Came in on a whim for some snacks because we were starving after the music on the green. What a cool atmosphere. We sat at the bar next to some drunk locals which was hilarious. Get the duck fat tots SO good and worth the hype. Fried green tomatoes were just okay- lacking some spice. But when you put the spicy sauce from the tots on it with the pimento they are on point. Should definitely offer that- just ask for it I'm sure they will give it to you. Also got the Mac and cheese and it was probably the best I've ever had. So filling though. Even for 2 people. Service was spotty so we're giving it a 4. But other than that not to shabby for being on then main drag full of tourist traps. Would go back again with a reservation and for dinner.
(4)
W. John R.
This place is really classy, being in the heart of downtown Nashville but feeling like a quiet, elegant space. One of my favorite things about the visit were the cocktails - a full menu of creative and tasty offerings, and a waiter who was knowledgeable and able to make informed recommendations. We started with the pork belly wrap appetizer- it was amazing. I love Bibb lettuce (and grow it at home) and this waxy, crisp lettuce was the perfect vehicle for the sweet-and-spicy treats inside. Our main courses were good. My pork chop was a smidge overdone, but the flavor was great. The sides - especially the twice baked potatoes gratin - complemented the meal perfectly.
(4)
Bill T.
Was in Nashville for four days and came here twice it was so good! Food is excellent...the duck fat tater tots are outstanding. We loved the chipotle sauce that came with them. Our first server (I think her name was Ali) recommended the queso with them. It came with a fresh salsa-type garnish and she recommended mixing it in with the cheese and it was amazing. I later had a burger and fries, both great. Service was terrific too. Ali was helpful and told us other fun places to go to eat and drink and her recommendations were fantatstic. The second time, we sat at the bar and the talented bartender made us some great drinks and explained to one of my friends why they did certain things and what some of the ingredients were. Very informative. Our waiter the last night was Brian H and he was very good. Drinks are great...we had old-fashioneds, a Vieux Carre and a Fig Sidecar. The bar really adds their own twist to these bespoke cocktails and make them very memorable. If there's a line, just put your name in and wait. It will be worth it.
(5)
Guy C.
Blackened tilapia was amazing. Even a burger was excellent with mushrooms piled high. Nikia, our server, was knowledgable, prompt, professional and friendly. Great people watching on the corner of Broadway and 4th.
(5)
Becca J.
I guess I was a little disappointed considering all of the raving reviews about this place. It does seem like the best option to eat if you are hanging out "downtown" near all of the honky tonk bars, so that is probably one of the reasons it is rated so highly. My table split a half order of the Duck Fat Tater Tots, and I ordered the Blackened Tilapia. The tater tots were good, but not amazing. I did like the various dipping sauces they provided. The Tilapia was actually really good, and I would get that again. The ambiance felt a bit diner-y, perhaps it was the hard, white floors and the booths. My understanding is that it is different upstairs, but we didn't get to experience that. Be prepared to pay for street / lot parking. Unfortunately we were there on an "event" day (there was a concert going on somewhere close-by) and got stuck with a $25 parking tab. The building is historic and very cute.
(4)
Stephanie B.
We came to Nashville for our anniversary and found Merchants by accident. The staff was very accommodating and sweet. We hit the jackpot with our waitress, Jennifer. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and loved them. For dinner we ordered the NY strip and I changed the sauce to Bernaise because who on Earth wouldn't want that? P.S. We sat on the lit up patio and it couldn't have been more romantic.
(5)
Lily P.
Great A+++++ We even got out boots shined while eating.
(5)
Zlata P.
It's a nice place to eat, however it gets super busy, so be ready to wait for a table or if you lucky, you can grab a seat at the bar. Came here on a Friday night, place was packed. 45 min wait for a table, we were hungry, so we sat at the bar. Everything on the menu looked good. I tried pulled pork sandwich. It came out a little dry for my taste. Friend had a steak, she seemed to like it. I also tried deviled eggs, and I think that was my favorite out of all things we ordered . To drink I got some house special cocktail, don't remember the name, it was gin based. Service was friendly at first, and after it became even busier, bartenders seemed to be overwhelmed with customers, so It was no service at this point. Check it out. But I would probably come back on a less busy night .
(4)
Maria K.
I have lived in Nashville for 19 years, and discovered Merchants a couple years ago. I was a concierge at a nice hotel on West End and always found myself making reservations for people here....and after visiting I know why! There are two circumstances in which I will find myself at merchants. The first being when I want to dine in a fun environment downtown without all the craziness, and the second being whenever I want to start a night off of bar hopping at a nice classy place. The food at Merchants is slightly above average. I usually have the hamburger or the chicken fried chicken. They have a southern twist on common entrees which gives it more of a "Nashville" vibe. But let me tell you, the cocktails are absolutely phenomenal. They have a list of very eclectic options ranging from my personal favorite, Rock City Peach (which has a spicy jalapeno syrup in it!) to a Tennessee mojito made with mango moonshine. Trust me when I say Merchants has some of the best cocktails in the city. The ambiance is also wonderful. It is themed as an upscale diner inside an old pharmacy building. Now, they also have fine dining on the top level but I prefer the mail floor. The restaurant tends to get a bit busy, but you give them your number and they text you when a table is ready. You can use this time to check out some of the surrounding area bars! HELPFUL TIP!!! They have valet parking until 10 PM at the tiny avenue right before the restaurant. So if you want free parking for your meal, drive by slowly and look on your right!
(5)
Mollie S.
Last weekend, my girlfriends and I headed to Nashville to celebrate one of by best friend's 30th birthday. Since we all weren't experts on where the trendy spots were, we did some research and stumbled upon a gem on Broadway... Merchants Restaurant! The place was completely packed on a Friday night. When we went to the hostess, we were told it would take 2 hours for us to get a table! Being determined to stay at Merchants, I spotted 3 stools at the bar with our names on them. The moment we sat down and were greeted by several very polite, handsome and well dressed bartenders. They were are all dressed in dress shirts, suspenders and bow ties... SWOON. Cody was our server for the evening and he treated us like royalty! He ensured that all of us, ESPECIALLY the birthday girl, had an amazing time! The food and drinks were delicious, not to mention affordable! We even got to sample some hometown specialty shots... and I LOVE shots! We loved this place so much we went there again for dinner on our last night in town. For anyone who is visiting Nashville or lives there, you need to go to Merchants for delicious food, yummy cocktails and wonderful service. I promise you will not regret it! I hope to make it back there soon! :)
(5)
Jared K.
I wandered downtown to meet my mom and aunt, who were visiting for a few days. They're into touristy stuff, so I thought that Merchant's on Broadway would be a great spot to take them for lunch. I suppose I could have taken them to Robert's Western World or Wildhorse Saloon if we wanted to get super touristy, but those places are a bit more than I can handle. There are still a few obvious remnants of the original pharmacy business in their first-floor bistro area, including the layout, marble counters, and abundant natural lighting. Even the attitudes at Merchants seem reminiscent of the past, exemplified by the hostesses and waitstaff who gave my family some great Nashville hospitality. I didn't really have barbecue on my mind when we walked into Merchants, but when I saw a Smoked Brisket entree on the menu, I couldn't resist the temptation. Theirs comes with cornbread, coleslaw, and a chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce. I asked for sauce on the side and also requested the house-made potato chips as a substitute side dish. As expected, the potato chips were terrific. They were thick-cut chips with a ton of crunch. It was also patently obvious that they were homemade. The cornbread was beautifully sweet and very buttery. It tasted like there might have been some molasses mixed right in (or at least maybe some brown sugar). Merchants' brisket is prepared with something they call a "Music City Rub," although I'm not sure exactly what that is. The meat was much smokier than I envisioned, so much so that it was immediately noticeable when I took my first bite. Their rub seasoning was decent enough, but the brisket didn't have much of a crust to speak of, so I feel like I missed out on a potential flavor source there. Despite its leanness, the brisket was still tender and juicy. What little fat there was had certainly soaked up plenty of flavor from the smoking process. It was rendered well, though there was a little too much of it packed together. The chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce was good, too. It was only somewhat spicy, but paired nicely with the brisket. We had an excellent meal at Merchants, and I'm sure we'll be back.
(4)
Emily H.
This place was amazing!!! The food was excellent, our waiter was excellent and the duck fat tater tots were excellent. Without a doubt, my favorite spot in Nashville!!
(4)
Stephanie H.
FULL DISCLOSURE- my friend knows one of the co-owners, so my experience was slightly more amazing because of it. However, I can say that even if we had not had the friend connection, this place has outstanding service, food and a fantastic atmosphere! I love the fact that they have a casual downstairs and fancier upstairs. Both menus looked unbelievably good (truly something for everyone), but we went for the downstairs menu, because we wanted something more casual and at a lower price point. I ordered a local IPA that was wonderful, then we went nuts on the appetizers, getting the deviled eggs and duck fat tater tots. Holy crap - those tater tots were ridiculous. I couldn't stop eating them. They came with three delicious sauces, but the spicy chipotle ended up being everyone's favorite. The portion size was HUGE and more than enough for all 4 of us. The deviled eggs were also fantastic and were well presented on top of a pickle - a unique presentation, but the flavor of the pickle was an excellent touch! For an entree, I ordered the salmon salad. Again - HUGE portion size - and the salmon itself was prepared well; not overcooked and paired with goat cheese, apples and nuts. Yum. The service was also over the top and I really don't think it was because of our "connection" - our waitress was extremely courteous, attentive, and very nice - paying us just the right amount of attention, despite how bustling the place happened to be on a Saturday night. If you're in the Nashville area, I highly recommend trying this place out. The location is central, and the atmosphere is trendy and fun. Also was deeply impressed by the music list - tons of 90s hits. Definitely made the experience better :)
(5)
Sabrina D.
Awesome vibe with an old school feel. Great bar area. Salads were delicious and so wasn't the chicken fried chicken. We tried the duck tators ( recommended by every other yelper) and they were good. Half order is good for 4 people, we got the large and it was to much. Located right on Broadway!
Best meal we had in Nashville - though keep in mind we were staying at the Gaylord, so perhaps not the biggest hurdle to clear. But this was an outstanding meal! Appetizer of fried green tomatoes, as well as a plate of fried stuff (clearly not doing it justice, but included okra and pickles) were a great start. I had brisket which was tender and flavorful. The rest of my tablemates all ordered the chicken fried chicken and raved about it. Service was excellent. Place is a bit loud (we were in the downstairs part), but it made for a fun atmosphere. Would for sure come back here!
(5)
Joshua W.
Honestly, I loved every bit of my visit. The service was quick, the waitress friendly, the food spot on and the atmosphere enjoyable. While it is more of an upscale restaurant for the area, it is still affordable. I recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Patrick Y.
Good quality but taste didn't meet expectations from the prices. I'd find somewhere else to go next time I'm in Nashville.
(3)
Michelle S.
Great crepes. Clean and modern place. Friendly staff
(4)
Kerry N.
Neat, fun and trendy place, but the food was average. The duck fat tots sounded cool, but they weren't. We ordered 4 different dishes and nothing was stand out. Great location though.
(4)
Nicole M.
I LOVE Merchants. Their salmon BLT is my go to every time. It's so good I can't ever try anything else because I don't want to miss the chance of eating it. The popcorn they serve at the beginning is different and yummy. Duck fat tater tots are a must try.
(5)
Vicki M.
The food here is absolutely amazing! Portions are big so feel free to share plates! Great drinks and sweet accommodating staff with personalized birthday messages! Love this spot it's a must!
(5)
Jay R.
Merchants is good, I like the food and can specifically recall the fried green tomatoes were delicious. It also has a prime location right in the middle of Broadway Downtown. That being said, the service was kind of on the slow side (and somewhat stiff) and I didn't find my meal overly memorable, so it lands at 3 stars for now. I'd definitely be willing to go back though!
(3)
Loralyn D.
There aren't too many great restaurants within walking distance from Broadway, but this is one of the best. There are 2 levels - the top story is more of a 3 course meal whereas downstairs has more of a classy diner feel. The downstairs has a cool atmosphere and the building itself has a lot of history. The Jambalaya and Lobster Mac & Cheese are 2 of my favorites.
(4)
Amy W.
Amazing food and drinks. They serve you truffle popcorn at the bar to start which is awesome. Had the tilapia and it was fantastic. Very fresh, very yummy
(5)
James B.
Ok, so we are the family with the stroller and the 3 months old baby that everyone roles the eyes at... We tend boldly walk in and request a booth so we can put the baby seat next to one of us and then we wait for the reaction of the hostess to figure out whether this is a good idea or not. All I can say for Merchant is THANK YOU! Thank you for understanding that its a little tricky with a baby, thank you for taking the stroller and putting it somewhere safe and thank you for the great service and food! What a fantastic restaurant. We arrive, the staff are friendly and welcoming and even though we try and make sure we eat early to get out of peoples way (5:30pm ish), we were not rushed, nor were we made to feel anything other than part of the gang. We go to our table and proceed to order dinner. The food is super tasty and the starter portions are perfect to share. The hostess checks in with us half way through, which she doesn't need to do, the waiter recommends that BEST dishes to eat and we thoroughly enjoy our time there. I recommend the whole experience :) Loved it!
(5)
Chris X M.
We had a GREAT lunch here. Very crowded, but one of the better restaurant options on Broadway. Drinks were very well prepared and food was excellent. Server was fast and friendly, although a bit busy. We will come back. A/C was not working right--hope they fix that.
(5)
Kristie A.
My coworkers and I came here one night and we sure had a good time! the best thing about that place after their food was our Waiter, Harrison. He made our dining experience so fun and enjoyable! All of their food was soo delicious! My favorites were my main dish which was scallop, pork belly wrap, and butterscotch pie! As a Nashvillian, this place is often thought of as a touristy spot. Don't be fooled. This place is the real deal in Nashville. All their foods are the delicious and service is remarkable.
(5)
Amanda C.
Loved this restaurant!! It's a great break from all the BBQ and bar food in downtown Nashville. Our server was absolutely fantastic and very attentive. I had the chicken sandwich (which usually isn't all that special at other establishments). I was blown away! Everything about the sandwich was excellent. The chicken was great quality, all of the ingredients tasted exceptionally fresh... And the sauce they had on the bun tied everything together in perfect harmony. My boyfriend had the chicken fried chicken and raved about it, and he loves his chicken fried chicken. When looking for a nice place to dine when in downtown Nashville, definitely stop by Merchants!
(4)
Jonathan D.
I only stopped in for a couple drinks while in town, so can't comment on the food other than to say it all looked really great. This restaurant is quite spacious and in the perfect location in downtown Nashville. The cocktail menu is quite vast, but be prepared to pay at least $12 for a mixed drink. However, expect to enjoy said pricey beverage. That said, I enjoyed a Reelfoot Manhattan and their version of a Pimm's Cup, which is made with Pennington strawberry rye. Both drinks really hit the spot.
(4)
Aurora M.
Went on a Monday night and it was so crowded we had to wait 25 min for a table for 4 people. Duck fat tater tots - really good. The tots were crispy and they had 3 different dipping options. Fried green tomatoes - a little strange, the sauce wasn't very good although the pimento cheese tasted good with the tomatoes. Cheese dip - Grainy Smoked brisket - the portion was enormous with literally 6 inches of cornbread. The brisket was dry and tough, hard to chew. Cornbread and coleslaw were ok, not great. My dining companions has the pulled pork sandwich and the black bean burger, neither of which they liked. They left most of the food on the plate. One friend had the fish tacos, which he seemed to enjoy. I wouldn't recommend this place. I'm not sure why it's labeled as American (New) when the entrees are pretty standard with nothing creative or innovative.
(2)
Brian L.
Got the duck fat tater tots. The duck fat taste wasn't as prominent as I thought (I'm comparing it to salty sow's triple duck fat fries in Austin, TX). The Bearnaise was a little thin in my opinion, but the chipotle mayo was delicious. I got blackened tilapia as a main course which was very tasty and very well cooked. The dessert was one of my favorite parts: peach cobbler. Simply delicious and fresh out of the oven. Overall, great place to eat during 4th of July albeit a little crowded. A good breath of fresh air from all the other restaurants and bars in the area.
(4)
T M.
I travel to Nashville frequently for work and would consider myself a foodie. Merchants is as good as it gets. The only knock is the location. It is so not a tourist trap and the location makes it appear like one. I wish it was a few blocks off of Broadway but ,whatever the case, it won't stop me from visiting this location on my trips. I have never had a bad meal so I would highly recommend this place for lunch and/or dinner. The thing that stands out the most is the bartenders. If you are lucky enough to get Steve sit down and have him guide you. He makes one of the best cocktails in the business. The Old Fashioned and Manhattans are to die for. This place is a must visit on your next trip.
(5)
Bonnie B.
I'm from Atlanta but have always enjoyed eating downstairs at Merchants. Fun bar, lively atmosphere, great people watching. Tonight all that changed! We ate upstairs and I'm never going down again! Never. Never. Never. I had Roasted Zucchini.. Go ahead and laugh at me! It was the most amazing vegetarian dish I ever had. Complex blend of incredible flavors... This is one dish I cannot recreate but I will do cornbread crumb topping on my roasted veggies! My true love had the pork chop which was tender & delicious & served with very tasty kale. Why not 5 stars? They were out if our 1st wine choice & our 2nd choice wasn't chilled yet but we were given a glass of prosecco on the house! Our servers were incredible too! See you soon Merchants!
(4)
Tammy O.
This was one our favorites from the girls trip!!! Mojitos were fabulous!!! The food was excellent...hamburger is a definite if we go back!!! The peach cobbler dessert is worth every calorie. If you go ask for Cheyenne...the best server in Nashville!!!!
(5)
Darrell K.
The staff at my hotel recommended this place as a good local establishment. The menu looked good and the bartender was informative, friendly and fast. The food was prepared nicely. So, my only gripe was that the food was kind of bland. Too bad since this place had a great atmosphere, in a great location and had great service.
(3)
Kimberly A.
Great fresh drinks, atmosphere is classy with a little edge to it. They serve you seasoned popcorn while you decide what to order. I had the salmon sandwich - it has a basil mayo that makes the sandwich come together. I think I am going to have to come back for the sandwich again. It was delicious!
(4)
Barry C.
The food here is below average, my steak was burnt, should have been medium rare. Staff never once asked 'is everything ok' despite the fact I wasn't eating the food. When I asked for the check she got the check and didn't say thanks or anything, just threw it down in front of me. Avoid
(1)
T L.
The duck fat tater tots are a must have! The atmosphere is upscale, but casual. The bartender made a perfect Old Fashioned, which I seldom find. The entire meal and experience was top notch. I would highly recommend this place!
(5)
Marisa Y.
Came here for dinner the first night of a bachelorette party weekend. We had a party of 6 so it was an hour wait, but we just grabbed drinks and appetizers at the bar. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and fried green tomatoes. The tater tots were a resounding success and I thought the fried green tomatoes were good, but I've had better. The pimento cheese definitely elevated them. I really enjoyed the Moscow mule I ordered and the fish tacos were delicious. The popcorn they give you at dinner and the bar is amazing. Really addicting and delicious. I would love to buy a bag to snack on. I'd definitely come back here again if I'm ever in Nashville again.
(4)
Karen S.
Most of the glowing reviews seem to be for the casual bistro instead of the fancy dining room upstairs. Unfortunately, I can't echo everyone else's sentiment. There's complimentary popcorn instead of bread. I...don't like popcorn (unless it's covered in chocolate). Very un-American of me, I know. For starters, we had to try the duck fat tater tots. They were distinctly better than a fast food chain's, and the chipotle aioli took it up a notch. The waitress told us that the fish tacos are by far the most popular dish. Persuasive sell- I'm in. Sadly, I didn't drink the Kool-Aid on this one. Total snooze. Bor-ing. Texas deffo has better fish tacos. I was starting to miss home. The blackened tilapia with sweet potato poblano hash was pretty good, but not a standout. I've pretty much forgotten all about this meal.
(3)
Carol L.
Went with a group. First of all there are two seatings, upstairs and downstairs. Downstairs is more casual. The interior of downstairs reminded me of an ice cream parlor. It was weird to me. Didn't fit with the food. That being said,the popcorn they bring your table was delicious. Couldn't figure out what the seasoning was, but I gobbled it up. We ordered fried green tomatos and the duck fat tatertots for the table. Both were delicious. Have to admit that I was full by the time my entree came (fish tacos) so I don't know if that was the reason, but I wasn't crazy at all about those and didn't even eat them. Craft cocktails are yummy! Waitstaff was efficient and semi-friendly. Mostly I think she was humoring us.
(3)
Mike S.
I really, REALLY wish I hadn't loaded up on beer before I came here, cause the food was so good. Unfortunately the portions were huge and our hotel didn't have a minifridge, so... My coworker and I stopped in after checking out some of the local honky-tonks and sat downstairs in the more casual pub area. No question this place is popular - we got there after 9:00 and still had about a 45 minute wait. Every bit of the meal made it worth it though. The popcorn they give you (complimentary) is seasoned in sour cream and onion powder, making it addicting as all hell. On top of shoving my face with popcorn, we also started out with an order of fried green tomatoes, which were crispy and steaming hot. The pulled pork sandwich I had was very good and messy, the way a pulled pork should be. The sandwich was lacking a bit in BBQ sauce, which allowed the pork flavor to really come through. Next time, I'd probably get the coleslaw on the side, as it made the sandwich a little too rich, especially for an already full stomach. The drink selection seemed good, though again, we were doing just fine on alcohol at the time. Also, the service was impeccable - very friendly staff all around who loved to chat the customers up. Will definitely be back, a little better prepared!
(5)
Sierra Y.
Came in for a super quick bite after power walking around Nashville. Amazing deviled eggs & Pimms Cup! Love the ambiance as well. I will definitely come back.
(4)
Taylor M.
I'm leaving Merchants 5/5 because the only things I ate off the menu contained Gouda cheese and honestly I'd eat a baby if it was smothered in Gouda. Not only did I get a great snack but I also got my server's number. Merchants has the two best things that Nashville has to offer...the hottest cheese and the coolest dude.
(5)
Bailey M.
This is my favorite go-to spot for date night. Their drink menu is on point! Always new cocktails available. They bring your table some popcorn to munch on instead of the typical chips/salsa. I don't even like popcorn much but I will eat the entire container of this with all the enthusiasm of a hungry hungry hippo.
(5)
Jason B.
Very cool "Dapper Dan" venue. Fits well for Nashville. Great atmosphere, friendly service. We had the CFC and it was awesome. Highly recommend.
(4)
Linda A.
First time here. We were seated upstairs (the fancy section). The menu wasn't that enticing and we both kind of settled for our choices. The creamed collards were wonderful however. I might go back for those alone. Otherwise, for the price there are much better choices downtown.
(2)
Angela R.
The small Tim of popcorn was awesome. Great flavor. I had the Cobb salad, pretty basic, husband got the salmon BLT, his was great. Duck fat tater tots with the chipotle mayo were bomb!! Service was great and the vibe was great. Beautiful place.
(5)
Adrian D.
The food was great. A little pricey but expected due to the location and ambiance. I knocked the score down since we ate at the bar and the bartender was completely rude. He acted as if he was doing us a favor and got an attitude when I asked for a box after forgetting half my order. I would recommend the place but if your server is a auburn haired thin male then ask for someone else because he will ruin your experience.
(4)
Kelly K.
While in town for the CMA fest we saw the reviews for this place and decided to try it. After waiting 45 minutes (which was completely acceptable) we both decided to try the flank steak. Even though the restaurant was packed, the steak was cooked to perfection. Looking forward to visiting again next year.
(4)
Carol L.
I stopped in for a late lunch on Saturday. Busy and noisy in a friendly way, I sat at the bar. I was adventurous and ordered a gin and mint and ginger drink. I like all of those ingredients but it was too spicy for me. I ordered the fish tacos which were very flavorful. Just the right temp. The cole slaw was just so-so. But I would definitely give two thumbs up to the tacos themselves. Atmosphere was bright and cheerful. Bartenders attentive and entertaining.
(4)
Kimberlee A.
I was surprised to find myself a fan of a place on the popular strip of downtown Nashville. But this place has it right. My waitress was great - pleasant and attentive and provided recommendations which turned out to be perfect. I let her know I wasn't sure what I wanted to drink and she recommended the Miss Atomic Bomb and said it was sparkling white wine and very refreshing. Oh, a magical drink that was exactly what I was looking for. When I asked for some clarity on the ingredients (it was almost spicy, in a good way) she got some guidance from the bar. Next up, I was hungry, but only just so. That and I didn't want to get back to the hotel and be hungry later. So, something filling but not heavy. Salmon salad it was. Blackened Salmon atop a (huge) pile of greens, strawberries and almonds. The salmon was perfect and the vinaigrette was great. The salad itself was filling and did the job. Now, I really couldn't stand to pass up the duck fat tater tots that everyone loves here - so I got a to-go order. They don't taste immensely different from your usual tater tots - but they are served with a hollandaise sauce (in addition to a spicy mayo and ketchup) which make them pop-able delights. Service, drinks and food - check. Also - Great Patio! Herbed/cheesy popcorn for the table!
(4)
Andrea R.
Merchants is located in the middle of the rowdiest street in Nashville (apparently happy hour starts by noon on Fridays here). For that reason alone I was skeptical to eat here, but I liked the vibe once we stepped inside. We scored a table immediately for lunch, which was ideal since I had a flight to catch. Our waiter greeted us with some delish complimentary popcorn. We devoured it and asked for more. My meal was as tasty as my popcorn. I ordered the fish tacos (yum) and they came with a side of sweet potato fries. My favorite! I ate the entire thing and it was really filling, which was good since I didn't get a chance to eat again that day. Traveling will do that to you! Based on my recent few days in Nashville it seems there's no shortage of amazing restaurants, but I'd stop in Merchants again if I found myself on this crazy street.
(4)
Dee Dee H.
Stumbled On Merchants while walking downtown. We felt it had a interesting look to it from the outside. As we always do , we went to Yelp to see what others said and decided to give it a try. We had put our name in to sit at a table, the wait was about 30 mins, but a place came up to sit at the bar and decided to do that instead. We sat at the bar with Eli (Sp?) and he could not have been more helpful and wonderful to chat with and a perfect 10 waiter. They scored hiring him!!!!! While he was very busy, he made sure that our Water was always full , once my husband and I took our last sip of our wine or beer he was right there asking if we would like another. A good server/bartender is key for us! He was 10+ stars My husband had the Jambalaya and it was delicious. Great flavor and a good portion. I took Eli's recommendation and had the brisket , it was tender and filled with flavor and the corn bread that came with my meal was just how i like it. Moist and dense. We will go back again! Great job Merchants at making a visitor feel at home!
(5)
Rose G.
Delicious. Had the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and the Greek salad. Te salad was light and refreshing, which was a nice balance to the salty satisfying tots.
(5)
Deanna A.
Great spot for a gluten free late night bite! We came here around 10 pm on a Saturday after a long road trip from upstate New York to Nashville. We were pretty ravenous so we grabbed a table downstairs, but I was worried I would have a hard time finding gluten free options surrounded by so much southern fare. Luckily our server was both friendly and knowledgeable. I got the pork loin with pimento grits and green beans. After checking with the kitchen he suggested one slight modification (butter instead of glaze on the green beans), and I was able to enjoy the dish pretty much as it was meant to be enjoyed. Plus I was able to wash it all down with a delicious crispin hard cider. My only complaint would be it would have been nice to have a few more options. Frying is huge in the south, but a dedicated fryer for the delicious looking fries or duck fat tater tots would have made this a 5 star experience.
(4)
Jackie D.
Not a bad stop for a late lunch. Was seated at a small booth by the front window that served for some good people watching! I order the half duck tator tots and the strawberry salad with blackened salmon. The salmon was a very big portion and quite a filling meal. Staff was incredibly friendly and likable. I imagine this place is a stand out compared to the many options in music row.
(4)
Tanya C.
2nd time to Nashville, 2nd time to Merchants. Service was fast, but had dirty water glass. Waiter changed it out, and I noticed I had another dirty glass, this time with lipstick. Waiter apologized and brought a third one. Service was fast and food was good. Place was very busy, like two years before. Decor is nice and love the staff's outfits. Would eat here again if I'm in Nashville again. I'll just make sure my glasses and silverware are clean.
(3)
Nick H.
Really enjoyed our meal there. Some simple food done very thoughtfully, a great cocktail menu and a very elegant place. Only two small detractors - our mains came before finishing starters, and they didn't seem to have air conditioning. Would recommend, and they're open later than many places (and on Broadway if you want after dinner music).
(4)
Kayla M.
Try the duck fat tots (they come with incredible dipping sauces) as well as the deviled eggs. I had the fish tacos for my meal and they were amazing. We heard the mac and cheese is delicious as well. They have a great drink selection and a wonderful vibe. We ate on the first floor which was casual dining. The waitress was pleasant and the service was incredibly fast. Be sure to book a reservation because it gets crowded. Definitely recommend!!
(5)
Andrea T.
So we wanted to go to Jack's, but they were closed for Easter Sunday. We popped in here, because we had already paid for parking. Our waiter was friendly and kept bringing us this amazing popcorn. So freaking good. We split a wedge salad, which was pretty standard and the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes were good, but cut a little too thick. The homemade pimento cheese was good, but not spicy enough. I had the fish tacos which came with amazing homemade coleslaw. Loved it! My mom was craving a burger and said it was really good. The ambience was really great. Loved the details. My moscow mule was tasty. I would definitely come back for drinks/appetizers, but would eat elsewhere. The food is good, but there is so much more amazing food to be had.
(3)
Eric J.
I have to say this was my favorite dinner experience around here. Great inside ambiance, great service, great steaks. And a boat load of tater tots!
(4)
J S.
Wow. The chicken fried chicken was fantastic. I would come back just for that. Duck fat tater tots were ok. They tasted like, tater tots? Place is nice though. Kinda pricey, but still worth it.
(4)
Roy S.
I went here for a business dinner. We reserved a party room upstairs. This place is so rich in history, it just makes you feel good walking in knowing people used this building since the late 1800's as a pharmacy and few other things. You can read about when you go there, there's pictures all over the wall with stories. I knew as soon as I checked my coat, this was going to be a great evening. Like I said, we reserved a party room upstairs with a huge wooden table that sat 12 of us. This place was super nice. We were in our own corner on the 2nd floor or maybe 3rd, I can't really remember. Either way there was a big doorway with doors that closed and made it private for us. The room was very elegant and just looked expensive. Ha. I wasn't big on the menu, it was all high-class like dishes. I ended up ordering lamb chops with wild rice and smashed potatoes with cheese which was absolutely eff'n delicious. Surprised the hell out of me, I'm usually a burger n fries kinda guy. I didn't care much for dessert, I was happy with what I had for my meal. I would go over the entire menu, but you can check it out on their website. Dinner was a little pricey, but I am sure the majority of that is going towards the atmosphere. That piece of real estate isn't cheap, ya know? I would suggest at least checking this place out once. The history alone is worth the trip. Cheers!
(4)
Gigi R.
Doing some really great an delicious things here. Definitely a place you should try if visiting Nashville.
(5)
Karen B.
Best Chicken Salad salad in the city. Smooth, great flavor, on bibb lettuce. It's a feast so well done. Even non-salad lovers would appreciate it.
(4)
Michael F.
Walked in on a busy Monday evening and was lucky to land a table for two by the window with a great view to people watch. They start off by bringing us water and a small tub of great tasting popcorn while we reviewed the menu. My wife and I began with the house salads and they allowed us to switch and have the honey dijon dressing. The salads were a generous portion and the honey dijon had some heat to it which made our salads really tasty. My wife had the blackened tilapia which came with roasted corn and sweet potatoes. My wife loved it and finished it all. I had the smoked brisket which came with coleslaw and cornbread. The portion was perfect and the barbecue sauce was very tasty. The service was friendly and superb. For the quality of the meal, we were very impressed with the prices at this location. They could be charging more but they aren't.
(5)
Jim K.
In a word, excellent. We had dinner last night, and the service, drinks and food were all great.
(5)
Danielle C.
Nice restaurant in great location. Food was good, but I feel definitely overpriced. Nothing to rave about.
(3)
Laura D.
Ugh- I wish I ate downstairs. I'm a tourist & was here the weekend of the final four. Place was packed with a 2 hour wait. The hostess said they have no wait upstairs which was more fine dining. What the heck, I thought, beats waiting 2 hours! Portions are tiny. Delicious, but tiny. Expensive and tiny. Did I mention the portions were small? I'm sorry but 3 scallops for thirty something bucks? That doesn't even happen in New York. The Caesar salad literally had 3 or 4 pieces of romaine lettuce. I don't remember bc I came straight from tootsies and I was drunk. But it wasn't chopped so you can literally count the pieces of lettuce. The chicken that came with the salad was quite delicious though. But $95 for 3 people- no drinks?! AND I left hungry? Wait it out & Stay downstairs.
(4)
Danek C.
Pimento grits, green beans and chicken fried steak, D E L I C I O U S. Died and went to heaven.
(5)
Stacy W.
Love it. Great place for awesome food on Broadway in Nashville. The sweet tea pork loin and the brisket were incredible. Nice selection of wine, and the mixology was very unique. Service was fantastic - thank you, Heather! You rock!
(5)
Aj S.
Awesome place! Try the tater tots and the wings off the app menu:) cool atmosphere and good drinks!
(5)
Megan J.
The Good: - Fish tacos - Fried green tomatoes The Better: - Duck fat tator tots - Greek salad - Blackened tilapia The Best: - Guacamole - Chicken fried chicken - Champagne cocktails - Round booth in the front window No Srsly For Reals The Best: - Mac and Cheese - Chocolate cake
(5)
Gerriann J.
We love to eat when we travel, usually planning our entire trip around which restaurants we will visit. Nashville is a hit of an exception. We planned this trip around cowboy boots and the Grand Ole Opry. However, our last night there we wanted a great meal and went to Merchant's on Broadway. The food was wonderful - fantastic southern appetizers like fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots. Beef brisket served on corn bread was so wonderful as well. But the server was snippy- and even told us that they ran out of milk for our after dinner coffee. What a disappointing ending to what could have been the one wonderful meal we had on Nashville
(3)
Therese W.
Though the service was great, the price for what you get is not worth it. Two fish tacos, that taste very fishy, and a bowl of mac n cheese that is pretty much tasteless, it's just not worth 30 dollars!
(3)
Scott N.
Went twice. The first visit was great. The food was good, tasty, and quick, and the beer selection was pretty respectable. The second time, we were on a time crunch. We walked in, and asked if we could get our order to go because of that (we were working a convention and had a limited time to eat). They were happy to oblige, and took our orders and money right away, seating us at the bar while we waited. The food took a very long time to come out, wasting our entire lunch break just waiting. We took our food back to the venue, and sat down to gobble down our food in five minutes. Out of seven orders, three were extremely messed up. I can't have bleu cheese. I ordered my veggie burger with no cheese. Instead, it came out smothered in bleu cheese. I had to choose between throwing away my meal and skipping lunch, or getting violently sick to my stomach. I chose to skip lunch. Another one of my party got no onions - he was allergic. Again, lots of onions. The Salmon BLT somehow turned into a bacon cheeseburger. No sign of salmon, or in fact the lettuce or tomatos either. I cannot recommend this place.
(1)
Lia P.
I really didn't think it would be possible to have a good meal on touristy Broadway yet somehow Merchants proved us wrong. Our meal wasn't just good, it was amazing! Five stars through and through. From our waitress to the drinks to the food and ambiance- everything was perfect. I guess it should be noted that we sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant, which is much more upscale than the downstairs section. We didn't have a reservation so we were told it would be about an hour wait- totally understandable on a busy Saturday night. They take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. So simple, I wish more places would do that! Our table was ready in 20 rather than an hour which was a nice surprise. We were given a table by a window overlooking Broadway. So much fun watching all the bachelorette parties and booze busses go by. Loved that we weren't squished in with other two tops, making it more romantic. First of all, drinks. I had the Bulleit cocktail with berry marinade. I'm not sure what a berry marinade is but it was fresh and refreshing. Sweet but not too sweet, everything I want in a cocktail. Then I had a Manhattan. So strong and smooth as it should be. I definitely recommend starting with the charcuterie board. The meat portions (duck and salami on ours) were a little bit smaller but so smoky and rich it didn't matter. It also came with a jar of liver mousse and strawberry jam which we tried so hard to finish but it was too rich. Darn! It was perfect with the buttery brioche that came with it. For my main I had the lamb. It was like a short rib, so tender. My husband had the grilled beef which was also good. His came with Brussels sprouts which I kept stealing off his plate (hey, he doesn't eat them). I wouldn't normally get dessert at the same place I eat dinner- it's like a thing of mine- but I had a feeling theirs would be worth it. Sure enough they have a dedicated pastry chef who whips up their sweet treats. It was an easy choice- the smoked chocolate with peanut butter ice cream. Smoked whaaat? I'm not real fancy so smoked chocolate was quite the treat for me. Went perfectly with a glass of 12 year Macallan. A couple tidbits- our waitress (Jen) was perfect. Not condescending, didn't read us the menu, didn't hover. In general the pacing of the meal was perfect. If I'm going to have a $200 meal I want to take my time and savor it. Merchants gets it. I just wish they would do away with the iPad drink menu. It doesn't really serve a purpose (except maybe for the older, hard of seeing crowd?) and doesn't really fit their vibe. But that's my only complaint which says a lot about this charming gem!
(5)
Stormie L.
The bartender was inconvenienced by us being there, but the menu and drinks did not disappoint. I would come here for the tastes and ambiance, but not for the service.
(2)
Jen B.
I went to Merchant's with a group of my future coworkers. Yes, future. I think this was the "breaking bread" together part of my experience with them. There was no bread, but there was complimentary sour cream and onion popcorn. To share, we ordered the duck fat tater tots. I have never had anything fried in duck fat before, and I did not notice a difference in taste between the duck fat tater tots here and the tater tots I've had fried in vegetable oil. The tots were shared among our group of 9 coworkers, and it was plenty to share. They were not greasy, and they came with 2 dipping sauces: ketchup and chipotle mayo. The mayo is the star of this dish. I liked the presentation of the tots in a cast iron skillet, too. We also shared 2 orders of the fried green tomatoes (5 patties in each order). The tomatoes were lightly breaded and fried. They were nothing out-of-this-world, though. If you're ever in the Ann Arbor, MI, area, try the fried green tomato sandwich at Sava's on State Street. I opted to get the Southern Fry instead of the main entrees. Catfish, okra, shrimp, and pickles. The catfish was wonderful, nice and tender. The other fried goods were good, too, but again, nothing out-of-this-world. My coworker got the jambalaya, which looked very hearty and had a deep red broth base. She wasn't very impressed with it. Another coworker ordered the chicken fried chicken, which she shared with another coworker due to the large portion size. The gravy on the chicken was nice and creamy, and the potatoes were as well. The atmosphere here is very hip and trendy-wait staff in bow ties and suspenders, white tiling. There were 3 screens showing the Tigers-Rangers game and the Vanderbilt game. The service is slow, though. Each table gets a bottle of water to be poured and refilled as you would like. Unfortunately, the bottles empty fast when you have 5 people at a table. And, finding your server to ask for a refill is difficult as this place is very busy due to its location on Broadway near other tourist attractions. For me, the highlights of this experience were the company of my coworkers and the dates my coworkers brought from Saudi Arabia. Overall, Merchant's is a good place for a casual night out on the town.
(3)
Hayley T.
I visited Merchants this past Friday night. Cody immediately served me at the bar with a pleasant sense of urgency. He expertly guided us through the cocktail menu. I settled for the Tennessee Mojito. Cody skillfully created my libation quickly. As a professional, award winning bartender I was thoroughly impressed by Cody taking so much pride in his job and the bar he works at. Merchants bartenders are such a breath of fresh air on Broadway, especially when they are as accommodating as Cody. Thank you Cody.
(5)
Steph D.
Went for a quick lunch for a bachelorette party and it was great! A lot got the pulled pork and I had the brisket. Both were amazing and the atmosphere was a lot of fun! We had Ali as our waitress and she was fantastic! She was super sweet! Would certainly come back again next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)
Rachael Z.
Luckily for me, I visited Nashville for work last week. Although it was a business trip, my boss and I went all out (as much as possible), starting with a great meal! Though there were multiple restaurants I had wanted to visit in the city itself, we didn't want to take one cab after another, and therefore chose Merchants. Though we had full reign on the price of our meals, we chose to eat downstairs. I'd prefer a tapas-style menu for nearly every meal (tasting multiple items), therefore we stayed downstairs. So glad we did! We started with several appetizers - the duck fat tater tots, baked cheese and fried green tomatoes. Our server mistakenly put in a full order of tots (instead of half) and holy moly, is that a large portion! Definitely for 4+ hungry hungry people. They were very tasty, and I loved the chipotle dipping sauce. The baked cheese was my favorite - ooey gooey, and the cheese never hardened. I was disappointed with the fried green tomatoes...they just looked *too* perfect. They were too fried, and though it stated it was a "spicy pepper jam", it was more sweet and I tasted no spice. Remove the sauce, and it would have been okay. We were so full, certainly given the large order of tots, but I still ordered the jambalaya, and my boss ordered a bowl of soup. I am not fooling here, when I say that no more than 90 seconds later, our orders were on the table. Clearly, they have large vats of jambalaya and soup sitting around, but could you have at least made it seem like it was made-to-order?? I really disliked that. Really really. Drinks/dessert: Our server recommended the Botanist, and we both tried it and loved it! Local gin, and a sweet/sour type of taste. For dessert I chose another drink, rather than a sweet treat (as we were advised they were all large). It was some type of rummy, creamy dream - it was SO fantastic. I would go back here and order that over, and over, and over again. Our server was super neat, the atmosphere was great and we enjoyed the food. I only wish that the menu would be available on both levels, as I would have LOVED to order the gumbo downstairs.
(4)
Erin S.
Came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon. They give you seasoned popcorn when you sit which is pretty delicious. I had the cobb salad and it was excellent- big and fresh. The restaurant is light and bright and a great atmosphere. Would definitely come back next time I am in town.
(5)
MARK G.
I enjoyed the atmosphere, chic but not crazy. Decided to split both the duck fat tater tots and the chicken fried chicken. It was a wise choice for lunch. Also a shout out to Shawn for taking such good care of us.
(4)
Kait S.
Miles better than most other places on Broadway. But I think that is leading to inflated 5-star reviews. Merchants is good. I ate downstairs in the bistro which was incredibly loud and HOT. We couldn't wait to get drinks-which took a while-so we could maybe cool down a tad. Drink prices seemed a little too high but they were good. The popcorn (in lieu of bread) was stale. Food came quickly, we had the pulled pork sandwich and a salmon salad. It was good but not anything to wrote home about. Service was fine, timely and attentive, but not overly great. It was a little hard to understand our waiter as he was missing all of his front teeth-but he was a good waiter. Final thoughts- if you're looking for something besides burgers and chicken fingers on Broadway, this is your place. But don't go out of your way.
(3)
Laura G.
Enjoyed a lunch at this turn of the century establishment. Clean and friendly staff. We had the turkey club and sweet potato fries. We started with the fried green tomatoes. All very fresh.
(5)
Ryan A.
Our food was fantastic, and it came out quick. I had the French Dip, which was a special today. Wife had the pulled pork sandwich, which was awesome. Sweet potato fries and the Duck Fat Tater Tots rock. Best service I have had in quite some time.
(5)
Noelle M.
I totally agree with the other reviewers who raved about the duck fat tater tots - a half portion is enough for two people. Quick and polite service, had a nice table on the patio for dinner and we didn't even have to wait to be seated. I loved my Cobb Salad and my friend was happy with her Chicken Fried Chicken, which the waiter selected for her.
(4)
David P.
This place is split between a diner style floor and a fancy dinner upstairs. We chose the fancy option. They fresh whip butter to pair with their homemade bread. Everything from appetizer to dessert was really well done. It is a bit on the pricey side compared to downstairs, but if that is within your budget, then do it . Only thing is, I wished a few of the more down home southern options were available for appetizers.
Recommended by friends we finally had a chance to check Merchant's out. Overall the food was average. We chose to eat downstairs where the food was a little more casual but the menu seemed bigger. We had the duck fat tater tots that we're pretty good and I ordered the steak. It was cooked the way I ordered it which was nice and I would say it was good but not the best steak I've had. My husband had the brisket which he didn't like very much but he's a picky eater. I thought it was pretty good and it was definitely a good size portion. The ambiance saved the experience for me and would draw me back but maybe just for cocktails and not necessarily dinner
(3)
Anders O.
Great spot! Good food, cool atmosphere, best place to eat on Broadway. Our waiter Eric said he was training and it was only his second night, we would have never guessed, he was awesome!
(5)
Randa E.
In Nashville for a show during the same weekend as the SEC Tournament. So it was like we took the whole city of Lexington with us:) Big Blue Nation!!! Anyway, we ordered Bloody Mary's and the Southern Fry appetizer. Bloodys were spicy and tasted made from scratch. The app was delish! I ordered the Salmon BLT with a salad and my bf got the Blackened Catfish. Great portions and we tried our best to eat every bite! 2 sandwiches with side, 2 top shelf Bloodys, appetizer, and tip came to $80. A little pricy for lunch but we try to eat at least one great meal any time we travel and we weren't staying long enough for dinner so we splurged on a killer lunch and we were not disappointed:)
(5)
Amie O.
Went on a busy Sunday evening, but loved that even with an hour wait, they are able to text you when your table is ready. So nice to be able to walk around and enjoy the area and not miss out on a reservation. Started with Duck Fat Tater Tots, which were amazing! I had fish tacos which were a little on the salty side and my husband had the brisket which was just right. I'm not a big rum on the rocks drinker, but I would absolutely recommend the Papas Pilar on ice with a lime wedge. It smelled like warm brown sugar and was so smooth, I could sip it without a heavy burn. Service was great and so was the feel of the restaurant. Very fun!
(5)
Punam D.
I came here last night as part of a large group. We were seated in a private room up 2 flights of stairs and handed a very limited menu. I had a Cobb salad to start. You can't really go wrong with a large head of lettuce, a tomato or two and some dressing, so that was fine. Then I had the salmon with some blackened potatoes which was underwhelming, although everything tasted fresh. Others chose the beef which arrived swimming in a tasteless sauce. Significantly, when the order was taken, no attempt was made to ask how the steak should be cooked, and that was because it was well done regardless. Pudding was a dry biscuit-like cake which was extraordinarily unappetising. The red wine was simply horrible; we had a choice of a Cabernet or a Pinot noir, neither of which were good. Service was good though. In view of this experience, bearing in mind the other good reviews, maybe this restaurant doesn't cater for large groups very well. I will not return.
(2)
Rene C.
I've always been a fan of Merchant's and go here often for lunch. Has a great history and antique vibe that I love. I am so glad that they are still here since the big influx. Love the popcorn touch and the friendly folks. Especially love the cobb salad. Bar keeps are awesome and you get the best of both worlds, i.e., downstairs is hip, loud and happening; upstairs is quiet and romantic.
(4)
Justin J.
Very cool atmosphere. Started off with drinks and an appetizer. "no sleep till Brooklyn" which is a whiskey and espresso based glass of awesome! And the southern fry, which has catfish, shrimp okra and pickles. Perfect amount of batter, perfect fry, perfect appetizer. For entrees, we had the chicken fried chicken and tilapia and sweet potato hash. Both great. The chicken fried chicken is definitely a "feel good" meal. Very impressed with everything. The only reason it got 4/5 was the wait. But that's to be expected and you completely forget about it after your stay.
(4)
Amelia S.
Absolutely loved the Pimm's cup and highly recommend it...tasted almost like an arnold palmer, the perfect amount of sweet/sour combo. I had the jambalaya - others had the brisket and a cheeseburger. All seemed to really enjoy their meals. The service was GREAT- it's odd that I don't give more credit for this. Our waitress was spot on...and it made our experience that much better. Definitely recommend the bistro area!
(4)
Stephanie S.
What a breath of fresh air on Broadway! This classy yet affordable spot stands out among the row of crowded bars. Great to sit and enjoy a meal with friends. The decor is clean and bright, our server was friendly and attentive, and the food, delicious. For apps, we got the baked cheese and the duck fat tater tots. The cheese was perfection! I didn't think there was anything special about the tater tots though. I got the chicken sandwich for my entree. It was so flavorful and HUGE! I had to take half of it home! For a cocktail- you can't go wrong with the Pink Lady! Slightly sweet and creamy. Delicious! The drink menu is extensive and denotes which drinks use local liquor, which is a nice touch. Overall I was really impressed with this place. It seems out of place on Broadway, but it was exactly the kind of place this out of towner was looking for. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend visiting Nashville!
(5)
Aaron S.
Absolutely enjoyed our lunch at Merchants! The Tater Tots are totally amazing. Out meals were very good with a great Greek Salad and true Southern Chicken Fried Chicken smothered with delicious gravy. The bar menu was quite interesting with several great craft cocktails on their list. Also a great selection of local beers. All in all, this is a great place for lunch in downtown Nashville! I will definitely return here on my next visit.
(4)
Cait C.
This place has great American/southern style food with a modern twist. I really enjoyed the fish served with root vegetable hash. Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, well seasoned. The dish was delicious and flavorful. I also stole my friends sweet potato fries which were real sweet potatoesband possibly the best I've had. Others got the chicken which looked equally delicious but extremely heavy, and I would probably get that one to share. We finished with desserts, all of which were spectacular, but I can never resist fruit and ice cream so I enjoyed the peach cobbler.
(5)
Julia J.
Merchants had great service, good drinks and pretty good food. The signature tater tots were good, though I don't get the craziness over duck fat. My drinks were delicious. My dining partner really enjoyed her salad with strawberries and goat cheese. I had the club sandwich, which you can't really screw up, but had a nice addition with the basil mayo and sweet potato fries on the side. I will definitely return to Merchants on the next trip to Nashville.
(4)
Carolyn P.
Had a great dinner at Merchants. Ask for our server, Heather Owens! She was GREAT! Super friendly, helpful, personable, attentive. We ordered duck fat tater tots (nothing too special), cheese dip (GREAT! Recommended). chicken Fried Steak (great!!!) and pulled pork (great as well) Overall great night on the enclosed heated patio.
(4)
Carl D.
Ate upstairs, enjoyed the ambiance. The food was delicious! Had the 8oz filet and market fish, sword fish tonight. The food came out faster than expected. We enjoyed every bite! Make sure to add some sides if u go al a carte. Butterscotch pie for dessert, awesome! Had a pretzel crust which made a perfect combo of sweet and salty. Best part, $1 went to local charity this month, can't beat that. We really enjoyed the service. Very helpful explaining the menu and had us sample the wine before we bought, gotta love a free taste.
(5)
Rene M.
Horrible food and ok service. The duck fat tater tots...... Nothing special AT ALL, they were no different than over cooking some at your house. I got the pulled pork sandwich and I do not know if my batch of coleslaw was bad or if that's how it should tastes but it was so bad I couldn't eat anything else on my plate. My husband got the brisket and the only thing good was the corn bread. Save yourself the hike!!!!
(1)
Lynnette S.
What amazing food and service!! Matthew was a great waiter, very attentive and very helpful. The food was delicious and the ambience was great. This was our first evening in Nashville and what a great place to start!! We LOVED it!!
(5)
Sleiman F.
Good experience. Good food. Good service. Too much fried for my taste, but that's Tennessee!!
(4)
Brindar S.
Amazing food! Amazing drinks! The place was packed and our group of 5 didn't have a reservation, but we just thought we'd try our luck. Glad we did because they had plenty of room on the heated patio. Our group ordered Tennessee mojitos and an old fashioned, all on point. I wish I knew what seasoning they put on the popcorn starter, because I don't usually care about popcorn, but this was delicious. We got the guacamole and the cheese dip, both were great. I had the Mac n cheese and it was amazing. I wish we weren't going out after so I could have boxed up my leftovers, but alas I had to part with my macaroni. Overall, delicious! I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because my vegetarian friend ordered the Mac n cheese without bacon, but found a piece of bacon at the bottom of her dish.
(4)
Kristen B.
Merchants was amazing! My family and I were passing through on our way cross country and we stopped in Nashville for the night. We stumbled across Merchants on Broadway and were not disappointed! The food and drinks are incredibly reasonably priced! We had the deviled eggs, guacamole, and dry rubbed wings. All were AMAZING. For entrees we had chicken friend chicken, pulled pork and Caesar salad. The salad was just alright, but the chicken and pulled pork (with sweet potato fries of course) were excellent! We recommend them both! The mint Mojito....just get it! I would eat here again in a second!
(5)
Renee S.
This place is awesome! I actually visited it more than once during my visit to Nashville. I love the venue. The food was good. There was a great variety of beers on the tap wall. Just fun. One of my favorite places to visit on Broadway!
(4)
Daniella A.
Service was great! Waitress was really nice. But everything else was average, Food was ok, place was ok.
(3)
Julie C.
Two stars basically because of the service. I'm actually still sitting at the bar while writing this. He bartender has completely ignored us through our entire meal. My husband asked for another glass of wine, and he ignored us. I had the chicken fried chicken and my husband had the jambalaya. Jambalaya was great, mine was good too, but not the best I've had. The bartender has dreadlocks. We decided not to stay further because it didn't seem like he cares about anyone other than the guys sitting next to us drinking shots etc. Won't recommend this place to others coming into town. Terrible service.
(2)
Larry S.
Our son was in town, and we were walking around Broadway looking for someplace different for dinner. Merchants looked interesting, so we gave it a try. I was a little disappointed that they were out of my first and second choices of beer. But my wife and son were very impressed with the mixed drinks they ordered. They both tried the Mules and thought they were great. My son and I both had steaks that were perfectly cooked and deliciously seasoned. My wife had the pulled pork, and we all tried and enjoyed it. Overall, the food and drinks were outstanding, as was the service. Our waiter seemed to have a sixth sense in taking care of us. They probably would have received a four or five star rating if they hadn't turned my $30 tip into a $50 tip. 22 April 2014 Follow-up: After posting my original review of Merchant's, I was contacted by their management, who has investigated the incident, and has deposited the full amount of the tip back into my account. This has reinforced my belief that all companies have occasional customer service problems, but it is the way that the companies respond to the problems that have the most impact on the customer's opinion. I've upgraded my rating based on Merchant's response.
(4)
Aman S.
Great place, more upscale on Broadway. Good bartenders and awesome drinks. I had the burger and tater tots, simple, but good and fast service. The deviled eggs leave a little something to be desired.
(4)
Jessica C.
Duck fat tator tots - DO IT! ...and get the dry-rub wings while you're at it. This place is cool. Met up with some friends to grab a few drinks before heading to a concert. The moscow mule was on point...one of the best I've ever had. My friends ordered the guac and cheese appetizers before I got there...and devoured them before I got there, too.
(4)
Leslie M.
Great place to dine in the middle of downtown Broadway. It may look a bit run down from the outside but the moment you step inside, you'll be thoroughly impressed. Super cute and spacious with a New York City kind of feel. The customer service I must say was spectacular. In fact, we had reservations for 11:15am but arrived at 11:50am and our table was held for us. Mind you this was on a busy Saturday afternoon. Impressive. On to the food...the apps were just ok (we ordered the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs). However, the entrees more than made up for it. The chicken fried chicken was ON POINT! It was moist and flavorful and sat on a bed of perfectly cooked spinach. The strawberry salad I ordered was also delicious. It came with a juicy piece of blackened salmon that accompanied a generous portion of fresh greens. All in all, I had a great experience and would recommend this spot to both tourists and locals.
(4)
Kim T.
Great spot right on Broadway in the middle of all the fun bars! It's a hip/ modern/ 60's vibe, waiters are dressed in suspenders. Food is great, MUST try their duck fat tater tots, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Ashlynn M.
Open late (we went in after midnight) & had the duckfat tator tots, guacamole & chips & BBQ pork sandwich. All were delish & great vibe.
(5)
Chris A.
It's a little bit pricey, but it's well worth every penny! The food is great, and the service is even better. Our waiter provided us with his recommendations for the best drinks, as well as which drinks would compliment each particular dish. I don't go downtown very often, but I'll definitely make it a point to go back to Merchant's in the near future.
(5)
Amanda J.
This place was awesome! It's a casual and comfortable place that's good for southern food. We got the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and deviled eggs as appetizers and we were very happy with our choices. My only warning is to get a half order of the tater tots- a full order is too much if you plan on getting a meal too!
(5)
Sha P.
Not the best piece of meat I've ever had. We went in with a group of 14 and they were accommodating. Food arrived on time and the wait staff was courteous and nice. Nothing to get too excited about. Average steak and appetizers. I thought the water melon salad was interesting and creative. Other than that an average steak house in an old building! There are better places to get steak at in Nashville!
(3)
Lana N.
We were in town for a conference so looked up some local areas and found this place. We got there at about 630pm on a Thursday night and it was pretty packed. The hostess actually seated us 30 minutes after arrival and right in front of the restaurant with a great view. We ordered the following: - Complimentary popcorn - very fresh and I believe they sprinkled the popcorn with sour cream and chives. - Duck fat tater tots - this was amazing, the tater tots were cooked in duck fat and served with an aioli, ketchup and some sort of butter sauce. - Blackened filet with sweet potato hash - the fish was cooked perfectly and the seasoning tasted very south if that makes any sense. The hash complimented the fish very well. - Chocolate cake - probably one of the most amazing chocolate cake I have ever tasted. Was so good that I didn't want to stop eating. Overall the food was good but we had a weird experience. Once we were in the middle of our dinner, the manager asked us to leave because there was some sort of device near our front window and a bunch of police cars were there. We stood in the back for 10 min and came back to see that our food was gone. The waitress thought that we left but offered us a togo order so we waited another 10 min for that. Our waitress was great and accommodated us. The manager on the other hand did a poor job. She should have told us to stand on the side and come back when everything was cleared, but instead she never bothered to come back. I really enjoyed the food, but the experience with the manager was very disappointing.
(3)
Reshawn L.
If you plan to be downtown and you're looking for good food this is the place. Yummy food and good music (radio)! There are different menus for the upstairs and downstairs areas. My friend and I shared the French dip and the burger and an amazing slice of pie downstairs. Another member of our party had a very tasty mixed greens salad with salmon.They were both delicious. The upstairs menu offered higher end options. Unfortunately, this place is so popular there can be a long wait for dinner. We were hungry and took the first seats available. You have to go early. It's extremely busy at night.
(4)
Garen M.
Great burgers and an excellent Reuben sandwich. Both were sloppy and we ended up eating them with a fork. We sat at the bar and had excellent service. We arrived early afternoon and didn't have a wait for seating.
(4)
Jen I.
Great location and atmosphere! I recommend eating downstairs - I sat at the bar. The bartenders were very nice and helpful. I got the chicken fried chicken - HUGE portion! Everything from the spinach - potatoes - chicken - gravy were very good! Free popcorn to start off with a beer was nice too!
(4)
M G.
Great food and drinks. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive. Will definitely come back.
The southern fry, the baked cheese and the tater tots apps were amazing. Great alcohol selection, great ambiance and great service-Heather O was awesome, very attentive!
(5)
Lindsey C.
My husband and I went to Nashville on our honeymoon in September, and this was our last stop for lunch before we drove four hours home. We started with the duck fat tater tots, because we had read great things about them. They. Were. Amazing. The best tater tots we have ever had. Ever. I ordered the mac and cheese, with bacon and tomatoes. It was delicious. I am a bit of a mac and cheese connoisseur, and this really was some of the best I've had. My husband had a New York strip steak with mashed potatoes and mushrooms. I tried some of his potatoes and they were rich and creamy. I really can't wait to go back to Nashville and eat at Merchants again.
(5)
Ana M.
Awesome cute spot... Friendly atmosphere and great food!!! If you want to get away from the wild bar scene its a perfect spot .. Not far from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Honky Tonk Central
(5)
Allie A.
We headed to Merchants for my birthday dinner before a big show at the Ryman. So nice we could walk there from the hotel, and to the Ryman without any trouble at all! I've been on a bit of a specialty cocktail kick lately, so was excited to see they had many options available. Ordered up a Fig sidecar and some duck fat tots straight up! And the table popcorn, I have no idea what is sprinkled on top, but as a huge popcorn lover, it was right on and I ate most of the cup myself. Ordered the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits and molasses green beans for my entree. I was a little disappointed... there were two cuts of tenderloin, one was ok, but the top piece was a little over-cooked. But no worries, I downed my sorrows in a few, ok probably 3 Botanists... and they were just what the doctor ordered. Although there were no celebrity sightings, and a little let down over the entree, the drinks, location and history of the place, I'll still give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)
Stephanie W.
Whatever you hear about the Duck fat tater tots are true. They are unbelievable !! Came her twice during a business trip and was very happy both times. I have tried the BBQ Pulled Pork and Chicken sandwich. Keep in mind everything is very salty and fried. The house chips are not moist enough. The sweet tea is amazing but I am from the north and don't know better. The food comes out really quick and the staff is super trendy and quirky. I am pretty happy this place was around the corner from my hotel. The upstairs has a different menu and was fancier which is a little confusing but overall very good !
(4)
Samantha F.
My boyfriend and I visited from NYC tonight - and this place was great! Cocktails are on point (particularly Pimm's Cup and the Creole Fashioned). Fried green tomatoes were DELICIOUS, followed by tasty smoked (and super moist) brisket for my BF and a Salmon strawberry salad for me. Everything was divine. Oh... And a peach cobbler on the house? Amazing. Thanks for a GREAT dinner and a whole lot of hospitality :)
Delicous! Merchants offers a bit of upper scale dining (not formally upscale but definitely refined offerings) on Broadway. If you're looking for a table walk straight back to the hostess table (you will pass the bar on the left). I chose to dine at the bar for brunch. The bar has a beautiful copper finish. There is a long list of specialty cocktails in addition to coffee and tea. The coffee is pretty good. I tried the fried green tomatoes. They are delicious! The fried green tomatoes come with a sweet and sour sauce and pimento cheese- yum. I also had the Monte Christo, which was a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Service was also prompt and excellent- Merchants is definitely worth a stop.
(5)
David T.
We only stopped in for appetizers but the atmosphere and the food was great. We had the baked cheese dip which was excellent.
(5)
Hunter O.
Staff was nice.. The place has a old school charm. The pork belly app was super yummy, my steak was good but had a lot of grizzle in it.. Now it was a ribeye and I like fat in my ribeye steak just no grizz.. Prob had to cut off at least 4oz of it.. But moving on from there the duck fat fries are super yummy and would be worth stoping by and ratting those alone with a nice cold beer.. I think over all it was good place, just saddened by the meat quality and the high end price.. I don't mind paying for quality..
(4)
Carol S.
The food is outstanding. We sat at the bar and, unfortunately, the service was spotty and distracted. Nice when it showed up but hard to place a timely order. That being said, the food came out on a rocket and perfectly cooked. Are they psychic back in the kitchen?
(4)
Beth G.
Been here many many many times for happy hour many times years back. Had dinner there a few times then too. Steak was good, not complaints. Most recently went in 2015. It has been around a longggggg time. Being on Broadway and prices of rent, it is still around and consistently good. They start with popcorn which is fun. The couple of guys we met coming out said you MUST have the Iced Tea Pork Chop. Wish I could have, next time I will! We had the deviled eggs again...the Northern friends, could not get enough of these. I am from the North originally and always do like when someone else makes the deviled eggs. Get this-- the Wings appetizer were amazing. Who knew?!?!? So glad to go out with friends as they order different meals I can report on here on Yelp. Had the Duck Fat tater tots. Have you had anything with duck fat? Not that much difference, and really I did find ANY difference on the tots. I would think the duck flavor would carry over--- not so much. Another had the Soup and Sammy. Reviews were good, no complaints. Another had Chicken Fried chicken, they liked! The BBQ pulled pork sandwich she loved. Next time really going to try that Iced Tea Pork item. We sat outside, not too hot. Parking is paid, Someone said it tourist populated. Since Nashville has boomed since the flood, I guess it is.
(4)
AaronErin D.
Shortly after arriving in Nashville we decided to have some food before our bar crawl adventures. Loved the atmosphere immediately after walking in, it has a more "classy" feel compared to most of the places located down Broadway. We weren't completely impressed with the female bartender, we sat for a while before finally being greeted and she didn't seem very happy to be working. Luckily during shift change a more up beat man took over our check. The drinks we ordered were delicious. They make an excellent Old Fashion here. Their selection of bourbons, beers and wines were impressive. Be sure to try some of their popcorn they give at the bar, it's delicious. As far as the food goes we tried their Duck Fat Tots... Order the small the large portion is massive. They tasted okay but nothing special. The Deviled Eggs, Fried Green Tomatoes, & Guacamole were tasty. Very basic food flavors, nothing exceptional but It's a spot worth checking out while traveling to Nashville.
(4)
Allie W.
Downstairs is much more casual and louder, with windows facing downtown Broadway so there is great people watching. If you want a more intimate dinner with a fancier menu, request a table upstairs where the dark decor of the former hotel make for a superb dining experience. The steak is awesome as is the seared tuna. I was especially impressed with the cocktails. I love Moscow mules and they make their own ginger beer in-house which made for an excellent mule. We also ordered the lemon dessert which was a sweet/tart/delicious way to end our evening before heading out on Broadway. I haven't eaten downstairs in a while, but the tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and burger are fantastic!
(4)
Catie B.
I'm pretty sure my life changed while I was here this evening. Everything was phenomenal from the bread and sweet butter to the fresh oysters to the pork chop and duck fat fries I had. They have talented mixologists on staff so don't skip the cocktails. I can't say enough good things.
(5)
Martin C.
Much more upmarket restaurant than everything else in the honky tonk area. It's definitely not good value and I didn't see any live music there and not sure if they even offer it. The interior has nice decor and the guacamole was great. The tater tots even though they were goose fat ones tasted like any other ones I've had. If you are on the strip and want something a bit fancier with no music check these guys out.
(4)
Leesa F.
We needed a really good meal in downtown Nashville and this place nailed it! From the server to the drinks to the food it was just what we wanted. We ordered 3 appetizers- baked cheese (AMAZING!), deviled eggs and the much talked about duck fat tator tots. I would order the cheese again but the deviled eggs weren't very flavorful and just kind of bland. The tots were just ok- I wouldn't order them again. For entrees we both ordered a salad, chicken Caesar and the chopped greek. What you might expect but the dressing wasn't my favorite. Overall great experience and I will be back for a few other items on their menu that looked very intriguing.
(4)
Toki W.
I had the opportunity Merchants upstairs dining room due to a last minute cancellation. Apparently it can be difficult to get a same day reservation in the upstairs dining area. The food was some of the best I ever had. I had a steak, seared perfectly, and my wife ordered a pork chop with corn and some type of peach glaze (which I kept stealing from her). I ordered my steak, as I often do, with no accompaniments as it was my first time there. There were options for sides, sauces, etc. but it was perfect without. Service upstairs was fantastic. We had a waitress who was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients (she told us the name of the captain of the ship that caught some of the seafood), a busser who was charming and delightful, and a empty dishes/plates/cups were removed or refilled within moments. We shared dessert, which was their very own take on a s'mores. It was completely out of this world. I'm not much for sweets, but this was indescribable. Shortly after that, Gil the GM came out and congratulated us on our wedding anniversary, engaged in friendly chit chat, and offered to take us out for more drinks at their sister bar (Paradise Park right next door!). Gil, thanks for the invitation. We had some other stops to make, otherwise we would have gladly accepted the offer. When we come back to Nashville, we will be making reservations upstairs before we even leave. I'd give you a sixth star if I could.
(5)
Carrie D.
Had the salmon BLT. Very good! The sweet potato fries are great good. Service was ok.
(4)
Adam R.
Overall, this is one of the better options for direct Broadway access. We stopped in before a Preds game for a bite of early dinner. We had reservations and were seated promptly at 5pm. We were greeted by VERY friendly staff and servers. Can't complain there at all. We had a small offering of complimentary popcorn that was very good. Superb seasoning, and I found myself going back to the little tin over and over. I must also comment with satisfaction on the music playing. It was the perfect level, and a GREAT selection of songs. As we had never been, I asked the server for recommendations. He highly recommended the catfish. I bit, as I am your typical Southern boy and love me some good catfish! It. Was. Gross. If you're from the South, you know there's only 1 way to serve proper catfish. Fried. This nasty thing was all sad, watery, floppy, thin, and had a nasty texture to the skin. The aioli was average. The fries were fries, nothing special there, and honestly lacking seasoning, but not terrible. The wife's Mac & Cheese was quite good, as was another member's turkey sandwich. Another ding that brings them down a star was no specific offering for kids. No kids menu, or plates designed for children. Our 7 year old got a plate full of food that I wouldn't have been able to eat all of. I must admit, we were there with family, and we didn't get a chance to imbibe in any of their cocktails or drinks that looked quite tasty. We will go again for the drinks and try to sit at the bar, which looked quite nice, but might pass on the full meal.
(4)
Tabby K.
Fun times, killer and very attentive wait staff. Yeah, it's definitely touristy, but what the hell? This is Nashville, after all!! Hit 'em up!!
(5)
Brian H.
Best tater tots in town...wow. But difficult to get a table most nights.
(4)
Amy F.
Don't stay downstairs ... spring for the a la carte upstairs and have the filet or chicken!
(4)
Jason B.
Merchant's is a cool spot in the middle of downtown Nashville. It is a nice change of pace if you are looking for something that doesn't have a loud, mediocre country cover band. They have a bar menu, and a separate dinner menu for the upstairs dining area. I've only dined in the bar area, and have no experience with the full dinner menu. The bar menu offers a nice selection of upscale bar food. It is a little pricey, and its good, but not exceptional. I've enjoyed the appetizers more than my entrees. The tater tots are really good, but if the menu didn't say they were cooked in duck fat, you'd never know they weren't cooked in an old Fry Daddy with Wesson oil. They don't have any draft beer, which is kind of a bummer. They also have a limited selection of local beers, which is sad because we have so many great breweries around town. This place is so close to 4 stars, but just short for me. That could change with a better beer selection. I could also change if I had a chance to dine upstairs off the full menu.
(3)
Diana M.
Make sure you make reservations for this place b/c it gets busy. There are two menus here - one for upstairs (finer dining) and downstairs is more casual. we ate downstairs.. We loved the seasoned popcorn that they start us off with on the table. It was very yummy. We got the pork fat tater tots as an app, and it was salty goodness. I got the fish tacos and it was really good. My friend got the burger and said it was ok. I would go with the tacos again.. Our waitress was very friendly. Also, we had a 45 minute wait, but they text you when they are ready for you which is great b/c we went next door to honky tonk for a drink while we waited since there was no room at the bar here
(4)
Kathy D.
I had a their oysters on a half shell appetizer and their Ahi Tartar. The food was delicious. I really like the ambience of the restaurant upstairs and enjoyed the great service from the staff.
(4)
T L.
Hostess Staff unpleasant, the two girls had no smiles. At all. Told us a wait of 20-25 minutes... 45 mins later took their time getting the table ready and continued to keep us waiting even when the tables were ready. Waitress pleasant but scattered. Let's see how the food is...
(1)
Mary F.
I can't bring myself to give Merchant's high marks. Maybe because I'm a local and I felt like I was getting the tourist treatment--like I was getting shined on. Getting the show. Our server was too cool for his own good. I usually don't care how cool my server is, but being as cool as this cat was, well the bar went right up to Perfect. Of course, he missed the bar. We were seated downstairs and I could fall out of my booth and hit the bar, but between our booth and the bar, he got my drink order wrong. Funny. Like Fred Sanford's funny: "Ha, ha, hell." So what. I'm here for the food; not the hipster waitstaff. But, the environment is often interesting. There was a pretty young hostess whom I met in the bathroom who was tending to her fresh Minnie Mouse tattoo; she had heavy meticulously applied make-up,long fawn-like fake eyelashes and glossy dark hair, but like Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. She was sweet and winced at the sting of her new tattoo. Pleasant break from my too-cool waiter. So, the food. We had the duck fat tater tots. Ribeye, fish tacos, Johnny Cash chili, hamburger (mid-rare) with cheddar, and Cobb salad. The meats were respectable. Ribeye was perfectly done, a bit gristly, and under seasoned except for the salt. Hamburger was very good; loosely packed, perfectly cooked at mid-rare. The chili was predictable. Nothing special there. Served in a tiny cast iron pot. Fish tacos were bland and not remarkable. The tater tots were fun and tasty, but that whole duck fat thing, well, they just tasted like tater tots; I couldn't identify any duck fat aroma or flavor. Here's an idea: truffled tater tots. The alliteration alone should land it a spot on the menu. The Cobb salad made me want to cry. I call it the Grudge Salad. Like someone was made to put a Cobb salad on the menu and, so, there--hmph! If I were eating it b/c I was on a diet, I'd want to kill myself. But, I don't know what's worse, eating it b/c I had to, or actually choosing it b/c I wanted a salad b/c I like salads. Sad, sad Cobb. Cocktails and Drinks: After telling my hot stuff waiter that I don't like sweet cocktails, he said he had just the thing for me: a Rise Up bourbon cocktail. It was so sweet, I had to ask for a shot of soda in it. Blech! My husband had a negroni--fresh and crisp. The other notable dishes here were the desserts: rootbeer float, warm peach cobbler, and a house made eggnog dessert drink. I stuck with a cream sherry. I'll keep watching Yelp reviews on Merchants to see if I should try the upstairs--perhaps there's a big difference. For the experience we had, it's not worth a repeat trip--too expensive for food that is just a notch above pedestrian.
(3)
Dale C.
Get the Tots! Don't let them talk you into the small tots! The large is good for two if not getting anything else and they are great. If you are at the downstairs bar ask for the free popcorn. Outstanding!
(5)
Aimee S.
Very nice atmosphere! When entering you walk through the restaurant to reach the hostess, which was a bit odd. You then get two dining options; upstairs (very high class menu) or downstairs (still unique, but less expensive menu). We chose downstairs. Our waitress was so kind and helpful. She helped make our time at Merchants relaxed and enjoyable. We chose the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't let the name freak you out they're just fried in duck fat making them crispy. They were delicious! We ordered a bottle of Rule 21, an excellent choice if you like dry reds. I ordered the chicken fried chicken...a southern treat for a northerner like me. My husband got the smoked brisket, which was tender and tangy...a nice combo. When visiting Nashville again we will definitely be back to Merchants.
(5)
C R.
My boyfriend and I were in Nashville for just 1 night and a friend recommended that we go to merchants for dinner! We loved it!! Our server, I believe his name was Brian was awesome!! He made great food and drink recommendations and we loved everything we tried! I did the fried chicken... Yum!!! He also helped recommend some need to see spots since we were only going to be there a short amount of time! Great food & amazing customer service, what more could you ask for?!?
(5)
John O.
Food good. Service outstanding. Cool place. Pulled pork sand. With coleslaw awesome chicken fried chicken great
(4)
Karla B.
I wish we had found this place before our last day in Nashville. What a super find!! It's been around since est. 1892, 3 story, lovely atmosphere and a real restaurant on Broadway, not bar fare, no fried bologna.. We stopped in for light fare BUT I had a yummy tomato soup and grilled gourmet cheese on sourdough bread with homemade chips and deviled eggs for late lunch....dinner later will need to be up of soup. I couldn't resist my comfort meal from childhood. happy happy
(5)
Cathy H.
Great place, kind staff but best of all the food rocked. They also take your number and text you when your table is ready, would definitely come back. Salmon BLT...YUM, finished with cheesecake dip-genius!
(4)
Terra B.
An absolute amazing experience from the second my husband and I walked in!! Each and every employee was happy, friendly and eager to please. The boys behind the bar were the real deal and a bit entertaining as we watched one juggle lemons! It didn't matter to the waiters if you were their table. They were always sure you had water, a cocktail or any other need. The food? Oh em gee!! Had soups that made us feel like we were wrapped in a warm blankie....(tomato bisque and shrimp and corn chowder) my husband had never had jumbalaya (I know right?) and he almost ate his entire huge bowl. I had the "special" which was coffee encrusted pork chop with green beans and potatoes. It was THE best pork chop I've ever eaten! Tender, juicy and seasoned by a genius!!
(5)
Tony V.
Huge bar for individual seating if your out of town and solo. The blackened tilapia was a great dish and is enough for two if you want to share. One of the best old fashions drinks I have had in a while.. They make their own simple syrup which has a honey smokey flavor.. Great place!
(5)
Julia I.
Best meal we had on our trip to Nashville! Beautiful place with an upscale atmosphere, we ate at the downstairs restaurant. Hung out at the copper counter bar and ordered some amazing cocktails while we waited for a table, the Mad Hatter was delish! Our waiter was funny and welcoming giving us a lot of recommendations for our trip. Amazing food, I ordered the fish tacos and would highly recommend!
(5)
Nick W.
Who knew there would be amazing food in the most touristy area of Nashville? Killer food: First off, go for nothing more than a drink and the popcorn at the bar, amazing! I asked the secret ingredient, you should do the same. Entree was the sweet tea pork loin, sitting on pimento cheese grits and green beans, drizzled with sweet tea balsamic reduction. WOW! I literally had every other group at the bar asking what it was, and they all ordered it as well. Not to miss! Drinks: no beers on tap, all bottles, but had a couple good IPAs. Overall: if you're hungry before or after hitting up Tootsies or The Stage, check out Merchants for a great meal and order the sweet tea pork loin!
(5)
Saju J.
We ate upstairs in the private dining room. Awesome friendly southern service. Had some of the best crabs legs, lobster, oyster and shrimp on their seafood platter. Great soup, pork shanks and dessert. Great place.right on honky tonk street.
(4)
Kleine E.
Had lunch here the other day. The food was really good, although the fried green tomatoes were a little tough. Highly recommend their hamburgers and salads!
(4)
Chris S.
This is a great spot in downtown Nashville, literally in the heart of the honky tonks. We were quickly seated on a busy night by a very friendly host. Waters were brought out immediately and the menu was explained in sufficient detail. People were definitely hanging out having a few drinks. The kind of place you could take a date and have a fun night out or chow down before going out. The food was excellent. I ordered the Sweet Tea Pork Loin and was amazed at how tender and flavorful the meat was. The last time I ordered pork in a restaurant it was very dry so this was a welcome change. The Pimento Cheese Grits and molasses glazed green beans were delicious. And I couldn't get enough of the Bourbon Just amazing. My buddy had the fried chicken which he said was awesome! I had a local Yazoo IPA that turned out to be a nice pairing with the pork.The price was in line with expectations considering the neighborhood. Bottom line, if food and fun is important to you, you should check this place out.
(4)
Lela T.
A very nice, cool bar. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar because we felt like being social during our trip to Nashville. The food was great. We had the tater tots (the regular size is a lot of tots for your $) and a cobb salad, both were delicious. But it is a speak easy bar, and they have a nice list of cocktails so we tried 4 of them. All four were very good. The ambiance is quite nice, not too loud but also not stiff. Also we found the price to be reasonable, but we are from CA and NY so can't really compare to Nashville standards. The bartenders were very nice, and we had some fun conversations with them about the area.
(4)
Christine O.
I have never been here before and came because I read awesome reviews from all of you lovely people. And all I can say is WOW.... Yall need to order the fish tacos cause they are incredible! Seriously this place has an awesome atmosphere, great service and fabulous food! We ordered the rum blonde dessert after our meal... ALSO AMAZING!
(5)
Chrissie V.
This place shows what "elevated classics" should REALLY look like, when it comes to food. Duck fat tater tots...fried green tomatoes with the most delicious sauce and pimento cheese...deviled eggs with a crisp pickle chip...I could go on for days about the apps...by far the favorite of our 9 person party was the tots though...they get served with 3 sauces and do yourself a favor and ask for an extra hollandaise sauce before it even gets to your table...you get a pretty generous portion of tots and you will definitely run out of that particular sauce. We had a pretty wide range of entrees at the table...steak frites, pork, fish tacos, veggie burger, REAL burger, mac and cheese...all of which people raved about, but the pork was the surprise winner. As far as sides go...sweet potato fries seemed to be the most popular choice they were cut steak fry style and they looked amazing. The house salad had truly the most amazing dressing on it ever...they need to bottle that for real. I'm probably going to be disappointed by salad dressing for the rest of my life now. They had a pretty extensive drink menu...including a long list of ginger based drinks. All were good...I tried a couple of varieties and all were good, not great. Perfectly satisfactory though because the food really was the star of the show. We're visiting Nashville for a bachelorette party (obviously not an original idea...holy bridal veils Batman!), so I probably won't have much occasion for visiting this restaurant again, but I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone visiting Broadway!
This restaurant was very delicious and had a great atmosphere. I has the fish tacos, also our table had the po boy shrimp sandwich and the burger and all were tasty with sweet potato fries. It was a great meal, the server was timely and didn't linger and totally worth a visit
(4)
Amy C.
Best place to eat on Broadway. Not your normal quick bite. Both downstairs and upstairs are a huge delight and worth the wait.
(5)
Gerry T.
Honestly very good food!!! Nothing fancy that will win them a James Beard award anytime soon, but honest cooking with great flavors! I had the pork chop with grits; amazing grits!!! Pork chop a bit over done, but good. My wife had the chicken fried chicken and it was so juicy and tender...I am salivating as I type. The duck fat tater tots are great as well. Our reservations were fumbled but the waiter that took care of us was very accommodating and friendly. This made up for their blemish. If in the area, Check it out.
(5)
Paul C.
Great food. Great service. A tad pricy for content - but you'll be happy. Duck fat tater tots - full portion served four of us as a nice picky appetiser. The dips are tasty and varied too. Salty but superb. I had the brisket - with corn bread, coleslaw and BBQ sauce. It was tender, perfectly cooked and with just the right amount of sauce. The slaw was delicious and the corn bread plentiful (most of it left...British tastebuds for you). My partner had chicken fried chicken with spinach and easily the best mashed potatoes I've had in a long time. Also covered in a pepper gravy. The other two in our party had the veggie burger (very bean based - if you know the sort - she loved it) and the fish tacos (big and full - tasty). The sweet potato fries are worthy of their own mention. Very good indeed dipped in the BBQ sauce. Drinks were craft beers and cocktails mainly. Wines and spirits too. Cocktails were a tad pricey - but perfectly mixed. Beer selection very nice but limited. Brooklyn for the win. I will be back!
A really busy, really cool restaurant in the heart of downtown Nashville... (make a reservation) Duck Fat Tots, Deviled Eggs, Mac& Cheese, all good starters. Chicken Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea Pork Loin were both excellent entrees. Service was attentive and friendly. Really liked the decor and bartender uniforms. Would've liked to try some cocktails with dinner, buuuuut I arrived smashed. So just water for me... (a day of bar hopping on Broadway will do that to ya) I had awesome food at every spot I went while in Nashville. This wasn't the best meal overall, but it definitely was the best food on Broadway. Check it out.
(4)
Denise D.
Eating at this restaurant was one of the highlights of our visit to Nashville (and, trust me, we had loads of fun in Nashville). The service, amazing. The music, 1990s. The food, unforgettable. I was introduced to a Nashville micro brew here, Yazoo (I got the Gerst, the boyfriend the hefeweizen, both delightful). We started with fried green tomatoes, served with pimento cheese and a sauce I'd like to bathe in. For dinner, I had the tilapia and the boyfriend had the brisket. The accompaniments and sauces were all spot on. Our server (well, bartender--same difference) answered all our questions about the menu items and even offered, before we ordered, to replace anything that we weren't happy with. I was concerned that the tilapia would be too spicy for me, and he assured me that most of the heat was in the sauce, which he had them serve on the side. (He was right). I will definitely not miss this place when I return to Nashville.
(5)
Khay G.
One of the best brunches I've ever been to. I came here about 6 months ago and now that I'm on Yelp I had to do a review for it. Everything from the atmosphere and service to the drinks and food were 5/5. If you're going on the weekend, expect a wait for a table. Ours was 45 mins but totally worth it. On the pricey side, but if you're willing to spend a bit more on dining out you won't be disappointed. We got the baked cheese to split and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were very heavy, I don't think I ate for the rest of the day. If I ever come back to Nashville, Merchants will be on my list to visit.
(5)
Kenny C.
Merchants was the last meal I had in Nashville, so I wanted to make it count. The restaurant itself is beautiful. It looks liek a townhouse with high ceilings. And there's a chandelier in the back where the hostesses are (kind of looks like a hotel). They give you a little tin of popcorn when you sit down. It had powdered ranch seasoning in it, which I didn't know was a thing. It was like crack. For an appetizer, I went with the duck fat tator tots, because honestly, how the hell am I going to turn that down? They were delicious and came with three dipping suaces - ketchup, chipotle mayo and bearnaise. Loved the tangy bearnaise. Don't worry guys, I went with the half order because I'm not a glutton. For my entree, our lovely waitress recommended the chicken fried chicken, which came with over yukons and spinach, topped with country gravy. Despite the hear-attack-inducing description, it actually wasn't that heavy. The chicken was thin and fried beautifully, and there were vegetables involved, which is healthy, right? Maybe I'm in denial. It was my second time having fried chicken that day, but hey, when in Nashville...
(5)
Violet P.
The restaurant is broken up into 2 different areas. The upstairs area is a steak and seafood restaurant and downstairs has a wider variety including sandwiches. We started with the tater tot and guac for appetizers. Guac was just meh so I was a bit disappointed as I love my guac but the tots with the 3 sauces were awesome! Definitely recommend them. 3 of us had the NY strip and one had the recommended pork loin. Let me tell you, go with the pork loin!!! It was sooooo juicy and tender. All 3 of us felt that the steak was ruined by the sauce that was on top of it. We all stripped it off. Or if you're really in the mood for a smaller steak, ask for it on the side and then decide. The prices were pretty decent for a nicer place on Broadway and the drinks were decent as well!! We had excellent service from Jim! He was very attentive and worked very hard.
(4)
Kevin Z.
We ate here last night. Since we had 6 in our party & it was a Friday I figured we would need a reservation. So I called only to hear that due to events in the area they were fully booked, but we could come in early & possibly get a table. My friend had told me she just ate there the night before. She said that she ate upstairs as the downstairs was full & there was quite the wait. She mentioned that the menu was limited & prices were higher. Sure enough when looking on the website there is a 'up' & a 'down' menu which reflect both. We arrived shortly after 6pm on Friday night to be sat 5 minutes later. The place has a bit of a oldschool malt shop feel to it. The servers & bartenders all wear white & black attire w/ suspenders. All very looking hipster like. The drinks were very tasty & strong. We ordered the duck fat tatter tots & cheese plate for apps, both so GOOD. Oh and they provide you w/ popcorn seasoned w/ Hidden Valley Ranch which is also very tasty. I ordered the Soup & Sammy which is a grilled cheese w/ bacon, tomato soup, & chips. SO GOOD! Around the table the Pork Loin, Mac & Cheese, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chicken Fried Chicken, & Wings were all ordered. Everyone at our table was happy w/ their food. We had a birthday at our table so they brought out a dessert, but no one sang happy birthday sadly except for us. We had someone in our party that had food allergies & our server was happy to recommend a variety of different options & checked w/ the kitchen as well. The other cool thing was when the checks were handed out separately they were able to split the apps 6 ways so no one was stuck w/ them solely. We will be back in Nashville again in a week & this is a place we look to return too. Very happy w/ everything minus the happy birthday songs. 4.5 stars.
(4)
Ahmed R.
All of the food here was amazing! I loved this place. The portions are so huge, so had to split meals, and we came back here a 2nd time during our trip. My wife and I split the brisket, and WOW! We didn't expect too much, but just WOW. It's easily enough food for 2 people. The brisket and BBQ sauce was absolutely fantastic. It was gorgeous served over some warm cornbread. The cornbread was amazing and deserves some serious attention. The cole slaw on the side went with everything nicely. I tried my mom's fish tacos and they too were delicious. We came back the next day for more food and everything just hit the spot perfectly. I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)
Julie C.
Great food, drinks and service but be prepared to wait for it! We don't mind snagging a drink or even seat at the bar. I haven't had anything I didn't like and the brisket melts in your mouth, yum!!! The drinks are unique and very refreshing. I'm never disappointed here.
(4)
Louis D.
After eating numerous times in the bistro we tried Upstairs last night. From the moment we arrived until we departed everything far exceeded our expectations. The professionalism of the entire staff was only surpassed by the food, and it's presentation. By far our most pleasurable dining experience since arriving in Nashville 13 years ago. Set the stage for a magnificent evening at The Schermerhorn. Highly recommended!
(5)
Russ T.
Every time we come to Nashville we have to eat here. The chicken salad, soups, entrees and drinks are great. A lot of hand squeezed juices go into the drinks. Service is top notch considering how busy they stay. Out door sitting is available weather permitting. Carissa rocks as a bartender.
(5)
Chelsea W.
After reading some killer reviews on Merchants and quickly realizing it was our best bet for genuine food on Broadway, we decided to give it a try--at first, it seemed like we had made a good decision. After all, our wait to be seated was only 15 minutes (pretty amazing for a Saturday evening) and the staff all seemed friendly enough. We didn't eat upstairs--we opted for the more casual menu and ate outside at a table that was perfect for people watching (also perfect for making awkward eye contact with tourists, but that's a different story entirely.) Our meal was very average, much to our surprise and immediate regret. $60 for an Applebees-quality meal? Ridiculous. Waiting for us at our table was a cup of stale popcorn that we barely touched. We started with the fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese and hot pepper jam. They were both chewy and stiff in all the wrong places; meanwhile, the pimento cheese tasted like a cheap tub of processed mumbo jumbo you could easily buy at Wal-Mart. Disappointing start, but we held out hope that things would improve. They did not. I ordered the salmon BLT with basil mayo and chips, and... well... there really isn't much to report. The seasoned chips were the best part of the meal. Salmon was horribly dry, the 'basil mayo' was practically nonexistent, etc. Not at ALL what one would expect from a restaurant rated as highly as Merchants. Needless to say, I have no plans to return to this place, and we certainly won't be recommending it to anyone in the near future.
(2)
Sarah G.
I went to Nashville to visit my sister and on my first night there, we ventured down to Broadway to have dinner at Merchants. It was pretty busy but we put our names in and went down the street to have a drink. We didn't have to wait too long to get a table, which was nice on a busy Friday night. We ordered drinks and dinner, including the duck fat tater tots which are unbelievable. I also had a burger (excellent) and probably the best Moscow Mule I've ever had. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Mijung H.
Been here a couple of times, and plan to revisit many more times. Everything I have tried here has been delicious, from the tater tots, to the fried green tomatoes, to the grilled cheese. Can't go wrong. In addition, try the pimm's cup cocktail. It is refreshing with scents of cucumber and earthy goodness. Perfect day time recovery drink after a wild night in Nas Vegas. Enjoy!!
(5)
Kendall B.
I'm so happy with my decision to eat here. I ordered the Blackened Catfish Sandwich and it was delicious. I recommend it to everyone! The portion sizes are big and filling! The service was great and everyone was really friendly. They have good beer options, which is a plus. It looks like they have a full bar too for any cocktails you would want. I really enjoyed my experience here and will be back on my next visit to Nashville!
(5)
W P.
We stopped for drinks after a show at the Ryman and sat at the bar. Great music mix (blues/soul mainly) and decor, a welcome alternative to the honky tonk and country bars on Broadway that feel like more of a tourist trap these days. The Corsair Reviver (their version of the Corpse Reviver) was very tasty and well poured. Gin Gin Mule also hit the mark. A great spot for after a show or if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated.
(4)
David L.
Our server, Jimmy, was a rockstar server and the food was excellent. Best catfish I've had in a long time. It's a busy place so make a reservation to save yourself waiting.
(5)
Dana G.
Great lunch spot! I had the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, delicious! Also tried the deviled eggs and yum !!!!
(4)
Rebecca N.
Every time I visit Nashville this is my dinner spot of choice! Never any complaints, great food, drinks, and service. Be prepared to wait if you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, but it's worth it!
(5)
Lissette G.
Started off our amazing dining experience with a warming "WELCOME" from the bartenders (one Tuesday afternoon). Hostesses were nice and welcoming. Started with the naked cheese...IT WAS ORGASMIC. If you don't love cheese then order something else, I love cheese, this was amazeballs. Then fish tacos, don't expect no crummy frozen, battered & fried fish stick, this was real fish. Great flavors with the slaw and gauc. Salmon BLT was great too. Great atmosphere with a classic twist.
My wife and I had dinner here on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised that there wasn't a wait. It's a little crowded, but we had a good table and enjoyed the food overall. The duck fat tatot tots are a good as everyone else says and our only complaint is that we found the tacos to be a little too salty
(4)
Karen V.
With an overwhelming amount of places downtown to choose from, we randomly picked Merchants, and oh my, what a great choice we made!! The Chicken Fried Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes with pimento cheese, and Jambalaya were all out of this world! Our finicky nine year old son loved his grilled chicken sandwich. And the service was quick, accurate, and really friendly (our server's name was Kyleigh). Overall a really wonderful dining experience.
(5)
Nancy G.
