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Merchant, Madison, WI

Merchant

4.2
4.2
1565 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 48 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 09:00–14:00 Happy Hour Tue–Fri 16:00–18:00 Sat, Sun 14:00–18:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Late Night Fri, Sat 22:00–01:00
  • 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, Gender Neutral Restroom, 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

    US$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!

    US$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 - 15:00 - 16:00,Sat - 15:00 - 16:00
    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 - 16:00 - 22:00
    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 FriesUS$8.00

    with black pepper mayonnaise (v, vg*)

    • Fried Cheese CurdsUS$10.50

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

      • House Marinated OlivesUS$12.00

        served warm with citrus oil, marcona almonds (vg)

        • Chile-Pimento Cheese Deviled EggsUS$10.00

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

          • Fried Chicken WingsUS$11.50

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

            • Cheese, Charcuterie & House PicklesUS$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 SaladUS$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 SaladUS$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 MusselsUS$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 BurgerUS$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 MeltUS$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 US$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 CakesUS$26.00

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

                            • Broiled WhitefishUS$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 AvailabilityUS$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 CutletUS$25.00

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

                                  • Vegan Mushroom ÉtoufféeUS$26.00

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

                                    • Crispy Fried Chicken PlatterUS$26.00

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

                                      • Steak Au PoivreUS$36.00

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

                                        SIDES FOR THE TABLE

                                        • Warm Homemade CornbreadUS$6.00

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

                                          • Macaroni & CheeseUS$8.00

                                            • Creamy Buttermilk Mashed TurnipsUS$8.00

                                              • Sautéed SpinachUS$8.00

                                                • French Green BeansUS$6.00

                                                  with shallot

                                                  • Braised Bacon-Collard GreensUS$8.00

                                                    DESSERT

                                                    • Flourless Chocolate BrownieUS$11.00

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

                                                      • Banana Cream PieUS$12.00

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

                                                        • Warm BeignetsUS$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 & CheeseUS$7.00

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

                                                              • Crispy Chicken Strips with ranchUS$6.00

                                                                • Side of Green BeansUS$3.00

                                                                  • Side of French FriesUS$2.00

                                                                    • Side of Seasonal FruitUS$4.00

                                                                      (v)

                                                                      FRIDAY SPECIAL

                                                                      • Friday Fish Fry *available only on Fridays!US$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 1,565 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
                                                                        • 4.2Food
                                                                        • 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.

                                                                        1,565 Reviews

                                                                        1. Neal

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          12 reviews

                                                                          3.0

                                                                          12 reviews

                                                                          Dined 1 day ago

                                                                          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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                                                                        2. Janet

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          4 reviews

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          4 reviews

                                                                          Dined 4 days ago

                                                                          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 2 days ago
                                                                          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?

                                                                        3. Kaitlyn

                                                                          London

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          Dined 4 days ago

                                                                          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 2 days ago
                                                                          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!

                                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                                        4. Jeff

                                                                          Chicago

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          1.0

                                                                          1 review

                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                          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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                                                                        5. Maya

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          4.0

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                          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 2 days ago
                                                                          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!

                                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                                        6. 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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                                                                        7. 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!

                                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                                        8. Angel

                                                                          Milwaukee

                                                                          2 reviews

                                                                          4.0

                                                                          2 reviews

                                                                          Dined on 29 November 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                          2. Food 3
                                                                          3. Service 4
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          The place seemed a little understaffed as our server was managing many tables and took a while to get to us, but the staff were otherwise very friendly. There was a mixup with our table's order which resulted in me getting my meal after quite a wait. Unfortunately the corn bisque with mussels I ordered was very bland and the mussels were very undercooked, so I did not eat much of it. The cornbread and fish fry were fine, but nothing too impressive. I had been to Merchant in the past and thought it was fantastic and was surprised to have not a great experience this time.

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                                                                        9. Jason

                                                                          Minneapolis

                                                                          2 reviews

                                                                          2.0

                                                                          2 reviews

                                                                          Dined on 27 November 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 2
                                                                          2. Food 2
                                                                          3. Service 2
                                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                                          Disappointed with portion size to cost ratios. Speed of service for food was great, yet we already had finished the apps when our drinks were delivered. Overall it felt like a fast casual at a very high price point. Not likely to go back for food.
                                                                          MerchantResponded on 3 December 2024
                                                                          Dear Jason, thanks for your feedback! We're happy to hear your food service speed was on point. However, we're sorry to hear your drinks hit the table after your appetizers and that you found the portion sizes to be too small. Drinks hitting the table after food is unacceptable and we'll be discussing this internally as a team. Thank you for letting us know so we can work to do better. We do, however, actually receive a lot of feedback that we have rather large portions! We'll make sure to keep an eye on other feedback in regards to portion sizes as we move forward. And we hope you'll consider giving us another shot soon!

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                                                                        10. Dan

                                                                          VIP

                                                                          Chicago

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          5.0

                                                                          3 reviews

                                                                          Dined on 24 November 2024

                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                          We had a big group and the service was excellent. Thank you.
                                                                          MerchantResponded on 3 December 2024
                                                                          Thank you so very much for your review, Dan! We're so happy to hear you received excellent service from our team :) We hope you'll all join us again 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 1565 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                        Make a booking

                                                                        2 people
                                                                        19:00
                                                                        Booked 48 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 09:00–14:00 Happy Hour Tue–Fri 16:00–18:00 Sat, Sun 14:00–18:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Late Night Fri, Sat 22:00–01:00
                                                                        • 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, Gender Neutral Restroom, 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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