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Merchant, Madison, WI

Merchant

4.2
4.2
1568 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people
9:00 pm
Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Lively
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Cajun, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat, Sun 2:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Late Night Fri, Sat 10:00 pm–1:00 am
  • Phone number
    (608) 259-9799
  • Website
    http://www.merchantmadison.com/
  • 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.
  • Location
    121 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703
  • Area
    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, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Merchant's Nightmare Before Christmas!💀🎄

    3 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
    Let us bring you the spookiest holiday experience in Madison! Debuting this year in 2024, Merchant is putting on its first annual holiday pop-up series, Merchant’s Nightmare Before Christmas! An experience offered to all reservations who book with us from December 3rd until NYE, it’s filled with eerie decorations and specialty cocktails served in ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’-themed cocktail mugs! Join us for this spooky twist in celebrating the holidays, we’ll scare you there😎
    Merchant's Nightmare Before Christmas!💀🎄 photo

  • Date Night at Merchant! Prixe Fixe $60 for 2

    USD 30.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Choice of any snack, starter, and any entree, and a bottle of wine to share. Starting at $60 for two guests!
    Date Night at Merchant! Prixe Fixe $60 for 2 photo

  • Winter Restaurant Week at Merchant 2025!

    USD 30.00 per person

    19 Jan 2025 - 24 Jan 2025
    Join us for Winter Restaurant Week 2025! Once again, Merchant will be offering a 3-course dinner menu showcasing options from our standard dinner menu, plus adding some fun new additions in celebration of Restaurant Week! Not interested in Restaurant Week? No problem! We'll have our full dinner menu available as well :) Additionally, we'll be opening up for dinner service on Monday, January 20th specifically for Restaurant Week! We can't wait to host you!
    Winter Restaurant Week at Merchant 2025! photo

Offers

  • Everyday Happy Hour!

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm,Sat - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    DRINKS: 50% off draft cocktails $3 Lawnmower Beers $6 Boilermakers BOGO House Wine $6 Gin and Tonics $7 Regrets FOOD: $4 Fries $6 Curds $5 Fondue $6 Olives

    Everyday Happy Hour! photo

  • Friday Fish Fry

    Multiple dates available
    Fri - 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Wild-caught Lake Superior whitefish from Bodin Fisheries, Bayfield, WI, coleslaw, cornichon tartar sauce, rye bread, butter, warm potato salad w/mustard vinaigrette

    Friday Fish Fry photo

Menu

SNACKS & SHARING (20% off during happy hour)

  • Hand-Cut French FriesUSD 8.00

    with black pepper mayonnaise (v, vg*)

    • Fried Cheese CurdsUSD 10.50

      buttermilk-battered and fried. Served with ranch and hot honey (v)

      • House Marinated OlivesUSD 12.00

        served warm with citrus oil, marcona almonds (vg)

        • Chile-Pimento Cheese Deviled EggsUSD 10.00

          creamed hook’s 1 year cheddar, guajillo, red peppers, bacon bits, smoked paprika (v*, gf)

          • Fried Chicken WingsUSD 11.50

            choose: mild or spicy choose dipping sauce: buttermilk ranch, hot honey, citrus remoulade

            • Cheese, Charcuterie & House PicklesUSD 32.00

              rotating selection served with fruit preserves, honey, toasted nuts, Potter’s crackers, with house pickles, cornichons, whole grain mustard (v*, gf*)

              SOUP & SALADS

              • Chopped SaladUSD 14.00

                Chopped Salad romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, cornbread croutons, red wine vinaigrette, sarvecchio parmesan (v, gf upon request) $14 add bacon $4 | add crispy chicken $6

                • Cauliflower Cobb SaladUSD 16.00

                  crispy fried cauliflower florets, chopped romaine, cherry tomato, avocado dressing, celery, hard boiled eggs, moody blue cheese (v, vg*, df*) $16 add bacon $4 | add crispy chicken $6

                  • Spicy Corn Bisque with MusselsUSD 16.00

                    spicy corn bisque with steamed Prince Edward Island mussels (gf) $16 also available without mussels (v) $8

                    SANDWICHES

                    served with housemade, warm potato chips (substitute a petite salad $2)

                    • The Merchant BurgerUSD 16.50

                      double patty from fox heritage farms*, brioche bun, Hook's 1 year cheddar, black pepper mayonnaise, dill pickles $16.50 (served medium) add bacon $4 | add an egg $2

                      • Braised Collard MeltUSD 16.00

                        braised collard greens, Vitruvian Farms oyster mushrooms, celeriac slaw, remoulade, swiss cheese, sourdough toast (v, gf*) $15

                        COMFORTING CLASSICS

                        served with braised collards with bacon (substitute spinach or green beans $2)

                        • Baked Creamy Macaroni & Cheese USD 23.00

                          Hook’s 5-Year cheddar, velveeta, Sarvecchio parmesan, black pepper, Zapp's Potato Chip Voodoo gratin (v) $23 add bacon $4

                          • Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp CakesUSD 26.00

                            three large shrimp cakes, panko, spicy pickled relish, scallions, tabasco, creole seasoning $26

                            • Broiled WhitefishUSD 26.00

                              Wild-caught Lake Superior whitefish, cornichon tartar sauce, marble rye bread, braised red cabbage, potato salad with giardiniera aioli & scallions. Make it fried on Fridays for Fish Fry!