On a recommendation, we came to merchants for brunch. The environment was fun and lively. The music was loud, but you could still talk between each other. The place looked like a black and white old fashioned soda fountain. Brunch started out with water brought out daintily in a glass container and seasoned popcorn in a small metal bucket. We ordered the duck fat tator tots after seeing lots of other yelpers do the same. It was pretty good. Nothing out of the world, but what can you expect from tator tots? We also ordered fish tacos and a bacon grilled cheese with tomato soup and homemade chips. Again, the food was good but not amazing. We ordered two bloody Mary's. They were good, but there didn't seem to be a single drop of alcohol in the drinks. Our server probably added the least to the meal - placing both our leftovers together in the same togo box and misconstrued our full order of tots for half. The sever seemed distracted - kind of the service you would expect from a Waffle House. Then again, we have had better service at a Waffle House.
(3)
Jamie S.
This place is fantastic! Priced right, food is excellent, ambiance is great and the service is on point! Nothing short of a great experience!
(5)
Becky H.
Still love it. Five pepper chicken is my favorite. Service is great. In a hurry sit in the bar or go upstairs for an upscale experience.
(5)
Candace C.
Shoddy service with a side of roaches. Went to Merchants for dinner Friday night. Long wait as usual for a table so we sat at the bar. Had to beg for service as did others seated there. Food was OK. toward end of our meal a cock roach started across the bar. A waitress quickly stopped it and ended its journey with a napkin. Seconds later a manager - type guy appeared, apologized, and took one round of drinks off our tab. Nice gesture but we won't be back.
(1)
Staci D.
We were seated promptly even though the town was busy. Food was great, desert even better. Came back the next day and sat at the bar. Try their apps! Great downtown location too.
(4)
Amelia H.
As much as we enjoyed the food, I can't give this place more than two stars based on the service. The night started out very well, we had a party of six with a reservation for upstairs. Two of my friends were celebrating birthdays and this was supposed to be our nice dinner out for the weekend. We were shown to our table and our server was almost overly attentive at first (she seemed to have a server in training shadowing/assisting her.) About midway through the meal, our server was nowhere to be found. Did not come to refill water, ask if we wanted more wine/cocktails, or to see how the food was. We were looking around (like the other tables) and had to flag down other people to take care of what we needed. I had spoken to the "assistant" about coming to the table with dessert, etc. to celebrate the two birthdays, she assured me it would be taken care of. This never happened, and instead, a server we had never seen rushed over and asked if we wanted to see dessert menus, then before we could even answer she walked away. This was the same server who brought the check (because our server was still MIA) and she misunderstood the payment methods and how things were to be divided. It was a mess, and she barely apologized. Finally, after it was too late to really make it better, our original server came and said she was "sorry things got rocky towards the end, it was just so busy" as we looked around at a half empty dining room. I would hardly say they were slammed. It was a shame that we all left with a bad taste in our mouths after spending a good bit on dinner, and the food actually enjoyable. It didn't put anyone in a great mood to celebrate, and we really felt like we had just been forgotten and our business was not really important to Merchants. I would not go back or recommend based on our experience.
(2)
Kristin G.
I've been wanting to try Merchants for awhile now and we finally went for my birthday. I ordered based on recommendations on yelp and thought the food was pretty decent but not amazing: Duck fat tater tots, fish tacos, and blackened tilapia. Best part by far was the drink selection...I had two really tasty drinks both with St. Germaine in them (its a fav) and they were AMAZING. Service was also really good, which is always a plus. Will likely return and try a different app/entree combination.
(4)
Tori F.
We ate here while visiting Nashville and it was by far the best meal we had in the city. To start with we ordered the guacamole and duck fat tater tots which were both delicious. The strawberry salad with salmon was great. It was one of the tastiest pieces of salmon that I have ever had. The blackened catfish sandwich was also really delicious. The seasoning they use on their fish is out of this world. Our waitress was also really sweet and a great edition to the meal.
(5)
Scott D.
Best spot for dinner downtown without spending a fortune. Excellent ambience, very laid back and relaxed environment. Menu is simple yet broad, and almost everything I have tried is prepared really well.
(4)
Chad P.
My review is based on a group of people, so don't take this as a two-person date review. We were seated upstairs which was kind of cool to go through an elevator to reach her table. The building has a lot of charm and feels very old. The waitress was really sweet and nice, but she didn't do a good job of keeping everyone's order together. I missed the appetizer, because apparently I never heard her asking us for our order. The menu was pricey and it didn't make a lot of sense as far as ingredients go. The music was too loud for us to hear each other talk at times. One of the appetizers was too mushy to eat for a couple at our table, but the hush puppies were the real deal. Overall I would say we had a great time, but the server left something to be desired.
(3)
Michele M.
Sweet tea pork loin is out of this world! Don't pass up the duck fat tator tots. Well worth the wait for a table.
(5)
Amelia A.
good burgers, great service, and lovely atmosphere. the only thing was our food was a bit lukewarm. would return!
(4)
Serena T.
Found this place via Yelp while in Nashville and glad that I did. There was a big group of us and Merchant's had something for everyone. I ordered a half order of the duck fat tater tots which as other reviews have mentioned were delish. It comes with 3 sauces, ketchup, a cheesy sauce and some type of aioli which was my favorite. Also ordered the fried green tomatoes which were just ok in my opinion. They were fried with corn meal so they were different than the fried green tomatoes which I've had before. The spicy relish was really good. I split the fish tacos with another person in our group and also wasn't blown away by them but they were decent. The fixins on the tacos were great and flavorful but the fish itself left something to be desired. For a drink I ordered the Moscow Mule and this was (to date) probably the best Moscow Mule I've had in my life. It had a perfect balance of lime and ginger beer and you could tell the lime was fresh squeezed. That being said, my four star rating is for the drink and the taters. But all the folks in my group were very pleased with their meals which ranged from the brisket, mac & cheese and the chili. Great atmosphere!
(4)
Patrick W.
Food was amazing, service was good. Only issue was sitting out on the patio being placed under the heater. If you are a Yankee like me, chances are you won't be able to handle the heat.
(4)
Patrick S.
Cool space, but nothing to write home about .Food was fine.
(3)
Richard R.
Very nice restaurant that is a quieter refuge compared to the crowded sidewalks and honky tonks of Broadway. I ordered a brisket platter with mashed, gravy, cornbread, slaw -- very nice. Beautifully renovated historic building. Lovely restaurant. Recommended.
(4)
Tina K.
Excellent and the duck fat tater tots are different good! Fried green tomatoes and the butterscotch pie phenomenal! Service was excellent. Skip the chain restaurants and go straight to Merchants.
(5)
Alan B.
Went here for a late lunch and received incredible service from our waiter John K. We ordered the Mac N Cheese and added the brisket. Excellent! This place has some of the best food on Broadway. Be sure to stop in before the late night menu.
(4)
Renee S.
Excellent service. Great atmosphere. We sat next to a window during an electrical storm. That was freaky... but fun also. Food was great. i would definitely go back!
(5)
Alexandra S.
This place was in the heart of downtown Nashville. As a tourist that's exactly what I wanted. It has a lot of history in it which makes it look to be way out dated but it fit perfect for the history that Nashville upholds. The classic checkered tile on the floor and lots of wearing around the bar. It reminded me of an old house that I would tour through from the early 1900's. With all that being said the service was excellent! Absolutely no issues at all. Because we were visiting I was doing site seeing the waitress was more then helpful to make great recommendations on where to buy things and what to see. We were in no mood for alcohol so don't have any recommendations for that. The food was decent for what we ordered. Just a little expensive but that's what downtown is like I guess. There are two floors a lunch dining on the bottom and an upper floor for more elegant dining. I got the Greek salad it was very delicious I just wish I got some sort of meat on it so I wasn't hungry only a few hours later. My boyfriend got a regular burger and that was something that really hit the spot! You basically can design exactly what type of burger you want and he was stuffed for hours after the meal which is not normal for him with a big stomach!
(4)
Andrew E.
Food is consistently pretty good. Service is consistently awful. Some of the worst service I've ever had. No air conditioning either. Never going back. Waiters don't care about you.
(1)
Dr R.
Edible. Not worthy of a second visit. Blackened tilapia was under-seasoned and the hash that came with it was jus not impressive. It was supposed to come with roasted corn but the corn looked steamed. They've got some really good BBQ sauce though (yes kinda random... Their salmon BLT with fries was good). We drank water because besides telling us that we weren't really bourbon drinkers... The waiter didn't really have any good recommendations. I'd pass by. Other good restaurants to try. Probably just good for decor/atmosphere for small group.
(3)
T T.
Really cute place! In between casual and dressy. Bartenders are very "vintage" inspired. We wet immediately served popcorn in an old fashioned tin. Great drink and menu selection.
(4)
Lucy R.
I had a great time at Merchants last night. I loved the Soup and Sammy. Incredible service and wonderful atmosphere. If you are ever in the area, go here! Great job, Erica and Darryl.
(5)
Doreen V.
A little disappointing... we ordered the duck fat tots (they were really good), deviled eggs (meh), two $12 drinks and lunch. My guy got a salad and I got the soup and sammy. Once our server left, we waited about 15 minutes for someone to return. After 15 or so minutes our appetizers, drinks, and lunch was all delivered together. The server returned once to our table about 25 minutes later and dropped the check. Not only was the service meh, the appetizers beat the drinks out- pay $12 for a drink and hope that you get it some time before dessert.
(3)
Jaime G.
It was our first night in Nashville which was also New Years Eve. Our Uber driver suggested we check out Merchants since we wanted to experience the Bash on Broadway. We were pleasantly surprised with a beautiful open modern motif and only an hour wait. We ordered the duck fat tater tots which rocked our world. For dinner I had the grilled cheese and soup which was the perfect meal for a chilly evening. All in all I'm grateful this place was suggested to us because it made our NYE that much better.
(4)
Sue H.
Had a great meal here. Fun atmosphere. Our server Ron H. Was totally awesome. And hot too!
(5)
Michael C.
We are definitely not from Nashville, and read great reviews before coming only to be severely disappointed (mind you, we just ordered and haven't eaten yet). We go upstairs for the "better" menu and of the top choices none are available, "all sold out". We settle to go downstairs and of the few entrees on menu one of our top choices not available either. We are very disappointed thus far as of 4 menu options none are available.
(1)
Stephen K.
Classy southern dining is what I would call this place. The food is very good steaks, fried chicken, brisket, pork loin, and the appetizers all were presented fabulously and the service was excellent. It's a very hipster spot in the south which is cool.
(4)
Matt H.
Contrary to other reviews, this place was mediocre at best. The service was above average, the drinks were good, but the food was so-so. We had the deviled eggs (meh), duck tots (meh), fried green tomatoes (no good; don't bother) & the mac & cheese (the best of our selections, but not mind blowing). We're just passing through town, but if I lived around here, this place would fall low on my priority list. If you decide to check this place out, go into it with low expectations.
(2)
Gretchen J.
Delicious dinner, fabulous service and wonderful atmosphere (upstairs). The gratin potatoes are a must as a side.
(5)
Stephanie D.
Horrible hostess but they made it better/Our party put in our name and phone number and were told that we needed to wait 45 minutes, and that it would be fine to leave and come back, as the hostess would text us. Came back 45 minutes to check, and was rudely told we didn't respond to the 4 texts sent and they gave up our table, even though we received no notification. Thankfully the manager tried to make to it right, and he was great...but the next good move they need to make is fire that hostess. So incredibly rude! Luckily, the food was amazing and they offered us free apps. The veggie burger was great and so were the cocktails :)
(4)
Laura H.
Our last meal in Nashville. Sigh. This town is great. My sweetheart found Merchants on yelp and we loved it. Started out with the salmon dip which comes to you on bruschetta type bread with veggies. Amazing! We went for an all out southern meal: chicken fried chicken with sweet potato fries in lieu of mashed potatoes. Brisket with coleslaw. Finished it off with chocolate cake almost as big as your head. The bartenders were awesome. Loved our drinks champagne cocktail and Manhattan. Great good. Great experience. Great way to enjoy our last meal in town. I have a great boyfriend whom gets all credit for finding Merchants.
(5)
Dana S.
Nothing special here. Had a veggie burger that was really soft and lacked any substantial flavor. the sweet potato wedges were pretty tasty. friends ordered fish tacos that were realllyyyy fishy. I guess its to be expected in a landlocked state.
(2)
Rachel B.
Made a stop here on a weekend trip to Nashville based on Yelp reviews. The food did not disappoint. Chips and sweet potato fries were delicious. Pulled pork was smoky. Staff were friendly.
(5)
Bernadette M.
Cool spot. Their hostess station is passed the bar thru the entrance on Broadway. They couldn't accommodate a table of 7 so we had to sit outside. We just needed food so sure! It was hot though. My aunt had the deviled eggs, grandma had the soup (I don't know why given the weather), and my nephew had the root beer float. My cousin and I split the tator tots cooked in duck fat which made no difference to me, the fried green tomatos which was a must have since I've never seen it on a menu before and a side salad that had a pretty delicious dressing. Drinks were unique. I had the Beauty and the Beast and it was quite strong. My cousins was something much more up her alley. Service was good, music played outside and it was definitely not the country or live music heard all up and down the main strip there. There are definitely cheaper places to eat but this is a nice spot.
The location is perfect and the food is great. We had a burger and the macaroni and cheese for our entrees. The mac was incredible. Our fries were cold but they immediately corrected with hotfries.
(4)
Laura O.
Visiting Nashville for a conference and a local colleague recommended for dinner. Had a great experience! Loved sitting at the bar while we were waiting for our table. The whole vibe of the downstairs was great! We started with drinks recommended by the very charming bartenders and loved the duck fat tots and baked cheese for starters. Once moved to our table our server was excellent and the brisket was very tasty. Would recommend this place if you are looking for a great casual spot for dinner with a fun vibe and great service!
(4)
Paul C.
I was contacted by a rep from the restaurant and asked to come back. I have to say, my experience was completely different. I'm going to be a little skeptical and say that the fact that they invited me back had something to do with the better experience. With that said, here's my review of Merchants. Service: Our server, Brandy, was very sweet and attentive. Our water was constantly refilled and our food came out quickly. Several of us asked for her recommendation and she knew the menu. We all ordered items that she recommended and they were all very good. The manager came over and checked on us several times. She even recommended an appetizer that was not yet on the menu and it was very good. Food: I ordered the pork loin and that was very tender and moist. This was my favorite of the night. However, i didn't care for tge grits that came with it. My buddies order the beef brisket, and the jambalaya. Both were pretty good, but not great. Our favorite appetizer were the chicken wing. It had a really good Cajun rub on it. The tater tots were good too, but nothing out of the ordinary.
(4)
Angela P.
I love this place! There's a cool, modern/throwback/cosmopolitan/I don't know what I'm talking about...vibe to Merchants. We came here on a Friday night around 10:00 p.m. There are two menus here: upstairs and downstairs. We were seated downstairs, which was our preference anyway. Downstairs is a more casual (less expensive) menu. I had the macaroni & cheese. I think $15 is overpriced for mac & cheese, but the dish was really good and was more like a "gourmet" mac & cheese. The bacon cheeseburger at $13 was "fine" according to my husband. We shared the fried green tomatoes, reasonably priced as an appetizer, and the pimiento cheese served with them made them even better! The cocktails are done well here. I had the "botanist," which was made with St. Germain and other "refreshing" liquors. Cocktails are in the typical $10+ range. Although a little overpriced, Merchants does execute their menu well. And it's definitely a place I'd recommend for appetizers and cocktails. They also do shoe-shines in the lobby area in case you've scuffed your shoes at the honky tonk...I guess.
(4)
Cathy L.
Memorable meal. The food was delicious. Tater tots for the appetizer are a must. Order the full size, the half size is so much smaller, you can always take the extras home if you can't eat the entire full order. Main courses we've tried and enjoyed, brisket, fish tacos, chicken salad-salad and jambalaya. The service was excellent both times. My only complaint and why 4 instead of 5 stars- the bathrooms were very dusty not so much dirty but the place needs a good scrubbing! Oh and the music got too loud throughout our meal.
(4)
Maggy P.
Stopped here for lunch first day in Nashville. Had a cool Brooklyn vibe right in the middle of Broadway. So much food for cheap - had the duck fat tots (amazing) and a grilled cheese and soup. Cocktails were good and the service was great.. The guys helping us gave us some suggestions for places to check out while were in town.
(4)
Craig C.
Great bar downstairs. Took my Dad here for a drink and appetizer. Nice to see the bartenders using fresh produce in all the cocktails. Our bartender is visibly hung over from last night, but he still made a good drink.
(4)
Beth R.
My friend and I were visiting from Philly we came down with intentions of hanging out in the honky tonks and listening to live music. We ran into a local at bar who suggested Merchants, we needed a salad. We were told to eat downstairs as it was delish and not too expensive. We sat at the bar and right away ryan greeted us. He was an awesome guy and provided GREAT service. The food did not disappoint. We had the tots, shrimp and corn chowder and the Cobb salad. The taste and presentation were out of this world. We also had the pecan pie.. Also amazing. I highly recommend going here!!!
(5)
Megan K.
A twist on traditional Southern fare in the heart of Nashville... * Vintage vibe (think bow ties + suspenders) * Unique cocktails (made with apothecary jars, droppers, + glass beakers) * Friendly bartenders * Delicious food (check out both menus- one for upstairs and a different for downstairs) * Eclectic music * A nice break from the rowdy Broadway crowd * A little bit hipster without being pretentious Overall, a great experience!
(5)
Sapna C.
This is a nice place for a casual meal in downtown Nashville. It feels like a diner, but a bit more upscale, as other reviewers have mentioned. I went in for lunch here with my brother, while in Nashville. We had the duckfat tater tots and a fish cake to start. Both were delicious; however, the fish cake was a bit on the dry side. I had the grilled chicken burger as the main dish, which also delicious but a bit on the dry side. All in all, the food was good and the portions were quite generous for the price you pay.
(4)
D. B.
Drinks were great. Food was average. brisket wasn't very tender. Had to cut it with a knife. Nice atmosphere though.
(3)
Roger Y.
It is on the main tourist strip on Broadway in downtown Nashville. Not surprisingly, the downstairs bistro had lots of energy, buzzing with activities during our visit at 9 pm on a weeknight. We were seated promptly at our reserved time. Service was attentive even on a busy night. Drinks were good and refreshing. The deviled egg appetizer was a bit rubbery and only came in one flavor instead of a variety. The chicken fried chicken was well done. The breading was crunchy while the meat was moist and not over cooked. The fish taco had cream based toppings over fried fish. I would say the bistro is nice but not a destination. It is a fun place to eat and drink if you are in the area. The upstairs restaurant is probably a very different experience which I have yet to try.
(3)
Allison S.
Drinking a "rise n' fall" (Chattanooga 1816 reserve whiskey, liquor 43, allspice dram, orange bitters) and eating a blackened catfish sandwich (caught in Kentucky lake TN with pickled chow chow). Excellent!
(5)
Miles H.
I ordered the salmon BLT and it was outstanding. The homemade chips are delicious and salted with sea salt. The drink selection is extensive and my girlfriends Tennessee mojito was AWESOME. definitely worth a visit if the wait is not too long.
(5)
Joe B.
We forgot to make a reservation and it was booked for the night, but I was told they only take reservations for half the restaurant. We showed up around 6pm on a Saturday night and were told it'd be a 25 minute wait. They can text you when your table is ready, which was great since we got to check out a few other places while waiting. By 630, the wait was up to an hour and 15 minutes so we lucked out And now for the important stuff... The food was delicious. I had the chicken fried chicken and the pulled pork sandwich (yes I was hungry). Both pulled pork sandwich was a solid 9/10, but the chicken fried chicken was top notch. Excellent service from our waitress Kiley too. Bottomless sweet teas were great!
(5)
Ashley W.
Amazing. We came here late (around midnight) on Sunday night after a bit of drinking - we had just been passed over at the Star Wars auditions and were drowning our sorrows along Broadway. The bartenders were so friendly and bantered easily with us. They refused our request to buy a round for the kitchen for inconveniencing them at the end of their shift, which was gentlemanly. After I looked over their cocktail list and couldn't find anything I particularly wanted, they mixed me up something special. It was something with bitters and lemon and whiskey and other things I can't recall. It was absolutely delicious and went perfectly with the duck fat fried tater tots. If you're in the area, stop in to Merchants just for those. Good Lord. As good as the food and service were, I loved the decor here as well - classic tri-chromatic diner color palate with an old-world feel. They also had a fantastic playlist going. Next time we're in Nashville we'll definitely return.
(5)
Heidi F.
Excellent, down to earth service! The duck tots were all right...soup and sammy was awesome! Chicken fried chicken was delish! The bartender was serious about his craft and made the most excellent mojito! This is probably the most eclectic people you will ever see!
(4)
Becky E.
I was visiting Nashville with my best friend for the weekend and decided to stop in at Merchants!! Probably the best meal of the weekend! I had the Sammy & Soup. Grilled cheese & bacon sandwich with tomato soup!! Ultimate comfort food for me! Absolutely fantastic!!! My friend had the blackened catfish sandwich and shrimp corn chowder. She raved on & on about how good it was!! Definitely stop in for a bite of you're in town!!!!
(5)
J S.
Brian Hall was our server and was wonderful! Ask for him.... So enjoyable. He recommended the Brisket which was great. He's adorable and personable.
(5)
Krista K.
Best Moscow mule I have ever had. They make their own ginger syrup to create an amazing flavor. The Moscow mule is served with a piece of candied ginger on top. Wow... Dustin was our server and was fantastic, even though we arrived minutes before closing. Their ranch popcorn was crave-able! Ask nicely and they will give you the super secret recipe!
(5)
Cathleen N.
We dined upstairs since the brased short ribs caught my eye. The ambiance itself is quite pleasing and there was plenty of room to move around. I had a Miss Atomic Bomb which is the ultimate girly drink and was a great recommendation by our waitress. We skipped on the appetizers and went straight to the main entree. I wasn't as wowed as I thought I would be. My short ribs were actually much too salty for my taste. The celery puree and roasted beets were what saved the dish for me. It seemed to balance out the saltiness so that I could at least manage to eat the dish. The broccoli seemed as though it was just added to the dish as an afterthought. It wasn't seasoned at all. For dessert, my fiance had the strawberry hand pie which he didn't even finish. It wasn't as appetizing as the description made it out to be. I had a chocolate/peanut dessert that was quite delicious! It also came with some ice cream which aided in balancing out the richness of the chocolate. I think that should we return to Merchants, we will be dining downstairs as that's where a majority of the good reviews come from.
(3)
Amber J.
Duck fat tater tots!?! Yes, please! The chipotle mayo dipping sauce was fabulous! The ranch coated popcorn while you wait was amazing!
(4)
Jennifer H.
In town for a girls weekend and we always make reservations for the first night a head of time. So happy we found a great place downtown, started off with a drink called the mad hatter...jack, absithe, fresh lemonade. We also order the duck fat fried tater tots and the southern fry. I did not care much for the fried okra, I guess it is an acquired taste. I shared a meal wIth a friend and they split it for us....mac and cheese and chicken fried chicken. Yum! Good service,
(4)
Taylor J.
Stopped in on Saturday around 1pm and as I was by myself, I grabbed a seat at the bar that was open. The bartender was very helpful in helping pick a local brew to my liking (Jackalope Thunder Ann) and he was right on. He was very friendly and attentive, and helped with food recommendations too. I was torn between the brisket and pulled pork. He recommended pulled pork since it was lunchtime, as well as the sweet potato fries as my side. I didn't even realize that I got a side because the options aren't listed on the menu. But his recommendation did NOT disappoint. The sweet potato fries were the best part of the whole meal. I HIGHLY recommend them... delicious!!! As for the pulled pork, it was just average. Nothing I haven't had elsewhere, and I was looking for better on my first meal in Nashville. It is nice to have the BBQ sauce on the side so you can control how much is on the sandwich. My only real complaint is that my seat at the bar was on the end next to the station where the waitstaff makes their own mixed drinks. That didn't bother me, but it did bother me that they continually complained about their customers as they stood there making their drinks. I may have only been one person, but you're still within earshot of at least one customer who can hear you complain and criticize the people who are essentially putting money in your pocket. And they were just making fun of the special requests people were making for the mixed drinks - if they're paying and they're drinking it, why do you care? Why be mean about it? Very unprofessional.
(3)
Katherine C.
I found this place via yelp while looking for a "not too touristy" place to eat. My parents and I were surprised by the variety and atmosphere right off of the main strip. The hosts gave us several sitting options and were helpful. We of course ordered the duck fat tater tots and they were incredible. I ordered the steak frites (I substituted for the house made chips which were on par) and it was easily the best steak I have ever had. If they serve steak in heaven, this is what they'll use. The waiter also brought out popcorn that was very good and had several different flavors to it-we had to ask for more! Their drink selection is vast and the bar and bartenders are very diverse and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this place--the first place my dad gave a 5 start rating to!
(5)
Kevin J.
Awesome. Get the fish tacos. Pulled pork sandwich was also good. Bartenders make excellent craft cocktails. If you want an old fashion or similar drink, they make them right. This place is the only classy, decent place to eat around that area. Everywhere else is standard to below average bar food, which is fine when you are hammered, but if you want a nice meal before you go out, this is the place to go.
(5)
Janet N.
We came here for a few cocktails on New Year's Eve 2012/13 to get out of the rain, and I'm so glad we did. We made Merchant's a destination when a friend recommended the Rocky Top Flip, a (really tasty) cocktail that the bartenders here mix up. But we were also a bit peckish so we grabbed a few seats at the bar and ordered some food - fried green tomatoes and crab guacamole. (Both tasty, but my preference was for the tomatoes.) We were tempted by but did not order the duck fat tater tots. This place has a really cool ambiance - stylish but laid back, and the bartenders were chatty and pleasant, even on what is probably the worst night of the year to work. They have a menu of Nashville/Tennessee based cocktails, of which we tried four. One was a bit sweet for me (The "I Love Lucy," I think) but they were all good. It was the perfect place to spend a few hours on a rainy NYE, and I'd be happy to come back on another visit.
(4)
Matthew R.
So, it was Thanksgiving day, we are out of towners and hungrier than a bunch of broke college kids 3 months into school. We set out to see what was open to satisfy our hunger and decided to make the walk down to broadway. Much to my dismay, Broadway was open for business. We walked up and down Broadway and happen to stroll by Merchants and went in on a whim. Initial impression was classic southern style with timeless southern hospitality. Immediately greeted with a smile and no wait for the lower floor. (Make sure you check out the menus for both floors). Wait staff was more than friendly and attentive. We were never left waiting for anything and our water glasses were never empty. Cocktails and beers were on point and constant attention to how our experience was going made this a very enjoyable place. Surprisingly, Merchants was really busy and not an empty table in the place. As for the food, we started with the duck fat fried tater tots, simply amazing! Light, crunchy, not greasy and amazing flavorful. I ordered the Cobb salad and the grilled chicken sandwich, both of which were amazing. The salad had fresh lettuce, great egg and chicken and an amazing light sprinkle of house dressing. The grilled chicken salad was a very generous fresh grilled chicken breast topped with delicious Swiss, lettuce and tomato. I was lucky enough to get a side of slaw from my brothers meal that I put on top that just set this off. I would recommend asking for slaw on it or getting a side and adding it yourself. All in all, great service, great fresh food and a very happy atmosphere. They also had plenty of TVs around the bar to watch the Thanksgiving day games. A must try place if you have the time.
(4)
Sarah K.
went to merchants with some friends over the weekend! we split some appetizers--the baked cheese and duck fat tater tots. the tater tots were excellent! i had the fish tacos. delicious, but hard to eat. the sweet potato fries (which i chose over the slaw per the recommendation of our waiter) were thick and flavorful. i didn't care for the bbq sauce they were served with for dipping, so next time i'd ask for ketchup instead. we made a reservation and it was so easy and nice to be seated right when we arrived. the complimentary valet parking (to the side of the restaurant in the alley, not along the street) was super nice and convenient. will be going back here! prices were pretty reasonable for how nice of a restaurant it is.
(4)
Donald L.
My wife and I ate her on our stop over on the way to our Florida Vacation. Loved the location in the historical building. It was just like it looked on the website. So we scheduled a table in the bistro on the first floor. The service was perfect, drinks always full and the food was spot on! We tried the duck fat fried Tater Tots, very good. She had the Fried Chicken and i had the Jambalaya. The chicken was crispy and the mashed potatoes and spinach was excellent. The Jambalaya packed some heat, it was not over the top, but just perfect. I had added a side of corn bread that was a good way to cool the pallet. Looking forward for another visit!
(4)
Lauren M.
I was definitely pleasantly surprised with Merchants being smack-dab in the middle of Nashville's tourist strip but am so very happy with the experience! The idea is very cool - upstairs is nice dining and downstairs is a more casual affair. They serve ranch-flavored popcorn as a snack when you sit down (delicious) and the waiters work together to make sure you are well taken care of. I got the pork with cheddar grits and was so very happy. My husband's mac 'n cheese was to die for. I only wish we lived closer to go back!
(5)
Sam U.
Great atmosphere and decor. It's a pleasant dining experience. Food was solid, I loved the chicken fried chicken. Apps are good as well, as others are pointing out the duckfat tater tots. I think it's a must for at least a drink, if not a meal, as you wander around downtown. I didn't see any other restaurant like it on Broadway. I felt it a little over priced for what it was, but based on location and uniqueness to the immediate area it was not unreasonable.
(4)
Heather G.
Actually one of the better meals we had in Nashville. Decent service, clean appearance of restaurant. Here is what you must try: duck fat tater tots. I think I have said enough!
(4)
Mike P.
First time to Nashville and wanted to find the quintessential Nashville restaurant for a quick bite. This was the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten. Lights out good! If ever back in town, Merchants will be on my short list of places to visit again..
(5)
Brian M.
Went to Merchant for dinner before our flight home. We were lucky enough to get Ross as our waiter. He made great suggestions and was speedy because we had a flight to catch. We highly recommend The Merchant and make sure you request Ross. Wonderful experience.
(5)
Laura F.
Pretty darn delicious. I got the pork chop with grits. I don't always like grits but these were very yummy. Pork was cooked perfectly. Our server was very likeable as well.
(4)
A B.
Had a bite downstairs today and the food was average for the price. Turkey sandwich was decent and fried green tomatoes were great but I kid you not, multiple servers asked no less than 9 times total if they could "get some of our plates out of the way." Okay fine, I don't want to sit in front of dirty empty plates (and i appreciate their attention to this) but we're talking about plates that still had food on them. Also, if I still have food in my hands, don't offer to take my plate. Common sense people.
(3)
A. C.
(6/22/2014) Great location in the midst of Lower Broad in the historic Merchant's Hotel, that's pretty much the greatest thing about it. Place is very popular, good thing we had a reservation, people were still jammed in there pressed up against our table. Cocktails were tasty, pricey. Food was OK, not great, would call it adequate, nothing was bad, but nothing was special or outstanding, not even the Duck Fat Tater Tots (while they were excellent tots, they're still a from-frozen Ore-Ida tater tot not matter what you fry them in). I will say the Bernaise Sauce was absurdly delicious, but it's pretty much a stick of melted butter, can't go wrong. They seem to try to make up for it with generous portion sizes. Deviled Eggs were just as good as at any picnic. The Southern Fry was plentiful, somewhat over-fried, thin pickles, okra, small shrimp were dry, the larger catfish pieces were all right. We were full and enjoyed the company, Merchant's let us do that.
(3)
Evelyn R.
Duck fat tater tots were really good and came with great dipping sauces. Fish tacos were fantastic and light. Chicken fried chicken was perfectly crispy, tender, and juicy on a bed of mashed potatoes and wilted spinach which really made the whole dish amazing. And you can't go wrong with any of the cocktails, they're all delicious. Loved the decor and feel of the place, a Nashville highlight!
(5)
Laura D.
The duck tater tots are awesome when paired with their trip of dipping sauces and the cheese dip has an incredible depth of flavor. The mad hatter is a treat because it's a slightly sweet drink but not sickly so. Ryan J has Zach Braff's charm but is a super competent server. Don't miss this late night hot spot!
We dined here before a concert. Easily seated and the service was good. The duck fat tater tots were okay. Neat atmosphere but food wasn't memorable.
(3)
Hillary H.
awesome, Meghan was great, we always had refills and great food and service! try it
(5)
David L.
I've dined both upstairs and downstairs here over the years. My upstairs dining experience is quite dated, though, so I'll confine my comments here to my recent downstairs experience. Frankly, the downstairs area is not that roomy, so it has always seemed to be hit or miss in my experience as to whether you can land a table without a reservation. Fortunately, this time, I had a reservation! (I highly recommend you follow suit.) The servers here have never seemed to have a lot of time on their hands, so they rush around at a pretty frenzied pace. Nevertheless, we received quick attention and were given ample time to decide on our meals. (Note: I let the server know we had an engagement at the Ryman at 7:30pm so they would be aware of our need for quick turnaround and attention. I should also emphasize that this was not the first time I've dined here prior to a TPAC , Arena or Ryman event. They readily accept the guidance and act accordingly. Refreshing!) Even though we were somewhat in a rush - we arrived at 6pm - we simply had to pause for a glass of wine. Nice house choices are available, and we chose the cab. Nice! So, time was a-wasting - we needed to order. I opted for the fish tacos, with the duck fat tater tots. The mahi-mahi was quite good and the guacamole provided a nice, fresh zest. The slaw that accompanied the tacos had a nice tang to it, as well. And the tater tots - these were hot and delicious. Once dipped in the chipotle mayo, each tot tasted just great! Exactly what I hoped for. Exactly what I got! My beautiful and savvy daughter - always the one to focus her palate on a simple dish with potential flair - chose the soup n' sammy: A nice blend of cheddar and gouda cheeses with a creamy tomato soup. Simple, perfect, understated, but wholly satisfying. Just what she wanted. Admittedly, not the most elegant meal. But, that was not our intent. We clearly intended to have a nice, quick but relaxing meal before a fun concert. It absolutely met our expectations! - Solid customer service. - Good food, popping with flavors. - Reasonable prices. - Convenient location. - oh, and valet parking! This spot has always held a unique position in my head as a quaint, fun place to start an evening of downtown entertainment. It is conveniently located, in close proximity to TPAC, the Ryman or the Arena. I recommend you try it for the start of an enjoyable evening. You can't go wrong!
(4)
Jeff E.
We ate on the ground floor level and this was the perfect place for our first night in Nashville. Great southern fare and great cocktails. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a casual place that feels a little upscale. Get the chicken fried chicken!
(4)
Samantha S.
Food was delicious and service was excellent!! Brian was our waiter and he was awesome!
(5)
Jennifer F.
Came to merchants are and say outside. We had the Tator tots which were great. Unsure of what else to have we turned to the waiter for guidance. Ryan helped is out and helped my husband choose 2 great drinks. We had the wings and the Cobb salad. service was fantastic. Ryan was wonderful. Would definitely come again.
(5)
Cristina A.
Had a great dinner. Upstairs was a bit expensive and we changed our mind and went downstairs. The Tennessee mojito is a must if you like a sweet fresh drink. They also had a good beer selection. We tried the tater tots and they were good with the buffalo sauce. I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Debbie M.
Wow I've been blown away at many a place but this was phenomenal with an upscale nawlins sophistication but staying true to the the deep south hospitality with the best fare Nashville has to offer- oh so worth it
(4)
Emily K.
Very very good! The salads are great for lunch and the tatter tots are really good. Great drink choices and the service was excellent.
(5)
Dagger B.
Luv this restaurant!!!! Upstairs menu has the best food though IMO but everything is exceptionally great!
(5)
Nick O.
This is a must stop in Nashville for dinner but gets packed at weekends so get there early. Upstairs is finer dining, downstairs is more a bistro feel. This is a place where the ladies can really dress up, or go casual either works as a very mixed crowd. There is a great vibe at the bar if you're by yourself too. Staff are awesome, very chatty and the food is always good. Check out the menu on their site it's all good stuff, steak and fish are superb here. Good selection of wine and scotches. If you are in Nashville for a romantic weekend, make this your first night for dinner and let your date wear that sexy dress, then head down the street and cross over to "crossroads" for some great music. Welcome to Nashville!
(4)
Leesa W.
Best sweet potato fries. Friendly staff. Glad we chose this over Rippy's. Pleasant atmosphere.
(5)
Jack K.
We often visit downtown restaurants before symphony performances. We have visited Merchant's several times, but this was our first to eat downstairs. We enjoyed it a lot. The upstairs restaurant is more elegant, including a more extensive menu. The downstairs restaurant has a simple menu, and is much more vibrant. We really enjoyed the experience, which included a good view of all the hustle and bustle of people on Broadway. The food includes the best fried green tomatoes we have had in Nashville, a good selection of burgers and sandwiches, a few upscale main dishes, and some very good desserts. Our meal was excellent and the experience was fun. The wine selection was very good. Highly recommended.
(4)
Jeff M.
Although I appreciated the menu and craft cocktails I can sum up Merchants Restaurant (Up) in one word: awful. The wedge salad with thick pieces of bacon started the night of just fine but then the rest came. Quail stuffed with foie gras sounded pretty awesome but the flavor of the foie somehow manged to not make its way through the quail. There was no depth of flavor in the dish and the quail was not seasoned aggressively enough. The carolina mountain trout with lobster mash was another miss. The white fish was discolored by burnt butter and it was not seasoned properly. The mash was luke warm and the lobster was cold. The pan roasted chicken, although not seasoned enough, was cooked fine, but, the gnocchi mac and cheese was too heavy, too rich and just unpleasant to eat. A side of brussel sprouts with bacon was exactly how it sounds; sports with bacon. Nothing was seasoned properly. A little salt would have improved each dish. I skipped dessert. Finally to add to the list of my grievances service was slow and showed a lack of maturity.
(1)
Jenna H.
I came upon Merchants during a business trip last May - it was nice and close to my hotel. My co-worker and I decided to eat upstairs as we favored the menu more and got a great seat at the window overlooking the street below. The ambiance was great, and I loved the server's uniforms with suspenders. The service itself throughout our time there was not the best. Our server really did not know the menu at all and could not make recommendations. The bread starter was fabulous - and the salted butter it came with was amazing. My garden salad was unimpressive and bland, but I was really happy with my dinner. I chose the poached cobia amandine. The fish was fresh and buttery, and came accompanied with garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus. I would come here again if I am in the area.
(3)
Kevin N.
So honky tonk row has its own particular mojo, one not unknown to locals, and, frankly, to those descending like ninjas upon the city, in search of fun or commerce or the proverbial late nights warbling to fan favorites spun out against the burgeoning moon. That's not really what Merchant's is all about, mind you, but that's where it's situated, so stands to reason that they occasionally come into contact with these sentiments, and as an out of towner who's spent a little bit of time here, it was worthwhile to stumble in on a weekend afternoon in no particular hurry, but also without an agenda. What we found was a comfy, upscale ambience, punctuated by attentive but not overt service, and a menu ripe with just what we needed at the time: a couple of apps, some cold ones, a cocktail in the offing, some wine, hopefully poured a little too tall. All in all, I'd happily rep the duck fat tater tots (to soak up what's troubling you), paired with a choice libation: the brew list was decent, the wine list approachable, the cocktail list intriguing, even on an afternoon where we didn't quite know what we were up to next. Because sometimes you need to wander. And there are places made to keep fueling your quest. Let this be one of 'em.
(4)
Adam M.
As part of my quest to have great steak in every city I visit, I chose Merchants in Nashville. For ambiance, you can't beat Merchants. Built in a historic Nashville hotel, the antique and worn look is both historic and comfortable. Dinner was served upstairs, with a view out over Broadway and busy downtown Nashville. I wanted good steak and was not disappointed. Pricey but good. The duck fat fries were pretty awesome and my ribeye was tasty. Not a bad place to eat in downtown Nashville.
(4)
Katie K.
Great spot on Broadway! Our server, Matt, picked the perfect drink for me...The Botanist, mint, lemon, cucumber, gin...perfection! We share the fried green tomatoes and the surf and turf special (filet and lobster), it was the perfect portion for two of us so weren't carrying leftovers all over Broadway. Matt was especially great with recommendations and timed our meal perfectly. The bartenders were also extremely attentive and helpful with recommendations while we waited to be seated. Next time we're in Nashville, we'll be back!
(5)
Joe P.
Excellent food and good service in the most touristy area of Nash Vegas. Some grade A people-watching too, if you get a window seat with a view of Broadway. My table enjoyed the duck fat tots, the cobb salad, and the chicken fried something or other. Merchants was the food-related highlight of my short visit to Nashville.
(5)
Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were visiting Nashville and was recommended this place by a local bartender. We get there and are told there will be a 35-45 minute wait and ask for my phone number so they can text me when our table is ready. No seats at the bar so we head over to Margaritaville to grab a drink while we wait. About 15 minutes later, right after we order a drink I get a text saying our table is ready...pretty mad at this point, we finished our drinks quickly (more like chugged) and headed back. Service was alright and so was the food for how overpriced it was..probably wouldn't recommend it.
(3)
Jason S.
I should like this place more. I really should. Duck fat tater tots, people! That should do it, right? Decent menu, pretty sure that the Goldberg bros. have something to do with this place nowadays. Nice cocktails, servers with natty uniforms, what's not to like? I'll tell you what. The last time I was there was right before the "Tenacious D" concert at the Ryman. I walked into the men's room and one of the stalls had sh*t overflowing onto the floor. That's not an exaggeration. I'm pretty sure that I did a triple take. How does that happen in a civilized world? It is six months later and only now am I comfortable talking about it. On the upside, they will valet park your car and you can pick it up whenever you are done, hijinks be damned.
(2)
Moira R.
This is one of my favorite places in Nashville, although I've had great to just okay experiences here. The duck fat tater tots and the fried green tomatoes (with pimento cheese and pepper jelly) are phenomenal. The mac and cheese is amazing, and my partner tells me the brisket and fish tacos are to die for. I've loved the turkey club when in the mood for something simple. the sweet potato fries are great. Their cocktails are similarly well made and delicious, although I think their bartenders look and act a little pretentious. I came with a friend and they messed up her order (mac and cheese, no bacon). They had to remake the mac and cheese, but they ran out of noodles and had to make more. Ultimately, this experience was fine because the waitress was on top of the situation, incredibly apologetic, as was the manager. They comped something. We felt great about the service offered in this instance. Their desserts are similarly delicious, and almost a cannot miss. My last visit I had slightly lackluster service, for the first time. Our waitress seemed... distracted? preoccupied? like she didn't particularly want to be at work that day? I don't know, but it felt like a far cry from the usual experience I have at Merchant's. again, there was an issue with a friend's food order. she asked for a cheeseburger with no lettuce, tomato, onion, etc., and well done bacon. The burger came with all of these things + soggy bacon. The waitress apologized for the bacon, explained they pre-prepped it, and asked the kitchen to make more, which came out acceptably. All in all, it wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I was used to. This entire review refers to the downstairs section of the restaurant, because upstairs looks delicious, but pricey. The hosts have always been pleasant, and we've always managed to squeeze in fairly quickly, be it a last minute reservation, or wandering in off the street on a weekday. It's definitely one of my fav spots in Nashville.
(4)
Mike C.
Note: This review is for the downstairs/casual bistro. We knew we were only going to have one dinner in Nashville; this ended up being the right call. Cool bar scene, very friendly service, good beer list and great views of the action on Main St. Tried the duck fat tots. Pretty good, not much different from regular tots. Maybe a little bit richer and saltier tasting. But worth a try. Had the tomato soup and sammy for dinner. Delicious comfort food! My girlfriend also really liked her fish tacos. We also really enjoyed the old-timey yet modern feel of the place and the fact that we had a table near the windows at the front of the restaurant, so we could watch was happening at all the nearby bars.
Great location, good ambience, I really like their system of texting when a table is available. We were two persons, and on a Thursday night the wait time was about 30-40 minutes. We found seating at the bar and decided to just stay there instead of waiting for 30 minutes. The bartender brought us a nice little portion of popcorn - seasoned with cheese and dill (I think). We tried a local brew and the deviled eggs with pickles- excellent. We picked tilapia for the entree- again excellent. The side of cornbread was the best I have ever had. Now to why I took off the two stars- I asked for a Mac and Cheese without bacon- first I had to wait to about 30 minutes to get the food, after a reminder that I was waiting, the food came out with bacon in it. The place was busy and mistakes happen, but after specifying a few times that we don't eat meat- I expected better. I would still go back for the cornbread though!
(3)
Vicki S.
I had eaten in the downstairs dining area at Merchants several times, but never upstairs until earlier this week. The service is great up and down, but the dining experiences really are completely different. Downstairs is laid-back, contemporary Southern bistro fare. I love that they start your meal with a small bowl of popcorn in place of the oft-used bread basket. Upstairs is higher-end new American, with pricing to match both atmospheres. I arrived as the first one in my party and was able to sit back and people-watch for a bit. I immediately noticed some unmasked irritation from the hostess as several people, one after another, asked what the difference was between up and down. For dinner, I enjoyed (thoroughly) the wedge salad and the pan-roasted chicken. We were presented with a lovely basket of cheddar biscuits and corn muffins, served with a smoked sorghum butter (amazing). I was a bit taken aback by the portion sizes - the chicken seemed tiny to me, as did one of my companion's steaks. Both were prepared perfectly, though I had to request the salt shaker. Merchants really is a shining star among the trashier joints on the Broadway strip. If you can, wander around a bit - from what I've read there are still some bits and pieces of the old hotel that used to stand in its spot.
(4)
Mike J.
In spite of the fact that the first time I ate here I got a shard of glass in my cobb salad, this spot is a solid 3 stars in terms of lunch value. We suggest the patio - well heated in the winter. Overall, a good spot to bring business guests for lunch when you can't get into Etch.
(3)
Todd C.
Excellent food. You have to have the tater tots fried in duck fat. I chose the sweet potatoes fries and my daughter had the home made chips - both were winners. The steak frites was vey good and my wife enjoyed the catfish sandwich.
(5)
Earl T.
We dined in the upstairs dining room. Knowledgeable and friendly wait staff. The scallops were well received, the hake was outstanding and the pork shoulder pieces were delicious. Ask Porter, the waiter, about his tick taser. Used the valet parking and then went to the Ryman theater from there. Quite convenient to the Ryman with a nice wine list as well.
(4)
Noelle T.
Great lunch spot on Broadway. I might even go so far as to say that this is the best burger I've had in Nashville! I ordered my burger with homemade pimento cheese, bacon, and sweet potato fries. This is the only burger I've EVER eaten that didn't need ketchup or some sort of sauce. It was better than the burger I had at Gabby's, better than Burger Up, better than Red Robin, and better than Fat Mos. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and the corner building allowed for a ton of natural light which made for a great lunch vibe.
(4)
Tim G.
I haven't been to Merchants in a long time. Mostly because we are never downtown to eat. Tonight I was at a corporate function upstairs. The food was great. We had a salad, steak and a bunch of other stuff. The portion sizes were big. The service was excellent. On the way home I realized that I had left my laptop in the banquet room. I called an talked with the hostess. She ran up stairs and found it. When I pulled in she brought it to the car. Their honestly earns six stars. Thank you for helping me out tonight.
The blackened tilapia was seasoned perfectly, well worth a second trip. You've also got to have the duck fat tater tots (share with a few others).
(5)
Kevin L.
What a nice experience. If you are adventurous let the bar tender fix you a specialty drink of their choosing. Was astounded on how on point the seasoning of the food was. This might have been the first restaurant where I did not add salt or pepper to my meal, or think that the food was over seasoned. Will be back again!
(5)
Mary M.
Awesome!!!! Great service and trendy, unique quality dishes! We will definitely comeback!!! Inexpensive quality presentation of foods on the upper level as there are two levels with the lower level being less expensive and more casual.
(5)
Ann E.
My husband and I NEVER order our appetizers and entrees at the same time because we like a little time between courses. When we got to Merchants, we ordered Mojitos to sip on while looking over the menu. After ordering the drinks, we ordered soups. My husband really enjoyed the Tomato Bisque and I had the Shrimp Corn Chowder which was excellent. Our cocktails arrived after we had started eating our soups. When we were done eating our soups, we ordered our meals. I am not kidding when I tell you that our meals came out 5 minutes later!! Terrible timing! And unacceptable for us. My husband had Jambalaya which he said was pretty good. I had fish tacos for the first time and I thought they were delicious. Although our waitress was pleasant and the food was good, I have to give only 2 stars because of the above mentioned incident.
(2)
Marcia M.
I should really get out of my comfort hole sometimes... why have I always just considered Merchants to be just a dining spot? My last review was based off of a large dinner party that I hosted in the upstairs dining area but this update version is to swoon about the downstairs bar area. I loved the casual layout which is a completely different vibe from the more dark and moodiness from the upstairs dining area. It almost reminded me of a somewhat snazzier diner? My date and I ponied up to the bar for a cocktail and after the bartender made a suggestion on a crisp cordial, we obliged. DELISH. The prices are fair and in line with a spot of this caliber. Although, I didn't order from the food menu as we had already grabbed a bite earlier in the evening, I noticed an awfully seductive veggie burger and some appetizers that I must try soon. The menu had a very kitschy layout with interesting (and amusing) descriptions of their bites that include words such as "yummy" "gooey ooey" which I didn't expect but found to be charming. I will most certainly come back for lunch and for more cocktails as well. What was once deemed as a special occasion place, could now be a comfy little nook for this yelper.
(4)
Mike L.
We sat at bar and service was a bit scattered due to all the demands on the bar staff. But staff was nice. Food was decent to good but was a little pricey for what we got. Nice bar selection. The hotel recommended we tried their Moscow Mule. It was good but served in a regular glass instead of the copper mug that I expected. There are a lot of choices in that area but this place was a good solid choice.
(3)
Fran K.
The duck fat tater tots are amazing. Staff is very attentive to the customers. We dined in the bistro. They have a fine dinning section upstairs. I had the brisket and it was delicious. My friend had the steak frites. Make sure you get their home made m-57 steak sauce!
(4)
Paul B.
Food was incredible! Thanks to Claire she suggested the Smoked Brisket and it was the best meal I've had. Brisket melted in my mouth. Claire was outstanding and never let my water cup become empty. I highly recommend Merchants and hope you get Claire!
(5)
Hadie B.
Looking for a place that satisfied our taste buds for a well balanced delicious meal to offset all the Nashville partying and drinking and we came across this gem. The staff are not only courteous with their southern charm- they know the menu and can offer recommendations for even the pickiest of eaters. Wanna know how something tastes before ordering? Our awesome waitstaff, Nick let us sample the chowder, which was beyond delicious! Nick in his self tied bow-tie was extremely attentive and never skipped a beat. I had the salmon BLT with the duck fat tater tots. Loved the combo of the salmon with the bacon. While we enjoyed our food we were entertained by Travis, who not only had great recommendations for around town but has a hot bod as well. I highly recommend this establishment. Good eats and a staff that is unmatched in Nashville. Well done, Merchant!
(5)
Stephanie L.
I will give Merchants a kudos on their craft cocktails, but the rest is less than stellar to make mention. I still will, I guess, but I was more than disappointed. In ordering the Southern fry, I expected more than puny slices of fried okra and sad, "smaller than popcorn" shrimp, and bits of catfish (the one plus) and fried, flimsy pickles. The tater tots were crispy. Yes. But, they too could have been more original. Like, homemade. I have had the from-scratch variety, and their flawed shapes show that hands made them versus a machine. I know that a lot of tourists walk through the door at Merchants, but tell me one person that wants to receive their food in 5 minutes? That is, 5 minutes after ordering the food. Unless I am at a fast food joint, I never want my food that fast. I want to enjoy the stages of a meal, from the cocktail sipping, to the appetizer munching, from the main attraction, to the dessert. Our food was up so fast, I thought it was someone else's order. To me, the swift delivery equated to pre-made or frozen food that had been dumped in a fryer and served. That, or the lot was made well ahead of time--in bulk--and reheated/sat under a lamp. You can be original (so you think) all day long with your suspenders and bow-ties, but if it doesn't translate to more than being on a bandwagon...well, you may want to rethink the grand message you are trying to convey as a restaurant. I don't care what your wearing if the product isn't worth the fashion show.
(3)
Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I were only in Nashville for one night and we were not sure where to go for dinner. Visited Merchant's on a recommendation, and was floored by how much we loved everything about it. The food was excellent! The drinks were top notch as well, I highly recommend trying the Roughing It. As a bartender, I really enjoy trying craft cocktails that are unfamiliar and unique, and this one took the cake. Our server, Ryan J, was superb as well. Gave us some great recommendations on the menu and was a joy to talk to the entire evening. I highly recommend this joint, it made our only night in Nashville a fantastic experience.
(5)
Morgan P.
My fiance and I came here for a New Years Day burger. We wanted to start the year out on the right foot. We were quickly seated in a booth by a window. We ordered burgers. He ordered chips with his and I ordered the sweet potato fries. Our burgers were really good. We ordered our burgers medium and they were cooked appropriately: pink in the center. I ordered mine with the pimento cheese at the waitress's suggestion and it was really good. The burgers came with lettuce, onion, and tomato and was served so that you can dress it how you like. Our sides were not tasty. My boyfriend said that his chips were greasy and flavorless. My sweet potato fries tasted like a piece of sweet potato. I know that sounds whiney but they were really thick cut and it tasted like I was just eating chunks of baked sweet potato. I mean that in an unpleasant way. I like sweet potato fries but these were not my favorite. Overall, the side issue ended up being a blessing because our burgers were more than enough food so we didn't leave feeling overstuffed. I would come back if I wanted a burger and I were downtown.
(4)
Kyle M.
Merchant's is a classy, lively restaurant at Broadway and 4th, in downtown Nashville. They offer two dining settings, simply referred to as Up(stairs) and Down, with Down being casual, bar-centered dining, and Up being more upscale. The menus match the setting. As I have yet to experience Up, this review will be solely on Down. The setting was fantastic. Our table was overlooking the intersection, on the 4th Ave side, providing an excellent view of passersby and the downtown area. The atmosphere was casual, but classy, with bowtie and suspender clad bartenders and servers, contributing to the fun, southern atmosphere. The drinks menu was excellent, with twists on classic cocktails spotlighting local beers and liquors. My dinner mates and I tasted the classic daiquiri and margarita, the house whiskey cocktail, and the Presbyterian, a wonderful, tart cocktail featuring Wild Turkey rye, lemon, and house-made gingerbeer. They menu also featured several local Yazoo brews, and a simple but diverse wine list. The menu was eclectic, with strong southern influence. We shared the fried green tomatoes, with cornmeal breading, served over homemade pepper jam with Merchant's house pimento cheese. While they came a little darker than I would have hoped, the flavors were incredible. The breading adhered to the tomato, which had been perfectly cooked, and retained just the right amount of chew. The jam was just sweet enough, while keeping a bright pepper flavor, and the pimento cheese was the perfect creamy texture with just enough bite to compliment the dish. For entrees, we had the steak frites, a french dip, mac n cheese, and the jambalaya. The steak friges came as a perfectly cooked and tender filet with fresh homemade fries, served with a small salad with lemon garlic vinaigrette. The french dip was simply but wonderfully roasted shaved beef, on a fresh baguette served with the quintessential jus and crisp homemade potato chips. The Mac n cheese featured thick, perfectly cooked macaroni in a creamy, delicious cheese sauce with crisp bacon and sweet cherry tomatoes. Finally, the Jambalaya was exquisite. Shredded stewed chicken in a spicy, perfectly seasoned creole sauce with soft andouille, with dirty rice topped with fresh, if not small, well-cooked shrimp. Ultimately we found ourselves satisfied enough to skip dessert, although we were saddened to learn that they offered only coffee, with no espresso options on the menu. The service was excellent, albeit somewhat slow, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and the vantage of downtown Nashville captivating enough to overlook the pace. All in all, the food was excellent, the atmosphere hip and fun, and the servers very friendly and knowledgeable, being quick to offer suggestions when asked. I can't wait to return to try Up, and of course, another Presbyterian.
(4)
Jessica P.
Great event space upstairs! We had an engagement party here for my sister and her fiance a few weeks ago. The staff was super friendly, the food was good and the drinks were strong, what more could you want in an event space? If I am ever in Nashville again with some free time I will definitely come here to try the downstairs dining experience.
(4)
Helen C.
I went for dinner with my kids passing through Nashville and have not stopped talking about our amazing experience!! Everything thing about this restaurant is 5 stars! The food was excellent, cocktails amazing and service was outstanding! I have a lttle deli and pastry shop back home so I understand the importance of customer service! and this place has got it all! Our server was Jackie but we also had the pleasure of meeting John and Ryan. All three helped make our experience at Merchants memorable, helping with suggestions on the menu especially with picky eaters and suggestions with cocktails. Cant wait to go back! Wish we had something like this back home! Highly recommend!!!
(5)
Thomas L.
Definitely a highlight in the downtown eating scene. The mac and cheese was so tasty. My wife didn't like her drink at first but the waitress was more than willing to get her another more liked drink. We had been her once before for dessert and it didn't disappoint. The whole meal this time was again one of our best in Nashville along with the service. We would highly recommend the Brownie a la Mode and there are also some dessert cocktails to pair with the brownie. I would highly recommend checking this place out especially if you are downtown. I think it overlooked by a lot of locals.
(5)
Chris C.
Sometimes you find a good restaurant in the middle of a tourist area, but most of the time, you find a place trying to hard to appeal to the crowds, and not enough to be a good restaurant. Merchants is smack in the middle of touristy Broadway which should be your first clue to go somewhere else.I wanted to like this place a lot, but unfortunately the food was only so-so and the service was awful. The building and cafe on the first floor are appealingly renovated in sort of a "modern Victorian" way (the place dating back to the actual Victorian era), and i had high hopes for the place based on the friendly initial greeting and space, but things quickly went downhill from there. My partner and i shared the duck fat tater tots, which were very obviously frozen tater tots which had really no hint of the richness they should get from the duck fat, with 3 not-very-special sauces. Big disappointment. My main was a jambalaya with was perfectly fine, but nothing i couldn't get a lot of other places or make myself. I don't go out to a restaurant to have things i can make better myself. My cocktail was quite good -- a basil mojito -- but it came out AFTER my appetizer after we asked another waiter about it. It was then plunked down without even a "sorry for the wait." Which brings up another big issue -- the service. Our waiter spent too much time being an ironic-mustache-sporting; bow-tle and skinny- braces wearing hipster to pay us any attention. Also, part of the problem was that our blouses were not cut low enough. The girls one table over were getting much more attention. One good drink + awful service and mediocre food does not = a good restaurant. So at least we saved on the tip, because he only got about 10%. And that's about how much i liked this resturant out of 100.
(1)
Ray S.
Best food in Nashville. Well worth any wait. Cobb was awesome, fish tacos great, and kids loved grilled cheese. Super atmosphere.
(5)
HuangRong E.
So I followed my friends in here expecting nothing and just figured we'd have a quick lunch before going back to work. However!! When I put a duck fat tater tot in my mouth, I instantly felt the need to take the rest of the plate and keep it to myself. Screw you friends! All mine! And also, duck fat! What the hell?! Do you make everything taste so good??! I ordered the deviled eggs and southern fry, and both were good, it was creamy and tasty, and the fried fish and shrimp were so good! I try not to eat fried foods but it was worth the calories. I also dislike salmon unless its sashimi but I tried my friends salmon bacon sandwich and again I wanted to steal it. Screw you fried, mine!! The salmon didn't have the fishy taste and it was crispy on the side, and soooo meaty like! I'm not sure what that exactly means but I guess its fish, but meatlike. Get it?? Lastly, I'm totally blown away by how genuine Daniel the waiter is. He's such an honest and friendly guy, you don't see this in L.A. I'm used to waiters who couldn't give a crap but Daniel is sooooo nice! What the heck Daniel, be my best friend already! I really wanted to go back the next day but I ended up getting a headache and had to stay in. Really sad that I couldn't eat good food and see Daniel again before I left. Normally I wouldn't be heading to Nashville frequently but I would definitely consider coming back so I can eat here again, and also say hello to my favorite waiter! My parents used to own restaurants so I definitely know. When a establishment can get such a top notch server it's like gold, people will want to come back because you feel so welcomed! It's not just an act, he really cares if you enjoyed your meal. I'm so glad I got to experience this hospitality and professional service, and amazing food. Try it out yourself! :)
(5)
Paula C.
On our visit to Nashville we met locals who recommended Merchants. Glad we listened. We went before the dinner rush, so we did not wait. Our waitress, Kamellie was a breath of fresh air. Friendly, outgoing, and she provided outstanding service. The food was excellent. We are from Chicago, and we are foodies. This place rocks!
(5)
Ellie M.
This was generally a mixed experience. I was in Nashville on travel and went to Merchants with a larger group. The primary plus is that the space itself is cool and well done, good ambiance. Clearly they are trying to do some interesting things with the menu... however, the food and drinks were good but not great. Unfortunately, the staff in general seemed to think this place is better than it is and were unnecessarily uppity which I find very off-putting. It's a decent choice for Nashville where I have not found many good places - but compared with restaurants nationally they fall right in the middle and thus need to drop the airs.
(3)
Kerriann K.
Ate upstairs at Merchant's. Waited 40 minutes to be seated only to find the dining room had over 7 tables free (most of which remained free the whole time we were there). Other than what seemed like a needless wait, the rest of the dining experience was excellent. Friendly, well-versed staff, and excellent entrees. The steak frites was served more rare than requested, but the dishes were promptly cooked for longer. The lamb and scallop and squid ink risotto were awesome.
(4)
Lauren D.
Food was AMAZING. I had the most delicious cornbread I've ever tasted, and the cocktails and local beer selection were spot on! I would highly recommend making a reservation as there was at least a 45 minute wait prior to our 7pm dining time. The one issue which brought this down to four stars was the lack of service by the host. I was very disappointed when the host came up to us and immediately said you'll have to come back. I told them we had a reservation and they said it wasn't in the system. I had to argue with them and show our Open Table reservation - behold, they already had a table reserved for someone with the same number of people at the same time - who would have thought?! Not happy that we were not treated the best, but hopefully the next visit to Merchants will prove to be a better experience.
(4)
Brittany S.
I was so happy to find a place on music row that had some gluten free food. I am at the point where I am pretty used to being gluten free now...but being in the south it is hard not to be able to try hardly anything that it is famous for. The food was decently priced, it tasted really good, and the staff was really friendly and attentive. I would definitely go back there again!
(4)
Tom R.
The downstairs was pretty cool. It's an old style diner with some really good food. It has a marble bar in the center and all the tables are marble. The food is very good. The duck fat tots...pretty good, but I couldn't tell the difference between duck fat and regular frying oil. Definitely go!
(4)
Rachel H.
Duck Fried Tater Tots. All I have to say. My boyfriend and I snuck in here randomly and we are so glad we did. The staff was very nice and the food was delicious! The popcorn that they give you before the meal was yummyyy and they probably thought we were crazy because they kept having to refill our "cup", but we just couldn't get enough. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Cindy H.
Just wrapped up our first meal in Nashville at Merchants and it was delicious. And our server, Ryan J, was awesome. He had great recommendations and made sure the Tennessee Mojitos kept flowing. If you have the appetite, the chicken fried chicken was amazing.
(5)
Cole A.
Great service, our waitress Ariel was outstanding! The ambience is classy and chic without feeling too uptight. Recommended fried green tomato app! Get the sweet potato fries if you order a sandwich. The pulled pork was a little dry but still very flavorful. Their drink menu is extensive with some expertly crafted and unique choices.
(4)
James S.
Goo d food. Service at bar was good even though it was so busy. I recommend this. Tater tots were great. They are cooked in duck fat! Delish!
(4)
Stephie Z.
You can't hear me, but I am sighing right now. One of those deep and long sighs. My friends and I received completely different service dependent upon where we were sitting in the bottom of this restaurant on a Saturday evening. It started with me and one friend. We sat at the bar. Bartender immediately grabbed our beers. He was quick to have us order and the food was delivered after our beer was finished (fairly quickly). My chicken confit was tasty if not a bit bland. My friends classic wedge salad with blue cheese was huge and the dressing was crave worthy. We ordered another beer, then received and paid our check quickly. A good dining experience with excellent service. Then my friends arrived. There was no more bar seating so they put our names in for a table. The place had started clearing out and was about half full so we were sat at a booth quickly. After awhile a waitress showed up to take our drink order. We wait and wait and wait for our drinks. About 30 minutes. A bit too long for 3 beers and a glass of wine. We decide to move over to the counter since no one is paying attention to us in our booth. The waitress never even wanders by. We sat at the counter for a bit without being asked if we needed anything and we made up our mind to leave. Of course the waitress walks up with our drinks just then. She looked a little panicked when she realized we weren't at the table, but we walked back over since the drinks were there. She apologized profusely, something about thinking another waitress was supposed to run drinks. She took my friends food order and disappeared. Awhile later the food is received... a large salad, a bowl of soup, and 4 oysters on the half shell. Oh wait, make that 3 oysters on the half shell along with one completely empty oyster shell. When the waitress comes back to check on us.. after my friends had eaten the rest of their meal.. we notify her about the missing oyster. What idiotic chef/ plater person puts an empty shell on a plate and sends it out? A poorly managed line. **To their credit a manager came out and told us that he would send another 4 oysters out on the house and that our first round of drinks was on the restaurant** Very adequate compensation for the poor service and lack of oyster. I would probably eat here again, but next time I would stick to the bar. They seem to be much more attentive.
(3)
Allison B.
I stopped by before the a show at the Ryman to grab a cocktail. I wish I allowed more time and was able to eat too. The menu looked amazing. I had no idea there was such a nice place among the honky tonks of Broadway. Cocktails were amazing. They had a good mix of traditional favorites and creative yummyness. The bar was packed, but service was fast and attentive. I will be back if for nothing else but the duck tater tots.
(4)
Barrett R.
I go to this place every time I visit Nashville. It is the best restaurant on Broadway given such a touristy area. The drinks are pricey, but the food is great. I have eaten several menu items, and they are all very tasty. From a foodie standpoint and the fact it is on a MAJOR Honky Tonkin' tourist street, you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Gina B.
After reading a lot of mixed reviews on this restaurant and having a lot of lackluster meals in Nashville, we reviewed yelp and decided our best bet was Merchant! I'd give them 5 stars, but they have a serious deficit in the vegetarian entree selection. Essentially, my friend was asked to come up with what she wanted and they would prepare it for her (which contradicts what you go out to eat for... you rely on the imagination of the chef right??). Anywho. We enjoyed the crab guacamole dip and I had the fish taco. Huge dish that I had served w/sweet potato fries. They put cinnamon and sea salt on them. Hello! Speak to my belly! We were super pleased w/everything and the price was nice!!! Go, check them out. The ambience is very nice for Broadway; a perfect contradiction to the touristy crasiness, which is so fantastic!
(4)
Jelena Z.
Bravo, Merchants... Bravo! The food was killer, the ambiance remarkable and the drinks? Legendary. I usually don't do cocktails but downed THREE. I'll forever remember Merchants as the place where I popped my Dark and Stormy cherry. This is my signature cocktail now until the end of time. Melodramatic, perhaps, but completely true. Mixology is taken seriously here and both the know-how and the elbow grease show. To touch upon aesthetics - I loved the brooding vintage insides, perfect for one of those long, winding dinners when you try just about everything off the menu. A dream dinner party destination! From drinks to dessert, I felt fireworks. Big, over-the-top 4th of July fireworks! I promise: You won't be, can't be disappointed.
(5)
Brian J.
I took the recommendation of my hotel's front desk and ate at Merchant's and am glad I did. Excellent service. Great food. I started with the charcuterie appetizer and ended with the lamb. Not a single complaint. I will definitely be back the next time I visit Nashville.
(5)
Annette J.
I was so full from my meal here at Merchant's that I had to bow out of a honky tonk pub crawl after because I just didn't have any more room in my stomach for drinks. That's the marker of a good meal! One where I'm just so damn full but I still eat and eat and eat because it would be a sin not to! The space is really neat. The first floor is very diner-esque but upstairs is a more formal dining area with cool little decorative touches like a fireplace mantle bolted to a wall, filled with glued on sticks. So cute! I don't have a fireplace in my house but I've always wanted one. This would be cool way to fake it! The service was killer. Our waitress was friendly, helpful, and kept cool with our huge group, definitely a plus! The cocktails were fabulous and creative (Clover Club ftw!) and the food? Oh the food! Tried a bit of everything. From foie gras to baked potato gnocci, all fantastic appetizers. My main course of the mushroom gnocci was also to die for. Maybe I got too full from so much potatoey Italian goodness but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The desserts were also outrageous. I went with the chocolate bread pudding which clearly pushed me over the edge in the best way possible. Oh, how I wish Merchant's was in my own backyard. But perhaps it's good it's not. Saves my tummy a lot of discomfort. ;)
(5)
A C.
I stuck my head in here Saturday night during Memorial Day weekend. The decor was beautiful: black and white with a 1940's feel. Bartenders were all wearing starched white shirts and bowties. It was about 11:30pm-ish and there were only a few tables sat and about 10-12 people at the very large round bar. Considering many of the other restaurants on Broadway were packed at this time, this was kind of a red flag to me. Undaunted, I proceeded to the bar and got started. The bartender that helped me was adequate but after the meal came out, he was basically non-existent for the rest of the evening. I ordered a Medium ( pink throughout with a warm center) steak, salad, and fries. The steak came out in STRIPS (wtf?) and was medium rare ( red thru-out with a cool, dark red center). I asked a bartender to have it "'re-fired" thinking it would be an easy fix. 5 minutes later, it came back in the Exact Same Condition. I pointed out the internal coloring to the bartender and he had it re-fired a 2nd time. The manager (a short, pudgy, early 30-something Caucasian male with a blond/reddish beard) brought it out this time and said it was medium because the thermometer said it was 147 degrees. It was STILL red, albeit, with a dark, warmer red center. I decided to just make do with it to which he replied, "It's not like you're paying for it," in the snottiest, most immature and juvenile manner possible. Normally, I would be grateful about getting a steak comp'ed but Manager Pudgy Smurf's piss-poor attitude (along with the kitchen's inability to cook a MEDIUM steak) definitely ruined the meal. Ironically, I left a $20.00 tip only because I was not going to give them the smug satisfaction of thinking they gave me something (a comp'ed steak) for free that I didn't deserve. I give the meal 3 stars and the customer service 1 star. There are hundreds of restaurants in Nashville with far better service and steaks. Don't waste your time here.
(1)
Molly O.
Absolutely wonderful food. Service was terrific, great selection of local beers, and the chef inspired menu was superb. As an out of towner, our waiter made us feel very welcomed and even gave us a list of places and restraints to go to while we were in town! The upstairs section is more upscale, but worth every penny.
(5)
Rachel F.
By far my favorite Nashville dining experience. Strange entrance: bar, booths...then a large lobby...then an elevator (a giant one!) and now the whole lot of us is up on the second floor. I could talk about the ambiance and vibe and blah-freakity-blah la la la. What I'd like to talk about re: Merchants? The food and the service. Mostly the service. 1. Food The menu had me salivating. I mean, I got really, really excited reading this one. Foie app w/ apples and cranberries? Truffled cauliflower? Short ribs with chantrelle mushrooms and celery root and potato puree? Yes, yes and yes, to all of it. Also...had a great craft cocktail called "The Clover," and loved it. The food was well done, artfully prepared, and thoughtfully presented. 2. Service Here's where I will glow and glow and go and go. Im-freaking-peccable. Spot on. Professional but not cold. Extremely knowledgeable staff, great recommendations (esp that wine)! Spot on French-service. Confident, efficient, fantastic. Rave rave rave. I wish Merchants was in Milwaukee, like...a lot. A lot. I loved this restaurant. Not sure how I got there, but sure was happy to have been.
(5)
Stacy P.
So I just moved to Nashville a little over a year ago and have been to Merchant's a couple times and had a good experience. However, this review is not about those good experiences. My 2 girlfriends were visiting from home and I suggested we go out to dinner at Merchant's. We were greeted and the server took our drink order, after checking our IDs. Now, I do want to say... we do look young. We are all 25 and unfortunately I have the pleasure of having adult braces. About 15 minutes go by, and still no drinks. Another server comes over and ask if we've been taken care of. We reply we have and he looks confused. THEN... I'm guessing this man was the manager that came over to our table, though I couldn't tell you because he NEVER introduced himself. He says "Hey ladies, did you order some drinks tonight?" We reply "Yes...." So he just says "Can I see your IDs" Instead of maybe explaining his reasoning behind this, he is completely rude about it and walks away. About another 10 minutes go by and he brings us the drinks and says "You all look mad, what's wrong?" We just stared at him... of course we are mad. You are rude. "You all look young, that's a compliment! Now here's your drinks so you can have a good night" And walks away... Needless to say, when the waitress returned we paid for our drinks and left. She seemed surprised and said "I'm so sorry but we have a strict policy. Someone just got fired last week for serving someone underage" Now, being someone who has worked in the restaurant business for a few years, I completely understand the need of checking IDs. HOWEVER, its the way you go about it that makes all the difference. We felt completely embarrassed, all the staff were staring at us like we did something wrong. Nashville is a tourist town, if you cannot recognize out of state IDs then USE A SCANNER. And explain your policy first before you send over your "manager" who also should have explained the policy. Won't be coming back. Thanks.
(1)
Kim G.
They duck fat tots are ok, have had better. The chicken fried chicken was pretty tasty along with the spinach and mashed taters! The brisket was tender but the cornbread tasted a few dats old and dry...the cocktails and service were the star here! Great southern hospitality and the Mad Hatter cocktail was delish and was tipsy after 2!
(4)
Todd And Annie S.
We had an appetizer, an entree and a locally brewed beer. Overall experience very delightful; friendly service and enjoyed our fish tacos and southern fried app! Nice break from the strip scene and neat historical bldg. Very eclectic menu would love to try again.
(4)
Ryan D.
Been here twice... ate in the downstairs section both times. Great food with a local flair. Tried a burger and the salmon. Also have had the duck fat tater tots... which definitely worth trying out. The cheese plate is great. Food has been great on both visits. What really made our visits special, however, was the staff. They're great. They have fun. They'll talk with you. And they'll go above and beyond to provide good service. Case in point: on our last visit, my wife tried the veggie burger. She didn't like it. It wasn't that it was ill-prepared or anything... just wasn't to her taste. So she didn't eat much of it. The waiters noticed and immediately offered to bring something else. We tried to decline--since it was a matter of taste and not of poor quality. They wouldn't accept our decline, and brought us free desserts. Can't say this happens to everybody, but it was great gesture and left us feeling great about the experience. Thanks, Merchants!
(5)
Wind E.
what a unique dining place on Broadway, different from all the BBQ and bar food. the duck fat taters were great, our server, Arielle, recommended the fish tacos and they were fantastic. Service was great, food was too!
(5)
Chris W.
The restaurant was really neat, very old feel to it, classic archeticture and ambiance. Liked the fact that it was not like most of the other restaurants on broadway with lots of loud music to eat over. That is always there to do after you eat (which I did). It was very crowded, and the service was very slow. They were pretty good on bringing the food on time, and re filling the water glass, but the bar was very under staffed and it took for ever to get an adult bev. I saw a guy wait so long for a beer that the bartender told him not to worry it was on him for making him wait so long. Food was good. The kitchen had their ducks in a row and brought out food promptly after order was placed. Dont order food until you are pretty much ready for it because there is not a lot time in between when you order and when it arrives to the table. I was impressed to see their turn time in the kitchen considering how busy it was, however the bar service was very poor.
(3)
Marcus P.
I've been here several times and I've always enjoyed my meal. I've only eaten in the downstairs section (upstairs is the pricier more intimate setting). My fiance gets their mac and cheese..WOW. I'm not really that interested in mac and cheese usually, but this stuff is outstanding. It is a huge portion, so it's a great dish to share. (CAUTION: It is extremely rich. If you are a rich food wimp, steer clear.) The atmosphere is really cool; has an elegant 1920s feel to it. It can get a little busy in here, but the staff has always seemed to do a pretty good job of keeping up. Overall this is a great place to take friends from out of town to eat before heading to the honky tonks downtown. Make sure you make a reservation.
(4)
Natalie D.
Everyone in our group loved their food (myself included). Grab guacamole is always a must. Can't go wrong with the burger, pork tenderloin, chicken fried chicken or William "Will" as a waiter.
(4)
Christopher D.
Great food and atmosphere. I was only in Nashville for one night and I definitely happy I stopped at merchants for dinner. I had the chicken fried chicken and thought it was amazing. I will make sure to go to merchants next time I'm back in Nashville!
(5)
Jamie R.
This restaurant is way overrated and overpriced. Very limited menu and $38 steak was like shoe leather and served with fries. I've had better steaks at Outback and Texas Roadhouse. Not impressed at all!
(1)
Ronald N.
Great food and service. We dined upstairs w/c was more quiet and the ambiance is great. I had the chicken & my wife had the braised beef. We were both happy with what we ordered. Another plus going for them is the free valet service.
(4)
Bridget S.
Disappointed..thought the food and ambiance would have been better. My hubby made reservations for our anniversary dinner and we arrived with great expectations. My pork was OK and husbands steak SALTY...will not return.
(2)
Brandon G.
This is a review for the UPSTAIRS PORTION ONLY. I don't know what the deal is with this place, I'm surprised it's owned by the same people who own Catbird, etc. Downstairs is well lit and has a really cool vibe, Upstairs is dark and dingy and more expensive. I read one other review that said the Chef is off on Sundays, I think that must be accurate. I started with Beef tartare, I've had good beef tartare before and it tastes fresh and looks fresh and has a accent of citrus to offset the raw beef. This was a big scoop of glop and I took a couple bites and didn't feel comfortable eating it. For entree I had the steak frites, the fries had a really weird off-putting taste, and the steak was overcooked on the thinner part, and under cooked on fatter part. Overall the steak still tasted like beef but it was cooked and seasoned sloppily. I think the majority of reviews for Merchant's is for the downstairs portion, I will return to try that out at some point, but the experience I had upstairs was pretty bad, between an inedible appetizer, fries that sucked, and a badly cooked steak. I expect a WAY better experience for the prices.
(1)
Keith D.
Went to Merchants on a Saturday night without reservations. They said it would take over an hour to sit upstairs, but they had us seating in about 20 minutes. The food was unbelievable good. I had the pork chop, best I ever had. Other entrees were the blackened swordfish (excellent), and 72 hours spare rib (fantastic). We then ordered all three desserts because we couldn't decide. They were are great, but our favorite was definitely the apple pie--a must try. For cocktails, I recommend the Tennessee mojito and the top hat. Both were great. Overall a great dining experience with excellent wait staff.
(5)
Carolyn C.
After waiting an hour for a table, (which we expected, since we had no reservation) we were rewarded with a really excellent meal! The short ribs, chicken and pasta all received rave reviews from our party. The chocolate bread pudding was to die for! Do not miss this place!
(5)
Ruth L.
was at a company function and expected a nice expensive place but its dated, entrance dark and gloomy, the portions are a joke. salad was like 3 pieces of lettuce and the steak wasn't cooked right nor a size I'd expect from the place. location is hard to get into on busy days downtown. needless to say I don't even see how they can charge what they do. no luxury, pathetic portions even for a pricey restaurant, food not good, the place is decorated and has the feel of an old motel. but I cannot give an opinion on staff since it was a function not an regular dining and I don't know if upstairs is different than 1st floor but I was on 2nd and the bathrooms up there are clean but not kept up
(1)
Steve I.
For this ambiance in the middle of a touristy block and food this tasty, I would have expected to pay more than $15. I had the fish tacos, soooo freaking good. Lots of healthy options, a nice place, and friendly service. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Pete B.
Great food, and environment, but stay away from eating at the bar! Jacob the bartender was a complete smartass!! Made our dining experience disappointing! :(
(3)
Patrick D.
Great food and drinks and a nice little break from all of the madness on Broadway. The brisket was amazing!
(5)
Ryan O.
Stopped in here tonight after an event downtown for a cocktail or two. The drink menu has some pretty interesting choices, especially the local section which features Tennessee twists on popular drinks. I got a chuckle out of the names of a few of them, one of which I remember was the "Mountain man-hattan" which I think featured a local moonshine of some sort. The bourbon and rye menu is quite extensive by Nashville standards. They have a few particularly rare/pricey bottles of bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle 21 year and 23 year as well has Rittenhouse rye 21 year. The bad news (as is with most places that stock such exquisite spirits) is that there out of a lot of them. They did have the pappy 23 year in stock but I wasn't about to fork over $40 for a glass of bourbon on this night. On my first go-round I opted for a classic manhattan, which they list with bourbon on the menu but I opted for a rye. It was on par with what I would consider a good manhattan. For my second drink I was craving something rather different and I didn't expect the bartender would be able to fulfill my request but boy was I surprised. I was feeling a bit tired but still wanted a drink so I asked for an Irish coffee. Whenever I ask for something out of ordinary like that I always hope the barkeep perks up and asks if I want it the real/traditional way or the generic/chain restaurant way. Well the bartender did just that and long story short I ended up enjoying a real Irish coffee with Jameson, a sugar cube, (real) thick cream, and hot coffee. It was resplendent and the complete opposite of some dumb bastardized Applebees style drink consisting of baileys with coffee. Next time I am downtown I think I will be going back here for a real cocktail or two. You better believe I will also be sampling the duck fat tater tots with bernaise and chipotle mayo because if that doesn't sound awesome, I don't know what does.
(4)
Emily R.
I will admit a large group of friends and I stumbled in here late night expecting the usual diner and all 10 of us were pleasantly surprised by our experience. For a town not known for their food (no offense Nashville), this place really delivers a good selection of food for late-night diners, foodies, and those seeking some Southern classics alike. And, did I mention their drinks were unique and tasty? The ambiance was trendy and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. This place is worth the wait (there can oftentimes be a line) and do not be discouraged by it's location in the heart of "Nashvegas" on Broadway - it's a fantastic gem and the best meal of many during my 5 day trip in May 2013.
(5)
Mary-Catherine W.
Super cute, trendy retro vibe going on in here. Plenty of room for everyone. We ate at the bar after a Predators game. Very close to the arena. They only thing was we felt a little rushed even though the place was packed from fans after the game. A+ drinks, and beer selection. I had the blackened Tilapia which was waaay better than expected with the hash and aioli bringing the dish together... but lets be honest its still tilapia in a better than average restaurant. Can I atleast get some salmon? Also had milkshake which was pretty tasty. All in all great place to have drinks and some apps but the entree menu could use a little work with finer ingredients.
(3)
Sean B.
Very nice hostess started our experience. Nice service, decent food, wonderful decor. High marks for this place.
(4)
Tiffany D.
The fish tacos and blackened talapia were so delicious! The local brews were tasty too! Susan enhanced our experience with her outstanding service and hospitality!
(5)
Peter D.
THis place is a real contradiction. I was in town visiting with a friend and we sat at the bar to grab a decent dinner. 2 bartenders, 2 very different experiences. The first was a younger guy with sorta spiky hair who basically ignored us being more interested in pretty much anything female that walked in. No drinks, orders suggestions nothing. it got pretty uncomfortable since we were getting pissed. 0 star service and he was acting frankly kinda like a douche. Then we have the older guy who was the extreme polar opposite. Helpful, attentive and did not ignore us. He gave us 5 star service. Hence I cut it down the middle since I cant forget the first guy. You want a place to pick up drunk girls, go work at at tootsies or something. Now about the food: Well we both ordered exactly the same thing which was the prime rib. I thought it was ok though I found it a bit meager on the portion and the veggies felt reheated, the carrots in particular. They had the taste and texture of something cooked ahead and reheated in the pan. Not real appetizing. The meat flavor was ok but I found it a bit on the fatty side and by the time I was done with dinner I was still kinda hungry. I am pretty skinny so its not that I eat that much, just that for the money I should have felt somewhat full. The good news is that left me open for a late night snack. Over all I think this place is ok, but its just missing something in the food, layout and service that really it needs to shine and get a recommendation. For the money you can do better at Mortons or some other place. For a drink, I do like the bar. So I am mixed on this one.
(3)
Rob M.
Great drinks and appetizers. It was magic to sit at the bar and watch the bartender do his thing making our drinks.
(4)
Leigh J.
Merchant's serves food late into the night, which isn't always easy to find while out honky-tonkin' in downtown Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are the best late night snack ever: a thin layer of delectably crunchy potato coating a tender potato filling. The flavour of the duck is subtle but pushes the deliciousness factor up a few notches. And, it's big enough to share with a couple of hungry friends!
(4)
Cynthia L.
This place is awesome! There was a delay in getting our dinner out, so the manager delivered it personally and then comped the entire meal! To top it off, they bought us dessert. The fried green tomatoes were amazing. I had the Catfish Sandwich, which was terrific. Loved the sweet potato fries. My boss had the Salmon Caesar that she said was very good. The creme brulee was also terrific. Signature cocktail was also a hit. I had the I heart Lucy - actually I had two. If I am back in Nashville, I will definitely eat here again.
(5)
H G.
Went here on a recommendation from our driver - we wanted a yummy steak dinner at a local restaurant so he dropped us here. We sat upstairs (downstairs was more of a bistro) I already knew I wanted a filet - one of my faves, so I ordered that with the roasted brussel sprouts - the steak was soo good, the brussel sprouts were okay (ordered a veggie vs a potato dish because I needed something green in my body that day after being at a conference for 4 days!!) - the brussel sprouts were a little under cooked, but still darn tasty!! I would go back here in a heartbeat - the staff was great, the food was excellent only thing I didn't like was the bathroom - it had seen better days and is in need of an update :)
(4)
Amanda F.
Excellent service and great food! We had the duck tater tots, baked cheese, strawberry salad, and brisket... Everything was fantastic!
(5)
julesmary p.
Fun times downstairs late night at the bar. Inventive drinks, cool bartenders. Duck fat tater tots are damn good. Wish they had more healthy stuff downstairs (like they do upstairs) but like I said, the duck fat tater tots are awesome.
(4)
Wayne H.
Don't do the burger or fries ! Over priced, over rated. My wife had the bacon and cheese sandwich with tomato soup and enjoyed it. Wish I had ordered that as well.
(2)
Kimberly K.
A group and I came here on a Sunday night. Though the staff and ambiance were friendly, the food overall was "meh." I ordered tomato bisque and the crab guacamole. The bisque was great, but the guacamole was already turning brown when I received it. The additional crab gave it an unfavorable texture. My friends ordered the mac and cheese with habanero peppers. The proportion of peppers to pasta was almost 50/50 which overpowered the entire dish. It needed salt and more flavor overall. For dessert we ordered peach pie and a blondie. The pie's spices was too intense for the dish. The blondie wasn't a blondie...it was more like a chocolate chip cookie bar. I will say the waitress was amazing on refilling out drinks and we were appreciative of that. Otherwise I would never dine here again.
(2)
Michael R.
The bacon burger was good, but nothing all that special. Best part was the atmosphere and getting some drinks at the bar adter dinner.
(4)
Paul W.
Nice experience on busy Broadway block. Cheerful and attentive servers. All meat comfort food menu. Large portions and okay quality.
(3)
Robb S.
I really liked the bartenders as they knew what they were talking about. The drink selection was great also. Food was good but not great which is the only reason I am giving it a 4 star instead of 5. Still very solid spot
(4)
Heather W.
We just happened upon this spot and are so glad we did. It is located right on Broadway and provides Valet parking which was a definite plus. We chose to dine upstairs and enjoyed the low lighting and music. Scott, our waiter was amazing and recommended a cocktail to start our experience, The Botanist. I have never been a fan of gin but this was one of the best cocktails I have ever had! We decided to go against his suggestion of Pork belly wraps and wish we hadn't. We chose the warm oysters and they were just average. The heirloom tomato salad was wonderful and my husbands Caesar was good as well. Scott suggested the Waygu beef for dinner and my husband loved it! The beef was prepared and seasoned well and the potatoes were great. I had the risotto and it was not as good as the beef. I would recommend this spot for the great cocktails and attentive, polite staff. Listen to their suggestions regarding menu items.
(4)
Rebecca O.
I went to Merchant's for lunch on a Wednesday after shopping downtown. The restaurant exceeded all my expectations, so much so that my group decided to return again for lunch the next day. I ordered the Duck Fat Tater Tots, Chicken Fried Chicken, and House Salad. I don't like duck so I was reluctant to try to Tater Tots but I'm so glad I did. They were delicious! The Chicekn Fried Chicken was perfectly cooked, crispy outside, juicy and tender inside. The house salad had a wonderful lemon/garlic vinaigrette dressing. If I could have bought a bottle on the spot I would have! The second day I had the salad again (I'm obsessed with the dressing!) and the Beef Brisket. The beef was so tender it fell apart as soon as I touched it with my fork. The corn bread was the perfect side, and very tasty. Lastly, but most important, I have to mention our waiter Daniel. He is fantastic. A genuine, friendly, and helpful person he enhanced the atmosphere and food to make it a truely memorable experience. I really can't say enough nice things about him. If you stop in, ask for Daniel. You won't be disappointed. Great atmosphere, food, and service. If I lived in Nashville, I would be a regular at Merchants.
(5)
Jonathan M.
The staff here goes above and beyond many other restaurants that I have visited! I have an allergy to tree nuts and the chief personally came out and made sure that there was absolutely no cross contamination and offered me plenty of alternatives, some that were not listed on the menu. The food here was well prepared and very tasty, and the prices were reasonable.
(5)
Jen F.
Loved the duck fat tater tots! That bearnaise sauce is so good! The full order is really big! Enough for 3 or more people to share. My husband was expecting to taste more of a duck fat flavor. The fish tacos are really good too!
(4)
Mark M.
Had late lunch. Grilled chicken sandwich was tasty. Server friendly. For broadway it lacked tourist feel which was nice!
(4)
Val M.
Really yummy drinks and food! Not crazy about the green tomatoes, but my tilapia was good. Also had good service at the bar which I loved.
(4)
Bridgette C.
I really like this place. I've only been to the bistro part downstairs (there's another space upstairs that's more high-end dining) but this place has always provided me with a good meal and a good time whenever I'm downtown. I went here with girlfriends on a Friday night before attending the symphony (which I'd like to take this moment to say, if you haven't been, go to the symphony!!) and they were extremely busy. I hate being that person who's all "we have someplace to be" but we were hungry and so I was stuck being that person. The staff were amazing about it, however, and very attentive. Our server got our order in quickly without sacrificing good service. We made it with time to spare. I was VERY impressed and grateful, so much so that we went back after the symphony to have dessert...which was a great idea because their pumpkin cheesecake and bread pudding are amazing offerings. The atmosphere may be a little odd (it's almost 50s meets 20s meets slow jams on the radio, not sure why it works but it does) but its a great place for a good meal right in the heart of downtown. And thanks again for being so great to us that night Merchants, we appreciate it!
(4)
Katie P.
My boyfriend and I had been to a concert at Mercy Lounge and we're wondering around the downtown area at 2am looking for somewhere to eat. We stumbled into this place and saw they had a late-night menu. First of all, the place is gorgeous, with it's classy black and white tile and sparkling surfaces. The free ranch popcorn appetizer was amazing, as was the club sandwich with tomato basil mayo and sweet potato fries that I ordered. I can't wait to go back again!!
(5)
Sally H.
Amazing fish tacos. And bartender ryan will make you super good cocktails!! I was in town for a football game. Great time.
(4)
Nisa A.
Aside from an extremely rude waitress, the food at Merchants was really good and it was located in a fun area within Nashville. The drinks here were all really interesting, and you can tell the bartenders take pride in their various concoctions (I definitely recommend the Miss Atomic Bomb if you're looking for something that's sweet, but not too sweet). The food was good overall, and this place was a pretty posche spot. My only recommendation is that the restaurant hire nicer individuals who actually pay attention to their consumers; I was really disappointed by the service and treatment we received.
(4)
Joshua P.
Pretty good meal in the heart of Nashville tourist central. The restaurant was packed but I was able to grab a seat at the bar immediately. I had the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits. I was surprised by the great service and solid food in such a touristy location. I'd definitely eat here again.
(4)
Steven F.
This place was okay, nothing special. I definitely had my expectations way too high since this place was a 4-star 200+ review restaurant. This restaurant has a two floor system where the bottom floor is for a more casual dining experience and the top floor is for a more chef-driven semi-formal dining experience. That being said, we shot for the casual floor so I cannot speak for the other part of the restaurant. What I liked: Duck-fat Tater Tots (would give me reason to come back), Wings, Botanist (gin cocktail), Burger with a fried egg on top What I didn't like: Mac-and-Cheese, Brisket
(3)
Greg D.
Merchants was on our bucket lists of restaurants to hit while we were in town. They did not disappoint. There were six of us in our party and we were told that the wait would be about a half hour and they would text us when it was ready. So we hit a few stores on Broadway to pick up some gifts for the kids. We were texted in about 20 minutes. We were seated in a booth that was rather big. Merchants was just finishing the lunch rush and it was slightly crowded. To start you off you receive free ranch flavored popcorn. Good popcorn. It was our last meal in Nashville before our flight back to Chicago, so I did not drink. I had the unsweetened ice tea. We ordered some apps. We tried fried green tomatoes, wings and the deviled eggs. All were good but the eggs were the best. I had the shrimp corn chowder soup. It was outstanding. Our group of six all had burgers and fish tacos. I had the burger with bacon and it was just great. Juicy with barely any pink showing in the meat. Prices seem to be inline with other places on Broadway. I really liked Merchants. The place is super clean and the staff was attentive. A well oiled machine if you will.
