The Merchant

Name: The Merchant
Address: 60 Franklin St, Boston, MA, United States, 02110
Telephone: (617) 482-6060
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

986 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 482-6060

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, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Crispy Chicken Wings$16.00
Sweet & sour soy glaze, spicy slaw
Shrimp Tacos$18.00
Lime crema, slaw, queso cotija, radish, salsa roja
Togarashi Fries$9.00
Aloli, wasabi furikake, scallions
Point Judith Calamari$16.00
Pickled peppers, arugula, spicy citrus marinara
Smoked Pork Ribs$17.00
Sweet Thai chili lacquer, minted mango
Fried Shishito Peppers$10.00
Crispy onions, spicy aioli, nori goma
Ricotta Gnocchi$17.00
Housemade gnocchi au gratin, wild mushrooms, brussel leaves, parmesan cheese
White Bean & Artichoke Hummus$14.00
Cucumber, kalamata olives, pickled veggies, Jeta, za'atar

Salads & Bowls

add chicken $10, tofu $7, skirt steak $14, shrimp $8

Caesar Salad$15.00
Caesar dressing, Parmigiano-Reggiano, croutons
Mixed Greens$13.00
Mesclun greens, red wine vinaigrette, herbs, crispy onion
Greek Garden Quinoa Bowl$16.00
Chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, pickled red onions, feta, olives, romaine, oregano vinaigrette
Seared Tuna Salad*$19.00
Soba noodles, spinach, carrot, spicy cucumber, wonton, sesame dressing

Sandwiches

All sandwiches served with fries or mixed greens

All Natural Burger*$20.00
Aged cheddar, bacon, pickles, black pepper aioli, brioche
Southern Fried Chicken*$17.00
Pickles, jalapeño slaw, aioli, brioche
Tuna Melt$16.00
Aged cheddar cheese, red onions, tomato, aioli, sourdough
Chicken Caesar Wrap$17.00
Romaine, Parmigiano-Reggiano, croutons
Open-Faced Caprese Panini$16.00
Housemade mozzarella, tomato, arugula, pumpkin seed pesto, focaccia
Steak & Cheese*$18.00
Grilled skirt steak, sweet peppers, onions, fontina, aioli, balsamic glaze, ciabatta bun
Smoked Berkshire Ham & Brie*$17.00
Grain mustard, harissa, brioche

Entrees

Organic Chicken Milanaise*$22.00
Arugula & fennel salad, capers, Parmigiano-Reggiano, citrus tomato sauce
Spicy Mushroom & Miso Ramen$18.00
Tofu, veggies, pickled daikon, togarashi
Pan Seared Cod*$23.00
Shrimp & saffron risotto, peas, picquillo peppers, sunflower seed romesco
Inca Bowl$19.00
Spiced black beans, cilantro rice, spinach salad, salsa verde, fried tortilla
Steak Frites*$22.00
Marinated shirt steak, pickled red onions, red wine jus, watercress
Fish and Chips$18.00
Beer battered cod, shoestring fries, tartar

