The River Merchant — Restaurant in Kent

This past Saturday my experience of the River Merchant was an average experience when it came to the food. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Overall summary I would go back have to have a glass of wine while sitting on their outdoor deck, and maybe get one of their small plates, as the setting and restaurant is gorgeous. I don't think I would do a full meal there again. Detailed experience below. We ordered merchant burger, brisket tacos, and apple glazed pork chop.

If I were to get a drink there again I would stick with their wines. They do a nine oz pour for 12 dollars on a few of reds, which is a fair price. We both did the Shoofly (red) and it was very enjoyable and that is what I'll order again when I go. I started off with a mojito with Bacardi Rum as the alcohol base. It was in a very skinny and kind of a small glass. I couldn't taste the alcohol in it, the glass had more ice than drink in it, they charged 8 dollars for it, and it honestly lacked the flavor of a classic mojito. Won't get one of those again there.

Their menu is very simple and I usually like that so it's not overwhelming to try and decide. However, it seemed like their menu relied on their flatbread selection and small plates. I wasn't really thrilled with the flatbread selection, and small plates don't really fill me up, so I decided to go with the apple glazed bone in pork chop. My wife ordered the merchant burger, and we did the brisket tacos as a sharable appetizer.

The brisket tacos were good but not great. It tasted like the brisket had been sitting in a warming pot for a little while, as it was a little tough. They also came in a hard shell, I knew this going in, but I would've preferred a soft shell. The cilantro crema that they put on it was lacking a little bit. They charged 14 for these. I feel like they should be priced closer to 10-11

The merchant burger was also good, but my wife wasn't sure if she would order it again. She ordered it medium cooked and it came out medium well with no pink in the meat at all. It still had good flavor but it was a little dry. The bun they put it on was really good. They put the toppings on the side and they really didn't look all that appetizing. The Bacon Jam that was on there wasn't really noticeable visually or in taste either. The fries that came with it looked like a bunch of small crumbles that were from the bottom of the barrel. Again the flavor of everything was decent but we feel it could've been better. We heard great things about their fries, but we weren't impressed with what we received with our order. The Burger meal was 14 dollars. For what we received I think it could have been priced between 10-12 dollars.

The apple glazed pork chop was also not as good as I had hoped. I ordered that medium, and this also came out medium well and was little dry. The Bacon Jam that came on it wasn't really that flavorful. The Yukon potatoes that came with it were actually really good. However, the sautéed brussel sprouts and onions that came with it almost seemed like a coleslaw that was very bland and not sautéed at all (almost seemed like raw cabbage). It sat under the pork chop and honestly didn't do much for me as part of the dish. If I eat there again I will not be revisiting this dish. They charged 22 dollars for the dish. I feel like it should have been priced around 18 dollars for what was with it.

Our meal without including alcohol was 50 dollars. I feel like that was a little a high for what we received, and would have felt better about it around a 40 dollar total. But, they are a new place and have and may have a few kinks to work out. Like I said, I'll go back if friends and family want to go as it a nice setting to have a drink and socialize. I'll consider giving some of their other small plates a shot, but their price points are a little high...

At first glance, the River Merchant doesn't look like much from its noisy exterior, but once you enter you are transported in to a quiet, clean, semi-contemporary, and comfortable setting. Clean extends to the bathrooms as well, which are supplied with disposable guests towels. Nice touch! The River Merchant provides a variety of seating options, from table tops to plentiful bar-side stools to roomy, comfortable booths. Our hostess was sweet and so patient as we looked for the perfect table. Also, there is a deceivingly large outside patio; however, the sun wreaks havoc with the outside seating...be sure to feel the seats first though, I found myself literally in the "hot-seat"! If you are lucky to get one of the limited shaded tables, all is good because the ambiance of the nearby flowing river makes its namesake apparent. Now onto the food, which is moderately priced. The menu provides a nice variety, and they have a few "small plates", which are perfect for sharing. We ordered the marinated olives, and they did not disappoint. You are given a nice quantity and variety of olives sitting in a garlicky marinade of a sorts. I believe wine vinegar may have played a part and they could have benefited from a little olive oil. Nonetheless, they were tasty. My friend ordered the flatbread with roasted veggies and I ordered the Roasted Vegetable Orzo. Both were very good, but there is a little room for improvement with the seasoning and quantity of vegetables. The River Merchant offers up a nice and wide variety of cocktails, wine, and spirits. You'd be hard-pressed not to find something to your liking. However, we ordered soft drinks on this occasion. Both were borderline flat, which should be easily remedied. Our server was professional, proficient, and respectful. No complaints with the service. Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience in a comfortable environment that is clean and warmly decorated. I...

I grew up in Kent and then moved away about 10 years ago. I recently moved back to find Kent was a whole new city.

Through my adventures to check out all the new things, I discovered the River Merchant. I have to say I feel like this place is a piece of heaven. The atmosphere is one of respect and class with a refreshing twist of humbleness that the staff made sure their service quality backed up.

The view from the patio is breathtaking and a perfect setting for the countless occasions I could dream up. The view along with the thoughtful and innovative gas fireplaces made it an excellent environment to enjoy a cocktail.

The cocktail in question that I had the pleasure of enjoying surprised me. I didn’t know what to expect when a cocktail with Egg White was suggested. But was pleasantly surprised. It was delicious, artfully crafted, and packed enough punch I can’t recall it’s fancy name. And was very much thankful when my food came to my aid.

The food!!! It was amazing. Korean bbq brisket tacos. They were heavenly. And highly recommend adding the side of avocado and pickled veggie they add. They thoroughly complete the flavor profile.

While enjoying my cocktail and meal along with the wonderful atmosphere and breathtaking view I had an opportunity to talk with the bartenders Jules and Alex along with the manager Richie.

Jules had a laid back approach made me feel like I belonged.

Alex was well dressed and well educated on his cocktails and bar knowledge.

Richie was a refreshing take on management for an establishment. Instead of some stuck up old guy I got greeted by a younger gentlemen with a charismatic and empathetic nature.

All in all this experience was absolutely perfect and I would Highly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a refreshing dining...