(5)
Christina T.
Very nice interior. You can dress up or dress down. They had two menus: upstairs dining room (fancier and quieter) and downstairs (bar is downstairs with tvs). Cool copper top bar. They give you popcorn to munch on while you wait. It is dusted with ranch dressing mix--addictive. I had the veggie burger which wasn't bad (3 out of 5 stars). They didn't have an option for a wheat bun. Sweet potato fries are amazing, along with the house salad (lemon garlic vinaigrette dressing---yum!!).
(4)
Josh B.
Definitely appears to be one of (if not the) nicest restaurant on Broadway. Expected to wait a while but only ended up being 5-10 minutes. Split a few appetizers and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Felt very clean and well managed. Great local beer options!
(4)
Bob G.
This place was a lifesaver. On a cold Tuesday night in November we were looking for somewhere decent to eat before hitting a few bars. All we had seen in the previous hour and a half was tumbleweed blowing through deserted streets and bars! But this place was a find and worth waiting for... although at 10:30, we were kinda hungry! Seriously a nice place, good atmosphere and good Southern food. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Robert U.
Very good! As you may know, this is two restaurants in one: upstairs is more formal, while downstairs is casual and almost pubby. Downstairs Review: So it's pretty casual and a bit noisy. I had a business dinner here, and it was not too loud for our chat. I had a reservation and was seated promptly. Very well done. I had the "soup and sammy," and it was excellent. The soup was a tomato bisque that was really flavorful. The sammy was a grilled cheese with bacon. The bread was buttered and lightly toasted, giving it the appearance of a ruben. It was really good. I also appreciated the local brews they served. Overall, I really enjoyed it. (I don't give many five stars, but Merchants is pretty darn close. I'll go again. If it's this good again, I'll revise to 5-stars.)
(4)
Keith P.
If you are going to operate a restaurant at least create your food instead of serving what i can buy in the freezer section of the grocery store. We went here after the symphony on Saturday night at 10pm. First let me start with the good things. The service was great. Now the bad things, we ordered the duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs and a cheeseburger after reading other reviews on yelp about merchant's mediocrity. The deviled eggs were bland and flavorless. The tater tots basically came out of an orida bag in the freezer as did the sweet potato fries that came with our burger. The burger was not bad but nothing I could not get anywhere else. Skip this place and go somewhere off of Broadway.
(2)
Amanda K.
Bar food with a little upscale touch to it in the heart of Nashville on Broadway. Service was great, as well as the food!
(5)
Lalie K.
I find Merchants to be a delightful and refreshing break from the downtown madness. The interior is open and bright and reminiscent of places I have been outside of Nashville. The service is always decent, the food is good and the drinks are well crafted. This is the type of place I would visit upon repeat. Lunches, Dinners or Cocktails with, coworkers, family or friends, this spot is versatile enough to fit most occasions. Merchants is enjoyable and safe and you just can't ever go quite wrong in selecting it as a dining or drinking destination.
(4)
Debi W.
First time at this restaurant and it was amazing. We had the chicken fried chicken and the jambalaya and it was awesome. They also have a great wine list!! It is a must try restaurant in Nashville!! Ask for Wendy
(5)
Rachel M.
Duck Fat tater tots. That's all you need to know.
(5)
Harry R.
Great food, I had the sweet tea pork and My sister had the chicken fried chicken. Both amazing. Would recommend to everyone
(5)
Jeffrey V.
To be honest i didn't get a wow from the duck fat tots. The fried green tomatoes were good but the Cobb salad was ho-hum. A nice place to escape the drone of all the music blasting from Broadway if you want a bite and be able to talk with your guest or just talk to yourself. Comfortable seating with tables or at the bar. We were in for a late lunch on Sunday and were seated immediately.
(3)
Shannon F.
Had a party of 40 here and could not have been happier great food and even better service! Thank you so much for such an amazing night!
(5)
Kyle T.
While looking for food downtown we managed to stumble upon this gem. We started with the duck fat tater tots which hit the spot just right. The best part were the entrees. We ordered the fish tacos and the pulled pork sandwich. We asked them to split it so we could share and like most places I expected them to cut the sandwich in half for us. What ended up happening was not only did they cut them in half but they gave them to us on separate plates with full sized side portions on each one. If you're looking for a place with wonderful food and service at a great price you've gotta come here!
(5)
Joe M.
Great place right on Broadway, we ate upstairs. I had a steak and it was cooked perfect. Our waiter Mike offered up some good suggestions. We were a group of 6 and all were happy with their food. Fish, steak, salad and a few other things were ordered. Good eating by all
(4)
Anthony D.
Came back. Had chicken fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and tater tots. All were awesome!
(5)
Kristin Marie S.
I can't believe it took me three years to try out Merchants. With the amount of times I have eaten downtown it should have happened sooner. On Saturday night after the Art Crawl we decided to hit up downstairs at Merchants. We totally scored with the best seat in the house, the corner booth by the window! The people watching was great. We got to see the band and watch the crowd funnel out from the Ryman. Perfect! The decor is high class Johnny Rockets. I love the marble floors, I love the old building, I love the black and white color scheme. Bravo decorators, job well done! To the food! Normally I won't eat a sandwich at dinner, I'm weird, I understand this BUT the tomato soup and bacon grilled cheese were calling my name! They made the grilled cheese with gouda. So. good. Did I also mention there was bacon? The bacon melted in my mouth, seamless bites through and through. The tomato soup was spot on as well. Nothing special, just good ole tomato soup. I dipped, I ate, I slurped, I chomped, it was a great end to a fantastic Saturday!
(4)
Lori H.
Service started off good but tapered off. Once I was the only person my server had, he pretty much completely ignored me and literally walked circles around the bar. He also seemed to be quite interested in his crush on his coworker rather than actually doing his job. He actually lost a sale because of it, I had been planning on dessert but changed my mind as I got more irritated. The food itself was good. Chicken fried chicken was delicious. The whiskey selection is amazing, including a good selection of ryes which isn't always easy to find So in summary, if you don't mind being ignored, the food is pretty good. Not earth shattering, but good. They'd have a 4 star review if the service had been better.
(3)
Jill R.
The best oven roasted chicken that I have ever eaten! Everything was delicious starting with the wine and ending with the apple cake and coffee. Excellent service too. Must try it if in downtown Nashville,
(5)
Cameron P.
Awesome. Tator tots and fried chicken are a must. Delicious food, well priced and excellent customer service from waitress. super convenient location. Highly recommended.
(5)
Frey F.
Solid option when you're downtown. They've been here longer than most any food purveyor on these several blocks. They have consistently good management leading to consistently prompt and accurate service. Every time we've visited [which is usually before an event at Bridgestone] someone get's the fish taco's, they're always fresh. We've never had a meal that wasn't well prepared and fresh. One thing that sets them apart is that they hit their serving stride no matter how busy, we've been when it's packed and mid-afternoon on a weekday when it's slow and it's always outstanding. If you take out of town guests to Downtown Nashville you have a safe bet here.
(4)
Damien C.
On the second to the last day of a business trip to Nashville I went with a small group to Merchants for lunch. I cannot express enough how much I loved this place. Great atmosphere (sort of retro, cosmo, classy hip), stellar service and really amazing food. I opted for the duck fat tater tots, ranch popcorn, salmon BLT and washed it down with a local brew, Yazoo amber ale. Not one thing disappointed. In fact, tomorrow is my last day in Nashville and I'll be stopping by again for lunch on my way back to the airport. Do yourself a favor, if you're even halfway considering trying Merchants, go in. You'll regret it if you don't. Also, when speaking to the hostess, ask if Daniel is working. If he is, you'll want to ask to be seated in his section. As someone who spent the first 5 years of his working experience in the service industry, this man knows what's up. Really cool, genuinely friendly down to earth guy with who just wants to make sure you enjoy your visit.
(5)
Ryan B.
My party of 6 waited almost 2 hours for a seat here a few weekends ago. We sat on the patio for our meal, which felt a little too disconnected from the rest of the place. The food was good though and priced in-line with the surrounding restaurants. The sweet tea porkchops was pretty tasty.
(3)
Melissa V.
This place is perfect! Great food, service, atmosphere...it has it all. The fish tacos and jambalaya are among the best I've ever had! Get there early or you'll have to wait!
(5)
N S.
Great locale! Food really good, different. A unique twist on southern cuisine. Service excellent. Reservations accepted. Craft beer on tap. Appetizers were worth the money (I almost always pass on these). Romantic and shabby chic upstairs.
(4)
Kelly G.
Previous reviews led us to Merchants on our first night in Nashville. Located right on Broadway in a beautiful historic building, we were able to valet our car at the restaurant and leave it while we explored the music venues after dinner. Despite having no reservation we were seated immediately on the outdoor patio, and proceeded to order two of the most delicious and unique cocktails either of us had had in a while. We ordered off the downstairs menu, although apparently they have a pricier, chef special menu for upstairs. That being said, we were extremely satisfied with the downstairs menu. We ordered bacon and cheddar macaroni and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and their southern fry, and while it may not have been the healthiest of meals, it was definitely one of the tastiest. I can't even say which dish I liked best because they were all so good. I would definitely recommend hitting this restaurant before a night out on Broadway, even if it's just for a cocktail and appetizer!
(5)
Alexandra S.
Yes yes and yes! They serve you popcorn when seated, food is good quality and you have to try the Tennessee mohito if you're a fan of mohitos! Tasty duck tater tots and delicious turkey club sandwich made w basil pesto mayo. Yummmmm
(5)
Carolyn M.
This place is an oasis amid the honky tonk insanity on Broadway. Delicious cocktails (I love the champagne cocktail) and incredible food. The French dip is epic. Cute little attire for the servers too.
(5)
Lis R.
The waitstaff ruined what has the potential to be an awesome restaurant. Visited it twice, as it has a great menu and we wanted to give it a second chance, thinking maybe the waitstaff was just off its game the first time... nope. Just plain poor service. Friday night, 9ish: Dinner upstairs in the real restaurant - we were told there was a half hour wait and we could wait at the bar. When asked how she would find us when ready, the hostess said "i don't forget a face". Welp, she forgot. Over an hour later we checked back and were like HEY remember us? Flustered she then sat us within minutes. Also, while waiting at the bar, the bartender forgot about our drink order...so after waiting 10 minutes on those we asked again. At least he comped that first round, in his defense. Food is great - shrimp & grits, lobster mac, etc. YUM. Second time, Saturday night, closer to 11 after the T.Swift concert - returned and ate downstairs in the diner section. Love the popcorn they start you with and the burgers were great. Sweet potato fries were cut way to thick and thus not cooked thru, so stick to regular fries. Waitstaff, again, just more interested in talking amongst themselves than working. Sigh. Has so much potential...
(2)
Roger C.
Very nice place with a great atmosphere. It feels kind of diner / fine dining at the same time. Good drinks and fair prices. The downtown location is topnotch. There are very few choices that are moderately healthy anywhere downtown, that I've seen. The wait staff makes up for their speed by being super friendly and personable. Good times.
(4)
Melissa D.
The appetizers were way better then the entrees. The atmosphere was nice and the drinks were good. You gotta try the tator tots in duck fat!!
(3)
Jen L.
Wanted to like this place so badly - however the service coupled with health code violations is a cause for one star at best. - handling money, picking lips, washing tables, then handling ice and food with bare hands - empty drink sat in front of me for almost 25 minutes. No one noticed/asked if I needed something... We just ended up leaving instead of spending more money. - hungover/rude bartenders and staff, who, while there was no one in the bar, were too busy to wait on patrons. Manager was more concerned with high fives than with happy customers. The only attention that was paid to us was when we placed our credit card down to pay (and even that took over ten minutes) But hey, at least we got to hear a good story about how one of the bartenders had a "really, really late night last night"
(1)
Brooke M.
We sat at the bar because we couldn't get a reservation (last minute planning). We were reluctant because we we didn't want to wait 45 minutes for a table but we were super excited when two spots opened at the bar. I had tons of questions about the menu and what to try and the bar staff was beyond excellent. We had the fried green tomatoes and the fish tacos. Both of them were way beyond our expectations!
(5)
Kimberly R.
This was a great choice for dinner! We had just arrived in Nashville and were looking to go down to Broadway. The menu is awesome and cocktails were great! This place was pretty crowed,45 minute wait. We got drinks at the bar. Moscow mules were really tasty! The wait ended up being 15 minutes, so we were glad we stayed! Started with the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs. Both delicious!! The tomatoes had a pepper sauce and some pimento cheese that really kicked up the dish. I tried the fish tacos, which the waitress said was one of their best dishes, and they were really good! The fish was not fried, but well seasoned. Had some different local beers on the menu too which were great to try. The service was great, and the music was fun. I would definitely go back! There is an upper floor that has a different menu, more expensive. But I really liked the main floor menu.
(4)
Beth C.
Our cocktails were delicious and our bartender was delightful! Conveniently located downtown and not a "trashy bar" like a lot of surrounding places. We're from out of town and our bartender helped recommend places for other meals.
(5)
Samantha B.
4 Words that drew me in....DUCK FAT TATER TOTS. Merchants is a bustling hip restaurant. You have the choice of dining upstairs (more upscale) or downstairs (casual gastropub). However I don't think they have the tots upstairs so choose wisely. I loved the ambience at Merchants especially the suspenders all the servers and bartenders had on. I ordered their veggie burger which was ok...the consistency was a little mushy, but the flavor wasn't too bad. If you have a large party make sure you make reservations months in advance because this restaurant is very popular
(4)
Laura M.
This is my second time here! Yes the tater tots fried in duck fat are really good. I had sever other things the last time I was here and I would say the food is really good would have got 4-5 star for food. But service is a bit slow and not very friendly. My biggest reason for 3 stars is a Moscow mule not in a copper cup? It tasted good but I don't like not keeping with the way this drink should be served. I know (from being a restaurant owner) the cups are stollen a lot. But when you have no happy hour and your drinks are 12 dollars serve it in the copper cup.
(3)
Lauren H.
loved it! I got a vegetarian version of their mac and cheese and fell in love. Also their drinks are the best!!!
(4)
John L.
So this was another well regarded eatery in Nashville. The "upstairs" vs. "downstairs" comments are accurate - choose wisely. A diverse menu to be had - we opted for the downstairs comfort foods array. First I will say that the "front door" workers seem like they wish they were somewhere else - or maybe we caught them on an unhappy night (it is pretty hot and humid inside the place). We had Open Table reservations - but still had to camp out on chairs in the middle of the dining area while they figured out where to stuff us. The bar tender guys seemed a bit peeved, too. Another batch of folks having an off night? Our servers were good-hearted folk happy to chit-chat and offer recommendations. Food portions seemed immense! I had the chicken fried chicken and got through maybe half of it. My girl got the jambalaya and we both enjoyed the good heat therein, but got full much quicker than expected. Dessert was pleasant (but we were too full to make good use of it.) Overall Merchants was hard to pin down ambiance wise - and a little off-putting at reception. Bring and appetite and humble expectations and you'll be fine.
(3)
Ana Q.
This place was really great. Excellent service. We went at around 3:30 on a weekday and it was not crowded. I had Mac and cheese and my husband had a burger. Both were delicious. I still prefer Fido's Mac and cheese and my husband has had a better burger, but I was impressed with the food and restaurant over all. Besides the only thing my husband didn't like was the soft bun, but next time we can order it "toasty". The place looks really nice and there's a good view of downtown from a lot of the tables. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Scott P.
Merchant's rocks. My wife had been here during a previous trip and just raved about how great it was. We were there during CMA Fest weekend and were fortunate enough to get a table. The place is right in the midst of everything on Broadway in downtown Nashville. We sat downstairs by the bar with an excellent view of the passersby. The bar area has a clean historical look with white subway tiles and high ceilings. The bourbon menu was extensive, and our waitress suggested 2 excellent recommendations. Usually when I ask about bourbons, I end up hearing about Jim or Jack, which obviously I'm well acquainted. They had some great finds for bourbons which you would expect for a restaurant in Nashville. We had the deviled eggs and strawberry salad as a starter. Both highly recommended. The highlight of the night was the brisket. Get the brisket. Wonderful tender beef brisket sandwiched between cornbread on the bottom and cole slaw on top. Nice portion to fill you up. Again, get the brisket. Service was great. Waitress was a bit "alternative" (tattoos, piercings, etc.) which some people may not like but we could care less as long as the service was friendly and food came out on time. There was so much we were not able to get to on the menu, but we were thankful for what we had at Merchant's. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Danielle W.
Great location, great service, good food. My little people (ages 4-5) and I shared duck fat tater tots and fish tacos, which they loved. The service is fast and friendly. Apparently, they've been in business this long for a reason!
(4)
George J.
Loved everything about Merchants except the volume. It is a large open space with no absorbent surface, so gets very loud. We were able to waltz right in on Sunday night without a reservation - upstairs is a steak place, downstairs is southern fare. We stayed down, and gladly. Split a great but simple iceberg wedge - I had jambalaya, which was well done and too large to finish; the wife had sweet tea pork, which was huge and perfectly cooked. Had a couple of great cocktails and great conversation with our waitress. A most memorable last night in Nashville dinner. Would eat here again any time.
(4)
Arshbir G.
The servers are nice! The drinks are awesome. But, the food was lacking. Of course, it's not their fault that their vegetarian food is horrible. I should have known better. But, they were super nice about making the tater tots without the duck fat. Next time -- I'll be sure NOT to order the veggie burger.
(3)
Maureen S.
Ok. Overrated - tater tots were ore Ida- chicken salad Fair at best - fish tacos - ok and tilapia average overrated - have a bologna sandwich at Roberts western world & thank me
(1)
Kimberly P.
Terrible. The fried green tomato appetizer featured very tough tomatoes and a tasteless red sauce. The one star is for the teaspoon of pimento cheese that accompanied. The tomato bisque tasted canned or reconstituted and was watery.
(1)
Tor K.
Merchants is a great place to bring people who haven't gotten to experience Nashville. It has your typical southern food, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, etc. My favorite thing on the menu is the Blackened Tilapia with the chipotle sauce. Awesome. Also perfect location to take people to the bars once dinner is over. Only negatives are parking and lack of beer selection but that might just be being too picky.
(4)
L M L.
Great cocktails and a nice place to eat out; however, the wait can be long and the service is a bit on the slower side. That being said, if you have time to spare, the fried chicken and duck fat tater tots are worth a try.
(4)
Patty M.
First time visit to Merchant. Coming all the way from Chicago, the girls and I have high expectations for any restaurant. We waited about an hour for our table. Not bad for downtown Nashville, a late Saturday night, and 9 girls. Drinks are pretty amazing, as they should be for $11. The Moscow mule and Save Me Guadalupe, are delicious. Bartender seemed a little tense. We'll cut him some grace, but people skills can make it or break it for people. Small tins of popcorn at every table keep you from eating your hands off. Get the tater tots. You will regret it if you don't. The beernaise is sausalicious. Our food was great. We order burgers, soup and Sammy, and salads. Our server, Macy G, was great! So attentive and personable. We are chicago spoiled but will come back to Merchants when we come down to these parts again.
(3)
Molly L.
Excellent service and a very cool atmosphere. We sat downstairs as we were not dressed nor had the patience to wait for a table upstairs. The baked cheese appetizer was delicious and loved by all at our table. I had the fish tacos which were nothing spectacular but a good filling portion for the price. The cocktails looked impressive from our view of the bar but I stuck with their selection of tap beer. I would definitely go back if I return. Not overdone and decent food.
(4)
Emily V.
The food was delicious! I had the duck fat tater tots and the sweet tea pork loin. But the one problem with the restaurant was that the music was too loud to even speak at the table and it was absurdly hot. There are fans but no air conditioning that I could tell. The food is excellent but hard to enjoy in the heat!
(4)
kyle t.
You had me at Duck Fat Tatter Tots! What are the chances for a good meal in the heart of the touristy part or Nashville? Well, thank you Yelp app and walk in here, it appears or be 100%. The Tatter Tots are incredible, best I've ever had with great sauces and one if them Bernaise and holy crap! The fried Green Tomatoes were great as well, wonderful sauce and pimento cheese....wow! For the main course I had the Jumbalia and it too was wonderful. Usually with a dish like this I will always add hot sauce, I do live in MN after all. Now this Jumbalia was perfect, I tasted it and put the hot sauce down. Not that it was super hot or spicy but the flavors were just delightful and I really didn't want to mess with them. Add to the food and the tasty beers fantastic service from our server and a couple of others and I could not find a flaw! Thank you for a great night! KT
(5)
Chephirah A.
This place was fantastic. It's hipster done right. Service was excellent. Our server was knowledgable, attentive, and friendly. The craft drinks were sooooo yummy. We tried the chicken wings and fried green tomatoes both were delicious but those fried green tomatoes were perfection. Then we split the special which was zucchini risotto with pan seared scallops and a balsamic reduction. So good! All in all a wonderful experience.
This is a trendy restaurant but a comfortable menu, the drink list is pretty extensive as well. I can't really find anything bad to say about this place. Note that they have two menus, one for downstairs, more casual and a more refined menu for upstairs. Another nice thing for us travelers is they are open late, I arrive late via plane and rush here, they still accommodate me with a smile. This is NOT your normal Nashville joint, but if you like good food and cool atmosphere you'll like this place. You owe to yourself to try it once... By the way, did I tell you it was a whiskey bar?
(4)
Marian C.
Pre-Ryman show dinner was had here during a weeknight. Cocktails were had and strong. Food was average. Had duck fat tater tots and fried chicken. Tater tots were nothing spectacular. Chicken was overbreaded and barely any meat. I could not finish it. I guess the food is better than most places on Broadway.
(3)
Christine K.
What a jewel! Went here last night and it was amazing from start to finish. Their speciality cocktail drinks were on point. I had the Moscow Mule and it was very refreshing. The ambiance was very cute! It kind of reminds me of Patterson's House but way more....welcoming? This place is also located in downtown so when you're done with dinner you can adventure downtown Nashville if you're from out of town. I had a hard time to decide what I wanted to eat cause honestly everything on the menu sounded amazing! Chicken Fried Chicken, you are the love of my life. My goodness, it was a hybrid of fried chicken and country fried steak laid with mashed potatoes and spinach. The chicken was so juicy and moist that I didn't need a knife to cut it! My love, had their brisket which was also incredible. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
David R.
This place is a perfect $15-$25 restaurant. The ingredients are fresh and the presentation is elegant. They have an extensive bar menu, and the service is excellent. They meticulously checked ingredients to accommodate my allergy, and the timing could not have been better. I do not typically like tater tots, but their duck fat fried tots had such a rich flavor. Best Tots I've ever had. The fish tacos we great. Lots of veggies and slaw just like I like'm. Full and happy :D A
(5)
Kory H.
Upstairs is the way to go. Great food, decent wine selection, top notch service. My favorite pre-Ryman stop.
(5)
Emma A.
Beautiful place but... The fish tacos were really not good. The fish was over cooked, the seasoning masked any other taste and the tacos was hard like a sole. My husband had the blackened mahi-mahi which was good but nothing special. The tader tots were amazing though! The reason why I gave 4 starts instead of 3 is because the service was excellent. I actually did not eat my fish tacos and explain to the waitress why. She immediately took it out of the bill which was a really nice gesture.
(4)
Kamilah K.
Simply great! We arrived without making reservations and was told we had a 20 mins wait. No problem, since it seemed like the only decent food spot at the time. The decor is white and black, very vintage/modern/clean. The place just seemed posh. We sat at the bar and had some drinks while we waited. i cant remember what I ordered, but it was good. Our bar time was cut short since the hostess said someone canceled so a table opened up. We were seated and enjoyed our delicious pop corn. I ordered the deviled eggs with sweet pickles. What a tasty opener. For my main entree, I had a veggie burger with coleslaw. It was cooked properly, the swiss cheese was gooey, and the cole slaw was fresh. My bf had fried chicken and he said it was one of the best he's had. I would def come back if I visit Nashville again.
(5)
Stefanie M.
I have been desperately wanting to check out all of the buzz Merchants has been creating and finally, there were two empty seats at the bar just beckoning to us! We grabbed those seats and waited quite some time to be acknowledged but we finally were. We were given two cloudy glasses with water poured from a communal bottle without the bar even being wiped from the previous diners. We then had to ask for popcorn (don't eat it, you'll only want more and more and more! It's amazing!) while we waited 10 minutes for our cocktails. The cocktails were almost worth the wait! Moscow Mule with candied ginger? It was to die for...I could have had 10! Hubby had a White Russian which he said was also really good! To eat I got a burger. Maybe it's the diner-esque feel of the restaurant that made me want it, but I was sad when I got it because it was tiny. However, upon eating it I found that it had really good flavor and was the perfect size! Fries were meh, just frozen fries, no big deal. Hubby had the chicken fried steak which was good but not memorable. Service was "cool"....lots of hipsters practicing their cool bar skills while missing out on the greatest job in the world....INTERACTING! Either way, we may or may not go back but I was hoping it would end up in our rotation of favorites and it didn't. On to the next!
(2)
CL H.
This was a wonderful choice during a recent Nashville visit. In the heart of tourist-y area, but what a fantastic retro spot. Clean and spotless, well-kept, with seating around the center bar, or in booths and tables nearby. Enjoyed delicious fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. And the Pimm's cups were perfect on a gorgeous sunny day. Loved the fish tacos. The attention to detail and skill behind the bar was apparent in the presentation and flavor. Definitely on the list next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)
Jennifer H.
We had reservations and decided to eat upstairs. It is a very unique restaurant and the elevator adds to the atmosphere. :-) The drinks were out of the ordinary and definitely not to be missed. I enjoyed reading the 8+ page love letter written even further upstairs. The age of the building adds to the charm and takes you back in time. It was snowing when we were there which added to the ambiance & romance. They were out of some menu items upstairs. The food was prepared perfectly and as expected was impeccable. I can't wait to try the downstairs menu though.....:-)
(5)
Lizz M.
Duck fat tater tots, get them! A co-worker and I popped in to Merchants during a conference. A conference which made finding a reservation impossible. Luckily, we found a few seats at a bar upon entering. Our server was very helpful, especially as my co-worker has a dairy allergy and didn't want to risk getting sick the night before our presentation. The fish tacos were recommended to me and they were fantastic! My only regret is not having any room for dessert.
(4)
Gabrielle M.
I recently attended a conference for work and happened to be traveling with a coworker of mine that has certain food allergies beyond the typical gluten allergy. Our waitress was so wonderful to check with the chef for certain plates and make adjustments as needed. The atmosphere upstairs was very nice and had a ton of character. I would suggest reserving a table ahead of time since it's on the busy street of Broadway. The food was heavenly and I would recommend the scallops! We had a great experience and will definitely be back during future trips!!!
(5)
Allen D.
"Had you over for dinner. Fish tacos"! Great place and food. Don't wait for a table. Go eat at the bar. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Don't know what the cheese with it was but "I'll lick it anyway".
(5)
Matthew B.
The bartenders here are great, they have the old school barbershop style wardrobe going on and are friendly, knowledgable and make damn good drinks. Definitely go by the bar when waiting for your table. The food, also great, but it was missing something I couldn't place my finger on which is why I left off a star.
(4)
Danielle G.
Fabulous food- I got a strawberry salad with salmon & a Tennessee mojito. The staff were very friendly & service was fast! We didn't wait long for drinks or food. We sat on the patio off the street, so it was very entertaining as well!
(5)
Eric D.
Went twice, the first time I had Jambalaya it was ok at best the second time was the strip steak and it was way over cooked and smothered in steak sauce. Besides all of that the service was poor, I really liked the place and wanted it to be good but I won't return.
(2)
Chris B.
I am a downstairs guy here at merchants, love the burger medium rare. Great drinks and some pretty rare bourbons on hand as well. The brisket is very good but needs more smoke. Mac and cheese leaves something to be desired. But overall worth going to and I will be going back.
(4)
Laura S.
Lovely experience! We dined in the main level (more casual/comfort dining) and made a reservation beforehand. We were seated right away, and our server and other staff were absolutely perfect. Cleaned our table after each plate was finished and filled drinks promptly. I didn't love the ranch popcorn like others did, but that's not why I came :) My husband had a drink recommended by the server (cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned), and he said it was great. We had the duck fat tots, and they were all they were cracked up to be. The chipotle mayo was fantastic. My husband got the grilled chicken sandwich with house chips and he ate every bite. I had the chicken fried chicken and could have eaten every bite, but I used restraint. It is a HUGE order. So amazing. We wished we had room for the tasty-sounding desserts, but those will have to wait for another time. I would come back here in a heartbeat.
(4)
Allie M.
Amazing service. We had to wait for our table so we sat at the bar for a bit. Bartender was very helpful and friendly. We got seated at the wrong table and said they would have to move us but didn't which was nice. Waitstaff was amazing. Our waiter was so friendly and honestly the best waiter I think I've ever had. Knew the menu very well. Food was amazing!! The vibe of the place was so appealing and just a great atmosphere all around. Would recommend going!!
(5)
Jessica W.
Great atmosphere, great service, truly a gem in the heart of Nashville. Recommend the fried green tomatoes; everything was fantastic.
(4)
Maria E.
I don't know how they made fried chicken a fancy and delicious dish, but it was great! Great selection of drinks and good atmosphere
(4)
Joe D.
Cool place. Grabbed a bite to eat before the a Motley Crüe concert at Bridgestone around the corner. Ordered the southern fry app, which had okra, pickles, shrimp, and catfish. Tasty. Also ordered the shrimp corn chowder and it was nice but a little spicy and frankly no shrimp to be found. The steak frites with filet, greens, and 57 sauce was very good and cooked a nice medium. Cocktail wise we had old fashioneds, champagne cocktails, and a couple awesome glasses of the black maple hill Oregon whisky. Had it once before and still fantastic. The server was a little slow but above average. Looking forward to going back. It is a loud place so if that's not your thing then just be aware.
(4)
Eric W.
Food isn't bad, but it's not great. Get the feeling that you're in a tourist joint - move 'em in, move 'em on. I don't regret it, but wouldn't go back.
(2)
Dan C.
Delicious food in a classy environment paired with friendly service. Little more upscale then it's surroundings but still reasonably priced.
(4)
Eric H.
Very nice upscale place with decent prices and a nice broad menu. Sat outside on the heated patio and watched the street. Nice lunch.
(5)
Liz S.
One of my favorite places to come to when I'm in Nashville. This little nugget is extremely out of place in this part of town but oddly enough, it seems to work here. I first stumbled into this place one night with friends after a concert at the Bridgestone Arena as it was one of the few places with late night eats. We we're guided to a table close to the open kitchen where plates of delectable dishes were pouring their way out one by one. We started with some cocktails and appetizers (fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots) and followed it up with our entrees. I don't remember much after the tots. They were divine. That and the two old fashions were enough for me! Needless to say, the meal and the evening were perfect. I recently went back for Memorial Day for a spa weekend and some recharge before a hectic work schedule and made my way to this place once more. I sat at the bar and made friends with the bartender who, after giving him the ingredients list, made me a delicious jalapeño cucumber margarita. He was a true mixologist and great at his craft. I made a meal of their Steak and Pomme Frites with homemade steak sauce and followed this with some samplings from their very well curated whiskey/bourbon list. Perfect finish to an all around good night. This place will continue to be one of my favorite stops whenever I make my way to Nashville. It's hip atmosphere, crafted cocktails and selective menu will be enough to entice me in no matter the trip or occasion.
(5)
Chris C.
Service was terrible. The food was fine but not outstanding, and they were out of fried chicken. How does that happen?
(2)
J. L.
Stopped in for lunch. Wait was shorter than expected - told 30 minutes, only waited for 10. Server was very nice, but forgot to put our app order in so it was delivered to our table about 5 minutes after our lunch was delivered. Our lunch was delicious, but towards the end of my meal I found two hairs in my pile of chips.
(2)
Chris J.
One of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are a must have appetizer. Service has always been great, the drinks are good too. I try to make it here every time I visit Nashville.
(5)
Aprille H.
We went here on a whim. My mom and I were not sure if we were going to find and good fresh food downtown. We came and sat at the bar. Brian and Constantin took great care of us. When I yelp I usually do the experience. However what we had was awesome. We split the Greek chop and the pork loin . Both so delicious! They even split the entree for us so we had our own plate. The bill was really reasonable as well. Def somewhere to check out
(5)
Michelle S.
oh my goodness, this place is so delicious I ended up there twice on my last trip to nashville. The fried green tomatoes are amazing. The tots, amazing, the grits amazing, my chicken sandwich, incredible, the cob salad delicious. Eat here, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Alexandra S.
Fantastic food and great service. Great price very reasonable. We ordered the tator tots, guacamole, wings, bbq sandwich and chicken sandwich. I love the ambience.
(5)
Rebecca G.
After much debate, we ended the evening at Merchants! The Green Tomatoes and French Fries with Ranch dressing were amazing! The burger worked too! Loved sitting at a window seat and watching Nashville fly by!
(4)
Sheena T.
I went to Merchants (the lower restaurant) before a concert with a group of 4, and had a great experience! The location is great, and I really love that the building is historic and the restaurant is beautiful inside. You can eat downstairs for a more causal experience or upstairs for a more formal meal. I have only been to the lower restaurant, but want to go back and try the top level! Our table got the crab guacamole to start and I split the turkey club sandwich with another person. The sandwich was nothing to brag about, but the sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had (and I've had a lot!). They were large cut fries and tasted amazing. I could eat a whole helping of them! The guac was very good and they set out small containers of pepper seasoned popcorn which was really nice to snack on before our food came. They had a great cocktail menu. I had 2 mojitos and they were fabulous after my hectic Friday. My friend had a gin drink that was well liked among the table also. We were a bit rushed to get to the concert, so I wasn't able to sit and savor the meal as much as I would have liked, but next time I will take my time. Great experience and I can't wait to eat here again!
(4)
Jon L.
Great atmosphere and excellent options. Somebody will even offer to shine your shoes while you eat...
(5)
Ariana P.
Great location. Great service. I had the fried chicken and my friend had the brisket. Both were super under-season. I wanna give it 5 stars because our server was honestly great, but you go to a restaurant for the food :(
(3)
Whitney R.
Was traveling across the country and had to stop in Music City. I was staying at the aLoft and it was suggested to grab dinner at Merchants. It was a Monday night and as expected, it was packed. I sat at the bar and was immediately greeted by multiple bartenders with water, menus and my drink order. Per suggestion by the tender I got a wedge salad and the sweet tea pork chop. Both excellent. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(4)
Andrea N.
Our waiter was accommodating beyond the normal expectations. Thanks buddy! Thanks for the gluten free beer option; blue dog was a nice blend with the salmon blt (and thanks for making it without the bread for me). Be sure to taste the popcorn, it was a fun and innovative starter. My husband got the steak and added their chipotle and garlic sauces to it; he was a happy camper.
(5)
David D.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. This place is on my must stop at every time I come through.
(5)
Nicole B.
My husband and I came to Nashville for the weekend and stopped in here late on a Saturday night. We were seated right away on the heated patio. The chili and shrimp chowder were great. The wings were baked and dry rubbed and by far the best we EVER had. Highly suggested to go, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jennifer S.
Love it!! Duck Fat Tater tots! Sweet Tea Pork, and the Blackened Catfish was delicious! Absolutely recommend it!
(5)
Hannah P.
I am pretty much obsessed with Merchants. I had two nights in Nashville... I ate at Merchants both nights. The food was good! However, what kept me coming back was the service. I vacillated between amazement that my glass was always full to sheer awe at how cool and nice everyone is that works there. LOVED IT!
(5)
Charles Y.
Last night in Nashville and downtown for the Behold the Lamb of God performance at the Ryman. We decided on Merchant's due to close proximity to venue. Ashton was our server and she was delightful even though she is soon to move to Charleston, SC. I had the Salmon BLT sandwich and my wife had the Chicken BLT sandwich. Both were outstanding. If you are attending something downtown Nashville I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Stephanie I.
Great place to start the night downtown!! Make sure you make a reservation in advance or you won't get a table. The music is loud and the service is great. We never had an empty glass of water. We started with the deviled eggs and they were delicious!! Since we weren't starving we ordered the Greek salad which is huge and fresh and the Fish tacos. We really enjoyed our food. I wish we had ordered more but what we did order was great. If anyone is wanting to grab a quick bite to eat before going out or to a predators game, this is the place!
(4)
Corra S.
We are tourists in the city and found ourselves eating here two days in a row (lower lever). If you are tired of the bar or BBQ food, then go here. Fresh food, clean place, and lots of personality. Our bodies needed some "healthy" food after countless fried things over the weekend. But... We couldn't pass up the duck fat fried tater tots. Delicious! Also got the salmon strawberry salad (just what the doctor ordered. Side note- I dont even eat seafood but couldn't stop nibbling on my husbands salmon- cooked so well ad not fish tasting) and chicken fried chicken for dinner. Round two got the baked cheese, turkey sandwich and chicken salad salad for lunch the next day. Chicken salad was all white meat and one of the best chicken salads I've had. ALL of the food was delicious! Great flavors and spices! Drinks were also good- the blue moon (gin and lavender drink) was YUMMM!
(5)
Martha C.
In case your wondering, the dress code for this restaurant is handsome. Beautiful people creating and serving beautiful people. I felt privileged. A group of ladies and I enjoyed a fine dinning experience upstairs at Merchants one evening of our trip. Maybe it was the handsome people or the good food, either way I was in a great way, if you know what I mean!. We all felt young, hot and ready to go! I got the steak and it was fabulous; done just right for me! The stellar dish of the evening however was a friends duck fat tots. You can never go wrong with duck fat! Seriously! She was so fabulous that rather than getting the fries, which are typically served upstairs, she get the tots, which are typically served downstairs. Either way they were a panty dropper. So good! Bravo Merchants! Bravo!
(4)
John W.
There is - despite the several positive reviews - nothing special about Merchants. This restaurant is constantly crowded with noisy tourists bit is difficult to get a table, service is polite but inconsistent, and the food is overpriced. We had the tater tots, which might have been ordered from Macdonalds for half the price, and a very dry brisket with even drier cornbread slice. Won't eat here again.
(2)
Rick W.
Good service, good location, good food. We lunched there. The duck fat tater tots are a great appetizer. A full order was plenty for four. The jambalaya was very good, as was the corn chowder. The presentation of all dishes was excellent. Merchants is worth a try.
(4)
Antony T.
This was one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville as a local based off my first visit. Good food and service. The second time the food was consistent but the attitude of all three servers that night was so bad that I will never go back again.
(2)
LL T.
Great food especially when you sit at the bar and don't have to deal with the wait. I ordered several sides - duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs, green salad and peach cobbler. Wasn't really hungry so it was a good portion. Especially the half order of tater tots. I'm looking forward to coming back here for lunch since I'm here for business travel.
(4)
Ang R.
Great brunch. Duck fat tater tots. Dry rubbed chicken wings. Was surprised because it is right on Broadway. Service was excellent. Very friendly.
(4)
Alisha W.
I have dined a few times at the downstairs restaurant of Merchants. Both times the meal was good. I had the veggie burger the first time and it was great, the sweet potato fires really sealed the deal. The second time I had the chicken pecan salad. It was really good, lots of blackened chicken that was delicious. The only bad the was a few pieces of lettuce were not fresh and mushy! Ick! We also had the fish tacos that were very good as well! The service was not that great but I think the waiter was just being trained. I will visit again!
(4)
Robert R.
My girlfriend Julie & I had dinner here and the food was pretty good but not extraordinary. She had the veggie burger & I had the jambalaya. Her burger was ok and my jambalaya wasn't too bad. The interior is pretty cool and this is a decent option if you are out on Broadway.
(3)
Violet W.
Very disappointed, food is not good at all, the fried chicken is dry and corn chowder is weird tasting shrimps are not fresh, tater tots are nice but that's all. Service is pretty good~
(2)
Corey W.
So I had never been in Merchants on any level before. Stumbled past it drunk on Broadway but never gave it much thought since there wasn't Blaring music and cheap beer. Also, up to now I was under the bias that anything located on the Broadway strip was just another tourist trap. I can't speak for the other floors of the place but after having Dinner on the second floor I believe I was wrong. They started off on a great note with me. Free valet service which is crucial because of the location on Broadway. That and I love pulling up to a valet stand in my dented old Honda Civic. This place is great for a quiet upscale dinner. Setting is fairly romantic. Service is very professional. It was interesting is when looking at their drink menu I was handed a tablet PC with an interactive list so you could look up drinks by category. While I thought it was very cool, it did take away from the ambiance. Something about a smartly printed hard paper menu can't be replaced in a place going for more formal romantic. Food was top notch. I appreciated the menu size. By that I mean there was enough to give variety but it still fit nicely in medium print on one page. I hate going to a nicer Restaurant where reading the menu feels like reading the instruction manual to a NASA spaceship (Cheesecake Factory comes to mind here), and is a serious time commitment. Nothing blew me away but the consistency and quality were top tier Nashville. It is easy to rack up a bill pretty quickly. My significant other and I went, indulging a little since we hadn't eaten out in the last two weeks; 3 cocktails, appetizer, 2 entrees and a desert later we had a $125 bill. I will say though it was worth it. I'll be going again. And wish I could give them 4.5 stars
(4)
Daniel K.
Merchants is always a party in your mouth! The duck fat tater tots are to die for! I also love the Sazarac for my drink. They actually removed the drink from the menu, but I was able to order it and it was amazing as usual. Whenever I come to town I make sure to go to Merchants once, if not twice!
I had dinner the other night at Merchants. They have a fancier dining option upstairs with a smaller menu. We opted for the more casual option downstairs. The mad hatter cocktail was tasty, but should have been stronger. I had the turkey club with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was awesome, but the fries weren't the best. My husband loved the beef brisket.
(4)
Laura G.
Gotta update - the bar and restaurant (downstairs) was much more happening this time around. Excellent coctails - Dark and Stormy is what my friend had - some rum / ginger concoction - really nice. We sat at the bar - loved the popcorn. We shared wings which were really great - dry rubbed with excellent sauces. One of the best parts was after a loud day at Summer NAMM we really wanted to find a place with no live music - this was the perfect place. Very nice historical building!
(4)
Kristie A.
I loved everything about this place. Historic building, good food, good drinks and an awesome waiter named Mike. I have to say the upstairs area is a little on the boring side. Not much to see and not a lot of people around. The downstairs area is where the action is happening. But the two levels offer two completely different menus. Downstairs being cheaper with things like burgers, etc. The upstairs has a fancier menu. Since upstairs had no wait, that's what we did. The hostess took us up on the elevator. The wine list comes on an iPad, which is super cool. Seems more places are going to adopt this concept, and I'm all about it. I settled on a chardonnay. For dinner I ordered the mussels and frites. The mussels came already pulled out of their shell and floating in a garlicy broth. Yum. The frites were thick and fluffy. Not at all what I was expecting. I also ordered the beet salad and it was yum too. A nice assortment of different flavored beets. Mike was great and even offered up a fun bar when we asked where the locals go.
(5)
Adrian M.
nice place right in the heart of downtown. the only place on the strip that doesn't play country music. it was very crowded, and got pretty loud, but hey, the place was packed. We sat in the downstairs to people watch. Servers were very friendly, explained the menu well and suggested good wines. Food was good, not great. decent flavors, but no wow factor anywhere to be seen. Just solid dishes based on solid ingredients.
(4)
Julie H.
This is a historic restaurant with an interesting menu. The view of the street was a great backdrop. The duck fat tots and dipping sauces were extremely tasty. The special was a brisket sandwich topped with homemade pickles (the best). The plate came loaded with sweet potato fries. Glad we stopped in!
(4)
Sherri H.
What we ate was good BUT when sat down our server went through the litany of what was no longer available. She explained that it had been an unusually busy weekend and they were out of oysters, salmon, tuna, pork and lamb. We asked about options for seafood eating vegetarians and got an indignant response "we are a steakhouse - we don't really cater to vegetarians" we ordered a winter salad and she told us there were only 3 left and there might be some ingredients missing. We suspect they were also out of crab because the crab hush puppies had no crab. The bread was good - glad we could drink more than water. They need a better inventory system or someone to run to the grocery store.
(2)
Matt T.
Nice twist on the South. Great cocktails and we'll priced at that. Bartenders know their stuff. Right in the middle of all the Broadway action.
(4)
Amy B.
Ate in the first floor bistro. Nice upscale alternative to Broadway honky tonks. Attentive service. Loved the fried green tomatoes, Mac and Cheese and pulled pork sandwich.
(4)
Aubrey J.
Loved this unpretentious Southern restaurant! The understated decor really draws the attention more to the historical feel of the building itself, which I loved. It was also made apparent that the focus here is on customer service and food, rather than a kitschy tourist-drawing themed restaurant like so many are leaning toward. Our waiter, Scott, was just awesome, with all kinds of great recommendations. I enjoyed a tequila cocktail (Adore Salvatore? Can't remember the exact name) and the Dark & Stormy (a sort of rum mule) which was excellent. The manager brought the second drink out himself because I had inquired about the ingredients and talked with us for a few minutes. Fried Green Tomatoes were the only thing I wasn't completely thrilled with. The flavor of the cornmeal and tart tomater with a pepper jam & pimiento cheese were a great complement to each other, but the tomato itself was pretty tough, and cutting through it pretty much destroyed the delicate breading. I will say though that my enormous slab of pork loin was both tender and succulent, and the flavor of this paired with green beans and polenta was great. My friend enjoyed the fish tacos, which looked delicious. Overall a great experience!
My lady and I had a great experience at Merchant's. Great food, great atmosphere and great service. The jumbalaya was fantastic and so were the salads. If I ever find myself back in Nashville, I will definitely be coming back to Merchant's.
(5)
Erin M.
Great food amazing cheese dip omg crazy ppl are very friendly. Recommend the devil eggs the bacon on the wedge salad was thick and chunky.
(4)
Tim A.
Of course, reviews of this place get confusing because it's basically two restaurants in one building. To be clear, I'm discussing the downstairs area. This place has a lot of energy to it, and it was absolutely packed when I was here. The menu, as you may observe, is full of stuff that sounds really promising. Certainly, some of it delivers. I had heard everyone raving about the duck fat tater tots, so that seemed like a must-have. The tots themselves were decent, but the sauces were great, especially the chipotle mayo and the bernaise. The reason I think everyone raves about the tots, though, is because there isn't much else to rave about. We also had the Southern Fry, which in retrospect was a lot of fried food. The pickles shined, but everything else was pretty bland. Unfortunately, that sort of the tone of the rest of plates we had. Everything was on the verge of being tasty...but only on the verge. The steak frites, while marvelously cooked, didn't have much to add in the flavor department, and the same could be said for the brisket and fried chicken. The cobbler was decent, but I wouldn't say it was better than Dalt's, and I don't have to find a parking spot downtown for that. Again, the place was super crowded, so maybe they had their hands full and put together an off-night. I'll give 'em points for effort.
(3)
Mandy H.
I definitely suggest making a reservation. We arrived at our reservation time, heard them tell the gentleman in front of us it would be a 45 minute wait, and then were promptly seated at the table they had waiting for us. We ordered the duck fat tater tots as an appetizer, only order the half is there are just two of you. The full order was way more than we needed for two. My friend had the sweet tea pork loin and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were excellent. The staff is all very friendly and attentive. This is for sure on the list for a return trip the next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)
Priorteyez C.
Ate on second floor.....most amazing meal I have ever had. There were four of us and we shared the $130 Porter house steak. I have NEVER had a steak so tender in my life! Beet salad was amazing. The onion rings amazing. The potato loaf....what can I say...AMAZING. only thing I would suggest, warn customers about the smoky flavorings on everything...even in the old fashioned drink, which quite honestly was worst drink ever. BUT overall AMAZING dining experience.
(5)
Athenapex C.
Had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious. I had the corn chowder which was good but very thick. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich which was delicious. They do fresh squeezed lemonade as well. Great place to go and would go again.
(4)
Casey L.
The duck fat tater tots were definitely a 'must' after reading the reviews but believe me when I say it was their sauces that were to die for! Great local beer and a great menu! We enjoyed the popcorn while we were waiting for our meal. Will definitely be back when we return to Nashville!
(4)
Stacy R.
I really enjoyed this restaurant! We weren't able to get a reservation in the upstairs, nor were we able to get anything after 4:30, so we ended up eating sandwiches instead of a dinner, but the sandwiches were still delicious! The guacamole was also amazing! At first, I was a little disappointed that we ended up in the Bistro part of the restaurant, but in the end, it was still worth eating there, and I would definitely go back!
(4)
Morgan K.
Been here twice on separate trips to Nashville. Be sure and order the duck fat tater-tots and try one of their cocktails. The manhattan (made with bulliet rye) is a personal favorite. Pimento cheese grits are to die for! When making reservations, be sure and specify he bistro (downstairs- more casual) or upstairs (more fancy). Different menus and price points at both.
(5)
Jena W.
This one would've gotten 5 stars! The only minor setback was the personality, or lack there of, of our waitress! Food was amazing; atmosphere and location couldn't be better!
(4)
Rodney P.
At first glance the place looks a little snooty. That was the first and last time I doubted this place. The food was fantastic (get the baked cheese), the service staff was friendly and attentive. This place is a must stop.
(5)
Greg N.
The food was "OK" but was definitely nothing special. My boyfriend and I shared the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't waste your money on these. Go buy a bag of Ore Ida tater tots at the grocery store. The bearnaise sauce (one of three dipping sauces) was good, but it speaks volumes that the ketchup was the best sauce. The malted mayonaise tasted like feet. DIS-GUST-ING. I had the fried green tomato sandwich for my main course. Again, something I could have made at home that would have turned out better there. The drinks were good, but late. We didn't get them until our entrees came out, and then we had to ask for them as we could see them sitting at the bar for the better part of 15 minutes. The waiter was atrocious. 1. He was chewing gum. I repeat. HE WAS CHEWING GUM. He should have been fired alone for that. Disgusting. 2. He was either homophobic or just a dolt. He also had either table on either side of us, and they got much better treatment. Actually, it was odd because he would help one table, totally bypass us, and then help the other. His tip reflected that. Whoever picked out those silly uniforms... change them. The servers all look like they're callers at a circus. it's gimmicky. It's really obvious this place is just utilizing it's space on Broadway to draw in the tourist crowd. I have a feeling if this place were left to stand on it's own merits and in a neighborhood that required it too have better food/service/everything to succeed, it would be closed pretty quickly.
(1)
Robert B.
Everyone at our table of 5 loved their meals at the downstairs restaurant. The duck fat tater tots were delicious. There were so many, I didn't think we would eat them all, but we did.
(5)
Elizabeth E.
Really enjoyed this spot for casually fine dining. Started out with lunch, JAMBALAYA that was top notch. Went back for dinner. Fun atmosphere, beautiful old building, staff was great. We had FRIED GREEN TOMATO'S, fried crispy sweet perfection.
(4)
Johnny T.
Sad Trombone. I missed out. Evidently, everyone and their mama is smitten with Merchants. I didn't get it. The location is cool. 4th and Broadway is as perfect a location for out-of-towners as it gets in Nashville, so that wasn't it. The building is cool. After walking through a downstairs that looks diner-y (not an insult), you're whisked upstairs by elevator (or you can hoof it) and, suddenly, you're surrounded by brick walls, recessed flooring, long tables and pretty views. So, that wasn't it. The cocktails were cool. I introduced my colleague to the wonder of The Dark & Stormy and I hovered around brown liquors for the rest of the night. I wasn't out of my mind, but I was feeling pretty good. That wasn't it. The service was a little off. We were a large group and, like little Mike Brady, I get it: not everyone is going to reap the same attention as the others. It just kept happening. My appetizer was forgotten. And, then, oops, my drink order went somewhere else. 'Did you need some more silverware? I'll be right back... in ten or so minutes.' I didn't make a big deal of anything, but it didn't make me feel great that I had to persuade my dining companions to eat their food as I waited for mine. Twice. That may have been it. The food was... satisfactory. I came in expecting to be awed and I was 'alrighted.' Again, I am wondering if it was me because my companions seemed to be loving their experience. I was bored by mine. I am not a big beef person so, perhaps if I were, I would have a different opinion. Then again, maybe not. I dined with a vegan who seemed most content with her food. The gnocchi was fine, if not a tad bit mushy. I skipped the salad but had a bite or two of the arugula (I liked it the most). My pork tenderloin was filling but not entirely satisfying. Even for a fatty such as myself, dessert was ho-hum. From the bread pudding to a toast and jelly concoction, my tastebuds weren't tickled. They were poked. Truthfully, I was bored by much of what I ate. I kept waiting for the 'moment' and it never came. I think that I ordered poorly. The overall star rating and positive experience my companions had can't be wrong. So, the food... maybe that was it. That could have been it. That was probably it.
(3)
James L.
I was lucky enough to end up here twice on a recent biz trip, so I can say that it is not just good, but consistent as well. Upstairs is the "fine dining" area, where I ate both times - the only correction needed is that upstairs is $$$ for sure, not 2. Drinks were great, nice appetizer sent out by the chef was a pleasant surprise, and the appetizers, salads, and entrees were all very good - both presentation and taste. I had fish one night - excellent, and then a filet the next night - cooked to perfection. And for desert - the peach cobbler cannot be beat.
(5)
Andrew R.
Really neat place. Ate dinner at the bar, bar tenders were friendly. Had very good mac n cheese and the wife enjoyed her veggie burger. We were looking for a place a little different then eating at the bars or main spots. This fit the description perfectly. I would go again.
(4)
Em P.
This review is for the upstairs "fine dining" portion: I'd been wanting to try the rehash of Merchants after I heard the guys who own Patterson House and Paradise Park took it over. Those are two really good establishments (for what they mean to be...speakeasy or tourist dive) and I had reason to infer that Merchants would extend their record. And I was wrong. Started with a cocktail. Took a while (only because it was made downstairs at the bar) but was solid Patterson-house quality. My partner's extra dry martini had too much vermouth (more than none), but I understand only homeless people ask for a glass of gin and it's a strange request. Second was better. Got a couple of starters to split, even though there wasn't any inherently sharable on the menu. Got the beets and goat cheese (beets could have been a little more uniformly cooked, goat cheese was good but it wasn't dressed as the menu stated). Got the tomato starter too (good, but nothing to squawk at). We received a nice little amuse bouche, but it included goat cheese and tomato which we just ate 2 seconds before. Points for trying though! They were out of the fish stated on the menu (I don't remember what it was originally...red snapper?) but were substituting salmon in it's place. I still got it, but it had little flavor. Cooked nicely, but maybe the salmon overpowered what would have been a good balance. Not bad, just not good. The wilted scallions on it were tough and stringy and impossible to eat. My partner's dinner was worse...he got the pork and it was a really really nasty piece of meat. Fatty, but still dry, no flavor. Pork can be soooo good! We skipped dessert. Wasn't really worth the parking downtown. Overall the service wasn't BAD...it was just....strange. We had multiple servers throughout the evening, each was nice, but sort of unnerving to give one guy your drink order, someone else bring it out, yet another clean the table off...etc. The building itself is really cool looking, with history and the details to match. Downstairs looked a little better, and I may give it a whirl if I'm on lower broad for some reason. Eh.
(1)
HaileyTIffany M.
:( Really wanted to like it, it's beautiful, the staff is magazine beautiful, the uniforms are beautiful. However, I ordered just desert. A blueberry crumble. What we both got was: blueberry soup, with a light sprinkling of crumble (no crust whatsoever), and melted ice cream. I mean COMPLETELY melted. We should've sent it back. It was two bowls of blueberry soup. Maybe a bad day? WIll have to try it again later, cause the place is gorgeous. But dang.
(2)
Quinn S.
Fantastic food, the blackened tilapia was cooked to perfection and the balance of spice was right on. My mother had the sweet tea pork loin with grits which she thought was great but the pork loin was a tad over cooked. It was a little loud but the server was attentive, professional, and really nice so it all balanced out. I might be biased because New York is so expensive but the prices couldn't be more reasonable. I would love to come back.
(4)
Tim T.
Was looking for a place to have a steak while walking on Broadway after looking at the menu the wife and I decided to give this place a try. We were asked if we would like to eat upstairs or down, if was load and very busy downstairs so we decided to eat up, it's very nice upstairs cloth everything and low lighting. Looking at the menu it was the same style menu at Ruth Chris everything is separate, the steak I ordered was good just expected more from a place like this.
(4)
Erin J.
Can you say tourist trap? Decor - cute Service - not great Food - not great Bloody Mary's - disgusting Air conditioning - mediocre Would not go back as it's just a bunch of fried nonsense. I did enjoy dipping the duck fat tater tots in the baked cheese.
(2)
Zeke T.
This was the best option we found on Broadway for good eats without all the drunk 20somethings and loud music. It was a respite amidst the storm (for us...who had just come from a Ryman tour...on a Saturday mid-day). It was a little warm inside (though cooler than outside for sure), but the atmosphere was bright and fun. The waitstaff was friendly, and the food came quickly. The beer list is more than adequate, and I get the feeling that the cocktails would be excellent. Recommendations: the tater tots! But the rest of our food, mostly sandwiches, was good too. :)
(4)
Junica B.
Abosutely divine! My filet was amazing.
(4)
Paul M.
Everything about this experience was incredible. The restaurant is beautiful, the service was fantastic, and the food was exceptional. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. If you're looking for delicious food made in house, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Lawrence M.
The food here was fine. It was not good or very good. For the price, I would have expected better. The brisket was recommended and was slightly dry. Adding bbq sauce to it, did not change that. Ate with two other people, said the same about the Salmon and the burger. Fine not good. With limited time to visit Nashville, invest your limited meal efforts elsewhere
(2)
Noelle C.
We came in for an early dinner and got a seat immediately. The southern fry appetizer was pretty good, but it was the pulled pork sandwich that blew me away. So delicious! I couldn't even eat the whole thing. And the sweet potato fries are a must!
(4)
Carissa O.
I don't mind merchants but it's a bit touristy and the food is pretty average. It's not bad, it just isn't great, you know? Been a couple times... I've had the pulled pork sandwich and one of the salads... I honestly couldn't tell you about the salad as I don't remember it, the sandwich was fine. Maybe I just need to try something else but with so many amazing restaurants in Nashville, I don't know I'll be back.
(2)
Suzanne K.
The ambiance was nice, bright, classy. Liked that the waiters wore bowties and the service was excellent. Had the Southern Fry, and it was pretty good. The okra and shrimp were slightly over-cooked, but the catfish and dill pickles were perfectly cooked. Had the Blackened Catfish Sandwich. The fish was cooked perfectly, moist and tender. And the sweet potato fries paired with their sorghum BBQ sauce was pretty awesome. It's not typical southern food, but it was good. I'd recommend it.
(4)
ana b.
Merchants was such a Nashville treat while visiting from out of town! Our host Brian seated us in the perfect spot and Tanya recommended the delicious crab hushpuppies and fully loaded potato cake - what a surprise of delight! Tanya also told us about the history of the building and recommended places to go out in Nashville. We were well taken care of and greatly enjoyed the food!
(5)
Ben S.
I visited here three times on my trip. Two times I sat at the bar and one time via a reservation I sat at a high top table near the bar. The service was friendly all the times. It was also efficient and the kitchen for how busy this place gets was surprisingly fast. The three times I went for lunch I ordered (in order of my favourite to least favourite) the fish tacos, the salmon sandwich, and a burger. The sweet potato fries that come with the sandwiches are really good - they were thick cuts. This is the only really nice place on Broadway. I found it via the opentable app and am glad I did. It's worth your visit. The drink list is extensive too and they have some cool creations. It was fun to watch them make a few - like Old Faithful.
(5)
Jaya D.
One of the deviations from fried or BBQ on Broadway. The cocktail selection was very nice and our drinks were delicious. The duck fat tater tots were good but not worth the hype - tasted like tater tots. The Mac and cheese was fantastic. Pretty long wait for lunch on a Friday.
(4)
Ken J.
Skip the tots. Although they may have been cooked in duck fat, you couldn't tell. The aioli was good but the bernaise was described as sun tan lotion tasting by other people in the party. Seems like a good comparison. The chicken fried chicken was very good with the sauteed spinach, but the grilled chicken sandwich had pretty terrible chicken (frozen?) and so much guacamole it should have been served with chips. Would I eat there again, probably not. It's not bad, but it was pricy ($55 for two no alcohol) and there are better places downtown.
(3)
Non P.
Great stuff. Great place. Added benefit: the waiters all dressed up like 1920s newboys/clerks, kind of Dickensian (yeah, wrong era). Popcorn. For free. Before your meal. Deviled eggs that taste like a priority express delivery from the Dark One himself. Everything else that tastes just right. Service is well trained and genuinely polite and helpful. Snap snap snap. Can someone please ask: Are the (male) waiters required to have facial hair? And while you're at it: exactly what time period are the outfits supposed to evoke? I'm always too embarrassed, and too busy eating, to ask. I imagine it's a roaring twenties thing, but want to confirm.
(5)
Terry V.
I went to lunch here with my mentor and we decided to try out a downtown lunch spot. We were seated in the corner booth which was fantastic for people watching and great lighting on a summer afternoon. When you first sit down, they'll bring you a little tin of popcorn and gladly refill it if you'd like. They usually sprinkle a dill seasoning but of course on our day- they would fun out and it was just sprinkled with salt and pepper. We started off with fried green tomatoes! Fantastic!! The spicy pepper jam is the perfect compliment. They also serve it with pimento cheese for those who like that. I'm not the biggest fan so the jam served me well. Then for our entrees, we both ordered Two words: Fish Tacos! The use mahi mahi and mahi mahi isn't it delicious. The pico de gallo, jalapeno aioli, and guacamole is great. I wasn't a fan of the slaw. I'm pretty picky when it comes to slaw so I focused more on the tacos. I think this is a great spot and had a wonderful time. The feel is very different from downtown which was really nice. I would definitely come back here.
(4)
Brady H.
Ate here on a business trip in Nashville. To start, you must get an Old Fashioned, they have some of the best in the country. Wow! I got the fish tacos whichv were very good, the waiter was amazing, and my coworker got a great burger. Definitely recommend this place if you are in town.
(4)
Lesley G.
The place was really nice and had a neat atmosphere. The front entrance can be confusing since the hostess is past the bar and more accessible through the side entrance. Overall, great food and service. I had the lobster Mac and cheese on special and it was amazing. I was so bummed I couldn't finish it. I also enjoyed the seasoned popcorn as a starter. I will admit that the bill gave me sticker shock, so watch those drink and special prices!
(4)
Steve H.
I really enjoyed this place, we got a window seat and the server Megan did an excellent job. The fried green tomatoes and corn chowder were very tasty starters. My chicken fried chicken was excellent and done just right. It is easy to see why this establishment has been around so long.
(4)
M.J. D.
Bartender was very nice and actually has a personality, drinks were spot on, and let me tell you about the food. Chicken fried chicken was unbelievable. So crispy and the gravy went perfect with the potatoes and spinach. The mac and cheese was very good as well but i know i will never have another chicken fried chicken dinner like that in Chicago.
(5)
Natalya S.
I have been going to Merchants about once a week for the past 4 months, it is worth the occasional long wait. It was my favorite restaurant hands down in downtown Nashville. The staff that work there are all great, I have had pleasant experiences with all. Basically all the food they serve there is delicious and it is hard to go wrong. One of my co-workers would go as far to say as he has had the best steak here out of all places in Nashville. Merchants is setup like two separate restaurants. The downstairs is cheaper and more casual dining, while upstairs is pricier and finer dining. Sometimes they will also let you order the upstairs menu when sitting downstairs (worth asking about if there is a long wait for upstairs). Both menu's are great. Before I get into a couple of disappointments I had recently, I do highly recommend checking this place out, like I said the food is some of the best you can find in downtown Nashville, the environment is nice, and the service is good. They changed my favorite dish, which was hands down the best shrimp and grits I may have ever had in my life. It is now something smaller and the recipe is completely different, and not as good as it used to be. Oddly enough, when I asked the server before ordering it, he told me it hadn't changed (strange considering I had the same dish for 3-4 months before that). I think their chef may have changed because I also ordered the chicken fried chicken from their downstairs menu a week later and it too wasn't as good as I remembered it. The other issue with Merchants is that sometimes there can be quite a wait, so I do recommend making reservations. In regard to the long wait I mentioned earlier in this post, a staff member told me it would be a half hour wait, but this turned into about an hour wait. My friends and I were a bit disgruntled by this (especially combined with the recent changes in food). Merchant's management did the best they could to make it up to us, they led us off with each a glass of sparkling wine. Then halfway through the meal, they also let us know our appetizers were on the house. That was really amazing of them, and much appreciated that they went above and beyond in making it up to us. It definitely made a big difference to me. So, in summary, Merchants food is delicious, but it can be a wait, I miss the old shrimp and grits, but there is still plenty of other things to enjoy on their menu. Definitely worth going to and you will be back!
(4)
Laurie E.
Food was hit and miss. The tots were incredible. Sat near door and nearly froze. The Pim 's cocktails with crushed apple were fantastic. The waiter staff was very hip.
(3)
William W.
After hearing the wonderful reviews on here I decided to give this place a try. I went to the downstairs portion a bit after two o'clock, and the place was about 60% full. My server took our drink orders then did not return for about fifteen minutes. When we finally ordered, of course we got the duck fat tater tots. They were nice and crispy and the sauces were well seasoned, but that takes no skill to put out. When the entrees finally came after half an hour it was a different story! My girlfriend ordered a salad and enjoyed it. It was freezing outside and we had walked there from the hotel, so I ordered the "Soup and Sammie". The closest parking near there was $10 for an hour and a half. First off the soup had been slung in the microwave and was quickly approaching the heat of the sun. When i cooled down a taste, it was bland and needed to be seasoned much more than it had been. The chips were homemade chips that are supposed to be cooked to order; however, you could tell that they had been cooked hours prior if not the previous day. I bit into one and almost lost a few teeth. The bacon tasted as if it was cooked at the beginning of the shift. The grilled cheese tasted as if it had been sitting in the window for a while and the fat used to cook the bread left a funny aftertaste. After all that it took another thirty minutes to get our check. The bill ended up being about $35. I will never return to this restaurant again.
(1)
Steve S.
We were looking for something less upscale but rather than wait an hour we went up stairs. Great choice! Any chef that can make my two least favorite vegetables delicious deserves an award. We had three different entrees: cauliflower, short ribs, and chicken. They were all perfect. Overall, an excellent dining experience in "honky tonk" central. A good pour on the Gentleman Jack, but not great, and tooth picks were available.
(4)
Leslie V.
I'm an NYC epicurean and give Merchants a very strong two thumbs up! Thanks to reading other great reviews we checked this joint out. The atmosphere gave us the southern class with character we were looking for. The crafted drinks were delicious and the bartenders and waitstaff were delightful. We started with the fried green tomatoes and I had the blackened tilapia, while my friend had the burger. My meal was outstanding. I highly recommend the fish, especially if you like a lil heat! I usually like to try different places, but on my next go around in Nashville I will definitely be sure to make another stop at Merchants. Thank you for showing a northern girl a fabulous evening!
(5)
Mindy B.
Stopped in for lunch. Food was really delicious. I know we were really hungry, but the food far exceeded our expectations. Sandwiches were really good. Excellent sweet potato fries. Service was good too! I would recommend this place instead of most of the bars downtown.
(5)
Courtney W.
I've been to Merchants twice, and it seems like they've recently updated it. It felt very "Brooklyn" to me in here. I think it was the tattooed staff and style of the place, but also they didn't play country music here (a rare find in Nashville). I was very impressed with the quality of the food. We ate downstairs where you can find delicious sandwiches, and the prices are great. (I had the salmon blt with sweet potato fries...Yum!) The fried appetizers were delicious too (especially the catfish). Will definitely be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)
Frank G.
I was in town for the Growco conference with two associates on April 8 and attended a session where the two owners, Max and Benjamin Goldberg, spoke. Intrigued, we decided to check it out. We were told there was a 30 to 40 minute wait, which was fine. After an hour wait we were told that we were next in line and that a table was about to become available. Incredibly, a group walked right in and was immediately given this table because they had reservations and we were told that they should not have to wait. Based upon their assurances that another table would soon be available we did not walk out. When the table became "available" we were taken upstairs and lo and behold our table had been given away to a large group that needed more room. The hostess told us that they would bring another table down from the third floor for us, which was eventually accomplished. After all that the food and service was just average. Based upon the owners' assurance during their conference session that the guest experience was of utmost importance to them and anyone could get a free dinner by saying that their previous dinner had not been satisfactory, we were not offered so much as a complementary appetizer or drink for the entirely unsatisfactory way in which we were treated.
(1)
William H.
Great dinner reconnecting with friends while in town for a family wedding. Atmosphere and decor were fantastic and drink menu had some delicious selections. For dinner I went brisket with cornbread and cleaned my plate. Luckily I left room for some key lime pie (a personal favorite). Only slight miss was no espresso post dinner. I love to finish off a great meal with some rich flavorful coffee. A great spot for dinner downtown. As a final note I was in the Bistro but friends opined the second floor was also an excellent experience.
(4)
Josh M.
Mind you this this a review for the downstairs portion of this establishment. Have not made a point to check out the upstairs because downstairs is JUST SOO GOOD!!! You are seated in a 40's style diner/bar and immediately served a small tin cup full of this marvelous sour cream and onion popcorn. WHERE IS THAT ON THE MENU? Great beer selection without having too many options making it hard to decide. I have made it a point to try a new beer each time that I have visited. Last time I partook in 2 different "flavors", the Caldera IPA and the Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. I would highly suggest either of these two options. One point that I would like to make is ANY of their beers pair very well with any menu item. Now selecting food here is like being a kid in a candy store for me. BURGERS. Bear Creek Farms local beef from Thompson Station. This is some juicy stuff! MMM. Now to compliment this sandwich I like to choose simple options and can not get away from the smoked gouda and a fried egg. It has a special place in my heart, mind you if I ate too many, there wouldn't be much space left in my heart. Add a side of fries and I'm set. I have tried the sweet potato fries and they just aren't for me. Next time will be the duck fat tots. My wife fallen in love with the Turkey Club. That is a turkey sandwich. I think that turkey smothered in that basil mayo would be enough, but then they add in the crunch veggies. Overall, I have been here 3 times in the last 6 months and it never fails. If you are feeling brave to venture out into the heart and hustle and bustle of Broadway, I highly recommend this place. This is a place I want to keep going back to.
(5)
Kathleen M.
After the total fail of a meal at Park Cafe, we needed a cheeseburger. A good one. Problem was, it was in the late hours of the evening and we were carless traipsing up and down Broadway. Our options were limited, but luckily Merchants was there. I fell in love with the space. I say this in the absolute nicest way possible, but it reminded me of a really refined Waffle House. You've got your high top counter, your low top counter, and some booths along the wall. Just remove the yellow and brown particle board, replace it with beautiful antique marble and steel accents, and you've got Merchants. But yes, just to see the space is worthy of a pop inside, so get on it. Apparently we walked in to the middle of a total computer meltdown, and our bartender gave us a heads up that it may be a while. He seemed flustered, to say the least. It had definitely been a rough night, and I wouldn't say he was excited to see us. Especially when we decided to stick around *and* order food. The servers' uniform is a little overkill on the hipster quotient: plaid shirts and suspenders, no joke. But I suppose it could be a lot worse. And dude warmed up to us as the night went on, especially once the computer system was back up and running. The cheeseburger was delightful, but that may have been due to our rumbly bellies and the late hour. I do remember a double, slightly overdone patty served up on some fantastic bread. And seriously yummy fries, *and* they were nice enough to split it in two for us and serve it on two separate plates: I've never seen a place do that with a burger, and it was appreciated. You may think I'm crazy for having a Clover Club with a cheeseburger, but that's just what I did. And I loved that I could do it here. And that the Clover Club was served in a lowball rather than a martini glass: heaven in my eyes. If I end up back in Nashville at some point, I'll be coming back here.
(4)
Glenn F.
Merchants is one of the most reliable restaurants in the Broadway/downtown area of Nashville. The food is well planned and put together great. The prices are reasonable and service and ambiance is always superb. The fish tacos, chicken fried chicken and salmon are my favorite. The Johnny Cash Chili is overated and overpriced. I haven't been there for drinks, but today I noticed the bar tender working diligently trying to perfect various concoctions. I give it a thumbs up!
(4)
Tarra J.
The upstairs "upscale" section of the restaurant had a small menu of unique but not over-the-top dishes. Food was delicious and served with a smile. Definitely recommend!
(4)
Seed M.
Everything was great. Had the Mac N Cheese and it was good. My dates had Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches. Everyone was happy it was a great time. The server was so pretty. Wish you were mine. HE HE
(4)
Jeremy E.
Went before a Preds game. Food was good. Duck fat tots were very good. Way overpriced and the service was extremely lacking. Water glasses were empty, and they didn't take the plates off of our table when we were done with apps which made for a cluster**** when entrees came. Only reason why they can stay in business is because they are located right downtown and people don't have a choice.
(3)
Annie D.
Culinary angels live in this kitchen wearing chef's hats and yelling for more truffle oil. I swear. The service was great---patient, knowledgeable and warm. The atmosphere is amazing too---dim, bold colors, dark wood, crystal chandeliers, wrought iron and this vintage-modern-gothic feel. And the food. AAAH. Starters of foie gras, shrimp and grits, cheesy gnocchi. I ordered the filet for my entree, which was one of the best steaks I've ever had (and I used to live in Argentina, land of grass-fed beef). It came with au jus, potatoes and some other stuff I just scarfed happily without taking notes. They change the accouterments seasonally, so you can expect some variety. I also nabbed a bite of chocolate bread pudding (OMG) and Rachel F's short ribs and truffled cauliflower. Short ribs were a winner, but the cauliflower had me wishing there were some biscuits lying around because it tasted like gravy. Do with that what you will. The sour Clover Club was my drink of choice. It's a craft cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, housemade raspberry puree and egg white. Get this and be happy. There are separate menus for upstairs and down. Down is more casual (but still pretty chic) and upstairs is fancy-town. I mean that in the best way because it isn't pretentious in the least. I wish I could have eaten at Merchants every night I was in Nashville. As much as I might like, I wouldn't be able to afford eating here daily unless I was growing money in my backyard (which I am not, for the record---so stay out of my garden). It's probably best to come for a celebration with your friends and loved ones or an impressive date with your number one guy/gal.
(5)
Jennifer M.
This was a very nice restaurant. Food was extremely good! I had the crab guacamole and chicken fried chicken. Mmmm. I was glad we went there. It is hipster classy and could recommend it for the young adults or old adults.
(4)
Hailey D.
Maybe it was because I was way too tired to eat..I don't know. But it wasn't what I thought it would be. I ordered fish tacos with sweet potato fries. Fries were awesome, crisp and delicious. Fish tacos? I loved how they put lettuce instead of cabbage. But I hated that they put red onions in it. It just was not what I would expect from fish tacos. My friends ordered steak and lamb steak respectively. Lamb steak came out perfect. But steak was overcooked. She ordered medium rare but it was medium well done. Of course they didn't charge for it, after my friend declined to have it fixed. Food was fine. Service was acceptable, except when the waitress spilt water on our table, dropped a lemon wedge on the floor, and spilt my friend's sweet tea. The place was nice...except the tile floor just didn't go with upscale looking interior. Overall it was OK..I probably won't return. The menu didn't have the variety I expected.
(3)
Janie M.
Merchants is my go to restaurant whenever I have guests in town. It's in the heart of downtown, the food is pretty decent and I've always had really great service there. The lines are sometimes long on a Friday or Saturday, but thanks to Open Table I never have to worry about waiting anymore!
(4)
Carolyn F.
Had dinner upstairs. Pretty solid for a higher-end meal but there were definitely a few misses. The lighting was very dim and the tables are pretty spaced out, producing a muted and somewhat dead atmosphere (vs the very bright and lively downstairs). Sitting next to the window, you can check out the action at the honky tonks across the street. We started out with a complimentary amuse-bouche of gougere, which was fine. The shrimp and grits appetizer was outstanding. Super tender shrimp and a great smoky and buttery flavor to the dish overall. The duck risotto was fine but somewhat salty. The steak was alright, with very tender meat and good flavor. The pheasant was four or five pieces of breast meat and tasted fine if a little bland. I wished the bird was served on the bone for more flavor and brought out sooner, as it was lukewarm when it arrived. Both entrees seemed to be decently well-executed but I found neither to be exciting. Besides the shrimp and grits, the other truly outstanding dish was the soft chocolate dessert. This alone would make me return to the restaurant! Imaginative combination of flavors (malt chocolate and balsamic) with delicious mint ice cream. Yummmm.
(4)
Katie L.
This is for the first floor restaurant. Yummy! We tried the cheese appetizer and it lived up to its description. Our table had the brisket, steak frites, chowder and pork loin. The pork loin is probably the best pork loin I have ever had. The corn bread is real corn bread- so good. The meat was all well seasoned and moist. The bernaise sauce that comes with the steak frites was almost drinkable it had such great flavor. The service was top notch, our drinks were never empty - our pop cups were never empty. Our server brought out extra chips for our appetizer. A really nice place, you are going to pay a little more but you are definitely paying for quality of ingredients, local meats etc. and this is worth it to me. Also, they have complimentary valet which is a nice added touch especially so you do not have to pay for parking downtown and only have to pay a tip. I would go back for the wonderful cuisine any time I was in town.
(4)
Hannah J.
I went here for a late casual lunch yesterday. The first thing to note about this place is that there are 2 sections to the restaurant and they have different menus. The upstairs sounds a little more fancy and on my tour it was more of a classic dining room feel. It had great light fixtures and dark walls with a great vibe. The 3rd floor was more empty and seemed like a great place for business luncheon or party. Also, they let us just walk around and tour the building since it's so historic. Downstairs is more casual- this is where I ate. It's an old pharmacy/soda shop. The bar is behind the original marble counter top. The seating is booth style with marble table tops as well. They were even playing football on flat screens. First, the cocktails were awesome. I had my favorite: Dark and Stormy. It almost rivals that of the Patterson house. We also had the fried green tomatoes app, but it was not that freshly made. And they served it was some pimento topping and jalapeno salsa. Not my favorite. For the main course, they have only 2 veggie options: friend green tomato sandwich and a veggie burger. I opted for the veggie burger. It was alright. Nothing to write home about. This is the only reason they got 3 stars. It was just wasn't that exciting of a menu. On the other hand, the service was awesome. Partly because it was slow, but also because everyone was super nice. I hope to get back to try the upstairs dining room. I will update then, Maybe they'll move up to 4 stars?
(3)
Mike M.
Service good. Rsvp'd online and it worked nicely. Food was above average not the best I ever had. Mac and cheese and fish taco's good. Fish taco was a little watery from the liquid in the fish they made it with but still was good. The crab guacamole was pretty good also. In the middle of broad and recommended by conciere. I'd come here again. Waiter was slow to clear off plates after we ate. Restaurant was slowing down at this point too.
(3)
Gene G.
We tried out the down stairs area where things are of more casual nature. Very white, but well decorated area almost feeling like your in an old time drug store. I like the get up the bartenders wear, bow tie, suspenders, and jeans as whoever chose to make the uniforms that way made a nice choice. The drink menu was well done on the mixed side, the beer selection is mediocre and does not have any draft selections. There also wasn't the option of a chilled glasses for the beers. The service was meteoker, but the food is done extremely well. This is a well rounded diner fitting almost any type of situation. This place is in a pretty happening area and the building is gorgeous. I had a pimento cheese and bacon burger, that was fine. Pros: Drink Menu Good Food Nice Decor and Character Good Location Cons: Mediocre Service Limited Beer Menu
(4)
Emily M.
This place had me a little befuddled. The drinks were awesome, A+, we had moscow mules, dark and stormy's and a specialty martini. The food was delicious, the steaks were just right, asparagus was cooked to perfection, caprese app was lovely, and the gnocchi was really enjoyable to indulge in. The service was good, friendly peeps. However....the layout and the decor, stunk. We sat upstairs and it felt very cold, bare, and old. More importantly, the bathroom was dirty, looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months. Who wants to pay $40 for a steak and not enjoy the entire experience? And if the bathroom for the patrons isn't sparkling, it makes me wonder how they (don't) take care of the actual kitchen, etc. So, good food, good drinks, and pee with your eyes closed. :)
(3)
Marty Y.
Reminds me of a classy southern plantation but the middle of all of the honky tonks on Broadway. Had the blackened talapia and ate at the bar during lunch. Not the kind of place you would got drinks, but its a classy restaurant. Dig it. 4 stars.
(4)
Janet S.
I've done both dinner and lunch here and both were satisfactory, dinner was a little pricey but we enjoyed playing tourist and being downtown. Lunch this week was macaroni and cheese with jalapeno and ham, not quite as baked as I would like it but tasty and filling. My friend's salad was delicious and a generous portion. Cocktails - Tennesse mojito quite fabulous, especially as it was lunchtime (naughty!). It's across the street from my new office so I suspect I'll be spending more time here. Service very professional. Lunch came to $25 each for two inc tip.
(3)
Whitney H.
Some friends and I ate at Merchants on a trip to Nashville out of a recommendation from a friend and it was absolutely amazing. Not only was the food delicious, our service was outstanding and you can't beat the wine selection. I would highly recommend Merchants.
(5)
Meredith H.
I gotta be honest, I wasn't impressed. It was a cool place to eat, but I don't know if I'll be going back. We did get there late, and they were really cool about it (we had reservations for 8 and got there around 8:15) but we had to wait about 20 minutes for them to clean off a table (totally understandable.) We were shown to our table, got our lukewarm water (apparently it's cool in Europe to not put ice in your water, which is what they do here. I've been to Europe and I got ice there all the time without asking, so who knows.) and we ordered appetizers. We were so excited for our crab guac dip, and one other one, but we literally waited probably 30 minutes. By this time, our food should have come and we flagged down our waiter who didn't remember to put the apps in, so he apologized and said that they would still come, and he'd bring them AFTER our main meal. Whatever. He felt bad and I think he waived the price and offered us free desert, but we passed on it. It was good food, though! I got the grilled salmon BLT and it was delicious! I just didn't like the service.
(2)
mumin k.
I was at Merchants again and fell in love with this place one more time. The drinks here are amazing. You simply can not go wrong by ordering anything on the cocktail menu. The bartenders here definitely know what they are doing. They are NOT just mixing stuff but are doing a magic with these drinks. This time I had the turkey leg confit sandwich which was simply amazing. It took me back to the days when I was having a duck confit sandwich in France. Highly recommended. I think this is one of the best places in town. I am planning to go there late in the evening and sit in the bar and have at least 3-4 of my favorite cocktails.
(5)
Butch A.
Stopped in for drinks the other evening. I am a Los Angeles based Nashvegas regular by the way. I brought my business associates, and we sat at the bar. Our mixologist, Will, was great. Drinks were killer. A good time was had by all. The food is always excellent, as is the entire team at Merchants. If you find yourself on Broadway - treat yourself. You may also become a convert;)
(5)
John R.
Were do I start. At the door the valet pick up my car with a smile. Based on the cars he probably sees each evening, that was a good sign. Moving into the restaurant we were welcomed upstairs. We ordered the hot chicken app. The serving temp was hot but the spice was lacking. Good capture of the southern specialty but could have used more heat. Salad was the blue cheese lemon vin on a wedge. Bacon and Blue was great but the lemon seemed a little off. A nut or lime may have complimented better. The entree was the ribeye and gnocchi. Temperature and sauce was perfect, however seasoning was toooooo salty. May need another BP tablet tonight. I do want to say that the service was very attentive and punctual. This was a nice compliment leading to a good gratuity. Thank you overall. Overall value is falling behind........maybe downstairs is the place to be?
(2)
Grayson W.
The food was very good and the place seemed classy, but I thought it could stand a little updating and I I thought it was a tad overpriced.
(3)
Maureen R.
Merchants is a calm oasis in the craziness that is Broadway in Nashville. As first-timers to Nashville, we enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the street. and shopped and bar-hopped in and out of all the crazy places. But when it came time to eat lunch, we gladly diverted from it temporarily. We were visiting on a recent Sunday and stumbled into the filming of a beer commercial (think Clydesdale horses). The street was blocked off to vehicles but pedestrians were still able to walk the length of Broadway and watch the staging and rehearsals for the commercial. So that just added to the fun vibe of the street. When it came time for lunch, we thought of eating at one of the places with a rooftop patio so we could continue to view the filming. After climbing two flights of stairs at one of the most popular chain honky-tonks, we discovered the rooftop was a cacophony of noise - music from a live band was way too loud. We quickly retreated and went in search of a better choice. Merchants did not have a menu posted outside and we were unsure of the type of food they served. We hesitantly ventured inside and found it a bit awkward that you have to walk to the back of the restaurant to find the host and request a table. We requested a look at the menu, which Hans, the host, gladly offered. We mentioned that we were enjoying the filming that was going on right outside the front of the restaurant. Much to our delight, Hans showed us to a booth that was tucked into a corner against the front window and removed the "reserved" sign from the table. We had a birds-eye view of the action on the street while we lounged in air-conditioned comfort eating the addictive, complimentary herbed popcorn. Thank you, Hans - this is exactly what we had in mind. Our server, Paul, made some recommendations and shared some insight about the menu. I chose the soup and sandwich combo, priced at $11, and couldn't have been happier with my entree. I received a generous bowl of shrimp and corn bisque that was a meal in itself. My grilled cheese sandwich was a gooey-three cheese delight that came with house-made potato chips. My friend had a burger, similarly priced, that she raved about. Paul was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. We lingered over a shared piece of pecan pie for dessert as we continued to watch the action happening right on the other side of our window. Thanks to Hans and Paul for making our lunch at Merchants the best part of our day on Broadway!
(5)
Kim T.
Lamb steak was amazing... Juicy, tender, very well seasoned... Flavorful. The first bite was a symphony of flavor and I am not even a huge fan of lamb!!!. Pot roast was ai'ght. Sweet potato puree a little runny. It needed a little seasoning. In general good atmosphere, good food, good local beer. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.
(3)
Stacie L.
I have been to Merchants for lunch and dinner. Both times it was just "OK." Nothing on the menu wow'd me; everything is basic. The atmosphere is too sterile, the seating is too hard, and the flavors bore me. Also, the smell of fish when you first enter is overwhelming.
(3)
Melanie M.
yes the food was good fried green tomatoes, johnny cash chili and bacon cheeseburger ,but we sat at the bar the service was sloooow but we will be back
I loved this place. The atmosphere was terrific and the food was really quite good. We had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious, crispy, and salty. I had the soup and sammie which was HEAVENLY. My husband had the pork loin, which was okay. However, it came with some great pimento cheese grits. The restaurant was beautiful and I loved the decor. The wait was long without a reservation, but I loved that they would text you when your table is ready. The only complaint was the timing. Our food took a while to get to us, and the appetizer and entrees came our simultaneously.
(4)
Steve N.
A chic attire for what feels to be an old school vibe. I found it a bit odd the hostand was place way in the back of the place. The staff was entirely welcoming. I'm used to having bread as the thing to munch on while waiting for food but they served popcorn. Now I dislike popcorn and it surprises everyone when I hit the movies but that's how I am... I gave it a try here and it was actually pleasant. Light salt and it was sweet. Ordered fried green tomato (recent new-found love), tomato soup and a salmon blt. I realized after the server walked away that I kind of overloaded on tomatoes haha... The fried green tomatoes were done nicely! Sometimes they come out soggy inside but these still held their shape. They sat atop a pepper jam and topped with pimento cheese. These came together so well. Like a sweet melody. The tomato soup didn't do it for me though - it was too salty and reminded me too much of Panera's bagged tomato soup. The salmon blt wasn't too special but was enjoyable. Although the salmon was cooked almost perfect. Cooked medium which meant it was juicy and flavorful. Would consider coming back for dessert.
(4)
Jackie M.
Horrendous customer service. Maybe the worst I've ever experienced at a restaurant. I made reservations for the upstairs venue for 12. 12 people. That's good money, right? You'd think a restaurant might be excited about us spending beaucoup bucks. Anyway, the hostesses were so rude upon arrival. So bad we thought it might be a joke. We wanted to add 4 extra people to our dinner and they told us absolutely not, and looked at us like we were nuts. I understand tables can be at a premium, so we were bummed. However, when we were finally seated (30 mins after our reservation time) the ENTIRE upstairs emptied out in 20 minutes. So there were about 40 extra seats but our extra 4 friends couldn't join us. This wasn't the end though. Drinks took centuries to come. My tartare looked like a raw hamburger patty. Oddest item I've ever been served. Our waitress was nice but overall the experience was really poor. Our 4 friends ended up eating bbq at Jack's across the street... we were seriously jealous we didn't join them. Won't go back here. Ever!
(1)
Yappy M.
It is nice to finally have a place downtown that doesn't cater to the mouth-breathers and the Doc Johnson t-shirt crowd. My girlfriend and I stumbled across this place when we were looking for a decent restaurant downtown. A nice discovery. The owners have a done a great job with the decor. It has a great retro feel to the place--almost like a 1950's soda shop, albeit with upscale dining and booze. The popcorn they served as an appetizer was a nice touch. Overall, the food was good and the drinks were stiff. This place is unique for Nashville and certainly for Downtown. If there were a few more places like this on Broadway, it would give locals more of a reason to go down there.
(4)
Jeff S.
Great local place in the middle of it all. Really liked the laid back downstairs atmosphere and the staff was great. Great menu with some different choices. The duck fat tater tots are good but nothing to get to excited for. The portions are solid and you would be hard to find something better on music row
(4)
Erin M.
The bartender (lots of tattoos, glasses) was extremely likable. He made eye contact immediately when we sat down to let us know he saw us, took our drink orders shortly after, and checked back with us to make sure everything was good. While they weren't the greatest cocktails I've ever imbibed- they were tasty. There are loads of bars in San Francisco like this, with classic cocktails and servers running around in suspenders- but most of them have really cranky and pissed off bartenders. It's refreshing to be in a town where people pouring expensive drinks at nice places are actually pleasant. My one complaint is that it's too damn bright in there. It gives the place a bit of a diner feel.
(4)
George N.
Wow, this is some darn good food! I had the Endive and Bibb lettuce salad, and the Red Snapper entre, both were fantastic. Good service, good ambiance, highly recommended.
(5)
Maksim F.
Great food, very nice service, and awesome location!
(5)
Kola H.
I decided to try Merchants immediately after seeing the many 4+ star reviews and multiple notes on how the place was "surprisingly great quality food despite being in the tourist trap". The interior was bright and contemporary with a beautiful copper bar, antiqued mirrors and the barkeeps wore cute bow ties & suspenders (very prohibition of them). I warned my bar tender that I was a "foodie" so the food had better be good, he laughed, told me about a special dinner and book signing that was happening with Maneet Chauhan of The Food Network's "Chopped" but my flight was just before the event so I couldn't make it :/ He suggested the fried green tomatoes and salmon blt, but as I'm still on my "pescetarian" diet opted for the mahi mahi tacos w/jalapeno aioli, guac and slaw. The food came out in good timing and the plate looked fresh, appetizing and the cilantro and thinly sliced radish bits were a great touch! The slaw was very lightly dressed so it hardly tasted like any coleslaw I'm used to, but that was a good thing! Thanks again to Will and Speedy for the great info and service- I'd definitely come back again ;)
(4)
Lauren S.
Overall: Tasty, but basic menu with a bistro-type flair. A nice departure from the honky-tonks downtown. Food/Drink: I'm usually not a big appetizer fan but I was with a big group so we got a few things to munch on. Thumbs up to the tater tots, especially with the white/vinegary dipping sauce. I was also pleasantly surprised with the beet & goat cheese crostini. It was more beet juice mixed with goat cheese which, given that I hate beets, was great. There are a variety of sandwich-type items on the entree list and they are pretty large. Picks for my table included the roast beef, burger, salmon BLT and grilled chicken (from what I could see) and everyone seemed to enjoy it! For the side option, choose the sweet potato fries. The drinks featured are more "old time" drinks with gin, whiskey, brandy, bitters etc. Not really my cup of tea, but they did sound impressive. Atmosphere/Service: I ate downstairs in the more casual area but there is a more fine dining option upstairs. It was very open/clean and the service was fine. Food came out quickly and our waitress was attentive without being annoying. Cost: Appetizers range from $6 - $10 and sandwiches are about $12.
(3)
Buddy R.
A little better than most of the touristy places on Broadway. We ate downstairs - which is the more casual. We ate at the bar because we were there during a convention and the place was crowded. The building looks quite old as does the bar area, but all was clean and well maintained. Food was good but not exceptional. I had an excellent hamburger and my wifes salad was very good. Service was fine.
(3)
Louise B.
Excellent dining experience. Get the Tennessee Mojito. Best cocktail I have ever had. Ate downstairs at a table by the window. Wonderful view of the Broadway action outside. Wait staff was very professional and attentive. All of us four got different entrees and were delicious. I highly recommend Merchant's.