What 986 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

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
We sat at the bar and had great experience. Was better to be there then at low table. Great to be able to chat with bartenders.
RF
RachelF
New York Area
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food1service4ambience2
food was sub par- greek salad was soggy, tuna was not fresh
VZ
ViktorZ
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic beer list - one of the best in downtown. The food is elaborate and really tasty.
KL
KLRM
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience3
Food was great. But service, not so much. Manager made it right :)
P
Pallas
New England
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We decided to come for dinner to the Merchant mostly for the the $1 dollar oysters deal (M&F). We also stayed for dinner and the food was fresh and delicious. I got the swordfish perfect size and freshness and my friend got the ahi tuna and shrimp tacos. She highly recommends the shrimp tacos. The place was not busy and we got an excellent customer service as well. Friendly staff, great waitress and amazing bus boys serving us water and removing plates from the table thru out the meal. It was efficient and not overwhelming. We love the food and the service we will definitely be back!
HR
HR23
Tahoe
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Nice ambiance. Good location for opera house and discount on parking. Very dark, couldn’t see menu at all. Good food. Interesting menu but nothing I ate was delicious or special. Staff was excellent, responsive and efficient. We had a decent experience but I wouldn’t rush to go back.
GM
GinnyM
New England
72 reviews
vip
5.0
72 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vanessa was terrific. Very friendly and attentive. Food was great too!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I originally went just for oysters but ended up getting some food and drinks! Carlos was a great bartender, he made a curated drink that ended up being AMAZING!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and good service. It is definitely one of our go to spots.
LP
LaylaP
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The oysters were SO GOOD! We made a reservation just for the $1 oyster special and it was so worth it. Ended up getting 5 dozen and it was truly a great experience. Will definitely return :)
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great server. Inca salad was excellent but a bit pricey for a lunch time, non-special meal …. $27 when adding shrimp as a protein. Yikes!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I think Ellie was our server, I hope i got the name right. She was sweet, amazing, super friendly, she is example of how server should be. Food was delicious.
MB
MissBad
Poland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice Food and service Would recommend the restaurant to friends
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience3
The waiter only came over once while we finished our drinks and waited for 45 minutes
F
Floratofauna
New England
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on March 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lunch was on the table incredibly fast. They obviously know how to service a business lunch crowd. The steak frites were superb.
D
David
Orlando
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall4food4service2ambience5
Food was good — there’s nothing special to it and everything tasted like there was something missing — the food could be better. Service was extremely slow. We found ourselves waiting ridiculous amounts of time in between general table service. The server was very kind despite this inconvenience. Ambience was great — the restaurant is beautiful, the music is amazing, and the bathrooms were really nice! Overall, The Merchant is a good place — food and service could use some improvement!
S
Stacey
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappointed going to The Merchant! The food and drinks are both great and the atmosphere is wonderful. Staff have always been friendly and attentive. So glad this place survived the shutdowns of COVID and is seeing good business again. Will definitely keep visiting in the future.
RS
RebeccaS
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and drinks were amazing. The service was very prompt as well! Id go back again!
MR
MichaelR
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Service was tops - respectful and attentive. Great venue with an excellent vibe for a date, business dinner, or just a meetup for a drink.
MH
MatthewH
New England
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Mediocre food. Understaffed, but our waiter still managed. Just meh…
CE
CrystalE
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We definitely look forward to our next meal at the merchant
HM
HolyMole
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great service and food. Easy to hold a business conversation.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
The food was less than meh. Nothing spectacular or amazingly tasty. Our server was inattentive. For the price I would have been better off at a chain quick service restaurant. Did not feel or taste like anything was home made or fresh.
MT
MaryT
New England
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience3
The food was very good ! Good scene.. a little dark but dealable. A little loud but dealable. I would call the service apathetic at best . He was nice .. but just meh. No interest beyond order taking . Is what it is. He was kind.. so were we.
j
jesslaughshard
New England
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience2
Food was ok. Service good. Wouldn’t return but mainly bc there are many better restaurants in the area
GB
GB11
New England
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Delicious food, fantastic drinks, and a great vibe.
B
Beatrice
New England
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
My husband thought the menu was very limited. We had a nice high top table in the window but my husband did not like the stools, having no chair back. We are in our early 50s so the crowd seemed young and neighbors’ conversations dominated our meal. The cocktails were tasty. The tuna tartare was lovely but very salty and hid the flavor of the tuna, which was a very small portion for two and overpowered by the tempura disks and heavily salted sauce. My husband’s swordfish was lovely and he was happy. My bowl—a Mexican dish—was OK but the chicken was tough and striated with some chewy fat. The rice was yummy but barely two teaspoons full (wanted more) and I had to search for the black beans beneath it. The chosen lettuce and tomatoes added nothing. The salsa verde was too watery and overly spicy. Dessert.. a lovely dark choc mouse with orange.. was a delicate, memorable confection. I would not recommend the restaurant wholeheartedly but it was a nice Boston experience and I loved walking around the Boston financial district on a Friday evening in March.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Good food, popular place
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just sat at the bar for the oysters - and they were nice and fresh! Bartenders were friendly. 10/10
IH
IHeartDollarOysters
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was better than we expected! Gnocchi and shishito peppers were noteworthy. Peyton our server was a delight!
LR
LauraR
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
When every restaurant close to the opera house was already booked before a show (because I waited too long to make a reservation), I ended up booking at the merchant. I had never been there and didn’t really have any specific expectations. I went with my daughter and niece and we were all very happy with the experience. There were quite a few people waiting for tables but we had a reservation and got seated promptly. The service was great. The food was terrific. I had the tuna tartare and steak frites, my daughter calamari and a burger, my niece had salad and fish tacos. All if it was cooked exactly how we ordered it and was delicious. It was a little pricey but comparable to other nice restaurants in the area. I would come back again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
I thought the food was just okay however my partner said his burger was amazing! Service was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Marshall and the rest of the staff were amazing. Great restaurant and attentive staff
EB
EricB
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience4
My wife ordered a burger medium well. I ordered the steak medium. Her burger was medium so she sent it back since it was too much pink. My steak was rare.. maybe medium rare. Mostly pink throughout. After waiting 15-20 minutes for the new burger we decided to cancel the burger and leave.
DG
DrewG
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service in a wonderful atmosphere. The apps came out fast and the server made sure to abide by all allergy specifications.
KS
KristenS
New England
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I highly recommend The Merchant! I had the chicken, which was so so delicious, and I think I need to go back and have it again soon. Friends had the Inca Bowl with tofu, and the burger, and both said they were really good. Our server Elizabeth was awesome, and the noise level was not too bad, considering it was a Friday night. Plus, they validate for the Garage at 33 Arch St, so it was only $6 for parking!
BM
BrianaM
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The togarashi fries and ahi tuna tartar were amazing. Bar staff was very attentive.
CB
CBIOvernight
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was very accommodating when requesting a table switch. Good service and great tasting food.
JL
JLew
New England
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience2
Food was legitimately gross. Looking and tasting.
A
Asha
New England
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 17, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Overall it was a lovely experience with a good ambience. The food I found to be quite good and flavorful; a great after work spot to debrief with colleagues.