                              • Steak Sandwich - Limited AvailabilityUSD 18.00

                                Top sirloin, hoagie roll, horseradish-garlic aioli, giardiniera, arugula, and french onion fondue. Served with potato chips

                                MAINS

                                served with french fries (substitute creamy turnips or cornbread $2)

                                • Fried Breaded Pork CutletUSD 25.00

                                  oven braised collard greens, house-pickled okra, and red-eye gravy $25

                                  • Vegan Mushroom ÉtoufféeUSD 26.00

                                    stewed Vitruvian Farms oyster mushrooms, red beans, haricot verts, spinach, steamed rice (vg) $26

                                    • Crispy Fried Chicken PlatterUSD 26.00

                                      crispy chicken thighs, braised collard greens, celeriac slaw $26

                                      • Steak Au PoivreUSD 36.00

                                        spinach, brined green-peppercorn sauce boudran (gf) $36

                                        SIDES FOR THE TABLE

                                        • Warm Homemade CornbreadUSD 6.00

                                          crystal hot sauce-roasted garlic butter with chow chow relish (v)

                                          • Macaroni & CheeseUSD 8.00

                                            • Creamy Buttermilk Mashed TurnipsUSD 8.00

                                              • Sautéed SpinachUSD 8.00

                                                • French Green BeansUSD 6.00

                                                  with shallot

                                                  • Braised Bacon-Collard GreensUSD 8.00

                                                    DESSERT

                                                    • Flourless Chocolate BrownieUSD 11.00

                                                      vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, flake salt (v, gf) $11

                                                      • Banana Cream PieUSD 12.00

                                                        graham cracker-pecan crust, chocolate shavings, freeze dried banana $12 (v)

                                                        • Warm BeignetsUSD 11.00

                                                          three fried doughnuts served warm with powdered sugar, served with a cherries jubilee dipping sauce $11 (v)

                                                          FOR THE KIDDOS

                                                          add milk or juice $2

                                                          • Small Mac & CheeseUSD 7.00

                                                            • Single Patty Burger (w/cheese $7)USD 6.00

                                                              • Crispy Chicken Strips with ranchUSD 6.00

                                                                • Side of Green BeansUSD 3.00

                                                                  • Side of French FriesUSD 2.00

                                                                    • Side of Seasonal FruitUSD 4.00

                                                                      (v)

                                                                      FRIDAY SPECIAL

                                                                      • Friday Fish Fry *available only on Fridays!USD 26.00

                                                                        wild-caught Lake Superior whitefish, cornichon tartar sauce, fries, black pepper mayonnaise, celeriac slaw with pickled sweet peppers $26

                                                                        Last updated: 16 September 2024

                                                                        What 1,568 people are saying

                                                                        Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                                        4.2
                                                                        4.2 based on recent ratings
                                                                        • 4.1Food
                                                                        • 4.1Service
                                                                        • 4.4Ambience
                                                                        • 4Value

                                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                                        Loved For

                                                                        • Madison

                                                                          Most Booked

                                                                        Review summary

                                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                        Merchant offers a vibrant downtown dining experience with standout dishes like the "farmers market omelet" and unique drinks like the "lemon and herb gin&tonic." While some find the menu pricey for portion sizes, many praise the "great service" and "delicious food." Ideal for brunch, happy hour, or group gatherings.

                                                                        1,568 Reviews

                                                                        1. denia88

                                                                          Chicago

                                                                          5 reviews

                                                                          3.0

                                                                          5 reviews

                                                                          Dined 3 days ago

                                                                          1. Overall 3
                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                          3. Service 2
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          This is a small place so I thought the service would be better. Really cool looking on the inside and good good. Price for a glass of orange juice for a kid at $6...pass.

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                                                                        2. Barbara

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          Dined 4 days ago

                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          We enjoyed the food and the service was excellent!

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                                                                        3. Betsy

                                                                          Greater Boston

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          2.0

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                          1. Overall 2
                                                                          2. Food 2
                                                                          3. Service 2
                                                                          4. Ambience 2
                                                                          I’ve enjoyed eating here and have also enjoyed drinks at the bar. I was excited to go back and it was very disappointing. The cheese curds (normally awesome) were not good. I ordered the chopped salad which was meager. The glass of wine was MAYBE 4 ounces. Not going back—cost definitely doesn’t equal the value!