(5)
Andrea Q.
Went to Nashville in May of 2009 and finally getting around to my reviews of the area. 4 stars for food, but knocking a star for sketchy credit card billing. Merchants had good food and nice place to sit outside. I went here with 5 of my girlfriends before going to the Grand Ole Opry to see Steve Martin's banjo debut. Merchants was great at accommodating us - we were kind of in a rush to eat and get out of there so we wouldn't be late for the show. I had the Southern Chicken Cordon Bleu which was a pecan crusted chicken breast stuffed with ham and swiss cheese in a creamy dijon sage sauce. It was served with sauteed spinach and Andouille sausage grit cakes. YUM!!! The whole meal was delicious. My friends all enjoyed their meals as well. Our waiter was kind of a dick- he wasn't even remotely friendly or personable and seemed really distracted. He also over charged my credit card and a friend's credit card by adding in an extra 18% tip on top of the 18% that was already included in the bill. We only found this out after we left Nashville and checked out bank statements. Not cool at all. When we each called the restaurant, they claimed to not have records of it and said they couldn't help us with the overcharge - not a cool practice Merchants! An honest mistake is one thing, having been a waiter for a long time myself, I know that sometimes a number is entered incorrectly but the restaurant should own up and fix the mistake instead of claiming to not be able to do anything about it. And for it to happen to more than one person at a table? Makes it even more likely that it was done on purpose. If I was in Nashville again, I would probably eat there because I really enjoyed my meal but service could be better and I will pay with cash next time!
(3)
Sara R.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. It is perfect for residents and tourist alike. The service at Merchants has always been incredible. Drinks are always made perfectly. My favorite dish is the sweet tea pork loin. But everything I've had is delicious. We always seem to order an appetizer with dinner, but it's not necessary. All meals are filling enough!! Come out to Merchants for a great all around dining experience. You won't regret it!
(5)
Megan H.
I love this place... it is what every restaurant should aim to be: focused, fresh, and friendly. First off, the menu had variety but wasn't huge. The food they did offer was some of the best I've had in awhile. I ordered the spinach salad and requested blackened salmon on top and they hooked me up! The blue cheese crumbles they used were so pillowy soft, and tangy delicious that I'm still thinking about them 3 days later! They did fumble a bit and forgot my appetizer but they went above and beyond to make up for it by offering a free dessert which we were sadly too full to take them up on, but I really applaud their customer service. This place is really a gem in the heart of downtown Nashville.
(5)
Sarah L.
I was in Nashville for business during the week of the CMAs. I wanted to get out and be around the energy while playing it safe and avoiding the honkey tonk craziness alone. I ended up at Merchants bar. The server was great. The food was ok. I ordered fried green tomatoes, and the breading kind of crumbled off. The bread on my salmon blt was a bit over toasted. But all in all, it was a fine place.
(3)
Carrie B.
I'll go with 5 on this one, we were looking for a place to grab a bite while passing through Nashville and since the downtown area was in walking distance of our hotel we had plenty of places to choose from. The iPhone again made the decision based on the location and after reading a couple of reviews, decided this was the place. When we saw the building we had to try it. It's split up into a more formal dining room and a casual soda fountain/pharmacy area, which is what the 130+ year old building used to house. There is original pharmacy signage on the walls on the 3rd floor and it's always great to see a place reuse so much from the original structure, like the original pharmacy countertops. The service was great, everyone was so friendly and even though we only had the smoked salmon appetizer, the food was great and we will definitely come back the next time we're in Nashville.
(5)
Sadie F.
We visited the downstairs on a saturday night. There was a 30-40 minute wait at 6PM so We decided to sit at the bar for dinner and drinks. The bartender took care of us and made us some strong mixed drinks. They were pretty tasty. For dinner we had the fried green tomato BLT w/ french fries. The sandwich was a very large portion; it was on thick toast and came with a tasty mayo and red onions. The fries were also a large portion and had a tasty seasoning on it. Overall, we were pleased with the taste, quality and portion of the food. It also came super quickly. The service was decent, a little slow when it was time to check out but overall pleasant.
(4)
Andalee C.
Amazing food upstairs in their fancy restaurant and downstairs at the bar. We had a huge garden salad for $6 downstairs and the fried green tomatoes. Both were great. We had dinner upstairs: the juiciest chicken I've ever had. High end, fantastic food of far better quality than we expected in the downtown area. A perfect alternative to the fried bologna sandwiches offered at the other places on Broadway.
(5)
David W.
So I took a client here on business as I had previously been for lunch one day and thought this was a super cool spot. It is on Broadway which is the tourist trap, but has an old school vibe, black and white checkered floors, and waiters in suspenders and cool outfits. Great craft cocktail list and lunch was pretty stellar too. Did dinner downstairs in the bistro area. less formal of course. Service was really good, food average especially for the price. Cocktails were great. wine list was just okay. i would highly recommend this spot for lunch and cocktails. would consider doing their upstairs dining for a more formal dinner.
(3)
Adrienne K.
Fabulous Steak Frites! Wonderful service, great location!
(4)
Chris G.
I gave it 4 Stars - - - but only because I am very stingy with that 5th star. Really nothing to keep me from that, or complain about. I may even call it 4 and 1/2 stars, as we had a great meal. Merchant's has two sections - - Upstairs and Downstairs. Each of these two sections has its own menu. The Upstairs has a pricier menu, and we opted for the lower-priced Downstairs section. We made a reservation through OpenTable here on the Yelp Website, and they had our table for two in the Downstairs section waiting for us as we arrived. When you make your reservation on OpenTable, it asks you to specify "Upstairs or Downstairs". I think you can look on the restaurant's website to see which menu appeals your taste/budget. The easy reservation process allowed us ample time to enjoy a relaxing dinner before the concert at The Ryman. The Downstairs menu is not too long - - - pretty much one page for food and appetizers, and the flip-side for drinks and cocktails. My wife and I both found plenty to suit our taste-buds. The decor is cool, with a beautiful marble bar and tables. The prices were not too bad. My wife and I had a couple of Champagne Cocktails along with the Wings Appetizer. Then we both had entrees, and shared a dessert and coffee - - - all of this for a total of $78 plus Tip. I tipped our waiter 25% because of his "attentive, yet unobtrusive" service that he rendered. There are plenty of other restaurants in downtown Nashville that I still want to try, but if you are looking for a good place to take your date before a show or after a ballgame, you can't go wrong with Merchant's. Maybe you'll see me there again when you show up.
(4)
Buddy B.
*This is a review of the more affordable, casual downstairs section* Visually, the place is fantastic. Ergo the two stars (and that's being lenient: visuals make 2 stars in a restaurant setting?). However, the burger was dry and boring, even after I tried to make it interesting with smoked gouda and bbq sauce. And finally, the music. While I do like the Buzzcocks and the faster White Stripes numbers, this ain't the place for them. This place isn't a dark bar. It's got the feel of a burger joint. The music just made us give up trying to have a conversation. And the social anxiety! I can't remember ever praying for the server to not come over and fill up our water glasses.
(2)
Brenda K.
I was visiting friends and believe it or not, they have been in Nashville 6 years and have never been. We ate upstairs in the restaurant and were very pleased with our dinner and service. Only in the south would the amuse bushce would be a pork rind on beer cheddar cheese! I had the beet salad, crab cakes and gnocchi mac and cheese. All very tasty! Small portions for the meaty men with us, but I was very satisfied with my choices and just the right amount of food. Service was excellent - my friends drink was not right and when it was redone, the bartender personally brought up the right one! I highly recommend giving this place a try.
(4)
Sean C.
Very good food, sat downstairs which offers more casual southern style fare, excellent service and cool retro ambiance makes this place a can't miss. A great diversion from all the honky tonk bars downtown.
(4)
Angie K.
Loved this place! We strolled in there not expecting amazingness and ended up loving it. Deviled eggs as as app, and a variety of entrees we were all happy! Also the price is right. Good drinks, great popcorn, very good service. Worth the wait!
(5)
Steve S.
A clean, well-lit restaurant with a hip nod to the 1890's. Was in town for a business meeting and after wandering on Broadway, listening to the music pouring out on the streets, I stopped in and grabbed a seat at the bar. The bartender, in suspenders and bow tie, was amazingly efficient. Bringing me popcorn to snack on and filling my diet coke whenever the glass was half full. Grilled chicken sandwich with onion, avocado and spicy aoli was excellent but better still were the duck fat tater tots. Could not have asked for a better first impression of Nashville.
(4)
Cheryl D.
We had one evening to enjoy downtown Nashville and booked a reservation for Merchants Restaurant on the recommendations of every single diner who had ever eaten there. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere is cool and inviting, the servers were wonderful, and the food was great. Fish tacos, Chicken fried chicken, and a steak. All wonderful. Had a little issue with one of the bartenders who thought he was Tosh. He mocked me when I ordered and talked with my hands and then insulted my husband when he carded my son and told him anyone would look young standing next to "him". Not called for but I guess he thought he was being funny. All in all a great place in Nashville and we will return.
(4)
Debi A.
My daughter and I ate here after walking lower Broadway on our first trip to Nashville for an apartment hunting trip for her. It seemed like a good choice for a quiet dinner after a busy day. The bars in the area were great for live music and crowds, but we needed to relax. This was perfect for what we were looking for. We sat outside at our request, it was hot, but the awning kept us cool and it was nice to sample some local dishes and a nice glass of wine. I recommend it if you find yourself downtown.
(4)
Mark D.
Merchants is a pretty good place to have lunch. It's not going to blow you away, but it's good.
(3)
Stephanie F.
Very good food and service! Love the craft cocktail list and the sides. We sat upstairs and had a very yummy dinner. When you go, get the creamed corn, the mac and cheese and a nice steak. Mmmmmm!
(4)
Phyllis S.
This place is a calm cool around way too much noise. WHICH WAS A POSITIVE FOR ME. Tom our bartener made the very coldest Martini. Tom made blue cheese olives by hand, who knew. I thought they came in a jar!! The goat cheese and beet crostinies..WOW. perfect! We had the roast beef sandwich, plain one might say...except for the horseradish Mayo & pickled onions Can't for another reason to go back
(5)
Rick P.
Left Jacks Barbecue due to ripoff portions, came here. Liked it. Ate downstairs, loved the atmosphere, good service. Turkey Club was excellent, great country bread and thick high quality bacon. Side salad was huge. Fries were good but the place really needs to step up to steak fries. I also had the Corn Shrimp Chowder and loved it but the portion was disappointing. The Mahi fish tacos are complicated but good, again small portions though. Prices are average. Would go back.
(3)
Ashley H.
Very cool spot. Food is good and reasonably priced. Grilled chicken sandy w sweet pot fries were great. Baked chz app, not so much. Way too rich for my tastes and I normally love anything with cheese.
(4)
Jeff E.
Great steak! Plan in about $50 to $60 per person with a glass of wine
(4)
Sam L.
I've been hearing that Merchants is the gem of downtown Nashville, and after enjoying lunch with my boyfriend & his family one day, I am now able to confirm that rumor! The peppered popcorn they start you out with is yum yum!!! I ordered a delicious soup & sammy, and everyone around the table was very excited to swap goodies and taste every item. It was very delicious. We had a great lunch & will definitely be going back for some more tasty treats.
(4)
Allie M.
As far as restaurants on Broadway go, I'd say this is the top one. While most of the restaurants around are either chains or just not very good, Merchants has a really nice atmosphere and is uniquely Nashville. Both the food and the service have always been excellent. The menu has a wide variety and seems to be consistently delicious.
(4)
Mindy B.
I was in Nashville on vacation, and Merchants was recommended by a friend. We were celebrating a birthday with a big party, and they were more than accommodating. The hostess was very sweet and personable, as was the entire wait staff. We ate in the upstairs dining room, which has a very stylish decor, and hip vibe. Great place for a date as well... We were never waiting on anything, and the food and drinks were spectacular! I had the beet salad, and 6oz steak. It was cooked perfectly, and was exactly the way I wanted it. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience.
(5)
Jonathan S.
The food was excellent downstairs. Mac and Cheese was great! The service was not so good. We had dinner late evening on a Saturday Night and the server rushed us the entire night. From appetizers through desert we were pushed through like cattle. Our dinner arrived within a couple of minutes of the appetizers, which we had not come close to finishing. I usually eat here when in Nashville, and will likely give them another chance.
(2)
Roy K.
Came for a work function and I was impressed. Good 'ol town' environment feel along with great good. I hate the filet and it was cooked perfectly + apps and dessert were good as well. Pricey - but that's expected at a place like this.
(5)
Tony C.
Ok. This is hard for me to say because I am an avid carnivore and I have eaten steaks all over the world, but I had the best ribeye steak of my 43 years at The Merchant. It was perfectly marbled, aged and prepared. I could have cut it with a spoon. It was amazing and it ruined me. The place itself is cool, if not a bit full of itself. I waited an hour plus for a table as a walk in which I NEVER do, but the bar was fun and admittedly, downtown Nashville is not exactly flush with fine dining. But after we were seated, the service and food made it worth the wait. In fact we were in town for three nights and I immediately made a reservation for the next night when we were leaving. No doubt, you pay for what you get. And there is pretension in the place. But when the food is served, all is forgiven. Even the bill.
(5)
Kathleen M.
Excellent southern fare. We ate downstairs in their "bistro". The cocktails were fabulous and they also serve some good local beers. The fish tacos can't be missed and my husband said the tilapia was the best he has ever had. Being from the east coast we were nervous about the seafood in a land locked state, but it was delicious!
(5)
Jennie V.
The best place to eat on lower Broadway. Locals go there. Downstairs is casual. Think yummy comfort foods with gourmet twists. Upstairs is a bit fancier. Everything is delicious. Order a champagne cocktail and enjoy the people watching.
(4)
The C.
I ate here with some colleagues from work and none of us were happy with our dinners. This included a couple fish dishes and steak. It just wasn't good. My steak was not good quality. The fish was lifelessly flavored. For the prices they charge, the quality of everything has to go way up. The service was fine but what's the point of good service if your food stinks. I would not go back. There are plenty of other alternatives in the area.
(2)
Heather L.
I was looking forward to my dinner at Merchants but it was a total disappointment. The food is decent - not amazing but I thought everything was fine. We ate upstairs and I found the atmosphere bland - it looked like they were trying to make it look expensive and cosy, but didn't want to foot the bill. So instead it felt like I was in a wanna be country club. The service was totally friendly, but FAR (!!) from a "fine dining experience" as they consider themselves. The waiter wasn't educated on the menu, the wine list or basics of how to serve. Water glasses were only filled when requested and silverware was never switched out. Overall, I thought this was way overrated for what it was.
We ventured out onto Broadway street tonight and stumbled into Merchant's. It looked nice inside and the place was packed! (always an indicator of good food!) The restaurant is darling! It has an "up/down" theme because there is a nicer (fancier) restaurant upstairs and a more casual bar and restaurant downstairs. We opted for down because that's where the crowd was. : ) The restaurant opened in 1892 and has lots of charm! A beautiful old bar, a cute patio, gorgeous hardwood floors and quaint white marble tables are a few of the gems this place holds. The Tennessee Mojito (made with peach rum!) caught my eye on the drink menu, so that's what I had to have. It was very very good! Almost too good. Depending on how vegetarian you are there are a few options for dinner. I opted for the Market Vegetables which were corn, okra, green beans, squash, potatoes, tomatoes and a tomato balsamic jam. The jam was out of this world and the vegetables were all very fresh. We had the Chocolate Torte for dessert and the torte itself was not fantastic, but the homemade ice cream on top was fabulous! Do yourself a favor and just ask for a bowl of that.
(5)
Jo N.
Great dining option on Broadway. Ate downstairs in the bar area where the food was a little more basic. I had good chicken fried chicken and my friend had some nice fish tacos. Nice place, I would try it again. it was not busy at all at 5 pm on a Tuesday in January.
(4)
Genya D.
Don't go to this restaurant on a Sunday night. The chef is off that night, and the food quality takes a HUGE hit. My family and I went to the upstairs part of the restaurant on a Saturday night, and were blown away by the food (five stars). The apps (beet salad, bruschetta, and fried octopus) were fantastic. Our entrees were phenomenal: chicken, pork, and brisket. And...the dessert. Oh my god. Seasonal crumble: blueberries with a crumble topping, caramel and sea salt vanilla ice cream. I could have eaten the whole thing myself. The crumble was so good that we talked about it all day Sunday, and it was the sole reason we went back on Sunday night (to the downstairs section). This was a mistake. The oysters were funky and smelled nasty (and tasted bad). I know, don't order seafood on a Sunday night. My bad. The fried green tomatoes were blah. My friend chicken was runny inside. And then...the crumble. It was soupy, had just a sprinkle of topping, and it was raw. We sent the oysters and the crumble back to the kitchen. It was then that our server (who had left my fried chicken plate on the table next to us gathering flies) informed us that the chef is off on Sunday nights. Why not just close the restaurant on Sunday nights instead of providing such lackluster food and service. I give it 3.5 stars, averaged between the two nights.
(4)
Dina D.
The decor at Merchants is lovely. I love the teal walls and golden curtains and chandeliers with the warm lighting. The black and white photography complements it well, as does the faux fireplace with white wood. The food is excellent. I had the roast chicken with farro and roasted vegetables. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the dish was very flavorful. For dessert, I had the seasonal crumble with buttermilk ice cream and sea salt caramel. This was divine. Even the menus have a classy font that adds to the restaurant's ambiance. I would definitely recommend Merchant's.
(5)
Caitlin D.
I was surprised by Merchants tonight, because I had pictured hamburgers and grease for some reason. Mainly because that's what all the other restaurants on Broadway serve. However, once you walk in, it is clear that Merchants is of a nicer quality. I had calamari, which was great, and a soup and salad combo. Not my most creative choice, but I wasn't super hungry. The caesar was tasty, and the fried ball of brie on it even better. I'll have to go back and try something more interesting, but I could see this place offers quality food.
(4)
Al S.
A group of five of us dined here this past weekend and had a very pleasant experience. We started off ordering drinks from a friendly bartender on the ground floor. Dinner took place on the second floor, which was rather classy--dimly lit with dark walls and furniture. The menu contained standard steakhouse fare; however, the food arrived promptly and was presented nicely. My filet was cooked perfectly. My companions all enjoyed their dishes. Delicious cheesecake topped off the night. Service was prompt, attentive, and upbeat. I would gladly dine here again.
(4)
Ryan C.
Merchants Restaurant is a jewel in Nashville's crown, offering an spectacular dining experience replete with exceptional service and carefully crafted cuisines pouring forth from a charming and reputedly haunted 1870's era building. The menu is well done and the quality of the food was simply astounding. I strongly suggest starting off with the Roasted Vegetable Ravioli it was a delightful mix of highly palatable but rounded earthy textures. Since you are in the South it would only be fitting to follow up with the Jack Daniel's Filet Mignon, it will take very little effort to clean your plate. My wife was quite impressed with the Pan Seared Sea Scallops, the were exceptionally large and prepared perfectly. The service was at least equally exceptional both my wife and I were very pleased with our waiter Kevin, he possessed a warm friendly demeanor and showed an outstanding attentiveness to detail.
(5)
Anonymous P.
Had dinner here with a couple of friends. The restaurant is located in a great part of town with lots to see and do before and after dinner. Nashville's Broadway has rows of bars with live music playing in every single one of them. Merchants is a great place to eat. They have a lower level for casual dining and drinking,and a separate dining room for some high society grubbing. There are separate menus for each dining area. We ate upstairs because why drop $10 on a "chicken sandwich" sitting next to common folk when you can drop $25 on a "poultry plate" upstairs snobbing it up with high society. Good food, good service, and a good feel to the place.
(4)
Kyle A.
Stopped by here for a pregame beer and sandwich before the USA soccer game. The location is great for walking to matches at LP field. Food prices were in line with the quality. I would recommend to anyone as it seemed people of all ages and types were here.
(4)
Stuart L.
I was disappointed in this restaurant. Both the appetizers and main course came out cold. We were half way through the appetizers when the hostess brought out the main course. The table was too small for all of the plates, so she pulled the appetizer plates off the table even though we were still eating them. Didn't even ask if we were done. Considering the cost and type of restaurant, we expected better service. Next time we are in Nashville, we will not bother going here.
(2)
Robert K.
Merchants is a cool restaurant in an even cooler building. This is the first place I went out to dinner when I moved to Nashville! The atmosphere inside is cool, with giant booths in the front dining room. The shrimp and grits are delicious! It was my first time having this signature southern dish. Cooked just right, the shrimp were big and juicy. The grits were smooth and not too gritty. It is in a great location downtown right on Broadway, which is great for a night out on the town. Dinner followed by bar hopping, Nashville style.
(5)
Dan M.
I went here for dinner with the wife on a Sunday. We were in Nashville for a wedding and wanted to grab something a little nicer than BBQ. It had a 4 star rating on Yelp, so why not! We arrived downstairs, looked over both the bistro and the upstairs menu. We decided to go 'upscale' and be seated upstairs. We were told she could not seat us right now, and it would be about 45-60 minutes. Not a problem on vacation, we went to the bar downstairs and had drinks and an appetizer. I had a Jack/Coke and her a martini. I was impressed by the ice cubes, as they were the nonstandard large size cubes (actual cubes) which decreases the amount of watering down that occurs. We had the duck-fat fried tater tots, and they were fantastic. Three dipping sauces, so it made it feel a little classier than squeezing Ketchup out of a bottle. After about 20 minutes, the hostess came back and said they were ready upstairs. We didn't need the whole basket of tots, so we finished our drink and headed upstairs. Downstairs decor was very cool. Old school styling, subway tile, etc. Upstairs, the decor was very nice, low lighting, very classy with some exposed brick. To my surprise, there were only maybe 10 people upstairs, with seating for at least 50-60. I was very confused at why we had to wait. But figured maybe it was going to be attentive service and they were short-staffed or something. The service was a bit slow to start. They filled our water glasses fairly quickly and gave us menus. After about 10 minutes, he came back to take the wine order. This took a good 15-20 minutes to come back. Then he disappeared again, finally coming back to take the dinner order. Disappeared again... and probably another 20 minutes for our soups to come out. From there out the service was fine, with items coming up properly timed and drinks refreshed. From a food perspective, we both had the tomato bisque, which was very good. We were also brought a small crab and citrus taster which was also very good. This brought our expectations up regarding the upcoming meal. My wife had the roasted chicken with farro and some summer squash. It was pleasant, but nothing to get excited for. She mentioned that she shouldn't have gone with chicken, because who gets excited for chicken? I had a 14oz rib eye, which was recommended by the waiter. It was tasty enough, but a ton of fat. I understand it's a rib eye... but this was a bit over the top. It was cooked properly and was tasty enough, but for almost $30, I was expecting more. It also came in a weird little cast iron pot/dish. The dish was just deep enough to hinder your ability to cut the steak easily. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. We took a look at the dessert menu, but nothing thrilled us so we got the check. It wasn't bad, $100 for 2 soups, 2 meals, 2 glasses of wine. We were discussing what we thought of the place and both of us said "underwhelmed". We were discussing being spoiled living in Chicago, but I don't know how much weight that holds. I've had amazing dinners in small towns and this just didn't cut it. I'm going with 2 stars, with them getting knocked on service and food. I still don't know why it took 30 minutes (and quoted 60) to get us seated in an empty place? We asked if they were busy and the waitress said "No, we usually book up by 2PM, blah blah blah" adding to the confusion. I just got the impression they were trying to make themselves more exclusive than they are. On food and pricing alone, I would have gone for three. It wasn't bad... but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. If we had the half-star, MAYBE 2.5... MAYBE. I feel comfortable giving this 2. To be fair, the bistro area has potential. Similar food, but more upscale sandwiches / sides than a standard diner/bar. I would give that a shot.
(2)
Michelle M.
Good, bad, both... I went here for the first time about 2 years ago while in town and ended up eating here 3 times (2 lunches and a dinner). I thought it was really really tasty. They had a great bread pudding, great sandwiches, great burgers, etc. The service was also really quick and servers were nice. I just went back to Nashville for a car show and convinced my parents to go for dinner one night. Apparently they changed chefs or the chef changed menu items or something, didn't really know exactly what the server said. We started out with the spinach artichoke dip which wasn't horrible, but it was really runny. For our dinner, we ordered pork chop, brie salad, and chicken sandwich. I had the sandwich and I ordered a side of the spicy chipotle mayo with it. They did not lie about the spicy part of it!!! It was good, but my mouth was on fire while I was eating it. The sandwich tasted like a chicken sandwich that you would order from any restaurant, nothing special about it, but no complaints either. The pork chop was full of fat, and nowhere near the cost. The salad had really runny dressing and when asked for a side of dressing (twice), it never came. Every time we had an issue that the server knew about, he disappeared and didn't reappear until the problem was fixed which was fine except that he would disappear for 10 minutes at a time while everyone's drinks would be empty (and with that spicy chipotle mayo, you need a full glass at all times). At this point, my parents had no clue why I told them we had to go there, but we stayed for dessert because my mom loves bread pudding when it has chocolate chips instead of raisins, which they have. We also ordered carrot cake and chocolate cake. The description of the chocolate cake said something about it being chocolate cake with chocolate icing. When I got my "chocolate cake", it was not cake, it was mousse. I never would have ordered it had I known that. I took a bite thinking maybe it had cake somewhere, but it didn't, it was just mousse. The carrot cake was small and round and 90 percent frosting. There was approximately 2 spoon fulls of actual carrot cake hidden under tons of frosting. When the server came back and saw that I only took one bite of the chocolate "cake", he said yeah, our chef changed it today (thanks for the warning), but I will take it back since you didn't like it. This was very nice considering that I didn't even ask him to do that, but he never offered me another dessert, just took it back. It is fine, I didn't need the calories anyways. Our bill was around 100 bucks for 1 appetizer, 3 meals, and 2 desserts. Overall this 2nd experience was nowhere near as good as the first, but the bread pudding is still delicious so I would maybe go back for just that. They are getting ready to do a major remodel so hopefully after that they will work on getting their food back to being good!
(2)
Eat S.
Solid food, great attentive serice make me a repeat visitor to Merchants downstairs when I am in Nashville. Generally fairly priced, yet you do need to look at what you are ordering and the price alongside it. As a pervious reviewer wrote - $ 21. for an OK chicken cordon blu - does not measure up to their hearty burgers. Keep it simple and you will be pleased
(4)
Steph H.
After some deliberation, I decided that I would use my birthday as an opportunity to try out the upstairs (read: swanky) section of Merchants restaurants. After getting the go-ahead from my dining companions, I made a reservation for four for 7 pm and we were off to the proverbial races. One thing I like about Merchants is that they have a complimentary valet stationed out front - kind of a must-have (and must-use) given the area. Parking would otherwise be a nightmare in the downtown district, so prepare to tip a few bucks and hand over your keys. I've been to the downstairs portion of Merchants before and never really had to wait, despite never having a reservation. Ironically, this time my party and I did wind up having to wait about 25 minutes for our table even though we did have reservations! At one point one of the girls at the front of the house mentioned something about how if the wait was "much longer" they'd likely give us a round of free drinks, which cheered our spirits considerably, but wouldn't you know it said drinks never appeared. Moreover, when we finally made it upstairs there were plenty of empty tables so I'm not sure what the wait was for. Kind of a disappointing way to start dinner. Still it was my birthday and I while I could certainly have cried if I wanted to, I didn't want any tears! Instead we dove into ordering many of the drool-inducing first and second courses. After ordering, the chef sent out an amuse-bouche (smoked shrimp salad) that wasn't all that great (way too smokey) and had us worrying. Our first courses were hit and miss - some were heavenly (the gnocchi and the seared foie gras come to mind) but we largely left the crab cake uneaten as it had an overly fishy flavor that was really unpleasant. So far, the evening was off to a shaky start... Thankfully the mains totally redeemed the wobbly beginning to the meal. Everything we ordered was fantastic, and I'd happily order everything we tried again (a good thing since many of these plates will set you back close to $30 per person). Everything was cooked perfectly, the plating was GORGEOUS, and the flavors were spot on. Our dessert followed suit, in that it was the perfect way to end the meal and even though we were all stuffed, we managed to find room for it! The only real let-down to our experience was the service. I've already mentioned the wait, but I just really felt that given the caliber of the food and the vibe the upstairs dining room is going for, the service fell short. At one point, a dirty fork was placed in front of me and when we pointed it out, it took about five minutes to get it replaced even though our food had been served and I now had nothing to eat it with. Additionally, it took a really long time to get our drinks freshened and served after ordering them, and when we ordered a bottle of wine, it took about 15 minutes to appear. Our waitress was really helpful and knowledgeable, that didn't make up for the lag we felt with everything. Also, given that I had specified at the time of the reservation that we were celebrating a birthday, I would have appreciated it if the dessert had been on the house or some other nice gesture. Between the four of us, we easily spent over $250, so a free dessert wouldn't have killed them! All in all, the food was a solid 4.5 stars, but the service was a measly 3. I'll split the difference and give Merchants 4 stars because I would certainly consider returning again since the food really was very good. Also, I do love the downstairs restaurant (where service seems better!), and will definitely be back when I can only spend $40 on dinner, instead of 4 times that.
(4)
Erin D.
I've only ever been here for lunch, but I enjoyed it either way. W started off with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which was really good. It comes with tortilla chips and sour cream. My meal was pretty good too. I got the Southwest Salad - which comes with chicken, black beans and tortilla strips. It wasn't bad, but a little pricey for my taste. I went with a vegetarian friend of mine though, and she had a tough time eating here. All their soups were made with their Chicken or Beef broth. She considered the grilled cheese, but wanted to be a little healthier than that, so finally gave in and got a piece of fish. I really liked the ambiance too. We sat in this fun circular booth, because of the size of our group. They also had a nice bar to one side, that I'd like to go back and sit at for a while.
(4)
Stacy S.
Had the blackened tilapia with sweet potatoes. OMG! It was way better than I could have even imagined. It was soo delicious! Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town :)
(4)
Jeff B.
We got a burger and a club sandwich. The burger was very good; meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly as ordered. The club sandwich was fine, I would probably not order it again. Overall a good experience. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Dan d.
This area of Nashville is saturated with eateries (most of them essentially drinking establishments that happen to serve food). This place however actually IS a restaurant, and one of the older establishments in the city. I had lunch downstairs (I hear the upstairs is a more upscale white-tablecloth type setting). The setting was quaint in an authentic way, and much better suited to conversation than the typically noisy establishments in the area. The service and food were both excellent.
(4)
brewgirl b.
Excellent, excellent food in the upstairs dining area. Cant rave enough about the low country shrimp and creamy grits, served with a wild shrooms, corn and asparagus ragout. Our starter arugula salad with spiced pecans, buttermilk blue cheese and a pear vinaigrette was outstanding. Service was friendly, but a bit off. Great decor, but maybe a bit too dark. Also, I'm used to paying $30+ for an entree in San Francisco, so finding similarly priced entrees in Nashville was unexpected.
(4)
Cory D.
A great spot to visit in downtown Nashville. The food is excellent, and the location is great for watching people as they move down the street. I will definitely making another visit.
(5)
Paul R T J.
Looked like it could have been much better. Waiter seemed frazzled & lost. Better service would have saved the day, instead cocktails were made incorrectly and wine was warm, not to mention the mistakes in half of our orders. It looks like a good place we just got the lousy service. Oh well, maybe next time
(2)
Mitch E.
Oh Merchants, in a row of Honky Tonk, you are my charming delight. Merchants is located right in the heart of Nashville, right on Broadway. You can get two different dinning experiences, an upstairs or downstairs menu. We went with the downstairs. We were told it would be a thirty minute wait. We told them we'd be by the bar and sure enough two seats opened up. After waiting around and ordering our appetizers, we figured we'd just stay here and told them to cancel that table reservation. We were given attentive service at the bar, tough I guess my only issue/concern was how fast our food came out. Our appetizer took a bit and we hadn't even told them our entrees for awhile. We told them our entrees maybe a minute before our appetizer came out and two minutes later they were in our face. Nothing tasted bad and we didn't get sick, it was just odd. We got everyone's favorite, duck fat tater tots. They were so good. They came with three different sauces. Ketchup, a chipotle mayo, and a beeranaise. All pretty tasty, though I felt the beeranaise went better with the fries from my entree. I got the blackened catfish sandwich which was delicious. My friend got the fish tacos which he said were stellar. This is an wonderful option if you're feeling hungry on Broadway.
(5)
Laura S.
Some of the best chicken fried chicken I have ever had. Obviously a little pricier than it would usually be, but definitely worth it for the quality the restaurant gives you. Also ordered the duck tater tots because it seemed like a must. It was a unique taste and good, but probably wouldn't it order it again. At the end of the day, they're tater tots. Over all still really enjoyed the restaurant!
(4)
Brian B.
Duck fat tater tots were off the chain. Chicken fried chicken was good, but not crazy amazing. Staff was super friendly and overall experience was nice. We sat on the patio, which was tilted but fun. Building it's in, which I'm told used to be a hotel, is pretty cool.
(4)
Kelsey R.
A friend and I came here for the first meal of our Nashville trip. Merchants was a great place to go. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. I loved getting to try a taste of the Nashville BBQ. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce a little sweet. My meal came with onion rings and these were perfection as well. They had popcorn out for all their guests (like their chips and salsa or peanuts). It was nice to nosh on. The selection of local brews was pretty good so it was nice to get a local craft beer to experience Nashville a little more. The inside was beautiful! Despite being around 1 on a Saturday we found seats easily at the bar. I would definitely return and recommended it to other travelers at our hotel.
(5)
Dana A.
Delicious food. Chill vibe. Friendly service. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Good (not great) salad, and great Rosemary sauce with the ribeye.
(3)
Derrick L.
great/simple food. cool bar tenders.
(4)
Danny B.
I visited Merchants Restaurant recently with 5 buddies during a guys weekend in Nashville. We made reservations a few weeks ahead of time for an upstairs table. I'll get the weird stuff out of the way first: 1. We arrived at the time of our reservation, but were made to wait 15 minutes or so. Normally this would be fine, but I was then surprised to be escorted upstairs to a basically empty dining room. Not sure why we were waiting. 2. The menu we were given was different than the "UP" menu on the website. Apparently, the website is still publishing the "Autumn" menu, and we were there in Spring. Slightly disappointing, as my visit to the website had me drooling over the Butter Poached Lobster appetizer and Kobe Strip w/ Truffled Pumpkin Perogies. Neither selection made the cut onto the Spring menu. 3. We were notified that the restaurant was out of Foie Gras, and the Halibut entree. Not a big deal, but several of us had planned on Foie Gras. 4. I ordered two different types of wine from a decent wine list; both were not available, so I had to substitute. 5. The cocktail menu featured a barrel-aged cocktail selection. Only after one in our group order one of the drinks was it pointed out that these cocktails were "coming soon". My friend politely pointed out that perhaps the drinks should not be listed on the menu until they actually exist. 6. They don't have an espresso machine. None of the above items were offensive, but the aggregate was just a bit weird. Fortunately, our waitress had a good sense of humor and put up with our sarcastic comments on their being out of everything. Now, the good stuff: 1. Great location in downtown Nashville 2. Trendy-without-being-obnoxious decor, both downstairs and upstairs. 3. The dining area upstairs was mostly open, but had columns throughout the room which made each table seem somewhat private. 4. Friendly and accomodating staff 5. Pricing was reasonable for what you got, and portions were not small. Between the six of us, our appetizers included a couple Beet and Cheese salads, a mixed green salad, celery root puree/soup, head cheese (I forgot the fancy term they used for this), and crab cake. The celery root soup was unique, fresh, and delicious, especially with a healthy topping of cracked black pepper. The beet and cheese salad was probably the star, with a few different types of beets, onions, cheese, and a green apple puree/reduction. I could eat this salad every day and never get bored. Crab cake was great in that it was almost entirely crab meat (no fillers), but nothing particularly special or unique. The mixed green salad was described by its owner as "awful", by which I think he meant it had only 2-3 uninteresting ingredients topped with an entirely bland vinaigrette. I did not try to head cheese, but those who did seemed pleased. For the entree, I had the Aged (28-day) Strip Steak with cipollini onions/balsamic vinegar, asparagus, and some sauteed wild mushrooms. The asparagus had a drizzle of truffle oil on top. In all honesty, this was the best steak dish I've had outside of a Peter Luger Steakhouse or equivalent. The chef was able to achieve a true Pittsburgh Rare, and the cut had perfect fat distribution. I slowly devoured the steak over about 30-40 minutes and loved the last bite as much as the first. Even though I'm not much of a mushroom guy, the sauteed mushrooms were fantastic - lots of flavor, with a perfect "brownness". Others in the party ordered: 1. Pan-seared scallops - they looked good, but like the crab cake, not sure how special or unique something like this can really be. 2. Wild mushroom gnocchi - my second-favorite dish after my aged strip steak. Great flavor, and I didn't even mind that it didn't contain any meat. 3. Ribeye - very good, but paled in comparison the the aged strip steak. 4. Filet - didn't try it, but the owner seemed very pleased with it. 5. Pheasant - from the same guy who disliked the salad, I don't think he was thrilled with this either. Dessert menu was lame overall, but there was a nice selection of after-dinner drinks. I had a nice glass of port. Overall, I thought it was a great experience, and I'd visit Merchants again if I ever find myself in Nashville in the future.
(4)
Christina C.
Loved everything about this place! Immediately after walking in I loved the feel of the place. Everything from the marble to the servers' uniforms were charming. The service itself was great - our server was very nice and gave great recommendations from the menu. The food and drinks were also delicious!! I got a mule (my fave) which was one of the better ones I'd tried. For lunch, I ordered the chicken salad salad. I love chicken salad and this one did not disappoint! I wish I had some right now!! The dressing it came with was SO GOOD!! While it may not look filling at first, it definitely filled me up. I have to eat gluten free (Celiac) and I checked with my server. He was knowledgeable and double checked with the chef as needed. My salad was gf except for the nuts (don't know why). Everyone in my party loved their dishes as well. My husband gushed over the wings! Can't go wrong with any of the food or drinks here!! Definitely a gem in the honky tonk area.
(5)
Amanda Z.
Great Sunday evening dining. We started with the deviled eggs and loved the added flavor of the pickle. Both my husband and I ordered a salad. I ate the chicken chopped salad and loved it. The vinaigrette dressing was the perfect lightness, but a lot of flavor. The drinks are also delicious!
(4)
Bill C.
Our first night in Nashville, we were looking for a place to eat and our concierge suggested Merchants. We walked there from our hotel and we're excited at how cute it looked. Our first experience was a bit frustrating as we had an 8PM reservation and didn't get seated until 8:40. Our table was in a great location, the corner booth on the first floor looking down Broadway to the river. My second complaint was how noisy it was. It was super hard to talk at the table so if you are looking to enjoy a meal and conversation, you might be out of luck, at least where we were sitting. On to the great part. The food and drinks were amazing. I had two great cocktails, a Dark & Stormy and Sixty Fifteen. My wife tried a local white wine, not good and an Oregon Pinot Gris, much better. We all shared the Southern Fry and Tater Tots to start and both were out of this world. Who could imagine Tater Tots being so good, but the duck fat in the description should have been a clue. The Southern Fry was equally yummy, pickles, catfish, shrimp and okra. Not the healthiest start to a meal, but darn good. So why start healthy with the entree. I had the chicken fried chicken which was out of this world, served on top of mashed potatoes and spinach. My only regret was being too full to eat the whole thing. Our one son had the same and the other had a perfectly cooked steak while our daughter had a cheeseburger. My wife went healthier with a refreshing Greek salad. I also ordered the iceberg wedge, why would I think I'd have room for a salad. It was a nice wedge which some of the tastiest pieces of bacon, but I only made it halfway through. I loved the food here, everything we had was just so tasty and well prepared, exactly the type of southern comfort food I was looking for after a couple of days of BBQ in Memphis. I'd highly recommend, but not necessarily for a family or those looking for a quiet evening. If you aren't one of those, this is a great choice along bustling Broadway.
(5)
Lacey P.
We got the Greek salad and pulled pork BBQ sandwich for lunch and split them. Perfect amount of food and it was delicious. I would definitely come back. If you want to eat dinner here and not wait get a reservation.
(5)
Tina S.
This place was not what it looked like on the outside. The lower level had the look of a old fashioned soda fountain. You could order sandwiches and salads. But we wanted something nicer. Please follow us upstairs...it was a nice elegant sit down dinner with cloth napkins, silver, wine glasses. My friend ordered the watermelon salad and scallops. His watermelon salad was the prettiest thing I have ever seen. It was slices of tomatoes, watermelon, sliced onions topped with feta cheese and a vinaigrette. I begged him to share and he did. I had the corn soup, which was topped with popcorn, very sweet and tasty. I had the pan crusted chicken with mushrooms and a few garden veggies. This place was amazing.....
(4)
Chad R.
Some of the best food in Downtown Nashville!! One of my favorite places in town. I always take out-of-town guest here so they can experience Lower Broad, and get a taste of good food that makes you think you're somewhere besides Nashville. I've only eaten downstairs, so my review will only be for the Downstairs Menu. ALWAYS get the Tater tots! Flavored and fried in Duck fat, and served with 3 different dippings. It's a great appetizer! And you cannot go wrong with Grilled Salmon BLT or the Sweet Tea Pork Loin. They are my favorites. And the drinks are carefully crafted!! Owned by the same people who own Patterson House, and have many of the same classic cocktails. The bartenders take great pride in the drinks they are making, and just a couple dollars cheaper than PH. Definitely can't go wrong here if you're in downtown Nashville!!
(5)
Lenka O.
I came to Nashville last weekend with a couple of girlfriends for a fun ladies trip. our first stop on Thursday night was to find somewhere with great dinner and after a couple of recommendations from locals we ended up at merchants. it was still near the strip so we could go out after. This place was absolutely wonderful food everything from the duck fat tater tots to all 3 entrees that we shared and dessert was nothing less than great. We tried the jambalaya, lobster mac and cheese and the fish tacos. The cocktails were creative and delicious too. I'll be honest, it's not going to be your cheapest dinner in Nashville but when you're on Music Row what else do you expect but to spend a little money? at least I can say that after eating here nothing was a regret.
(5)
Lauren S.
This restaurant is one of the best on the Broadway. The first floor is a bit noisy and more of a scene. The second floor is quiet and more of an elegant setting. They even shine your shoes while eating if you want. They have a great cocktail list. Order the potato chips they are a must. I had the pork chop for dinner and I can honestly say it was one of the best I have had. We ended with a chocolate dessert which was amazing. I would go back for sure.
(4)
Cynthia G.
This restaurant was FABULOUS!!! Ate downstairs. Very attentive wait staff. Had the fish tacos and they were perfectly seasoned. Also had the peach cobbler...delish!!!! Definitely a must!!!
(5)
Laura M.
Had a great experience here as out of towners on a Friday evening. We didn't have to wait to eat in the downstairs bar & grill, though I believe the upstairs fine dining area would have required a reservation. This building is amazing! It was built in the 1870's and used to house a pharmacy among other things. You can see the bones of the pharmacy with the long marble counter and little stools where you once would have enjoyed soda shop service. The menu has great variety in the entrees and a good range of prices too with sandwiches under $10 and entrees ranging from $15-$30. Our waitress was very friendly and even gave us directions and tips for our trip. Overall the ambience, food and service was wonderful!
(4)
Rachael P.
My friend and I went here before a show at the Ryman and had a great time! It was a Sunday night and we sat at the bar. We both ordered drinks (I had a Dark and Stormy) and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We only ordered apps and dessert since we were in a time crunch. We had the deviled eggs, southern fry, and the baked cheese. Soooo good! We ate every last bite, I still think about how delicious it was. We had the cheesecake for dessert, pretty good nothing super special. The location is great since it's so close to everything downtown and the food, from what I've had, is excellent!
(5)
Lisa L.
Have been to Merchants 8 times now. Every time we go, it gets a little sloppier, a little less good, a little less... worth it. This is the last time. Chose the Southern Fry app, a mistake. Supposedly includes catfish, shrimp, okra and dill pickles. The catfish nuggets were great, but the 1" shrimp were fried into hard little bites of brick. Simply awful. While the smoked brisket was delicious, it was served ON TOP OF cold cole slaw alongside cold cornbread. Resultant weeping mess underneath meat was disgusting. DH had sweet tea pork, also delish. Grits were exceptional. The green beans, however, were all black on both ends, a sure sign of way too much time in the walk-in. How any expediter could let that plate out of the kitchen is baffling. The quality is just not there for the price. When Max was around more, the place ran a lot better. Our overly-tatted waiter REEKED of smoke and was clearly taking smoke breaks about every 10 minutes. Hostess stand employees couldn't be bothered, and were SO irritated to have to wave people to the back to check in. Sayonara, Merchants. We knew ya when.
(2)
Ethel B.
Would give this 5 stars, but our waiter wasn't at the top of his game. We had to get someone else to fill our drinks and bring the condiments to us. With that being said, my husband and I both got the French dip and it was fantastic. Sweet potato fries were great too!
(4)
Anwar M.
The steak was good. Stephen our sever seemed to be inexperienced. We sat in the first floor pharmacy, and it has a decent atmosphere. I wouldn't go again, but overall a decent experience.
(3)
STEVE G.
This restaurant has been remodeled by the new owners. It has a wonderful bistro menu on the first floor which is very reasonably priced. it is like a Paris cafe. The second floor is more formal and has a great menu and a wide selection of wines. I loved the deserts. The service was great!! Will always eat there when I return to Nashville.
(5)
David C.
I do not know the history of this building, but there is clearly an abundance of history here. The bar scene downstairs is cool, but once you enter the narrow stairway upstairs, you enter an altogether different realm. Beautiful, historic decor, impressive displays of wine, fine furniture, etc. We had the good fortune of eating on the private party floor. Service was impeccable and the food was, perhaps not memorable, but very good. I enjoyed the coffee and dessert as well as the salad and entree.
(4)
Steve m.
Love the atmosphere--nice and quiet, subdued. Comfortable tables (meaning you're not squeezed in like some places). Very good, professional staff. Probably the very best steak I'd ever had in my life!! Super tender, you could drop a fork in it! If I'm ever in Nashville again, I'd stop here. Small menu, but they do it right.
(5)
Heather R.
My husband and I had dinner here the other night. The food was pretty good definitely a little over priced though. My husband had the chicken cordon blu and I think it was $21 and that was for CHICKEN! It was ok but not worth the price. I had the salmon and it was pretty tasty and cooked just right that was $25 not badly priced but also I don't think it was exactly affordable. Our server we had was a little on the duh side. He wasn't the brightest bulb in the box....when we would ask questions he would kind of look at us like he was trying to process what we had just asked....the service was ok, but I definitely have experienced better from a fine dinning standpoint. Nonetheless the food was good and we would go back.
I'm not a fan of this place. We had a work luncheon here about a month ago, and while I don't have complaints about the service, the food was just so-so. The menu also looked expensive for what was being offered. It's a lot of Southern food, but they also have some decent-looking sandwiches. I had a steak, and it was good but not fantastic. All in all, it was an okay meal but not very memorable.
(2)
Gary K.
What a dump. Me and my wife split a surf and turf. They over charged, the spinach was cold as we're the potatos and the ladies room toilets were overflowing. Avoid if at all possible.
(1)
Christine N.
I rarely give a 5 star review- quite honestly i must be made to feel quite special before I'm willing to hand out a perfect review. Visited on a busy Saturday night with a group of girlfriends in from out of town. We showed up without reservations, and I was immediately concerned because the restaurant was pretty packed. We let the hostess know that we were a party of 6 without reservations; and as I suspected, she told me that there was a pretty lengthy wait both at the upstairs and downstairs restaurant. As any large group would, we started the chatter right away about potentially going somewhere else. So she immediately offered to talk to her manager and see if he might be able to do anything to accommodate us. The manager Mike was able to squeeze us in. As a matter of fact, we were seated within minutes in this incredibly busy dining room and he graciously offered a drink on the house to our guest of honor (bride to be). Dinner service was excellent- our server (Jim, or Jimmy- I think) was knowledgeable about the menu, and didn't miss a beat even with the chaos that came from serving my friends. His suggestions were right on and everyone was insanely happy with their choices. The fish tacos were a big hit- I tried a bite and have to say, that was a damn good taco. I went with the pork tenderloin and it was excellent. Not one person had a bad thing to say about this place.The manager stopped by the table to see how dinner was and we raved about both the excellent service and the amazing food. Each of my friends remarked on how everyone had treated us so well. I think what made this place so special is that each member of the staff took the time to make sure that we were happy. This was teamwork at its finest and was really reflected in the overall experience. I even went back for lunch the next day! I ordered the eggs Benedict- no surprise here, they were incredible. My only regret is that i do not live closer to Nashville because i would love to eat here more often.
(5)
Michele V.
Deeee-licious! Definitely start with the fried green tomatoes.
(5)
Sheila S.
Nice break from the bright lights and honky tonk of Broadway. NOthing like it in the area it's in. Modern food and drink done in a fun way. Great waitstaff and atmosphere. Duck fat tater tots are amazing.
(4)
Kelly M.
Excellent food! Very cool building! My fiance and I split the NY Strip and it's probably one of the best steaks I've had in a long time. The prices were very reasonable (but perhaps I'm just used to SF prices) and they were happy to let us join a group that we knew who were already seated. One star off because the service seemed to be a little slow and it did not look at all busy - but he was very nice.
(4)
Brian O.
Prices are going up, portions are getting smaller. For several years I could order crab cakes downstairs, this time I had to call over a manager to get them ordered and they only gave me 1. We use to rant and rave about Merchants . This is the second time our favorite restaraunt failed us. And they no longer stock Sam Adams lager. Will be seeking a new favorite. Bring back the downstairs menu .
(2)
Morgan L.
My boyfriend and I got a late start to dinner and luckily, this place was wait-free at 8:30 on a Saturday night so we gave it a shot. The space is beautiful-- an older building with sophisticated charm offering a respite from the neon-and-beer looniness outside. We were promptly seated and efficiently served. Our order (two medium rare burgers) came out quickly and were cooked to our specifications-- not dry and pink in the middle. They were tasty but not mind blowing. We loved the atmosphere and the music (very pleasant 50s and before instrumental). Definitely give it a shot, there were way more exciting menu options that looked delicious (brown sugar rubbed porkchop, seared scallops).
(3)
Phil T.
Had heard so much about this place and was excited to go. operating since 1892, I enjoy the history of the place. The decor is light, white walls vintage mirrors easy to sit in. Went twice and tried a few things. Duck Fat Tater Tots were good but light on duck fat flavor. I wonder if they really use it. House made ricotta was great and the Almost Famous Fried Chicken would have been great but it was undercooked. The navy bean side item was really tasty.
(3)
Brad L.
Stopped by on a Sunday night and got bad service but decent food. I had a burger and the others with me had salad and trout. We ate on the first floor which is more casual than the upper floor, but not even close to being worth the money.
(2)
Misty L.
cute place and a great reputation but...not so impressed. food was good, but the menu was quite limited when we were there for CMA fan fair. it also seemed in puting their own unique spin on things Merchants may go a little too far for some people's taste. egg whites to thicken margarita's, my friend's mojito was not good... fun to experience the atmosphere, but i don't think i'd go back a second time.
(2)
Mitch E.
Oh Merchants, in a row of Honky Tonk, you are my charming delight. Merchants is located right in the heart of Nashville, right on Broadway. You can get two different dinning experiences, an upstairs or downstairs menu. We went with the downstairs. We were told it would be a thirty minute wait. We told them we'd be by the bar and sure enough two seats opened up. After waiting around and ordering our appetizers, we figured we'd just stay here and told them to cancel that table reservation. We were given attentive service at the bar, tough I guess my only issue/concern was how fast our food came out. Our appetizer took a bit and we hadn't even told them our entrees for awhile. We told them our entrees maybe a minute before our appetizer came out and two minutes later they were in our face. Nothing tasted bad and we didn't get sick, it was just odd. We got everyone's favorite, duck fat tater tots. They were so good. They came with three different sauces. Ketchup, a chipotle mayo, and a beeranaise. All pretty tasty, though I felt the beeranaise went better with the fries from my entree. I got the blackened catfish sandwich which was delicious. My friend got the fish tacos which he said were stellar. This is an wonderful option if you're feeling hungry on Broadway.
(5)
Laura S.
Some of the best chicken fried chicken I have ever had. Obviously a little pricier than it would usually be, but definitely worth it for the quality the restaurant gives you. Also ordered the duck tater tots because it seemed like a must. It was a unique taste and good, but probably wouldn't it order it again. At the end of the day, they're tater tots. Over all still really enjoyed the restaurant!
(4)
Brian B.
Duck fat tater tots were off the chain. Chicken fried chicken was good, but not crazy amazing. Staff was super friendly and overall experience was nice. We sat on the patio, which was tilted but fun. Building it's in, which I'm told used to be a hotel, is pretty cool.
(4)
Kelsey R.
A friend and I came here for the first meal of our Nashville trip. Merchants was a great place to go. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. I loved getting to try a taste of the Nashville BBQ. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce a little sweet. My meal came with onion rings and these were perfection as well. They had popcorn out for all their guests (like their chips and salsa or peanuts). It was nice to nosh on. The selection of local brews was pretty good so it was nice to get a local craft beer to experience Nashville a little more. The inside was beautiful! Despite being around 1 on a Saturday we found seats easily at the bar. I would definitely return and recommended it to other travelers at our hotel.
(5)
Christina C.
Loved everything about this place! Immediately after walking in I loved the feel of the place. Everything from the marble to the servers' uniforms were charming. The service itself was great - our server was very nice and gave great recommendations from the menu. The food and drinks were also delicious!! I got a mule (my fave) which was one of the better ones I'd tried. For lunch, I ordered the chicken salad salad. I love chicken salad and this one did not disappoint! I wish I had some right now!! The dressing it came with was SO GOOD!! While it may not look filling at first, it definitely filled me up. I have to eat gluten free (Celiac) and I checked with my server. He was knowledgeable and double checked with the chef as needed. My salad was gf except for the nuts (don't know why). Everyone in my party loved their dishes as well. My husband gushed over the wings! Can't go wrong with any of the food or drinks here!! Definitely a gem in the honky tonk area.
(5)
Amanda Z.
Great Sunday evening dining. We started with the deviled eggs and loved the added flavor of the pickle. Both my husband and I ordered a salad. I ate the chicken chopped salad and loved it. The vinaigrette dressing was the perfect lightness, but a lot of flavor. The drinks are also delicious!
(4)
Cheryl D.
We had one evening to enjoy downtown Nashville and booked a reservation for Merchants Restaurant on the recommendations of every single diner who had ever eaten there. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere is cool and inviting, the servers were wonderful, and the food was great. Fish tacos, Chicken fried chicken, and a steak. All wonderful. Had a little issue with one of the bartenders who thought he was Tosh. He mocked me when I ordered and talked with my hands and then insulted my husband when he carded my son and told him anyone would look young standing next to "him". Not called for but I guess he thought he was being funny. All in all a great place in Nashville and we will return.
(4)
Debi A.
My daughter and I ate here after walking lower Broadway on our first trip to Nashville for an apartment hunting trip for her. It seemed like a good choice for a quiet dinner after a busy day. The bars in the area were great for live music and crowds, but we needed to relax. This was perfect for what we were looking for. We sat outside at our request, it was hot, but the awning kept us cool and it was nice to sample some local dishes and a nice glass of wine. I recommend it if you find yourself downtown.
(4)
Mark D.
Merchants is a pretty good place to have lunch. It's not going to blow you away, but it's good.
(3)
Stephanie F.
Very good food and service! Love the craft cocktail list and the sides. We sat upstairs and had a very yummy dinner. When you go, get the creamed corn, the mac and cheese and a nice steak. Mmmmmm!
(4)
Phyllis S.
This place is a calm cool around way too much noise. WHICH WAS A POSITIVE FOR ME. Tom our bartener made the very coldest Martini. Tom made blue cheese olives by hand, who knew. I thought they came in a jar!! The goat cheese and beet crostinies..WOW. perfect! We had the roast beef sandwich, plain one might say...except for the horseradish Mayo & pickled onions Can't for another reason to go back
(5)
Rick P.
Left Jacks Barbecue due to ripoff portions, came here. Liked it. Ate downstairs, loved the atmosphere, good service. Turkey Club was excellent, great country bread and thick high quality bacon. Side salad was huge. Fries were good but the place really needs to step up to steak fries. I also had the Corn Shrimp Chowder and loved it but the portion was disappointing. The Mahi fish tacos are complicated but good, again small portions though. Prices are average. Would go back.
(3)
Ashley H.
Very cool spot. Food is good and reasonably priced. Grilled chicken sandy w sweet pot fries were great. Baked chz app, not so much. Way too rich for my tastes and I normally love anything with cheese.
(4)
Jeff E.
Great steak! Plan in about $50 to $60 per person with a glass of wine
(4)
Sam L.
I've been hearing that Merchants is the gem of downtown Nashville, and after enjoying lunch with my boyfriend & his family one day, I am now able to confirm that rumor! The peppered popcorn they start you out with is yum yum!!! I ordered a delicious soup & sammy, and everyone around the table was very excited to swap goodies and taste every item. It was very delicious. We had a great lunch & will definitely be going back for some more tasty treats.
(4)
Allie M.
As far as restaurants on Broadway go, I'd say this is the top one. While most of the restaurants around are either chains or just not very good, Merchants has a really nice atmosphere and is uniquely Nashville. Both the food and the service have always been excellent. The menu has a wide variety and seems to be consistently delicious.
(4)
Mindy B.
I was in Nashville on vacation, and Merchants was recommended by a friend. We were celebrating a birthday with a big party, and they were more than accommodating. The hostess was very sweet and personable, as was the entire wait staff. We ate in the upstairs dining room, which has a very stylish decor, and hip vibe. Great place for a date as well... We were never waiting on anything, and the food and drinks were spectacular! I had the beet salad, and 6oz steak. It was cooked perfectly, and was exactly the way I wanted it. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience.
(5)
Jonathan S.
The food was excellent downstairs. Mac and Cheese was great! The service was not so good. We had dinner late evening on a Saturday Night and the server rushed us the entire night. From appetizers through desert we were pushed through like cattle. Our dinner arrived within a couple of minutes of the appetizers, which we had not come close to finishing. I usually eat here when in Nashville, and will likely give them another chance.
(2)
Roy K.
Came for a work function and I was impressed. Good 'ol town' environment feel along with great good. I hate the filet and it was cooked perfectly + apps and dessert were good as well. Pricey - but that's expected at a place like this.
(5)
Tony C.
Ok. This is hard for me to say because I am an avid carnivore and I have eaten steaks all over the world, but I had the best ribeye steak of my 43 years at The Merchant. It was perfectly marbled, aged and prepared. I could have cut it with a spoon. It was amazing and it ruined me. The place itself is cool, if not a bit full of itself. I waited an hour plus for a table as a walk in which I NEVER do, but the bar was fun and admittedly, downtown Nashville is not exactly flush with fine dining. But after we were seated, the service and food made it worth the wait. In fact we were in town for three nights and I immediately made a reservation for the next night when we were leaving. No doubt, you pay for what you get. And there is pretension in the place. But when the food is served, all is forgiven. Even the bill.
(5)
Kathleen M.
Excellent southern fare. We ate downstairs in their "bistro". The cocktails were fabulous and they also serve some good local beers. The fish tacos can't be missed and my husband said the tilapia was the best he has ever had. Being from the east coast we were nervous about the seafood in a land locked state, but it was delicious!
(5)
Jennie V.
The best place to eat on lower Broadway. Locals go there. Downstairs is casual. Think yummy comfort foods with gourmet twists. Upstairs is a bit fancier. Everything is delicious. Order a champagne cocktail and enjoy the people watching.
(4)
The C.
I ate here with some colleagues from work and none of us were happy with our dinners. This included a couple fish dishes and steak. It just wasn't good. My steak was not good quality. The fish was lifelessly flavored. For the prices they charge, the quality of everything has to go way up. The service was fine but what's the point of good service if your food stinks. I would not go back. There are plenty of other alternatives in the area.
(2)
Heather L.
I was looking forward to my dinner at Merchants but it was a total disappointment. The food is decent - not amazing but I thought everything was fine. We ate upstairs and I found the atmosphere bland - it looked like they were trying to make it look expensive and cosy, but didn't want to foot the bill. So instead it felt like I was in a wanna be country club. The service was totally friendly, but FAR (!!) from a "fine dining experience" as they consider themselves. The waiter wasn't educated on the menu, the wine list or basics of how to serve. Water glasses were only filled when requested and silverware was never switched out. Overall, I thought this was way overrated for what it was.
(2)
Robert K.
Merchants is a cool restaurant in an even cooler building. This is the first place I went out to dinner when I moved to Nashville! The atmosphere inside is cool, with giant booths in the front dining room. The shrimp and grits are delicious! It was my first time having this signature southern dish. Cooked just right, the shrimp were big and juicy. The grits were smooth and not too gritty. It is in a great location downtown right on Broadway, which is great for a night out on the town. Dinner followed by bar hopping, Nashville style.
We ventured out onto Broadway street tonight and stumbled into Merchant's. It looked nice inside and the place was packed! (always an indicator of good food!) The restaurant is darling! It has an "up/down" theme because there is a nicer (fancier) restaurant upstairs and a more casual bar and restaurant downstairs. We opted for down because that's where the crowd was. : ) The restaurant opened in 1892 and has lots of charm! A beautiful old bar, a cute patio, gorgeous hardwood floors and quaint white marble tables are a few of the gems this place holds. The Tennessee Mojito (made with peach rum!) caught my eye on the drink menu, so that's what I had to have. It was very very good! Almost too good. Depending on how vegetarian you are there are a few options for dinner. I opted for the Market Vegetables which were corn, okra, green beans, squash, potatoes, tomatoes and a tomato balsamic jam. The jam was out of this world and the vegetables were all very fresh. We had the Chocolate Torte for dessert and the torte itself was not fantastic, but the homemade ice cream on top was fabulous! Do yourself a favor and just ask for a bowl of that.
(5)
Jo N.
Great dining option on Broadway. Ate downstairs in the bar area where the food was a little more basic. I had good chicken fried chicken and my friend had some nice fish tacos. Nice place, I would try it again. it was not busy at all at 5 pm on a Tuesday in January.
(4)
Steph H.
After some deliberation, I decided that I would use my birthday as an opportunity to try out the upstairs (read: swanky) section of Merchants restaurants. After getting the go-ahead from my dining companions, I made a reservation for four for 7 pm and we were off to the proverbial races. One thing I like about Merchants is that they have a complimentary valet stationed out front - kind of a must-have (and must-use) given the area. Parking would otherwise be a nightmare in the downtown district, so prepare to tip a few bucks and hand over your keys. I've been to the downstairs portion of Merchants before and never really had to wait, despite never having a reservation. Ironically, this time my party and I did wind up having to wait about 25 minutes for our table even though we did have reservations! At one point one of the girls at the front of the house mentioned something about how if the wait was "much longer" they'd likely give us a round of free drinks, which cheered our spirits considerably, but wouldn't you know it said drinks never appeared. Moreover, when we finally made it upstairs there were plenty of empty tables so I'm not sure what the wait was for. Kind of a disappointing way to start dinner. Still it was my birthday and I while I could certainly have cried if I wanted to, I didn't want any tears! Instead we dove into ordering many of the drool-inducing first and second courses. After ordering, the chef sent out an amuse-bouche (smoked shrimp salad) that wasn't all that great (way too smokey) and had us worrying. Our first courses were hit and miss - some were heavenly (the gnocchi and the seared foie gras come to mind) but we largely left the crab cake uneaten as it had an overly fishy flavor that was really unpleasant. So far, the evening was off to a shaky start... Thankfully the mains totally redeemed the wobbly beginning to the meal. Everything we ordered was fantastic, and I'd happily order everything we tried again (a good thing since many of these plates will set you back close to $30 per person). Everything was cooked perfectly, the plating was GORGEOUS, and the flavors were spot on. Our dessert followed suit, in that it was the perfect way to end the meal and even though we were all stuffed, we managed to find room for it! The only real let-down to our experience was the service. I've already mentioned the wait, but I just really felt that given the caliber of the food and the vibe the upstairs dining room is going for, the service fell short. At one point, a dirty fork was placed in front of me and when we pointed it out, it took about five minutes to get it replaced even though our food had been served and I now had nothing to eat it with. Additionally, it took a really long time to get our drinks freshened and served after ordering them, and when we ordered a bottle of wine, it took about 15 minutes to appear. Our waitress was really helpful and knowledgeable, that didn't make up for the lag we felt with everything. Also, given that I had specified at the time of the reservation that we were celebrating a birthday, I would have appreciated it if the dessert had been on the house or some other nice gesture. Between the four of us, we easily spent over $250, so a free dessert wouldn't have killed them! All in all, the food was a solid 4.5 stars, but the service was a measly 3. I'll split the difference and give Merchants 4 stars because I would certainly consider returning again since the food really was very good. Also, I do love the downstairs restaurant (where service seems better!), and will definitely be back when I can only spend $40 on dinner, instead of 4 times that.
(4)
Erin D.
I've only ever been here for lunch, but I enjoyed it either way. W started off with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which was really good. It comes with tortilla chips and sour cream. My meal was pretty good too. I got the Southwest Salad - which comes with chicken, black beans and tortilla strips. It wasn't bad, but a little pricey for my taste. I went with a vegetarian friend of mine though, and she had a tough time eating here. All their soups were made with their Chicken or Beef broth. She considered the grilled cheese, but wanted to be a little healthier than that, so finally gave in and got a piece of fish. I really liked the ambiance too. We sat in this fun circular booth, because of the size of our group. They also had a nice bar to one side, that I'd like to go back and sit at for a while.
(4)
Stacy S.
Had the blackened tilapia with sweet potatoes. OMG! It was way better than I could have even imagined. It was soo delicious! Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town :)
(4)
Jeff B.
We got a burger and a club sandwich. The burger was very good; meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly as ordered. The club sandwich was fine, I would probably not order it again. Overall a good experience. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Dan d.
This area of Nashville is saturated with eateries (most of them essentially drinking establishments that happen to serve food). This place however actually IS a restaurant, and one of the older establishments in the city. I had lunch downstairs (I hear the upstairs is a more upscale white-tablecloth type setting). The setting was quaint in an authentic way, and much better suited to conversation than the typically noisy establishments in the area. The service and food were both excellent.
(4)
Cynthia G.
This restaurant was FABULOUS!!! Ate downstairs. Very attentive wait staff. Had the fish tacos and they were perfectly seasoned. Also had the peach cobbler...delish!!!! Definitely a must!!!
(5)
Laura M.
Had a great experience here as out of towners on a Friday evening. We didn't have to wait to eat in the downstairs bar & grill, though I believe the upstairs fine dining area would have required a reservation. This building is amazing! It was built in the 1870's and used to house a pharmacy among other things. You can see the bones of the pharmacy with the long marble counter and little stools where you once would have enjoyed soda shop service. The menu has great variety in the entrees and a good range of prices too with sandwiches under $10 and entrees ranging from $15-$30. Our waitress was very friendly and even gave us directions and tips for our trip. Overall the ambience, food and service was wonderful!
(4)
Christine N.
I rarely give a 5 star review- quite honestly i must be made to feel quite special before I'm willing to hand out a perfect review. Visited on a busy Saturday night with a group of girlfriends in from out of town. We showed up without reservations, and I was immediately concerned because the restaurant was pretty packed. We let the hostess know that we were a party of 6 without reservations; and as I suspected, she told me that there was a pretty lengthy wait both at the upstairs and downstairs restaurant. As any large group would, we started the chatter right away about potentially going somewhere else. So she immediately offered to talk to her manager and see if he might be able to do anything to accommodate us. The manager Mike was able to squeeze us in. As a matter of fact, we were seated within minutes in this incredibly busy dining room and he graciously offered a drink on the house to our guest of honor (bride to be). Dinner service was excellent- our server (Jim, or Jimmy- I think) was knowledgeable about the menu, and didn't miss a beat even with the chaos that came from serving my friends. His suggestions were right on and everyone was insanely happy with their choices. The fish tacos were a big hit- I tried a bite and have to say, that was a damn good taco. I went with the pork tenderloin and it was excellent. Not one person had a bad thing to say about this place.The manager stopped by the table to see how dinner was and we raved about both the excellent service and the amazing food. Each of my friends remarked on how everyone had treated us so well. I think what made this place so special is that each member of the staff took the time to make sure that we were happy. This was teamwork at its finest and was really reflected in the overall experience. I even went back for lunch the next day! I ordered the eggs Benedict- no surprise here, they were incredible. My only regret is that i do not live closer to Nashville because i would love to eat here more often.
(5)
Michele V.
Deeee-licious! Definitely start with the fried green tomatoes.
(5)
Sheila S.
Nice break from the bright lights and honky tonk of Broadway. NOthing like it in the area it's in. Modern food and drink done in a fun way. Great waitstaff and atmosphere. Duck fat tater tots are amazing.
(4)
Anwar M.
The steak was good. Stephen our sever seemed to be inexperienced. We sat in the first floor pharmacy, and it has a decent atmosphere. I wouldn't go again, but overall a decent experience.
(3)
STEVE G.
This restaurant has been remodeled by the new owners. It has a wonderful bistro menu on the first floor which is very reasonably priced. it is like a Paris cafe. The second floor is more formal and has a great menu and a wide selection of wines. I loved the deserts. The service was great!! Will always eat there when I return to Nashville.
(5)
Dana A.
Delicious food. Chill vibe. Friendly service. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Good (not great) salad, and great Rosemary sauce with the ribeye.
(3)
Derrick L.
great/simple food. cool bar tenders.
(4)
Danny B.
I visited Merchants Restaurant recently with 5 buddies during a guys weekend in Nashville. We made reservations a few weeks ahead of time for an upstairs table. I'll get the weird stuff out of the way first: 1. We arrived at the time of our reservation, but were made to wait 15 minutes or so. Normally this would be fine, but I was then surprised to be escorted upstairs to a basically empty dining room. Not sure why we were waiting. 2. The menu we were given was different than the "UP" menu on the website. Apparently, the website is still publishing the "Autumn" menu, and we were there in Spring. Slightly disappointing, as my visit to the website had me drooling over the Butter Poached Lobster appetizer and Kobe Strip w/ Truffled Pumpkin Perogies. Neither selection made the cut onto the Spring menu. 3. We were notified that the restaurant was out of Foie Gras, and the Halibut entree. Not a big deal, but several of us had planned on Foie Gras. 4. I ordered two different types of wine from a decent wine list; both were not available, so I had to substitute. 5. The cocktail menu featured a barrel-aged cocktail selection. Only after one in our group order one of the drinks was it pointed out that these cocktails were "coming soon". My friend politely pointed out that perhaps the drinks should not be listed on the menu until they actually exist. 6. They don't have an espresso machine. None of the above items were offensive, but the aggregate was just a bit weird. Fortunately, our waitress had a good sense of humor and put up with our sarcastic comments on their being out of everything. Now, the good stuff: 1. Great location in downtown Nashville 2. Trendy-without-being-obnoxious decor, both downstairs and upstairs. 3. The dining area upstairs was mostly open, but had columns throughout the room which made each table seem somewhat private. 4. Friendly and accomodating staff 5. Pricing was reasonable for what you got, and portions were not small. Between the six of us, our appetizers included a couple Beet and Cheese salads, a mixed green salad, celery root puree/soup, head cheese (I forgot the fancy term they used for this), and crab cake. The celery root soup was unique, fresh, and delicious, especially with a healthy topping of cracked black pepper. The beet and cheese salad was probably the star, with a few different types of beets, onions, cheese, and a green apple puree/reduction. I could eat this salad every day and never get bored. Crab cake was great in that it was almost entirely crab meat (no fillers), but nothing particularly special or unique. The mixed green salad was described by its owner as "awful", by which I think he meant it had only 2-3 uninteresting ingredients topped with an entirely bland vinaigrette. I did not try to head cheese, but those who did seemed pleased. For the entree, I had the Aged (28-day) Strip Steak with cipollini onions/balsamic vinegar, asparagus, and some sauteed wild mushrooms. The asparagus had a drizzle of truffle oil on top. In all honesty, this was the best steak dish I've had outside of a Peter Luger Steakhouse or equivalent. The chef was able to achieve a true Pittsburgh Rare, and the cut had perfect fat distribution. I slowly devoured the steak over about 30-40 minutes and loved the last bite as much as the first. Even though I'm not much of a mushroom guy, the sauteed mushrooms were fantastic - lots of flavor, with a perfect "brownness". Others in the party ordered: 1. Pan-seared scallops - they looked good, but like the crab cake, not sure how special or unique something like this can really be. 2. Wild mushroom gnocchi - my second-favorite dish after my aged strip steak. Great flavor, and I didn't even mind that it didn't contain any meat. 3. Ribeye - very good, but paled in comparison the the aged strip steak. 4. Filet - didn't try it, but the owner seemed very pleased with it. 5. Pheasant - from the same guy who disliked the salad, I don't think he was thrilled with this either. Dessert menu was lame overall, but there was a nice selection of after-dinner drinks. I had a nice glass of port. Overall, I thought it was a great experience, and I'd visit Merchants again if I ever find myself in Nashville in the future.
(4)
Genya D.
Don't go to this restaurant on a Sunday night. The chef is off that night, and the food quality takes a HUGE hit. My family and I went to the upstairs part of the restaurant on a Saturday night, and were blown away by the food (five stars). The apps (beet salad, bruschetta, and fried octopus) were fantastic. Our entrees were phenomenal: chicken, pork, and brisket. And...the dessert. Oh my god. Seasonal crumble: blueberries with a crumble topping, caramel and sea salt vanilla ice cream. I could have eaten the whole thing myself. The crumble was so good that we talked about it all day Sunday, and it was the sole reason we went back on Sunday night (to the downstairs section). This was a mistake. The oysters were funky and smelled nasty (and tasted bad). I know, don't order seafood on a Sunday night. My bad. The fried green tomatoes were blah. My friend chicken was runny inside. And then...the crumble. It was soupy, had just a sprinkle of topping, and it was raw. We sent the oysters and the crumble back to the kitchen. It was then that our server (who had left my fried chicken plate on the table next to us gathering flies) informed us that the chef is off on Sunday nights. Why not just close the restaurant on Sunday nights instead of providing such lackluster food and service. I give it 3.5 stars, averaged between the two nights.
(4)
Stacie L.
I have been to Merchants for lunch and dinner. Both times it was just "OK." Nothing on the menu wow'd me; everything is basic. The atmosphere is too sterile, the seating is too hard, and the flavors bore me. Also, the smell of fish when you first enter is overwhelming.
(3)
Melanie M.
yes the food was good fried green tomatoes, johnny cash chili and bacon cheeseburger ,but we sat at the bar the service was sloooow but we will be back
I loved this place. The atmosphere was terrific and the food was really quite good. We had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious, crispy, and salty. I had the soup and sammie which was HEAVENLY. My husband had the pork loin, which was okay. However, it came with some great pimento cheese grits. The restaurant was beautiful and I loved the decor. The wait was long without a reservation, but I loved that they would text you when your table is ready. The only complaint was the timing. Our food took a while to get to us, and the appetizer and entrees came our simultaneously.
(4)
Steve N.
A chic attire for what feels to be an old school vibe. I found it a bit odd the hostand was place way in the back of the place. The staff was entirely welcoming. I'm used to having bread as the thing to munch on while waiting for food but they served popcorn. Now I dislike popcorn and it surprises everyone when I hit the movies but that's how I am... I gave it a try here and it was actually pleasant. Light salt and it was sweet. Ordered fried green tomato (recent new-found love), tomato soup and a salmon blt. I realized after the server walked away that I kind of overloaded on tomatoes haha... The fried green tomatoes were done nicely! Sometimes they come out soggy inside but these still held their shape. They sat atop a pepper jam and topped with pimento cheese. These came together so well. Like a sweet melody. The tomato soup didn't do it for me though - it was too salty and reminded me too much of Panera's bagged tomato soup. The salmon blt wasn't too special but was enjoyable. Although the salmon was cooked almost perfect. Cooked medium which meant it was juicy and flavorful. Would consider coming back for dessert.
(4)
Jackie M.
Horrendous customer service. Maybe the worst I've ever experienced at a restaurant. I made reservations for the upstairs venue for 12. 12 people. That's good money, right? You'd think a restaurant might be excited about us spending beaucoup bucks. Anyway, the hostesses were so rude upon arrival. So bad we thought it might be a joke. We wanted to add 4 extra people to our dinner and they told us absolutely not, and looked at us like we were nuts. I understand tables can be at a premium, so we were bummed. However, when we were finally seated (30 mins after our reservation time) the ENTIRE upstairs emptied out in 20 minutes. So there were about 40 extra seats but our extra 4 friends couldn't join us. This wasn't the end though. Drinks took centuries to come. My tartare looked like a raw hamburger patty. Oddest item I've ever been served. Our waitress was nice but overall the experience was really poor. Our 4 friends ended up eating bbq at Jack's across the street... we were seriously jealous we didn't join them. Won't go back here. Ever!
(1)
Yappy M.
It is nice to finally have a place downtown that doesn't cater to the mouth-breathers and the Doc Johnson t-shirt crowd. My girlfriend and I stumbled across this place when we were looking for a decent restaurant downtown. A nice discovery. The owners have a done a great job with the decor. It has a great retro feel to the place--almost like a 1950's soda shop, albeit with upscale dining and booze. The popcorn they served as an appetizer was a nice touch. Overall, the food was good and the drinks were stiff. This place is unique for Nashville and certainly for Downtown. If there were a few more places like this on Broadway, it would give locals more of a reason to go down there.
(4)
Jeff S.
Great local place in the middle of it all. Really liked the laid back downstairs atmosphere and the staff was great. Great menu with some different choices. The duck fat tater tots are good but nothing to get to excited for. The portions are solid and you would be hard to find something better on music row
(4)
Erin M.
The bartender (lots of tattoos, glasses) was extremely likable. He made eye contact immediately when we sat down to let us know he saw us, took our drink orders shortly after, and checked back with us to make sure everything was good. While they weren't the greatest cocktails I've ever imbibed- they were tasty. There are loads of bars in San Francisco like this, with classic cocktails and servers running around in suspenders- but most of them have really cranky and pissed off bartenders. It's refreshing to be in a town where people pouring expensive drinks at nice places are actually pleasant. My one complaint is that it's too damn bright in there. It gives the place a bit of a diner feel.
(4)
George N.
Wow, this is some darn good food! I had the Endive and Bibb lettuce salad, and the Red Snapper entre, both were fantastic. Good service, good ambiance, highly recommended.
(5)
Paul R T J.
Looked like it could have been much better. Waiter seemed frazzled & lost. Better service would have saved the day, instead cocktails were made incorrectly and wine was warm, not to mention the mistakes in half of our orders. It looks like a good place we just got the lousy service. Oh well, maybe next time
(2)
Rachael P.
My friend and I went here before a show at the Ryman and had a great time! It was a Sunday night and we sat at the bar. We both ordered drinks (I had a Dark and Stormy) and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We only ordered apps and dessert since we were in a time crunch. We had the deviled eggs, southern fry, and the baked cheese. Soooo good! We ate every last bite, I still think about how delicious it was. We had the cheesecake for dessert, pretty good nothing super special. The location is great since it's so close to everything downtown and the food, from what I've had, is excellent!
(5)
Lisa L.
Have been to Merchants 8 times now. Every time we go, it gets a little sloppier, a little less good, a little less... worth it. This is the last time. Chose the Southern Fry app, a mistake. Supposedly includes catfish, shrimp, okra and dill pickles. The catfish nuggets were great, but the 1" shrimp were fried into hard little bites of brick. Simply awful. While the smoked brisket was delicious, it was served ON TOP OF cold cole slaw alongside cold cornbread. Resultant weeping mess underneath meat was disgusting. DH had sweet tea pork, also delish. Grits were exceptional. The green beans, however, were all black on both ends, a sure sign of way too much time in the walk-in. How any expediter could let that plate out of the kitchen is baffling. The quality is just not there for the price. When Max was around more, the place ran a lot better. Our overly-tatted waiter REEKED of smoke and was clearly taking smoke breaks about every 10 minutes. Hostess stand employees couldn't be bothered, and were SO irritated to have to wave people to the back to check in. Sayonara, Merchants. We knew ya when.
(2)
Ethel B.
Would give this 5 stars, but our waiter wasn't at the top of his game. We had to get someone else to fill our drinks and bring the condiments to us. With that being said, my husband and I both got the French dip and it was fantastic. Sweet potato fries were great too!
(4)
Michelle M.
Good, bad, both... I went here for the first time about 2 years ago while in town and ended up eating here 3 times (2 lunches and a dinner). I thought it was really really tasty. They had a great bread pudding, great sandwiches, great burgers, etc. The service was also really quick and servers were nice. I just went back to Nashville for a car show and convinced my parents to go for dinner one night. Apparently they changed chefs or the chef changed menu items or something, didn't really know exactly what the server said. We started out with the spinach artichoke dip which wasn't horrible, but it was really runny. For our dinner, we ordered pork chop, brie salad, and chicken sandwich. I had the sandwich and I ordered a side of the spicy chipotle mayo with it. They did not lie about the spicy part of it!!! It was good, but my mouth was on fire while I was eating it. The sandwich tasted like a chicken sandwich that you would order from any restaurant, nothing special about it, but no complaints either. The pork chop was full of fat, and nowhere near the cost. The salad had really runny dressing and when asked for a side of dressing (twice), it never came. Every time we had an issue that the server knew about, he disappeared and didn't reappear until the problem was fixed which was fine except that he would disappear for 10 minutes at a time while everyone's drinks would be empty (and with that spicy chipotle mayo, you need a full glass at all times). At this point, my parents had no clue why I told them we had to go there, but we stayed for dessert because my mom loves bread pudding when it has chocolate chips instead of raisins, which they have. We also ordered carrot cake and chocolate cake. The description of the chocolate cake said something about it being chocolate cake with chocolate icing. When I got my "chocolate cake", it was not cake, it was mousse. I never would have ordered it had I known that. I took a bite thinking maybe it had cake somewhere, but it didn't, it was just mousse. The carrot cake was small and round and 90 percent frosting. There was approximately 2 spoon fulls of actual carrot cake hidden under tons of frosting. When the server came back and saw that I only took one bite of the chocolate "cake", he said yeah, our chef changed it today (thanks for the warning), but I will take it back since you didn't like it. This was very nice considering that I didn't even ask him to do that, but he never offered me another dessert, just took it back. It is fine, I didn't need the calories anyways. Our bill was around 100 bucks for 1 appetizer, 3 meals, and 2 desserts. Overall this 2nd experience was nowhere near as good as the first, but the bread pudding is still delicious so I would maybe go back for just that. They are getting ready to do a major remodel so hopefully after that they will work on getting their food back to being good!
(2)
Eat S.
Solid food, great attentive serice make me a repeat visitor to Merchants downstairs when I am in Nashville. Generally fairly priced, yet you do need to look at what you are ordering and the price alongside it. As a pervious reviewer wrote - $ 21. for an OK chicken cordon blu - does not measure up to their hearty burgers. Keep it simple and you will be pleased
(4)
David C.
I do not know the history of this building, but there is clearly an abundance of history here. The bar scene downstairs is cool, but once you enter the narrow stairway upstairs, you enter an altogether different realm. Beautiful, historic decor, impressive displays of wine, fine furniture, etc. We had the good fortune of eating on the private party floor. Service was impeccable and the food was, perhaps not memorable, but very good. I enjoyed the coffee and dessert as well as the salad and entree.
(4)
Steve m.
Love the atmosphere--nice and quiet, subdued. Comfortable tables (meaning you're not squeezed in like some places). Very good, professional staff. Probably the very best steak I'd ever had in my life!! Super tender, you could drop a fork in it! If I'm ever in Nashville again, I'd stop here. Small menu, but they do it right.
(5)
Heather R.
My husband and I had dinner here the other night. The food was pretty good definitely a little over priced though. My husband had the chicken cordon blu and I think it was $21 and that was for CHICKEN! It was ok but not worth the price. I had the salmon and it was pretty tasty and cooked just right that was $25 not badly priced but also I don't think it was exactly affordable. Our server we had was a little on the duh side. He wasn't the brightest bulb in the box....when we would ask questions he would kind of look at us like he was trying to process what we had just asked....the service was ok, but I definitely have experienced better from a fine dinning standpoint. Nonetheless the food was good and we would go back.
I'm not a fan of this place. We had a work luncheon here about a month ago, and while I don't have complaints about the service, the food was just so-so. The menu also looked expensive for what was being offered. It's a lot of Southern food, but they also have some decent-looking sandwiches. I had a steak, and it was good but not fantastic. All in all, it was an okay meal but not very memorable.
(2)
Gary K.
What a dump. Me and my wife split a surf and turf. They over charged, the spinach was cold as we're the potatos and the ladies room toilets were overflowing. Avoid if at all possible.
(1)
Kelly M.
Excellent food! Very cool building! My fiance and I split the NY Strip and it's probably one of the best steaks I've had in a long time. The prices were very reasonable (but perhaps I'm just used to SF prices) and they were happy to let us join a group that we knew who were already seated. One star off because the service seemed to be a little slow and it did not look at all busy - but he was very nice.
(4)
Brian O.
Prices are going up, portions are getting smaller. For several years I could order crab cakes downstairs, this time I had to call over a manager to get them ordered and they only gave me 1. We use to rant and rave about Merchants . This is the second time our favorite restaraunt failed us. And they no longer stock Sam Adams lager. Will be seeking a new favorite. Bring back the downstairs menu .
(2)
Morgan L.
My boyfriend and I got a late start to dinner and luckily, this place was wait-free at 8:30 on a Saturday night so we gave it a shot. The space is beautiful-- an older building with sophisticated charm offering a respite from the neon-and-beer looniness outside. We were promptly seated and efficiently served. Our order (two medium rare burgers) came out quickly and were cooked to our specifications-- not dry and pink in the middle. They were tasty but not mind blowing. We loved the atmosphere and the music (very pleasant 50s and before instrumental). Definitely give it a shot, there were way more exciting menu options that looked delicious (brown sugar rubbed porkchop, seared scallops).
(3)
Phil T.
Had heard so much about this place and was excited to go. operating since 1892, I enjoy the history of the place. The decor is light, white walls vintage mirrors easy to sit in. Went twice and tried a few things. Duck Fat Tater Tots were good but light on duck fat flavor. I wonder if they really use it. House made ricotta was great and the Almost Famous Fried Chicken would have been great but it was undercooked. The navy bean side item was really tasty.
(3)
Brad L.
Stopped by on a Sunday night and got bad service but decent food. I had a burger and the others with me had salad and trout. We ate on the first floor which is more casual than the upper floor, but not even close to being worth the money.
(2)
Misty L.
cute place and a great reputation but...not so impressed. food was good, but the menu was quite limited when we were there for CMA fan fair. it also seemed in puting their own unique spin on things Merchants may go a little too far for some people's taste. egg whites to thicken margarita's, my friend's mojito was not good... fun to experience the atmosphere, but i don't think i'd go back a second time.
(2)
Dina D.
The decor at Merchants is lovely. I love the teal walls and golden curtains and chandeliers with the warm lighting. The black and white photography complements it well, as does the faux fireplace with white wood. The food is excellent. I had the roast chicken with farro and roasted vegetables. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the dish was very flavorful. For dessert, I had the seasonal crumble with buttermilk ice cream and sea salt caramel. This was divine. Even the menus have a classy font that adds to the restaurant's ambiance. I would definitely recommend Merchant's.
(5)
Caitlin D.
I was surprised by Merchants tonight, because I had pictured hamburgers and grease for some reason. Mainly because that's what all the other restaurants on Broadway serve. However, once you walk in, it is clear that Merchants is of a nicer quality. I had calamari, which was great, and a soup and salad combo. Not my most creative choice, but I wasn't super hungry. The caesar was tasty, and the fried ball of brie on it even better. I'll have to go back and try something more interesting, but I could see this place offers quality food.
(4)
Al S.
A group of five of us dined here this past weekend and had a very pleasant experience. We started off ordering drinks from a friendly bartender on the ground floor. Dinner took place on the second floor, which was rather classy--dimly lit with dark walls and furniture. The menu contained standard steakhouse fare; however, the food arrived promptly and was presented nicely. My filet was cooked perfectly. My companions all enjoyed their dishes. Delicious cheesecake topped off the night. Service was prompt, attentive, and upbeat. I would gladly dine here again.
(4)
brewgirl b.
Excellent, excellent food in the upstairs dining area. Cant rave enough about the low country shrimp and creamy grits, served with a wild shrooms, corn and asparagus ragout. Our starter arugula salad with spiced pecans, buttermilk blue cheese and a pear vinaigrette was outstanding. Service was friendly, but a bit off. Great decor, but maybe a bit too dark. Also, I'm used to paying $30+ for an entree in San Francisco, so finding similarly priced entrees in Nashville was unexpected.
(4)
Cory D.
A great spot to visit in downtown Nashville. The food is excellent, and the location is great for watching people as they move down the street. I will definitely making another visit.
(5)
Ryan C.
Merchants Restaurant is a jewel in Nashville's crown, offering an spectacular dining experience replete with exceptional service and carefully crafted cuisines pouring forth from a charming and reputedly haunted 1870's era building. The menu is well done and the quality of the food was simply astounding. I strongly suggest starting off with the Roasted Vegetable Ravioli it was a delightful mix of highly palatable but rounded earthy textures. Since you are in the South it would only be fitting to follow up with the Jack Daniel's Filet Mignon, it will take very little effort to clean your plate. My wife was quite impressed with the Pan Seared Sea Scallops, the were exceptionally large and prepared perfectly. The service was at least equally exceptional both my wife and I were very pleased with our waiter Kevin, he possessed a warm friendly demeanor and showed an outstanding attentiveness to detail.
(5)
Anonymous P.
Had dinner here with a couple of friends. The restaurant is located in a great part of town with lots to see and do before and after dinner. Nashville's Broadway has rows of bars with live music playing in every single one of them. Merchants is a great place to eat. They have a lower level for casual dining and drinking,and a separate dining room for some high society grubbing. There are separate menus for each dining area. We ate upstairs because why drop $10 on a "chicken sandwich" sitting next to common folk when you can drop $25 on a "poultry plate" upstairs snobbing it up with high society. Good food, good service, and a good feel to the place.
(4)
Kyle A.
Stopped by here for a pregame beer and sandwich before the USA soccer game. The location is great for walking to matches at LP field. Food prices were in line with the quality. I would recommend to anyone as it seemed people of all ages and types were here.
(4)
Stuart L.
I was disappointed in this restaurant. Both the appetizers and main course came out cold. We were half way through the appetizers when the hostess brought out the main course. The table was too small for all of the plates, so she pulled the appetizer plates off the table even though we were still eating them. Didn't even ask if we were done. Considering the cost and type of restaurant, we expected better service. Next time we are in Nashville, we will not bother going here.
(2)
Dan M.
I went here for dinner with the wife on a Sunday. We were in Nashville for a wedding and wanted to grab something a little nicer than BBQ. It had a 4 star rating on Yelp, so why not! We arrived downstairs, looked over both the bistro and the upstairs menu. We decided to go 'upscale' and be seated upstairs. We were told she could not seat us right now, and it would be about 45-60 minutes. Not a problem on vacation, we went to the bar downstairs and had drinks and an appetizer. I had a Jack/Coke and her a martini. I was impressed by the ice cubes, as they were the nonstandard large size cubes (actual cubes) which decreases the amount of watering down that occurs. We had the duck-fat fried tater tots, and they were fantastic. Three dipping sauces, so it made it feel a little classier than squeezing Ketchup out of a bottle. After about 20 minutes, the hostess came back and said they were ready upstairs. We didn't need the whole basket of tots, so we finished our drink and headed upstairs. Downstairs decor was very cool. Old school styling, subway tile, etc. Upstairs, the decor was very nice, low lighting, very classy with some exposed brick. To my surprise, there were only maybe 10 people upstairs, with seating for at least 50-60. I was very confused at why we had to wait. But figured maybe it was going to be attentive service and they were short-staffed or something. The service was a bit slow to start. They filled our water glasses fairly quickly and gave us menus. After about 10 minutes, he came back to take the wine order. This took a good 15-20 minutes to come back. Then he disappeared again, finally coming back to take the dinner order. Disappeared again... and probably another 20 minutes for our soups to come out. From there out the service was fine, with items coming up properly timed and drinks refreshed. From a food perspective, we both had the tomato bisque, which was very good. We were also brought a small crab and citrus taster which was also very good. This brought our expectations up regarding the upcoming meal. My wife had the roasted chicken with farro and some summer squash. It was pleasant, but nothing to get excited for. She mentioned that she shouldn't have gone with chicken, because who gets excited for chicken? I had a 14oz rib eye, which was recommended by the waiter. It was tasty enough, but a ton of fat. I understand it's a rib eye... but this was a bit over the top. It was cooked properly and was tasty enough, but for almost $30, I was expecting more. It also came in a weird little cast iron pot/dish. The dish was just deep enough to hinder your ability to cut the steak easily. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. We took a look at the dessert menu, but nothing thrilled us so we got the check. It wasn't bad, $100 for 2 soups, 2 meals, 2 glasses of wine. We were discussing what we thought of the place and both of us said "underwhelmed". We were discussing being spoiled living in Chicago, but I don't know how much weight that holds. I've had amazing dinners in small towns and this just didn't cut it. I'm going with 2 stars, with them getting knocked on service and food. I still don't know why it took 30 minutes (and quoted 60) to get us seated in an empty place? We asked if they were busy and the waitress said "No, we usually book up by 2PM, blah blah blah" adding to the confusion. I just got the impression they were trying to make themselves more exclusive than they are. On food and pricing alone, I would have gone for three. It wasn't bad... but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. If we had the half-star, MAYBE 2.5... MAYBE. I feel comfortable giving this 2. To be fair, the bistro area has potential. Similar food, but more upscale sandwiches / sides than a standard diner/bar. I would give that a shot.
