Merchant Madison — Restaurant in Madison

Very dark. And kind of close awkward seating. Which is less of an issue than the price and quality. With the exception of the cocktails which are amazing and only moderately overpriced... everything else is pretty meh. If the food was 20-40% less this would be an easy 4 Star place. But it's not. 21$ for corned beef and cabbage on St Pats day better be amazing. It was not. It was about 2" thick and very tough. Perhaps that's "authentic" but I was expecting something much different. Like the other 20 dishes of corned beef and cabbage I've had in my life... And one of my biggest pet peeves - one person brought water, one person took our order, a different 3rd person brought the food over, a forth person took my card and brought a box... soooo, who exactly am I tipping? And for what?! Certainly not the engaging discussion or personality. To top it off, the hostess mentioned we were still in on happy hour. Which equates to 2$ off a drink or 8$ for our stay. Hardly complaint worthy, but didn't get it, and by that time we just wanted to leave. So my 8$ worth of advice? Maybe try some of the nearly infinite other dining options Madison has to offer. Or maybe sit at the not-as-awkward bar and have a cocktail. Which range from 9-13$ ish for the most part. Unless of course you manage to find someone that knows it's Happy Hour. But again, 2$ X 4 isn't what let me down... it's the food and the service, and the incredibly awkward seating.

Parting thought: when squeezing my average 6' 200lb mass out of a space that hardly accepts my 36" waist, do I drag my "front" or my "rear" across the top of the table next to ours? Well I guess, I we interacted with our dining partners considerably more than the staff, perhaps that makes us close enough for a "front" side table drag...

Update: so it's nice the management cares enough to comment on these reviews. But that can't change my previous experience, or anyone else's. And I'd be a fool to ask for a dish to be replaced in this or any other restaurant. There is no way that can end good in any way, for anyone. "Sorry dining friends of the evening, our stay will be extended however long it takes to get my second dish that I sure hope doesn't have 'extra' things in it. No no, please continue eating while I sit here awkwardly waiting." The better thing to do would be assess the seating situation. Sit at your tables and wonder if people would feel comfortable dining there. Compare your prices to what is offered very near your business. I don't need special treatment. I want what you offer to be something I want to go to, that everyone wants to go to because it's awesome. Not a dark, expensive, mishmash of tables where the servers are as elusive as the comfort. That just can't work and I'll never be able to recommend it. The four cocktails that weren't priced right, were the main attraction and that's really it. No amount of talking about it will change that. So that's what it is. A review of an experience that was less than optimal. You only get one shot at a first impression...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Madison Must: Brunch at Merchant

Merchant delivers the kind of brunch experience that makes you want to cancel the rest of your plans just to linger a little longer.

From the moment I walked into this stylish, effortlessly welcoming space in the heart of Madison, I could tell I was in for something special. The atmosphere strikes a rare balance—chic yet relaxed, modern but warm. Upbeat music pulses gently through the space, giving the restaurant an energy that’s both lively and laid-back. It creates exactly the kind of fun, convivial vibe you want for a weekend brunch or really any meal.

The menu is a thoughtful and inspired blend of classic comfort and fresh creativity. As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to find more than just the usual token options—every meatless dish was well-crafted, flavorful, and satisfying in its own right. It’s clear that the kitchen gives as much attention to their vegetarian offerings as anything else on the menu.

Now let’s talk about the mocktails. Merchant’s Bees Knees—a non-alcoholic nod to the Prohibition-era classic—was nothing short of delightful. Light, floral, citrusy, and perfectly balanced, it felt festive and refined without the alcohol. My boyfriend got a bloody mary and he was also very happy with it.

But the true standout? The beignets. Hot, fresh, airy, and generously dusted in powdered sugar, they were absolute perfection—crisp on the outside, pillowy on the inside. If you’re even thinking about ordering them, just do it. You won’t regret it.

To top it all off, the service was flawless—warm, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic. Our server struck that perfect balance of being present without hovering, and every recommendation was spot-on. It’s clear the staff takes pride in what they do, and it elevates the entire experience.

In a city full of dining options, Merchant stands out as a true gem. From the food and drinks to the vibe and hospitality, it hits every note. Whether you’re a Madison local or just visiting for the weekend, this is the kind of place you’ll be talking about long after the last...

What a wonderful dining experience on a Sunday night. Blissfully unaware of why there were throngs of people down town; I find out that there is an Ironman race going on and it takes at least 12 hours to finish... as I am sipping my Humuhumunukunukuapua'a cocktail and savoring the delectable Lamb sliders. Thank you to my lone dining neighbor from Chicago, Nadine, as she was waiting for her friend to finish the race, on educating me to the details of the Ironman triathlon. The Lamb sliders are a definite must eat. Don't taint the slider with ketchup or any other kind of sauce. It is wonderfully season and delicious as is. I got the side salad with a lemon vinaigrette and it was a nice accompaniment but really wanted to try their fries but I was being good... dammit! The Humuhumunukunukuapua'a cocktail was delightfully refreshing and rummy. A little lilikoi powder on the rim and this would transport you to the Islands. I had the roast chicken next and it was wonderfully moist and tender inside and a crispy skin outside. I wish I could do this at home... how?!? The sprinkling of collards were perfect and would have liked more instead of the fingerling potatoes which were equally yummie but again trying to avoid too much starch and I love collards. I finished it all off with the flourless chocolate cake. I was a little disappointed since I usually have it room temperature. This was fresh from the refrigerator and too cold. It would have been much better room temp to really taste the chocolate and not have to break off hardened bites that have their essence of chocolate locked away in the chill of the cake. Unfortunate :..( The other misstep or oversight was sitting waiting after being seated for a wait person to acknowledge I exist. It was quite the pause to the beginning of dinner. And, it wasn't due to the place being packed as only a couple of tables were actually occupied. Overall a nice place to eat. I would skip the chocolate cake if it is always served chilled or have...