.
  33. MadKatz

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious apps and amazing cocktails!!! The wild mushroom risotto was a perfect base for the plentiful cocktails ordered. Definitely order the clover club if you are looking for a little slice of heaven. If you can’t get a reservation at the time you needed, stop by, and grab a seat at the bar. Bartenders are wonderful and engaging, and you can eat at the bar if there are no tables. Highly recommend!!
  34. EnLaStu

    Portland

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best risotto I have ever had! Johnathan was amazing. He was very attentive to my needs. The service was impeccable. I will be back.

    MerchantResponded on March 27, 2023Hi, Thank you for your review. We're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed Jonathan's service, and that he made a positive impression on your experience! We look forward to hosting you again!

  35. deeh

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and cocktails. We had a delightful meal with friends. Vegan entrees, or modifiable to vegan would be a nice option.
  36. NicoleR

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious! The best cocktails for our date night! Highly recommend and will be going back.

    MerchantResponded on March 27, 2023Hi Nicole, Thank you for your review. We're so happy to hear how much you enjoyed celebrating a date night with us! We look forward to hosting you again!

  37. LoraB

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome drinks and a to die for prime rib sandwich. We will be back!
  38. Cait

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everybody’s food was amazing, drinks were excellent, and dessert was magical. This is one of my all-time favorite spots in Madison.
  39. Kels

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Austin, was great and the food and drinks were wonderful. Great spot!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved every minute Great food ambience and cocktails

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Merchant using the Order Online button. Merchant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (608) 259-9799.

Merchant is rated 4.5 stars by 1333 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 14 times today
Google Map for Merchant

121 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703

Additional information

  • Cross street

    E. Doty Street

  • Neighborhood

    Madison

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Late Night Fri, Sat 10:00 pm–1:00 am

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Oyster Bar, Cocktail Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Streetside and Parking ramp available across the street

  • Public transit

    Downtown bus lines are one block away.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Paulie Bolland

  • Entertainment

    We have Madison's finest DJs late night on Friday and Saturday nights and live bands on Thursdays at 9:30. Please check the entertainment schedule athttp://www.merchantmadison.com/entertainment/

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (608) 259-9799

  • Private party facilities

    We have semi-private dining available. Please call (608) 259-9799 to speak to management.

  • Private party contact

    Joshua Berkson: (608) 259-9799

  • Privacy Policy
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  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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