(2)
Bill C.
Our first night in Nashville, we were looking for a place to eat and our concierge suggested Merchants. We walked there from our hotel and we're excited at how cute it looked. Our first experience was a bit frustrating as we had an 8PM reservation and didn't get seated until 8:40. Our table was in a great location, the corner booth on the first floor looking down Broadway to the river. My second complaint was how noisy it was. It was super hard to talk at the table so if you are looking to enjoy a meal and conversation, you might be out of luck, at least where we were sitting. On to the great part. The food and drinks were amazing. I had two great cocktails, a Dark & Stormy and Sixty Fifteen. My wife tried a local white wine, not good and an Oregon Pinot Gris, much better. We all shared the Southern Fry and Tater Tots to start and both were out of this world. Who could imagine Tater Tots being so good, but the duck fat in the description should have been a clue. The Southern Fry was equally yummy, pickles, catfish, shrimp and okra. Not the healthiest start to a meal, but darn good. So why start healthy with the entree. I had the chicken fried chicken which was out of this world, served on top of mashed potatoes and spinach. My only regret was being too full to eat the whole thing. Our one son had the same and the other had a perfectly cooked steak while our daughter had a cheeseburger. My wife went healthier with a refreshing Greek salad. I also ordered the iceberg wedge, why would I think I'd have room for a salad. It was a nice wedge which some of the tastiest pieces of bacon, but I only made it halfway through. I loved the food here, everything we had was just so tasty and well prepared, exactly the type of southern comfort food I was looking for after a couple of days of BBQ in Memphis. I'd highly recommend, but not necessarily for a family or those looking for a quiet evening. If you aren't one of those, this is a great choice along bustling Broadway.
(5)
Lacey P.
We got the Greek salad and pulled pork BBQ sandwich for lunch and split them. Perfect amount of food and it was delicious. I would definitely come back. If you want to eat dinner here and not wait get a reservation.
(5)
Tina S.
This place was not what it looked like on the outside. The lower level had the look of a old fashioned soda fountain. You could order sandwiches and salads. But we wanted something nicer. Please follow us upstairs...it was a nice elegant sit down dinner with cloth napkins, silver, wine glasses. My friend ordered the watermelon salad and scallops. His watermelon salad was the prettiest thing I have ever seen. It was slices of tomatoes, watermelon, sliced onions topped with feta cheese and a vinaigrette. I begged him to share and he did. I had the corn soup, which was topped with popcorn, very sweet and tasty. I had the pan crusted chicken with mushrooms and a few garden veggies. This place was amazing.....
(4)
Chad R.
Some of the best food in Downtown Nashville!! One of my favorite places in town. I always take out-of-town guest here so they can experience Lower Broad, and get a taste of good food that makes you think you're somewhere besides Nashville. I've only eaten downstairs, so my review will only be for the Downstairs Menu. ALWAYS get the Tater tots! Flavored and fried in Duck fat, and served with 3 different dippings. It's a great appetizer! And you cannot go wrong with Grilled Salmon BLT or the Sweet Tea Pork Loin. They are my favorites. And the drinks are carefully crafted!! Owned by the same people who own Patterson House, and have many of the same classic cocktails. The bartenders take great pride in the drinks they are making, and just a couple dollars cheaper than PH. Definitely can't go wrong here if you're in downtown Nashville!!
(5)
Lenka O.
I came to Nashville last weekend with a couple of girlfriends for a fun ladies trip. our first stop on Thursday night was to find somewhere with great dinner and after a couple of recommendations from locals we ended up at merchants. it was still near the strip so we could go out after. This place was absolutely wonderful food everything from the duck fat tater tots to all 3 entrees that we shared and dessert was nothing less than great. We tried the jambalaya, lobster mac and cheese and the fish tacos. The cocktails were creative and delicious too. I'll be honest, it's not going to be your cheapest dinner in Nashville but when you're on Music Row what else do you expect but to spend a little money? at least I can say that after eating here nothing was a regret.
(5)
Lauren S.
This restaurant is one of the best on the Broadway. The first floor is a bit noisy and more of a scene. The second floor is quiet and more of an elegant setting. They even shine your shoes while eating if you want. They have a great cocktail list. Order the potato chips they are a must. I had the pork chop for dinner and I can honestly say it was one of the best I have had. We ended with a chocolate dessert which was amazing. I would go back for sure.
(4)
Violet P.
The restaurant is broken up into 2 different areas. The upstairs area is a steak and seafood restaurant and downstairs has a wider variety including sandwiches. We started with the tater tot and guac for appetizers. Guac was just meh so I was a bit disappointed as I love my guac but the tots with the 3 sauces were awesome! Definitely recommend them. 3 of us had the NY strip and one had the recommended pork loin. Let me tell you, go with the pork loin!!! It was sooooo juicy and tender. All 3 of us felt that the steak was ruined by the sauce that was on top of it. We all stripped it off. Or if you're really in the mood for a smaller steak, ask for it on the side and then decide. The prices were pretty decent for a nicer place on Broadway and the drinks were decent as well!! We had excellent service from Jim! He was very attentive and worked very hard.
(4)
Francesca D.
Came in on a whim for some snacks because we were starving after the music on the green. What a cool atmosphere. We sat at the bar next to some drunk locals which was hilarious. Get the duck fat tots SO good and worth the hype. Fried green tomatoes were just okay- lacking some spice. But when you put the spicy sauce from the tots on it with the pimento they are on point. Should definitely offer that- just ask for it I'm sure they will give it to you. Also got the Mac and cheese and it was probably the best I've ever had. So filling though. Even for 2 people. Service was spotty so we're giving it a 4. But other than that not to shabby for being on then main drag full of tourist traps. Would go back again with a reservation and for dinner.
(4)
W. John R.
This place is really classy, being in the heart of downtown Nashville but feeling like a quiet, elegant space. One of my favorite things about the visit were the cocktails - a full menu of creative and tasty offerings, and a waiter who was knowledgeable and able to make informed recommendations. We started with the pork belly wrap appetizer- it was amazing. I love Bibb lettuce (and grow it at home) and this waxy, crisp lettuce was the perfect vehicle for the sweet-and-spicy treats inside. Our main courses were good. My pork chop was a smidge overdone, but the flavor was great. The sides - especially the twice baked potatoes gratin - complemented the meal perfectly.
(4)
Bill T.
Was in Nashville for four days and came here twice it was so good! Food is excellent...the duck fat tater tots are outstanding. We loved the chipotle sauce that came with them. Our first server (I think her name was Ali) recommended the queso with them. It came with a fresh salsa-type garnish and she recommended mixing it in with the cheese and it was amazing. I later had a burger and fries, both great. Service was terrific too. Ali was helpful and told us other fun places to go to eat and drink and her recommendations were fantatstic. The second time, we sat at the bar and the talented bartender made us some great drinks and explained to one of my friends why they did certain things and what some of the ingredients were. Very informative. Our waiter the last night was Brian H and he was very good. Drinks are great...we had old-fashioneds, a Vieux Carre and a Fig Sidecar. The bar really adds their own twist to these bespoke cocktails and make them very memorable. If there's a line, just put your name in and wait. It will be worth it.
(5)
Chrissie V.
This place shows what "elevated classics" should REALLY look like, when it comes to food. Duck fat tater tots...fried green tomatoes with the most delicious sauce and pimento cheese...deviled eggs with a crisp pickle chip...I could go on for days about the apps...by far the favorite of our 9 person party was the tots though...they get served with 3 sauces and do yourself a favor and ask for an extra hollandaise sauce before it even gets to your table...you get a pretty generous portion of tots and you will definitely run out of that particular sauce. We had a pretty wide range of entrees at the table...steak frites, pork, fish tacos, veggie burger, REAL burger, mac and cheese...all of which people raved about, but the pork was the surprise winner. As far as sides go...sweet potato fries seemed to be the most popular choice they were cut steak fry style and they looked amazing. The house salad had truly the most amazing dressing on it ever...they need to bottle that for real. I'm probably going to be disappointed by salad dressing for the rest of my life now. They had a pretty extensive drink menu...including a long list of ginger based drinks. All were good...I tried a couple of varieties and all were good, not great. Perfectly satisfactory though because the food really was the star of the show. We're visiting Nashville for a bachelorette party (obviously not an original idea...holy bridal veils Batman!), so I probably won't have much occasion for visiting this restaurant again, but I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone visiting Broadway!
This restaurant was very delicious and had a great atmosphere. I has the fish tacos, also our table had the po boy shrimp sandwich and the burger and all were tasty with sweet potato fries. It was a great meal, the server was timely and didn't linger and totally worth a visit
(4)
Amy C.
Best place to eat on Broadway. Not your normal quick bite. Both downstairs and upstairs are a huge delight and worth the wait.
(5)
Gerry T.
Honestly very good food!!! Nothing fancy that will win them a James Beard award anytime soon, but honest cooking with great flavors! I had the pork chop with grits; amazing grits!!! Pork chop a bit over done, but good. My wife had the chicken fried chicken and it was so juicy and tender...I am salivating as I type. The duck fat tater tots are great as well. Our reservations were fumbled but the waiter that took care of us was very accommodating and friendly. This made up for their blemish. If in the area, Check it out.
(5)
Paul C.
Great food. Great service. A tad pricy for content - but you'll be happy. Duck fat tater tots - full portion served four of us as a nice picky appetiser. The dips are tasty and varied too. Salty but superb. I had the brisket - with corn bread, coleslaw and BBQ sauce. It was tender, perfectly cooked and with just the right amount of sauce. The slaw was delicious and the corn bread plentiful (most of it left...British tastebuds for you). My partner had chicken fried chicken with spinach and easily the best mashed potatoes I've had in a long time. Also covered in a pepper gravy. The other two in our party had the veggie burger (very bean based - if you know the sort - she loved it) and the fish tacos (big and full - tasty). The sweet potato fries are worthy of their own mention. Very good indeed dipped in the BBQ sauce. Drinks were craft beers and cocktails mainly. Wines and spirits too. Cocktails were a tad pricey - but perfectly mixed. Beer selection very nice but limited. Brooklyn for the win. I will be back!
Eating at this restaurant was one of the highlights of our visit to Nashville (and, trust me, we had loads of fun in Nashville). The service, amazing. The music, 1990s. The food, unforgettable. I was introduced to a Nashville micro brew here, Yazoo (I got the Gerst, the boyfriend the hefeweizen, both delightful). We started with fried green tomatoes, served with pimento cheese and a sauce I'd like to bathe in. For dinner, I had the tilapia and the boyfriend had the brisket. The accompaniments and sauces were all spot on. Our server (well, bartender--same difference) answered all our questions about the menu items and even offered, before we ordered, to replace anything that we weren't happy with. I was concerned that the tilapia would be too spicy for me, and he assured me that most of the heat was in the sauce, which he had them serve on the side. (He was right). I will definitely not miss this place when I return to Nashville.
(5)
Khay G.
One of the best brunches I've ever been to. I came here about 6 months ago and now that I'm on Yelp I had to do a review for it. Everything from the atmosphere and service to the drinks and food were 5/5. If you're going on the weekend, expect a wait for a table. Ours was 45 mins but totally worth it. On the pricey side, but if you're willing to spend a bit more on dining out you won't be disappointed. We got the baked cheese to split and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were very heavy, I don't think I ate for the rest of the day. If I ever come back to Nashville, Merchants will be on my list to visit.
(5)
Kenny C.
Merchants was the last meal I had in Nashville, so I wanted to make it count. The restaurant itself is beautiful. It looks liek a townhouse with high ceilings. And there's a chandelier in the back where the hostesses are (kind of looks like a hotel). They give you a little tin of popcorn when you sit down. It had powdered ranch seasoning in it, which I didn't know was a thing. It was like crack. For an appetizer, I went with the duck fat tator tots, because honestly, how the hell am I going to turn that down? They were delicious and came with three dipping suaces - ketchup, chipotle mayo and bearnaise. Loved the tangy bearnaise. Don't worry guys, I went with the half order because I'm not a glutton. For my entree, our lovely waitress recommended the chicken fried chicken, which came with over yukons and spinach, topped with country gravy. Despite the hear-attack-inducing description, it actually wasn't that heavy. The chicken was thin and fried beautifully, and there were vegetables involved, which is healthy, right? Maybe I'm in denial. It was my second time having fried chicken that day, but hey, when in Nashville...
(5)
Guy C.
Blackened tilapia was amazing. Even a burger was excellent with mushrooms piled high. Nikia, our server, was knowledgable, prompt, professional and friendly. Great people watching on the corner of Broadway and 4th.
(5)
Becca J.
I guess I was a little disappointed considering all of the raving reviews about this place. It does seem like the best option to eat if you are hanging out "downtown" near all of the honky tonk bars, so that is probably one of the reasons it is rated so highly. My table split a half order of the Duck Fat Tater Tots, and I ordered the Blackened Tilapia. The tater tots were good, but not amazing. I did like the various dipping sauces they provided. The Tilapia was actually really good, and I would get that again. The ambiance felt a bit diner-y, perhaps it was the hard, white floors and the booths. My understanding is that it is different upstairs, but we didn't get to experience that. Be prepared to pay for street / lot parking. Unfortunately we were there on an "event" day (there was a concert going on somewhere close-by) and got stuck with a $25 parking tab. The building is historic and very cute.
(4)
Stephanie B.
We came to Nashville for our anniversary and found Merchants by accident. The staff was very accommodating and sweet. We hit the jackpot with our waitress, Jennifer. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and loved them. For dinner we ordered the NY strip and I changed the sauce to Bernaise because who on Earth wouldn't want that? P.S. We sat on the lit up patio and it couldn't have been more romantic.
(5)
Lily P.
Great A+++++ We even got out boots shined while eating.
(5)
Zlata P.
It's a nice place to eat, however it gets super busy, so be ready to wait for a table or if you lucky, you can grab a seat at the bar. Came here on a Friday night, place was packed. 45 min wait for a table, we were hungry, so we sat at the bar. Everything on the menu looked good. I tried pulled pork sandwich. It came out a little dry for my taste. Friend had a steak, she seemed to like it. I also tried deviled eggs, and I think that was my favorite out of all things we ordered . To drink I got some house special cocktail, don't remember the name, it was gin based. Service was friendly at first, and after it became even busier, bartenders seemed to be overwhelmed with customers, so It was no service at this point. Check it out. But I would probably come back on a less busy night .
(4)
Maria K.
I have lived in Nashville for 19 years, and discovered Merchants a couple years ago. I was a concierge at a nice hotel on West End and always found myself making reservations for people here....and after visiting I know why! There are two circumstances in which I will find myself at merchants. The first being when I want to dine in a fun environment downtown without all the craziness, and the second being whenever I want to start a night off of bar hopping at a nice classy place. The food at Merchants is slightly above average. I usually have the hamburger or the chicken fried chicken. They have a southern twist on common entrees which gives it more of a "Nashville" vibe. But let me tell you, the cocktails are absolutely phenomenal. They have a list of very eclectic options ranging from my personal favorite, Rock City Peach (which has a spicy jalapeno syrup in it!) to a Tennessee mojito made with mango moonshine. Trust me when I say Merchants has some of the best cocktails in the city. The ambiance is also wonderful. It is themed as an upscale diner inside an old pharmacy building. Now, they also have fine dining on the top level but I prefer the mail floor. The restaurant tends to get a bit busy, but you give them your number and they text you when a table is ready. You can use this time to check out some of the surrounding area bars! HELPFUL TIP!!! They have valet parking until 10 PM at the tiny avenue right before the restaurant. So if you want free parking for your meal, drive by slowly and look on your right!
(5)
Mollie S.
Last weekend, my girlfriends and I headed to Nashville to celebrate one of by best friend's 30th birthday. Since we all weren't experts on where the trendy spots were, we did some research and stumbled upon a gem on Broadway... Merchants Restaurant! The place was completely packed on a Friday night. When we went to the hostess, we were told it would take 2 hours for us to get a table! Being determined to stay at Merchants, I spotted 3 stools at the bar with our names on them. The moment we sat down and were greeted by several very polite, handsome and well dressed bartenders. They were are all dressed in dress shirts, suspenders and bow ties... SWOON. Cody was our server for the evening and he treated us like royalty! He ensured that all of us, ESPECIALLY the birthday girl, had an amazing time! The food and drinks were delicious, not to mention affordable! We even got to sample some hometown specialty shots... and I LOVE shots! We loved this place so much we went there again for dinner on our last night in town. For anyone who is visiting Nashville or lives there, you need to go to Merchants for delicious food, yummy cocktails and wonderful service. I promise you will not regret it! I hope to make it back there soon! :)
(5)
Jared K.
I wandered downtown to meet my mom and aunt, who were visiting for a few days. They're into touristy stuff, so I thought that Merchant's on Broadway would be a great spot to take them for lunch. I suppose I could have taken them to Robert's Western World or Wildhorse Saloon if we wanted to get super touristy, but those places are a bit more than I can handle. There are still a few obvious remnants of the original pharmacy business in their first-floor bistro area, including the layout, marble counters, and abundant natural lighting. Even the attitudes at Merchants seem reminiscent of the past, exemplified by the hostesses and waitstaff who gave my family some great Nashville hospitality. I didn't really have barbecue on my mind when we walked into Merchants, but when I saw a Smoked Brisket entree on the menu, I couldn't resist the temptation. Theirs comes with cornbread, coleslaw, and a chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce. I asked for sauce on the side and also requested the house-made potato chips as a substitute side dish. As expected, the potato chips were terrific. They were thick-cut chips with a ton of crunch. It was also patently obvious that they were homemade. The cornbread was beautifully sweet and very buttery. It tasted like there might have been some molasses mixed right in (or at least maybe some brown sugar). Merchants' brisket is prepared with something they call a "Music City Rub," although I'm not sure exactly what that is. The meat was much smokier than I envisioned, so much so that it was immediately noticeable when I took my first bite. Their rub seasoning was decent enough, but the brisket didn't have much of a crust to speak of, so I feel like I missed out on a potential flavor source there. Despite its leanness, the brisket was still tender and juicy. What little fat there was had certainly soaked up plenty of flavor from the smoking process. It was rendered well, though there was a little too much of it packed together. The chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce was good, too. It was only somewhat spicy, but paired nicely with the brisket. We had an excellent meal at Merchants, and I'm sure we'll be back.
(4)
Emily H.
This place was amazing!!! The food was excellent, our waiter was excellent and the duck fat tater tots were excellent. Without a doubt, my favorite spot in Nashville!!
(4)
Stephanie H.
FULL DISCLOSURE- my friend knows one of the co-owners, so my experience was slightly more amazing because of it. However, I can say that even if we had not had the friend connection, this place has outstanding service, food and a fantastic atmosphere! I love the fact that they have a casual downstairs and fancier upstairs. Both menus looked unbelievably good (truly something for everyone), but we went for the downstairs menu, because we wanted something more casual and at a lower price point. I ordered a local IPA that was wonderful, then we went nuts on the appetizers, getting the deviled eggs and duck fat tater tots. Holy crap - those tater tots were ridiculous. I couldn't stop eating them. They came with three delicious sauces, but the spicy chipotle ended up being everyone's favorite. The portion size was HUGE and more than enough for all 4 of us. The deviled eggs were also fantastic and were well presented on top of a pickle - a unique presentation, but the flavor of the pickle was an excellent touch! For an entree, I ordered the salmon salad. Again - HUGE portion size - and the salmon itself was prepared well; not overcooked and paired with goat cheese, apples and nuts. Yum. The service was also over the top and I really don't think it was because of our "connection" - our waitress was extremely courteous, attentive, and very nice - paying us just the right amount of attention, despite how bustling the place happened to be on a Saturday night. If you're in the Nashville area, I highly recommend trying this place out. The location is central, and the atmosphere is trendy and fun. Also was deeply impressed by the music list - tons of 90s hits. Definitely made the experience better :)
(5)
Sabrina D.
Awesome vibe with an old school feel. Great bar area. Salads were delicious and so wasn't the chicken fried chicken. We tried the duck tators ( recommended by every other yelper) and they were good. Half order is good for 4 people, we got the large and it was to much. Located right on Broadway!
Best meal we had in Nashville - though keep in mind we were staying at the Gaylord, so perhaps not the biggest hurdle to clear. But this was an outstanding meal! Appetizer of fried green tomatoes, as well as a plate of fried stuff (clearly not doing it justice, but included okra and pickles) were a great start. I had brisket which was tender and flavorful. The rest of my tablemates all ordered the chicken fried chicken and raved about it. Service was excellent. Place is a bit loud (we were in the downstairs part), but it made for a fun atmosphere. Would for sure come back here!
(5)
Michelle S.
Great crepes. Clean and modern place. Friendly staff
(4)
Kerry N.
Neat, fun and trendy place, but the food was average. The duck fat tots sounded cool, but they weren't. We ordered 4 different dishes and nothing was stand out. Great location though.
(4)
Nicole M.
I LOVE Merchants. Their salmon BLT is my go to every time. It's so good I can't ever try anything else because I don't want to miss the chance of eating it. The popcorn they serve at the beginning is different and yummy. Duck fat tater tots are a must try.
(5)
Vicki M.
The food here is absolutely amazing! Portions are big so feel free to share plates! Great drinks and sweet accommodating staff with personalized birthday messages! Love this spot it's a must!
(5)
Jay R.
Merchants is good, I like the food and can specifically recall the fried green tomatoes were delicious. It also has a prime location right in the middle of Broadway Downtown. That being said, the service was kind of on the slow side (and somewhat stiff) and I didn't find my meal overly memorable, so it lands at 3 stars for now. I'd definitely be willing to go back though!
(3)
James B.
Ok, so we are the family with the stroller and the 3 months old baby that everyone roles the eyes at... We tend boldly walk in and request a booth so we can put the baby seat next to one of us and then we wait for the reaction of the hostess to figure out whether this is a good idea or not. All I can say for Merchant is THANK YOU! Thank you for understanding that its a little tricky with a baby, thank you for taking the stroller and putting it somewhere safe and thank you for the great service and food! What a fantastic restaurant. We arrive, the staff are friendly and welcoming and even though we try and make sure we eat early to get out of peoples way (5:30pm ish), we were not rushed, nor were we made to feel anything other than part of the gang. We go to our table and proceed to order dinner. The food is super tasty and the starter portions are perfect to share. The hostess checks in with us half way through, which she doesn't need to do, the waiter recommends that BEST dishes to eat and we thoroughly enjoy our time there. I recommend the whole experience :) Loved it!
(5)
Chris X M.
We had a GREAT lunch here. Very crowded, but one of the better restaurant options on Broadway. Drinks were very well prepared and food was excellent. Server was fast and friendly, although a bit busy. We will come back. A/C was not working right--hope they fix that.
(5)
Kristie A.
My coworkers and I came here one night and we sure had a good time! the best thing about that place after their food was our Waiter, Harrison. He made our dining experience so fun and enjoyable! All of their food was soo delicious! My favorites were my main dish which was scallop, pork belly wrap, and butterscotch pie! As a Nashvillian, this place is often thought of as a touristy spot. Don't be fooled. This place is the real deal in Nashville. All their foods are the delicious and service is remarkable.
(5)
Tammy O.
This was one our favorites from the girls trip!!! Mojitos were fabulous!!! The food was excellent...hamburger is a definite if we go back!!! The peach cobbler dessert is worth every calorie. If you go ask for Cheyenne...the best server in Nashville!!!!
(5)
Samantha F.
My boyfriend and I visited from NYC tonight - and this place was great! Cocktails are on point (particularly Pimm's Cup and the Creole Fashioned). Fried green tomatoes were DELICIOUS, followed by tasty smoked (and super moist) brisket for my BF and a Salmon strawberry salad for me. Everything was divine. Oh... And a peach cobbler on the house? Amazing. Thanks for a GREAT dinner and a whole lot of hospitality :)
Delicous! Merchants offers a bit of upper scale dining (not formally upscale but definitely refined offerings) on Broadway. If you're looking for a table walk straight back to the hostess table (you will pass the bar on the left). I chose to dine at the bar for brunch. The bar has a beautiful copper finish. There is a long list of specialty cocktails in addition to coffee and tea. The coffee is pretty good. I tried the fried green tomatoes. They are delicious! The fried green tomatoes come with a sweet and sour sauce and pimento cheese- yum. I also had the Monte Christo, which was a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Service was also prompt and excellent- Merchants is definitely worth a stop.
(5)
David T.
We only stopped in for appetizers but the atmosphere and the food was great. We had the baked cheese dip which was excellent.
(5)
Hunter O.
Staff was nice.. The place has a old school charm. The pork belly app was super yummy, my steak was good but had a lot of grizzle in it.. Now it was a ribeye and I like fat in my ribeye steak just no grizz.. Prob had to cut off at least 4oz of it.. But moving on from there the duck fat fries are super yummy and would be worth stoping by and ratting those alone with a nice cold beer.. I think over all it was good place, just saddened by the meat quality and the high end price.. I don't mind paying for quality..
(4)
Carol S.
The food is outstanding. We sat at the bar and, unfortunately, the service was spotty and distracted. Nice when it showed up but hard to place a timely order. That being said, the food came out on a rocket and perfectly cooked. Are they psychic back in the kitchen?
(4)
Amy W.
Amazing food and drinks. They serve you truffle popcorn at the bar to start which is awesome. Had the tilapia and it was fantastic. Very fresh, very yummy
(5)
Beth G.
Been here many many many times for happy hour many times years back. Had dinner there a few times then too. Steak was good, not complaints. Most recently went in 2015. It has been around a longggggg time. Being on Broadway and prices of rent, it is still around and consistently good. They start with popcorn which is fun. The couple of guys we met coming out said you MUST have the Iced Tea Pork Chop. Wish I could have, next time I will! We had the deviled eggs again...the Northern friends, could not get enough of these. I am from the North originally and always do like when someone else makes the deviled eggs. Get this-- the Wings appetizer were amazing. Who knew?!?!? So glad to go out with friends as they order different meals I can report on here on Yelp. Had the Duck Fat tater tots. Have you had anything with duck fat? Not that much difference, and really I did find ANY difference on the tots. I would think the duck flavor would carry over--- not so much. Another had the Soup and Sammy. Reviews were good, no complaints. Another had Chicken Fried chicken, they liked! The BBQ pulled pork sandwich she loved. Next time really going to try that Iced Tea Pork item. We sat outside, not too hot. Parking is paid, Someone said it tourist populated. Since Nashville has boomed since the flood, I guess it is.
(4)
Zeke T.
This was the best option we found on Broadway for good eats without all the drunk 20somethings and loud music. It was a respite amidst the storm (for us...who had just come from a Ryman tour...on a Saturday mid-day). It was a little warm inside (though cooler than outside for sure), but the atmosphere was bright and fun. The waitstaff was friendly, and the food came quickly. The beer list is more than adequate, and I get the feeling that the cocktails would be excellent. Recommendations: the tater tots! But the rest of our food, mostly sandwiches, was good too. :)
(4)
AaronErin D.
Shortly after arriving in Nashville we decided to have some food before our bar crawl adventures. Loved the atmosphere immediately after walking in, it has a more "classy" feel compared to most of the places located down Broadway. We weren't completely impressed with the female bartender, we sat for a while before finally being greeted and she didn't seem very happy to be working. Luckily during shift change a more up beat man took over our check. The drinks we ordered were delicious. They make an excellent Old Fashion here. Their selection of bourbons, beers and wines were impressive. Be sure to try some of their popcorn they give at the bar, it's delicious. As far as the food goes we tried their Duck Fat Tots... Order the small the large portion is massive. They tasted okay but nothing special. The Deviled Eggs, Fried Green Tomatoes, & Guacamole were tasty. Very basic food flavors, nothing exceptional but It's a spot worth checking out while traveling to Nashville.
(4)
Allie W.
Downstairs is much more casual and louder, with windows facing downtown Broadway so there is great people watching. If you want a more intimate dinner with a fancier menu, request a table upstairs where the dark decor of the former hotel make for a superb dining experience. The steak is awesome as is the seared tuna. I was especially impressed with the cocktails. I love Moscow mules and they make their own ginger beer in-house which made for an excellent mule. We also ordered the lemon dessert which was a sweet/tart/delicious way to end our evening before heading out on Broadway. I haven't eaten downstairs in a while, but the tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and burger are fantastic!
(4)
Catie B.
I'm pretty sure my life changed while I was here this evening. Everything was phenomenal from the bread and sweet butter to the fresh oysters to the pork chop and duck fat fries I had. They have talented mixologists on staff so don't skip the cocktails. I can't say enough good things.
(5)
Martin C.
Much more upmarket restaurant than everything else in the honky tonk area. It's definitely not good value and I didn't see any live music there and not sure if they even offer it. The interior has nice decor and the guacamole was great. The tater tots even though they were goose fat ones tasted like any other ones I've had. If you are on the strip and want something a bit fancier with no music check these guys out.
(4)
Leesa F.
We needed a really good meal in downtown Nashville and this place nailed it! From the server to the drinks to the food it was just what we wanted. We ordered 3 appetizers- baked cheese (AMAZING!), deviled eggs and the much talked about duck fat tator tots. I would order the cheese again but the deviled eggs weren't very flavorful and just kind of bland. The tots were just ok- I wouldn't order them again. For entrees we both ordered a salad, chicken Caesar and the chopped greek. What you might expect but the dressing wasn't my favorite. Overall great experience and I will be back for a few other items on their menu that looked very intriguing.
(4)
Vincent T.
A really busy, really cool restaurant in the heart of downtown Nashville... (make a reservation) Duck Fat Tots, Deviled Eggs, Mac& Cheese, all good starters. Chicken Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea Pork Loin were both excellent entrees. Service was attentive and friendly. Really liked the decor and bartender uniforms. Would've liked to try some cocktails with dinner, buuuuut I arrived smashed. So just water for me... (a day of bar hopping on Broadway will do that to ya) I had awesome food at every spot I went while in Nashville. This wasn't the best meal overall, but it definitely was the best food on Broadway. Check it out.
(4)
Loralyn D.
There aren't too many great restaurants within walking distance from Broadway, but this is one of the best. There are 2 levels - the top story is more of a 3 course meal whereas downstairs has more of a classy diner feel. The downstairs has a cool atmosphere and the building itself has a lot of history. The Jambalaya and Lobster Mac & Cheese are 2 of my favorites.
(4)
Toki W.
I had the opportunity Merchants upstairs dining room due to a last minute cancellation. Apparently it can be difficult to get a same day reservation in the upstairs dining area. The food was some of the best I ever had. I had a steak, seared perfectly, and my wife ordered a pork chop with corn and some type of peach glaze (which I kept stealing from her). I ordered my steak, as I often do, with no accompaniments as it was my first time there. There were options for sides, sauces, etc. but it was perfect without. Service upstairs was fantastic. We had a waitress who was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients (she told us the name of the captain of the ship that caught some of the seafood), a busser who was charming and delightful, and a empty dishes/plates/cups were removed or refilled within moments. We shared dessert, which was their very own take on a s'mores. It was completely out of this world. I'm not much for sweets, but this was indescribable. Shortly after that, Gil the GM came out and congratulated us on our wedding anniversary, engaged in friendly chit chat, and offered to take us out for more drinks at their sister bar (Paradise Park right next door!). Gil, thanks for the invitation. We had some other stops to make, otherwise we would have gladly accepted the offer. When we come back to Nashville, we will be making reservations upstairs before we even leave. I'd give you a sixth star if I could.
(5)
Carrie D.
Had the salmon BLT. Very good! The sweet potato fries are great good. Service was ok.
(4)
Adam R.
Overall, this is one of the better options for direct Broadway access. We stopped in before a Preds game for a bite of early dinner. We had reservations and were seated promptly at 5pm. We were greeted by VERY friendly staff and servers. Can't complain there at all. We had a small offering of complimentary popcorn that was very good. Superb seasoning, and I found myself going back to the little tin over and over. I must also comment with satisfaction on the music playing. It was the perfect level, and a GREAT selection of songs. As we had never been, I asked the server for recommendations. He highly recommended the catfish. I bit, as I am your typical Southern boy and love me some good catfish! It. Was. Gross. If you're from the South, you know there's only 1 way to serve proper catfish. Fried. This nasty thing was all sad, watery, floppy, thin, and had a nasty texture to the skin. The aioli was average. The fries were fries, nothing special there, and honestly lacking seasoning, but not terrible. The wife's Mac & Cheese was quite good, as was another member's turkey sandwich. Another ding that brings them down a star was no specific offering for kids. No kids menu, or plates designed for children. Our 7 year old got a plate full of food that I wouldn't have been able to eat all of. I must admit, we were there with family, and we didn't get a chance to imbibe in any of their cocktails or drinks that looked quite tasty. We will go again for the drinks and try to sit at the bar, which looked quite nice, but might pass on the full meal.
(4)
Tabby K.
Fun times, killer and very attentive wait staff. Yeah, it's definitely touristy, but what the hell? This is Nashville, after all!! Hit 'em up!!
(5)
Brian H.
Best tater tots in town...wow. But difficult to get a table most nights.
(4)
Laura G.
Enjoyed a lunch at this turn of the century establishment. Clean and friendly staff. We had the turkey club and sweet potato fries. We started with the fried green tomatoes. All very fresh.
(5)
Ryan A.
Our food was fantastic, and it came out quick. I had the French Dip, which was a special today. Wife had the pulled pork sandwich, which was awesome. Sweet potato fries and the Duck Fat Tater Tots rock. Best service I have had in quite some time.
(5)
Noelle M.
I totally agree with the other reviewers who raved about the duck fat tater tots - a half portion is enough for two people. Quick and polite service, had a nice table on the patio for dinner and we didn't even have to wait to be seated. I loved my Cobb Salad and my friend was happy with her Chicken Fried Chicken, which the waiter selected for her.
(4)
Lia P.
I really didn't think it would be possible to have a good meal on touristy Broadway yet somehow Merchants proved us wrong. Our meal wasn't just good, it was amazing! Five stars through and through. From our waitress to the drinks to the food and ambiance- everything was perfect. I guess it should be noted that we sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant, which is much more upscale than the downstairs section. We didn't have a reservation so we were told it would be about an hour wait- totally understandable on a busy Saturday night. They take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. So simple, I wish more places would do that! Our table was ready in 20 rather than an hour which was a nice surprise. We were given a table by a window overlooking Broadway. So much fun watching all the bachelorette parties and booze busses go by. Loved that we weren't squished in with other two tops, making it more romantic. First of all, drinks. I had the Bulleit cocktail with berry marinade. I'm not sure what a berry marinade is but it was fresh and refreshing. Sweet but not too sweet, everything I want in a cocktail. Then I had a Manhattan. So strong and smooth as it should be. I definitely recommend starting with the charcuterie board. The meat portions (duck and salami on ours) were a little bit smaller but so smoky and rich it didn't matter. It also came with a jar of liver mousse and strawberry jam which we tried so hard to finish but it was too rich. Darn! It was perfect with the buttery brioche that came with it. For my main I had the lamb. It was like a short rib, so tender. My husband had the grilled beef which was also good. His came with Brussels sprouts which I kept stealing off his plate (hey, he doesn't eat them). I wouldn't normally get dessert at the same place I eat dinner- it's like a thing of mine- but I had a feeling theirs would be worth it. Sure enough they have a dedicated pastry chef who whips up their sweet treats. It was an easy choice- the smoked chocolate with peanut butter ice cream. Smoked whaaat? I'm not real fancy so smoked chocolate was quite the treat for me. Went perfectly with a glass of 12 year Macallan. A couple tidbits- our waitress (Jen) was perfect. Not condescending, didn't read us the menu, didn't hover. In general the pacing of the meal was perfect. If I'm going to have a $200 meal I want to take my time and savor it. Merchants gets it. I just wish they would do away with the iPad drink menu. It doesn't really serve a purpose (except maybe for the older, hard of seeing crowd?) and doesn't really fit their vibe. But that's my only complaint which says a lot about this charming gem!
(5)
Stormie L.
The bartender was inconvenienced by us being there, but the menu and drinks did not disappoint. I would come here for the tastes and ambiance, but not for the service.
(2)
David P.
This place is split between a diner style floor and a fancy dinner upstairs. We chose the fancy option. They fresh whip butter to pair with their homemade bread. Everything from appetizer to dessert was really well done. It is a bit on the pricey side compared to downstairs, but if that is within your budget, then do it . Only thing is, I wished a few of the more down home southern options were available for appetizers.
(4)
Jen B.
I went to Merchant's with a group of my future coworkers. Yes, future. I think this was the "breaking bread" together part of my experience with them. There was no bread, but there was complimentary sour cream and onion popcorn. To share, we ordered the duck fat tater tots. I have never had anything fried in duck fat before, and I did not notice a difference in taste between the duck fat tater tots here and the tater tots I've had fried in vegetable oil. The tots were shared among our group of 9 coworkers, and it was plenty to share. They were not greasy, and they came with 2 dipping sauces: ketchup and chipotle mayo. The mayo is the star of this dish. I liked the presentation of the tots in a cast iron skillet, too. We also shared 2 orders of the fried green tomatoes (5 patties in each order). The tomatoes were lightly breaded and fried. They were nothing out-of-this-world, though. If you're ever in the Ann Arbor, MI, area, try the fried green tomato sandwich at Sava's on State Street. I opted to get the Southern Fry instead of the main entrees. Catfish, okra, shrimp, and pickles. The catfish was wonderful, nice and tender. The other fried goods were good, too, but again, nothing out-of-this-world. My coworker got the jambalaya, which looked very hearty and had a deep red broth base. She wasn't very impressed with it. Another coworker ordered the chicken fried chicken, which she shared with another coworker due to the large portion size. The gravy on the chicken was nice and creamy, and the potatoes were as well. The atmosphere here is very hip and trendy-wait staff in bow ties and suspenders, white tiling. There were 3 screens showing the Tigers-Rangers game and the Vanderbilt game. The service is slow, though. Each table gets a bottle of water to be poured and refilled as you would like. Unfortunately, the bottles empty fast when you have 5 people at a table. And, finding your server to ask for a refill is difficult as this place is very busy due to its location on Broadway near other tourist attractions. For me, the highlights of this experience were the company of my coworkers and the dates my coworkers brought from Saudi Arabia. Overall, Merchant's is a good place for a casual night out on the town.
(3)
Hayley T.
I visited Merchants this past Friday night. Cody immediately served me at the bar with a pleasant sense of urgency. He expertly guided us through the cocktail menu. I settled for the Tennessee Mojito. Cody skillfully created my libation quickly. As a professional, award winning bartender I was thoroughly impressed by Cody taking so much pride in his job and the bar he works at. Merchants bartenders are such a breath of fresh air on Broadway, especially when they are as accommodating as Cody. Thank you Cody.
(5)
Steph D.
Went for a quick lunch for a bachelorette party and it was great! A lot got the pulled pork and I had the brisket. Both were amazing and the atmosphere was a lot of fun! We had Ali as our waitress and she was fantastic! She was super sweet! Would certainly come back again next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)
Rachael Z.
Luckily for me, I visited Nashville for work last week. Although it was a business trip, my boss and I went all out (as much as possible), starting with a great meal! Though there were multiple restaurants I had wanted to visit in the city itself, we didn't want to take one cab after another, and therefore chose Merchants. Though we had full reign on the price of our meals, we chose to eat downstairs. I'd prefer a tapas-style menu for nearly every meal (tasting multiple items), therefore we stayed downstairs. So glad we did! We started with several appetizers - the duck fat tater tots, baked cheese and fried green tomatoes. Our server mistakenly put in a full order of tots (instead of half) and holy moly, is that a large portion! Definitely for 4+ hungry hungry people. They were very tasty, and I loved the chipotle dipping sauce. The baked cheese was my favorite - ooey gooey, and the cheese never hardened. I was disappointed with the fried green tomatoes...they just looked *too* perfect. They were too fried, and though it stated it was a "spicy pepper jam", it was more sweet and I tasted no spice. Remove the sauce, and it would have been okay. We were so full, certainly given the large order of tots, but I still ordered the jambalaya, and my boss ordered a bowl of soup. I am not fooling here, when I say that no more than 90 seconds later, our orders were on the table. Clearly, they have large vats of jambalaya and soup sitting around, but could you have at least made it seem like it was made-to-order?? I really disliked that. Really really. Drinks/dessert: Our server recommended the Botanist, and we both tried it and loved it! Local gin, and a sweet/sour type of taste. For dessert I chose another drink, rather than a sweet treat (as we were advised they were all large). It was some type of rummy, creamy dream - it was SO fantastic. I would go back here and order that over, and over, and over again. Our server was super neat, the atmosphere was great and we enjoyed the food. I only wish that the menu would be available on both levels, as I would have LOVED to order the gumbo downstairs.
(4)
Erin S.
Came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon. They give you seasoned popcorn when you sit which is pretty delicious. I had the cobb salad and it was excellent- big and fresh. The restaurant is light and bright and a great atmosphere. Would definitely come back next time I am in town.
(5)
MARK G.
I enjoyed the atmosphere, chic but not crazy. Decided to split both the duck fat tater tots and the chicken fried chicken. It was a wise choice for lunch. Also a shout out to Shawn for taking such good care of us.
(4)
Kait S.
Miles better than most other places on Broadway. But I think that is leading to inflated 5-star reviews. Merchants is good. I ate downstairs in the bistro which was incredibly loud and HOT. We couldn't wait to get drinks-which took a while-so we could maybe cool down a tad. Drink prices seemed a little too high but they were good. The popcorn (in lieu of bread) was stale. Food came quickly, we had the pulled pork sandwich and a salmon salad. It was good but not anything to wrote home about. Service was fine, timely and attentive, but not overly great. It was a little hard to understand our waiter as he was missing all of his front teeth-but he was a good waiter. Final thoughts- if you're looking for something besides burgers and chicken fingers on Broadway, this is your place. But don't go out of your way.
Recommended by friends we finally had a chance to check Merchant's out. Overall the food was average. We chose to eat downstairs where the food was a little more casual but the menu seemed bigger. We had the duck fat tater tots that we're pretty good and I ordered the steak. It was cooked the way I ordered it which was nice and I would say it was good but not the best steak I've had. My husband had the brisket which he didn't like very much but he's a picky eater. I thought it was pretty good and it was definitely a good size portion. The ambiance saved the experience for me and would draw me back but maybe just for cocktails and not necessarily dinner
(3)
Anders O.
Great spot! Good food, cool atmosphere, best place to eat on Broadway. Our waiter Eric said he was training and it was only his second night, we would have never guessed, he was awesome!
(5)
Randa E.
In Nashville for a show during the same weekend as the SEC Tournament. So it was like we took the whole city of Lexington with us:) Big Blue Nation!!! Anyway, we ordered Bloody Mary's and the Southern Fry appetizer. Bloodys were spicy and tasted made from scratch. The app was delish! I ordered the Salmon BLT with a salad and my bf got the Blackened Catfish. Great portions and we tried our best to eat every bite! 2 sandwiches with side, 2 top shelf Bloodys, appetizer, and tip came to $80. A little pricy for lunch but we try to eat at least one great meal any time we travel and we weren't staying long enough for dinner so we splurged on a killer lunch and we were not disappointed:)
(5)
Amie O.
Went on a busy Sunday evening, but loved that even with an hour wait, they are able to text you when your table is ready. So nice to be able to walk around and enjoy the area and not miss out on a reservation. Started with Duck Fat Tater Tots, which were amazing! I had fish tacos which were a little on the salty side and my husband had the brisket which was just right. I'm not a big rum on the rocks drinker, but I would absolutely recommend the Papas Pilar on ice with a lime wedge. It smelled like warm brown sugar and was so smooth, I could sip it without a heavy burn. Service was great and so was the feel of the restaurant. Very fun!
(5)
Punam D.
I came here last night as part of a large group. We were seated in a private room up 2 flights of stairs and handed a very limited menu. I had a Cobb salad to start. You can't really go wrong with a large head of lettuce, a tomato or two and some dressing, so that was fine. Then I had the salmon with some blackened potatoes which was underwhelming, although everything tasted fresh. Others chose the beef which arrived swimming in a tasteless sauce. Significantly, when the order was taken, no attempt was made to ask how the steak should be cooked, and that was because it was well done regardless. Pudding was a dry biscuit-like cake which was extraordinarily unappetising. The red wine was simply horrible; we had a choice of a Cabernet or a Pinot noir, neither of which were good. Service was good though. In view of this experience, bearing in mind the other good reviews, maybe this restaurant doesn't cater for large groups very well. I will not return.
(2)
Rene C.
I've always been a fan of Merchant's and go here often for lunch. Has a great history and antique vibe that I love. I am so glad that they are still here since the big influx. Love the popcorn touch and the friendly folks. Especially love the cobb salad. Bar keeps are awesome and you get the best of both worlds, i.e., downstairs is hip, loud and happening; upstairs is quiet and romantic.
(4)
Justin J.
Very cool atmosphere. Started off with drinks and an appetizer. "no sleep till Brooklyn" which is a whiskey and espresso based glass of awesome! And the southern fry, which has catfish, shrimp okra and pickles. Perfect amount of batter, perfect fry, perfect appetizer. For entrees, we had the chicken fried chicken and tilapia and sweet potato hash. Both great. The chicken fried chicken is definitely a "feel good" meal. Very impressed with everything. The only reason it got 4/5 was the wait. But that's to be expected and you completely forget about it after your stay.
(4)
Aman S.
Great place, more upscale on Broadway. Good bartenders and awesome drinks. I had the burger and tater tots, simple, but good and fast service. The deviled eggs leave a little something to be desired.
(4)
Jessica C.
Duck fat tator tots - DO IT! ...and get the dry-rub wings while you're at it. This place is cool. Met up with some friends to grab a few drinks before heading to a concert. The moscow mule was on point...one of the best I've ever had. My friends ordered the guac and cheese appetizers before I got there...and devoured them before I got there, too.
(4)
Amanda C.
Loved this restaurant!! It's a great break from all the BBQ and bar food in downtown Nashville. Our server was absolutely fantastic and very attentive. I had the chicken sandwich (which usually isn't all that special at other establishments). I was blown away! Everything about the sandwich was excellent. The chicken was great quality, all of the ingredients tasted exceptionally fresh... And the sauce they had on the bun tied everything together in perfect harmony. My boyfriend had the chicken fried chicken and raved about it, and he loves his chicken fried chicken. When looking for a nice place to dine when in downtown Nashville, definitely stop by Merchants!
(4)
Leslie M.
Great place to dine in the middle of downtown Broadway. It may look a bit run down from the outside but the moment you step inside, you'll be thoroughly impressed. Super cute and spacious with a New York City kind of feel. The customer service I must say was spectacular. In fact, we had reservations for 11:15am but arrived at 11:50am and our table was held for us. Mind you this was on a busy Saturday afternoon. Impressive. On to the food...the apps were just ok (we ordered the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs). However, the entrees more than made up for it. The chicken fried chicken was ON POINT! It was moist and flavorful and sat on a bed of perfectly cooked spinach. The strawberry salad I ordered was also delicious. It came with a juicy piece of blackened salmon that accompanied a generous portion of fresh greens. All in all, I had a great experience and would recommend this spot to both tourists and locals.
(4)
Kim T.
Great spot right on Broadway in the middle of all the fun bars! It's a hip/ modern/ 60's vibe, waiters are dressed in suspenders. Food is great, MUST try their duck fat tater tots, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Ashlynn M.
Open late (we went in after midnight) & had the duckfat tator tots, guacamole & chips & BBQ pork sandwich. All were delish & great vibe.
(5)
Chris A.
It's a little bit pricey, but it's well worth every penny! The food is great, and the service is even better. Our waiter provided us with his recommendations for the best drinks, as well as which drinks would compliment each particular dish. I don't go downtown very often, but I'll definitely make it a point to go back to Merchant's in the near future.
(5)
Lana N.
We were in town for a conference so looked up some local areas and found this place. We got there at about 630pm on a Thursday night and it was pretty packed. The hostess actually seated us 30 minutes after arrival and right in front of the restaurant with a great view. We ordered the following: - Complimentary popcorn - very fresh and I believe they sprinkled the popcorn with sour cream and chives. - Duck fat tater tots - this was amazing, the tater tots were cooked in duck fat and served with an aioli, ketchup and some sort of butter sauce. - Blackened filet with sweet potato hash - the fish was cooked perfectly and the seasoning tasted very south if that makes any sense. The hash complimented the fish very well. - Chocolate cake - probably one of the most amazing chocolate cake I have ever tasted. Was so good that I didn't want to stop eating. Overall the food was good but we had a weird experience. Once we were in the middle of our dinner, the manager asked us to leave because there was some sort of device near our front window and a bunch of police cars were there. We stood in the back for 10 min and came back to see that our food was gone. The waitress thought that we left but offered us a togo order so we waited another 10 min for that. Our waitress was great and accommodated us. The manager on the other hand did a poor job. She should have told us to stand on the side and come back when everything was cleared, but instead she never bothered to come back. I really enjoyed the food, but the experience with the manager was very disappointing.
(3)
Jonathan D.
I only stopped in for a couple drinks while in town, so can't comment on the food other than to say it all looked really great. This restaurant is quite spacious and in the perfect location in downtown Nashville. The cocktail menu is quite vast, but be prepared to pay at least $12 for a mixed drink. However, expect to enjoy said pricey beverage. That said, I enjoyed a Reelfoot Manhattan and their version of a Pimm's Cup, which is made with Pennington strawberry rye. Both drinks really hit the spot.
(4)
Joshua W.
Honestly, I loved every bit of my visit. The service was quick, the waitress friendly, the food spot on and the atmosphere enjoyable. While it is more of an upscale restaurant for the area, it is still affordable. I recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Patrick Y.
Good quality but taste didn't meet expectations from the prices. I'd find somewhere else to go next time I'm in Nashville.
(3)
Tim T.
Was looking for a place to have a steak while walking on Broadway after looking at the menu the wife and I decided to give this place a try. We were asked if we would like to eat upstairs or down, if was load and very busy downstairs so we decided to eat up, it's very nice upstairs cloth everything and low lighting. Looking at the menu it was the same style menu at Ruth Chris everything is separate, the steak I ordered was good just expected more from a place like this.
(4)
Erin J.
Can you say tourist trap? Decor - cute Service - not great Food - not great Bloody Mary's - disgusting Air conditioning - mediocre Would not go back as it's just a bunch of fried nonsense. I did enjoy dipping the duck fat tater tots in the baked cheese.
(2)
Aurora M.
Went on a Monday night and it was so crowded we had to wait 25 min for a table for 4 people. Duck fat tater tots - really good. The tots were crispy and they had 3 different dipping options. Fried green tomatoes - a little strange, the sauce wasn't very good although the pimento cheese tasted good with the tomatoes. Cheese dip - Grainy Smoked brisket - the portion was enormous with literally 6 inches of cornbread. The brisket was dry and tough, hard to chew. Cornbread and coleslaw were ok, not great. My dining companions has the pulled pork sandwich and the black bean burger, neither of which they liked. They left most of the food on the plate. One friend had the fish tacos, which he seemed to enjoy. I wouldn't recommend this place. I'm not sure why it's labeled as American (New) when the entrees are pretty standard with nothing creative or innovative.
(2)
Brian L.
Got the duck fat tater tots. The duck fat taste wasn't as prominent as I thought (I'm comparing it to salty sow's triple duck fat fries in Austin, TX). The Bearnaise was a little thin in my opinion, but the chipotle mayo was delicious. I got blackened tilapia as a main course which was very tasty and very well cooked. The dessert was one of my favorite parts: peach cobbler. Simply delicious and fresh out of the oven. Overall, great place to eat during 4th of July albeit a little crowded. A good breath of fresh air from all the other restaurants and bars in the area.
(4)
T M.
I travel to Nashville frequently for work and would consider myself a foodie. Merchants is as good as it gets. The only knock is the location. It is so not a tourist trap and the location makes it appear like one. I wish it was a few blocks off of Broadway but ,whatever the case, it won't stop me from visiting this location on my trips. I have never had a bad meal so I would highly recommend this place for lunch and/or dinner. The thing that stands out the most is the bartenders. If you are lucky enough to get Steve sit down and have him guide you. He makes one of the best cocktails in the business. The Old Fashioned and Manhattans are to die for. This place is a must visit on your next trip.
(5)
Bonnie B.
I'm from Atlanta but have always enjoyed eating downstairs at Merchants. Fun bar, lively atmosphere, great people watching. Tonight all that changed! We ate upstairs and I'm never going down again! Never. Never. Never. I had Roasted Zucchini.. Go ahead and laugh at me! It was the most amazing vegetarian dish I ever had. Complex blend of incredible flavors... This is one dish I cannot recreate but I will do cornbread crumb topping on my roasted veggies! My true love had the pork chop which was tender & delicious & served with very tasty kale. Why not 5 stars? They were out if our 1st wine choice & our 2nd choice wasn't chilled yet but we were given a glass of prosecco on the house! Our servers were incredible too! See you soon Merchants!
(4)
Allie A.
We headed to Merchants for my birthday dinner before a big show at the Ryman. So nice we could walk there from the hotel, and to the Ryman without any trouble at all! I've been on a bit of a specialty cocktail kick lately, so was excited to see they had many options available. Ordered up a Fig sidecar and some duck fat tots straight up! And the table popcorn, I have no idea what is sprinkled on top, but as a huge popcorn lover, it was right on and I ate most of the cup myself. Ordered the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits and molasses green beans for my entree. I was a little disappointed... there were two cuts of tenderloin, one was ok, but the top piece was a little over-cooked. But no worries, I downed my sorrows in a few, ok probably 3 Botanists... and they were just what the doctor ordered. Although there were no celebrity sightings, and a little let down over the entree, the drinks, location and history of the place, I'll still give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)
Stephanie W.
Whatever you hear about the Duck fat tater tots are true. They are unbelievable !! Came her twice during a business trip and was very happy both times. I have tried the BBQ Pulled Pork and Chicken sandwich. Keep in mind everything is very salty and fried. The house chips are not moist enough. The sweet tea is amazing but I am from the north and don't know better. The food comes out really quick and the staff is super trendy and quirky. I am pretty happy this place was around the corner from my hotel. The upstairs has a different menu and was fancier which is a little confusing but overall very good !
(4)
Darrell K.
The staff at my hotel recommended this place as a good local establishment. The menu looked good and the bartender was informative, friendly and fast. The food was prepared nicely. So, my only gripe was that the food was kind of bland. Too bad since this place had a great atmosphere, in a great location and had great service.
(3)
Kimberly A.
Great fresh drinks, atmosphere is classy with a little edge to it. They serve you seasoned popcorn while you decide what to order. I had the salmon sandwich - it has a basil mayo that makes the sandwich come together. I think I am going to have to come back for the sandwich again. It was delicious!
(4)
Barry C.
The food here is below average, my steak was burnt, should have been medium rare. Staff never once asked 'is everything ok' despite the fact I wasn't eating the food. When I asked for the check she got the check and didn't say thanks or anything, just threw it down in front of me. Avoid
(1)
T L.
The duck fat tater tots are a must have! The atmosphere is upscale, but casual. The bartender made a perfect Old Fashioned, which I seldom find. The entire meal and experience was top notch. I would highly recommend this place!
(5)
Marisa Y.
Came here for dinner the first night of a bachelorette party weekend. We had a party of 6 so it was an hour wait, but we just grabbed drinks and appetizers at the bar. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and fried green tomatoes. The tater tots were a resounding success and I thought the fried green tomatoes were good, but I've had better. The pimento cheese definitely elevated them. I really enjoyed the Moscow mule I ordered and the fish tacos were delicious. The popcorn they give you at dinner and the bar is amazing. Really addicting and delicious. I would love to buy a bag to snack on. I'd definitely come back here again if I'm ever in Nashville again.
(4)
Karen S.
Most of the glowing reviews seem to be for the casual bistro instead of the fancy dining room upstairs. Unfortunately, I can't echo everyone else's sentiment. There's complimentary popcorn instead of bread. I...don't like popcorn (unless it's covered in chocolate). Very un-American of me, I know. For starters, we had to try the duck fat tater tots. They were distinctly better than a fast food chain's, and the chipotle aioli took it up a notch. The waitress told us that the fish tacos are by far the most popular dish. Persuasive sell- I'm in. Sadly, I didn't drink the Kool-Aid on this one. Total snooze. Bor-ing. Texas deffo has better fish tacos. I was starting to miss home. The blackened tilapia with sweet potato poblano hash was pretty good, but not a standout. I've pretty much forgotten all about this meal.
(3)
Carol L.
Went with a group. First of all there are two seatings, upstairs and downstairs. Downstairs is more casual. The interior of downstairs reminded me of an ice cream parlor. It was weird to me. Didn't fit with the food. That being said,the popcorn they bring your table was delicious. Couldn't figure out what the seasoning was, but I gobbled it up. We ordered fried green tomatos and the duck fat tatertots for the table. Both were delicious. Have to admit that I was full by the time my entree came (fish tacos) so I don't know if that was the reason, but I wasn't crazy at all about those and didn't even eat them. Craft cocktails are yummy! Waitstaff was efficient and semi-friendly. Mostly I think she was humoring us.
(3)
Mike S.
I really, REALLY wish I hadn't loaded up on beer before I came here, cause the food was so good. Unfortunately the portions were huge and our hotel didn't have a minifridge, so... My coworker and I stopped in after checking out some of the local honky-tonks and sat downstairs in the more casual pub area. No question this place is popular - we got there after 9:00 and still had about a 45 minute wait. Every bit of the meal made it worth it though. The popcorn they give you (complimentary) is seasoned in sour cream and onion powder, making it addicting as all hell. On top of shoving my face with popcorn, we also started out with an order of fried green tomatoes, which were crispy and steaming hot. The pulled pork sandwich I had was very good and messy, the way a pulled pork should be. The sandwich was lacking a bit in BBQ sauce, which allowed the pork flavor to really come through. Next time, I'd probably get the coleslaw on the side, as it made the sandwich a little too rich, especially for an already full stomach. The drink selection seemed good, though again, we were doing just fine on alcohol at the time. Also, the service was impeccable - very friendly staff all around who loved to chat the customers up. Will definitely be back, a little better prepared!
(5)
Sierra Y.
Came in for a super quick bite after power walking around Nashville. Amazing deviled eggs & Pimms Cup! Love the ambiance as well. I will definitely come back.
(4)
Taylor M.
I'm leaving Merchants 5/5 because the only things I ate off the menu contained Gouda cheese and honestly I'd eat a baby if it was smothered in Gouda. Not only did I get a great snack but I also got my server's number. Merchants has the two best things that Nashville has to offer...the hottest cheese and the coolest dude.
(5)
Bailey M.
This is my favorite go-to spot for date night. Their drink menu is on point! Always new cocktails available. They bring your table some popcorn to munch on instead of the typical chips/salsa. I don't even like popcorn much but I will eat the entire container of this with all the enthusiasm of a hungry hungry hippo.
(5)
Jason B.
Very cool "Dapper Dan" venue. Fits well for Nashville. Great atmosphere, friendly service. We had the CFC and it was awesome. Highly recommend.
(4)
Linda A.
First time here. We were seated upstairs (the fancy section). The menu wasn't that enticing and we both kind of settled for our choices. The creamed collards were wonderful however. I might go back for those alone. Otherwise, for the price there are much better choices downtown.
(2)
Angela R.
The small Tim of popcorn was awesome. Great flavor. I had the Cobb salad, pretty basic, husband got the salmon BLT, his was great. Duck fat tater tots with the chipotle mayo were bomb!! Service was great and the vibe was great. Beautiful place.
(5)
Adrian D.
The food was great. A little pricey but expected due to the location and ambiance. I knocked the score down since we ate at the bar and the bartender was completely rude. He acted as if he was doing us a favor and got an attitude when I asked for a box after forgetting half my order. I would recommend the place but if your server is a auburn haired thin male then ask for someone else because he will ruin your experience.
(4)
Kelly K.
While in town for the CMA fest we saw the reviews for this place and decided to try it. After waiting 45 minutes (which was completely acceptable) we both decided to try the flank steak. Even though the restaurant was packed, the steak was cooked to perfection. Looking forward to visiting again next year.
(4)
Carol L.
I stopped in for a late lunch on Saturday. Busy and noisy in a friendly way, I sat at the bar. I was adventurous and ordered a gin and mint and ginger drink. I like all of those ingredients but it was too spicy for me. I ordered the fish tacos which were very flavorful. Just the right temp. The cole slaw was just so-so. But I would definitely give two thumbs up to the tacos themselves. Atmosphere was bright and cheerful. Bartenders attentive and entertaining.
(4)
Kimberlee A.
I was surprised to find myself a fan of a place on the popular strip of downtown Nashville. But this place has it right. My waitress was great - pleasant and attentive and provided recommendations which turned out to be perfect. I let her know I wasn't sure what I wanted to drink and she recommended the Miss Atomic Bomb and said it was sparkling white wine and very refreshing. Oh, a magical drink that was exactly what I was looking for. When I asked for some clarity on the ingredients (it was almost spicy, in a good way) she got some guidance from the bar. Next up, I was hungry, but only just so. That and I didn't want to get back to the hotel and be hungry later. So, something filling but not heavy. Salmon salad it was. Blackened Salmon atop a (huge) pile of greens, strawberries and almonds. The salmon was perfect and the vinaigrette was great. The salad itself was filling and did the job. Now, I really couldn't stand to pass up the duck fat tater tots that everyone loves here - so I got a to-go order. They don't taste immensely different from your usual tater tots - but they are served with a hollandaise sauce (in addition to a spicy mayo and ketchup) which make them pop-able delights. Service, drinks and food - check. Also - Great Patio! Herbed/cheesy popcorn for the table!
(4)
Andrea R.
Merchants is located in the middle of the rowdiest street in Nashville (apparently happy hour starts by noon on Fridays here). For that reason alone I was skeptical to eat here, but I liked the vibe once we stepped inside. We scored a table immediately for lunch, which was ideal since I had a flight to catch. Our waiter greeted us with some delish complimentary popcorn. We devoured it and asked for more. My meal was as tasty as my popcorn. I ordered the fish tacos (yum) and they came with a side of sweet potato fries. My favorite! I ate the entire thing and it was really filling, which was good since I didn't get a chance to eat again that day. Traveling will do that to you! Based on my recent few days in Nashville it seems there's no shortage of amazing restaurants, but I'd stop in Merchants again if I found myself on this crazy street.
(4)
Dee Dee H.
Stumbled On Merchants while walking downtown. We felt it had a interesting look to it from the outside. As we always do , we went to Yelp to see what others said and decided to give it a try. We had put our name in to sit at a table, the wait was about 30 mins, but a place came up to sit at the bar and decided to do that instead. We sat at the bar with Eli (Sp?) and he could not have been more helpful and wonderful to chat with and a perfect 10 waiter. They scored hiring him!!!!! While he was very busy, he made sure that our Water was always full , once my husband and I took our last sip of our wine or beer he was right there asking if we would like another. A good server/bartender is key for us! He was 10+ stars My husband had the Jambalaya and it was delicious. Great flavor and a good portion. I took Eli's recommendation and had the brisket , it was tender and filled with flavor and the corn bread that came with my meal was just how i like it. Moist and dense. We will go back again! Great job Merchants at making a visitor feel at home!
(5)
Rose G.
Delicious. Had the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and the Greek salad. Te salad was light and refreshing, which was a nice balance to the salty satisfying tots.
(5)
Deanna A.
Great spot for a gluten free late night bite! We came here around 10 pm on a Saturday after a long road trip from upstate New York to Nashville. We were pretty ravenous so we grabbed a table downstairs, but I was worried I would have a hard time finding gluten free options surrounded by so much southern fare. Luckily our server was both friendly and knowledgeable. I got the pork loin with pimento grits and green beans. After checking with the kitchen he suggested one slight modification (butter instead of glaze on the green beans), and I was able to enjoy the dish pretty much as it was meant to be enjoyed. Plus I was able to wash it all down with a delicious crispin hard cider. My only complaint would be it would have been nice to have a few more options. Frying is huge in the south, but a dedicated fryer for the delicious looking fries or duck fat tater tots would have made this a 5 star experience.
(4)
Jackie D.
Not a bad stop for a late lunch. Was seated at a small booth by the front window that served for some good people watching! I order the half duck tator tots and the strawberry salad with blackened salmon. The salmon was a very big portion and quite a filling meal. Staff was incredibly friendly and likable. I imagine this place is a stand out compared to the many options in music row.
(4)
Tanya C.
2nd time to Nashville, 2nd time to Merchants. Service was fast, but had dirty water glass. Waiter changed it out, and I noticed I had another dirty glass, this time with lipstick. Waiter apologized and brought a third one. Service was fast and food was good. Place was very busy, like two years before. Decor is nice and love the staff's outfits. Would eat here again if I'm in Nashville again. I'll just make sure my glasses and silverware are clean.
(3)
Amelia S.
Absolutely loved the Pimm's cup and highly recommend it...tasted almost like an arnold palmer, the perfect amount of sweet/sour combo. I had the jambalaya - others had the brisket and a cheeseburger. All seemed to really enjoy their meals. The service was GREAT- it's odd that I don't give more credit for this. Our waitress was spot on...and it made our experience that much better. Definitely recommend the bistro area!
(4)
Stephanie S.
What a breath of fresh air on Broadway! This classy yet affordable spot stands out among the row of crowded bars. Great to sit and enjoy a meal with friends. The decor is clean and bright, our server was friendly and attentive, and the food, delicious. For apps, we got the baked cheese and the duck fat tater tots. The cheese was perfection! I didn't think there was anything special about the tater tots though. I got the chicken sandwich for my entree. It was so flavorful and HUGE! I had to take half of it home! For a cocktail- you can't go wrong with the Pink Lady! Slightly sweet and creamy. Delicious! The drink menu is extensive and denotes which drinks use local liquor, which is a nice touch. Overall I was really impressed with this place. It seems out of place on Broadway, but it was exactly the kind of place this out of towner was looking for. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend visiting Nashville!
(5)
Aaron S.
Absolutely enjoyed our lunch at Merchants! The Tater Tots are totally amazing. Out meals were very good with a great Greek Salad and true Southern Chicken Fried Chicken smothered with delicious gravy. The bar menu was quite interesting with several great craft cocktails on their list. Also a great selection of local beers. All in all, this is a great place for lunch in downtown Nashville! I will definitely return here on my next visit.
(4)
Cait C.
This place has great American/southern style food with a modern twist. I really enjoyed the fish served with root vegetable hash. Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, well seasoned. The dish was delicious and flavorful. I also stole my friends sweet potato fries which were real sweet potatoesband possibly the best I've had. Others got the chicken which looked equally delicious but extremely heavy, and I would probably get that one to share. We finished with desserts, all of which were spectacular, but I can never resist fruit and ice cream so I enjoyed the peach cobbler.
(5)
Julia J.
Merchants had great service, good drinks and pretty good food. The signature tater tots were good, though I don't get the craziness over duck fat. My drinks were delicious. My dining partner really enjoyed her salad with strawberries and goat cheese. I had the club sandwich, which you can't really screw up, but had a nice addition with the basil mayo and sweet potato fries on the side. I will definitely return to Merchants on the next trip to Nashville.
(4)
Carolyn P.
Had a great dinner at Merchants. Ask for our server, Heather Owens! She was GREAT! Super friendly, helpful, personable, attentive. We ordered duck fat tater tots (nothing too special), cheese dip (GREAT! Recommended). chicken Fried Steak (great!!!) and pulled pork (great as well) Overall great night on the enclosed heated patio.
(4)
Carl D.
Ate upstairs, enjoyed the ambiance. The food was delicious! Had the 8oz filet and market fish, sword fish tonight. The food came out faster than expected. We enjoyed every bite! Make sure to add some sides if u go al a carte. Butterscotch pie for dessert, awesome! Had a pretzel crust which made a perfect combo of sweet and salty. Best part, $1 went to local charity this month, can't beat that. We really enjoyed the service. Very helpful explaining the menu and had us sample the wine before we bought, gotta love a free taste.
(5)
Rene M.
Horrible food and ok service. The duck fat tater tots...... Nothing special AT ALL, they were no different than over cooking some at your house. I got the pulled pork sandwich and I do not know if my batch of coleslaw was bad or if that's how it should tastes but it was so bad I couldn't eat anything else on my plate. My husband got the brisket and the only thing good was the corn bread. Save yourself the hike!!!!
(1)
Lynnette S.
What amazing food and service!! Matthew was a great waiter, very attentive and very helpful. The food was delicious and the ambience was great. This was our first evening in Nashville and what a great place to start!! We LOVED it!!
(5)
Sleiman F.
Good experience. Good food. Good service. Too much fried for my taste, but that's Tennessee!!
(4)
Brindar S.
Amazing food! Amazing drinks! The place was packed and our group of 5 didn't have a reservation, but we just thought we'd try our luck. Glad we did because they had plenty of room on the heated patio. Our group ordered Tennessee mojitos and an old fashioned, all on point. I wish I knew what seasoning they put on the popcorn starter, because I don't usually care about popcorn, but this was delicious. We got the guacamole and the cheese dip, both were great. I had the Mac n cheese and it was amazing. I wish we weren't going out after so I could have boxed up my leftovers, but alas I had to part with my macaroni. Overall, delicious! I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because my vegetarian friend ordered the Mac n cheese without bacon, but found a piece of bacon at the bottom of her dish.
(4)
Kristen B.
Merchants was amazing! My family and I were passing through on our way cross country and we stopped in Nashville for the night. We stumbled across Merchants on Broadway and were not disappointed! The food and drinks are incredibly reasonably priced! We had the deviled eggs, guacamole, and dry rubbed wings. All were AMAZING. For entrees we had chicken friend chicken, pulled pork and Caesar salad. The salad was just alright, but the chicken and pulled pork (with sweet potato fries of course) were excellent! We recommend them both! The mint Mojito....just get it! I would eat here again in a second!
(5)
Renee S.
This place is awesome! I actually visited it more than once during my visit to Nashville. I love the venue. The food was good. There was a great variety of beers on the tap wall. Just fun. One of my favorite places to visit on Broadway!
(4)
Daniella A.
Service was great! Waitress was really nice. But everything else was average, Food was ok, place was ok.
(3)
Julie C.
Two stars basically because of the service. I'm actually still sitting at the bar while writing this. He bartender has completely ignored us through our entire meal. My husband asked for another glass of wine, and he ignored us. I had the chicken fried chicken and my husband had the jambalaya. Jambalaya was great, mine was good too, but not the best I've had. The bartender has dreadlocks. We decided not to stay further because it didn't seem like he cares about anyone other than the guys sitting next to us drinking shots etc. Won't recommend this place to others coming into town. Terrible service.
(2)
Larry S.
Our son was in town, and we were walking around Broadway looking for someplace different for dinner. Merchants looked interesting, so we gave it a try. I was a little disappointed that they were out of my first and second choices of beer. But my wife and son were very impressed with the mixed drinks they ordered. They both tried the Mules and thought they were great. My son and I both had steaks that were perfectly cooked and deliciously seasoned. My wife had the pulled pork, and we all tried and enjoyed it. Overall, the food and drinks were outstanding, as was the service. Our waiter seemed to have a sixth sense in taking care of us. They probably would have received a four or five star rating if they hadn't turned my $30 tip into a $50 tip. 22 April 2014 Follow-up: After posting my original review of Merchant's, I was contacted by their management, who has investigated the incident, and has deposited the full amount of the tip back into my account. This has reinforced my belief that all companies have occasional customer service problems, but it is the way that the companies respond to the problems that have the most impact on the customer's opinion. I've upgraded my rating based on Merchant's response.
(4)
Reshawn L.
If you plan to be downtown and you're looking for good food this is the place. Yummy food and good music (radio)! There are different menus for the upstairs and downstairs areas. My friend and I shared the French dip and the burger and an amazing slice of pie downstairs. Another member of our party had a very tasty mixed greens salad with salmon.They were both delicious. The upstairs menu offered higher end options. Unfortunately, this place is so popular there can be a long wait for dinner. We were hungry and took the first seats available. You have to go early. It's extremely busy at night.
(4)
Garen M.
Great burgers and an excellent Reuben sandwich. Both were sloppy and we ended up eating them with a fork. We sat at the bar and had excellent service. We arrived early afternoon and didn't have a wait for seating.
(4)
Jen I.
Great location and atmosphere! I recommend eating downstairs - I sat at the bar. The bartenders were very nice and helpful. I got the chicken fried chicken - HUGE portion! Everything from the spinach - potatoes - chicken - gravy were very good! Free popcorn to start off with a beer was nice too!
(4)
M G.
Great food and drinks. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive. Will definitely come back.
This place was awesome! It's a casual and comfortable place that's good for southern food. We got the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and deviled eggs as appetizers and we were very happy with our choices. My only warning is to get a half order of the tater tots- a full order is too much if you plan on getting a meal too!
(5)
Sha P.
Not the best piece of meat I've ever had. We went in with a group of 14 and they were accommodating. Food arrived on time and the wait staff was courteous and nice. Nothing to get too excited about. Average steak and appetizers. I thought the water melon salad was interesting and creative. Other than that an average steak house in an old building! There are better places to get steak at in Nashville!
(3)
Kelly M.
The southern fry, the baked cheese and the tater tots apps were amazing. Great alcohol selection, great ambiance and great service-Heather O was awesome, very attentive!
(5)
Lindsey C.
My husband and I went to Nashville on our honeymoon in September, and this was our last stop for lunch before we drove four hours home. We started with the duck fat tater tots, because we had read great things about them. They. Were. Amazing. The best tater tots we have ever had. Ever. I ordered the mac and cheese, with bacon and tomatoes. It was delicious. I am a bit of a mac and cheese connoisseur, and this really was some of the best I've had. My husband had a New York strip steak with mashed potatoes and mushrooms. I tried some of his potatoes and they were rich and creamy. I really can't wait to go back to Nashville and eat at Merchants again.
(5)
Ana M.
Awesome cute spot... Friendly atmosphere and great food!!! If you want to get away from the wild bar scene its a perfect spot .. Not far from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Honky Tonk Central
(5)
Andrea T.
So we wanted to go to Jack's, but they were closed for Easter Sunday. We popped in here, because we had already paid for parking. Our waiter was friendly and kept bringing us this amazing popcorn. So freaking good. We split a wedge salad, which was pretty standard and the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes were good, but cut a little too thick. The homemade pimento cheese was good, but not spicy enough. I had the fish tacos which came with amazing homemade coleslaw. Loved it! My mom was craving a burger and said it was really good. The ambience was really great. Loved the details. My moscow mule was tasty. I would definitely come back for drinks/appetizers, but would eat elsewhere. The food is good, but there is so much more amazing food to be had.
(3)
Eric J.
I have to say this was my favorite dinner experience around here. Great inside ambiance, great service, great steaks. And a boat load of tater tots!
(4)
J S.
Wow. The chicken fried chicken was fantastic. I would come back just for that. Duck fat tater tots were ok. They tasted like, tater tots? Place is nice though. Kinda pricey, but still worth it.
(4)
Roy S.
I went here for a business dinner. We reserved a party room upstairs. This place is so rich in history, it just makes you feel good walking in knowing people used this building since the late 1800's as a pharmacy and few other things. You can read about when you go there, there's pictures all over the wall with stories. I knew as soon as I checked my coat, this was going to be a great evening. Like I said, we reserved a party room upstairs with a huge wooden table that sat 12 of us. This place was super nice. We were in our own corner on the 2nd floor or maybe 3rd, I can't really remember. Either way there was a big doorway with doors that closed and made it private for us. The room was very elegant and just looked expensive. Ha. I wasn't big on the menu, it was all high-class like dishes. I ended up ordering lamb chops with wild rice and smashed potatoes with cheese which was absolutely eff'n delicious. Surprised the hell out of me, I'm usually a burger n fries kinda guy. I didn't care much for dessert, I was happy with what I had for my meal. I would go over the entire menu, but you can check it out on their website. Dinner was a little pricey, but I am sure the majority of that is going towards the atmosphere. That piece of real estate isn't cheap, ya know? I would suggest at least checking this place out once. The history alone is worth the trip. Cheers!
(4)
Gigi R.
Doing some really great an delicious things here. Definitely a place you should try if visiting Nashville.
(5)
Karen B.
Best Chicken Salad salad in the city. Smooth, great flavor, on bibb lettuce. It's a feast so well done. Even non-salad lovers would appreciate it.
(4)
Michael F.
Walked in on a busy Monday evening and was lucky to land a table for two by the window with a great view to people watch. They start off by bringing us water and a small tub of great tasting popcorn while we reviewed the menu. My wife and I began with the house salads and they allowed us to switch and have the honey dijon dressing. The salads were a generous portion and the honey dijon had some heat to it which made our salads really tasty. My wife had the blackened tilapia which came with roasted corn and sweet potatoes. My wife loved it and finished it all. I had the smoked brisket which came with coleslaw and cornbread. The portion was perfect and the barbecue sauce was very tasty. The service was friendly and superb. For the quality of the meal, we were very impressed with the prices at this location. They could be charging more but they aren't.
(5)
Jim K.
In a word, excellent. We had dinner last night, and the service, drinks and food were all great.
(5)
Danielle C.
Nice restaurant in great location. Food was good, but I feel definitely overpriced. Nothing to rave about.
(3)
Laura D.
Ugh- I wish I ate downstairs. I'm a tourist & was here the weekend of the final four. Place was packed with a 2 hour wait. The hostess said they have no wait upstairs which was more fine dining. What the heck, I thought, beats waiting 2 hours! Portions are tiny. Delicious, but tiny. Expensive and tiny. Did I mention the portions were small? I'm sorry but 3 scallops for thirty something bucks? That doesn't even happen in New York. The Caesar salad literally had 3 or 4 pieces of romaine lettuce. I don't remember bc I came straight from tootsies and I was drunk. But it wasn't chopped so you can literally count the pieces of lettuce. The chicken that came with the salad was quite delicious though. But $95 for 3 people- no drinks?! AND I left hungry? Wait it out & Stay downstairs.
(4)
Danek C.
Pimento grits, green beans and chicken fried steak, D E L I C I O U S. Died and went to heaven.
(5)
Stacy W.
Love it. Great place for awesome food on Broadway in Nashville. The sweet tea pork loin and the brisket were incredible. Nice selection of wine, and the mixology was very unique. Service was fantastic - thank you, Heather! You rock!
(5)
Aj S.
Awesome place! Try the tater tots and the wings off the app menu:) cool atmosphere and good drinks!
(5)
Megan J.
The Good: - Fish tacos - Fried green tomatoes The Better: - Duck fat tator tots - Greek salad - Blackened tilapia The Best: - Guacamole - Chicken fried chicken - Champagne cocktails - Round booth in the front window No Srsly For Reals The Best: - Mac and Cheese - Chocolate cake
(5)
Gerriann J.
We love to eat when we travel, usually planning our entire trip around which restaurants we will visit. Nashville is a hit of an exception. We planned this trip around cowboy boots and the Grand Ole Opry. However, our last night there we wanted a great meal and went to Merchant's on Broadway. The food was wonderful - fantastic southern appetizers like fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots. Beef brisket served on corn bread was so wonderful as well. But the server was snippy- and even told us that they ran out of milk for our after dinner coffee. What a disappointing ending to what could have been the one wonderful meal we had on Nashville
(3)
Therese W.
Though the service was great, the price for what you get is not worth it. Two fish tacos, that taste very fishy, and a bowl of mac n cheese that is pretty much tasteless, it's just not worth 30 dollars!
(3)
Scott N.
Went twice. The first visit was great. The food was good, tasty, and quick, and the beer selection was pretty respectable. The second time, we were on a time crunch. We walked in, and asked if we could get our order to go because of that (we were working a convention and had a limited time to eat). They were happy to oblige, and took our orders and money right away, seating us at the bar while we waited. The food took a very long time to come out, wasting our entire lunch break just waiting. We took our food back to the venue, and sat down to gobble down our food in five minutes. Out of seven orders, three were extremely messed up. I can't have bleu cheese. I ordered my veggie burger with no cheese. Instead, it came out smothered in bleu cheese. I had to choose between throwing away my meal and skipping lunch, or getting violently sick to my stomach. I chose to skip lunch. Another one of my party got no onions - he was allergic. Again, lots of onions. The Salmon BLT somehow turned into a bacon cheeseburger. No sign of salmon, or in fact the lettuce or tomatos either. I cannot recommend this place.
(1)
Amy F.
Don't stay downstairs ... spring for the a la carte upstairs and have the filet or chicken!
(4)
Jason B.
Merchant's is a cool spot in the middle of downtown Nashville. It is a nice change of pace if you are looking for something that doesn't have a loud, mediocre country cover band. They have a bar menu, and a separate dinner menu for the upstairs dining area. I've only dined in the bar area, and have no experience with the full dinner menu. The bar menu offers a nice selection of upscale bar food. It is a little pricey, and its good, but not exceptional. I've enjoyed the appetizers more than my entrees. The tater tots are really good, but if the menu didn't say they were cooked in duck fat, you'd never know they weren't cooked in an old Fry Daddy with Wesson oil. They don't have any draft beer, which is kind of a bummer. They also have a limited selection of local beers, which is sad because we have so many great breweries around town. This place is so close to 4 stars, but just short for me. That could change with a better beer selection. I could also change if I had a chance to dine upstairs off the full menu.
(3)
Diana M.
Make sure you make reservations for this place b/c it gets busy. There are two menus here - one for upstairs (finer dining) and downstairs is more casual. we ate downstairs.. We loved the seasoned popcorn that they start us off with on the table. It was very yummy. We got the pork fat tater tots as an app, and it was salty goodness. I got the fish tacos and it was really good. My friend got the burger and said it was ok. I would go with the tacos again.. Our waitress was very friendly. Also, we had a 45 minute wait, but they text you when they are ready for you which is great b/c we went next door to honky tonk for a drink while we waited since there was no room at the bar here
(4)
Kathy D.
I had a their oysters on a half shell appetizer and their Ahi Tartar. The food was delicious. I really like the ambience of the restaurant upstairs and enjoyed the great service from the staff.
(4)
Nick H.
Really enjoyed our meal there. Some simple food done very thoughtfully, a great cocktail menu and a very elegant place. Only two small detractors - our mains came before finishing starters, and they didn't seem to have air conditioning. Would recommend, and they're open later than many places (and on Broadway if you want after dinner music).
(4)
Kayla M.
Try the duck fat tots (they come with incredible dipping sauces) as well as the deviled eggs. I had the fish tacos for my meal and they were amazing. We heard the mac and cheese is delicious as well. They have a great drink selection and a wonderful vibe. We ate on the first floor which was casual dining. The waitress was pleasant and the service was incredibly fast. Be sure to book a reservation because it gets crowded. Definitely recommend!!
(5)
T L.
Hostess Staff unpleasant, the two girls had no smiles. At all. Told us a wait of 20-25 minutes... 45 mins later took their time getting the table ready and continued to keep us waiting even when the tables were ready. Waitress pleasant but scattered. Let's see how the food is...
(1)
Aimee S.
Very nice atmosphere! When entering you walk through the restaurant to reach the hostess, which was a bit odd. You then get two dining options; upstairs (very high class menu) or downstairs (still unique, but less expensive menu). We chose downstairs. Our waitress was so kind and helpful. She helped make our time at Merchants relaxed and enjoyable. We chose the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't let the name freak you out they're just fried in duck fat making them crispy. They were delicious! We ordered a bottle of Rule 21, an excellent choice if you like dry reds. I ordered the chicken fried chicken...a southern treat for a northerner like me. My husband got the smoked brisket, which was tender and tangy...a nice combo. When visiting Nashville again we will definitely be back to Merchants.
(5)
C R.
My boyfriend and I were in Nashville for just 1 night and a friend recommended that we go to merchants for dinner! We loved it!! Our server, I believe his name was Brian was awesome!! He made great food and drink recommendations and we loved everything we tried! I did the fried chicken... Yum!!! He also helped recommend some need to see spots since we were only going to be there a short amount of time! Great food & amazing customer service, what more could you ask for?!?
(5)
John O.
Food good. Service outstanding. Cool place. Pulled pork sand. With coleslaw awesome chicken fried chicken great
(4)
Karla B.
I wish we had found this place before our last day in Nashville. What a super find!! It's been around since est. 1892, 3 story, lovely atmosphere and a real restaurant on Broadway, not bar fare, no fried bologna.. We stopped in for light fare BUT I had a yummy tomato soup and grilled gourmet cheese on sourdough bread with homemade chips and deviled eggs for late lunch....dinner later will need to be up of soup. I couldn't resist my comfort meal from childhood. happy happy
(5)
Mary F.
I can't bring myself to give Merchant's high marks. Maybe because I'm a local and I felt like I was getting the tourist treatment--like I was getting shined on. Getting the show. Our server was too cool for his own good. I usually don't care how cool my server is, but being as cool as this cat was, well the bar went right up to Perfect. Of course, he missed the bar. We were seated downstairs and I could fall out of my booth and hit the bar, but between our booth and the bar, he got my drink order wrong. Funny. Like Fred Sanford's funny: "Ha, ha, hell." So what. I'm here for the food; not the hipster waitstaff. But, the environment is often interesting. There was a pretty young hostess whom I met in the bathroom who was tending to her fresh Minnie Mouse tattoo; she had heavy meticulously applied make-up,long fawn-like fake eyelashes and glossy dark hair, but like Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. She was sweet and winced at the sting of her new tattoo. Pleasant break from my too-cool waiter. So, the food. We had the duck fat tater tots. Ribeye, fish tacos, Johnny Cash chili, hamburger (mid-rare) with cheddar, and Cobb salad. The meats were respectable. Ribeye was perfectly done, a bit gristly, and under seasoned except for the salt. Hamburger was very good; loosely packed, perfectly cooked at mid-rare. The chili was predictable. Nothing special there. Served in a tiny cast iron pot. Fish tacos were bland and not remarkable. The tater tots were fun and tasty, but that whole duck fat thing, well, they just tasted like tater tots; I couldn't identify any duck fat aroma or flavor. Here's an idea: truffled tater tots. The alliteration alone should land it a spot on the menu. The Cobb salad made me want to cry. I call it the Grudge Salad. Like someone was made to put a Cobb salad on the menu and, so, there--hmph! If I were eating it b/c I was on a diet, I'd want to kill myself. But, I don't know what's worse, eating it b/c I had to, or actually choosing it b/c I wanted a salad b/c I like salads. Sad, sad Cobb. Cocktails and Drinks: After telling my hot stuff waiter that I don't like sweet cocktails, he said he had just the thing for me: a Rise Up bourbon cocktail. It was so sweet, I had to ask for a shot of soda in it. Blech! My husband had a negroni--fresh and crisp. The other notable dishes here were the desserts: rootbeer float, warm peach cobbler, and a house made eggnog dessert drink. I stuck with a cream sherry. I'll keep watching Yelp reviews on Merchants to see if I should try the upstairs--perhaps there's a big difference. For the experience we had, it's not worth a repeat trip--too expensive for food that is just a notch above pedestrian.
(3)
Dale C.
Get the Tots! Don't let them talk you into the small tots! The large is good for two if not getting anything else and they are great. If you are at the downstairs bar ask for the free popcorn. Outstanding!
(5)
Cathy H.
Great place, kind staff but best of all the food rocked. They also take your number and text you when your table is ready, would definitely come back. Salmon BLT...YUM, finished with cheesecake dip-genius!
(4)
Terra B.
An absolute amazing experience from the second my husband and I walked in!! Each and every employee was happy, friendly and eager to please. The boys behind the bar were the real deal and a bit entertaining as we watched one juggle lemons! It didn't matter to the waiters if you were their table. They were always sure you had water, a cocktail or any other need. The food? Oh em gee!! Had soups that made us feel like we were wrapped in a warm blankie....(tomato bisque and shrimp and corn chowder) my husband had never had jumbalaya (I know right?) and he almost ate his entire huge bowl. I had the "special" which was coffee encrusted pork chop with green beans and potatoes. It was THE best pork chop I've ever eaten! Tender, juicy and seasoned by a genius!!
(5)
Tony V.
Huge bar for individual seating if your out of town and solo. The blackened tilapia was a great dish and is enough for two if you want to share. One of the best old fashions drinks I have had in a while.. They make their own simple syrup which has a honey smokey flavor.. Great place!
(5)
Julia I.
Best meal we had on our trip to Nashville! Beautiful place with an upscale atmosphere, we ate at the downstairs restaurant. Hung out at the copper counter bar and ordered some amazing cocktails while we waited for a table, the Mad Hatter was delish! Our waiter was funny and welcoming giving us a lot of recommendations for our trip. Amazing food, I ordered the fish tacos and would highly recommend!
(5)
Nick W.
Who knew there would be amazing food in the most touristy area of Nashville? Killer food: First off, go for nothing more than a drink and the popcorn at the bar, amazing! I asked the secret ingredient, you should do the same. Entree was the sweet tea pork loin, sitting on pimento cheese grits and green beans, drizzled with sweet tea balsamic reduction. WOW! I literally had every other group at the bar asking what it was, and they all ordered it as well. Not to miss! Drinks: no beers on tap, all bottles, but had a couple good IPAs. Overall: if you're hungry before or after hitting up Tootsies or The Stage, check out Merchants for a great meal and order the sweet tea pork loin!
(5)
Saju J.
We ate upstairs in the private dining room. Awesome friendly southern service. Had some of the best crabs legs, lobster, oyster and shrimp on their seafood platter. Great soup, pork shanks and dessert. Great place.right on honky tonk street.
(4)
Kleine E.
Had lunch here the other day. The food was really good, although the fried green tomatoes were a little tough. Highly recommend their hamburgers and salads!
(4)
Chris S.
This is a great spot in downtown Nashville, literally in the heart of the honky tonks. We were quickly seated on a busy night by a very friendly host. Waters were brought out immediately and the menu was explained in sufficient detail. People were definitely hanging out having a few drinks. The kind of place you could take a date and have a fun night out or chow down before going out. The food was excellent. I ordered the Sweet Tea Pork Loin and was amazed at how tender and flavorful the meat was. The last time I ordered pork in a restaurant it was very dry so this was a welcome change. The Pimento Cheese Grits and molasses glazed green beans were delicious. And I couldn't get enough of the Bourbon Just amazing. My buddy had the fried chicken which he said was awesome! I had a local Yazoo IPA that turned out to be a nice pairing with the pork.The price was in line with expectations considering the neighborhood. Bottom line, if food and fun is important to you, you should check this place out.
(4)
Lela T.
A very nice, cool bar. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar because we felt like being social during our trip to Nashville. The food was great. We had the tater tots (the regular size is a lot of tots for your $) and a cobb salad, both were delicious. But it is a speak easy bar, and they have a nice list of cocktails so we tried 4 of them. All four were very good. The ambiance is quite nice, not too loud but also not stiff. Also we found the price to be reasonable, but we are from CA and NY so can't really compare to Nashville standards. The bartenders were very nice, and we had some fun conversations with them about the area.
(4)
Christine O.
I have never been here before and came because I read awesome reviews from all of you lovely people. And all I can say is WOW.... Yall need to order the fish tacos cause they are incredible! Seriously this place has an awesome atmosphere, great service and fabulous food! We ordered the rum blonde dessert after our meal... ALSO AMAZING!
(5)
Jen L.
Wanted to like this place so badly - however the service coupled with health code violations is a cause for one star at best. - handling money, picking lips, washing tables, then handling ice and food with bare hands - empty drink sat in front of me for almost 25 minutes. No one noticed/asked if I needed something... We just ended up leaving instead of spending more money. - hungover/rude bartenders and staff, who, while there was no one in the bar, were too busy to wait on patrons. Manager was more concerned with high fives than with happy customers. The only attention that was paid to us was when we placed our credit card down to pay (and even that took over ten minutes) But hey, at least we got to hear a good story about how one of the bartenders had a "really, really late night last night"
(1)
Brooke M.
We sat at the bar because we couldn't get a reservation (last minute planning). We were reluctant because we we didn't want to wait 45 minutes for a table but we were super excited when two spots opened at the bar. I had tons of questions about the menu and what to try and the bar staff was beyond excellent. We had the fried green tomatoes and the fish tacos. Both of them were way beyond our expectations!
(5)
Kimberly R.
