Merchant's Cafe and Saloon — Restaurant in Seattle

Beware: This restaurant hires homeless folks - one in particular- that stole our camera. See photo attached.

During our visit to Merchant's cafe, a person who was “working” (bussing tables) stole our diaper bag and all the contents. We know this was stolen as the episode was captured on video cameras and was confirmed by the, manager, Tony. Tony showed my husband the surveillance video, and the person is bussing tables for 10 minutes before he comes downstairs and comes face to face with me while I was breastfeeding my six month old baby. The person told me that was he was sent down to clean up a mess and that I needed to leave. I felt uncomfortable and wanted to leave immediately and wondered why I felt this way towards an employee. We left in haste and we forgot to grab our bag (our fault!).

Losing our recently purchased camera (this was a big purchase for us) to capture memories of our children made me feel awful. I understand that most acts of crime are completely out of restaurant's control. However, the manager admitted that the restaurant "hires" homeless people of the street when they ask for a hot meal. While they may find it admirable to “hire” homeless people off the streets, it places patrons at a risk and they may not realize they need to watch their children and belongings more closely! It is my expectation that the employees in a restaurant have been vetted through interviews, background checks, and references to ensure that potential criminals (thieves, sex offenders) are not allowed to serve my kids. (I feel sick just thinking about this!) I came here to enjoy and relax but this place is...

Oh WOW! How could I live here in the Seattle area since 1997 and NOT have heard of this place!???! Sign out front said established in 1890 and stated downstairs haunted! Ok I could not walk inside fast enough. How ever once I stepped inside, I admit, I just stood there, taking it all in. The antiques, especially the bar were sublime. I haven't seen anything in Seattle like it! Gorgeous, just does not do it justice, I so love antiques! Add on that they decorated it well to offer the feel of maybe a piece of what it was like way back when, even with the lighting (old style lamps and such). Bright and clean with old style atmosphere. Way friendly and fun staff and I even met a few patrons that were enjoyable to chat with.

Ok so I had to ask Sarah (my bartender), is it really haunted? Sarah (hope I have your correct spelling), enlightened me with a few of her experiences. I would share with you but if you want the scoop, go check this place out, if you haven't been yet, you are missing out! Sarah, is fun and has a great energy and you can ask her for yourself. I am so glad I went and I am looking forward to going back again!

I also checked out the downstairs, how could I not?! I liked it even better! The decor and the bar is off the charts, well just amazing! The bar wasn't open, slow night on this particular Wednesday but so worth seeing... I wish I had taken pics for you. My boyfriend had been there and knew I would love it so made it a point to show it to me. I am So Glad he did!

Oh, they remodeled recently, according to Sarah, so even if you have been before, go check...

Within the context it exists and how it presents itself, this place is perfect. Their offerings are atmosphere and service and their delivery of these things is an unqualified success.

The only surprises for anyone familiar with the area are pleasant. It's a cozy, presumably historic (I did no research) place with good service and serviceable grub. The art is mildly titillating but tastefully so and well suited to the overall aesthetic.

I'm not drinking alcohol just now so I can't critique their bartending but my date seemed to like her drinks. Nothing to write home about but that's not their primary offering anyway. Likewise, The food is typical and no more than adequate, but people don't tend to go to a place like this for the food either.

Wheelchair accessibility appears problematic, but anyone who has those concerns (such as my wife) will no doubt be unsurprised given their location. Specifically, it's a little cramped and bathroom access, if it exists at all, is via an elevator I didn't see or ask about (my wife wasn't with me). I didn't see any reason to penalize them in this review for accessibility given the constraints I assume are placed on them in order to maintain the building's historic status or whatever. I know a lot of places in that area are subject to that sort of thing.

As summarized up top, if this is the kind of place you're looking for, you...