FAQs

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

The Merchant is rated 4.5 stars by 986 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 482-6060

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, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, 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

The Merchant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Ramen in Boston

The Best Wings in Boston

Shrimp Tacos

Oysters of the Day

Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare

Raw Bar

Oysters of the Day*

Appetizers

Crispy Chicken Wings$16.00

Shrimp Tacos$18.00

Togarashi Fries$9.00

Point Judith Calamari$16.00

Smoked Pork Ribs$17.00

Fried Shishito Peppers$10.00

Ricotta Gnocchi$17.00

White Bean & Artichoke Hummus$14.00

Salads & Bowls

Caesar Salad$15.00

Mixed Greens$13.00

Greek Garden Quinoa Bowl$16.00

Seared Tuna Salad*$19.00

Sandwiches

All Natural Burger*$20.00

Southern Fried Chicken*$17.00

Tuna Melt$16.00

Chicken Caesar Wrap$17.00

Open-Faced Caprese Panini$16.00

Steak & Cheese*$18.00

Smoked Berkshire Ham & Brie*$17.00

Entrees

Organic Chicken Milanaise*$22.00

Spicy Mushroom & Miso Ramen$18.00

Pan Seared Cod*$23.00

Inca Bowl$19.00

Steak Frites*$22.00

Fish and Chips$18.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

Does The Merchant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Merchant restaurant rated?

Is The Merchant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Ramen in Boston

The Best Wings in Boston