This was a great choice for dinner! We had just arrived in Nashville and were looking to go down to Broadway. The menu is awesome and cocktails were great! This place was pretty crowed,45 minute wait. We got drinks at the bar. Moscow mules were really tasty! The wait ended up being 15 minutes, so we were glad we stayed! Started with the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs. Both delicious!! The tomatoes had a pepper sauce and some pimento cheese that really kicked up the dish. I tried the fish tacos, which the waitress said was one of their best dishes, and they were really good! The fish was not fried, but well seasoned. Had some different local beers on the menu too which were great to try. The service was great, and the music was fun. I would definitely go back! There is an upper floor that has a different menu, more expensive. But I really liked the main floor menu.
(4)
Beth C.
Our cocktails were delicious and our bartender was delightful! Conveniently located downtown and not a "trashy bar" like a lot of surrounding places. We're from out of town and our bartender helped recommend places for other meals.
(5)
Samantha B.
4 Words that drew me in....DUCK FAT TATER TOTS. Merchants is a bustling hip restaurant. You have the choice of dining upstairs (more upscale) or downstairs (casual gastropub). However I don't think they have the tots upstairs so choose wisely. I loved the ambience at Merchants especially the suspenders all the servers and bartenders had on. I ordered their veggie burger which was ok...the consistency was a little mushy, but the flavor wasn't too bad. If you have a large party make sure you make reservations months in advance because this restaurant is very popular
(4)
Laura M.
This is my second time here! Yes the tater tots fried in duck fat are really good. I had sever other things the last time I was here and I would say the food is really good would have got 4-5 star for food. But service is a bit slow and not very friendly. My biggest reason for 3 stars is a Moscow mule not in a copper cup? It tasted good but I don't like not keeping with the way this drink should be served. I know (from being a restaurant owner) the cups are stollen a lot. But when you have no happy hour and your drinks are 12 dollars serve it in the copper cup.
(3)
Lauren H.
loved it! I got a vegetarian version of their mac and cheese and fell in love. Also their drinks are the best!!!
(4)
John L.
So this was another well regarded eatery in Nashville. The "upstairs" vs. "downstairs" comments are accurate - choose wisely. A diverse menu to be had - we opted for the downstairs comfort foods array. First I will say that the "front door" workers seem like they wish they were somewhere else - or maybe we caught them on an unhappy night (it is pretty hot and humid inside the place). We had Open Table reservations - but still had to camp out on chairs in the middle of the dining area while they figured out where to stuff us. The bar tender guys seemed a bit peeved, too. Another batch of folks having an off night? Our servers were good-hearted folk happy to chit-chat and offer recommendations. Food portions seemed immense! I had the chicken fried chicken and got through maybe half of it. My girl got the jambalaya and we both enjoyed the good heat therein, but got full much quicker than expected. Dessert was pleasant (but we were too full to make good use of it.) Overall Merchants was hard to pin down ambiance wise - and a little off-putting at reception. Bring and appetite and humble expectations and you'll be fine.
(3)
Ana Q.
This place was really great. Excellent service. We went at around 3:30 on a weekday and it was not crowded. I had Mac and cheese and my husband had a burger. Both were delicious. I still prefer Fido's Mac and cheese and my husband has had a better burger, but I was impressed with the food and restaurant over all. Besides the only thing my husband didn't like was the soft bun, but next time we can order it "toasty". The place looks really nice and there's a good view of downtown from a lot of the tables. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Tor K.
Merchants is a great place to bring people who haven't gotten to experience Nashville. It has your typical southern food, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, etc. My favorite thing on the menu is the Blackened Tilapia with the chipotle sauce. Awesome. Also perfect location to take people to the bars once dinner is over. Only negatives are parking and lack of beer selection but that might just be being too picky.
(4)
L M L.
Great cocktails and a nice place to eat out; however, the wait can be long and the service is a bit on the slower side. That being said, if you have time to spare, the fried chicken and duck fat tater tots are worth a try.
(4)
Scott P.
Merchant's rocks. My wife had been here during a previous trip and just raved about how great it was. We were there during CMA Fest weekend and were fortunate enough to get a table. The place is right in the midst of everything on Broadway in downtown Nashville. We sat downstairs by the bar with an excellent view of the passersby. The bar area has a clean historical look with white subway tiles and high ceilings. The bourbon menu was extensive, and our waitress suggested 2 excellent recommendations. Usually when I ask about bourbons, I end up hearing about Jim or Jack, which obviously I'm well acquainted. They had some great finds for bourbons which you would expect for a restaurant in Nashville. We had the deviled eggs and strawberry salad as a starter. Both highly recommended. The highlight of the night was the brisket. Get the brisket. Wonderful tender beef brisket sandwiched between cornbread on the bottom and cole slaw on top. Nice portion to fill you up. Again, get the brisket. Service was great. Waitress was a bit "alternative" (tattoos, piercings, etc.) which some people may not like but we could care less as long as the service was friendly and food came out on time. There was so much we were not able to get to on the menu, but we were thankful for what we had at Merchant's. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Danielle W.
Great location, great service, good food. My little people (ages 4-5) and I shared duck fat tater tots and fish tacos, which they loved. The service is fast and friendly. Apparently, they've been in business this long for a reason!
(4)
George J.
Loved everything about Merchants except the volume. It is a large open space with no absorbent surface, so gets very loud. We were able to waltz right in on Sunday night without a reservation - upstairs is a steak place, downstairs is southern fare. We stayed down, and gladly. Split a great but simple iceberg wedge - I had jambalaya, which was well done and too large to finish; the wife had sweet tea pork, which was huge and perfectly cooked. Had a couple of great cocktails and great conversation with our waitress. A most memorable last night in Nashville dinner. Would eat here again any time.
(4)
Arshbir G.
The servers are nice! The drinks are awesome. But, the food was lacking. Of course, it's not their fault that their vegetarian food is horrible. I should have known better. But, they were super nice about making the tater tots without the duck fat. Next time -- I'll be sure NOT to order the veggie burger.
(3)
Maureen S.
Ok. Overrated - tater tots were ore Ida- chicken salad Fair at best - fish tacos - ok and tilapia average overrated - have a bologna sandwich at Roberts western world & thank me
(1)
Kimberly P.
Terrible. The fried green tomato appetizer featured very tough tomatoes and a tasteless red sauce. The one star is for the teaspoon of pimento cheese that accompanied. The tomato bisque tasted canned or reconstituted and was watery.
(1)
Patty M.
First time visit to Merchant. Coming all the way from Chicago, the girls and I have high expectations for any restaurant. We waited about an hour for our table. Not bad for downtown Nashville, a late Saturday night, and 9 girls. Drinks are pretty amazing, as they should be for $11. The Moscow mule and Save Me Guadalupe, are delicious. Bartender seemed a little tense. We'll cut him some grace, but people skills can make it or break it for people. Small tins of popcorn at every table keep you from eating your hands off. Get the tater tots. You will regret it if you don't. The beernaise is sausalicious. Our food was great. We order burgers, soup and Sammy, and salads. Our server, Macy G, was great! So attentive and personable. We are chicago spoiled but will come back to Merchants when we come down to these parts again.
(3)
Molly L.
Excellent service and a very cool atmosphere. We sat downstairs as we were not dressed nor had the patience to wait for a table upstairs. The baked cheese appetizer was delicious and loved by all at our table. I had the fish tacos which were nothing spectacular but a good filling portion for the price. The cocktails looked impressive from our view of the bar but I stuck with their selection of tap beer. I would definitely go back if I return. Not overdone and decent food.
(4)
Emily V.
The food was delicious! I had the duck fat tater tots and the sweet tea pork loin. But the one problem with the restaurant was that the music was too loud to even speak at the table and it was absurdly hot. There are fans but no air conditioning that I could tell. The food is excellent but hard to enjoy in the heat!
(4)
kyle t.
You had me at Duck Fat Tatter Tots! What are the chances for a good meal in the heart of the touristy part or Nashville? Well, thank you Yelp app and walk in here, it appears or be 100%. The Tatter Tots are incredible, best I've ever had with great sauces and one if them Bernaise and holy crap! The fried Green Tomatoes were great as well, wonderful sauce and pimento cheese....wow! For the main course I had the Jumbalia and it too was wonderful. Usually with a dish like this I will always add hot sauce, I do live in MN after all. Now this Jumbalia was perfect, I tasted it and put the hot sauce down. Not that it was super hot or spicy but the flavors were just delightful and I really didn't want to mess with them. Add to the food and the tasty beers fantastic service from our server and a couple of others and I could not find a flaw! Thank you for a great night! KT
(5)
Chephirah A.
This place was fantastic. It's hipster done right. Service was excellent. Our server was knowledgable, attentive, and friendly. The craft drinks were sooooo yummy. We tried the chicken wings and fried green tomatoes both were delicious but those fried green tomatoes were perfection. Then we split the special which was zucchini risotto with pan seared scallops and a balsamic reduction. So good! All in all a wonderful experience.
This is a trendy restaurant but a comfortable menu, the drink list is pretty extensive as well. I can't really find anything bad to say about this place. Note that they have two menus, one for downstairs, more casual and a more refined menu for upstairs. Another nice thing for us travelers is they are open late, I arrive late via plane and rush here, they still accommodate me with a smile. This is NOT your normal Nashville joint, but if you like good food and cool atmosphere you'll like this place. You owe to yourself to try it once... By the way, did I tell you it was a whiskey bar?
(4)
Marian C.
Pre-Ryman show dinner was had here during a weeknight. Cocktails were had and strong. Food was average. Had duck fat tater tots and fried chicken. Tater tots were nothing spectacular. Chicken was overbreaded and barely any meat. I could not finish it. I guess the food is better than most places on Broadway.
(3)
Christine K.
What a jewel! Went here last night and it was amazing from start to finish. Their speciality cocktail drinks were on point. I had the Moscow Mule and it was very refreshing. The ambiance was very cute! It kind of reminds me of Patterson's House but way more....welcoming? This place is also located in downtown so when you're done with dinner you can adventure downtown Nashville if you're from out of town. I had a hard time to decide what I wanted to eat cause honestly everything on the menu sounded amazing! Chicken Fried Chicken, you are the love of my life. My goodness, it was a hybrid of fried chicken and country fried steak laid with mashed potatoes and spinach. The chicken was so juicy and moist that I didn't need a knife to cut it! My love, had their brisket which was also incredible. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
David R.
This place is a perfect $15-$25 restaurant. The ingredients are fresh and the presentation is elegant. They have an extensive bar menu, and the service is excellent. They meticulously checked ingredients to accommodate my allergy, and the timing could not have been better. I do not typically like tater tots, but their duck fat fried tots had such a rich flavor. Best Tots I've ever had. The fish tacos we great. Lots of veggies and slaw just like I like'm. Full and happy :D A
(5)
Kory H.
Upstairs is the way to go. Great food, decent wine selection, top notch service. My favorite pre-Ryman stop.
(5)
Emma A.
Beautiful place but... The fish tacos were really not good. The fish was over cooked, the seasoning masked any other taste and the tacos was hard like a sole. My husband had the blackened mahi-mahi which was good but nothing special. The tader tots were amazing though! The reason why I gave 4 starts instead of 3 is because the service was excellent. I actually did not eat my fish tacos and explain to the waitress why. She immediately took it out of the bill which was a really nice gesture.
(4)
Kamilah K.
Simply great! We arrived without making reservations and was told we had a 20 mins wait. No problem, since it seemed like the only decent food spot at the time. The decor is white and black, very vintage/modern/clean. The place just seemed posh. We sat at the bar and had some drinks while we waited. i cant remember what I ordered, but it was good. Our bar time was cut short since the hostess said someone canceled so a table opened up. We were seated and enjoyed our delicious pop corn. I ordered the deviled eggs with sweet pickles. What a tasty opener. For my main entree, I had a veggie burger with coleslaw. It was cooked properly, the swiss cheese was gooey, and the cole slaw was fresh. My bf had fried chicken and he said it was one of the best he's had. I would def come back if I visit Nashville again.
(5)
Stefanie M.
I have been desperately wanting to check out all of the buzz Merchants has been creating and finally, there were two empty seats at the bar just beckoning to us! We grabbed those seats and waited quite some time to be acknowledged but we finally were. We were given two cloudy glasses with water poured from a communal bottle without the bar even being wiped from the previous diners. We then had to ask for popcorn (don't eat it, you'll only want more and more and more! It's amazing!) while we waited 10 minutes for our cocktails. The cocktails were almost worth the wait! Moscow Mule with candied ginger? It was to die for...I could have had 10! Hubby had a White Russian which he said was also really good! To eat I got a burger. Maybe it's the diner-esque feel of the restaurant that made me want it, but I was sad when I got it because it was tiny. However, upon eating it I found that it had really good flavor and was the perfect size! Fries were meh, just frozen fries, no big deal. Hubby had the chicken fried steak which was good but not memorable. Service was "cool"....lots of hipsters practicing their cool bar skills while missing out on the greatest job in the world....INTERACTING! Either way, we may or may not go back but I was hoping it would end up in our rotation of favorites and it didn't. On to the next!
(2)
CL H.
This was a wonderful choice during a recent Nashville visit. In the heart of tourist-y area, but what a fantastic retro spot. Clean and spotless, well-kept, with seating around the center bar, or in booths and tables nearby. Enjoyed delicious fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. And the Pimm's cups were perfect on a gorgeous sunny day. Loved the fish tacos. The attention to detail and skill behind the bar was apparent in the presentation and flavor. Definitely on the list next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)
Jennifer H.
We had reservations and decided to eat upstairs. It is a very unique restaurant and the elevator adds to the atmosphere. :-) The drinks were out of the ordinary and definitely not to be missed. I enjoyed reading the 8+ page love letter written even further upstairs. The age of the building adds to the charm and takes you back in time. It was snowing when we were there which added to the ambiance & romance. They were out of some menu items upstairs. The food was prepared perfectly and as expected was impeccable. I can't wait to try the downstairs menu though.....:-)
(5)
Lizz M.
Duck fat tater tots, get them! A co-worker and I popped in to Merchants during a conference. A conference which made finding a reservation impossible. Luckily, we found a few seats at a bar upon entering. Our server was very helpful, especially as my co-worker has a dairy allergy and didn't want to risk getting sick the night before our presentation. The fish tacos were recommended to me and they were fantastic! My only regret is not having any room for dessert.
(4)
Gabrielle M.
I recently attended a conference for work and happened to be traveling with a coworker of mine that has certain food allergies beyond the typical gluten allergy. Our waitress was so wonderful to check with the chef for certain plates and make adjustments as needed. The atmosphere upstairs was very nice and had a ton of character. I would suggest reserving a table ahead of time since it's on the busy street of Broadway. The food was heavenly and I would recommend the scallops! We had a great experience and will definitely be back during future trips!!!
(5)
Allen D.
"Had you over for dinner. Fish tacos"! Great place and food. Don't wait for a table. Go eat at the bar. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Don't know what the cheese with it was but "I'll lick it anyway".
(5)
Matthew B.
The bartenders here are great, they have the old school barbershop style wardrobe going on and are friendly, knowledgable and make damn good drinks. Definitely go by the bar when waiting for your table. The food, also great, but it was missing something I couldn't place my finger on which is why I left off a star.
(4)
Danielle G.
Fabulous food- I got a strawberry salad with salmon & a Tennessee mojito. The staff were very friendly & service was fast! We didn't wait long for drinks or food. We sat on the patio off the street, so it was very entertaining as well!
(5)
Eric D.
Went twice, the first time I had Jambalaya it was ok at best the second time was the strip steak and it was way over cooked and smothered in steak sauce. Besides all of that the service was poor, I really liked the place and wanted it to be good but I won't return.
(2)
Chris B.
I am a downstairs guy here at merchants, love the burger medium rare. Great drinks and some pretty rare bourbons on hand as well. The brisket is very good but needs more smoke. Mac and cheese leaves something to be desired. But overall worth going to and I will be going back.
(4)
Joelle K.
I had dinner the other night at Merchants. They have a fancier dining option upstairs with a smaller menu. We opted for the more casual option downstairs. The mad hatter cocktail was tasty, but should have been stronger. I had the turkey club with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was awesome, but the fries weren't the best. My husband loved the beef brisket.
(4)
Laura G.
Gotta update - the bar and restaurant (downstairs) was much more happening this time around. Excellent coctails - Dark and Stormy is what my friend had - some rum / ginger concoction - really nice. We sat at the bar - loved the popcorn. We shared wings which were really great - dry rubbed with excellent sauces. One of the best parts was after a loud day at Summer NAMM we really wanted to find a place with no live music - this was the perfect place. Very nice historical building!
(4)
Kristie A.
I loved everything about this place. Historic building, good food, good drinks and an awesome waiter named Mike. I have to say the upstairs area is a little on the boring side. Not much to see and not a lot of people around. The downstairs area is where the action is happening. But the two levels offer two completely different menus. Downstairs being cheaper with things like burgers, etc. The upstairs has a fancier menu. Since upstairs had no wait, that's what we did. The hostess took us up on the elevator. The wine list comes on an iPad, which is super cool. Seems more places are going to adopt this concept, and I'm all about it. I settled on a chardonnay. For dinner I ordered the mussels and frites. The mussels came already pulled out of their shell and floating in a garlicy broth. Yum. The frites were thick and fluffy. Not at all what I was expecting. I also ordered the beet salad and it was yum too. A nice assortment of different flavored beets. Mike was great and even offered up a fun bar when we asked where the locals go.
(5)
Adrian M.
nice place right in the heart of downtown. the only place on the strip that doesn't play country music. it was very crowded, and got pretty loud, but hey, the place was packed. We sat in the downstairs to people watch. Servers were very friendly, explained the menu well and suggested good wines. Food was good, not great. decent flavors, but no wow factor anywhere to be seen. Just solid dishes based on solid ingredients.
(4)
Julie H.
This is a historic restaurant with an interesting menu. The view of the street was a great backdrop. The duck fat tots and dipping sauces were extremely tasty. The special was a brisket sandwich topped with homemade pickles (the best). The plate came loaded with sweet potato fries. Glad we stopped in!
(4)
Sherri H.
What we ate was good BUT when sat down our server went through the litany of what was no longer available. She explained that it had been an unusually busy weekend and they were out of oysters, salmon, tuna, pork and lamb. We asked about options for seafood eating vegetarians and got an indignant response "we are a steakhouse - we don't really cater to vegetarians" we ordered a winter salad and she told us there were only 3 left and there might be some ingredients missing. We suspect they were also out of crab because the crab hush puppies had no crab. The bread was good - glad we could drink more than water. They need a better inventory system or someone to run to the grocery store.
(2)
Matt T.
Nice twist on the South. Great cocktails and we'll priced at that. Bartenders know their stuff. Right in the middle of all the Broadway action.
(4)
Amy B.
Ate in the first floor bistro. Nice upscale alternative to Broadway honky tonks. Attentive service. Loved the fried green tomatoes, Mac and Cheese and pulled pork sandwich.
(4)
Tiffany D.
The fish tacos and blackened talapia were so delicious! The local brews were tasty too! Susan enhanced our experience with her outstanding service and hospitality!
(5)
Ahmed R.
All of the food here was amazing! I loved this place. The portions are so huge, so had to split meals, and we came back here a 2nd time during our trip. My wife and I split the brisket, and WOW! We didn't expect too much, but just WOW. It's easily enough food for 2 people. The brisket and BBQ sauce was absolutely fantastic. It was gorgeous served over some warm cornbread. The cornbread was amazing and deserves some serious attention. The cole slaw on the side went with everything nicely. I tried my mom's fish tacos and they too were delicious. We came back the next day for more food and everything just hit the spot perfectly. I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)
Julie C.
Great food, drinks and service but be prepared to wait for it! We don't mind snagging a drink or even seat at the bar. I haven't had anything I didn't like and the brisket melts in your mouth, yum!!! The drinks are unique and very refreshing. I'm never disappointed here.
(4)
Louis D.
After eating numerous times in the bistro we tried Upstairs last night. From the moment we arrived until we departed everything far exceeded our expectations. The professionalism of the entire staff was only surpassed by the food, and it's presentation. By far our most pleasurable dining experience since arriving in Nashville 13 years ago. Set the stage for a magnificent evening at The Schermerhorn. Highly recommended!
(5)
Russ T.
Every time we come to Nashville we have to eat here. The chicken salad, soups, entrees and drinks are great. A lot of hand squeezed juices go into the drinks. Service is top notch considering how busy they stay. Out door sitting is available weather permitting. Carissa rocks as a bartender.
(5)
David L.
Our server, Jimmy, was a rockstar server and the food was excellent. Best catfish I've had in a long time. It's a busy place so make a reservation to save yourself waiting.
(5)
Dana G.
Great lunch spot! I had the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, delicious! Also tried the deviled eggs and yum !!!!
(4)
Rebecca N.
Every time I visit Nashville this is my dinner spot of choice! Never any complaints, great food, drinks, and service. Be prepared to wait if you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, but it's worth it!
(5)
Chelsea W.
After reading some killer reviews on Merchants and quickly realizing it was our best bet for genuine food on Broadway, we decided to give it a try--at first, it seemed like we had made a good decision. After all, our wait to be seated was only 15 minutes (pretty amazing for a Saturday evening) and the staff all seemed friendly enough. We didn't eat upstairs--we opted for the more casual menu and ate outside at a table that was perfect for people watching (also perfect for making awkward eye contact with tourists, but that's a different story entirely.) Our meal was very average, much to our surprise and immediate regret. $60 for an Applebees-quality meal? Ridiculous. Waiting for us at our table was a cup of stale popcorn that we barely touched. We started with the fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese and hot pepper jam. They were both chewy and stiff in all the wrong places; meanwhile, the pimento cheese tasted like a cheap tub of processed mumbo jumbo you could easily buy at Wal-Mart. Disappointing start, but we held out hope that things would improve. They did not. I ordered the salmon BLT with basil mayo and chips, and... well... there really isn't much to report. The seasoned chips were the best part of the meal. Salmon was horribly dry, the 'basil mayo' was practically nonexistent, etc. Not at ALL what one would expect from a restaurant rated as highly as Merchants. Needless to say, I have no plans to return to this place, and we certainly won't be recommending it to anyone in the near future.
(2)
Sarah G.
I went to Nashville to visit my sister and on my first night there, we ventured down to Broadway to have dinner at Merchants. It was pretty busy but we put our names in and went down the street to have a drink. We didn't have to wait too long to get a table, which was nice on a busy Friday night. We ordered drinks and dinner, including the duck fat tater tots which are unbelievable. I also had a burger (excellent) and probably the best Moscow Mule I've ever had. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Mijung H.
Been here a couple of times, and plan to revisit many more times. Everything I have tried here has been delicious, from the tater tots, to the fried green tomatoes, to the grilled cheese. Can't go wrong. In addition, try the pimm's cup cocktail. It is refreshing with scents of cucumber and earthy goodness. Perfect day time recovery drink after a wild night in Nas Vegas. Enjoy!!
(5)
Kendall B.
I'm so happy with my decision to eat here. I ordered the Blackened Catfish Sandwich and it was delicious. I recommend it to everyone! The portion sizes are big and filling! The service was great and everyone was really friendly. They have good beer options, which is a plus. It looks like they have a full bar too for any cocktails you would want. I really enjoyed my experience here and will be back on my next visit to Nashville!
(5)
W P.
We stopped for drinks after a show at the Ryman and sat at the bar. Great music mix (blues/soul mainly) and decor, a welcome alternative to the honky tonk and country bars on Broadway that feel like more of a tourist trap these days. The Corsair Reviver (their version of the Corpse Reviver) was very tasty and well poured. Gin Gin Mule also hit the mark. A great spot for after a show or if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated.
(4)
Lissette G.
Started off our amazing dining experience with a warming "WELCOME" from the bartenders (one Tuesday afternoon). Hostesses were nice and welcoming. Started with the naked cheese...IT WAS ORGASMIC. If you don't love cheese then order something else, I love cheese, this was amazeballs. Then fish tacos, don't expect no crummy frozen, battered & fried fish stick, this was real fish. Great flavors with the slaw and gauc. Salmon BLT was great too. Great atmosphere with a classic twist.
My wife and I had dinner here on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised that there wasn't a wait. It's a little crowded, but we had a good table and enjoyed the food overall. The duck fat tatot tots are a good as everyone else says and our only complaint is that we found the tacos to be a little too salty
(4)
Karen V.
With an overwhelming amount of places downtown to choose from, we randomly picked Merchants, and oh my, what a great choice we made!! The Chicken Fried Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes with pimento cheese, and Jambalaya were all out of this world! Our finicky nine year old son loved his grilled chicken sandwich. And the service was quick, accurate, and really friendly (our server's name was Kyleigh). Overall a really wonderful dining experience.
(5)
Nancy G.
On a recommendation, we came to merchants for brunch. The environment was fun and lively. The music was loud, but you could still talk between each other. The place looked like a black and white old fashioned soda fountain. Brunch started out with water brought out daintily in a glass container and seasoned popcorn in a small metal bucket. We ordered the duck fat tator tots after seeing lots of other yelpers do the same. It was pretty good. Nothing out of the world, but what can you expect from tator tots? We also ordered fish tacos and a bacon grilled cheese with tomato soup and homemade chips. Again, the food was good but not amazing. We ordered two bloody Mary's. They were good, but there didn't seem to be a single drop of alcohol in the drinks. Our server probably added the least to the meal - placing both our leftovers together in the same togo box and misconstrued our full order of tots for half. The sever seemed distracted - kind of the service you would expect from a Waffle House. Then again, we have had better service at a Waffle House.
(3)
Jamie S.
This place is fantastic! Priced right, food is excellent, ambiance is great and the service is on point! Nothing short of a great experience!
(5)
Becky H.
Still love it. Five pepper chicken is my favorite. Service is great. In a hurry sit in the bar or go upstairs for an upscale experience.
(5)
Candace C.
Shoddy service with a side of roaches. Went to Merchants for dinner Friday night. Long wait as usual for a table so we sat at the bar. Had to beg for service as did others seated there. Food was OK. toward end of our meal a cock roach started across the bar. A waitress quickly stopped it and ended its journey with a napkin. Seconds later a manager - type guy appeared, apologized, and took one round of drinks off our tab. Nice gesture but we won't be back.
(1)
Staci D.
We were seated promptly even though the town was busy. Food was great, desert even better. Came back the next day and sat at the bar. Try their apps! Great downtown location too.
(4)
Amelia H.
As much as we enjoyed the food, I can't give this place more than two stars based on the service. The night started out very well, we had a party of six with a reservation for upstairs. Two of my friends were celebrating birthdays and this was supposed to be our nice dinner out for the weekend. We were shown to our table and our server was almost overly attentive at first (she seemed to have a server in training shadowing/assisting her.) About midway through the meal, our server was nowhere to be found. Did not come to refill water, ask if we wanted more wine/cocktails, or to see how the food was. We were looking around (like the other tables) and had to flag down other people to take care of what we needed. I had spoken to the "assistant" about coming to the table with dessert, etc. to celebrate the two birthdays, she assured me it would be taken care of. This never happened, and instead, a server we had never seen rushed over and asked if we wanted to see dessert menus, then before we could even answer she walked away. This was the same server who brought the check (because our server was still MIA) and she misunderstood the payment methods and how things were to be divided. It was a mess, and she barely apologized. Finally, after it was too late to really make it better, our original server came and said she was "sorry things got rocky towards the end, it was just so busy" as we looked around at a half empty dining room. I would hardly say they were slammed. It was a shame that we all left with a bad taste in our mouths after spending a good bit on dinner, and the food actually enjoyable. It didn't put anyone in a great mood to celebrate, and we really felt like we had just been forgotten and our business was not really important to Merchants. I would not go back or recommend based on our experience.
(2)
Tori F.
We ate here while visiting Nashville and it was by far the best meal we had in the city. To start with we ordered the guacamole and duck fat tater tots which were both delicious. The strawberry salad with salmon was great. It was one of the tastiest pieces of salmon that I have ever had. The blackened catfish sandwich was also really delicious. The seasoning they use on their fish is out of this world. Our waitress was also really sweet and a great edition to the meal.
(5)
Scott D.
Best spot for dinner downtown without spending a fortune. Excellent ambience, very laid back and relaxed environment. Menu is simple yet broad, and almost everything I have tried is prepared really well.
(4)
Chad P.
My review is based on a group of people, so don't take this as a two-person date review. We were seated upstairs which was kind of cool to go through an elevator to reach her table. The building has a lot of charm and feels very old. The waitress was really sweet and nice, but she didn't do a good job of keeping everyone's order together. I missed the appetizer, because apparently I never heard her asking us for our order. The menu was pricey and it didn't make a lot of sense as far as ingredients go. The music was too loud for us to hear each other talk at times. One of the appetizers was too mushy to eat for a couple at our table, but the hush puppies were the real deal. Overall I would say we had a great time, but the server left something to be desired.
(3)
Michele M.
Sweet tea pork loin is out of this world! Don't pass up the duck fat tator tots. Well worth the wait for a table.
(5)
Amelia A.
good burgers, great service, and lovely atmosphere. the only thing was our food was a bit lukewarm. would return!
(4)
Serena T.
Found this place via Yelp while in Nashville and glad that I did. There was a big group of us and Merchant's had something for everyone. I ordered a half order of the duck fat tater tots which as other reviews have mentioned were delish. It comes with 3 sauces, ketchup, a cheesy sauce and some type of aioli which was my favorite. Also ordered the fried green tomatoes which were just ok in my opinion. They were fried with corn meal so they were different than the fried green tomatoes which I've had before. The spicy relish was really good. I split the fish tacos with another person in our group and also wasn't blown away by them but they were decent. The fixins on the tacos were great and flavorful but the fish itself left something to be desired. For a drink I ordered the Moscow Mule and this was (to date) probably the best Moscow Mule I've had in my life. It had a perfect balance of lime and ginger beer and you could tell the lime was fresh squeezed. That being said, my four star rating is for the drink and the taters. But all the folks in my group were very pleased with their meals which ranged from the brisket, mac & cheese and the chili. Great atmosphere!
(4)
Patrick W.
Food was amazing, service was good. Only issue was sitting out on the patio being placed under the heater. If you are a Yankee like me, chances are you won't be able to handle the heat.
(4)
Patrick S.
Cool space, but nothing to write home about .Food was fine.
(3)
Richard R.
Very nice restaurant that is a quieter refuge compared to the crowded sidewalks and honky tonks of Broadway. I ordered a brisket platter with mashed, gravy, cornbread, slaw -- very nice. Beautifully renovated historic building. Lovely restaurant. Recommended.
(4)
Tina K.
Excellent and the duck fat tater tots are different good! Fried green tomatoes and the butterscotch pie phenomenal! Service was excellent. Skip the chain restaurants and go straight to Merchants.
(5)
Alan B.
Went here for a late lunch and received incredible service from our waiter John K. We ordered the Mac N Cheese and added the brisket. Excellent! This place has some of the best food on Broadway. Be sure to stop in before the late night menu.
(4)
Renee S.
Excellent service. Great atmosphere. We sat next to a window during an electrical storm. That was freaky... but fun also. Food was great. i would definitely go back!
(5)
Alexandra S.
This place was in the heart of downtown Nashville. As a tourist that's exactly what I wanted. It has a lot of history in it which makes it look to be way out dated but it fit perfect for the history that Nashville upholds. The classic checkered tile on the floor and lots of wearing around the bar. It reminded me of an old house that I would tour through from the early 1900's. With all that being said the service was excellent! Absolutely no issues at all. Because we were visiting I was doing site seeing the waitress was more then helpful to make great recommendations on where to buy things and what to see. We were in no mood for alcohol so don't have any recommendations for that. The food was decent for what we ordered. Just a little expensive but that's what downtown is like I guess. There are two floors a lunch dining on the bottom and an upper floor for more elegant dining. I got the Greek salad it was very delicious I just wish I got some sort of meat on it so I wasn't hungry only a few hours later. My boyfriend got a regular burger and that was something that really hit the spot! You basically can design exactly what type of burger you want and he was stuffed for hours after the meal which is not normal for him with a big stomach!
(4)
Andrew E.
Food is consistently pretty good. Service is consistently awful. Some of the worst service I've ever had. No air conditioning either. Never going back. Waiters don't care about you.
(1)
Dr R.
Edible. Not worthy of a second visit. Blackened tilapia was under-seasoned and the hash that came with it was jus not impressive. It was supposed to come with roasted corn but the corn looked steamed. They've got some really good BBQ sauce though (yes kinda random... Their salmon BLT with fries was good). We drank water because besides telling us that we weren't really bourbon drinkers... The waiter didn't really have any good recommendations. I'd pass by. Other good restaurants to try. Probably just good for decor/atmosphere for small group.
(3)
T T.
Really cute place! In between casual and dressy. Bartenders are very "vintage" inspired. We wet immediately served popcorn in an old fashioned tin. Great drink and menu selection.
(4)
Lucy R.
I had a great time at Merchants last night. I loved the Soup and Sammy. Incredible service and wonderful atmosphere. If you are ever in the area, go here! Great job, Erica and Darryl.
(5)
Doreen V.
A little disappointing... we ordered the duck fat tots (they were really good), deviled eggs (meh), two $12 drinks and lunch. My guy got a salad and I got the soup and sammy. Once our server left, we waited about 15 minutes for someone to return. After 15 or so minutes our appetizers, drinks, and lunch was all delivered together. The server returned once to our table about 25 minutes later and dropped the check. Not only was the service meh, the appetizers beat the drinks out- pay $12 for a drink and hope that you get it some time before dessert.
(3)
Jaime G.
It was our first night in Nashville which was also New Years Eve. Our Uber driver suggested we check out Merchants since we wanted to experience the Bash on Broadway. We were pleasantly surprised with a beautiful open modern motif and only an hour wait. We ordered the duck fat tater tots which rocked our world. For dinner I had the grilled cheese and soup which was the perfect meal for a chilly evening. All in all I'm grateful this place was suggested to us because it made our NYE that much better.
(4)
Sue H.
Had a great meal here. Fun atmosphere. Our server Ron H. Was totally awesome. And hot too!
(5)
Michael C.
We are definitely not from Nashville, and read great reviews before coming only to be severely disappointed (mind you, we just ordered and haven't eaten yet). We go upstairs for the "better" menu and of the top choices none are available, "all sold out". We settle to go downstairs and of the few entrees on menu one of our top choices not available either. We are very disappointed thus far as of 4 menu options none are available.
(1)
Stephen K.
Classy southern dining is what I would call this place. The food is very good steaks, fried chicken, brisket, pork loin, and the appetizers all were presented fabulously and the service was excellent. It's a very hipster spot in the south which is cool.
(4)
Matt H.
Contrary to other reviews, this place was mediocre at best. The service was above average, the drinks were good, but the food was so-so. We had the deviled eggs (meh), duck tots (meh), fried green tomatoes (no good; don't bother) & the mac & cheese (the best of our selections, but not mind blowing). We're just passing through town, but if I lived around here, this place would fall low on my priority list. If you decide to check this place out, go into it with low expectations.
(2)
Gretchen J.
Delicious dinner, fabulous service and wonderful atmosphere (upstairs). The gratin potatoes are a must as a side.
(5)
Stephanie D.
Horrible hostess but they made it better/Our party put in our name and phone number and were told that we needed to wait 45 minutes, and that it would be fine to leave and come back, as the hostess would text us. Came back 45 minutes to check, and was rudely told we didn't respond to the 4 texts sent and they gave up our table, even though we received no notification. Thankfully the manager tried to make to it right, and he was great...but the next good move they need to make is fire that hostess. So incredibly rude! Luckily, the food was amazing and they offered us free apps. The veggie burger was great and so were the cocktails :)
(4)
Laura H.
Our last meal in Nashville. Sigh. This town is great. My sweetheart found Merchants on yelp and we loved it. Started out with the salmon dip which comes to you on bruschetta type bread with veggies. Amazing! We went for an all out southern meal: chicken fried chicken with sweet potato fries in lieu of mashed potatoes. Brisket with coleslaw. Finished it off with chocolate cake almost as big as your head. The bartenders were awesome. Loved our drinks champagne cocktail and Manhattan. Great good. Great experience. Great way to enjoy our last meal in town. I have a great boyfriend whom gets all credit for finding Merchants.
(5)
Dana S.
Nothing special here. Had a veggie burger that was really soft and lacked any substantial flavor. the sweet potato wedges were pretty tasty. friends ordered fish tacos that were realllyyyy fishy. I guess its to be expected in a landlocked state.
(2)
Rachel B.
Made a stop here on a weekend trip to Nashville based on Yelp reviews. The food did not disappoint. Chips and sweet potato fries were delicious. Pulled pork was smoky. Staff were friendly.
(5)
Aubrey J.
Loved this unpretentious Southern restaurant! The understated decor really draws the attention more to the historical feel of the building itself, which I loved. It was also made apparent that the focus here is on customer service and food, rather than a kitschy tourist-drawing themed restaurant like so many are leaning toward. Our waiter, Scott, was just awesome, with all kinds of great recommendations. I enjoyed a tequila cocktail (Adore Salvatore? Can't remember the exact name) and the Dark & Stormy (a sort of rum mule) which was excellent. The manager brought the second drink out himself because I had inquired about the ingredients and talked with us for a few minutes. Fried Green Tomatoes were the only thing I wasn't completely thrilled with. The flavor of the cornmeal and tart tomater with a pepper jam & pimiento cheese were a great complement to each other, but the tomato itself was pretty tough, and cutting through it pretty much destroyed the delicate breading. I will say though that my enormous slab of pork loin was both tender and succulent, and the flavor of this paired with green beans and polenta was great. My friend enjoyed the fish tacos, which looked delicious. Overall a great experience!
My lady and I had a great experience at Merchant's. Great food, great atmosphere and great service. The jumbalaya was fantastic and so were the salads. If I ever find myself back in Nashville, I will definitely be coming back to Merchant's.
(5)
Erin M.
Great food amazing cheese dip omg crazy ppl are very friendly. Recommend the devil eggs the bacon on the wedge salad was thick and chunky.
(4)
Tim A.
Of course, reviews of this place get confusing because it's basically two restaurants in one building. To be clear, I'm discussing the downstairs area. This place has a lot of energy to it, and it was absolutely packed when I was here. The menu, as you may observe, is full of stuff that sounds really promising. Certainly, some of it delivers. I had heard everyone raving about the duck fat tater tots, so that seemed like a must-have. The tots themselves were decent, but the sauces were great, especially the chipotle mayo and the bernaise. The reason I think everyone raves about the tots, though, is because there isn't much else to rave about. We also had the Southern Fry, which in retrospect was a lot of fried food. The pickles shined, but everything else was pretty bland. Unfortunately, that sort of the tone of the rest of plates we had. Everything was on the verge of being tasty...but only on the verge. The steak frites, while marvelously cooked, didn't have much to add in the flavor department, and the same could be said for the brisket and fried chicken. The cobbler was decent, but I wouldn't say it was better than Dalt's, and I don't have to find a parking spot downtown for that. Again, the place was super crowded, so maybe they had their hands full and put together an off-night. I'll give 'em points for effort.
(3)
Mandy H.
I definitely suggest making a reservation. We arrived at our reservation time, heard them tell the gentleman in front of us it would be a 45 minute wait, and then were promptly seated at the table they had waiting for us. We ordered the duck fat tater tots as an appetizer, only order the half is there are just two of you. The full order was way more than we needed for two. My friend had the sweet tea pork loin and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were excellent. The staff is all very friendly and attentive. This is for sure on the list for a return trip the next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)
Priorteyez C.
Ate on second floor.....most amazing meal I have ever had. There were four of us and we shared the $130 Porter house steak. I have NEVER had a steak so tender in my life! Beet salad was amazing. The onion rings amazing. The potato loaf....what can I say...AMAZING. only thing I would suggest, warn customers about the smoky flavorings on everything...even in the old fashioned drink, which quite honestly was worst drink ever. BUT overall AMAZING dining experience.
(5)
Athenapex C.
Had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious. I had the corn chowder which was good but very thick. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich which was delicious. They do fresh squeezed lemonade as well. Great place to go and would go again.
(4)
Casey L.
The duck fat tater tots were definitely a 'must' after reading the reviews but believe me when I say it was their sauces that were to die for! Great local beer and a great menu! We enjoyed the popcorn while we were waiting for our meal. Will definitely be back when we return to Nashville!
(4)
Kevin Z.
We ate here last night. Since we had 6 in our party & it was a Friday I figured we would need a reservation. So I called only to hear that due to events in the area they were fully booked, but we could come in early & possibly get a table. My friend had told me she just ate there the night before. She said that she ate upstairs as the downstairs was full & there was quite the wait. She mentioned that the menu was limited & prices were higher. Sure enough when looking on the website there is a 'up' & a 'down' menu which reflect both. We arrived shortly after 6pm on Friday night to be sat 5 minutes later. The place has a bit of a oldschool malt shop feel to it. The servers & bartenders all wear white & black attire w/ suspenders. All very looking hipster like. The drinks were very tasty & strong. We ordered the duck fat tatter tots & cheese plate for apps, both so GOOD. Oh and they provide you w/ popcorn seasoned w/ Hidden Valley Ranch which is also very tasty. I ordered the Soup & Sammy which is a grilled cheese w/ bacon, tomato soup, & chips. SO GOOD! Around the table the Pork Loin, Mac & Cheese, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chicken Fried Chicken, & Wings were all ordered. Everyone at our table was happy w/ their food. We had a birthday at our table so they brought out a dessert, but no one sang happy birthday sadly except for us. We had someone in our party that had food allergies & our server was happy to recommend a variety of different options & checked w/ the kitchen as well. The other cool thing was when the checks were handed out separately they were able to split the apps 6 ways so no one was stuck w/ them solely. We will be back in Nashville again in a week & this is a place we look to return too. Very happy w/ everything minus the happy birthday songs. 4.5 stars.
(4)
Megan K.
A twist on traditional Southern fare in the heart of Nashville... * Vintage vibe (think bow ties + suspenders) * Unique cocktails (made with apothecary jars, droppers, + glass beakers) * Friendly bartenders * Delicious food (check out both menus- one for upstairs and a different for downstairs) * Eclectic music * A nice break from the rowdy Broadway crowd * A little bit hipster without being pretentious Overall, a great experience!
(5)
Sapna C.
This is a nice place for a casual meal in downtown Nashville. It feels like a diner, but a bit more upscale, as other reviewers have mentioned. I went in for lunch here with my brother, while in Nashville. We had the duckfat tater tots and a fish cake to start. Both were delicious; however, the fish cake was a bit on the dry side. I had the grilled chicken burger as the main dish, which also delicious but a bit on the dry side. All in all, the food was good and the portions were quite generous for the price you pay.
(4)
Laura S.
Lovely experience! We dined in the main level (more casual/comfort dining) and made a reservation beforehand. We were seated right away, and our server and other staff were absolutely perfect. Cleaned our table after each plate was finished and filled drinks promptly. I didn't love the ranch popcorn like others did, but that's not why I came :) My husband had a drink recommended by the server (cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned), and he said it was great. We had the duck fat tots, and they were all they were cracked up to be. The chipotle mayo was fantastic. My husband got the grilled chicken sandwich with house chips and he ate every bite. I had the chicken fried chicken and could have eaten every bite, but I used restraint. It is a HUGE order. So amazing. We wished we had room for the tasty-sounding desserts, but those will have to wait for another time. I would come back here in a heartbeat.
(4)
Allie M.
Amazing service. We had to wait for our table so we sat at the bar for a bit. Bartender was very helpful and friendly. We got seated at the wrong table and said they would have to move us but didn't which was nice. Waitstaff was amazing. Our waiter was so friendly and honestly the best waiter I think I've ever had. Knew the menu very well. Food was amazing!! The vibe of the place was so appealing and just a great atmosphere all around. Would recommend going!!
(5)
Jessica W.
Great atmosphere, great service, truly a gem in the heart of Nashville. Recommend the fried green tomatoes; everything was fantastic.
(4)
Maria E.
I don't know how they made fried chicken a fancy and delicious dish, but it was great! Great selection of drinks and good atmosphere
(4)
Joe D.
Cool place. Grabbed a bite to eat before the a Motley Crüe concert at Bridgestone around the corner. Ordered the southern fry app, which had okra, pickles, shrimp, and catfish. Tasty. Also ordered the shrimp corn chowder and it was nice but a little spicy and frankly no shrimp to be found. The steak frites with filet, greens, and 57 sauce was very good and cooked a nice medium. Cocktail wise we had old fashioneds, champagne cocktails, and a couple awesome glasses of the black maple hill Oregon whisky. Had it once before and still fantastic. The server was a little slow but above average. Looking forward to going back. It is a loud place so if that's not your thing then just be aware.
(4)
Eric W.
Food isn't bad, but it's not great. Get the feeling that you're in a tourist joint - move 'em in, move 'em on. I don't regret it, but wouldn't go back.
(2)
Dan C.
Delicious food in a classy environment paired with friendly service. Little more upscale then it's surroundings but still reasonably priced.
(4)
Eric H.
Very nice upscale place with decent prices and a nice broad menu. Sat outside on the heated patio and watched the street. Nice lunch.
(5)
Liz S.
One of my favorite places to come to when I'm in Nashville. This little nugget is extremely out of place in this part of town but oddly enough, it seems to work here. I first stumbled into this place one night with friends after a concert at the Bridgestone Arena as it was one of the few places with late night eats. We we're guided to a table close to the open kitchen where plates of delectable dishes were pouring their way out one by one. We started with some cocktails and appetizers (fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots) and followed it up with our entrees. I don't remember much after the tots. They were divine. That and the two old fashions were enough for me! Needless to say, the meal and the evening were perfect. I recently went back for Memorial Day for a spa weekend and some recharge before a hectic work schedule and made my way to this place once more. I sat at the bar and made friends with the bartender who, after giving him the ingredients list, made me a delicious jalapeño cucumber margarita. He was a true mixologist and great at his craft. I made a meal of their Steak and Pomme Frites with homemade steak sauce and followed this with some samplings from their very well curated whiskey/bourbon list. Perfect finish to an all around good night. This place will continue to be one of my favorite stops whenever I make my way to Nashville. It's hip atmosphere, crafted cocktails and selective menu will be enough to entice me in no matter the trip or occasion.
(5)
Chris C.
Service was terrible. The food was fine but not outstanding, and they were out of fried chicken. How does that happen?
(2)
J. L.
Stopped in for lunch. Wait was shorter than expected - told 30 minutes, only waited for 10. Server was very nice, but forgot to put our app order in so it was delivered to our table about 5 minutes after our lunch was delivered. Our lunch was delicious, but towards the end of my meal I found two hairs in my pile of chips.
(2)
Chris J.
One of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are a must have appetizer. Service has always been great, the drinks are good too. I try to make it here every time I visit Nashville.
(5)
Aprille H.
We went here on a whim. My mom and I were not sure if we were going to find and good fresh food downtown. We came and sat at the bar. Brian and Constantin took great care of us. When I yelp I usually do the experience. However what we had was awesome. We split the Greek chop and the pork loin . Both so delicious! They even split the entree for us so we had our own plate. The bill was really reasonable as well. Def somewhere to check out
(5)
Michelle S.
oh my goodness, this place is so delicious I ended up there twice on my last trip to nashville. The fried green tomatoes are amazing. The tots, amazing, the grits amazing, my chicken sandwich, incredible, the cob salad delicious. Eat here, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Alexandra S.
Fantastic food and great service. Great price very reasonable. We ordered the tator tots, guacamole, wings, bbq sandwich and chicken sandwich. I love the ambience.
(5)
Rebecca G.
After much debate, we ended the evening at Merchants! The Green Tomatoes and French Fries with Ranch dressing were amazing! The burger worked too! Loved sitting at a window seat and watching Nashville fly by!
(4)
Sheena T.
I went to Merchants (the lower restaurant) before a concert with a group of 4, and had a great experience! The location is great, and I really love that the building is historic and the restaurant is beautiful inside. You can eat downstairs for a more causal experience or upstairs for a more formal meal. I have only been to the lower restaurant, but want to go back and try the top level! Our table got the crab guacamole to start and I split the turkey club sandwich with another person. The sandwich was nothing to brag about, but the sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had (and I've had a lot!). They were large cut fries and tasted amazing. I could eat a whole helping of them! The guac was very good and they set out small containers of pepper seasoned popcorn which was really nice to snack on before our food came. They had a great cocktail menu. I had 2 mojitos and they were fabulous after my hectic Friday. My friend had a gin drink that was well liked among the table also. We were a bit rushed to get to the concert, so I wasn't able to sit and savor the meal as much as I would have liked, but next time I will take my time. Great experience and I can't wait to eat here again!
(4)
Jon L.
Great atmosphere and excellent options. Somebody will even offer to shine your shoes while you eat...
(5)
Ariana P.
Great location. Great service. I had the fried chicken and my friend had the brisket. Both were super under-season. I wanna give it 5 stars because our server was honestly great, but you go to a restaurant for the food :(
(3)
Whitney R.
Was traveling across the country and had to stop in Music City. I was staying at the aLoft and it was suggested to grab dinner at Merchants. It was a Monday night and as expected, it was packed. I sat at the bar and was immediately greeted by multiple bartenders with water, menus and my drink order. Per suggestion by the tender I got a wedge salad and the sweet tea pork chop. Both excellent. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(4)
Andrea N.
Our waiter was accommodating beyond the normal expectations. Thanks buddy! Thanks for the gluten free beer option; blue dog was a nice blend with the salmon blt (and thanks for making it without the bread for me). Be sure to taste the popcorn, it was a fun and innovative starter. My husband got the steak and added their chipotle and garlic sauces to it; he was a happy camper.
(5)
David D.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. This place is on my must stop at every time I come through.
(5)
Nicole B.
My husband and I came to Nashville for the weekend and stopped in here late on a Saturday night. We were seated right away on the heated patio. The chili and shrimp chowder were great. The wings were baked and dry rubbed and by far the best we EVER had. Highly suggested to go, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jennifer S.
Love it!! Duck Fat Tater tots! Sweet Tea Pork, and the Blackened Catfish was delicious! Absolutely recommend it!
(5)
Hannah P.
I am pretty much obsessed with Merchants. I had two nights in Nashville... I ate at Merchants both nights. The food was good! However, what kept me coming back was the service. I vacillated between amazement that my glass was always full to sheer awe at how cool and nice everyone is that works there. LOVED IT!
(5)
Charles Y.
Last night in Nashville and downtown for the Behold the Lamb of God performance at the Ryman. We decided on Merchant's due to close proximity to venue. Ashton was our server and she was delightful even though she is soon to move to Charleston, SC. I had the Salmon BLT sandwich and my wife had the Chicken BLT sandwich. Both were outstanding. If you are attending something downtown Nashville I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Stephanie I.
Great place to start the night downtown!! Make sure you make a reservation in advance or you won't get a table. The music is loud and the service is great. We never had an empty glass of water. We started with the deviled eggs and they were delicious!! Since we weren't starving we ordered the Greek salad which is huge and fresh and the Fish tacos. We really enjoyed our food. I wish we had ordered more but what we did order was great. If anyone is wanting to grab a quick bite to eat before going out or to a predators game, this is the place!
(4)
Corra S.
We are tourists in the city and found ourselves eating here two days in a row (lower lever). If you are tired of the bar or BBQ food, then go here. Fresh food, clean place, and lots of personality. Our bodies needed some "healthy" food after countless fried things over the weekend. But... We couldn't pass up the duck fat fried tater tots. Delicious! Also got the salmon strawberry salad (just what the doctor ordered. Side note- I dont even eat seafood but couldn't stop nibbling on my husbands salmon- cooked so well ad not fish tasting) and chicken fried chicken for dinner. Round two got the baked cheese, turkey sandwich and chicken salad salad for lunch the next day. Chicken salad was all white meat and one of the best chicken salads I've had. ALL of the food was delicious! Great flavors and spices! Drinks were also good- the blue moon (gin and lavender drink) was YUMMM!
(5)
Martha C.
In case your wondering, the dress code for this restaurant is handsome. Beautiful people creating and serving beautiful people. I felt privileged. A group of ladies and I enjoyed a fine dinning experience upstairs at Merchants one evening of our trip. Maybe it was the handsome people or the good food, either way I was in a great way, if you know what I mean!. We all felt young, hot and ready to go! I got the steak and it was fabulous; done just right for me! The stellar dish of the evening however was a friends duck fat tots. You can never go wrong with duck fat! Seriously! She was so fabulous that rather than getting the fries, which are typically served upstairs, she get the tots, which are typically served downstairs. Either way they were a panty dropper. So good! Bravo Merchants! Bravo!
(4)
John W.
There is - despite the several positive reviews - nothing special about Merchants. This restaurant is constantly crowded with noisy tourists bit is difficult to get a table, service is polite but inconsistent, and the food is overpriced. We had the tater tots, which might have been ordered from Macdonalds for half the price, and a very dry brisket with even drier cornbread slice. Won't eat here again.
(2)
Rick W.
Good service, good location, good food. We lunched there. The duck fat tater tots are a great appetizer. A full order was plenty for four. The jambalaya was very good, as was the corn chowder. The presentation of all dishes was excellent. Merchants is worth a try.
(4)
Antony T.
This was one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville as a local based off my first visit. Good food and service. The second time the food was consistent but the attitude of all three servers that night was so bad that I will never go back again.
(2)
LL T.
Great food especially when you sit at the bar and don't have to deal with the wait. I ordered several sides - duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs, green salad and peach cobbler. Wasn't really hungry so it was a good portion. Especially the half order of tater tots. I'm looking forward to coming back here for lunch since I'm here for business travel.
(4)
Ang R.
Great brunch. Duck fat tater tots. Dry rubbed chicken wings. Was surprised because it is right on Broadway. Service was excellent. Very friendly.
(4)
Alisha W.
I have dined a few times at the downstairs restaurant of Merchants. Both times the meal was good. I had the veggie burger the first time and it was great, the sweet potato fires really sealed the deal. The second time I had the chicken pecan salad. It was really good, lots of blackened chicken that was delicious. The only bad the was a few pieces of lettuce were not fresh and mushy! Ick! We also had the fish tacos that were very good as well! The service was not that great but I think the waiter was just being trained. I will visit again!
(4)
Robert R.
My girlfriend Julie & I had dinner here and the food was pretty good but not extraordinary. She had the veggie burger & I had the jambalaya. Her burger was ok and my jambalaya wasn't too bad. The interior is pretty cool and this is a decent option if you are out on Broadway.
(3)
Violet W.
Very disappointed, food is not good at all, the fried chicken is dry and corn chowder is weird tasting shrimps are not fresh, tater tots are nice but that's all. Service is pretty good~
(2)
Corey W.
So I had never been in Merchants on any level before. Stumbled past it drunk on Broadway but never gave it much thought since there wasn't Blaring music and cheap beer. Also, up to now I was under the bias that anything located on the Broadway strip was just another tourist trap. I can't speak for the other floors of the place but after having Dinner on the second floor I believe I was wrong. They started off on a great note with me. Free valet service which is crucial because of the location on Broadway. That and I love pulling up to a valet stand in my dented old Honda Civic. This place is great for a quiet upscale dinner. Setting is fairly romantic. Service is very professional. It was interesting is when looking at their drink menu I was handed a tablet PC with an interactive list so you could look up drinks by category. While I thought it was very cool, it did take away from the ambiance. Something about a smartly printed hard paper menu can't be replaced in a place going for more formal romantic. Food was top notch. I appreciated the menu size. By that I mean there was enough to give variety but it still fit nicely in medium print on one page. I hate going to a nicer Restaurant where reading the menu feels like reading the instruction manual to a NASA spaceship (Cheesecake Factory comes to mind here), and is a serious time commitment. Nothing blew me away but the consistency and quality were top tier Nashville. It is easy to rack up a bill pretty quickly. My significant other and I went, indulging a little since we hadn't eaten out in the last two weeks; 3 cocktails, appetizer, 2 entrees and a desert later we had a $125 bill. I will say though it was worth it. I'll be going again. And wish I could give them 4.5 stars
(4)
Daniel K.
Merchants is always a party in your mouth! The duck fat tater tots are to die for! I also love the Sazarac for my drink. They actually removed the drink from the menu, but I was able to order it and it was amazing as usual. Whenever I come to town I make sure to go to Merchants once, if not twice!
Cool spot. Their hostess station is passed the bar thru the entrance on Broadway. They couldn't accommodate a table of 7 so we had to sit outside. We just needed food so sure! It was hot though. My aunt had the deviled eggs, grandma had the soup (I don't know why given the weather), and my nephew had the root beer float. My cousin and I split the tator tots cooked in duck fat which made no difference to me, the fried green tomatos which was a must have since I've never seen it on a menu before and a side salad that had a pretty delicious dressing. Drinks were unique. I had the Beauty and the Beast and it was quite strong. My cousins was something much more up her alley. Service was good, music played outside and it was definitely not the country or live music heard all up and down the main strip there. There are definitely cheaper places to eat but this is a nice spot.
The location is perfect and the food is great. We had a burger and the macaroni and cheese for our entrees. The mac was incredible. Our fries were cold but they immediately corrected with hotfries.
(4)
Laura O.
Visiting Nashville for a conference and a local colleague recommended for dinner. Had a great experience! Loved sitting at the bar while we were waiting for our table. The whole vibe of the downstairs was great! We started with drinks recommended by the very charming bartenders and loved the duck fat tots and baked cheese for starters. Once moved to our table our server was excellent and the brisket was very tasty. Would recommend this place if you are looking for a great casual spot for dinner with a fun vibe and great service!
(4)
Paul C.
I was contacted by a rep from the restaurant and asked to come back. I have to say, my experience was completely different. I'm going to be a little skeptical and say that the fact that they invited me back had something to do with the better experience. With that said, here's my review of Merchants. Service: Our server, Brandy, was very sweet and attentive. Our water was constantly refilled and our food came out quickly. Several of us asked for her recommendation and she knew the menu. We all ordered items that she recommended and they were all very good. The manager came over and checked on us several times. She even recommended an appetizer that was not yet on the menu and it was very good. Food: I ordered the pork loin and that was very tender and moist. This was my favorite of the night. However, i didn't care for tge grits that came with it. My buddies order the beef brisket, and the jambalaya. Both were pretty good, but not great. Our favorite appetizer were the chicken wing. It had a really good Cajun rub on it. The tater tots were good too, but nothing out of the ordinary.
(4)
Angela P.
I love this place! There's a cool, modern/throwback/cosmopolitan/I don't know what I'm talking about...vibe to Merchants. We came here on a Friday night around 10:00 p.m. There are two menus here: upstairs and downstairs. We were seated downstairs, which was our preference anyway. Downstairs is a more casual (less expensive) menu. I had the macaroni & cheese. I think $15 is overpriced for mac & cheese, but the dish was really good and was more like a "gourmet" mac & cheese. The bacon cheeseburger at $13 was "fine" according to my husband. We shared the fried green tomatoes, reasonably priced as an appetizer, and the pimiento cheese served with them made them even better! The cocktails are done well here. I had the "botanist," which was made with St. Germain and other "refreshing" liquors. Cocktails are in the typical $10+ range. Although a little overpriced, Merchants does execute their menu well. And it's definitely a place I'd recommend for appetizers and cocktails. They also do shoe-shines in the lobby area in case you've scuffed your shoes at the honky tonk...I guess.
(4)
Cathy L.
Memorable meal. The food was delicious. Tater tots for the appetizer are a must. Order the full size, the half size is so much smaller, you can always take the extras home if you can't eat the entire full order. Main courses we've tried and enjoyed, brisket, fish tacos, chicken salad-salad and jambalaya. The service was excellent both times. My only complaint and why 4 instead of 5 stars- the bathrooms were very dusty not so much dirty but the place needs a good scrubbing! Oh and the music got too loud throughout our meal.
(4)
Maggy P.
Stopped here for lunch first day in Nashville. Had a cool Brooklyn vibe right in the middle of Broadway. So much food for cheap - had the duck fat tots (amazing) and a grilled cheese and soup. Cocktails were good and the service was great.. The guys helping us gave us some suggestions for places to check out while were in town.
(4)
Craig C.
Great bar downstairs. Took my Dad here for a drink and appetizer. Nice to see the bartenders using fresh produce in all the cocktails. Our bartender is visibly hung over from last night, but he still made a good drink.
(4)
Beth R.
My friend and I were visiting from Philly we came down with intentions of hanging out in the honky tonks and listening to live music. We ran into a local at bar who suggested Merchants, we needed a salad. We were told to eat downstairs as it was delish and not too expensive. We sat at the bar and right away ryan greeted us. He was an awesome guy and provided GREAT service. The food did not disappoint. We had the tots, shrimp and corn chowder and the Cobb salad. The taste and presentation were out of this world. We also had the pecan pie.. Also amazing. I highly recommend going here!!!
(5)
D. B.
Drinks were great. Food was average. brisket wasn't very tender. Had to cut it with a knife. Nice atmosphere though.
(3)
Kristin G.
I've been wanting to try Merchants for awhile now and we finally went for my birthday. I ordered based on recommendations on yelp and thought the food was pretty decent but not amazing: Duck fat tater tots, fish tacos, and blackened tilapia. Best part by far was the drink selection...I had two really tasty drinks both with St. Germaine in them (its a fav) and they were AMAZING. Service was also really good, which is always a plus. Will likely return and try a different app/entree combination.
(4)
Roger Y.
It is on the main tourist strip on Broadway in downtown Nashville. Not surprisingly, the downstairs bistro had lots of energy, buzzing with activities during our visit at 9 pm on a weeknight. We were seated promptly at our reserved time. Service was attentive even on a busy night. Drinks were good and refreshing. The deviled egg appetizer was a bit rubbery and only came in one flavor instead of a variety. The chicken fried chicken was well done. The breading was crunchy while the meat was moist and not over cooked. The fish taco had cream based toppings over fried fish. I would say the bistro is nice but not a destination. It is a fun place to eat and drink if you are in the area. The upstairs restaurant is probably a very different experience which I have yet to try.
(3)
Allison S.
Drinking a "rise n' fall" (Chattanooga 1816 reserve whiskey, liquor 43, allspice dram, orange bitters) and eating a blackened catfish sandwich (caught in Kentucky lake TN with pickled chow chow). Excellent!
(5)
Miles H.
I ordered the salmon BLT and it was outstanding. The homemade chips are delicious and salted with sea salt. The drink selection is extensive and my girlfriends Tennessee mojito was AWESOME. definitely worth a visit if the wait is not too long.
(5)
Joe B.
We forgot to make a reservation and it was booked for the night, but I was told they only take reservations for half the restaurant. We showed up around 6pm on a Saturday night and were told it'd be a 25 minute wait. They can text you when your table is ready, which was great since we got to check out a few other places while waiting. By 630, the wait was up to an hour and 15 minutes so we lucked out And now for the important stuff... The food was delicious. I had the chicken fried chicken and the pulled pork sandwich (yes I was hungry). Both pulled pork sandwich was a solid 9/10, but the chicken fried chicken was top notch. Excellent service from our waitress Kiley too. Bottomless sweet teas were great!
(5)
Amber J.
Duck fat tater tots!?! Yes, please! The chipotle mayo dipping sauce was fabulous! The ranch coated popcorn while you wait was amazing!
(4)
Jennifer H.
In town for a girls weekend and we always make reservations for the first night a head of time. So happy we found a great place downtown, started off with a drink called the mad hatter...jack, absithe, fresh lemonade. We also order the duck fat fried tater tots and the southern fry. I did not care much for the fried okra, I guess it is an acquired taste. I shared a meal wIth a friend and they split it for us....mac and cheese and chicken fried chicken. Yum! Good service,
(4)
Ashley W.
Amazing. We came here late (around midnight) on Sunday night after a bit of drinking - we had just been passed over at the Star Wars auditions and were drowning our sorrows along Broadway. The bartenders were so friendly and bantered easily with us. They refused our request to buy a round for the kitchen for inconveniencing them at the end of their shift, which was gentlemanly. After I looked over their cocktail list and couldn't find anything I particularly wanted, they mixed me up something special. It was something with bitters and lemon and whiskey and other things I can't recall. It was absolutely delicious and went perfectly with the duck fat fried tater tots. If you're in the area, stop in to Merchants just for those. Good Lord. As good as the food and service were, I loved the decor here as well - classic tri-chromatic diner color palate with an old-world feel. They also had a fantastic playlist going. Next time we're in Nashville we'll definitely return.
(5)
Heidi F.
Excellent, down to earth service! The duck tots were all right...soup and sammy was awesome! Chicken fried chicken was delish! The bartender was serious about his craft and made the most excellent mojito! This is probably the most eclectic people you will ever see!
(4)
Becky E.
I was visiting Nashville with my best friend for the weekend and decided to stop in at Merchants!! Probably the best meal of the weekend! I had the Sammy & Soup. Grilled cheese & bacon sandwich with tomato soup!! Ultimate comfort food for me! Absolutely fantastic!!! My friend had the blackened catfish sandwich and shrimp corn chowder. She raved on & on about how good it was!! Definitely stop in for a bite of you're in town!!!!
(5)
J S.
Brian Hall was our server and was wonderful! Ask for him.... So enjoyable. He recommended the Brisket which was great. He's adorable and personable.
(5)
Krista K.
Best Moscow mule I have ever had. They make their own ginger syrup to create an amazing flavor. The Moscow mule is served with a piece of candied ginger on top. Wow... Dustin was our server and was fantastic, even though we arrived minutes before closing. Their ranch popcorn was crave-able! Ask nicely and they will give you the super secret recipe!
(5)
Cathleen N.
We dined upstairs since the brased short ribs caught my eye. The ambiance itself is quite pleasing and there was plenty of room to move around. I had a Miss Atomic Bomb which is the ultimate girly drink and was a great recommendation by our waitress. We skipped on the appetizers and went straight to the main entree. I wasn't as wowed as I thought I would be. My short ribs were actually much too salty for my taste. The celery puree and roasted beets were what saved the dish for me. It seemed to balance out the saltiness so that I could at least manage to eat the dish. The broccoli seemed as though it was just added to the dish as an afterthought. It wasn't seasoned at all. For dessert, my fiance had the strawberry hand pie which he didn't even finish. It wasn't as appetizing as the description made it out to be. I had a chocolate/peanut dessert that was quite delicious! It also came with some ice cream which aided in balancing out the richness of the chocolate. I think that should we return to Merchants, we will be dining downstairs as that's where a majority of the good reviews come from.
(3)
Taylor J.
Stopped in on Saturday around 1pm and as I was by myself, I grabbed a seat at the bar that was open. The bartender was very helpful in helping pick a local brew to my liking (Jackalope Thunder Ann) and he was right on. He was very friendly and attentive, and helped with food recommendations too. I was torn between the brisket and pulled pork. He recommended pulled pork since it was lunchtime, as well as the sweet potato fries as my side. I didn't even realize that I got a side because the options aren't listed on the menu. But his recommendation did NOT disappoint. The sweet potato fries were the best part of the whole meal. I HIGHLY recommend them... delicious!!! As for the pulled pork, it was just average. Nothing I haven't had elsewhere, and I was looking for better on my first meal in Nashville. It is nice to have the BBQ sauce on the side so you can control how much is on the sandwich. My only real complaint is that my seat at the bar was on the end next to the station where the waitstaff makes their own mixed drinks. That didn't bother me, but it did bother me that they continually complained about their customers as they stood there making their drinks. I may have only been one person, but you're still within earshot of at least one customer who can hear you complain and criticize the people who are essentially putting money in your pocket. And they were just making fun of the special requests people were making for the mixed drinks - if they're paying and they're drinking it, why do you care? Why be mean about it? Very unprofessional.
(3)
Katherine C.
I found this place via yelp while looking for a "not too touristy" place to eat. My parents and I were surprised by the variety and atmosphere right off of the main strip. The hosts gave us several sitting options and were helpful. We of course ordered the duck fat tater tots and they were incredible. I ordered the steak frites (I substituted for the house made chips which were on par) and it was easily the best steak I have ever had. If they serve steak in heaven, this is what they'll use. The waiter also brought out popcorn that was very good and had several different flavors to it-we had to ask for more! Their drink selection is vast and the bar and bartenders are very diverse and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this place--the first place my dad gave a 5 start rating to!
(5)
Kevin J.
Awesome. Get the fish tacos. Pulled pork sandwich was also good. Bartenders make excellent craft cocktails. If you want an old fashion or similar drink, they make them right. This place is the only classy, decent place to eat around that area. Everywhere else is standard to below average bar food, which is fine when you are hammered, but if you want a nice meal before you go out, this is the place to go.
(5)
Donald L.
My wife and I ate her on our stop over on the way to our Florida Vacation. Loved the location in the historical building. It was just like it looked on the website. So we scheduled a table in the bistro on the first floor. The service was perfect, drinks always full and the food was spot on! We tried the duck fat fried Tater Tots, very good. She had the Fried Chicken and i had the Jambalaya. The chicken was crispy and the mashed potatoes and spinach was excellent. The Jambalaya packed some heat, it was not over the top, but just perfect. I had added a side of corn bread that was a good way to cool the pallet. Looking forward for another visit!
(4)
Janet N.
We came here for a few cocktails on New Year's Eve 2012/13 to get out of the rain, and I'm so glad we did. We made Merchant's a destination when a friend recommended the Rocky Top Flip, a (really tasty) cocktail that the bartenders here mix up. But we were also a bit peckish so we grabbed a few seats at the bar and ordered some food - fried green tomatoes and crab guacamole. (Both tasty, but my preference was for the tomatoes.) We were tempted by but did not order the duck fat tater tots. This place has a really cool ambiance - stylish but laid back, and the bartenders were chatty and pleasant, even on what is probably the worst night of the year to work. They have a menu of Nashville/Tennessee based cocktails, of which we tried four. One was a bit sweet for me (The "I Love Lucy," I think) but they were all good. It was the perfect place to spend a few hours on a rainy NYE, and I'd be happy to come back on another visit.
(4)
Matthew R.
So, it was Thanksgiving day, we are out of towners and hungrier than a bunch of broke college kids 3 months into school. We set out to see what was open to satisfy our hunger and decided to make the walk down to broadway. Much to my dismay, Broadway was open for business. We walked up and down Broadway and happen to stroll by Merchants and went in on a whim. Initial impression was classic southern style with timeless southern hospitality. Immediately greeted with a smile and no wait for the lower floor. (Make sure you check out the menus for both floors). Wait staff was more than friendly and attentive. We were never left waiting for anything and our water glasses were never empty. Cocktails and beers were on point and constant attention to how our experience was going made this a very enjoyable place. Surprisingly, Merchants was really busy and not an empty table in the place. As for the food, we started with the duck fat fried tater tots, simply amazing! Light, crunchy, not greasy and amazing flavorful. I ordered the Cobb salad and the grilled chicken sandwich, both of which were amazing. The salad had fresh lettuce, great egg and chicken and an amazing light sprinkle of house dressing. The grilled chicken salad was a very generous fresh grilled chicken breast topped with delicious Swiss, lettuce and tomato. I was lucky enough to get a side of slaw from my brothers meal that I put on top that just set this off. I would recommend asking for slaw on it or getting a side and adding it yourself. All in all, great service, great fresh food and a very happy atmosphere. They also had plenty of TVs around the bar to watch the Thanksgiving day games. A must try place if you have the time.
(4)
Sarah K.
went to merchants with some friends over the weekend! we split some appetizers--the baked cheese and duck fat tater tots. the tater tots were excellent! i had the fish tacos. delicious, but hard to eat. the sweet potato fries (which i chose over the slaw per the recommendation of our waiter) were thick and flavorful. i didn't care for the bbq sauce they were served with for dipping, so next time i'd ask for ketchup instead. we made a reservation and it was so easy and nice to be seated right when we arrived. the complimentary valet parking (to the side of the restaurant in the alley, not along the street) was super nice and convenient. will be going back here! prices were pretty reasonable for how nice of a restaurant it is.
(4)
Lauren M.
I was definitely pleasantly surprised with Merchants being smack-dab in the middle of Nashville's tourist strip but am so very happy with the experience! The idea is very cool - upstairs is nice dining and downstairs is a more casual affair. They serve ranch-flavored popcorn as a snack when you sit down (delicious) and the waiters work together to make sure you are well taken care of. I got the pork with cheddar grits and was so very happy. My husband's mac 'n cheese was to die for. I only wish we lived closer to go back!
(5)
Sam U.
Great atmosphere and decor. It's a pleasant dining experience. Food was solid, I loved the chicken fried chicken. Apps are good as well, as others are pointing out the duckfat tater tots. I think it's a must for at least a drink, if not a meal, as you wander around downtown. I didn't see any other restaurant like it on Broadway. I felt it a little over priced for what it was, but based on location and uniqueness to the immediate area it was not unreasonable.
(4)
Heather G.
Actually one of the better meals we had in Nashville. Decent service, clean appearance of restaurant. Here is what you must try: duck fat tater tots. I think I have said enough!
(4)
Mike P.
First time to Nashville and wanted to find the quintessential Nashville restaurant for a quick bite. This was the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten. Lights out good! If ever back in town, Merchants will be on my short list of places to visit again..
(5)
Brian M.
Went to Merchant for dinner before our flight home. We were lucky enough to get Ross as our waiter. He made great suggestions and was speedy because we had a flight to catch. We highly recommend The Merchant and make sure you request Ross. Wonderful experience.
(5)
Laura F.
Pretty darn delicious. I got the pork chop with grits. I don't always like grits but these were very yummy. Pork was cooked perfectly. Our server was very likeable as well.
(4)
A B.
Had a bite downstairs today and the food was average for the price. Turkey sandwich was decent and fried green tomatoes were great but I kid you not, multiple servers asked no less than 9 times total if they could "get some of our plates out of the way." Okay fine, I don't want to sit in front of dirty empty plates (and i appreciate their attention to this) but we're talking about plates that still had food on them. Also, if I still have food in my hands, don't offer to take my plate. Common sense people.
(3)
A. C.
(6/22/2014) Great location in the midst of Lower Broad in the historic Merchant's Hotel, that's pretty much the greatest thing about it. Place is very popular, good thing we had a reservation, people were still jammed in there pressed up against our table. Cocktails were tasty, pricey. Food was OK, not great, would call it adequate, nothing was bad, but nothing was special or outstanding, not even the Duck Fat Tater Tots (while they were excellent tots, they're still a from-frozen Ore-Ida tater tot not matter what you fry them in). I will say the Bernaise Sauce was absurdly delicious, but it's pretty much a stick of melted butter, can't go wrong. They seem to try to make up for it with generous portion sizes. Deviled Eggs were just as good as at any picnic. The Southern Fry was plentiful, somewhat over-fried, thin pickles, okra, small shrimp were dry, the larger catfish pieces were all right. We were full and enjoyed the company, Merchant's let us do that.
(3)
Evelyn R.
Duck fat tater tots were really good and came with great dipping sauces. Fish tacos were fantastic and light. Chicken fried chicken was perfectly crispy, tender, and juicy on a bed of mashed potatoes and wilted spinach which really made the whole dish amazing. And you can't go wrong with any of the cocktails, they're all delicious. Loved the decor and feel of the place, a Nashville highlight!
(5)
Laura D.
The duck tater tots are awesome when paired with their trip of dipping sauces and the cheese dip has an incredible depth of flavor. The mad hatter is a treat because it's a slightly sweet drink but not sickly so. Ryan J has Zach Braff's charm but is a super competent server. Don't miss this late night hot spot!
We dined here before a concert. Easily seated and the service was good. The duck fat tater tots were okay. Neat atmosphere but food wasn't memorable.
(3)
Hillary H.
awesome, Meghan was great, we always had refills and great food and service! try it
(5)
David L.
I've dined both upstairs and downstairs here over the years. My upstairs dining experience is quite dated, though, so I'll confine my comments here to my recent downstairs experience. Frankly, the downstairs area is not that roomy, so it has always seemed to be hit or miss in my experience as to whether you can land a table without a reservation. Fortunately, this time, I had a reservation! (I highly recommend you follow suit.) The servers here have never seemed to have a lot of time on their hands, so they rush around at a pretty frenzied pace. Nevertheless, we received quick attention and were given ample time to decide on our meals. (Note: I let the server know we had an engagement at the Ryman at 7:30pm so they would be aware of our need for quick turnaround and attention. I should also emphasize that this was not the first time I've dined here prior to a TPAC , Arena or Ryman event. They readily accept the guidance and act accordingly. Refreshing!) Even though we were somewhat in a rush - we arrived at 6pm - we simply had to pause for a glass of wine. Nice house choices are available, and we chose the cab. Nice! So, time was a-wasting - we needed to order. I opted for the fish tacos, with the duck fat tater tots. The mahi-mahi was quite good and the guacamole provided a nice, fresh zest. The slaw that accompanied the tacos had a nice tang to it, as well. And the tater tots - these were hot and delicious. Once dipped in the chipotle mayo, each tot tasted just great! Exactly what I hoped for. Exactly what I got! My beautiful and savvy daughter - always the one to focus her palate on a simple dish with potential flair - chose the soup n' sammy: A nice blend of cheddar and gouda cheeses with a creamy tomato soup. Simple, perfect, understated, but wholly satisfying. Just what she wanted. Admittedly, not the most elegant meal. But, that was not our intent. We clearly intended to have a nice, quick but relaxing meal before a fun concert. It absolutely met our expectations! - Solid customer service. - Good food, popping with flavors. - Reasonable prices. - Convenient location. - oh, and valet parking! This spot has always held a unique position in my head as a quaint, fun place to start an evening of downtown entertainment. It is conveniently located, in close proximity to TPAC, the Ryman or the Arena. I recommend you try it for the start of an enjoyable evening. You can't go wrong!
(4)
Jeff E.
We ate on the ground floor level and this was the perfect place for our first night in Nashville. Great southern fare and great cocktails. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a casual place that feels a little upscale. Get the chicken fried chicken!
(4)
Samantha S.
Food was delicious and service was excellent!! Brian was our waiter and he was awesome!
(5)
Jennifer F.
Came to merchants are and say outside. We had the Tator tots which were great. Unsure of what else to have we turned to the waiter for guidance. Ryan helped is out and helped my husband choose 2 great drinks. We had the wings and the Cobb salad. service was fantastic. Ryan was wonderful. Would definitely come again.
(5)
Cristina A.
Had a great dinner. Upstairs was a bit expensive and we changed our mind and went downstairs. The Tennessee mojito is a must if you like a sweet fresh drink. They also had a good beer selection. We tried the tater tots and they were good with the buffalo sauce. I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Debbie M.
Wow I've been blown away at many a place but this was phenomenal with an upscale nawlins sophistication but staying true to the the deep south hospitality with the best fare Nashville has to offer- oh so worth it
(4)
Joe M.
Great place right on Broadway, we ate upstairs. I had a steak and it was cooked perfect. Our waiter Mike offered up some good suggestions. We were a group of 6 and all were happy with their food. Fish, steak, salad and a few other things were ordered. Good eating by all
(4)
Anthony D.
Came back. Had chicken fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and tater tots. All were awesome!
(5)
Dagger B.
Luv this restaurant!!!! Upstairs menu has the best food though IMO but everything is exceptionally great!
(5)
Nick O.
This is a must stop in Nashville for dinner but gets packed at weekends so get there early. Upstairs is finer dining, downstairs is more a bistro feel. This is a place where the ladies can really dress up, or go casual either works as a very mixed crowd. There is a great vibe at the bar if you're by yourself too. Staff are awesome, very chatty and the food is always good. Check out the menu on their site it's all good stuff, steak and fish are superb here. Good selection of wine and scotches. If you are in Nashville for a romantic weekend, make this your first night for dinner and let your date wear that sexy dress, then head down the street and cross over to "crossroads" for some great music. Welcome to Nashville!
(4)
Leesa W.
Best sweet potato fries. Friendly staff. Glad we chose this over Rippy's. Pleasant atmosphere.
(5)
Jen F.
Loved the duck fat tater tots! That bearnaise sauce is so good! The full order is really big! Enough for 3 or more people to share. My husband was expecting to taste more of a duck fat flavor. The fish tacos are really good too!
(4)
Todd And Annie S.
We had an appetizer, an entree and a locally brewed beer. Overall experience very delightful; friendly service and enjoyed our fish tacos and southern fried app! Nice break from the strip scene and neat historical bldg. Very eclectic menu would love to try again.
(4)
Emily K.
Very very good! The salads are great for lunch and the tatter tots are really good. Great drink choices and the service was excellent.
(5)
Kim G.
They duck fat tots are ok, have had better. The chicken fried chicken was pretty tasty along with the spinach and mashed taters! The brisket was tender but the cornbread tasted a few dats old and dry...the cocktails and service were the star here! Great southern hospitality and the Mad Hatter cocktail was delish and was tipsy after 2!
(4)
Mark M.
Had late lunch. Grilled chicken sandwich was tasty. Server friendly. For broadway it lacked tourist feel which was nice!
(4)
Val M.
Really yummy drinks and food! Not crazy about the green tomatoes, but my tilapia was good. Also had good service at the bar which I loved.
(4)
Kyle T.
While looking for food downtown we managed to stumble upon this gem. We started with the duck fat tater tots which hit the spot just right. The best part were the entrees. We ordered the fish tacos and the pulled pork sandwich. We asked them to split it so we could share and like most places I expected them to cut the sandwich in half for us. What ended up happening was not only did they cut them in half but they gave them to us on separate plates with full sized side portions on each one. If you're looking for a place with wonderful food and service at a great price you've gotta come here!
(5)
Rebecca O.
I went to Merchant's for lunch on a Wednesday after shopping downtown. The restaurant exceeded all my expectations, so much so that my group decided to return again for lunch the next day. I ordered the Duck Fat Tater Tots, Chicken Fried Chicken, and House Salad. I don't like duck so I was reluctant to try to Tater Tots but I'm so glad I did. They were delicious! The Chicekn Fried Chicken was perfectly cooked, crispy outside, juicy and tender inside. The house salad had a wonderful lemon/garlic vinaigrette dressing. If I could have bought a bottle on the spot I would have! The second day I had the salad again (I'm obsessed with the dressing!) and the Beef Brisket. The beef was so tender it fell apart as soon as I touched it with my fork. The corn bread was the perfect side, and very tasty. Lastly, but most important, I have to mention our waiter Daniel. He is fantastic. A genuine, friendly, and helpful person he enhanced the atmosphere and food to make it a truely memorable experience. I really can't say enough nice things about him. If you stop in, ask for Daniel. You won't be disappointed. Great atmosphere, food, and service. If I lived in Nashville, I would be a regular at Merchants.
(5)
Jonathan M.
The staff here goes above and beyond many other restaurants that I have visited! I have an allergy to tree nuts and the chief personally came out and made sure that there was absolutely no cross contamination and offered me plenty of alternatives, some that were not listed on the menu. The food here was well prepared and very tasty, and the prices were reasonable.
(5)
Bridgette C.
I really like this place. I've only been to the bistro part downstairs (there's another space upstairs that's more high-end dining) but this place has always provided me with a good meal and a good time whenever I'm downtown. I went here with girlfriends on a Friday night before attending the symphony (which I'd like to take this moment to say, if you haven't been, go to the symphony!!) and they were extremely busy. I hate being that person who's all "we have someplace to be" but we were hungry and so I was stuck being that person. The staff were amazing about it, however, and very attentive. Our server got our order in quickly without sacrificing good service. We made it with time to spare. I was VERY impressed and grateful, so much so that we went back after the symphony to have dessert...which was a great idea because their pumpkin cheesecake and bread pudding are amazing offerings. The atmosphere may be a little odd (it's almost 50s meets 20s meets slow jams on the radio, not sure why it works but it does) but its a great place for a good meal right in the heart of downtown. And thanks again for being so great to us that night Merchants, we appreciate it!
(4)
Katie P.
My boyfriend and I had been to a concert at Mercy Lounge and we're wondering around the downtown area at 2am looking for somewhere to eat. We stumbled into this place and saw they had a late-night menu. First of all, the place is gorgeous, with it's classy black and white tile and sparkling surfaces. The free ranch popcorn appetizer was amazing, as was the club sandwich with tomato basil mayo and sweet potato fries that I ordered. I can't wait to go back again!!
(5)
Sally H.
Amazing fish tacos. And bartender ryan will make you super good cocktails!! I was in town for a football game. Great time.
(4)
Nisa A.
Aside from an extremely rude waitress, the food at Merchants was really good and it was located in a fun area within Nashville. The drinks here were all really interesting, and you can tell the bartenders take pride in their various concoctions (I definitely recommend the Miss Atomic Bomb if you're looking for something that's sweet, but not too sweet). The food was good overall, and this place was a pretty posche spot. My only recommendation is that the restaurant hire nicer individuals who actually pay attention to their consumers; I was really disappointed by the service and treatment we received.
(4)
Joshua P.
Pretty good meal in the heart of Nashville tourist central. The restaurant was packed but I was able to grab a seat at the bar immediately. I had the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits. I was surprised by the great service and solid food in such a touristy location. I'd definitely eat here again.
(4)
Steven F.
This place was okay, nothing special. I definitely had my expectations way too high since this place was a 4-star 200+ review restaurant. This restaurant has a two floor system where the bottom floor is for a more casual dining experience and the top floor is for a more chef-driven semi-formal dining experience. That being said, we shot for the casual floor so I cannot speak for the other part of the restaurant. What I liked: Duck-fat Tater Tots (would give me reason to come back), Wings, Botanist (gin cocktail), Burger with a fried egg on top What I didn't like: Mac-and-Cheese, Brisket
(3)
Greg D.
Merchants was on our bucket lists of restaurants to hit while we were in town. They did not disappoint. There were six of us in our party and we were told that the wait would be about a half hour and they would text us when it was ready. So we hit a few stores on Broadway to pick up some gifts for the kids. We were texted in about 20 minutes. We were seated in a booth that was rather big. Merchants was just finishing the lunch rush and it was slightly crowded. To start you off you receive free ranch flavored popcorn. Good popcorn. It was our last meal in Nashville before our flight back to Chicago, so I did not drink. I had the unsweetened ice tea. We ordered some apps. We tried fried green tomatoes, wings and the deviled eggs. All were good but the eggs were the best. I had the shrimp corn chowder soup. It was outstanding. Our group of six all had burgers and fish tacos. I had the burger with bacon and it was just great. Juicy with barely any pink showing in the meat. Prices seem to be inline with other places on Broadway. I really liked Merchants. The place is super clean and the staff was attentive. A well oiled machine if you will.
(5)
Christina T.
Very nice interior. You can dress up or dress down. They had two menus: upstairs dining room (fancier and quieter) and downstairs (bar is downstairs with tvs). Cool copper top bar. They give you popcorn to munch on while you wait. It is dusted with ranch dressing mix--addictive. I had the veggie burger which wasn't bad (3 out of 5 stars). They didn't have an option for a wheat bun. Sweet potato fries are amazing, along with the house salad (lemon garlic vinaigrette dressing---yum!!).
(4)
Josh B.
Definitely appears to be one of (if not the) nicest restaurant on Broadway. Expected to wait a while but only ended up being 5-10 minutes. Split a few appetizers and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Felt very clean and well managed. Great local beer options!
(4)
Bob G.
This place was a lifesaver. On a cold Tuesday night in November we were looking for somewhere decent to eat before hitting a few bars. All we had seen in the previous hour and a half was tumbleweed blowing through deserted streets and bars! But this place was a find and worth waiting for... although at 10:30, we were kinda hungry! Seriously a nice place, good atmosphere and good Southern food. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Robert U.
Very good! As you may know, this is two restaurants in one: upstairs is more formal, while downstairs is casual and almost pubby. Downstairs Review: So it's pretty casual and a bit noisy. I had a business dinner here, and it was not too loud for our chat. I had a reservation and was seated promptly. Very well done. I had the "soup and sammy," and it was excellent. The soup was a tomato bisque that was really flavorful. The sammy was a grilled cheese with bacon. The bread was buttered and lightly toasted, giving it the appearance of a ruben. It was really good. I also appreciated the local brews they served. Overall, I really enjoyed it. (I don't give many five stars, but Merchants is pretty darn close. I'll go again. If it's this good again, I'll revise to 5-stars.)
(4)
Keith P.
If you are going to operate a restaurant at least create your food instead of serving what i can buy in the freezer section of the grocery store. We went here after the symphony on Saturday night at 10pm. First let me start with the good things. The service was great. Now the bad things, we ordered the duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs and a cheeseburger after reading other reviews on yelp about merchant's mediocrity. The deviled eggs were bland and flavorless. The tater tots basically came out of an orida bag in the freezer as did the sweet potato fries that came with our burger. The burger was not bad but nothing I could not get anywhere else. Skip this place and go somewhere off of Broadway.
(2)
Amanda K.
Bar food with a little upscale touch to it in the heart of Nashville on Broadway. Service was great, as well as the food!
(5)
Lalie K.
I find Merchants to be a delightful and refreshing break from the downtown madness. The interior is open and bright and reminiscent of places I have been outside of Nashville. The service is always decent, the food is good and the drinks are well crafted. This is the type of place I would visit upon repeat. Lunches, Dinners or Cocktails with, coworkers, family or friends, this spot is versatile enough to fit most occasions. Merchants is enjoyable and safe and you just can't ever go quite wrong in selecting it as a dining or drinking destination.
(4)
Debi W.
First time at this restaurant and it was amazing. We had the chicken fried chicken and the jambalaya and it was awesome. They also have a great wine list!! It is a must try restaurant in Nashville!! Ask for Wendy
(5)
Rachel M.
Duck Fat tater tots. That's all you need to know.
(5)
Harry R.
Great food, I had the sweet tea pork and My sister had the chicken fried chicken. Both amazing. Would recommend to everyone
(5)
Jeffrey V.
To be honest i didn't get a wow from the duck fat tots. The fried green tomatoes were good but the Cobb salad was ho-hum. A nice place to escape the drone of all the music blasting from Broadway if you want a bite and be able to talk with your guest or just talk to yourself. Comfortable seating with tables or at the bar. We were in for a late lunch on Sunday and were seated immediately.
(3)
Shannon F.
Had a party of 40 here and could not have been happier great food and even better service! Thank you so much for such an amazing night!
(5)
Kristin Marie S.
I can't believe it took me three years to try out Merchants. With the amount of times I have eaten downtown it should have happened sooner. On Saturday night after the Art Crawl we decided to hit up downstairs at Merchants. We totally scored with the best seat in the house, the corner booth by the window! The people watching was great. We got to see the band and watch the crowd funnel out from the Ryman. Perfect! The decor is high class Johnny Rockets. I love the marble floors, I love the old building, I love the black and white color scheme. Bravo decorators, job well done! To the food! Normally I won't eat a sandwich at dinner, I'm weird, I understand this BUT the tomato soup and bacon grilled cheese were calling my name! They made the grilled cheese with gouda. So. good. Did I also mention there was bacon? The bacon melted in my mouth, seamless bites through and through. The tomato soup was spot on as well. Nothing special, just good ole tomato soup. I dipped, I ate, I slurped, I chomped, it was a great end to a fantastic Saturday!
(4)
Lori H.
Service started off good but tapered off. Once I was the only person my server had, he pretty much completely ignored me and literally walked circles around the bar. He also seemed to be quite interested in his crush on his coworker rather than actually doing his job. He actually lost a sale because of it, I had been planning on dessert but changed my mind as I got more irritated. The food itself was good. Chicken fried chicken was delicious. The whiskey selection is amazing, including a good selection of ryes which isn't always easy to find So in summary, if you don't mind being ignored, the food is pretty good. Not earth shattering, but good. They'd have a 4 star review if the service had been better.
(3)
Jill R.
The best oven roasted chicken that I have ever eaten! Everything was delicious starting with the wine and ending with the apple cake and coffee. Excellent service too. Must try it if in downtown Nashville,
(5)
Cameron P.
Awesome. Tator tots and fried chicken are a must. Delicious food, well priced and excellent customer service from waitress. super convenient location. Highly recommended.
(5)
Frey F.
Solid option when you're downtown. They've been here longer than most any food purveyor on these several blocks. They have consistently good management leading to consistently prompt and accurate service. Every time we've visited [which is usually before an event at Bridgestone] someone get's the fish taco's, they're always fresh. We've never had a meal that wasn't well prepared and fresh. One thing that sets them apart is that they hit their serving stride no matter how busy, we've been when it's packed and mid-afternoon on a weekday when it's slow and it's always outstanding. If you take out of town guests to Downtown Nashville you have a safe bet here.
(4)
Damien C.
On the second to the last day of a business trip to Nashville I went with a small group to Merchants for lunch. I cannot express enough how much I loved this place. Great atmosphere (sort of retro, cosmo, classy hip), stellar service and really amazing food. I opted for the duck fat tater tots, ranch popcorn, salmon BLT and washed it down with a local brew, Yazoo amber ale. Not one thing disappointed. In fact, tomorrow is my last day in Nashville and I'll be stopping by again for lunch on my way back to the airport. Do yourself a favor, if you're even halfway considering trying Merchants, go in. You'll regret it if you don't. Also, when speaking to the hostess, ask if Daniel is working. If he is, you'll want to ask to be seated in his section. As someone who spent the first 5 years of his working experience in the service industry, this man knows what's up. Really cool, genuinely friendly down to earth guy with who just wants to make sure you enjoy your visit.
