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The Merchant, Boston, MA

The Merchant

4.4
4.4
928 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
The Merchant is a big space that served for more than a century as a leather store. We've brought in high-top tables near the windows ... a 40-foot bar on one side of the room … and more formal dining spots on the opposite side. We have a semi-private dining room in back, and another private dining room downstairs. For our menu, we make almost all of our fare from scratch. Executive chef Ignacio Lopez previously worked at both Beat Hotel in Cambridge and Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington. Chef Lopez cures and smokes all the meat in house. Our burger is top-notch, as are other dishes like house-made Gnochhi, Roasted Organic Chicken Breaks, and Steak Frites. The Merchant serves salads, sandwiches ($12-$19), and more for the lunch rush. And for dinner, we are a full-service brasserie (with most entrees ranging from $22-$28). The bar has 30 rotating beers on tap, many of them locally brewed, plus a full selection of craft cocktails to serve our patrons, especially the after-work crowd.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 31 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (617) 482-6060

  • Website

    http://www.themerchantboston.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Ignacio Lopez

  • Private party facilities

    The Merchant offers a variety of private dining options, including 2 private dining rooms, to cater to each individual client from business meetings and social events to bridal showers, baby showers and holiday parties.

  • Private party contact

    our Private Dining Coordinator: (617) 482-6060

  • Location

    60 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Crossing

  • Cross street

    Arch St

  • Parking details

    Validated parking available at 33 Arch Street parking garage. Entrance to garage on Hawley St

  • Public transit

    We are a short walk from the Downtown Crossing T stop on the red and orange lines. We are a slightly longer walk from Park Street station on the green line or State Street on the blue line. And we are close to all bus lines that service Downtown Crossing.

  • Entertainment

    Live Jazz Brunch on Sundays 11am-3pm

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 928 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

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  1. J

    Jimbo

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My third time here. I had the oysters and the cauliflower app which was wonderful. Great place, a d speedy.
  2. J

    Jimbo

    New England

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Again great food. Our server Rachel was attentive and always near by.
  3. J

    Jimbo

    New England

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was nice and warm, and looked attractive. It was great.
  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    This was our second year going, after The Nutcracker, with children. We purposefully chose The Merchant after a pleasant experience last year. The ambience is pleasant and the waiter was friendly. I had the hamburger, which was tasty, however the bun was stale and started falling apart shortly after I started eating it. My daughter got the fish & chips where she didn't care too much for the batter that was used, it reminded me of the batter used by Chinese food restaurants for their fried shrimp. The service was at attentive to our nut allergies and were very kind. It took longer than expected to receive our bill and the restaurant seemed relatively slow. I would go back but we may try a different restaurant next year.
  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Thanksgiving Day
  6. SC

    SusanC

    Greensboro

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic place for thanksgiving lunch. Staff was phenomenal. Highly recommended!
  7. MG

    MistyG

    Indiana

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving meal was incredible. Glad I had a little bit of a walk after. Staff were amazing.
  8. SA

    SusieA

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food and drinks were good, but the service was lacking. It look quite a while for the wait staff to approach us, then far longer to actually get our cocktails. From the time we sat down, until the time we actually received our cocktails was a good 30 minutes. When we ordered a second cocktail, same thing… at least 30 minutes to get it. Kinda disappointing g when dining on a Saturday night.
  9. SS

    SavannahS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Merchant was wonderful! The food was amazing (steak frites and tofu bowl) and the drinks were also very good. Melvin was our waiter and was excellent:)
  10. K

    Kristin

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, fast service, a good atmosphere, and a very good selection of interesting local brews. I really enjoyed dinner here!
  11. A

    Adt3

    New England

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The restaurant is in a great location and has a nice style/ambiance. The food is overpriced for what it is, which is normal American fare. It’s loud inside but not too prohibitive for a conversation. Overall nice place to catch up with friends!
  12. A

    Artemis

    New England

    17 reviews

    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    If you have a short window of time to grab a bite to eat before a show, this is a reasonable place. Not a lot of great choices for that. The food is fine, drink are fine. Like a lot of places these days, service is very slow, so be forewarned. That seems more because they are understaffed than anything else. I am sorry about that, but still, the service is slow.
  13. LG

    LoriG

    New England

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went before Bono's show at the Orpheum last week. Delicious and creative menu paired with fabulous cocktails! Our waitress was great. I love that they validated my parking; that was the icing on the cake. I can't wait to come back.
  14. CK

    ChrissyK

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a very nice experience. Our server, Elizabeth, was excellent. She was helpful, knowledgeable, professional and very funny. The food was good, we ordered a bunch of apps and small plates to share and everything was very good.
  15. DR