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                                                                        4. Kellie

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          12 reviews

                                                                          3.0

                                                                          12 reviews

                                                                          Dined on 17 December 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 3
                                                                          2. Food 1
                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          Merchant was very cute and decorated for Nightmare Before Christmas with drinks to go with the theme. Service was attentive and prompt without being overly attentive. We had issues with the level of salt in all of the dishes. The cheese curds, oyster mushroom melt sandwich and the accompanying fries were so salty that I couldn’t eat it. The shrimp cakes were fine but the collards that went with it were also so salty that my friend couldn’t eat them. I wish it wasn’t so because we would have given Merchant a 5.

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                                                                        5. Janet

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          4 reviews

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          4 reviews

                                                                          Dined on 14 December 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          Wonderful brunch menu that had a fun play on the movie, Nightmare before Christmas. Drinks were tasty and in cute glasses/cups. Food came out hot and flavourful. Will return. 😁
                                                                          MerchantResponded on 16 December 2024
                                                                          Thank you so much for your review, Janet! We're absolutely thrilled you love the theme of our holiday pop-up this year and enjoyed your holiday cocktails and your food! We're so excited for you to return and hope it's very soon :) Cheers!

                                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                                        6. Kaitlyn

                                                                          London

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          Dined on 14 December 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          We really enjoyed the Nightmare Before Christmas popup. The ambiance was delightful and the themed drinks were delicious! Our meal was also fantastic.
                                                                          MerchantResponded on 16 December 2024
                                                                          Thank you so much for your review, Kaitlyn! We're so glad to hear you loved our themed holiday pop-up and enjoyed both your holiday drinks and your food! We really hope you'll join us again and we hope it's very soon :) We're very much looking forward to it! Cheers!

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                                                                        7. Jeff

                                                                          Chicago

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          1.0

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          Dined on 13 December 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 1
                                                                          2. Food 3
                                                                          3. Service 1
                                                                          4. Ambience 3
                                                                          We had a billing issue that was not corrected very easily or very professionally. This soured the entire dining experience.

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                                                                        8. Maya

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          4.0

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          Dined on 13 December 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                          3. Service 2
                                                                          4. Ambience 3
                                                                          Food was great really enjoyed it! Service was a bit slow and not great - was offered a refill on our drinks and never received it. But overall nice place!
                                                                          MerchantResponded on 16 December 2024
                                                                          Thanks for your review, Maya! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your food during your recent visit with us. However, we're disappointed to hear you weren't impressed with your service and our team dropped the ball in following through on an offered refill. We will certainly be discussing this internally as a team and appreciate you outlining where we can improve. We take all feedback seriously and appreciate your comments! We hope you'll consider giving us another shot soon so we can try and make up for our mistakes :) Cheers!

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                                                                        9. Ale

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          Good place to have brunch, wish they have some options with pancakes and waffles
                                                                          MerchantResponded on 10 December 2024
                                                                          Thank you so much for your review, Ale! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your recent brunch experience with us. And totally noted on potentially adding some pancake or waffle options to our brunch menu! We'll discuss this internally as a team to see if this is something we can offer :) We appreciate you making that note so we can continue to strive to offer our guests the best variety of options! Thanks again for your review, we hope you'll join us again soon!

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                                                                        10. Connie

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          Dined on 5 December 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          Fun vibe and fantastic food. This was our first visit to Merchant, but definitely not the last.
                                                                          MerchantResponded on 10 December 2024
                                                                          Thanks you so much for your review, Connie! We're thrilled to hear you love our holiday vibe and enjoyed your food during your very first visit with us! We're so excited for you to return and hope it's very soon! Cheers!

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                                                                        FAQs

                                                                        Merchant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (608) 259-9799.

                                                                        Merchant is rated 4.2 stars by 1568 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                        Make a booking

                                                                        2 people
                                                                        9:00 pm
                                                                        Booked 21 times today
                                                                        Experiences are available.

                                                                        Order delivery or takeout

                                                                        Google Map for Merchant

                                                                        121 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703

                                                                        Additional information

                                                                        • Cross Street
                                                                          E. Doty Street
                                                                        • Area
                                                                          Madison
                                                                        • Hours of Operation
                                                                          Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat, Sun 2:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Late Night Fri, Sat 10:00 pm–1:00 am
                                                                        • Price
                                                                          $31 to $50
                                                                        • Cuisines
                                                                          Contemporary American, Cajun, 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, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                        • Website
                                                                          http://www.merchantmadison.com/
                                                                        • Phone number
                                                                          (608) 259-9799
                                                                        • Private party facilities
                                                                          We have semi-private dining available. Please call (608) 259-9799 to speak to management.

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