(5)
Ryan B.
My party of 6 waited almost 2 hours for a seat here a few weekends ago. We sat on the patio for our meal, which felt a little too disconnected from the rest of the place. The food was good though and priced in-line with the surrounding restaurants. The sweet tea porkchops was pretty tasty.
(3)
Kerriann K.
Ate upstairs at Merchant's. Waited 40 minutes to be seated only to find the dining room had over 7 tables free (most of which remained free the whole time we were there). Other than what seemed like a needless wait, the rest of the dining experience was excellent. Friendly, well-versed staff, and excellent entrees. The steak frites was served more rare than requested, but the dishes were promptly cooked for longer. The lamb and scallop and squid ink risotto were awesome.
(4)
Paul M.
Everything about this experience was incredible. The restaurant is beautiful, the service was fantastic, and the food was exceptional. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. If you're looking for delicious food made in house, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Lawrence M.
The food here was fine. It was not good or very good. For the price, I would have expected better. The brisket was recommended and was slightly dry. Adding bbq sauce to it, did not change that. Ate with two other people, said the same about the Salmon and the burger. Fine not good. With limited time to visit Nashville, invest your limited meal efforts elsewhere
(2)
Noelle C.
We came in for an early dinner and got a seat immediately. The southern fry appetizer was pretty good, but it was the pulled pork sandwich that blew me away. So delicious! I couldn't even eat the whole thing. And the sweet potato fries are a must!
(4)
Carissa O.
I don't mind merchants but it's a bit touristy and the food is pretty average. It's not bad, it just isn't great, you know? Been a couple times... I've had the pulled pork sandwich and one of the salads... I honestly couldn't tell you about the salad as I don't remember it, the sandwich was fine. Maybe I just need to try something else but with so many amazing restaurants in Nashville, I don't know I'll be back.
(2)
Suzanne K.
The ambiance was nice, bright, classy. Liked that the waiters wore bowties and the service was excellent. Had the Southern Fry, and it was pretty good. The okra and shrimp were slightly over-cooked, but the catfish and dill pickles were perfectly cooked. Had the Blackened Catfish Sandwich. The fish was cooked perfectly, moist and tender. And the sweet potato fries paired with their sorghum BBQ sauce was pretty awesome. It's not typical southern food, but it was good. I'd recommend it.
(4)
ana b.
Merchants was such a Nashville treat while visiting from out of town! Our host Brian seated us in the perfect spot and Tanya recommended the delicious crab hushpuppies and fully loaded potato cake - what a surprise of delight! Tanya also told us about the history of the building and recommended places to go out in Nashville. We were well taken care of and greatly enjoyed the food!
(5)
Ben S.
I visited here three times on my trip. Two times I sat at the bar and one time via a reservation I sat at a high top table near the bar. The service was friendly all the times. It was also efficient and the kitchen for how busy this place gets was surprisingly fast. The three times I went for lunch I ordered (in order of my favourite to least favourite) the fish tacos, the salmon sandwich, and a burger. The sweet potato fries that come with the sandwiches are really good - they were thick cuts. This is the only really nice place on Broadway. I found it via the opentable app and am glad I did. It's worth your visit. The drink list is extensive too and they have some cool creations. It was fun to watch them make a few - like Old Faithful.
(5)
Jaya D.
One of the deviations from fried or BBQ on Broadway. The cocktail selection was very nice and our drinks were delicious. The duck fat tater tots were good but not worth the hype - tasted like tater tots. The Mac and cheese was fantastic. Pretty long wait for lunch on a Friday.
(4)
William H.
Great dinner reconnecting with friends while in town for a family wedding. Atmosphere and decor were fantastic and drink menu had some delicious selections. For dinner I went brisket with cornbread and cleaned my plate. Luckily I left room for some key lime pie (a personal favorite). Only slight miss was no espresso post dinner. I love to finish off a great meal with some rich flavorful coffee. A great spot for dinner downtown. As a final note I was in the Bistro but friends opined the second floor was also an excellent experience.
(4)
Josh M.
Mind you this this a review for the downstairs portion of this establishment. Have not made a point to check out the upstairs because downstairs is JUST SOO GOOD!!! You are seated in a 40's style diner/bar and immediately served a small tin cup full of this marvelous sour cream and onion popcorn. WHERE IS THAT ON THE MENU? Great beer selection without having too many options making it hard to decide. I have made it a point to try a new beer each time that I have visited. Last time I partook in 2 different "flavors", the Caldera IPA and the Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. I would highly suggest either of these two options. One point that I would like to make is ANY of their beers pair very well with any menu item. Now selecting food here is like being a kid in a candy store for me. BURGERS. Bear Creek Farms local beef from Thompson Station. This is some juicy stuff! MMM. Now to compliment this sandwich I like to choose simple options and can not get away from the smoked gouda and a fried egg. It has a special place in my heart, mind you if I ate too many, there wouldn't be much space left in my heart. Add a side of fries and I'm set. I have tried the sweet potato fries and they just aren't for me. Next time will be the duck fat tots. My wife fallen in love with the Turkey Club. That is a turkey sandwich. I think that turkey smothered in that basil mayo would be enough, but then they add in the crunch veggies. Overall, I have been here 3 times in the last 6 months and it never fails. If you are feeling brave to venture out into the heart and hustle and bustle of Broadway, I highly recommend this place. This is a place I want to keep going back to.
(5)
Lesley G.
The place was really nice and had a neat atmosphere. The front entrance can be confusing since the hostess is past the bar and more accessible through the side entrance. Overall, great food and service. I had the lobster Mac and cheese on special and it was amazing. I was so bummed I couldn't finish it. I also enjoyed the seasoned popcorn as a starter. I will admit that the bill gave me sticker shock, so watch those drink and special prices!
(4)
Steve H.
I really enjoyed this place, we got a window seat and the server Megan did an excellent job. The fried green tomatoes and corn chowder were very tasty starters. My chicken fried chicken was excellent and done just right. It is easy to see why this establishment has been around so long.
(4)
M.J. D.
Bartender was very nice and actually has a personality, drinks were spot on, and let me tell you about the food. Chicken fried chicken was unbelievable. So crispy and the gravy went perfect with the potatoes and spinach. The mac and cheese was very good as well but i know i will never have another chicken fried chicken dinner like that in Chicago.
(5)
Jack K.
We often visit downtown restaurants before symphony performances. We have visited Merchant's several times, but this was our first to eat downstairs. We enjoyed it a lot. The upstairs restaurant is more elegant, including a more extensive menu. The downstairs restaurant has a simple menu, and is much more vibrant. We really enjoyed the experience, which included a good view of all the hustle and bustle of people on Broadway. The food includes the best fried green tomatoes we have had in Nashville, a good selection of burgers and sandwiches, a few upscale main dishes, and some very good desserts. Our meal was excellent and the experience was fun. The wine selection was very good. Highly recommended.
(4)
Jeff M.
Although I appreciated the menu and craft cocktails I can sum up Merchants Restaurant (Up) in one word: awful. The wedge salad with thick pieces of bacon started the night of just fine but then the rest came. Quail stuffed with foie gras sounded pretty awesome but the flavor of the foie somehow manged to not make its way through the quail. There was no depth of flavor in the dish and the quail was not seasoned aggressively enough. The carolina mountain trout with lobster mash was another miss. The white fish was discolored by burnt butter and it was not seasoned properly. The mash was luke warm and the lobster was cold. The pan roasted chicken, although not seasoned enough, was cooked fine, but, the gnocchi mac and cheese was too heavy, too rich and just unpleasant to eat. A side of brussel sprouts with bacon was exactly how it sounds; sports with bacon. Nothing was seasoned properly. A little salt would have improved each dish. I skipped dessert. Finally to add to the list of my grievances service was slow and showed a lack of maturity.
(1)
Jenna H.
I came upon Merchants during a business trip last May - it was nice and close to my hotel. My co-worker and I decided to eat upstairs as we favored the menu more and got a great seat at the window overlooking the street below. The ambiance was great, and I loved the server's uniforms with suspenders. The service itself throughout our time there was not the best. Our server really did not know the menu at all and could not make recommendations. The bread starter was fabulous - and the salted butter it came with was amazing. My garden salad was unimpressive and bland, but I was really happy with my dinner. I chose the poached cobia amandine. The fish was fresh and buttery, and came accompanied with garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus. I would come here again if I am in the area.
(3)
Courtney W.
I've been to Merchants twice, and it seems like they've recently updated it. It felt very "Brooklyn" to me in here. I think it was the tattooed staff and style of the place, but also they didn't play country music here (a rare find in Nashville). I was very impressed with the quality of the food. We ate downstairs where you can find delicious sandwiches, and the prices are great. (I had the salmon blt with sweet potato fries...Yum!) The fried appetizers were delicious too (especially the catfish). Will definitely be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)
Pete B.
Great food, and environment, but stay away from eating at the bar! Jacob the bartender was a complete smartass!! Made our dining experience disappointing! :(
(3)
Kevin N.
So honky tonk row has its own particular mojo, one not unknown to locals, and, frankly, to those descending like ninjas upon the city, in search of fun or commerce or the proverbial late nights warbling to fan favorites spun out against the burgeoning moon. That's not really what Merchant's is all about, mind you, but that's where it's situated, so stands to reason that they occasionally come into contact with these sentiments, and as an out of towner who's spent a little bit of time here, it was worthwhile to stumble in on a weekend afternoon in no particular hurry, but also without an agenda. What we found was a comfy, upscale ambience, punctuated by attentive but not overt service, and a menu ripe with just what we needed at the time: a couple of apps, some cold ones, a cocktail in the offing, some wine, hopefully poured a little too tall. All in all, I'd happily rep the duck fat tater tots (to soak up what's troubling you), paired with a choice libation: the brew list was decent, the wine list approachable, the cocktail list intriguing, even on an afternoon where we didn't quite know what we were up to next. Because sometimes you need to wander. And there are places made to keep fueling your quest. Let this be one of 'em.
(4)
Adam M.
As part of my quest to have great steak in every city I visit, I chose Merchants in Nashville. For ambiance, you can't beat Merchants. Built in a historic Nashville hotel, the antique and worn look is both historic and comfortable. Dinner was served upstairs, with a view out over Broadway and busy downtown Nashville. I wanted good steak and was not disappointed. Pricey but good. The duck fat fries were pretty awesome and my ribeye was tasty. Not a bad place to eat in downtown Nashville.
(4)
Katie K.
Great spot on Broadway! Our server, Matt, picked the perfect drink for me...The Botanist, mint, lemon, cucumber, gin...perfection! We share the fried green tomatoes and the surf and turf special (filet and lobster), it was the perfect portion for two of us so weren't carrying leftovers all over Broadway. Matt was especially great with recommendations and timed our meal perfectly. The bartenders were also extremely attentive and helpful with recommendations while we waited to be seated. Next time we're in Nashville, we'll be back!
(5)
Joe P.
Excellent food and good service in the most touristy area of Nash Vegas. Some grade A people-watching too, if you get a window seat with a view of Broadway. My table enjoyed the duck fat tots, the cobb salad, and the chicken fried something or other. Merchants was the food-related highlight of my short visit to Nashville.
(5)
Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were visiting Nashville and was recommended this place by a local bartender. We get there and are told there will be a 35-45 minute wait and ask for my phone number so they can text me when our table is ready. No seats at the bar so we head over to Margaritaville to grab a drink while we wait. About 15 minutes later, right after we order a drink I get a text saying our table is ready...pretty mad at this point, we finished our drinks quickly (more like chugged) and headed back. Service was alright and so was the food for how overpriced it was..probably wouldn't recommend it.
(3)
Junica B.
Abosutely divine! My filet was amazing.
(4)
Jason S.
I should like this place more. I really should. Duck fat tater tots, people! That should do it, right? Decent menu, pretty sure that the Goldberg bros. have something to do with this place nowadays. Nice cocktails, servers with natty uniforms, what's not to like? I'll tell you what. The last time I was there was right before the "Tenacious D" concert at the Ryman. I walked into the men's room and one of the stalls had sh*t overflowing onto the floor. That's not an exaggeration. I'm pretty sure that I did a triple take. How does that happen in a civilized world? It is six months later and only now am I comfortable talking about it. On the upside, they will valet park your car and you can pick it up whenever you are done, hijinks be damned.
(2)
Moira R.
This is one of my favorite places in Nashville, although I've had great to just okay experiences here. The duck fat tater tots and the fried green tomatoes (with pimento cheese and pepper jelly) are phenomenal. The mac and cheese is amazing, and my partner tells me the brisket and fish tacos are to die for. I've loved the turkey club when in the mood for something simple. the sweet potato fries are great. Their cocktails are similarly well made and delicious, although I think their bartenders look and act a little pretentious. I came with a friend and they messed up her order (mac and cheese, no bacon). They had to remake the mac and cheese, but they ran out of noodles and had to make more. Ultimately, this experience was fine because the waitress was on top of the situation, incredibly apologetic, as was the manager. They comped something. We felt great about the service offered in this instance. Their desserts are similarly delicious, and almost a cannot miss. My last visit I had slightly lackluster service, for the first time. Our waitress seemed... distracted? preoccupied? like she didn't particularly want to be at work that day? I don't know, but it felt like a far cry from the usual experience I have at Merchant's. again, there was an issue with a friend's food order. she asked for a cheeseburger with no lettuce, tomato, onion, etc., and well done bacon. The burger came with all of these things + soggy bacon. The waitress apologized for the bacon, explained they pre-prepped it, and asked the kitchen to make more, which came out acceptably. All in all, it wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I was used to. This entire review refers to the downstairs section of the restaurant, because upstairs looks delicious, but pricey. The hosts have always been pleasant, and we've always managed to squeeze in fairly quickly, be it a last minute reservation, or wandering in off the street on a weekday. It's definitely one of my fav spots in Nashville.
(4)
Mike C.
Note: This review is for the downstairs/casual bistro. We knew we were only going to have one dinner in Nashville; this ended up being the right call. Cool bar scene, very friendly service, good beer list and great views of the action on Main St. Tried the duck fat tots. Pretty good, not much different from regular tots. Maybe a little bit richer and saltier tasting. But worth a try. Had the tomato soup and sammy for dinner. Delicious comfort food! My girlfriend also really liked her fish tacos. We also really enjoyed the old-timey yet modern feel of the place and the fact that we had a table near the windows at the front of the restaurant, so we could watch was happening at all the nearby bars.
Great location, good ambience, I really like their system of texting when a table is available. We were two persons, and on a Thursday night the wait time was about 30-40 minutes. We found seating at the bar and decided to just stay there instead of waiting for 30 minutes. The bartender brought us a nice little portion of popcorn - seasoned with cheese and dill (I think). We tried a local brew and the deviled eggs with pickles- excellent. We picked tilapia for the entree- again excellent. The side of cornbread was the best I have ever had. Now to why I took off the two stars- I asked for a Mac and Cheese without bacon- first I had to wait to about 30 minutes to get the food, after a reminder that I was waiting, the food came out with bacon in it. The place was busy and mistakes happen, but after specifying a few times that we don't eat meat- I expected better. I would still go back for the cornbread though!
(3)
Vicki S.
I had eaten in the downstairs dining area at Merchants several times, but never upstairs until earlier this week. The service is great up and down, but the dining experiences really are completely different. Downstairs is laid-back, contemporary Southern bistro fare. I love that they start your meal with a small bowl of popcorn in place of the oft-used bread basket. Upstairs is higher-end new American, with pricing to match both atmospheres. I arrived as the first one in my party and was able to sit back and people-watch for a bit. I immediately noticed some unmasked irritation from the hostess as several people, one after another, asked what the difference was between up and down. For dinner, I enjoyed (thoroughly) the wedge salad and the pan-roasted chicken. We were presented with a lovely basket of cheddar biscuits and corn muffins, served with a smoked sorghum butter (amazing). I was a bit taken aback by the portion sizes - the chicken seemed tiny to me, as did one of my companion's steaks. Both were prepared perfectly, though I had to request the salt shaker. Merchants really is a shining star among the trashier joints on the Broadway strip. If you can, wander around a bit - from what I've read there are still some bits and pieces of the old hotel that used to stand in its spot.
(4)
Mike J.
In spite of the fact that the first time I ate here I got a shard of glass in my cobb salad, this spot is a solid 3 stars in terms of lunch value. We suggest the patio - well heated in the winter. Overall, a good spot to bring business guests for lunch when you can't get into Etch.
(3)
Todd C.
Excellent food. You have to have the tater tots fried in duck fat. I chose the sweet potatoes fries and my daughter had the home made chips - both were winners. The steak frites was vey good and my wife enjoyed the catfish sandwich.
(5)
Tim G.
I haven't been to Merchants in a long time. Mostly because we are never downtown to eat. Tonight I was at a corporate function upstairs. The food was great. We had a salad, steak and a bunch of other stuff. The portion sizes were big. The service was excellent. On the way home I realized that I had left my laptop in the banquet room. I called an talked with the hostess. She ran up stairs and found it. When I pulled in she brought it to the car. Their honestly earns six stars. Thank you for helping me out tonight.
(5)
Earl T.
We dined in the upstairs dining room. Knowledgeable and friendly wait staff. The scallops were well received, the hake was outstanding and the pork shoulder pieces were delicious. Ask Porter, the waiter, about his tick taser. Used the valet parking and then went to the Ryman theater from there. Quite convenient to the Ryman with a nice wine list as well.
(4)
Noelle T.
Great lunch spot on Broadway. I might even go so far as to say that this is the best burger I've had in Nashville! I ordered my burger with homemade pimento cheese, bacon, and sweet potato fries. This is the only burger I've EVER eaten that didn't need ketchup or some sort of sauce. It was better than the burger I had at Gabby's, better than Burger Up, better than Red Robin, and better than Fat Mos. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and the corner building allowed for a ton of natural light which made for a great lunch vibe.
(4)
Mindy B.
Stopped in for lunch. Food was really delicious. I know we were really hungry, but the food far exceeded our expectations. Sandwiches were really good. Excellent sweet potato fries. Service was good too! I would recommend this place instead of most of the bars downtown.
The blackened tilapia was seasoned perfectly, well worth a second trip. You've also got to have the duck fat tater tots (share with a few others).
(5)
Kevin L.
What a nice experience. If you are adventurous let the bar tender fix you a specialty drink of their choosing. Was astounded on how on point the seasoning of the food was. This might have been the first restaurant where I did not add salt or pepper to my meal, or think that the food was over seasoned. Will be back again!
(5)
Mary M.
Awesome!!!! Great service and trendy, unique quality dishes! We will definitely comeback!!! Inexpensive quality presentation of foods on the upper level as there are two levels with the lower level being less expensive and more casual.
(5)
Ann E.
My husband and I NEVER order our appetizers and entrees at the same time because we like a little time between courses. When we got to Merchants, we ordered Mojitos to sip on while looking over the menu. After ordering the drinks, we ordered soups. My husband really enjoyed the Tomato Bisque and I had the Shrimp Corn Chowder which was excellent. Our cocktails arrived after we had started eating our soups. When we were done eating our soups, we ordered our meals. I am not kidding when I tell you that our meals came out 5 minutes later!! Terrible timing! And unacceptable for us. My husband had Jambalaya which he said was pretty good. I had fish tacos for the first time and I thought they were delicious. Although our waitress was pleasant and the food was good, I have to give only 2 stars because of the above mentioned incident.
(2)
Marcia M.
I should really get out of my comfort hole sometimes... why have I always just considered Merchants to be just a dining spot? My last review was based off of a large dinner party that I hosted in the upstairs dining area but this update version is to swoon about the downstairs bar area. I loved the casual layout which is a completely different vibe from the more dark and moodiness from the upstairs dining area. It almost reminded me of a somewhat snazzier diner? My date and I ponied up to the bar for a cocktail and after the bartender made a suggestion on a crisp cordial, we obliged. DELISH. The prices are fair and in line with a spot of this caliber. Although, I didn't order from the food menu as we had already grabbed a bite earlier in the evening, I noticed an awfully seductive veggie burger and some appetizers that I must try soon. The menu had a very kitschy layout with interesting (and amusing) descriptions of their bites that include words such as "yummy" "gooey ooey" which I didn't expect but found to be charming. I will most certainly come back for lunch and for more cocktails as well. What was once deemed as a special occasion place, could now be a comfy little nook for this yelper.
(4)
Mike L.
We sat at bar and service was a bit scattered due to all the demands on the bar staff. But staff was nice. Food was decent to good but was a little pricey for what we got. Nice bar selection. The hotel recommended we tried their Moscow Mule. It was good but served in a regular glass instead of the copper mug that I expected. There are a lot of choices in that area but this place was a good solid choice.
(3)
Fran K.
The duck fat tater tots are amazing. Staff is very attentive to the customers. We dined in the bistro. They have a fine dinning section upstairs. I had the brisket and it was delicious. My friend had the steak frites. Make sure you get their home made m-57 steak sauce!
(4)
Paul B.
Food was incredible! Thanks to Claire she suggested the Smoked Brisket and it was the best meal I've had. Brisket melted in my mouth. Claire was outstanding and never let my water cup become empty. I highly recommend Merchants and hope you get Claire!
(5)
Hadie B.
Looking for a place that satisfied our taste buds for a well balanced delicious meal to offset all the Nashville partying and drinking and we came across this gem. The staff are not only courteous with their southern charm- they know the menu and can offer recommendations for even the pickiest of eaters. Wanna know how something tastes before ordering? Our awesome waitstaff, Nick let us sample the chowder, which was beyond delicious! Nick in his self tied bow-tie was extremely attentive and never skipped a beat. I had the salmon BLT with the duck fat tater tots. Loved the combo of the salmon with the bacon. While we enjoyed our food we were entertained by Travis, who not only had great recommendations for around town but has a hot bod as well. I highly recommend this establishment. Good eats and a staff that is unmatched in Nashville. Well done, Merchant!
(5)
Stephanie L.
I will give Merchants a kudos on their craft cocktails, but the rest is less than stellar to make mention. I still will, I guess, but I was more than disappointed. In ordering the Southern fry, I expected more than puny slices of fried okra and sad, "smaller than popcorn" shrimp, and bits of catfish (the one plus) and fried, flimsy pickles. The tater tots were crispy. Yes. But, they too could have been more original. Like, homemade. I have had the from-scratch variety, and their flawed shapes show that hands made them versus a machine. I know that a lot of tourists walk through the door at Merchants, but tell me one person that wants to receive their food in 5 minutes? That is, 5 minutes after ordering the food. Unless I am at a fast food joint, I never want my food that fast. I want to enjoy the stages of a meal, from the cocktail sipping, to the appetizer munching, from the main attraction, to the dessert. Our food was up so fast, I thought it was someone else's order. To me, the swift delivery equated to pre-made or frozen food that had been dumped in a fryer and served. That, or the lot was made well ahead of time--in bulk--and reheated/sat under a lamp. You can be original (so you think) all day long with your suspenders and bow-ties, but if it doesn't translate to more than being on a bandwagon...well, you may want to rethink the grand message you are trying to convey as a restaurant. I don't care what your wearing if the product isn't worth the fashion show.
(3)
Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I were only in Nashville for one night and we were not sure where to go for dinner. Visited Merchant's on a recommendation, and was floored by how much we loved everything about it. The food was excellent! The drinks were top notch as well, I highly recommend trying the Roughing It. As a bartender, I really enjoy trying craft cocktails that are unfamiliar and unique, and this one took the cake. Our server, Ryan J, was superb as well. Gave us some great recommendations on the menu and was a joy to talk to the entire evening. I highly recommend this joint, it made our only night in Nashville a fantastic experience.
(5)
Morgan P.
My fiance and I came here for a New Years Day burger. We wanted to start the year out on the right foot. We were quickly seated in a booth by a window. We ordered burgers. He ordered chips with his and I ordered the sweet potato fries. Our burgers were really good. We ordered our burgers medium and they were cooked appropriately: pink in the center. I ordered mine with the pimento cheese at the waitress's suggestion and it was really good. The burgers came with lettuce, onion, and tomato and was served so that you can dress it how you like. Our sides were not tasty. My boyfriend said that his chips were greasy and flavorless. My sweet potato fries tasted like a piece of sweet potato. I know that sounds whiney but they were really thick cut and it tasted like I was just eating chunks of baked sweet potato. I mean that in an unpleasant way. I like sweet potato fries but these were not my favorite. Overall, the side issue ended up being a blessing because our burgers were more than enough food so we didn't leave feeling overstuffed. I would come back if I wanted a burger and I were downtown.
(4)
Kyle M.
Merchant's is a classy, lively restaurant at Broadway and 4th, in downtown Nashville. They offer two dining settings, simply referred to as Up(stairs) and Down, with Down being casual, bar-centered dining, and Up being more upscale. The menus match the setting. As I have yet to experience Up, this review will be solely on Down. The setting was fantastic. Our table was overlooking the intersection, on the 4th Ave side, providing an excellent view of passersby and the downtown area. The atmosphere was casual, but classy, with bowtie and suspender clad bartenders and servers, contributing to the fun, southern atmosphere. The drinks menu was excellent, with twists on classic cocktails spotlighting local beers and liquors. My dinner mates and I tasted the classic daiquiri and margarita, the house whiskey cocktail, and the Presbyterian, a wonderful, tart cocktail featuring Wild Turkey rye, lemon, and house-made gingerbeer. They menu also featured several local Yazoo brews, and a simple but diverse wine list. The menu was eclectic, with strong southern influence. We shared the fried green tomatoes, with cornmeal breading, served over homemade pepper jam with Merchant's house pimento cheese. While they came a little darker than I would have hoped, the flavors were incredible. The breading adhered to the tomato, which had been perfectly cooked, and retained just the right amount of chew. The jam was just sweet enough, while keeping a bright pepper flavor, and the pimento cheese was the perfect creamy texture with just enough bite to compliment the dish. For entrees, we had the steak frites, a french dip, mac n cheese, and the jambalaya. The steak friges came as a perfectly cooked and tender filet with fresh homemade fries, served with a small salad with lemon garlic vinaigrette. The french dip was simply but wonderfully roasted shaved beef, on a fresh baguette served with the quintessential jus and crisp homemade potato chips. The Mac n cheese featured thick, perfectly cooked macaroni in a creamy, delicious cheese sauce with crisp bacon and sweet cherry tomatoes. Finally, the Jambalaya was exquisite. Shredded stewed chicken in a spicy, perfectly seasoned creole sauce with soft andouille, with dirty rice topped with fresh, if not small, well-cooked shrimp. Ultimately we found ourselves satisfied enough to skip dessert, although we were saddened to learn that they offered only coffee, with no espresso options on the menu. The service was excellent, albeit somewhat slow, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and the vantage of downtown Nashville captivating enough to overlook the pace. All in all, the food was excellent, the atmosphere hip and fun, and the servers very friendly and knowledgeable, being quick to offer suggestions when asked. I can't wait to return to try Up, and of course, another Presbyterian.
(4)
Jessica P.
Great event space upstairs! We had an engagement party here for my sister and her fiance a few weeks ago. The staff was super friendly, the food was good and the drinks were strong, what more could you want in an event space? If I am ever in Nashville again with some free time I will definitely come here to try the downstairs dining experience.
(4)
Helen C.
I went for dinner with my kids passing through Nashville and have not stopped talking about our amazing experience!! Everything thing about this restaurant is 5 stars! The food was excellent, cocktails amazing and service was outstanding! I have a lttle deli and pastry shop back home so I understand the importance of customer service! and this place has got it all! Our server was Jackie but we also had the pleasure of meeting John and Ryan. All three helped make our experience at Merchants memorable, helping with suggestions on the menu especially with picky eaters and suggestions with cocktails. Cant wait to go back! Wish we had something like this back home! Highly recommend!!!
(5)
Thomas L.
Definitely a highlight in the downtown eating scene. The mac and cheese was so tasty. My wife didn't like her drink at first but the waitress was more than willing to get her another more liked drink. We had been her once before for dessert and it didn't disappoint. The whole meal this time was again one of our best in Nashville along with the service. We would highly recommend the Brownie a la Mode and there are also some dessert cocktails to pair with the brownie. I would highly recommend checking this place out especially if you are downtown. I think it overlooked by a lot of locals.
(5)
Chris C.
Sometimes you find a good restaurant in the middle of a tourist area, but most of the time, you find a place trying to hard to appeal to the crowds, and not enough to be a good restaurant. Merchants is smack in the middle of touristy Broadway which should be your first clue to go somewhere else.I wanted to like this place a lot, but unfortunately the food was only so-so and the service was awful. The building and cafe on the first floor are appealingly renovated in sort of a "modern Victorian" way (the place dating back to the actual Victorian era), and i had high hopes for the place based on the friendly initial greeting and space, but things quickly went downhill from there. My partner and i shared the duck fat tater tots, which were very obviously frozen tater tots which had really no hint of the richness they should get from the duck fat, with 3 not-very-special sauces. Big disappointment. My main was a jambalaya with was perfectly fine, but nothing i couldn't get a lot of other places or make myself. I don't go out to a restaurant to have things i can make better myself. My cocktail was quite good -- a basil mojito -- but it came out AFTER my appetizer after we asked another waiter about it. It was then plunked down without even a "sorry for the wait." Which brings up another big issue -- the service. Our waiter spent too much time being an ironic-mustache-sporting; bow-tle and skinny- braces wearing hipster to pay us any attention. Also, part of the problem was that our blouses were not cut low enough. The girls one table over were getting much more attention. One good drink + awful service and mediocre food does not = a good restaurant. So at least we saved on the tip, because he only got about 10%. And that's about how much i liked this resturant out of 100.
(1)
Ray S.
Best food in Nashville. Well worth any wait. Cobb was awesome, fish tacos great, and kids loved grilled cheese. Super atmosphere.
(5)
HuangRong E.
So I followed my friends in here expecting nothing and just figured we'd have a quick lunch before going back to work. However!! When I put a duck fat tater tot in my mouth, I instantly felt the need to take the rest of the plate and keep it to myself. Screw you friends! All mine! And also, duck fat! What the hell?! Do you make everything taste so good??! I ordered the deviled eggs and southern fry, and both were good, it was creamy and tasty, and the fried fish and shrimp were so good! I try not to eat fried foods but it was worth the calories. I also dislike salmon unless its sashimi but I tried my friends salmon bacon sandwich and again I wanted to steal it. Screw you fried, mine!! The salmon didn't have the fishy taste and it was crispy on the side, and soooo meaty like! I'm not sure what that exactly means but I guess its fish, but meatlike. Get it?? Lastly, I'm totally blown away by how genuine Daniel the waiter is. He's such an honest and friendly guy, you don't see this in L.A. I'm used to waiters who couldn't give a crap but Daniel is sooooo nice! What the heck Daniel, be my best friend already! I really wanted to go back the next day but I ended up getting a headache and had to stay in. Really sad that I couldn't eat good food and see Daniel again before I left. Normally I wouldn't be heading to Nashville frequently but I would definitely consider coming back so I can eat here again, and also say hello to my favorite waiter! My parents used to own restaurants so I definitely know. When a establishment can get such a top notch server it's like gold, people will want to come back because you feel so welcomed! It's not just an act, he really cares if you enjoyed your meal. I'm so glad I got to experience this hospitality and professional service, and amazing food. Try it out yourself! :)
(5)
Paula C.
On our visit to Nashville we met locals who recommended Merchants. Glad we listened. We went before the dinner rush, so we did not wait. Our waitress, Kamellie was a breath of fresh air. Friendly, outgoing, and she provided outstanding service. The food was excellent. We are from Chicago, and we are foodies. This place rocks!
(5)
Ellie M.
This was generally a mixed experience. I was in Nashville on travel and went to Merchants with a larger group. The primary plus is that the space itself is cool and well done, good ambiance. Clearly they are trying to do some interesting things with the menu... however, the food and drinks were good but not great. Unfortunately, the staff in general seemed to think this place is better than it is and were unnecessarily uppity which I find very off-putting. It's a decent choice for Nashville where I have not found many good places - but compared with restaurants nationally they fall right in the middle and thus need to drop the airs.
(3)
Non P.
Great stuff. Great place. Added benefit: the waiters all dressed up like 1920s newboys/clerks, kind of Dickensian (yeah, wrong era). Popcorn. For free. Before your meal. Deviled eggs that taste like a priority express delivery from the Dark One himself. Everything else that tastes just right. Service is well trained and genuinely polite and helpful. Snap snap snap. Can someone please ask: Are the (male) waiters required to have facial hair? And while you're at it: exactly what time period are the outfits supposed to evoke? I'm always too embarrassed, and too busy eating, to ask. I imagine it's a roaring twenties thing, but want to confirm.
(5)
Lauren D.
Food was AMAZING. I had the most delicious cornbread I've ever tasted, and the cocktails and local beer selection were spot on! I would highly recommend making a reservation as there was at least a 45 minute wait prior to our 7pm dining time. The one issue which brought this down to four stars was the lack of service by the host. I was very disappointed when the host came up to us and immediately said you'll have to come back. I told them we had a reservation and they said it wasn't in the system. I had to argue with them and show our Open Table reservation - behold, they already had a table reserved for someone with the same number of people at the same time - who would have thought?! Not happy that we were not treated the best, but hopefully the next visit to Merchants will prove to be a better experience.
(4)
Brittany S.
I was so happy to find a place on music row that had some gluten free food. I am at the point where I am pretty used to being gluten free now...but being in the south it is hard not to be able to try hardly anything that it is famous for. The food was decently priced, it tasted really good, and the staff was really friendly and attentive. I would definitely go back there again!
(4)
Tom R.
The downstairs was pretty cool. It's an old style diner with some really good food. It has a marble bar in the center and all the tables are marble. The food is very good. The duck fat tots...pretty good, but I couldn't tell the difference between duck fat and regular frying oil. Definitely go!
(4)
Rachel H.
Duck Fried Tater Tots. All I have to say. My boyfriend and I snuck in here randomly and we are so glad we did. The staff was very nice and the food was delicious! The popcorn that they give you before the meal was yummyyy and they probably thought we were crazy because they kept having to refill our "cup", but we just couldn't get enough. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Stephie Z.
You can't hear me, but I am sighing right now. One of those deep and long sighs. My friends and I received completely different service dependent upon where we were sitting in the bottom of this restaurant on a Saturday evening. It started with me and one friend. We sat at the bar. Bartender immediately grabbed our beers. He was quick to have us order and the food was delivered after our beer was finished (fairly quickly). My chicken confit was tasty if not a bit bland. My friends classic wedge salad with blue cheese was huge and the dressing was crave worthy. We ordered another beer, then received and paid our check quickly. A good dining experience with excellent service. Then my friends arrived. There was no more bar seating so they put our names in for a table. The place had started clearing out and was about half full so we were sat at a booth quickly. After awhile a waitress showed up to take our drink order. We wait and wait and wait for our drinks. About 30 minutes. A bit too long for 3 beers and a glass of wine. We decide to move over to the counter since no one is paying attention to us in our booth. The waitress never even wanders by. We sat at the counter for a bit without being asked if we needed anything and we made up our mind to leave. Of course the waitress walks up with our drinks just then. She looked a little panicked when she realized we weren't at the table, but we walked back over since the drinks were there. She apologized profusely, something about thinking another waitress was supposed to run drinks. She took my friends food order and disappeared. Awhile later the food is received... a large salad, a bowl of soup, and 4 oysters on the half shell. Oh wait, make that 3 oysters on the half shell along with one completely empty oyster shell. When the waitress comes back to check on us.. after my friends had eaten the rest of their meal.. we notify her about the missing oyster. What idiotic chef/ plater person puts an empty shell on a plate and sends it out? A poorly managed line. **To their credit a manager came out and told us that he would send another 4 oysters out on the house and that our first round of drinks was on the restaurant** Very adequate compensation for the poor service and lack of oyster. I would probably eat here again, but next time I would stick to the bar. They seem to be much more attentive.
(3)
Allison B.
I stopped by before the a show at the Ryman to grab a cocktail. I wish I allowed more time and was able to eat too. The menu looked amazing. I had no idea there was such a nice place among the honky tonks of Broadway. Cocktails were amazing. They had a good mix of traditional favorites and creative yummyness. The bar was packed, but service was fast and attentive. I will be back if for nothing else but the duck tater tots.
(4)
Ken J.
Skip the tots. Although they may have been cooked in duck fat, you couldn't tell. The aioli was good but the bernaise was described as sun tan lotion tasting by other people in the party. Seems like a good comparison. The chicken fried chicken was very good with the sauteed spinach, but the grilled chicken sandwich had pretty terrible chicken (frozen?) and so much guacamole it should have been served with chips. Would I eat there again, probably not. It's not bad, but it was pricy ($55 for two no alcohol) and there are better places downtown.
(3)
Terry V.
I went to lunch here with my mentor and we decided to try out a downtown lunch spot. We were seated in the corner booth which was fantastic for people watching and great lighting on a summer afternoon. When you first sit down, they'll bring you a little tin of popcorn and gladly refill it if you'd like. They usually sprinkle a dill seasoning but of course on our day- they would fun out and it was just sprinkled with salt and pepper. We started off with fried green tomatoes! Fantastic!! The spicy pepper jam is the perfect compliment. They also serve it with pimento cheese for those who like that. I'm not the biggest fan so the jam served me well. Then for our entrees, we both ordered Two words: Fish Tacos! The use mahi mahi and mahi mahi isn't it delicious. The pico de gallo, jalapeno aioli, and guacamole is great. I wasn't a fan of the slaw. I'm pretty picky when it comes to slaw so I focused more on the tacos. I think this is a great spot and had a wonderful time. The feel is very different from downtown which was really nice. I would definitely come back here.
(4)
Brady H.
Ate here on a business trip in Nashville. To start, you must get an Old Fashioned, they have some of the best in the country. Wow! I got the fish tacos whichv were very good, the waiter was amazing, and my coworker got a great burger. Definitely recommend this place if you are in town.
(4)
William W.
After hearing the wonderful reviews on here I decided to give this place a try. I went to the downstairs portion a bit after two o'clock, and the place was about 60% full. My server took our drink orders then did not return for about fifteen minutes. When we finally ordered, of course we got the duck fat tater tots. They were nice and crispy and the sauces were well seasoned, but that takes no skill to put out. When the entrees finally came after half an hour it was a different story! My girlfriend ordered a salad and enjoyed it. It was freezing outside and we had walked there from the hotel, so I ordered the "Soup and Sammie". The closest parking near there was $10 for an hour and a half. First off the soup had been slung in the microwave and was quickly approaching the heat of the sun. When i cooled down a taste, it was bland and needed to be seasoned much more than it had been. The chips were homemade chips that are supposed to be cooked to order; however, you could tell that they had been cooked hours prior if not the previous day. I bit into one and almost lost a few teeth. The bacon tasted as if it was cooked at the beginning of the shift. The grilled cheese tasted as if it had been sitting in the window for a while and the fat used to cook the bread left a funny aftertaste. After all that it took another thirty minutes to get our check. The bill ended up being about $35. I will never return to this restaurant again.
(1)
Steve S.
We were looking for something less upscale but rather than wait an hour we went up stairs. Great choice! Any chef that can make my two least favorite vegetables delicious deserves an award. We had three different entrees: cauliflower, short ribs, and chicken. They were all perfect. Overall, an excellent dining experience in "honky tonk" central. A good pour on the Gentleman Jack, but not great, and tooth picks were available.
(4)
Natalya S.
I have been going to Merchants about once a week for the past 4 months, it is worth the occasional long wait. It was my favorite restaurant hands down in downtown Nashville. The staff that work there are all great, I have had pleasant experiences with all. Basically all the food they serve there is delicious and it is hard to go wrong. One of my co-workers would go as far to say as he has had the best steak here out of all places in Nashville. Merchants is setup like two separate restaurants. The downstairs is cheaper and more casual dining, while upstairs is pricier and finer dining. Sometimes they will also let you order the upstairs menu when sitting downstairs (worth asking about if there is a long wait for upstairs). Both menu's are great. Before I get into a couple of disappointments I had recently, I do highly recommend checking this place out, like I said the food is some of the best you can find in downtown Nashville, the environment is nice, and the service is good. They changed my favorite dish, which was hands down the best shrimp and grits I may have ever had in my life. It is now something smaller and the recipe is completely different, and not as good as it used to be. Oddly enough, when I asked the server before ordering it, he told me it hadn't changed (strange considering I had the same dish for 3-4 months before that). I think their chef may have changed because I also ordered the chicken fried chicken from their downstairs menu a week later and it too wasn't as good as I remembered it. The other issue with Merchants is that sometimes there can be quite a wait, so I do recommend making reservations. In regard to the long wait I mentioned earlier in this post, a staff member told me it would be a half hour wait, but this turned into about an hour wait. My friends and I were a bit disgruntled by this (especially combined with the recent changes in food). Merchant's management did the best they could to make it up to us, they led us off with each a glass of sparkling wine. Then halfway through the meal, they also let us know our appetizers were on the house. That was really amazing of them, and much appreciated that they went above and beyond in making it up to us. It definitely made a big difference to me. So, in summary, Merchants food is delicious, but it can be a wait, I miss the old shrimp and grits, but there is still plenty of other things to enjoy on their menu. Definitely worth going to and you will be back!
(4)
Laurie E.
Food was hit and miss. The tots were incredible. Sat near door and nearly froze. The Pim 's cocktails with crushed apple were fantastic. The waiter staff was very hip.
(3)
Leslie V.
I'm an NYC epicurean and give Merchants a very strong two thumbs up! Thanks to reading other great reviews we checked this joint out. The atmosphere gave us the southern class with character we were looking for. The crafted drinks were delicious and the bartenders and waitstaff were delightful. We started with the fried green tomatoes and I had the blackened tilapia, while my friend had the burger. My meal was outstanding. I highly recommend the fish, especially if you like a lil heat! I usually like to try different places, but on my next go around in Nashville I will definitely be sure to make another stop at Merchants. Thank you for showing a northern girl a fabulous evening!
(5)
Frank G.
I was in town for the Growco conference with two associates on April 8 and attended a session where the two owners, Max and Benjamin Goldberg, spoke. Intrigued, we decided to check it out. We were told there was a 30 to 40 minute wait, which was fine. After an hour wait we were told that we were next in line and that a table was about to become available. Incredibly, a group walked right in and was immediately given this table because they had reservations and we were told that they should not have to wait. Based upon their assurances that another table would soon be available we did not walk out. When the table became "available" we were taken upstairs and lo and behold our table had been given away to a large group that needed more room. The hostess told us that they would bring another table down from the third floor for us, which was eventually accomplished. After all that the food and service was just average. Based upon the owners' assurance during their conference session that the guest experience was of utmost importance to them and anyone could get a free dinner by saying that their previous dinner had not been satisfactory, we were not offered so much as a complementary appetizer or drink for the entirely unsatisfactory way in which we were treated.
(1)
Patrick D.
Great food and drinks and a nice little break from all of the madness on Broadway. The brisket was amazing!
(5)
Amanda F.
Excellent service and great food! We had the duck tater tots, baked cheese, strawberry salad, and brisket... Everything was fantastic!
(5)
julesmary p.
Fun times downstairs late night at the bar. Inventive drinks, cool bartenders. Duck fat tater tots are damn good. Wish they had more healthy stuff downstairs (like they do upstairs) but like I said, the duck fat tater tots are awesome.
(4)
Wayne H.
Don't do the burger or fries ! Over priced, over rated. My wife had the bacon and cheese sandwich with tomato soup and enjoyed it. Wish I had ordered that as well.
(2)
James S.
Goo d food. Service at bar was good even though it was so busy. I recommend this. Tater tots were great. They are cooked in duck fat! Delish!
(4)
Stacy P.
So I just moved to Nashville a little over a year ago and have been to Merchant's a couple times and had a good experience. However, this review is not about those good experiences. My 2 girlfriends were visiting from home and I suggested we go out to dinner at Merchant's. We were greeted and the server took our drink order, after checking our IDs. Now, I do want to say... we do look young. We are all 25 and unfortunately I have the pleasure of having adult braces. About 15 minutes go by, and still no drinks. Another server comes over and ask if we've been taken care of. We reply we have and he looks confused. THEN... I'm guessing this man was the manager that came over to our table, though I couldn't tell you because he NEVER introduced himself. He says "Hey ladies, did you order some drinks tonight?" We reply "Yes...." So he just says "Can I see your IDs" Instead of maybe explaining his reasoning behind this, he is completely rude about it and walks away. About another 10 minutes go by and he brings us the drinks and says "You all look mad, what's wrong?" We just stared at him... of course we are mad. You are rude. "You all look young, that's a compliment! Now here's your drinks so you can have a good night" And walks away... Needless to say, when the waitress returned we paid for our drinks and left. She seemed surprised and said "I'm so sorry but we have a strict policy. Someone just got fired last week for serving someone underage" Now, being someone who has worked in the restaurant business for a few years, I completely understand the need of checking IDs. HOWEVER, its the way you go about it that makes all the difference. We felt completely embarrassed, all the staff were staring at us like we did something wrong. Nashville is a tourist town, if you cannot recognize out of state IDs then USE A SCANNER. And explain your policy first before you send over your "manager" who also should have explained the policy. Won't be coming back. Thanks.
(1)
Ryan D.
Been here twice... ate in the downstairs section both times. Great food with a local flair. Tried a burger and the salmon. Also have had the duck fat tater tots... which definitely worth trying out. The cheese plate is great. Food has been great on both visits. What really made our visits special, however, was the staff. They're great. They have fun. They'll talk with you. And they'll go above and beyond to provide good service. Case in point: on our last visit, my wife tried the veggie burger. She didn't like it. It wasn't that it was ill-prepared or anything... just wasn't to her taste. So she didn't eat much of it. The waiters noticed and immediately offered to bring something else. We tried to decline--since it was a matter of taste and not of poor quality. They wouldn't accept our decline, and brought us free desserts. Can't say this happens to everybody, but it was great gesture and left us feeling great about the experience. Thanks, Merchants!
(5)
Wind E.
what a unique dining place on Broadway, different from all the BBQ and bar food. the duck fat taters were great, our server, Arielle, recommended the fish tacos and they were fantastic. Service was great, food was too!
(5)
Chris W.
The restaurant was really neat, very old feel to it, classic archeticture and ambiance. Liked the fact that it was not like most of the other restaurants on broadway with lots of loud music to eat over. That is always there to do after you eat (which I did). It was very crowded, and the service was very slow. They were pretty good on bringing the food on time, and re filling the water glass, but the bar was very under staffed and it took for ever to get an adult bev. I saw a guy wait so long for a beer that the bartender told him not to worry it was on him for making him wait so long. Food was good. The kitchen had their ducks in a row and brought out food promptly after order was placed. Dont order food until you are pretty much ready for it because there is not a lot time in between when you order and when it arrives to the table. I was impressed to see their turn time in the kitchen considering how busy it was, however the bar service was very poor.
(3)
Marcus P.
I've been here several times and I've always enjoyed my meal. I've only eaten in the downstairs section (upstairs is the pricier more intimate setting). My fiance gets their mac and cheese..WOW. I'm not really that interested in mac and cheese usually, but this stuff is outstanding. It is a huge portion, so it's a great dish to share. (CAUTION: It is extremely rich. If you are a rich food wimp, steer clear.) The atmosphere is really cool; has an elegant 1920s feel to it. It can get a little busy in here, but the staff has always seemed to do a pretty good job of keeping up. Overall this is a great place to take friends from out of town to eat before heading to the honky tonks downtown. Make sure you make a reservation.
(4)
Natalie D.
Everyone in our group loved their food (myself included). Grab guacamole is always a must. Can't go wrong with the burger, pork tenderloin, chicken fried chicken or William "Will" as a waiter.
(4)
Christopher D.
Great food and atmosphere. I was only in Nashville for one night and I definitely happy I stopped at merchants for dinner. I had the chicken fried chicken and thought it was amazing. I will make sure to go to merchants next time I'm back in Nashville!
(5)
Jamie R.
This restaurant is way overrated and overpriced. Very limited menu and $38 steak was like shoe leather and served with fries. I've had better steaks at Outback and Texas Roadhouse. Not impressed at all!
(1)
Ronald N.
Great food and service. We dined upstairs w/c was more quiet and the ambiance is great. I had the chicken & my wife had the braised beef. We were both happy with what we ordered. Another plus going for them is the free valet service.
(4)
Bridget S.
Disappointed..thought the food and ambiance would have been better. My hubby made reservations for our anniversary dinner and we arrived with great expectations. My pork was OK and husbands steak SALTY...will not return.
(2)
Brandon G.
This is a review for the UPSTAIRS PORTION ONLY. I don't know what the deal is with this place, I'm surprised it's owned by the same people who own Catbird, etc. Downstairs is well lit and has a really cool vibe, Upstairs is dark and dingy and more expensive. I read one other review that said the Chef is off on Sundays, I think that must be accurate. I started with Beef tartare, I've had good beef tartare before and it tastes fresh and looks fresh and has a accent of citrus to offset the raw beef. This was a big scoop of glop and I took a couple bites and didn't feel comfortable eating it. For entree I had the steak frites, the fries had a really weird off-putting taste, and the steak was overcooked on the thinner part, and under cooked on fatter part. Overall the steak still tasted like beef but it was cooked and seasoned sloppily. I think the majority of reviews for Merchant's is for the downstairs portion, I will return to try that out at some point, but the experience I had upstairs was pretty bad, between an inedible appetizer, fries that sucked, and a badly cooked steak. I expect a WAY better experience for the prices.
(1)
Keith D.
Went to Merchants on a Saturday night without reservations. They said it would take over an hour to sit upstairs, but they had us seating in about 20 minutes. The food was unbelievable good. I had the pork chop, best I ever had. Other entrees were the blackened swordfish (excellent), and 72 hours spare rib (fantastic). We then ordered all three desserts because we couldn't decide. They were are great, but our favorite was definitely the apple pie--a must try. For cocktails, I recommend the Tennessee mojito and the top hat. Both were great. Overall a great dining experience with excellent wait staff.
(5)
Carolyn C.
After waiting an hour for a table, (which we expected, since we had no reservation) we were rewarded with a really excellent meal! The short ribs, chicken and pasta all received rave reviews from our party. The chocolate bread pudding was to die for! Do not miss this place!
(5)
Ruth L.
was at a company function and expected a nice expensive place but its dated, entrance dark and gloomy, the portions are a joke. salad was like 3 pieces of lettuce and the steak wasn't cooked right nor a size I'd expect from the place. location is hard to get into on busy days downtown. needless to say I don't even see how they can charge what they do. no luxury, pathetic portions even for a pricey restaurant, food not good, the place is decorated and has the feel of an old motel. but I cannot give an opinion on staff since it was a function not an regular dining and I don't know if upstairs is different than 1st floor but I was on 2nd and the bathrooms up there are clean but not kept up
(1)
Steve I.
For this ambiance in the middle of a touristy block and food this tasty, I would have expected to pay more than $15. I had the fish tacos, soooo freaking good. Lots of healthy options, a nice place, and friendly service. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Ryan O.
Stopped in here tonight after an event downtown for a cocktail or two. The drink menu has some pretty interesting choices, especially the local section which features Tennessee twists on popular drinks. I got a chuckle out of the names of a few of them, one of which I remember was the "Mountain man-hattan" which I think featured a local moonshine of some sort. The bourbon and rye menu is quite extensive by Nashville standards. They have a few particularly rare/pricey bottles of bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle 21 year and 23 year as well has Rittenhouse rye 21 year. The bad news (as is with most places that stock such exquisite spirits) is that there out of a lot of them. They did have the pappy 23 year in stock but I wasn't about to fork over $40 for a glass of bourbon on this night. On my first go-round I opted for a classic manhattan, which they list with bourbon on the menu but I opted for a rye. It was on par with what I would consider a good manhattan. For my second drink I was craving something rather different and I didn't expect the bartender would be able to fulfill my request but boy was I surprised. I was feeling a bit tired but still wanted a drink so I asked for an Irish coffee. Whenever I ask for something out of ordinary like that I always hope the barkeep perks up and asks if I want it the real/traditional way or the generic/chain restaurant way. Well the bartender did just that and long story short I ended up enjoying a real Irish coffee with Jameson, a sugar cube, (real) thick cream, and hot coffee. It was resplendent and the complete opposite of some dumb bastardized Applebees style drink consisting of baileys with coffee. Next time I am downtown I think I will be going back here for a real cocktail or two. You better believe I will also be sampling the duck fat tater tots with bernaise and chipotle mayo because if that doesn't sound awesome, I don't know what does.
(4)
Emily R.
I will admit a large group of friends and I stumbled in here late night expecting the usual diner and all 10 of us were pleasantly surprised by our experience. For a town not known for their food (no offense Nashville), this place really delivers a good selection of food for late-night diners, foodies, and those seeking some Southern classics alike. And, did I mention their drinks were unique and tasty? The ambiance was trendy and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. This place is worth the wait (there can oftentimes be a line) and do not be discouraged by it's location in the heart of "Nashvegas" on Broadway - it's a fantastic gem and the best meal of many during my 5 day trip in May 2013.
(5)
Mary-Catherine W.
Super cute, trendy retro vibe going on in here. Plenty of room for everyone. We ate at the bar after a Predators game. Very close to the arena. They only thing was we felt a little rushed even though the place was packed from fans after the game. A+ drinks, and beer selection. I had the blackened Tilapia which was waaay better than expected with the hash and aioli bringing the dish together... but lets be honest its still tilapia in a better than average restaurant. Can I atleast get some salmon? Also had milkshake which was pretty tasty. All in all great place to have drinks and some apps but the entree menu could use a little work with finer ingredients.
(3)
Sean B.
Very nice hostess started our experience. Nice service, decent food, wonderful decor. High marks for this place.
(4)
Peter D.
THis place is a real contradiction. I was in town visiting with a friend and we sat at the bar to grab a decent dinner. 2 bartenders, 2 very different experiences. The first was a younger guy with sorta spiky hair who basically ignored us being more interested in pretty much anything female that walked in. No drinks, orders suggestions nothing. it got pretty uncomfortable since we were getting pissed. 0 star service and he was acting frankly kinda like a douche. Then we have the older guy who was the extreme polar opposite. Helpful, attentive and did not ignore us. He gave us 5 star service. Hence I cut it down the middle since I cant forget the first guy. You want a place to pick up drunk girls, go work at at tootsies or something. Now about the food: Well we both ordered exactly the same thing which was the prime rib. I thought it was ok though I found it a bit meager on the portion and the veggies felt reheated, the carrots in particular. They had the taste and texture of something cooked ahead and reheated in the pan. Not real appetizing. The meat flavor was ok but I found it a bit on the fatty side and by the time I was done with dinner I was still kinda hungry. I am pretty skinny so its not that I eat that much, just that for the money I should have felt somewhat full. The good news is that left me open for a late night snack. Over all I think this place is ok, but its just missing something in the food, layout and service that really it needs to shine and get a recommendation. For the money you can do better at Mortons or some other place. For a drink, I do like the bar. So I am mixed on this one.
(3)
Rob M.
Great drinks and appetizers. It was magic to sit at the bar and watch the bartender do his thing making our drinks.
(4)
Leigh J.
Merchant's serves food late into the night, which isn't always easy to find while out honky-tonkin' in downtown Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are the best late night snack ever: a thin layer of delectably crunchy potato coating a tender potato filling. The flavour of the duck is subtle but pushes the deliciousness factor up a few notches. And, it's big enough to share with a couple of hungry friends!
(4)
Cynthia L.
This place is awesome! There was a delay in getting our dinner out, so the manager delivered it personally and then comped the entire meal! To top it off, they bought us dessert. The fried green tomatoes were amazing. I had the Catfish Sandwich, which was terrific. Loved the sweet potato fries. My boss had the Salmon Caesar that she said was very good. The creme brulee was also terrific. Signature cocktail was also a hit. I had the I heart Lucy - actually I had two. If I am back in Nashville, I will definitely eat here again.
(5)
H G.
Went here on a recommendation from our driver - we wanted a yummy steak dinner at a local restaurant so he dropped us here. We sat upstairs (downstairs was more of a bistro) I already knew I wanted a filet - one of my faves, so I ordered that with the roasted brussel sprouts - the steak was soo good, the brussel sprouts were okay (ordered a veggie vs a potato dish because I needed something green in my body that day after being at a conference for 4 days!!) - the brussel sprouts were a little under cooked, but still darn tasty!! I would go back here in a heartbeat - the staff was great, the food was excellent only thing I didn't like was the bathroom - it had seen better days and is in need of an update :)
(4)
Kimberly K.
A group and I came here on a Sunday night. Though the staff and ambiance were friendly, the food overall was "meh." I ordered tomato bisque and the crab guacamole. The bisque was great, but the guacamole was already turning brown when I received it. The additional crab gave it an unfavorable texture. My friends ordered the mac and cheese with habanero peppers. The proportion of peppers to pasta was almost 50/50 which overpowered the entire dish. It needed salt and more flavor overall. For dessert we ordered peach pie and a blondie. The pie's spices was too intense for the dish. The blondie wasn't a blondie...it was more like a chocolate chip cookie bar. I will say the waitress was amazing on refilling out drinks and we were appreciative of that. Otherwise I would never dine here again.
(2)
Michael R.
The bacon burger was good, but nothing all that special. Best part was the atmosphere and getting some drinks at the bar adter dinner.
(4)
Paul W.
Nice experience on busy Broadway block. Cheerful and attentive servers. All meat comfort food menu. Large portions and okay quality.
(3)
Robb S.
I really liked the bartenders as they knew what they were talking about. The drink selection was great also. Food was good but not great which is the only reason I am giving it a 4 star instead of 5. Still very solid spot
(4)
Heather W.
We just happened upon this spot and are so glad we did. It is located right on Broadway and provides Valet parking which was a definite plus. We chose to dine upstairs and enjoyed the low lighting and music. Scott, our waiter was amazing and recommended a cocktail to start our experience, The Botanist. I have never been a fan of gin but this was one of the best cocktails I have ever had! We decided to go against his suggestion of Pork belly wraps and wish we hadn't. We chose the warm oysters and they were just average. The heirloom tomato salad was wonderful and my husbands Caesar was good as well. Scott suggested the Waygu beef for dinner and my husband loved it! The beef was prepared and seasoned well and the potatoes were great. I had the risotto and it was not as good as the beef. I would recommend this spot for the great cocktails and attentive, polite staff. Listen to their suggestions regarding menu items.
(4)
Barrett R.
I go to this place every time I visit Nashville. It is the best restaurant on Broadway given such a touristy area. The drinks are pricey, but the food is great. I have eaten several menu items, and they are all very tasty. From a foodie standpoint and the fact it is on a MAJOR Honky Tonkin' tourist street, you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Gina B.
After reading a lot of mixed reviews on this restaurant and having a lot of lackluster meals in Nashville, we reviewed yelp and decided our best bet was Merchant! I'd give them 5 stars, but they have a serious deficit in the vegetarian entree selection. Essentially, my friend was asked to come up with what she wanted and they would prepare it for her (which contradicts what you go out to eat for... you rely on the imagination of the chef right??). Anywho. We enjoyed the crab guacamole dip and I had the fish taco. Huge dish that I had served w/sweet potato fries. They put cinnamon and sea salt on them. Hello! Speak to my belly! We were super pleased w/everything and the price was nice!!! Go, check them out. The ambience is very nice for Broadway; a perfect contradiction to the touristy crasiness, which is so fantastic!
(4)
Cindy H.
Just wrapped up our first meal in Nashville at Merchants and it was delicious. And our server, Ryan J, was awesome. He had great recommendations and made sure the Tennessee Mojitos kept flowing. If you have the appetite, the chicken fried chicken was amazing.
(5)
Jelena Z.
Bravo, Merchants... Bravo! The food was killer, the ambiance remarkable and the drinks? Legendary. I usually don't do cocktails but downed THREE. I'll forever remember Merchants as the place where I popped my Dark and Stormy cherry. This is my signature cocktail now until the end of time. Melodramatic, perhaps, but completely true. Mixology is taken seriously here and both the know-how and the elbow grease show. To touch upon aesthetics - I loved the brooding vintage insides, perfect for one of those long, winding dinners when you try just about everything off the menu. A dream dinner party destination! From drinks to dessert, I felt fireworks. Big, over-the-top 4th of July fireworks! I promise: You won't be, can't be disappointed.
(5)
Brian J.
I took the recommendation of my hotel's front desk and ate at Merchant's and am glad I did. Excellent service. Great food. I started with the charcuterie appetizer and ended with the lamb. Not a single complaint. I will definitely be back the next time I visit Nashville.
(5)
Annette J.
I was so full from my meal here at Merchant's that I had to bow out of a honky tonk pub crawl after because I just didn't have any more room in my stomach for drinks. That's the marker of a good meal! One where I'm just so damn full but I still eat and eat and eat because it would be a sin not to! The space is really neat. The first floor is very diner-esque but upstairs is a more formal dining area with cool little decorative touches like a fireplace mantle bolted to a wall, filled with glued on sticks. So cute! I don't have a fireplace in my house but I've always wanted one. This would be cool way to fake it! The service was killer. Our waitress was friendly, helpful, and kept cool with our huge group, definitely a plus! The cocktails were fabulous and creative (Clover Club ftw!) and the food? Oh the food! Tried a bit of everything. From foie gras to baked potato gnocci, all fantastic appetizers. My main course of the mushroom gnocci was also to die for. Maybe I got too full from so much potatoey Italian goodness but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The desserts were also outrageous. I went with the chocolate bread pudding which clearly pushed me over the edge in the best way possible. Oh, how I wish Merchant's was in my own backyard. But perhaps it's good it's not. Saves my tummy a lot of discomfort. ;)
(5)
Cole A.
Great service, our waitress Ariel was outstanding! The ambience is classy and chic without feeling too uptight. Recommended fried green tomato app! Get the sweet potato fries if you order a sandwich. The pulled pork was a little dry but still very flavorful. Their drink menu is extensive with some expertly crafted and unique choices.
(4)
Stacy R.
I really enjoyed this restaurant! We weren't able to get a reservation in the upstairs, nor were we able to get anything after 4:30, so we ended up eating sandwiches instead of a dinner, but the sandwiches were still delicious! The guacamole was also amazing! At first, I was a little disappointed that we ended up in the Bistro part of the restaurant, but in the end, it was still worth eating there, and I would definitely go back!
(4)
A C.
I stuck my head in here Saturday night during Memorial Day weekend. The decor was beautiful: black and white with a 1940's feel. Bartenders were all wearing starched white shirts and bowties. It was about 11:30pm-ish and there were only a few tables sat and about 10-12 people at the very large round bar. Considering many of the other restaurants on Broadway were packed at this time, this was kind of a red flag to me. Undaunted, I proceeded to the bar and got started. The bartender that helped me was adequate but after the meal came out, he was basically non-existent for the rest of the evening. I ordered a Medium ( pink throughout with a warm center) steak, salad, and fries. The steak came out in STRIPS (wtf?) and was medium rare ( red thru-out with a cool, dark red center). I asked a bartender to have it "'re-fired" thinking it would be an easy fix. 5 minutes later, it came back in the Exact Same Condition. I pointed out the internal coloring to the bartender and he had it re-fired a 2nd time. The manager (a short, pudgy, early 30-something Caucasian male with a blond/reddish beard) brought it out this time and said it was medium because the thermometer said it was 147 degrees. It was STILL red, albeit, with a dark, warmer red center. I decided to just make do with it to which he replied, "It's not like you're paying for it," in the snottiest, most immature and juvenile manner possible. Normally, I would be grateful about getting a steak comp'ed but Manager Pudgy Smurf's piss-poor attitude (along with the kitchen's inability to cook a MEDIUM steak) definitely ruined the meal. Ironically, I left a $20.00 tip only because I was not going to give them the smug satisfaction of thinking they gave me something (a comp'ed steak) for free that I didn't deserve. I give the meal 3 stars and the customer service 1 star. There are hundreds of restaurants in Nashville with far better service and steaks. Don't waste your time here.
(1)
Molly O.
Absolutely wonderful food. Service was terrific, great selection of local beers, and the chef inspired menu was superb. As an out of towner, our waiter made us feel very welcomed and even gave us a list of places and restraints to go to while we were in town! The upstairs section is more upscale, but worth every penny.
(5)
Rachel F.
By far my favorite Nashville dining experience. Strange entrance: bar, booths...then a large lobby...then an elevator (a giant one!) and now the whole lot of us is up on the second floor. I could talk about the ambiance and vibe and blah-freakity-blah la la la. What I'd like to talk about re: Merchants? The food and the service. Mostly the service. 1. Food The menu had me salivating. I mean, I got really, really excited reading this one. Foie app w/ apples and cranberries? Truffled cauliflower? Short ribs with chantrelle mushrooms and celery root and potato puree? Yes, yes and yes, to all of it. Also...had a great craft cocktail called "The Clover," and loved it. The food was well done, artfully prepared, and thoughtfully presented. 2. Service Here's where I will glow and glow and go and go. Im-freaking-peccable. Spot on. Professional but not cold. Extremely knowledgeable staff, great recommendations (esp that wine)! Spot on French-service. Confident, efficient, fantastic. Rave rave rave. I wish Merchants was in Milwaukee, like...a lot. A lot. I loved this restaurant. Not sure how I got there, but sure was happy to have been.
(5)
Melissa V.
This place is perfect! Great food, service, atmosphere...it has it all. The fish tacos and jambalaya are among the best I've ever had! Get there early or you'll have to wait!
(5)
N S.
Great locale! Food really good, different. A unique twist on southern cuisine. Service excellent. Reservations accepted. Craft beer on tap. Appetizers were worth the money (I almost always pass on these). Romantic and shabby chic upstairs.
(4)
Kelly G.
Previous reviews led us to Merchants on our first night in Nashville. Located right on Broadway in a beautiful historic building, we were able to valet our car at the restaurant and leave it while we explored the music venues after dinner. Despite having no reservation we were seated immediately on the outdoor patio, and proceeded to order two of the most delicious and unique cocktails either of us had had in a while. We ordered off the downstairs menu, although apparently they have a pricier, chef special menu for upstairs. That being said, we were extremely satisfied with the downstairs menu. We ordered bacon and cheddar macaroni and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and their southern fry, and while it may not have been the healthiest of meals, it was definitely one of the tastiest. I can't even say which dish I liked best because they were all so good. I would definitely recommend hitting this restaurant before a night out on Broadway, even if it's just for a cocktail and appetizer!
(5)
Alexandra S.
Yes yes and yes! They serve you popcorn when seated, food is good quality and you have to try the Tennessee mohito if you're a fan of mohitos! Tasty duck tater tots and delicious turkey club sandwich made w basil pesto mayo. Yummmmm
(5)
Carolyn M.
This place is an oasis amid the honky tonk insanity on Broadway. Delicious cocktails (I love the champagne cocktail) and incredible food. The French dip is epic. Cute little attire for the servers too.
(5)
Lis R.
The waitstaff ruined what has the potential to be an awesome restaurant. Visited it twice, as it has a great menu and we wanted to give it a second chance, thinking maybe the waitstaff was just off its game the first time... nope. Just plain poor service. Friday night, 9ish: Dinner upstairs in the real restaurant - we were told there was a half hour wait and we could wait at the bar. When asked how she would find us when ready, the hostess said "i don't forget a face". Welp, she forgot. Over an hour later we checked back and were like HEY remember us? Flustered she then sat us within minutes. Also, while waiting at the bar, the bartender forgot about our drink order...so after waiting 10 minutes on those we asked again. At least he comped that first round, in his defense. Food is great - shrimp & grits, lobster mac, etc. YUM. Second time, Saturday night, closer to 11 after the T.Swift concert - returned and ate downstairs in the diner section. Love the popcorn they start you with and the burgers were great. Sweet potato fries were cut way to thick and thus not cooked thru, so stick to regular fries. Waitstaff, again, just more interested in talking amongst themselves than working. Sigh. Has so much potential...
(2)
Roger C.
Very nice place with a great atmosphere. It feels kind of diner / fine dining at the same time. Good drinks and fair prices. The downtown location is topnotch. There are very few choices that are moderately healthy anywhere downtown, that I've seen. The wait staff makes up for their speed by being super friendly and personable. Good times.
(4)
Melissa D.
The appetizers were way better then the entrees. The atmosphere was nice and the drinks were good. You gotta try the tator tots in duck fat!!
(3)
Morgan K.
Been here twice on separate trips to Nashville. Be sure and order the duck fat tater-tots and try one of their cocktails. The manhattan (made with bulliet rye) is a personal favorite. Pimento cheese grits are to die for! When making reservations, be sure and specify he bistro (downstairs- more casual) or upstairs (more fancy). Different menus and price points at both.
(5)
Jena W.
This one would've gotten 5 stars! The only minor setback was the personality, or lack there of, of our waitress! Food was amazing; atmosphere and location couldn't be better!
(4)
Rodney P.
At first glance the place looks a little snooty. That was the first and last time I doubted this place. The food was fantastic (get the baked cheese), the service staff was friendly and attentive. This place is a must stop.
(5)
Greg N.
The food was "OK" but was definitely nothing special. My boyfriend and I shared the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't waste your money on these. Go buy a bag of Ore Ida tater tots at the grocery store. The bearnaise sauce (one of three dipping sauces) was good, but it speaks volumes that the ketchup was the best sauce. The malted mayonaise tasted like feet. DIS-GUST-ING. I had the fried green tomato sandwich for my main course. Again, something I could have made at home that would have turned out better there. The drinks were good, but late. We didn't get them until our entrees came out, and then we had to ask for them as we could see them sitting at the bar for the better part of 15 minutes. The waiter was atrocious. 1. He was chewing gum. I repeat. HE WAS CHEWING GUM. He should have been fired alone for that. Disgusting. 2. He was either homophobic or just a dolt. He also had either table on either side of us, and they got much better treatment. Actually, it was odd because he would help one table, totally bypass us, and then help the other. His tip reflected that. Whoever picked out those silly uniforms... change them. The servers all look like they're callers at a circus. it's gimmicky. It's really obvious this place is just utilizing it's space on Broadway to draw in the tourist crowd. I have a feeling if this place were left to stand on it's own merits and in a neighborhood that required it too have better food/service/everything to succeed, it would be closed pretty quickly.
(1)
Robert B.
Everyone at our table of 5 loved their meals at the downstairs restaurant. The duck fat tater tots were delicious. There were so many, I didn't think we would eat them all, but we did.
(5)
Elizabeth E.
Really enjoyed this spot for casually fine dining. Started out with lunch, JAMBALAYA that was top notch. Went back for dinner. Fun atmosphere, beautiful old building, staff was great. We had FRIED GREEN TOMATO'S, fried crispy sweet perfection.
(4)
Johnny T.
Sad Trombone. I missed out. Evidently, everyone and their mama is smitten with Merchants. I didn't get it. The location is cool. 4th and Broadway is as perfect a location for out-of-towners as it gets in Nashville, so that wasn't it. The building is cool. After walking through a downstairs that looks diner-y (not an insult), you're whisked upstairs by elevator (or you can hoof it) and, suddenly, you're surrounded by brick walls, recessed flooring, long tables and pretty views. So, that wasn't it. The cocktails were cool. I introduced my colleague to the wonder of The Dark & Stormy and I hovered around brown liquors for the rest of the night. I wasn't out of my mind, but I was feeling pretty good. That wasn't it. The service was a little off. We were a large group and, like little Mike Brady, I get it: not everyone is going to reap the same attention as the others. It just kept happening. My appetizer was forgotten. And, then, oops, my drink order went somewhere else. 'Did you need some more silverware? I'll be right back... in ten or so minutes.' I didn't make a big deal of anything, but it didn't make me feel great that I had to persuade my dining companions to eat their food as I waited for mine. Twice. That may have been it. The food was... satisfactory. I came in expecting to be awed and I was 'alrighted.' Again, I am wondering if it was me because my companions seemed to be loving their experience. I was bored by mine. I am not a big beef person so, perhaps if I were, I would have a different opinion. Then again, maybe not. I dined with a vegan who seemed most content with her food. The gnocchi was fine, if not a tad bit mushy. I skipped the salad but had a bite or two of the arugula (I liked it the most). My pork tenderloin was filling but not entirely satisfying. Even for a fatty such as myself, dessert was ho-hum. From the bread pudding to a toast and jelly concoction, my tastebuds weren't tickled. They were poked. Truthfully, I was bored by much of what I ate. I kept waiting for the 'moment' and it never came. I think that I ordered poorly. The overall star rating and positive experience my companions had can't be wrong. So, the food... maybe that was it. That could have been it. That was probably it.
(3)
James L.
I was lucky enough to end up here twice on a recent biz trip, so I can say that it is not just good, but consistent as well. Upstairs is the "fine dining" area, where I ate both times - the only correction needed is that upstairs is $$$ for sure, not 2. Drinks were great, nice appetizer sent out by the chef was a pleasant surprise, and the appetizers, salads, and entrees were all very good - both presentation and taste. I had fish one night - excellent, and then a filet the next night - cooked to perfection. And for desert - the peach cobbler cannot be beat.
(5)
Quinn S.
Fantastic food, the blackened tilapia was cooked to perfection and the balance of spice was right on. My mother had the sweet tea pork loin with grits which she thought was great but the pork loin was a tad over cooked. It was a little loud but the server was attentive, professional, and really nice so it all balanced out. I might be biased because New York is so expensive but the prices couldn't be more reasonable. I would love to come back.
(4)
Em P.
This review is for the upstairs "fine dining" portion: I'd been wanting to try the rehash of Merchants after I heard the guys who own Patterson House and Paradise Park took it over. Those are two really good establishments (for what they mean to be...speakeasy or tourist dive) and I had reason to infer that Merchants would extend their record. And I was wrong. Started with a cocktail. Took a while (only because it was made downstairs at the bar) but was solid Patterson-house quality. My partner's extra dry martini had too much vermouth (more than none), but I understand only homeless people ask for a glass of gin and it's a strange request. Second was better. Got a couple of starters to split, even though there wasn't any inherently sharable on the menu. Got the beets and goat cheese (beets could have been a little more uniformly cooked, goat cheese was good but it wasn't dressed as the menu stated). Got the tomato starter too (good, but nothing to squawk at). We received a nice little amuse bouche, but it included goat cheese and tomato which we just ate 2 seconds before. Points for trying though! They were out of the fish stated on the menu (I don't remember what it was originally...red snapper?) but were substituting salmon in it's place. I still got it, but it had little flavor. Cooked nicely, but maybe the salmon overpowered what would have been a good balance. Not bad, just not good. The wilted scallions on it were tough and stringy and impossible to eat. My partner's dinner was worse...he got the pork and it was a really really nasty piece of meat. Fatty, but still dry, no flavor. Pork can be soooo good! We skipped dessert. Wasn't really worth the parking downtown. Overall the service wasn't BAD...it was just....strange. We had multiple servers throughout the evening, each was nice, but sort of unnerving to give one guy your drink order, someone else bring it out, yet another clean the table off...etc. The building itself is really cool looking, with history and the details to match. Downstairs looked a little better, and I may give it a whirl if I'm on lower broad for some reason. Eh.
(1)
HaileyTIffany M.
:( Really wanted to like it, it's beautiful, the staff is magazine beautiful, the uniforms are beautiful. However, I ordered just desert. A blueberry crumble. What we both got was: blueberry soup, with a light sprinkling of crumble (no crust whatsoever), and melted ice cream. I mean COMPLETELY melted. We should've sent it back. It was two bowls of blueberry soup. Maybe a bad day? WIll have to try it again later, cause the place is gorgeous. But dang.
(2)
Andrew R.
Really neat place. Ate dinner at the bar, bar tenders were friendly. Had very good mac n cheese and the wife enjoyed her veggie burger. We were looking for a place a little different then eating at the bars or main spots. This fit the description perfectly. I would go again.
(4)
Kathleen M.
After the total fail of a meal at Park Cafe, we needed a cheeseburger. A good one. Problem was, it was in the late hours of the evening and we were carless traipsing up and down Broadway. Our options were limited, but luckily Merchants was there. I fell in love with the space. I say this in the absolute nicest way possible, but it reminded me of a really refined Waffle House. You've got your high top counter, your low top counter, and some booths along the wall. Just remove the yellow and brown particle board, replace it with beautiful antique marble and steel accents, and you've got Merchants. But yes, just to see the space is worthy of a pop inside, so get on it. Apparently we walked in to the middle of a total computer meltdown, and our bartender gave us a heads up that it may be a while. He seemed flustered, to say the least. It had definitely been a rough night, and I wouldn't say he was excited to see us. Especially when we decided to stick around *and* order food. The servers' uniform is a little overkill on the hipster quotient: plaid shirts and suspenders, no joke. But I suppose it could be a lot worse. And dude warmed up to us as the night went on, especially once the computer system was back up and running. The cheeseburger was delightful, but that may have been due to our rumbly bellies and the late hour. I do remember a double, slightly overdone patty served up on some fantastic bread. And seriously yummy fries, *and* they were nice enough to split it in two for us and serve it on two separate plates: I've never seen a place do that with a burger, and it was appreciated. You may think I'm crazy for having a Clover Club with a cheeseburger, but that's just what I did. And I loved that I could do it here. And that the Clover Club was served in a lowball rather than a martini glass: heaven in my eyes. If I end up back in Nashville at some point, I'll be coming back here.
(4)
Glenn F.
Merchants is one of the most reliable restaurants in the Broadway/downtown area of Nashville. The food is well planned and put together great. The prices are reasonable and service and ambiance is always superb. The fish tacos, chicken fried chicken and salmon are my favorite. The Johnny Cash Chili is overated and overpriced. I haven't been there for drinks, but today I noticed the bar tender working diligently trying to perfect various concoctions. I give it a thumbs up!
(4)
Tarra J.
The upstairs "upscale" section of the restaurant had a small menu of unique but not over-the-top dishes. Food was delicious and served with a smile. Definitely recommend!
(4)
Seed M.
Everything was great. Had the Mac N Cheese and it was good. My dates had Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches. Everyone was happy it was a great time. The server was so pretty. Wish you were mine. HE HE
(4)
Jeremy E.
Went before a Preds game. Food was good. Duck fat tots were very good. Way overpriced and the service was extremely lacking. Water glasses were empty, and they didn't take the plates off of our table when we were done with apps which made for a cluster**** when entrees came. Only reason why they can stay in business is because they are located right downtown and people don't have a choice.
(3)
Annie D.
Culinary angels live in this kitchen wearing chef's hats and yelling for more truffle oil. I swear. The service was great---patient, knowledgeable and warm. The atmosphere is amazing too---dim, bold colors, dark wood, crystal chandeliers, wrought iron and this vintage-modern-gothic feel. And the food. AAAH. Starters of foie gras, shrimp and grits, cheesy gnocchi. I ordered the filet for my entree, which was one of the best steaks I've ever had (and I used to live in Argentina, land of grass-fed beef). It came with au jus, potatoes and some other stuff I just scarfed happily without taking notes. They change the accouterments seasonally, so you can expect some variety. I also nabbed a bite of chocolate bread pudding (OMG) and Rachel F's short ribs and truffled cauliflower. Short ribs were a winner, but the cauliflower had me wishing there were some biscuits lying around because it tasted like gravy. Do with that what you will. The sour Clover Club was my drink of choice. It's a craft cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, housemade raspberry puree and egg white. Get this and be happy. There are separate menus for upstairs and down. Down is more casual (but still pretty chic) and upstairs is fancy-town. I mean that in the best way because it isn't pretentious in the least. I wish I could have eaten at Merchants every night I was in Nashville. As much as I might like, I wouldn't be able to afford eating here daily unless I was growing money in my backyard (which I am not, for the record---so stay out of my garden). It's probably best to come for a celebration with your friends and loved ones or an impressive date with your number one guy/gal.
(5)
Jennifer M.
This was a very nice restaurant. Food was extremely good! I had the crab guacamole and chicken fried chicken. Mmmm. I was glad we went there. It is hipster classy and could recommend it for the young adults or old adults.
(4)
Hailey D.
Maybe it was because I was way too tired to eat..I don't know. But it wasn't what I thought it would be. I ordered fish tacos with sweet potato fries. Fries were awesome, crisp and delicious. Fish tacos? I loved how they put lettuce instead of cabbage. But I hated that they put red onions in it. It just was not what I would expect from fish tacos. My friends ordered steak and lamb steak respectively. Lamb steak came out perfect. But steak was overcooked. She ordered medium rare but it was medium well done. Of course they didn't charge for it, after my friend declined to have it fixed. Food was fine. Service was acceptable, except when the waitress spilt water on our table, dropped a lemon wedge on the floor, and spilt my friend's sweet tea. The place was nice...except the tile floor just didn't go with upscale looking interior. Overall it was OK..I probably won't return. The menu didn't have the variety I expected.
(3)
Janie M.
Merchants is my go to restaurant whenever I have guests in town. It's in the heart of downtown, the food is pretty decent and I've always had really great service there. The lines are sometimes long on a Friday or Saturday, but thanks to Open Table I never have to worry about waiting anymore!
(4)
Carolyn F.
Had dinner upstairs. Pretty solid for a higher-end meal but there were definitely a few misses. The lighting was very dim and the tables are pretty spaced out, producing a muted and somewhat dead atmosphere (vs the very bright and lively downstairs). Sitting next to the window, you can check out the action at the honky tonks across the street. We started out with a complimentary amuse-bouche of gougere, which was fine. The shrimp and grits appetizer was outstanding. Super tender shrimp and a great smoky and buttery flavor to the dish overall. The duck risotto was fine but somewhat salty. The steak was alright, with very tender meat and good flavor. The pheasant was four or five pieces of breast meat and tasted fine if a little bland. I wished the bird was served on the bone for more flavor and brought out sooner, as it was lukewarm when it arrived. Both entrees seemed to be decently well-executed but I found neither to be exciting. Besides the shrimp and grits, the other truly outstanding dish was the soft chocolate dessert. This alone would make me return to the restaurant! Imaginative combination of flavors (malt chocolate and balsamic) with delicious mint ice cream. Yummmm.
(4)
Katie L.
This is for the first floor restaurant. Yummy! We tried the cheese appetizer and it lived up to its description. Our table had the brisket, steak frites, chowder and pork loin. The pork loin is probably the best pork loin I have ever had. The corn bread is real corn bread- so good. The meat was all well seasoned and moist. The bernaise sauce that comes with the steak frites was almost drinkable it had such great flavor. The service was top notch, our drinks were never empty - our pop cups were never empty. Our server brought out extra chips for our appetizer. A really nice place, you are going to pay a little more but you are definitely paying for quality of ingredients, local meats etc. and this is worth it to me. Also, they have complimentary valet which is a nice added touch especially so you do not have to pay for parking downtown and only have to pay a tip. I would go back for the wonderful cuisine any time I was in town.
(4)
Hannah J.
I went here for a late casual lunch yesterday. The first thing to note about this place is that there are 2 sections to the restaurant and they have different menus. The upstairs sounds a little more fancy and on my tour it was more of a classic dining room feel. It had great light fixtures and dark walls with a great vibe. The 3rd floor was more empty and seemed like a great place for business luncheon or party. Also, they let us just walk around and tour the building since it's so historic. Downstairs is more casual- this is where I ate. It's an old pharmacy/soda shop. The bar is behind the original marble counter top. The seating is booth style with marble table tops as well. They were even playing football on flat screens. First, the cocktails were awesome. I had my favorite: Dark and Stormy. It almost rivals that of the Patterson house. We also had the fried green tomatoes app, but it was not that freshly made. And they served it was some pimento topping and jalapeno salsa. Not my favorite. For the main course, they have only 2 veggie options: friend green tomato sandwich and a veggie burger. I opted for the veggie burger. It was alright. Nothing to write home about. This is the only reason they got 3 stars. It was just wasn't that exciting of a menu. On the other hand, the service was awesome. Partly because it was slow, but also because everyone was super nice. I hope to get back to try the upstairs dining room. I will update then, Maybe they'll move up to 4 stars?
(3)
Mike M.
Service good. Rsvp'd online and it worked nicely. Food was above average not the best I ever had. Mac and cheese and fish taco's good. Fish taco was a little watery from the liquid in the fish they made it with but still was good. The crab guacamole was pretty good also. In the middle of broad and recommended by conciere. I'd come here again. Waiter was slow to clear off plates after we ate. Restaurant was slowing down at this point too.
(3)
Gene G.
We tried out the down stairs area where things are of more casual nature. Very white, but well decorated area almost feeling like your in an old time drug store. I like the get up the bartenders wear, bow tie, suspenders, and jeans as whoever chose to make the uniforms that way made a nice choice. The drink menu was well done on the mixed side, the beer selection is mediocre and does not have any draft selections. There also wasn't the option of a chilled glasses for the beers. The service was meteoker, but the food is done extremely well. This is a well rounded diner fitting almost any type of situation. This place is in a pretty happening area and the building is gorgeous. I had a pimento cheese and bacon burger, that was fine. Pros: Drink Menu Good Food Nice Decor and Character Good Location Cons: Mediocre Service Limited Beer Menu
(4)
Emily M.
This place had me a little befuddled. The drinks were awesome, A+, we had moscow mules, dark and stormy's and a specialty martini. The food was delicious, the steaks were just right, asparagus was cooked to perfection, caprese app was lovely, and the gnocchi was really enjoyable to indulge in. The service was good, friendly peeps. However....the layout and the decor, stunk. We sat upstairs and it felt very cold, bare, and old. More importantly, the bathroom was dirty, looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months. Who wants to pay $40 for a steak and not enjoy the entire experience? And if the bathroom for the patrons isn't sparkling, it makes me wonder how they (don't) take care of the actual kitchen, etc. So, good food, good drinks, and pee with your eyes closed. :)
(3)
Marty Y.
Reminds me of a classy southern plantation but the middle of all of the honky tonks on Broadway. Had the blackened talapia and ate at the bar during lunch. Not the kind of place you would got drinks, but its a classy restaurant. Dig it. 4 stars.
(4)
Janet S.
I've done both dinner and lunch here and both were satisfactory, dinner was a little pricey but we enjoyed playing tourist and being downtown. Lunch this week was macaroni and cheese with jalapeno and ham, not quite as baked as I would like it but tasty and filling. My friend's salad was delicious and a generous portion. Cocktails - Tennesse mojito quite fabulous, especially as it was lunchtime (naughty!). It's across the street from my new office so I suspect I'll be spending more time here. Service very professional. Lunch came to $25 each for two inc tip.
(3)
Whitney H.
Some friends and I ate at Merchants on a trip to Nashville out of a recommendation from a friend and it was absolutely amazing. Not only was the food delicious, our service was outstanding and you can't beat the wine selection. I would highly recommend Merchants.
(5)
Meredith H.
I gotta be honest, I wasn't impressed. It was a cool place to eat, but I don't know if I'll be going back. We did get there late, and they were really cool about it (we had reservations for 8 and got there around 8:15) but we had to wait about 20 minutes for them to clean off a table (totally understandable.) We were shown to our table, got our lukewarm water (apparently it's cool in Europe to not put ice in your water, which is what they do here. I've been to Europe and I got ice there all the time without asking, so who knows.) and we ordered appetizers. We were so excited for our crab guac dip, and one other one, but we literally waited probably 30 minutes. By this time, our food should have come and we flagged down our waiter who didn't remember to put the apps in, so he apologized and said that they would still come, and he'd bring them AFTER our main meal. Whatever. He felt bad and I think he waived the price and offered us free desert, but we passed on it. It was good food, though! I got the grilled salmon BLT and it was delicious! I just didn't like the service.
(2)
mumin k.
I was at Merchants again and fell in love with this place one more time. The drinks here are amazing. You simply can not go wrong by ordering anything on the cocktail menu. The bartenders here definitely know what they are doing. They are NOT just mixing stuff but are doing a magic with these drinks. This time I had the turkey leg confit sandwich which was simply amazing. It took me back to the days when I was having a duck confit sandwich in France. Highly recommended. I think this is one of the best places in town. I am planning to go there late in the evening and sit in the bar and have at least 3-4 of my favorite cocktails.
(5)
Butch A.
Stopped in for drinks the other evening. I am a Los Angeles based Nashvegas regular by the way. I brought my business associates, and we sat at the bar. Our mixologist, Will, was great. Drinks were killer. A good time was had by all. The food is always excellent, as is the entire team at Merchants. If you find yourself on Broadway - treat yourself. You may also become a convert;)
(5)
John R.
Were do I start. At the door the valet pick up my car with a smile. Based on the cars he probably sees each evening, that was a good sign. Moving into the restaurant we were welcomed upstairs. We ordered the hot chicken app. The serving temp was hot but the spice was lacking. Good capture of the southern specialty but could have used more heat. Salad was the blue cheese lemon vin on a wedge. Bacon and Blue was great but the lemon seemed a little off. A nut or lime may have complimented better. The entree was the ribeye and gnocchi. Temperature and sauce was perfect, however seasoning was toooooo salty. May need another BP tablet tonight. I do want to say that the service was very attentive and punctual. This was a nice compliment leading to a good gratuity. Thank you overall. Overall value is falling behind........maybe downstairs is the place to be?
(2)
Grayson W.
The food was very good and the place seemed classy, but I thought it could stand a little updating and I I thought it was a tad overpriced.
(3)
Maureen R.
Merchants is a calm oasis in the craziness that is Broadway in Nashville. As first-timers to Nashville, we enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the street. and shopped and bar-hopped in and out of all the crazy places. But when it came time to eat lunch, we gladly diverted from it temporarily. We were visiting on a recent Sunday and stumbled into the filming of a beer commercial (think Clydesdale horses). The street was blocked off to vehicles but pedestrians were still able to walk the length of Broadway and watch the staging and rehearsals for the commercial. So that just added to the fun vibe of the street. When it came time for lunch, we thought of eating at one of the places with a rooftop patio so we could continue to view the filming. After climbing two flights of stairs at one of the most popular chain honky-tonks, we discovered the rooftop was a cacophony of noise - music from a live band was way too loud. We quickly retreated and went in search of a better choice. Merchants did not have a menu posted outside and we were unsure of the type of food they served. We hesitantly ventured inside and found it a bit awkward that you have to walk to the back of the restaurant to find the host and request a table. We requested a look at the menu, which Hans, the host, gladly offered. We mentioned that we were enjoying the filming that was going on right outside the front of the restaurant. Much to our delight, Hans showed us to a booth that was tucked into a corner against the front window and removed the "reserved" sign from the table. We had a birds-eye view of the action on the street while we lounged in air-conditioned comfort eating the addictive, complimentary herbed popcorn. Thank you, Hans - this is exactly what we had in mind. Our server, Paul, made some recommendations and shared some insight about the menu. I chose the soup and sandwich combo, priced at $11, and couldn't have been happier with my entree. I received a generous bowl of shrimp and corn bisque that was a meal in itself. My grilled cheese sandwich was a gooey-three cheese delight that came with house-made potato chips. My friend had a burger, similarly priced, that she raved about. Paul was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. We lingered over a shared piece of pecan pie for dessert as we continued to watch the action happening right on the other side of our window. Thanks to Hans and Paul for making our lunch at Merchants the best part of our day on Broadway!
(5)
Kim T.
Lamb steak was amazing... Juicy, tender, very well seasoned... Flavorful. The first bite was a symphony of flavor and I am not even a huge fan of lamb!!!. Pot roast was ai'ght. Sweet potato puree a little runny. It needed a little seasoning. In general good atmosphere, good food, good local beer. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.
(3)
Maksim F.
Great food, very nice service, and awesome location!
(5)
Kola H.
I decided to try Merchants immediately after seeing the many 4+ star reviews and multiple notes on how the place was "surprisingly great quality food despite being in the tourist trap". The interior was bright and contemporary with a beautiful copper bar, antiqued mirrors and the barkeeps wore cute bow ties & suspenders (very prohibition of them). I warned my bar tender that I was a "foodie" so the food had better be good, he laughed, told me about a special dinner and book signing that was happening with Maneet Chauhan of The Food Network's "Chopped" but my flight was just before the event so I couldn't make it :/ He suggested the fried green tomatoes and salmon blt, but as I'm still on my "pescetarian" diet opted for the mahi mahi tacos w/jalapeno aioli, guac and slaw. The food came out in good timing and the plate looked fresh, appetizing and the cilantro and thinly sliced radish bits were a great touch! The slaw was very lightly dressed so it hardly tasted like any coleslaw I'm used to, but that was a good thing! Thanks again to Will and Speedy for the great info and service- I'd definitely come back again ;)
(4)
Lauren S.
Overall: Tasty, but basic menu with a bistro-type flair. A nice departure from the honky-tonks downtown. Food/Drink: I'm usually not a big appetizer fan but I was with a big group so we got a few things to munch on. Thumbs up to the tater tots, especially with the white/vinegary dipping sauce. I was also pleasantly surprised with the beet & goat cheese crostini. It was more beet juice mixed with goat cheese which, given that I hate beets, was great. There are a variety of sandwich-type items on the entree list and they are pretty large. Picks for my table included the roast beef, burger, salmon BLT and grilled chicken (from what I could see) and everyone seemed to enjoy it! For the side option, choose the sweet potato fries. The drinks featured are more "old time" drinks with gin, whiskey, brandy, bitters etc. Not really my cup of tea, but they did sound impressive. Atmosphere/Service: I ate downstairs in the more casual area but there is a more fine dining option upstairs. It was very open/clean and the service was fine. Food came out quickly and our waitress was attentive without being annoying. Cost: Appetizers range from $6 - $10 and sandwiches are about $12.