    DonnyR2179

    New England

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience3
    What a strange and disappointing experience this was. I made reservations before seeing we saw a show in a local theatre. We arrived on time and went to the host station to let them know we arrived. We were “greeted” by two males who I guess work here. One was wearing what looked like an old Osh Kosh shirt from the 1980’s and the other was wearing a Sublime tye-dye T-shirt. We were seated at our table promptly and waited for about 10-15 minutes before we even received water or our waiter arrived. He never introduced himself by name. Luckily we knew what we wanted and ordered our drinks and food. That would be the last time we ever saw him for the night until I had to call out and flag down Sublime guy to tell him our waiter disappeared for the night and we would like to get the check. Our supposed waiter came back with the check and we paid and left. He never came back to see how our food was, if we needed more drinks and he didn’t even deliver the food. The only plus was the food was good. We ordered the Steak Frites and Mushroom Gnocchi. I ordered an old fashioned which related to a huge glass of ice, a lot of simple syrup, bitters and very little whiskey. The drink was $21.00. Have had better ones made at the 99. Would not recommend and will never go back, too many other better places around and it shows why they were dead on a Friday night with great weather at 6 pm.
  16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was prompt amd non intrusive. The food was excellent. We were able to conduct a worthwhile business lunch
  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Sydney

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    Nice vibe. Food is ‘fine’.
  18. K

    Kathy

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came in for the $1 oysters and they were outstanding...we indulged on 4 dozen! We ordered additional appetizers that were also very good. Our waiter Tom was very pleasant, and helpful. It was our first time...we will definitely come back.
  19. JR

    JulianR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Everything was good but the burger could have come with salad - looked rather ordinary. Cappuccino was weak and milky .
  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Awful service. Food was dry. Don’t come here
  21. MW

    MariaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Excellent food prepared in a style that is a bit above what I'd do at home, so it is a real treat.
  22. SM

    StacyM

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Friendly service. Good food. Ideal location downtown. The best French fries.
  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Our server Dan was fantastic and very attentive.
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience4
    Service was incredibly slow. 10 minutes to order a drink, 20 minutes before it was delivered. Food came out 25 minutes after ordered.
  25. k

    katherines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot. Great service, very attentive. Love the dark romantic ambience, that’s my thing. Had the ricotta gnocchi-it was so delicious! Hot, creamy and so good!
  26. D

    Danielle

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 3, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    They have great oysters and happy hour special for them on Monday.
  27. BM

    BernardM

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 3, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good, quick service of good quality food. Would certainly visit again
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Muy buena experiencia!!!
  29. c

    chizzy

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, pleasant staff. Discount parking was also a bonus!
  30. MK

    MKPL15

    New England

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    While the service was excellent, and we liked the ambiance, we were disappointed in the food. Not much flavor in the Mexican Bowl and the calamari was dry didn't taste fresh.
  31. CC

    CharlotteC

    New England

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely birthday dinner on a pleasant early autumn evening.
  32. U

    Unhappy

    New England

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    Cute place and the staff was nice and attentive. The menu wasn't terribly creative but it was OK for downtown Boston which isn't known for being a night spot. We were there that night because we were seeing a show and we had planned on having dinner beforehand. We're both Boston natives. As an appetizer, we got the crispy chicken wings and the ricotta gnocchi. The ricotta gnocchi was not al dente. Other than that, however, it was wonderful. I've never had gnocchi prepared like that before. Being Italian, I usually have it with meat and sauce etc. so with sort of a creamy cheese sauce and mushrooms and Brussel leaves it was a nice twist. As for the wings, they were just forgettable. Nothing particularly special about them. You could've eaten them at one of 100 chain restaurants. For main courses, both of us ordered steak Frites. Again, it was passable but that's all I can say. I left half of it on my plate. If you're hungry, then great. But when you have other choices, skip this place.
  33. TP

    TobyP

    New England

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Food was excellent as was the service. Dining area was pretty noisy at the height of lunch time and felt the prices were a bit high. Nonetheless I would definitely return.
  34. M

    Mermaid

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding!
  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was great, service was great, but was very dark where we were sitting
  36. AM

    AnnaM

    New England

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    chicken milanese was excellent; burgers really good; fish and chips not so great if you want a good amount of fish with the breading
  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Just getting too with friends
  38. BC

    BackintheCity

    New England

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Good after work meeting place for a relatively affordable meal. The menu was sophisticated and varied. Super loud, though. And dark in the booth we were seated. Hard for me to read the menu dark.
  39. H

    Harley

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Drinks were great. Apps came out and then less than 5 min later, entrees came out. So our meal felt rushed. Food was OK but not stellar. Feeling like we were being rushed was the biggest detractor.
  40. KE

    KateE

    Dallas

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    In town with my Mom and brother and a perfect experience in ambience, food, and ability to hear each other. Highly recommend.

FAQs

The Merchant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 482-6060.

The Merchant is rated 4.4 stars by 928 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 31 times today
Google Map for The Merchant

60 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Arch St

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Crossing

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Validated parking available at 33 Arch Street parking garage. Entrance to garage on Hawley St

  • Public transit

    We are a short walk from the Downtown Crossing T stop on the red and orange lines. We are a slightly longer walk from Park Street station on the green line or State Street on the blue line. And we are close to all bus lines that service Downtown Crossing.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Ignacio Lopez

  • Entertainment

    Live Jazz Brunch on Sundays 11am-3pm

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.themerchantboston.com/

  • Phone number

    (617) 482-6060

  • Private party facilities

    The Merchant offers a variety of private dining options, including 2 private dining rooms, to cater to each individual client from business meetings and social events to bridal showers, baby showers and holiday parties.

  • Private party contact

    our Private Dining Coordinator: (617) 482-6060

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