Madison Store Visit | Merchant Madison
Merchant Madison: Asian-Fusion Eats & Great Drinks Near the Capitol đ´ If youâre in Madison (near the Capitol!), Merchant Madison is a hidden gemâthink Asian flavors mixed with classic American dishes, plus a cozy vibe thatâs perfect for small groups. The chef even feels like he might be Asian (the fusion hits so right!), and every bite (and sip!) was a pleasant surprise. Hereâs why itâs worth adding to your Madison food list: đ Standout Dishes: Fusion Flavors That Work Blackened Catfish with Salmon & Buttery Potatoes âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ Total star of the meal! The catfish is seasoned perfectly (no fishy taste, just smoky, bold flavor), and the salmon is cooked to flaky perfectionânot greasy at all. The buttery potatoes? Creamy, salty, and the ideal side to soak up all the good flavors. You can tell the chef put thought into balancing textures here. Crispy Fried Chicken Platter âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ My friend ordered this, and I snuck a biteâcrispy on the outside, juicy inside, with a subtle spice that keeps you wanting more. Itâs classic fried chicken done well, though I didnât try enough to rave, but my friend finished every piece! Hotdog âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ The biggest surprise! I went in thinking âitâs just a hotdog,â but it was so goodâsoft bun, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a secret little twist (maybe a hint of Asian sauce?) that made it way better than your average dog. Donât sleep on this! Fried Chicken Wings âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ Tastes just like Korean fried chickenâcrunchy, tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce, and totally addictive. Great for sharing (or hoarding, no judgment). 𼤠Drinks: Non-Alcoholic & Beer Wins âNo Regretâ (Non-Alcoholic) âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ My friend got this, and I kept stealing sipsâitâs refreshing, fruity, and not too sweet. Perfect if youâre avoiding alcohol but still want something fun to drink. Strongly recommend! House Beer âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ I tried their popular beer, and it was smooth, light, and paired perfectly with the fried dishes. No bitter aftertasteâjust easy to sip. Pro Tip: Their drinks are even better during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 4-6 PM)! Order before 6 PM, and you get great discounts on drinksâtotal steal for anyone wanting to save a little. đ Vibe & Practical Info Atmosphere: Itâs like a âmid-range fine diningâ spotânice enough for a special meal, but casual enough that you wonât feel overdressed. The space is cozy, not cramped, and perfect for groups of 10 or less (great for friend dinners or small celebrations!). Price: Super friendly! For the quality and portion size, you wonât break the bankâway more affordable than fancy fusion spots. #UniversityOfWisconsinMadison #MadisonFood #MadisonFoodFestival #MadisonRestaurants #MadisonFoodRecommendations