The Merchant Tavern

First off this review does not reflect my normal review of this restaurant. I love this place and everything I've eaten. I was underwhelmed for the Mexican pop up for a few reasons. Food was OK. We liked everything but I am used to being wowed at this restaurant. The food also came out all at once and super fast. If there is a such thing as too fast this was. We wanted an evening out and we could have been in and out in 30 minutes if we wanted to. I wished our chips and salsa came out as an appetizer and then the rest came out after that to give us some time to enjoy a proper timed meal. I do LOVE this restaurant usually.

We have dined at MT many times and have the same dishes. Last night, we had duck and steak. The duck was so bad that we returned it. The steak was marginally better but we were hungry and shared. The service was fantastic and the appetizers were delicious. Very disappointed with the mains

Overall was good. I based it according to what I have ordered which was a little disappointing. Breakfast bun. Sausage was too dry and salty. But would love to try what’s on the menu next. It was brunch and at 12 pm reservation on a weekend, choices were limited. The hash browns however was the best one I’ve tasted in my experience. Service was impeccable . Would still recommend the restaurant.

Great seafood and cocktails. Would recommend for a date, or dinner with friends / family.

We were super excited to be seated in the vault. Service was awesome! Our waitress was very accommodating, friendly and attentive.

Nice environment, good beers, good food. The live music was too loud though.

Our server Bailey was the best! Service was awesome, food was great !

Great spot, always great food and different drink options!
the pasta is always fresh and delicious

Always a wonderful experience, from the food to the ambience! Best restaurant in the city.

Best pasta I’ve had for sure. Solid experience all around.

The food, the cocktails and the atmosphere were outstanding! Currently my favorite restaurant in St. John's.

Everything we ordered was excellent- it always is.

Very limited menu. The choice we both made ( out of 6 items) lacked flavour. Been there before for lunch and menu was much better, very disappointing and poor value on this occasion.

One of my favourite restaurants in the city!! Always an excellent experience.

We opted for the Chef’s Choice menu and it was fabulous! It was a great opportunity to try several different things.

The steak (steak frites) was overly salty. As in - it was borderline irritating on my tongue it was so salty.

Obviously restaurant food will be salty but this was unpleasantly so.

This was not mentioned to the server at the time. But we would not order that again.

Everything else was great.

Waitress was amazing! Provided excellence service. Food was absolutely delicious. Would’ve given 5 stars if the environment wasn’t so loud. Gorgeous restaurant, just extremely noisy which made it hard to hear the person across from you. Will dine here for sure again.

Very good food and service. Ambiance really nice. Would recommend.

Great food, great service, and great music! Can't wait to go back

We loved our mothers day brunch. The staff were amazing and very attentive. The kitchen staff accommodated my daughters request of boiled eggs. The music was a wonderful touch. Everything was first class.

I love going here as it’s one of my favourite local restaurants. Only issue I had was that they were somehow overbooked and we had to sit at the bar. I understand things like this can happen but it would have been good to know this in advance instead of showing up and being told there are no tables available, only bar seats.

Mother’s Day dinner

I specifically requested a more secluded, quieter area of the restaurant if possible, we were sat directly next to the front door which was the exact opposite of what I requested. though they did move us when I requested, but irritating seeing I requested such in the first place. Service was a little more on the slow paced side, the food was good but not what I had hoped. My steak and frites was a 7/10 at best and my fiancée’s pasta was about a 6/10. Disappointed as I was hoping for a nice dinner for her first Mother’s Day, will return someday I’m sure but for a nice quiet dinner, this is not the place.

Pimm cocktail was good. Service was prompt, but not rushed. The favourite entree was the salmon, which was a generous portion. The restaurant was busy, as it usually is.

Excellent food, drinks, and service! I can’t wait to go back again soon!

Brilliant meal !

Brunch - Anniversary

Fabulous anniversary meal. Sommelier was lovely - great experience!

Great food, perfect atmosphere. Service was wonderful. Never disappoints.

We were given a time limit on our table which was awkward

It was our first time there. Everything was great. Unfortunately we tried to get in for dinner but it was fully booked for over a week. We did have a wonderful lunch and great service. We will definitely be back. We will make sure we give lots of time for booking.
Thank you so much.

Excellent delicious delicately prepared beautiful and flavourful food

Fantastic service, lovely food, great vibes. It's the perfect place for a treat or just for a regular day.

Great food and service

The Merchant Tavern never disappoints. Always great food and service.

Thoroughly enjoyed the meal. We got there just as the happy hour crowd was leaving which was nice as we wanted a quiet dinner and they were anything but quiet especially the drunk women sitting at the bar. Our server was awesome and the food was excellent.

Great dining experience, friendly helpful staff, would recommend dining at the Merchant Tavern

Food was delicious, service was very friendly and prompt, great atmosphere.

Lovely lunch. Great service. Limited menu. A little more choice would have good. I will definitely go back.

A++ as usual. My favorite St.John’s restaurant.