(3)
Buddy R.
A little better than most of the touristy places on Broadway. We ate downstairs - which is the more casual. We ate at the bar because we were there during a convention and the place was crowded. The building looks quite old as does the bar area, but all was clean and well maintained. Food was good but not exceptional. I had an excellent hamburger and my wifes salad was very good. Service was fine.
(3)
Louise B.
Excellent dining experience. Get the Tennessee Mojito. Best cocktail I have ever had. Ate downstairs at a table by the window. Wonderful view of the Broadway action outside. Wait staff was very professional and attentive. All of us four got different entrees and were delicious. I highly recommend Merchant's.
(5)
Andrea Q.
Went to Nashville in May of 2009 and finally getting around to my reviews of the area. 4 stars for food, but knocking a star for sketchy credit card billing. Merchants had good food and nice place to sit outside. I went here with 5 of my girlfriends before going to the Grand Ole Opry to see Steve Martin's banjo debut. Merchants was great at accommodating us - we were kind of in a rush to eat and get out of there so we wouldn't be late for the show. I had the Southern Chicken Cordon Bleu which was a pecan crusted chicken breast stuffed with ham and swiss cheese in a creamy dijon sage sauce. It was served with sauteed spinach and Andouille sausage grit cakes. YUM!!! The whole meal was delicious. My friends all enjoyed their meals as well. Our waiter was kind of a dick- he wasn't even remotely friendly or personable and seemed really distracted. He also over charged my credit card and a friend's credit card by adding in an extra 18% tip on top of the 18% that was already included in the bill. We only found this out after we left Nashville and checked out bank statements. Not cool at all. When we each called the restaurant, they claimed to not have records of it and said they couldn't help us with the overcharge - not a cool practice Merchants! An honest mistake is one thing, having been a waiter for a long time myself, I know that sometimes a number is entered incorrectly but the restaurant should own up and fix the mistake instead of claiming to not be able to do anything about it. And for it to happen to more than one person at a table? Makes it even more likely that it was done on purpose. If I was in Nashville again, I would probably eat there because I really enjoyed my meal but service could be better and I will pay with cash next time!
(3)
Sara R.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. It is perfect for residents and tourist alike. The service at Merchants has always been incredible. Drinks are always made perfectly. My favorite dish is the sweet tea pork loin. But everything I've had is delicious. We always seem to order an appetizer with dinner, but it's not necessary. All meals are filling enough!! Come out to Merchants for a great all around dining experience. You won't regret it!
(5)
Megan H.
I love this place... it is what every restaurant should aim to be: focused, fresh, and friendly. First off, the menu had variety but wasn't huge. The food they did offer was some of the best I've had in awhile. I ordered the spinach salad and requested blackened salmon on top and they hooked me up! The blue cheese crumbles they used were so pillowy soft, and tangy delicious that I'm still thinking about them 3 days later! They did fumble a bit and forgot my appetizer but they went above and beyond to make up for it by offering a free dessert which we were sadly too full to take them up on, but I really applaud their customer service. This place is really a gem in the heart of downtown Nashville.
(5)
Sarah L.
I was in Nashville for business during the week of the CMAs. I wanted to get out and be around the energy while playing it safe and avoiding the honkey tonk craziness alone. I ended up at Merchants bar. The server was great. The food was ok. I ordered fried green tomatoes, and the breading kind of crumbled off. The bread on my salmon blt was a bit over toasted. But all in all, it was a fine place.
(3)
Carrie B.
I'll go with 5 on this one, we were looking for a place to grab a bite while passing through Nashville and since the downtown area was in walking distance of our hotel we had plenty of places to choose from. The iPhone again made the decision based on the location and after reading a couple of reviews, decided this was the place. When we saw the building we had to try it. It's split up into a more formal dining room and a casual soda fountain/pharmacy area, which is what the 130+ year old building used to house. There is original pharmacy signage on the walls on the 3rd floor and it's always great to see a place reuse so much from the original structure, like the original pharmacy countertops. The service was great, everyone was so friendly and even though we only had the smoked salmon appetizer, the food was great and we will definitely come back the next time we're in Nashville.
(5)
Sadie F.
We visited the downstairs on a saturday night. There was a 30-40 minute wait at 6PM so We decided to sit at the bar for dinner and drinks. The bartender took care of us and made us some strong mixed drinks. They were pretty tasty. For dinner we had the fried green tomato BLT w/ french fries. The sandwich was a very large portion; it was on thick toast and came with a tasty mayo and red onions. The fries were also a large portion and had a tasty seasoning on it. Overall, we were pleased with the taste, quality and portion of the food. It also came super quickly. The service was decent, a little slow when it was time to check out but overall pleasant.
(4)
Andalee C.
Amazing food upstairs in their fancy restaurant and downstairs at the bar. We had a huge garden salad for $6 downstairs and the fried green tomatoes. Both were great. We had dinner upstairs: the juiciest chicken I've ever had. High end, fantastic food of far better quality than we expected in the downtown area. A perfect alternative to the fried bologna sandwiches offered at the other places on Broadway.
(5)
David W.
So I took a client here on business as I had previously been for lunch one day and thought this was a super cool spot. It is on Broadway which is the tourist trap, but has an old school vibe, black and white checkered floors, and waiters in suspenders and cool outfits. Great craft cocktail list and lunch was pretty stellar too. Did dinner downstairs in the bistro area. less formal of course. Service was really good, food average especially for the price. Cocktails were great. wine list was just okay. i would highly recommend this spot for lunch and cocktails. would consider doing their upstairs dining for a more formal dinner.
(3)
Adrienne K.
Fabulous Steak Frites! Wonderful service, great location!
(4)
Chris G.
I gave it 4 Stars - - - but only because I am very stingy with that 5th star. Really nothing to keep me from that, or complain about. I may even call it 4 and 1/2 stars, as we had a great meal. Merchant's has two sections - - Upstairs and Downstairs. Each of these two sections has its own menu. The Upstairs has a pricier menu, and we opted for the lower-priced Downstairs section. We made a reservation through OpenTable here on the Yelp Website, and they had our table for two in the Downstairs section waiting for us as we arrived. When you make your reservation on OpenTable, it asks you to specify "Upstairs or Downstairs". I think you can look on the restaurant's website to see which menu appeals your taste/budget. The easy reservation process allowed us ample time to enjoy a relaxing dinner before the concert at The Ryman. The Downstairs menu is not too long - - - pretty much one page for food and appetizers, and the flip-side for drinks and cocktails. My wife and I both found plenty to suit our taste-buds. The decor is cool, with a beautiful marble bar and tables. The prices were not too bad. My wife and I had a couple of Champagne Cocktails along with the Wings Appetizer. Then we both had entrees, and shared a dessert and coffee - - - all of this for a total of $78 plus Tip. I tipped our waiter 25% because of his "attentive, yet unobtrusive" service that he rendered. There are plenty of other restaurants in downtown Nashville that I still want to try, but if you are looking for a good place to take your date before a show or after a ballgame, you can't go wrong with Merchant's. Maybe you'll see me there again when you show up.
(4)
Buddy B.
*This is a review of the more affordable, casual downstairs section* Visually, the place is fantastic. Ergo the two stars (and that's being lenient: visuals make 2 stars in a restaurant setting?). However, the burger was dry and boring, even after I tried to make it interesting with smoked gouda and bbq sauce. And finally, the music. While I do like the Buzzcocks and the faster White Stripes numbers, this ain't the place for them. This place isn't a dark bar. It's got the feel of a burger joint. The music just made us give up trying to have a conversation. And the social anxiety! I can't remember ever praying for the server to not come over and fill up our water glasses.
(2)
Brenda K.
I was visiting friends and believe it or not, they have been in Nashville 6 years and have never been. We ate upstairs in the restaurant and were very pleased with our dinner and service. Only in the south would the amuse bushce would be a pork rind on beer cheddar cheese! I had the beet salad, crab cakes and gnocchi mac and cheese. All very tasty! Small portions for the meaty men with us, but I was very satisfied with my choices and just the right amount of food. Service was excellent - my friends drink was not right and when it was redone, the bartender personally brought up the right one! I highly recommend giving this place a try.
(4)
Sean C.
Very good food, sat downstairs which offers more casual southern style fare, excellent service and cool retro ambiance makes this place a can't miss. A great diversion from all the honky tonk bars downtown.
(4)
Angie K.
Loved this place! We strolled in there not expecting amazingness and ended up loving it. Deviled eggs as as app, and a variety of entrees we were all happy! Also the price is right. Good drinks, great popcorn, very good service. Worth the wait!
(5)
Steve S.
A clean, well-lit restaurant with a hip nod to the 1890's. Was in town for a business meeting and after wandering on Broadway, listening to the music pouring out on the streets, I stopped in and grabbed a seat at the bar. The bartender, in suspenders and bow tie, was amazingly efficient. Bringing me popcorn to snack on and filling my diet coke whenever the glass was half full. Grilled chicken sandwich with onion, avocado and spicy aoli was excellent but better still were the duck fat tater tots. Could not have asked for a better first impression of Nashville.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Francesca D.
Came in on a whim for some snacks because we were starving after the music on the green. What a cool atmosphere. We sat at the bar next to some drunk locals which was hilarious. Get the duck fat tots SO good and worth the hype. Fried green tomatoes were just okay- lacking some spice. But when you put the spicy sauce from the tots on it with the pimento they are on point. Should definitely offer that- just ask for it I'm sure they will give it to you. Also got the Mac and cheese and it was probably the best I've ever had. So filling though. Even for 2 people. Service was spotty so we're giving it a 4. But other than that not to shabby for being on then main drag full of tourist traps. Would go back again with a reservation and for dinner.
(4)W. John R.
This place is really classy, being in the heart of downtown Nashville but feeling like a quiet, elegant space. One of my favorite things about the visit were the cocktails - a full menu of creative and tasty offerings, and a waiter who was knowledgeable and able to make informed recommendations. We started with the pork belly wrap appetizer- it was amazing. I love Bibb lettuce (and grow it at home) and this waxy, crisp lettuce was the perfect vehicle for the sweet-and-spicy treats inside. Our main courses were good. My pork chop was a smidge overdone, but the flavor was great. The sides - especially the twice baked potatoes gratin - complemented the meal perfectly.
(4)Bill T.
Was in Nashville for four days and came here twice it was so good! Food is excellent...the duck fat tater tots are outstanding. We loved the chipotle sauce that came with them. Our first server (I think her name was Ali) recommended the queso with them. It came with a fresh salsa-type garnish and she recommended mixing it in with the cheese and it was amazing. I later had a burger and fries, both great. Service was terrific too. Ali was helpful and told us other fun places to go to eat and drink and her recommendations were fantatstic. The second time, we sat at the bar and the talented bartender made us some great drinks and explained to one of my friends why they did certain things and what some of the ingredients were. Very informative. Our waiter the last night was Brian H and he was very good. Drinks are great...we had old-fashioneds, a Vieux Carre and a Fig Sidecar. The bar really adds their own twist to these bespoke cocktails and make them very memorable. If there's a line, just put your name in and wait. It will be worth it.
(5)Guy C.
Blackened tilapia was amazing. Even a burger was excellent with mushrooms piled high. Nikia, our server, was knowledgable, prompt, professional and friendly. Great people watching on the corner of Broadway and 4th.
(5)Becca J.
I guess I was a little disappointed considering all of the raving reviews about this place. It does seem like the best option to eat if you are hanging out "downtown" near all of the honky tonk bars, so that is probably one of the reasons it is rated so highly. My table split a half order of the Duck Fat Tater Tots, and I ordered the Blackened Tilapia. The tater tots were good, but not amazing. I did like the various dipping sauces they provided. The Tilapia was actually really good, and I would get that again. The ambiance felt a bit diner-y, perhaps it was the hard, white floors and the booths. My understanding is that it is different upstairs, but we didn't get to experience that. Be prepared to pay for street / lot parking. Unfortunately we were there on an "event" day (there was a concert going on somewhere close-by) and got stuck with a $25 parking tab. The building is historic and very cute.
(4)Stephanie B.
We came to Nashville for our anniversary and found Merchants by accident. The staff was very accommodating and sweet. We hit the jackpot with our waitress, Jennifer. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and loved them. For dinner we ordered the NY strip and I changed the sauce to Bernaise because who on Earth wouldn't want that? P.S. We sat on the lit up patio and it couldn't have been more romantic.
(5)Lily P.
Great A+++++ We even got out boots shined while eating.
(5)Zlata P.
It's a nice place to eat, however it gets super busy, so be ready to wait for a table or if you lucky, you can grab a seat at the bar. Came here on a Friday night, place was packed. 45 min wait for a table, we were hungry, so we sat at the bar. Everything on the menu looked good. I tried pulled pork sandwich. It came out a little dry for my taste. Friend had a steak, she seemed to like it. I also tried deviled eggs, and I think that was my favorite out of all things we ordered . To drink I got some house special cocktail, don't remember the name, it was gin based. Service was friendly at first, and after it became even busier, bartenders seemed to be overwhelmed with customers, so It was no service at this point. Check it out. But I would probably come back on a less busy night .
(4)Maria K.
I have lived in Nashville for 19 years, and discovered Merchants a couple years ago. I was a concierge at a nice hotel on West End and always found myself making reservations for people here....and after visiting I know why! There are two circumstances in which I will find myself at merchants. The first being when I want to dine in a fun environment downtown without all the craziness, and the second being whenever I want to start a night off of bar hopping at a nice classy place. The food at Merchants is slightly above average. I usually have the hamburger or the chicken fried chicken. They have a southern twist on common entrees which gives it more of a "Nashville" vibe. But let me tell you, the cocktails are absolutely phenomenal. They have a list of very eclectic options ranging from my personal favorite, Rock City Peach (which has a spicy jalapeno syrup in it!) to a Tennessee mojito made with mango moonshine. Trust me when I say Merchants has some of the best cocktails in the city. The ambiance is also wonderful. It is themed as an upscale diner inside an old pharmacy building. Now, they also have fine dining on the top level but I prefer the mail floor. The restaurant tends to get a bit busy, but you give them your number and they text you when a table is ready. You can use this time to check out some of the surrounding area bars! HELPFUL TIP!!! They have valet parking until 10 PM at the tiny avenue right before the restaurant. So if you want free parking for your meal, drive by slowly and look on your right!
(5)Mollie S.
Last weekend, my girlfriends and I headed to Nashville to celebrate one of by best friend's 30th birthday. Since we all weren't experts on where the trendy spots were, we did some research and stumbled upon a gem on Broadway... Merchants Restaurant! The place was completely packed on a Friday night. When we went to the hostess, we were told it would take 2 hours for us to get a table! Being determined to stay at Merchants, I spotted 3 stools at the bar with our names on them. The moment we sat down and were greeted by several very polite, handsome and well dressed bartenders. They were are all dressed in dress shirts, suspenders and bow ties... SWOON. Cody was our server for the evening and he treated us like royalty! He ensured that all of us, ESPECIALLY the birthday girl, had an amazing time! The food and drinks were delicious, not to mention affordable! We even got to sample some hometown specialty shots... and I LOVE shots! We loved this place so much we went there again for dinner on our last night in town. For anyone who is visiting Nashville or lives there, you need to go to Merchants for delicious food, yummy cocktails and wonderful service. I promise you will not regret it! I hope to make it back there soon! :)
(5)Jared K.
I wandered downtown to meet my mom and aunt, who were visiting for a few days. They're into touristy stuff, so I thought that Merchant's on Broadway would be a great spot to take them for lunch. I suppose I could have taken them to Robert's Western World or Wildhorse Saloon if we wanted to get super touristy, but those places are a bit more than I can handle. There are still a few obvious remnants of the original pharmacy business in their first-floor bistro area, including the layout, marble counters, and abundant natural lighting. Even the attitudes at Merchants seem reminiscent of the past, exemplified by the hostesses and waitstaff who gave my family some great Nashville hospitality. I didn't really have barbecue on my mind when we walked into Merchants, but when I saw a Smoked Brisket entree on the menu, I couldn't resist the temptation. Theirs comes with cornbread, coleslaw, and a chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce. I asked for sauce on the side and also requested the house-made potato chips as a substitute side dish. As expected, the potato chips were terrific. They were thick-cut chips with a ton of crunch. It was also patently obvious that they were homemade. The cornbread was beautifully sweet and very buttery. It tasted like there might have been some molasses mixed right in (or at least maybe some brown sugar). Merchants' brisket is prepared with something they call a "Music City Rub," although I'm not sure exactly what that is. The meat was much smokier than I envisioned, so much so that it was immediately noticeable when I took my first bite. Their rub seasoning was decent enough, but the brisket didn't have much of a crust to speak of, so I feel like I missed out on a potential flavor source there. Despite its leanness, the brisket was still tender and juicy. What little fat there was had certainly soaked up plenty of flavor from the smoking process. It was rendered well, though there was a little too much of it packed together. The chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce was good, too. It was only somewhat spicy, but paired nicely with the brisket. We had an excellent meal at Merchants, and I'm sure we'll be back.
(4)Emily H.
This place was amazing!!! The food was excellent, our waiter was excellent and the duck fat tater tots were excellent. Without a doubt, my favorite spot in Nashville!!
(4)Stephanie H.
FULL DISCLOSURE- my friend knows one of the co-owners, so my experience was slightly more amazing because of it. However, I can say that even if we had not had the friend connection, this place has outstanding service, food and a fantastic atmosphere! I love the fact that they have a casual downstairs and fancier upstairs. Both menus looked unbelievably good (truly something for everyone), but we went for the downstairs menu, because we wanted something more casual and at a lower price point. I ordered a local IPA that was wonderful, then we went nuts on the appetizers, getting the deviled eggs and duck fat tater tots. Holy crap - those tater tots were ridiculous. I couldn't stop eating them. They came with three delicious sauces, but the spicy chipotle ended up being everyone's favorite. The portion size was HUGE and more than enough for all 4 of us. The deviled eggs were also fantastic and were well presented on top of a pickle - a unique presentation, but the flavor of the pickle was an excellent touch! For an entree, I ordered the salmon salad. Again - HUGE portion size - and the salmon itself was prepared well; not overcooked and paired with goat cheese, apples and nuts. Yum. The service was also over the top and I really don't think it was because of our "connection" - our waitress was extremely courteous, attentive, and very nice - paying us just the right amount of attention, despite how bustling the place happened to be on a Saturday night. If you're in the Nashville area, I highly recommend trying this place out. The location is central, and the atmosphere is trendy and fun. Also was deeply impressed by the music list - tons of 90s hits. Definitely made the experience better :)
(5)Sabrina D.
Awesome vibe with an old school feel. Great bar area. Salads were delicious and so wasn't the chicken fried chicken. We tried the duck tators ( recommended by every other yelper) and they were good. Half order is good for 4 people, we got the large and it was to much. Located right on Broadway!
(4)Riley S.
Great service, atmosphere and food - Nashville wrapped up in a single restaurant. Our group of friends came here for our final dinner in Nashville. We got the chicken fried chicken and blackened tilapia. Can't say enough about the chicken fried chicken. The chicken was extremely crispy and placed over a bed of mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach with country fried gravy. Come here if you wanna come here for a great taste of southern food for a reasonable price.
(5)Shelby J.
I love Merchants! I've eaten here both times I have been in Nashville recently. We eat downstairs at Merchants Café. There can usually be a wait, but its totally worth it! And when I was here the first time it wasn't actually that long of a wait and we had no reservation. I always eat downstairs at Merchants. Love the vibe of the whole place, very cool and old school looking from the waiting area completely in black and white, to the dining spaces. First of all, its been said before I'm sure and it might be cliché, but THOSE TOTS. Yeah, you gotta get the tater tots. The larger starter size is actually really large, I would only order that if you had 3+ people or something like that. I usually am in a party of 2, and we ordered the large and we left some so we could enjoy our meals. When I went with my mom, we split an entrée after having the appetizer... and it was delicious and the perfect size for it. We got the Sweet Tea Pork Loin, which comes with bourbon jus, pimento cheese grits and molasses glazed green beans. It tastes as delicious as it sounds. Plus they split the plates for us and it was still beautifully plated. So very good. I've also had some sandwiches and salad here, both were quite good. To be honest I've not had a bad meal here, and the service has always been friendly. It's a great spot to hit in Nashville, particularly if you're hanging out in the Broadway area.
(4)Karen S.
Best meal we had in Nashville - though keep in mind we were staying at the Gaylord, so perhaps not the biggest hurdle to clear. But this was an outstanding meal! Appetizer of fried green tomatoes, as well as a plate of fried stuff (clearly not doing it justice, but included okra and pickles) were a great start. I had brisket which was tender and flavorful. The rest of my tablemates all ordered the chicken fried chicken and raved about it. Service was excellent. Place is a bit loud (we were in the downstairs part), but it made for a fun atmosphere. Would for sure come back here!
(5)Joshua W.
Honestly, I loved every bit of my visit. The service was quick, the waitress friendly, the food spot on and the atmosphere enjoyable. While it is more of an upscale restaurant for the area, it is still affordable. I recommend it to anyone.
(5)Patrick Y.
Good quality but taste didn't meet expectations from the prices. I'd find somewhere else to go next time I'm in Nashville.
(3)Michelle S.
Great crepes. Clean and modern place. Friendly staff
(4)Kerry N.
Neat, fun and trendy place, but the food was average. The duck fat tots sounded cool, but they weren't. We ordered 4 different dishes and nothing was stand out. Great location though.
(4)Nicole M.
I LOVE Merchants. Their salmon BLT is my go to every time. It's so good I can't ever try anything else because I don't want to miss the chance of eating it. The popcorn they serve at the beginning is different and yummy. Duck fat tater tots are a must try.
(5)Vicki M.
The food here is absolutely amazing! Portions are big so feel free to share plates! Great drinks and sweet accommodating staff with personalized birthday messages! Love this spot it's a must!
(5)Jay R.
Merchants is good, I like the food and can specifically recall the fried green tomatoes were delicious. It also has a prime location right in the middle of Broadway Downtown. That being said, the service was kind of on the slow side (and somewhat stiff) and I didn't find my meal overly memorable, so it lands at 3 stars for now. I'd definitely be willing to go back though!
(3)Loralyn D.
There aren't too many great restaurants within walking distance from Broadway, but this is one of the best. There are 2 levels - the top story is more of a 3 course meal whereas downstairs has more of a classy diner feel. The downstairs has a cool atmosphere and the building itself has a lot of history. The Jambalaya and Lobster Mac & Cheese are 2 of my favorites.
(4)Amy W.
Amazing food and drinks. They serve you truffle popcorn at the bar to start which is awesome. Had the tilapia and it was fantastic. Very fresh, very yummy
(5)James B.
Ok, so we are the family with the stroller and the 3 months old baby that everyone roles the eyes at... We tend boldly walk in and request a booth so we can put the baby seat next to one of us and then we wait for the reaction of the hostess to figure out whether this is a good idea or not. All I can say for Merchant is THANK YOU! Thank you for understanding that its a little tricky with a baby, thank you for taking the stroller and putting it somewhere safe and thank you for the great service and food! What a fantastic restaurant. We arrive, the staff are friendly and welcoming and even though we try and make sure we eat early to get out of peoples way (5:30pm ish), we were not rushed, nor were we made to feel anything other than part of the gang. We go to our table and proceed to order dinner. The food is super tasty and the starter portions are perfect to share. The hostess checks in with us half way through, which she doesn't need to do, the waiter recommends that BEST dishes to eat and we thoroughly enjoy our time there. I recommend the whole experience :) Loved it!
(5)Chris X M.
We had a GREAT lunch here. Very crowded, but one of the better restaurant options on Broadway. Drinks were very well prepared and food was excellent. Server was fast and friendly, although a bit busy. We will come back. A/C was not working right--hope they fix that.
(5)Kristie A.
My coworkers and I came here one night and we sure had a good time! the best thing about that place after their food was our Waiter, Harrison. He made our dining experience so fun and enjoyable! All of their food was soo delicious! My favorites were my main dish which was scallop, pork belly wrap, and butterscotch pie! As a Nashvillian, this place is often thought of as a touristy spot. Don't be fooled. This place is the real deal in Nashville. All their foods are the delicious and service is remarkable.
(5)Amanda C.
Loved this restaurant!! It's a great break from all the BBQ and bar food in downtown Nashville. Our server was absolutely fantastic and very attentive. I had the chicken sandwich (which usually isn't all that special at other establishments). I was blown away! Everything about the sandwich was excellent. The chicken was great quality, all of the ingredients tasted exceptionally fresh... And the sauce they had on the bun tied everything together in perfect harmony. My boyfriend had the chicken fried chicken and raved about it, and he loves his chicken fried chicken. When looking for a nice place to dine when in downtown Nashville, definitely stop by Merchants!
(4)Jonathan D.
I only stopped in for a couple drinks while in town, so can't comment on the food other than to say it all looked really great. This restaurant is quite spacious and in the perfect location in downtown Nashville. The cocktail menu is quite vast, but be prepared to pay at least $12 for a mixed drink. However, expect to enjoy said pricey beverage. That said, I enjoyed a Reelfoot Manhattan and their version of a Pimm's Cup, which is made with Pennington strawberry rye. Both drinks really hit the spot.
(4)Aurora M.
Went on a Monday night and it was so crowded we had to wait 25 min for a table for 4 people. Duck fat tater tots - really good. The tots were crispy and they had 3 different dipping options. Fried green tomatoes - a little strange, the sauce wasn't very good although the pimento cheese tasted good with the tomatoes. Cheese dip - Grainy Smoked brisket - the portion was enormous with literally 6 inches of cornbread. The brisket was dry and tough, hard to chew. Cornbread and coleslaw were ok, not great. My dining companions has the pulled pork sandwich and the black bean burger, neither of which they liked. They left most of the food on the plate. One friend had the fish tacos, which he seemed to enjoy. I wouldn't recommend this place. I'm not sure why it's labeled as American (New) when the entrees are pretty standard with nothing creative or innovative.
(2)Brian L.
Got the duck fat tater tots. The duck fat taste wasn't as prominent as I thought (I'm comparing it to salty sow's triple duck fat fries in Austin, TX). The Bearnaise was a little thin in my opinion, but the chipotle mayo was delicious. I got blackened tilapia as a main course which was very tasty and very well cooked. The dessert was one of my favorite parts: peach cobbler. Simply delicious and fresh out of the oven. Overall, great place to eat during 4th of July albeit a little crowded. A good breath of fresh air from all the other restaurants and bars in the area.
(4)T M.
I travel to Nashville frequently for work and would consider myself a foodie. Merchants is as good as it gets. The only knock is the location. It is so not a tourist trap and the location makes it appear like one. I wish it was a few blocks off of Broadway but ,whatever the case, it won't stop me from visiting this location on my trips. I have never had a bad meal so I would highly recommend this place for lunch and/or dinner. The thing that stands out the most is the bartenders. If you are lucky enough to get Steve sit down and have him guide you. He makes one of the best cocktails in the business. The Old Fashioned and Manhattans are to die for. This place is a must visit on your next trip.
(5)Bonnie B.
I'm from Atlanta but have always enjoyed eating downstairs at Merchants. Fun bar, lively atmosphere, great people watching. Tonight all that changed! We ate upstairs and I'm never going down again! Never. Never. Never. I had Roasted Zucchini.. Go ahead and laugh at me! It was the most amazing vegetarian dish I ever had. Complex blend of incredible flavors... This is one dish I cannot recreate but I will do cornbread crumb topping on my roasted veggies! My true love had the pork chop which was tender & delicious & served with very tasty kale. Why not 5 stars? They were out if our 1st wine choice & our 2nd choice wasn't chilled yet but we were given a glass of prosecco on the house! Our servers were incredible too! See you soon Merchants!
(4)Tammy O.
This was one our favorites from the girls trip!!! Mojitos were fabulous!!! The food was excellent...hamburger is a definite if we go back!!! The peach cobbler dessert is worth every calorie. If you go ask for Cheyenne...the best server in Nashville!!!!
(5)Darrell K.
The staff at my hotel recommended this place as a good local establishment. The menu looked good and the bartender was informative, friendly and fast. The food was prepared nicely. So, my only gripe was that the food was kind of bland. Too bad since this place had a great atmosphere, in a great location and had great service.
(3)Kimberly A.
Great fresh drinks, atmosphere is classy with a little edge to it. They serve you seasoned popcorn while you decide what to order. I had the salmon sandwich - it has a basil mayo that makes the sandwich come together. I think I am going to have to come back for the sandwich again. It was delicious!
(4)Barry C.
The food here is below average, my steak was burnt, should have been medium rare. Staff never once asked 'is everything ok' despite the fact I wasn't eating the food. When I asked for the check she got the check and didn't say thanks or anything, just threw it down in front of me. Avoid
(1)T L.
The duck fat tater tots are a must have! The atmosphere is upscale, but casual. The bartender made a perfect Old Fashioned, which I seldom find. The entire meal and experience was top notch. I would highly recommend this place!
(5)Marisa Y.
Came here for dinner the first night of a bachelorette party weekend. We had a party of 6 so it was an hour wait, but we just grabbed drinks and appetizers at the bar. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and fried green tomatoes. The tater tots were a resounding success and I thought the fried green tomatoes were good, but I've had better. The pimento cheese definitely elevated them. I really enjoyed the Moscow mule I ordered and the fish tacos were delicious. The popcorn they give you at dinner and the bar is amazing. Really addicting and delicious. I would love to buy a bag to snack on. I'd definitely come back here again if I'm ever in Nashville again.
(4)Karen S.
Most of the glowing reviews seem to be for the casual bistro instead of the fancy dining room upstairs. Unfortunately, I can't echo everyone else's sentiment. There's complimentary popcorn instead of bread. I...don't like popcorn (unless it's covered in chocolate). Very un-American of me, I know. For starters, we had to try the duck fat tater tots. They were distinctly better than a fast food chain's, and the chipotle aioli took it up a notch. The waitress told us that the fish tacos are by far the most popular dish. Persuasive sell- I'm in. Sadly, I didn't drink the Kool-Aid on this one. Total snooze. Bor-ing. Texas deffo has better fish tacos. I was starting to miss home. The blackened tilapia with sweet potato poblano hash was pretty good, but not a standout. I've pretty much forgotten all about this meal.
(3)Carol L.
Went with a group. First of all there are two seatings, upstairs and downstairs. Downstairs is more casual. The interior of downstairs reminded me of an ice cream parlor. It was weird to me. Didn't fit with the food. That being said,the popcorn they bring your table was delicious. Couldn't figure out what the seasoning was, but I gobbled it up. We ordered fried green tomatos and the duck fat tatertots for the table. Both were delicious. Have to admit that I was full by the time my entree came (fish tacos) so I don't know if that was the reason, but I wasn't crazy at all about those and didn't even eat them. Craft cocktails are yummy! Waitstaff was efficient and semi-friendly. Mostly I think she was humoring us.
(3)Mike S.
I really, REALLY wish I hadn't loaded up on beer before I came here, cause the food was so good. Unfortunately the portions were huge and our hotel didn't have a minifridge, so... My coworker and I stopped in after checking out some of the local honky-tonks and sat downstairs in the more casual pub area. No question this place is popular - we got there after 9:00 and still had about a 45 minute wait. Every bit of the meal made it worth it though. The popcorn they give you (complimentary) is seasoned in sour cream and onion powder, making it addicting as all hell. On top of shoving my face with popcorn, we also started out with an order of fried green tomatoes, which were crispy and steaming hot. The pulled pork sandwich I had was very good and messy, the way a pulled pork should be. The sandwich was lacking a bit in BBQ sauce, which allowed the pork flavor to really come through. Next time, I'd probably get the coleslaw on the side, as it made the sandwich a little too rich, especially for an already full stomach. The drink selection seemed good, though again, we were doing just fine on alcohol at the time. Also, the service was impeccable - very friendly staff all around who loved to chat the customers up. Will definitely be back, a little better prepared!
(5)Sierra Y.
Came in for a super quick bite after power walking around Nashville. Amazing deviled eggs & Pimms Cup! Love the ambiance as well. I will definitely come back.
(4)Taylor M.
I'm leaving Merchants 5/5 because the only things I ate off the menu contained Gouda cheese and honestly I'd eat a baby if it was smothered in Gouda. Not only did I get a great snack but I also got my server's number. Merchants has the two best things that Nashville has to offer...the hottest cheese and the coolest dude.
(5)Bailey M.
This is my favorite go-to spot for date night. Their drink menu is on point! Always new cocktails available. They bring your table some popcorn to munch on instead of the typical chips/salsa. I don't even like popcorn much but I will eat the entire container of this with all the enthusiasm of a hungry hungry hippo.
(5)Jason B.
Very cool "Dapper Dan" venue. Fits well for Nashville. Great atmosphere, friendly service. We had the CFC and it was awesome. Highly recommend.
(4)Linda A.
First time here. We were seated upstairs (the fancy section). The menu wasn't that enticing and we both kind of settled for our choices. The creamed collards were wonderful however. I might go back for those alone. Otherwise, for the price there are much better choices downtown.
(2)Angela R.
The small Tim of popcorn was awesome. Great flavor. I had the Cobb salad, pretty basic, husband got the salmon BLT, his was great. Duck fat tater tots with the chipotle mayo were bomb!! Service was great and the vibe was great. Beautiful place.
(5)Adrian D.
The food was great. A little pricey but expected due to the location and ambiance. I knocked the score down since we ate at the bar and the bartender was completely rude. He acted as if he was doing us a favor and got an attitude when I asked for a box after forgetting half my order. I would recommend the place but if your server is a auburn haired thin male then ask for someone else because he will ruin your experience.
(4)Kelly K.
While in town for the CMA fest we saw the reviews for this place and decided to try it. After waiting 45 minutes (which was completely acceptable) we both decided to try the flank steak. Even though the restaurant was packed, the steak was cooked to perfection. Looking forward to visiting again next year.
(4)Carol L.
I stopped in for a late lunch on Saturday. Busy and noisy in a friendly way, I sat at the bar. I was adventurous and ordered a gin and mint and ginger drink. I like all of those ingredients but it was too spicy for me. I ordered the fish tacos which were very flavorful. Just the right temp. The cole slaw was just so-so. But I would definitely give two thumbs up to the tacos themselves. Atmosphere was bright and cheerful. Bartenders attentive and entertaining.
(4)Kimberlee A.
I was surprised to find myself a fan of a place on the popular strip of downtown Nashville. But this place has it right. My waitress was great - pleasant and attentive and provided recommendations which turned out to be perfect. I let her know I wasn't sure what I wanted to drink and she recommended the Miss Atomic Bomb and said it was sparkling white wine and very refreshing. Oh, a magical drink that was exactly what I was looking for. When I asked for some clarity on the ingredients (it was almost spicy, in a good way) she got some guidance from the bar. Next up, I was hungry, but only just so. That and I didn't want to get back to the hotel and be hungry later. So, something filling but not heavy. Salmon salad it was. Blackened Salmon atop a (huge) pile of greens, strawberries and almonds. The salmon was perfect and the vinaigrette was great. The salad itself was filling and did the job. Now, I really couldn't stand to pass up the duck fat tater tots that everyone loves here - so I got a to-go order. They don't taste immensely different from your usual tater tots - but they are served with a hollandaise sauce (in addition to a spicy mayo and ketchup) which make them pop-able delights. Service, drinks and food - check. Also - Great Patio! Herbed/cheesy popcorn for the table!
(4)Andrea R.
Merchants is located in the middle of the rowdiest street in Nashville (apparently happy hour starts by noon on Fridays here). For that reason alone I was skeptical to eat here, but I liked the vibe once we stepped inside. We scored a table immediately for lunch, which was ideal since I had a flight to catch. Our waiter greeted us with some delish complimentary popcorn. We devoured it and asked for more. My meal was as tasty as my popcorn. I ordered the fish tacos (yum) and they came with a side of sweet potato fries. My favorite! I ate the entire thing and it was really filling, which was good since I didn't get a chance to eat again that day. Traveling will do that to you! Based on my recent few days in Nashville it seems there's no shortage of amazing restaurants, but I'd stop in Merchants again if I found myself on this crazy street.
(4)Dee Dee H.
Stumbled On Merchants while walking downtown. We felt it had a interesting look to it from the outside. As we always do , we went to Yelp to see what others said and decided to give it a try. We had put our name in to sit at a table, the wait was about 30 mins, but a place came up to sit at the bar and decided to do that instead. We sat at the bar with Eli (Sp?) and he could not have been more helpful and wonderful to chat with and a perfect 10 waiter. They scored hiring him!!!!! While he was very busy, he made sure that our Water was always full , once my husband and I took our last sip of our wine or beer he was right there asking if we would like another. A good server/bartender is key for us! He was 10+ stars My husband had the Jambalaya and it was delicious. Great flavor and a good portion. I took Eli's recommendation and had the brisket , it was tender and filled with flavor and the corn bread that came with my meal was just how i like it. Moist and dense. We will go back again! Great job Merchants at making a visitor feel at home!
(5)Rose G.
Delicious. Had the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and the Greek salad. Te salad was light and refreshing, which was a nice balance to the salty satisfying tots.
(5)Deanna A.
Great spot for a gluten free late night bite! We came here around 10 pm on a Saturday after a long road trip from upstate New York to Nashville. We were pretty ravenous so we grabbed a table downstairs, but I was worried I would have a hard time finding gluten free options surrounded by so much southern fare. Luckily our server was both friendly and knowledgeable. I got the pork loin with pimento grits and green beans. After checking with the kitchen he suggested one slight modification (butter instead of glaze on the green beans), and I was able to enjoy the dish pretty much as it was meant to be enjoyed. Plus I was able to wash it all down with a delicious crispin hard cider. My only complaint would be it would have been nice to have a few more options. Frying is huge in the south, but a dedicated fryer for the delicious looking fries or duck fat tater tots would have made this a 5 star experience.
(4)Jackie D.
Not a bad stop for a late lunch. Was seated at a small booth by the front window that served for some good people watching! I order the half duck tator tots and the strawberry salad with blackened salmon. The salmon was a very big portion and quite a filling meal. Staff was incredibly friendly and likable. I imagine this place is a stand out compared to the many options in music row.
(4)Tanya C.
2nd time to Nashville, 2nd time to Merchants. Service was fast, but had dirty water glass. Waiter changed it out, and I noticed I had another dirty glass, this time with lipstick. Waiter apologized and brought a third one. Service was fast and food was good. Place was very busy, like two years before. Decor is nice and love the staff's outfits. Would eat here again if I'm in Nashville again. I'll just make sure my glasses and silverware are clean.
(3)Nick H.
Really enjoyed our meal there. Some simple food done very thoughtfully, a great cocktail menu and a very elegant place. Only two small detractors - our mains came before finishing starters, and they didn't seem to have air conditioning. Would recommend, and they're open later than many places (and on Broadway if you want after dinner music).
(4)Kayla M.
Try the duck fat tots (they come with incredible dipping sauces) as well as the deviled eggs. I had the fish tacos for my meal and they were amazing. We heard the mac and cheese is delicious as well. They have a great drink selection and a wonderful vibe. We ate on the first floor which was casual dining. The waitress was pleasant and the service was incredibly fast. Be sure to book a reservation because it gets crowded. Definitely recommend!!
(5)Andrea T.
So we wanted to go to Jack's, but they were closed for Easter Sunday. We popped in here, because we had already paid for parking. Our waiter was friendly and kept bringing us this amazing popcorn. So freaking good. We split a wedge salad, which was pretty standard and the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes were good, but cut a little too thick. The homemade pimento cheese was good, but not spicy enough. I had the fish tacos which came with amazing homemade coleslaw. Loved it! My mom was craving a burger and said it was really good. The ambience was really great. Loved the details. My moscow mule was tasty. I would definitely come back for drinks/appetizers, but would eat elsewhere. The food is good, but there is so much more amazing food to be had.
(3)Eric J.
I have to say this was my favorite dinner experience around here. Great inside ambiance, great service, great steaks. And a boat load of tater tots!
(4)J S.
Wow. The chicken fried chicken was fantastic. I would come back just for that. Duck fat tater tots were ok. They tasted like, tater tots? Place is nice though. Kinda pricey, but still worth it.
(4)Roy S.
I went here for a business dinner. We reserved a party room upstairs. This place is so rich in history, it just makes you feel good walking in knowing people used this building since the late 1800's as a pharmacy and few other things. You can read about when you go there, there's pictures all over the wall with stories. I knew as soon as I checked my coat, this was going to be a great evening. Like I said, we reserved a party room upstairs with a huge wooden table that sat 12 of us. This place was super nice. We were in our own corner on the 2nd floor or maybe 3rd, I can't really remember. Either way there was a big doorway with doors that closed and made it private for us. The room was very elegant and just looked expensive. Ha. I wasn't big on the menu, it was all high-class like dishes. I ended up ordering lamb chops with wild rice and smashed potatoes with cheese which was absolutely eff'n delicious. Surprised the hell out of me, I'm usually a burger n fries kinda guy. I didn't care much for dessert, I was happy with what I had for my meal. I would go over the entire menu, but you can check it out on their website. Dinner was a little pricey, but I am sure the majority of that is going towards the atmosphere. That piece of real estate isn't cheap, ya know? I would suggest at least checking this place out once. The history alone is worth the trip. Cheers!
(4)Gigi R.
Doing some really great an delicious things here. Definitely a place you should try if visiting Nashville.
(5)Karen B.
Best Chicken Salad salad in the city. Smooth, great flavor, on bibb lettuce. It's a feast so well done. Even non-salad lovers would appreciate it.
(4)Michael F.
Walked in on a busy Monday evening and was lucky to land a table for two by the window with a great view to people watch. They start off by bringing us water and a small tub of great tasting popcorn while we reviewed the menu. My wife and I began with the house salads and they allowed us to switch and have the honey dijon dressing. The salads were a generous portion and the honey dijon had some heat to it which made our salads really tasty. My wife had the blackened tilapia which came with roasted corn and sweet potatoes. My wife loved it and finished it all. I had the smoked brisket which came with coleslaw and cornbread. The portion was perfect and the barbecue sauce was very tasty. The service was friendly and superb. For the quality of the meal, we were very impressed with the prices at this location. They could be charging more but they aren't.
(5)Jim K.
In a word, excellent. We had dinner last night, and the service, drinks and food were all great.
(5)Danielle C.
Nice restaurant in great location. Food was good, but I feel definitely overpriced. Nothing to rave about.
(3)Laura D.
Ugh- I wish I ate downstairs. I'm a tourist & was here the weekend of the final four. Place was packed with a 2 hour wait. The hostess said they have no wait upstairs which was more fine dining. What the heck, I thought, beats waiting 2 hours! Portions are tiny. Delicious, but tiny. Expensive and tiny. Did I mention the portions were small? I'm sorry but 3 scallops for thirty something bucks? That doesn't even happen in New York. The Caesar salad literally had 3 or 4 pieces of romaine lettuce. I don't remember bc I came straight from tootsies and I was drunk. But it wasn't chopped so you can literally count the pieces of lettuce. The chicken that came with the salad was quite delicious though. But $95 for 3 people- no drinks?! AND I left hungry? Wait it out & Stay downstairs.
(4)Danek C.
Pimento grits, green beans and chicken fried steak, D E L I C I O U S. Died and went to heaven.
(5)Stacy W.
Love it. Great place for awesome food on Broadway in Nashville. The sweet tea pork loin and the brisket were incredible. Nice selection of wine, and the mixology was very unique. Service was fantastic - thank you, Heather! You rock!
(5)Aj S.
Awesome place! Try the tater tots and the wings off the app menu:) cool atmosphere and good drinks!
(5)Megan J.
The Good: - Fish tacos - Fried green tomatoes The Better: - Duck fat tator tots - Greek salad - Blackened tilapia The Best: - Guacamole - Chicken fried chicken - Champagne cocktails - Round booth in the front window No Srsly For Reals The Best: - Mac and Cheese - Chocolate cake
(5)Gerriann J.
We love to eat when we travel, usually planning our entire trip around which restaurants we will visit. Nashville is a hit of an exception. We planned this trip around cowboy boots and the Grand Ole Opry. However, our last night there we wanted a great meal and went to Merchant's on Broadway. The food was wonderful - fantastic southern appetizers like fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots. Beef brisket served on corn bread was so wonderful as well. But the server was snippy- and even told us that they ran out of milk for our after dinner coffee. What a disappointing ending to what could have been the one wonderful meal we had on Nashville
(3)Therese W.
Though the service was great, the price for what you get is not worth it. Two fish tacos, that taste very fishy, and a bowl of mac n cheese that is pretty much tasteless, it's just not worth 30 dollars!
(3)Scott N.
Went twice. The first visit was great. The food was good, tasty, and quick, and the beer selection was pretty respectable. The second time, we were on a time crunch. We walked in, and asked if we could get our order to go because of that (we were working a convention and had a limited time to eat). They were happy to oblige, and took our orders and money right away, seating us at the bar while we waited. The food took a very long time to come out, wasting our entire lunch break just waiting. We took our food back to the venue, and sat down to gobble down our food in five minutes. Out of seven orders, three were extremely messed up. I can't have bleu cheese. I ordered my veggie burger with no cheese. Instead, it came out smothered in bleu cheese. I had to choose between throwing away my meal and skipping lunch, or getting violently sick to my stomach. I chose to skip lunch. Another one of my party got no onions - he was allergic. Again, lots of onions. The Salmon BLT somehow turned into a bacon cheeseburger. No sign of salmon, or in fact the lettuce or tomatos either. I cannot recommend this place.
(1)Lia P.
I really didn't think it would be possible to have a good meal on touristy Broadway yet somehow Merchants proved us wrong. Our meal wasn't just good, it was amazing! Five stars through and through. From our waitress to the drinks to the food and ambiance- everything was perfect. I guess it should be noted that we sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant, which is much more upscale than the downstairs section. We didn't have a reservation so we were told it would be about an hour wait- totally understandable on a busy Saturday night. They take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. So simple, I wish more places would do that! Our table was ready in 20 rather than an hour which was a nice surprise. We were given a table by a window overlooking Broadway. So much fun watching all the bachelorette parties and booze busses go by. Loved that we weren't squished in with other two tops, making it more romantic. First of all, drinks. I had the Bulleit cocktail with berry marinade. I'm not sure what a berry marinade is but it was fresh and refreshing. Sweet but not too sweet, everything I want in a cocktail. Then I had a Manhattan. So strong and smooth as it should be. I definitely recommend starting with the charcuterie board. The meat portions (duck and salami on ours) were a little bit smaller but so smoky and rich it didn't matter. It also came with a jar of liver mousse and strawberry jam which we tried so hard to finish but it was too rich. Darn! It was perfect with the buttery brioche that came with it. For my main I had the lamb. It was like a short rib, so tender. My husband had the grilled beef which was also good. His came with Brussels sprouts which I kept stealing off his plate (hey, he doesn't eat them). I wouldn't normally get dessert at the same place I eat dinner- it's like a thing of mine- but I had a feeling theirs would be worth it. Sure enough they have a dedicated pastry chef who whips up their sweet treats. It was an easy choice- the smoked chocolate with peanut butter ice cream. Smoked whaaat? I'm not real fancy so smoked chocolate was quite the treat for me. Went perfectly with a glass of 12 year Macallan. A couple tidbits- our waitress (Jen) was perfect. Not condescending, didn't read us the menu, didn't hover. In general the pacing of the meal was perfect. If I'm going to have a $200 meal I want to take my time and savor it. Merchants gets it. I just wish they would do away with the iPad drink menu. It doesn't really serve a purpose (except maybe for the older, hard of seeing crowd?) and doesn't really fit their vibe. But that's my only complaint which says a lot about this charming gem!
(5)Stormie L.
The bartender was inconvenienced by us being there, but the menu and drinks did not disappoint. I would come here for the tastes and ambiance, but not for the service.
(2)Jen B.
I went to Merchant's with a group of my future coworkers. Yes, future. I think this was the "breaking bread" together part of my experience with them. There was no bread, but there was complimentary sour cream and onion popcorn. To share, we ordered the duck fat tater tots. I have never had anything fried in duck fat before, and I did not notice a difference in taste between the duck fat tater tots here and the tater tots I've had fried in vegetable oil. The tots were shared among our group of 9 coworkers, and it was plenty to share. They were not greasy, and they came with 2 dipping sauces: ketchup and chipotle mayo. The mayo is the star of this dish. I liked the presentation of the tots in a cast iron skillet, too. We also shared 2 orders of the fried green tomatoes (5 patties in each order). The tomatoes were lightly breaded and fried. They were nothing out-of-this-world, though. If you're ever in the Ann Arbor, MI, area, try the fried green tomato sandwich at Sava's on State Street. I opted to get the Southern Fry instead of the main entrees. Catfish, okra, shrimp, and pickles. The catfish was wonderful, nice and tender. The other fried goods were good, too, but again, nothing out-of-this-world. My coworker got the jambalaya, which looked very hearty and had a deep red broth base. She wasn't very impressed with it. Another coworker ordered the chicken fried chicken, which she shared with another coworker due to the large portion size. The gravy on the chicken was nice and creamy, and the potatoes were as well. The atmosphere here is very hip and trendy-wait staff in bow ties and suspenders, white tiling. There were 3 screens showing the Tigers-Rangers game and the Vanderbilt game. The service is slow, though. Each table gets a bottle of water to be poured and refilled as you would like. Unfortunately, the bottles empty fast when you have 5 people at a table. And, finding your server to ask for a refill is difficult as this place is very busy due to its location on Broadway near other tourist attractions. For me, the highlights of this experience were the company of my coworkers and the dates my coworkers brought from Saudi Arabia. Overall, Merchant's is a good place for a casual night out on the town.
(3)Hayley T.
I visited Merchants this past Friday night. Cody immediately served me at the bar with a pleasant sense of urgency. He expertly guided us through the cocktail menu. I settled for the Tennessee Mojito. Cody skillfully created my libation quickly. As a professional, award winning bartender I was thoroughly impressed by Cody taking so much pride in his job and the bar he works at. Merchants bartenders are such a breath of fresh air on Broadway, especially when they are as accommodating as Cody. Thank you Cody.
(5)Steph D.
Went for a quick lunch for a bachelorette party and it was great! A lot got the pulled pork and I had the brisket. Both were amazing and the atmosphere was a lot of fun! We had Ali as our waitress and she was fantastic! She was super sweet! Would certainly come back again next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)Rachael Z.
Luckily for me, I visited Nashville for work last week. Although it was a business trip, my boss and I went all out (as much as possible), starting with a great meal! Though there were multiple restaurants I had wanted to visit in the city itself, we didn't want to take one cab after another, and therefore chose Merchants. Though we had full reign on the price of our meals, we chose to eat downstairs. I'd prefer a tapas-style menu for nearly every meal (tasting multiple items), therefore we stayed downstairs. So glad we did! We started with several appetizers - the duck fat tater tots, baked cheese and fried green tomatoes. Our server mistakenly put in a full order of tots (instead of half) and holy moly, is that a large portion! Definitely for 4+ hungry hungry people. They were very tasty, and I loved the chipotle dipping sauce. The baked cheese was my favorite - ooey gooey, and the cheese never hardened. I was disappointed with the fried green tomatoes...they just looked *too* perfect. They were too fried, and though it stated it was a "spicy pepper jam", it was more sweet and I tasted no spice. Remove the sauce, and it would have been okay. We were so full, certainly given the large order of tots, but I still ordered the jambalaya, and my boss ordered a bowl of soup. I am not fooling here, when I say that no more than 90 seconds later, our orders were on the table. Clearly, they have large vats of jambalaya and soup sitting around, but could you have at least made it seem like it was made-to-order?? I really disliked that. Really really. Drinks/dessert: Our server recommended the Botanist, and we both tried it and loved it! Local gin, and a sweet/sour type of taste. For dessert I chose another drink, rather than a sweet treat (as we were advised they were all large). It was some type of rummy, creamy dream - it was SO fantastic. I would go back here and order that over, and over, and over again. Our server was super neat, the atmosphere was great and we enjoyed the food. I only wish that the menu would be available on both levels, as I would have LOVED to order the gumbo downstairs.
(4)Erin S.
Came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon. They give you seasoned popcorn when you sit which is pretty delicious. I had the cobb salad and it was excellent- big and fresh. The restaurant is light and bright and a great atmosphere. Would definitely come back next time I am in town.
(5)MARK G.
I enjoyed the atmosphere, chic but not crazy. Decided to split both the duck fat tater tots and the chicken fried chicken. It was a wise choice for lunch. Also a shout out to Shawn for taking such good care of us.
(4)Kait S.
Miles better than most other places on Broadway. But I think that is leading to inflated 5-star reviews. Merchants is good. I ate downstairs in the bistro which was incredibly loud and HOT. We couldn't wait to get drinks-which took a while-so we could maybe cool down a tad. Drink prices seemed a little too high but they were good. The popcorn (in lieu of bread) was stale. Food came quickly, we had the pulled pork sandwich and a salmon salad. It was good but not anything to wrote home about. Service was fine, timely and attentive, but not overly great. It was a little hard to understand our waiter as he was missing all of his front teeth-but he was a good waiter. Final thoughts- if you're looking for something besides burgers and chicken fingers on Broadway, this is your place. But don't go out of your way.
(3)Laura G.
Enjoyed a lunch at this turn of the century establishment. Clean and friendly staff. We had the turkey club and sweet potato fries. We started with the fried green tomatoes. All very fresh.
(5)Ryan A.
Our food was fantastic, and it came out quick. I had the French Dip, which was a special today. Wife had the pulled pork sandwich, which was awesome. Sweet potato fries and the Duck Fat Tater Tots rock. Best service I have had in quite some time.
(5)Noelle M.
I totally agree with the other reviewers who raved about the duck fat tater tots - a half portion is enough for two people. Quick and polite service, had a nice table on the patio for dinner and we didn't even have to wait to be seated. I loved my Cobb Salad and my friend was happy with her Chicken Fried Chicken, which the waiter selected for her.
(4)David P.
This place is split between a diner style floor and a fancy dinner upstairs. We chose the fancy option. They fresh whip butter to pair with their homemade bread. Everything from appetizer to dessert was really well done. It is a bit on the pricey side compared to downstairs, but if that is within your budget, then do it . Only thing is, I wished a few of the more down home southern options were available for appetizers.
(4)Mark L.
My wife and I tried Merchants (down) on our last night in Nashville and it did not disappoint. They start of with giving you popcorn with a special seasoning that makes the popcorn amazing and we were shocked to find out what the seasoning was! We started with the Duck Fat Tator Tot appetizer which was a great choice especially the béarnaise sauce that comes on the side as a dipping sauce. My wife had the fish tacos that were very good and filling. I had the Sweet Tea Pork Loin on top of pimento cheese grits, and molasses glazed green beans then bourbon jus was poured over the pork loin. This meal was phenomenal! The pimento cheese grits were the best cheese grits I've ever had. So good I had to order an extra side of them! Merchants had a great atmosphere and good service - I highly recommend this for your next Nashville night out!
(5)Michele D.
Recommended by friends we finally had a chance to check Merchant's out. Overall the food was average. We chose to eat downstairs where the food was a little more casual but the menu seemed bigger. We had the duck fat tater tots that we're pretty good and I ordered the steak. It was cooked the way I ordered it which was nice and I would say it was good but not the best steak I've had. My husband had the brisket which he didn't like very much but he's a picky eater. I thought it was pretty good and it was definitely a good size portion. The ambiance saved the experience for me and would draw me back but maybe just for cocktails and not necessarily dinner
(3)Anders O.
Great spot! Good food, cool atmosphere, best place to eat on Broadway. Our waiter Eric said he was training and it was only his second night, we would have never guessed, he was awesome!
(5)Randa E.
In Nashville for a show during the same weekend as the SEC Tournament. So it was like we took the whole city of Lexington with us:) Big Blue Nation!!! Anyway, we ordered Bloody Mary's and the Southern Fry appetizer. Bloodys were spicy and tasted made from scratch. The app was delish! I ordered the Salmon BLT with a salad and my bf got the Blackened Catfish. Great portions and we tried our best to eat every bite! 2 sandwiches with side, 2 top shelf Bloodys, appetizer, and tip came to $80. A little pricy for lunch but we try to eat at least one great meal any time we travel and we weren't staying long enough for dinner so we splurged on a killer lunch and we were not disappointed:)
(5)Amie O.
Went on a busy Sunday evening, but loved that even with an hour wait, they are able to text you when your table is ready. So nice to be able to walk around and enjoy the area and not miss out on a reservation. Started with Duck Fat Tater Tots, which were amazing! I had fish tacos which were a little on the salty side and my husband had the brisket which was just right. I'm not a big rum on the rocks drinker, but I would absolutely recommend the Papas Pilar on ice with a lime wedge. It smelled like warm brown sugar and was so smooth, I could sip it without a heavy burn. Service was great and so was the feel of the restaurant. Very fun!
(5)Punam D.
I came here last night as part of a large group. We were seated in a private room up 2 flights of stairs and handed a very limited menu. I had a Cobb salad to start. You can't really go wrong with a large head of lettuce, a tomato or two and some dressing, so that was fine. Then I had the salmon with some blackened potatoes which was underwhelming, although everything tasted fresh. Others chose the beef which arrived swimming in a tasteless sauce. Significantly, when the order was taken, no attempt was made to ask how the steak should be cooked, and that was because it was well done regardless. Pudding was a dry biscuit-like cake which was extraordinarily unappetising. The red wine was simply horrible; we had a choice of a Cabernet or a Pinot noir, neither of which were good. Service was good though. In view of this experience, bearing in mind the other good reviews, maybe this restaurant doesn't cater for large groups very well. I will not return.
(2)Rene C.
I've always been a fan of Merchant's and go here often for lunch. Has a great history and antique vibe that I love. I am so glad that they are still here since the big influx. Love the popcorn touch and the friendly folks. Especially love the cobb salad. Bar keeps are awesome and you get the best of both worlds, i.e., downstairs is hip, loud and happening; upstairs is quiet and romantic.
(4)Justin J.
Very cool atmosphere. Started off with drinks and an appetizer. "no sleep till Brooklyn" which is a whiskey and espresso based glass of awesome! And the southern fry, which has catfish, shrimp okra and pickles. Perfect amount of batter, perfect fry, perfect appetizer. For entrees, we had the chicken fried chicken and tilapia and sweet potato hash. Both great. The chicken fried chicken is definitely a "feel good" meal. Very impressed with everything. The only reason it got 4/5 was the wait. But that's to be expected and you completely forget about it after your stay.
(4)Amelia S.
Absolutely loved the Pimm's cup and highly recommend it...tasted almost like an arnold palmer, the perfect amount of sweet/sour combo. I had the jambalaya - others had the brisket and a cheeseburger. All seemed to really enjoy their meals. The service was GREAT- it's odd that I don't give more credit for this. Our waitress was spot on...and it made our experience that much better. Definitely recommend the bistro area!
(4)Stephanie S.
What a breath of fresh air on Broadway! This classy yet affordable spot stands out among the row of crowded bars. Great to sit and enjoy a meal with friends. The decor is clean and bright, our server was friendly and attentive, and the food, delicious. For apps, we got the baked cheese and the duck fat tater tots. The cheese was perfection! I didn't think there was anything special about the tater tots though. I got the chicken sandwich for my entree. It was so flavorful and HUGE! I had to take half of it home! For a cocktail- you can't go wrong with the Pink Lady! Slightly sweet and creamy. Delicious! The drink menu is extensive and denotes which drinks use local liquor, which is a nice touch. Overall I was really impressed with this place. It seems out of place on Broadway, but it was exactly the kind of place this out of towner was looking for. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend visiting Nashville!
(5)Aaron S.
Absolutely enjoyed our lunch at Merchants! The Tater Tots are totally amazing. Out meals were very good with a great Greek Salad and true Southern Chicken Fried Chicken smothered with delicious gravy. The bar menu was quite interesting with several great craft cocktails on their list. Also a great selection of local beers. All in all, this is a great place for lunch in downtown Nashville! I will definitely return here on my next visit.
(4)Cait C.
This place has great American/southern style food with a modern twist. I really enjoyed the fish served with root vegetable hash. Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, well seasoned. The dish was delicious and flavorful. I also stole my friends sweet potato fries which were real sweet potatoesband possibly the best I've had. Others got the chicken which looked equally delicious but extremely heavy, and I would probably get that one to share. We finished with desserts, all of which were spectacular, but I can never resist fruit and ice cream so I enjoyed the peach cobbler.
(5)Julia J.
Merchants had great service, good drinks and pretty good food. The signature tater tots were good, though I don't get the craziness over duck fat. My drinks were delicious. My dining partner really enjoyed her salad with strawberries and goat cheese. I had the club sandwich, which you can't really screw up, but had a nice addition with the basil mayo and sweet potato fries on the side. I will definitely return to Merchants on the next trip to Nashville.
(4)Carolyn P.
Had a great dinner at Merchants. Ask for our server, Heather Owens! She was GREAT! Super friendly, helpful, personable, attentive. We ordered duck fat tater tots (nothing too special), cheese dip (GREAT! Recommended). chicken Fried Steak (great!!!) and pulled pork (great as well) Overall great night on the enclosed heated patio.
(4)Carl D.
Ate upstairs, enjoyed the ambiance. The food was delicious! Had the 8oz filet and market fish, sword fish tonight. The food came out faster than expected. We enjoyed every bite! Make sure to add some sides if u go al a carte. Butterscotch pie for dessert, awesome! Had a pretzel crust which made a perfect combo of sweet and salty. Best part, $1 went to local charity this month, can't beat that. We really enjoyed the service. Very helpful explaining the menu and had us sample the wine before we bought, gotta love a free taste.
(5)Rene M.
Horrible food and ok service. The duck fat tater tots...... Nothing special AT ALL, they were no different than over cooking some at your house. I got the pulled pork sandwich and I do not know if my batch of coleslaw was bad or if that's how it should tastes but it was so bad I couldn't eat anything else on my plate. My husband got the brisket and the only thing good was the corn bread. Save yourself the hike!!!!
(1)Lynnette S.
What amazing food and service!! Matthew was a great waiter, very attentive and very helpful. The food was delicious and the ambience was great. This was our first evening in Nashville and what a great place to start!! We LOVED it!!
(5)Sleiman F.
Good experience. Good food. Good service. Too much fried for my taste, but that's Tennessee!!
(4)Brindar S.
Amazing food! Amazing drinks! The place was packed and our group of 5 didn't have a reservation, but we just thought we'd try our luck. Glad we did because they had plenty of room on the heated patio. Our group ordered Tennessee mojitos and an old fashioned, all on point. I wish I knew what seasoning they put on the popcorn starter, because I don't usually care about popcorn, but this was delicious. We got the guacamole and the cheese dip, both were great. I had the Mac n cheese and it was amazing. I wish we weren't going out after so I could have boxed up my leftovers, but alas I had to part with my macaroni. Overall, delicious! I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because my vegetarian friend ordered the Mac n cheese without bacon, but found a piece of bacon at the bottom of her dish.
(4)Kristen B.
Merchants was amazing! My family and I were passing through on our way cross country and we stopped in Nashville for the night. We stumbled across Merchants on Broadway and were not disappointed! The food and drinks are incredibly reasonably priced! We had the deviled eggs, guacamole, and dry rubbed wings. All were AMAZING. For entrees we had chicken friend chicken, pulled pork and Caesar salad. The salad was just alright, but the chicken and pulled pork (with sweet potato fries of course) were excellent! We recommend them both! The mint Mojito....just get it! I would eat here again in a second!
(5)Renee S.
This place is awesome! I actually visited it more than once during my visit to Nashville. I love the venue. The food was good. There was a great variety of beers on the tap wall. Just fun. One of my favorite places to visit on Broadway!
(4)Daniella A.
Service was great! Waitress was really nice. But everything else was average, Food was ok, place was ok.
(3)Julie C.
Two stars basically because of the service. I'm actually still sitting at the bar while writing this. He bartender has completely ignored us through our entire meal. My husband asked for another glass of wine, and he ignored us. I had the chicken fried chicken and my husband had the jambalaya. Jambalaya was great, mine was good too, but not the best I've had. The bartender has dreadlocks. We decided not to stay further because it didn't seem like he cares about anyone other than the guys sitting next to us drinking shots etc. Won't recommend this place to others coming into town. Terrible service.
(2)Larry S.
Our son was in town, and we were walking around Broadway looking for someplace different for dinner. Merchants looked interesting, so we gave it a try. I was a little disappointed that they were out of my first and second choices of beer. But my wife and son were very impressed with the mixed drinks they ordered. They both tried the Mules and thought they were great. My son and I both had steaks that were perfectly cooked and deliciously seasoned. My wife had the pulled pork, and we all tried and enjoyed it. Overall, the food and drinks were outstanding, as was the service. Our waiter seemed to have a sixth sense in taking care of us. They probably would have received a four or five star rating if they hadn't turned my $30 tip into a $50 tip. 22 April 2014 Follow-up: After posting my original review of Merchant's, I was contacted by their management, who has investigated the incident, and has deposited the full amount of the tip back into my account. This has reinforced my belief that all companies have occasional customer service problems, but it is the way that the companies respond to the problems that have the most impact on the customer's opinion. I've upgraded my rating based on Merchant's response.
(4)Aman S.
Great place, more upscale on Broadway. Good bartenders and awesome drinks. I had the burger and tater tots, simple, but good and fast service. The deviled eggs leave a little something to be desired.
(4)Jessica C.
Duck fat tator tots - DO IT! ...and get the dry-rub wings while you're at it. This place is cool. Met up with some friends to grab a few drinks before heading to a concert. The moscow mule was on point...one of the best I've ever had. My friends ordered the guac and cheese appetizers before I got there...and devoured them before I got there, too.
(4)Leslie M.
Great place to dine in the middle of downtown Broadway. It may look a bit run down from the outside but the moment you step inside, you'll be thoroughly impressed. Super cute and spacious with a New York City kind of feel. The customer service I must say was spectacular. In fact, we had reservations for 11:15am but arrived at 11:50am and our table was held for us. Mind you this was on a busy Saturday afternoon. Impressive. On to the food...the apps were just ok (we ordered the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs). However, the entrees more than made up for it. The chicken fried chicken was ON POINT! It was moist and flavorful and sat on a bed of perfectly cooked spinach. The strawberry salad I ordered was also delicious. It came with a juicy piece of blackened salmon that accompanied a generous portion of fresh greens. All in all, I had a great experience and would recommend this spot to both tourists and locals.
(4)Kim T.
Great spot right on Broadway in the middle of all the fun bars! It's a hip/ modern/ 60's vibe, waiters are dressed in suspenders. Food is great, MUST try their duck fat tater tots, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Ashlynn M.
Open late (we went in after midnight) & had the duckfat tator tots, guacamole & chips & BBQ pork sandwich. All were delish & great vibe.
(5)Chris A.
It's a little bit pricey, but it's well worth every penny! The food is great, and the service is even better. Our waiter provided us with his recommendations for the best drinks, as well as which drinks would compliment each particular dish. I don't go downtown very often, but I'll definitely make it a point to go back to Merchant's in the near future.
(5)Amanda J.
This place was awesome! It's a casual and comfortable place that's good for southern food. We got the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and deviled eggs as appetizers and we were very happy with our choices. My only warning is to get a half order of the tater tots- a full order is too much if you plan on getting a meal too!
(5)Sha P.
Not the best piece of meat I've ever had. We went in with a group of 14 and they were accommodating. Food arrived on time and the wait staff was courteous and nice. Nothing to get too excited about. Average steak and appetizers. I thought the water melon salad was interesting and creative. Other than that an average steak house in an old building! There are better places to get steak at in Nashville!
(3)Lana N.
We were in town for a conference so looked up some local areas and found this place. We got there at about 630pm on a Thursday night and it was pretty packed. The hostess actually seated us 30 minutes after arrival and right in front of the restaurant with a great view. We ordered the following: - Complimentary popcorn - very fresh and I believe they sprinkled the popcorn with sour cream and chives. - Duck fat tater tots - this was amazing, the tater tots were cooked in duck fat and served with an aioli, ketchup and some sort of butter sauce. - Blackened filet with sweet potato hash - the fish was cooked perfectly and the seasoning tasted very south if that makes any sense. The hash complimented the fish very well. - Chocolate cake - probably one of the most amazing chocolate cake I have ever tasted. Was so good that I didn't want to stop eating. Overall the food was good but we had a weird experience. Once we were in the middle of our dinner, the manager asked us to leave because there was some sort of device near our front window and a bunch of police cars were there. We stood in the back for 10 min and came back to see that our food was gone. The waitress thought that we left but offered us a togo order so we waited another 10 min for that. Our waitress was great and accommodated us. The manager on the other hand did a poor job. She should have told us to stand on the side and come back when everything was cleared, but instead she never bothered to come back. I really enjoyed the food, but the experience with the manager was very disappointing.
(3)Reshawn L.
If you plan to be downtown and you're looking for good food this is the place. Yummy food and good music (radio)! There are different menus for the upstairs and downstairs areas. My friend and I shared the French dip and the burger and an amazing slice of pie downstairs. Another member of our party had a very tasty mixed greens salad with salmon.They were both delicious. The upstairs menu offered higher end options. Unfortunately, this place is so popular there can be a long wait for dinner. We were hungry and took the first seats available. You have to go early. It's extremely busy at night.
(4)Garen M.
Great burgers and an excellent Reuben sandwich. Both were sloppy and we ended up eating them with a fork. We sat at the bar and had excellent service. We arrived early afternoon and didn't have a wait for seating.
(4)Jen I.
Great location and atmosphere! I recommend eating downstairs - I sat at the bar. The bartenders were very nice and helpful. I got the chicken fried chicken - HUGE portion! Everything from the spinach - potatoes - chicken - gravy were very good! Free popcorn to start off with a beer was nice too!
(4)M G.
Great food and drinks. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive. Will definitely come back.
(5)Rena H.
Had to go to Nashville for work. Went to this restaurant with a couple of coworkers. Service was great and the food was very good. We ordered a couple of appetizers and we each had entrées. I tried their homemade ginger beer and it was a little bit spicy for me but it was good. Would probably go there again if I was in Nashville.
(4)Kelly M.
The southern fry, the baked cheese and the tater tots apps were amazing. Great alcohol selection, great ambiance and great service-Heather O was awesome, very attentive!
(5)Lindsey C.
My husband and I went to Nashville on our honeymoon in September, and this was our last stop for lunch before we drove four hours home. We started with the duck fat tater tots, because we had read great things about them. They. Were. Amazing. The best tater tots we have ever had. Ever. I ordered the mac and cheese, with bacon and tomatoes. It was delicious. I am a bit of a mac and cheese connoisseur, and this really was some of the best I've had. My husband had a New York strip steak with mashed potatoes and mushrooms. I tried some of his potatoes and they were rich and creamy. I really can't wait to go back to Nashville and eat at Merchants again.
(5)Ana M.
Awesome cute spot... Friendly atmosphere and great food!!! If you want to get away from the wild bar scene its a perfect spot .. Not far from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Honky Tonk Central
(5)Allie A.
We headed to Merchants for my birthday dinner before a big show at the Ryman. So nice we could walk there from the hotel, and to the Ryman without any trouble at all! I've been on a bit of a specialty cocktail kick lately, so was excited to see they had many options available. Ordered up a Fig sidecar and some duck fat tots straight up! And the table popcorn, I have no idea what is sprinkled on top, but as a huge popcorn lover, it was right on and I ate most of the cup myself. Ordered the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits and molasses green beans for my entree. I was a little disappointed... there were two cuts of tenderloin, one was ok, but the top piece was a little over-cooked. But no worries, I downed my sorrows in a few, ok probably 3 Botanists... and they were just what the doctor ordered. Although there were no celebrity sightings, and a little let down over the entree, the drinks, location and history of the place, I'll still give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)Stephanie W.
Whatever you hear about the Duck fat tater tots are true. They are unbelievable !! Came her twice during a business trip and was very happy both times. I have tried the BBQ Pulled Pork and Chicken sandwich. Keep in mind everything is very salty and fried. The house chips are not moist enough. The sweet tea is amazing but I am from the north and don't know better. The food comes out really quick and the staff is super trendy and quirky. I am pretty happy this place was around the corner from my hotel. The upstairs has a different menu and was fancier which is a little confusing but overall very good !
(4)Samantha F.
My boyfriend and I visited from NYC tonight - and this place was great! Cocktails are on point (particularly Pimm's Cup and the Creole Fashioned). Fried green tomatoes were DELICIOUS, followed by tasty smoked (and super moist) brisket for my BF and a Salmon strawberry salad for me. Everything was divine. Oh... And a peach cobbler on the house? Amazing. Thanks for a GREAT dinner and a whole lot of hospitality :)
(5)Claudia A.
Quick review! My fiancée had their "top menu hit" as the server called it which was Fish tacos (really in Nashville?!) oh well should have said that aloud before he ordered it. As he describes his first bite with just a facial expression of disappointment I knew he didn't like it. My salad was the grilled chicken strawberry salad. Ehh, not bad but not good. Just EH! The free popcorn is good and the sweet potato fries are thick and good. Amendment: took off a star because the bathrooms are unkept and unsanitary
(1)Amy D.
Delicous! Merchants offers a bit of upper scale dining (not formally upscale but definitely refined offerings) on Broadway. If you're looking for a table walk straight back to the hostess table (you will pass the bar on the left). I chose to dine at the bar for brunch. The bar has a beautiful copper finish. There is a long list of specialty cocktails in addition to coffee and tea. The coffee is pretty good. I tried the fried green tomatoes. They are delicious! The fried green tomatoes come with a sweet and sour sauce and pimento cheese- yum. I also had the Monte Christo, which was a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Service was also prompt and excellent- Merchants is definitely worth a stop.
(5)David T.
We only stopped in for appetizers but the atmosphere and the food was great. We had the baked cheese dip which was excellent.
(5)Hunter O.
Staff was nice.. The place has a old school charm. The pork belly app was super yummy, my steak was good but had a lot of grizzle in it.. Now it was a ribeye and I like fat in my ribeye steak just no grizz.. Prob had to cut off at least 4oz of it.. But moving on from there the duck fat fries are super yummy and would be worth stoping by and ratting those alone with a nice cold beer.. I think over all it was good place, just saddened by the meat quality and the high end price.. I don't mind paying for quality..
(4)Carol S.
The food is outstanding. We sat at the bar and, unfortunately, the service was spotty and distracted. Nice when it showed up but hard to place a timely order. That being said, the food came out on a rocket and perfectly cooked. Are they psychic back in the kitchen?
(4)Beth G.
Been here many many many times for happy hour many times years back. Had dinner there a few times then too. Steak was good, not complaints. Most recently went in 2015. It has been around a longggggg time. Being on Broadway and prices of rent, it is still around and consistently good. They start with popcorn which is fun. The couple of guys we met coming out said you MUST have the Iced Tea Pork Chop. Wish I could have, next time I will! We had the deviled eggs again...the Northern friends, could not get enough of these. I am from the North originally and always do like when someone else makes the deviled eggs. Get this-- the Wings appetizer were amazing. Who knew?!?!? So glad to go out with friends as they order different meals I can report on here on Yelp. Had the Duck Fat tater tots. Have you had anything with duck fat? Not that much difference, and really I did find ANY difference on the tots. I would think the duck flavor would carry over--- not so much. Another had the Soup and Sammy. Reviews were good, no complaints. Another had Chicken Fried chicken, they liked! The BBQ pulled pork sandwich she loved. Next time really going to try that Iced Tea Pork item. We sat outside, not too hot. Parking is paid, Someone said it tourist populated. Since Nashville has boomed since the flood, I guess it is.
(4)AaronErin D.
Shortly after arriving in Nashville we decided to have some food before our bar crawl adventures. Loved the atmosphere immediately after walking in, it has a more "classy" feel compared to most of the places located down Broadway. We weren't completely impressed with the female bartender, we sat for a while before finally being greeted and she didn't seem very happy to be working. Luckily during shift change a more up beat man took over our check. The drinks we ordered were delicious. They make an excellent Old Fashion here. Their selection of bourbons, beers and wines were impressive. Be sure to try some of their popcorn they give at the bar, it's delicious. As far as the food goes we tried their Duck Fat Tots... Order the small the large portion is massive. They tasted okay but nothing special. The Deviled Eggs, Fried Green Tomatoes, & Guacamole were tasty. Very basic food flavors, nothing exceptional but It's a spot worth checking out while traveling to Nashville.
(4)Allie W.
Downstairs is much more casual and louder, with windows facing downtown Broadway so there is great people watching. If you want a more intimate dinner with a fancier menu, request a table upstairs where the dark decor of the former hotel make for a superb dining experience. The steak is awesome as is the seared tuna. I was especially impressed with the cocktails. I love Moscow mules and they make their own ginger beer in-house which made for an excellent mule. We also ordered the lemon dessert which was a sweet/tart/delicious way to end our evening before heading out on Broadway. I haven't eaten downstairs in a while, but the tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and burger are fantastic!
(4)Catie B.
I'm pretty sure my life changed while I was here this evening. Everything was phenomenal from the bread and sweet butter to the fresh oysters to the pork chop and duck fat fries I had. They have talented mixologists on staff so don't skip the cocktails. I can't say enough good things.
(5)Martin C.
Much more upmarket restaurant than everything else in the honky tonk area. It's definitely not good value and I didn't see any live music there and not sure if they even offer it. The interior has nice decor and the guacamole was great. The tater tots even though they were goose fat ones tasted like any other ones I've had. If you are on the strip and want something a bit fancier with no music check these guys out.
(4)Leesa F.
We needed a really good meal in downtown Nashville and this place nailed it! From the server to the drinks to the food it was just what we wanted. We ordered 3 appetizers- baked cheese (AMAZING!), deviled eggs and the much talked about duck fat tator tots. I would order the cheese again but the deviled eggs weren't very flavorful and just kind of bland. The tots were just ok- I wouldn't order them again. For entrees we both ordered a salad, chicken Caesar and the chopped greek. What you might expect but the dressing wasn't my favorite. Overall great experience and I will be back for a few other items on their menu that looked very intriguing.
(4)Toki W.
I had the opportunity Merchants upstairs dining room due to a last minute cancellation. Apparently it can be difficult to get a same day reservation in the upstairs dining area. The food was some of the best I ever had. I had a steak, seared perfectly, and my wife ordered a pork chop with corn and some type of peach glaze (which I kept stealing from her). I ordered my steak, as I often do, with no accompaniments as it was my first time there. There were options for sides, sauces, etc. but it was perfect without. Service upstairs was fantastic. We had a waitress who was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients (she told us the name of the captain of the ship that caught some of the seafood), a busser who was charming and delightful, and a empty dishes/plates/cups were removed or refilled within moments. We shared dessert, which was their very own take on a s'mores. It was completely out of this world. I'm not much for sweets, but this was indescribable. Shortly after that, Gil the GM came out and congratulated us on our wedding anniversary, engaged in friendly chit chat, and offered to take us out for more drinks at their sister bar (Paradise Park right next door!). Gil, thanks for the invitation. We had some other stops to make, otherwise we would have gladly accepted the offer. When we come back to Nashville, we will be making reservations upstairs before we even leave. I'd give you a sixth star if I could.
(5)Carrie D.
Had the salmon BLT. Very good! The sweet potato fries are great good. Service was ok.
(4)Adam R.
Overall, this is one of the better options for direct Broadway access. We stopped in before a Preds game for a bite of early dinner. We had reservations and were seated promptly at 5pm. We were greeted by VERY friendly staff and servers. Can't complain there at all. We had a small offering of complimentary popcorn that was very good. Superb seasoning, and I found myself going back to the little tin over and over. I must also comment with satisfaction on the music playing. It was the perfect level, and a GREAT selection of songs. As we had never been, I asked the server for recommendations. He highly recommended the catfish. I bit, as I am your typical Southern boy and love me some good catfish! It. Was. Gross. If you're from the South, you know there's only 1 way to serve proper catfish. Fried. This nasty thing was all sad, watery, floppy, thin, and had a nasty texture to the skin. The aioli was average. The fries were fries, nothing special there, and honestly lacking seasoning, but not terrible. The wife's Mac & Cheese was quite good, as was another member's turkey sandwich. Another ding that brings them down a star was no specific offering for kids. No kids menu, or plates designed for children. Our 7 year old got a plate full of food that I wouldn't have been able to eat all of. I must admit, we were there with family, and we didn't get a chance to imbibe in any of their cocktails or drinks that looked quite tasty. We will go again for the drinks and try to sit at the bar, which looked quite nice, but might pass on the full meal.
(4)Tabby K.
Fun times, killer and very attentive wait staff. Yeah, it's definitely touristy, but what the hell? This is Nashville, after all!! Hit 'em up!!
(5)Brian H.
Best tater tots in town...wow. But difficult to get a table most nights.
(4)Amy F.
Don't stay downstairs ... spring for the a la carte upstairs and have the filet or chicken!
(4)Jason B.
Merchant's is a cool spot in the middle of downtown Nashville. It is a nice change of pace if you are looking for something that doesn't have a loud, mediocre country cover band. They have a bar menu, and a separate dinner menu for the upstairs dining area. I've only dined in the bar area, and have no experience with the full dinner menu. The bar menu offers a nice selection of upscale bar food. It is a little pricey, and its good, but not exceptional. I've enjoyed the appetizers more than my entrees. The tater tots are really good, but if the menu didn't say they were cooked in duck fat, you'd never know they weren't cooked in an old Fry Daddy with Wesson oil. They don't have any draft beer, which is kind of a bummer. They also have a limited selection of local beers, which is sad because we have so many great breweries around town. This place is so close to 4 stars, but just short for me. That could change with a better beer selection. I could also change if I had a chance to dine upstairs off the full menu.
(3)Diana M.
Make sure you make reservations for this place b/c it gets busy. There are two menus here - one for upstairs (finer dining) and downstairs is more casual. we ate downstairs.. We loved the seasoned popcorn that they start us off with on the table. It was very yummy. We got the pork fat tater tots as an app, and it was salty goodness. I got the fish tacos and it was really good. My friend got the burger and said it was ok. I would go with the tacos again.. Our waitress was very friendly. Also, we had a 45 minute wait, but they text you when they are ready for you which is great b/c we went next door to honky tonk for a drink while we waited since there was no room at the bar here
(4)Kathy D.
I had a their oysters on a half shell appetizer and their Ahi Tartar. The food was delicious. I really like the ambience of the restaurant upstairs and enjoyed the great service from the staff.
(4)T L.
Hostess Staff unpleasant, the two girls had no smiles. At all. Told us a wait of 20-25 minutes... 45 mins later took their time getting the table ready and continued to keep us waiting even when the tables were ready. Waitress pleasant but scattered. Let's see how the food is...
(1)Mary F.
I can't bring myself to give Merchant's high marks. Maybe because I'm a local and I felt like I was getting the tourist treatment--like I was getting shined on. Getting the show. Our server was too cool for his own good. I usually don't care how cool my server is, but being as cool as this cat was, well the bar went right up to Perfect. Of course, he missed the bar. We were seated downstairs and I could fall out of my booth and hit the bar, but between our booth and the bar, he got my drink order wrong. Funny. Like Fred Sanford's funny: "Ha, ha, hell." So what. I'm here for the food; not the hipster waitstaff. But, the environment is often interesting. There was a pretty young hostess whom I met in the bathroom who was tending to her fresh Minnie Mouse tattoo; she had heavy meticulously applied make-up,long fawn-like fake eyelashes and glossy dark hair, but like Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. She was sweet and winced at the sting of her new tattoo. Pleasant break from my too-cool waiter. So, the food. We had the duck fat tater tots. Ribeye, fish tacos, Johnny Cash chili, hamburger (mid-rare) with cheddar, and Cobb salad. The meats were respectable. Ribeye was perfectly done, a bit gristly, and under seasoned except for the salt. Hamburger was very good; loosely packed, perfectly cooked at mid-rare. The chili was predictable. Nothing special there. Served in a tiny cast iron pot. Fish tacos were bland and not remarkable. The tater tots were fun and tasty, but that whole duck fat thing, well, they just tasted like tater tots; I couldn't identify any duck fat aroma or flavor. Here's an idea: truffled tater tots. The alliteration alone should land it a spot on the menu. The Cobb salad made me want to cry. I call it the Grudge Salad. Like someone was made to put a Cobb salad on the menu and, so, there--hmph! If I were eating it b/c I was on a diet, I'd want to kill myself. But, I don't know what's worse, eating it b/c I had to, or actually choosing it b/c I wanted a salad b/c I like salads. Sad, sad Cobb. Cocktails and Drinks: After telling my hot stuff waiter that I don't like sweet cocktails, he said he had just the thing for me: a Rise Up bourbon cocktail. It was so sweet, I had to ask for a shot of soda in it. Blech! My husband had a negroni--fresh and crisp. The other notable dishes here were the desserts: rootbeer float, warm peach cobbler, and a house made eggnog dessert drink. I stuck with a cream sherry. I'll keep watching Yelp reviews on Merchants to see if I should try the upstairs--perhaps there's a big difference. For the experience we had, it's not worth a repeat trip--too expensive for food that is just a notch above pedestrian.
(3)Dale C.
Get the Tots! Don't let them talk you into the small tots! The large is good for two if not getting anything else and they are great. If you are at the downstairs bar ask for the free popcorn. Outstanding!
(5)Aimee S.
Very nice atmosphere! When entering you walk through the restaurant to reach the hostess, which was a bit odd. You then get two dining options; upstairs (very high class menu) or downstairs (still unique, but less expensive menu). We chose downstairs. Our waitress was so kind and helpful. She helped make our time at Merchants relaxed and enjoyable. We chose the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't let the name freak you out they're just fried in duck fat making them crispy. They were delicious! We ordered a bottle of Rule 21, an excellent choice if you like dry reds. I ordered the chicken fried chicken...a southern treat for a northerner like me. My husband got the smoked brisket, which was tender and tangy...a nice combo. When visiting Nashville again we will definitely be back to Merchants.
(5)C R.
My boyfriend and I were in Nashville for just 1 night and a friend recommended that we go to merchants for dinner! We loved it!! Our server, I believe his name was Brian was awesome!! He made great food and drink recommendations and we loved everything we tried! I did the fried chicken... Yum!!! He also helped recommend some need to see spots since we were only going to be there a short amount of time! Great food & amazing customer service, what more could you ask for?!?
(5)John O.
Food good. Service outstanding. Cool place. Pulled pork sand. With coleslaw awesome chicken fried chicken great
(4)Karla B.
I wish we had found this place before our last day in Nashville. What a super find!! It's been around since est. 1892, 3 story, lovely atmosphere and a real restaurant on Broadway, not bar fare, no fried bologna.. We stopped in for light fare BUT I had a yummy tomato soup and grilled gourmet cheese on sourdough bread with homemade chips and deviled eggs for late lunch....dinner later will need to be up of soup. I couldn't resist my comfort meal from childhood. happy happy
(5)Cathy H.
Great place, kind staff but best of all the food rocked. They also take your number and text you when your table is ready, would definitely come back. Salmon BLT...YUM, finished with cheesecake dip-genius!
(4)Terra B.
An absolute amazing experience from the second my husband and I walked in!! Each and every employee was happy, friendly and eager to please. The boys behind the bar were the real deal and a bit entertaining as we watched one juggle lemons! It didn't matter to the waiters if you were their table. They were always sure you had water, a cocktail or any other need. The food? Oh em gee!! Had soups that made us feel like we were wrapped in a warm blankie....(tomato bisque and shrimp and corn chowder) my husband had never had jumbalaya (I know right?) and he almost ate his entire huge bowl. I had the "special" which was coffee encrusted pork chop with green beans and potatoes. It was THE best pork chop I've ever eaten! Tender, juicy and seasoned by a genius!!
(5)Tony V.
Huge bar for individual seating if your out of town and solo. The blackened tilapia was a great dish and is enough for two if you want to share. One of the best old fashions drinks I have had in a while.. They make their own simple syrup which has a honey smokey flavor.. Great place!
(5)Julia I.
Best meal we had on our trip to Nashville! Beautiful place with an upscale atmosphere, we ate at the downstairs restaurant. Hung out at the copper counter bar and ordered some amazing cocktails while we waited for a table, the Mad Hatter was delish! Our waiter was funny and welcoming giving us a lot of recommendations for our trip. Amazing food, I ordered the fish tacos and would highly recommend!
(5)Nick W.
Who knew there would be amazing food in the most touristy area of Nashville? Killer food: First off, go for nothing more than a drink and the popcorn at the bar, amazing! I asked the secret ingredient, you should do the same. Entree was the sweet tea pork loin, sitting on pimento cheese grits and green beans, drizzled with sweet tea balsamic reduction. WOW! I literally had every other group at the bar asking what it was, and they all ordered it as well. Not to miss! Drinks: no beers on tap, all bottles, but had a couple good IPAs. Overall: if you're hungry before or after hitting up Tootsies or The Stage, check out Merchants for a great meal and order the sweet tea pork loin!
(5)Saju J.
We ate upstairs in the private dining room. Awesome friendly southern service. Had some of the best crabs legs, lobster, oyster and shrimp on their seafood platter. Great soup, pork shanks and dessert. Great place.right on honky tonk street.
(4)Kleine E.
Had lunch here the other day. The food was really good, although the fried green tomatoes were a little tough. Highly recommend their hamburgers and salads!
(4)Chris S.
This is a great spot in downtown Nashville, literally in the heart of the honky tonks. We were quickly seated on a busy night by a very friendly host. Waters were brought out immediately and the menu was explained in sufficient detail. People were definitely hanging out having a few drinks. The kind of place you could take a date and have a fun night out or chow down before going out. The food was excellent. I ordered the Sweet Tea Pork Loin and was amazed at how tender and flavorful the meat was. The last time I ordered pork in a restaurant it was very dry so this was a welcome change. The Pimento Cheese Grits and molasses glazed green beans were delicious. And I couldn't get enough of the Bourbon Just amazing. My buddy had the fried chicken which he said was awesome! I had a local Yazoo IPA that turned out to be a nice pairing with the pork.The price was in line with expectations considering the neighborhood. Bottom line, if food and fun is important to you, you should check this place out.
(4)Lela T.
A very nice, cool bar. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar because we felt like being social during our trip to Nashville. The food was great. We had the tater tots (the regular size is a lot of tots for your $) and a cobb salad, both were delicious. But it is a speak easy bar, and they have a nice list of cocktails so we tried 4 of them. All four were very good. The ambiance is quite nice, not too loud but also not stiff. Also we found the price to be reasonable, but we are from CA and NY so can't really compare to Nashville standards. The bartenders were very nice, and we had some fun conversations with them about the area.
(4)Christine O.
I have never been here before and came because I read awesome reviews from all of you lovely people. And all I can say is WOW.... Yall need to order the fish tacos cause they are incredible! Seriously this place has an awesome atmosphere, great service and fabulous food! We ordered the rum blonde dessert after our meal... ALSO AMAZING!
(5)Chrissie V.
This place shows what "elevated classics" should REALLY look like, when it comes to food. Duck fat tater tots...fried green tomatoes with the most delicious sauce and pimento cheese...deviled eggs with a crisp pickle chip...I could go on for days about the apps...by far the favorite of our 9 person party was the tots though...they get served with 3 sauces and do yourself a favor and ask for an extra hollandaise sauce before it even gets to your table...you get a pretty generous portion of tots and you will definitely run out of that particular sauce. We had a pretty wide range of entrees at the table...steak frites, pork, fish tacos, veggie burger, REAL burger, mac and cheese...all of which people raved about, but the pork was the surprise winner. As far as sides go...sweet potato fries seemed to be the most popular choice they were cut steak fry style and they looked amazing. The house salad had truly the most amazing dressing on it ever...they need to bottle that for real. I'm probably going to be disappointed by salad dressing for the rest of my life now. They had a pretty extensive drink menu...including a long list of ginger based drinks. All were good...I tried a couple of varieties and all were good, not great. Perfectly satisfactory though because the food really was the star of the show. We're visiting Nashville for a bachelorette party (obviously not an original idea...holy bridal veils Batman!), so I probably won't have much occasion for visiting this restaurant again, but I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone visiting Broadway!
(5)Debi E.
Catfish sandwich- 4.5 stars Smoked brisket- 2.5 stars Restaurant vibe- 4.5 stars Drinks- 4.5 stars
(4)Marisela S.
This restaurant was very delicious and had a great atmosphere. I has the fish tacos, also our table had the po boy shrimp sandwich and the burger and all were tasty with sweet potato fries. It was a great meal, the server was timely and didn't linger and totally worth a visit
(4)Amy C.
Best place to eat on Broadway. Not your normal quick bite. Both downstairs and upstairs are a huge delight and worth the wait.
(5)Gerry T.
Honestly very good food!!! Nothing fancy that will win them a James Beard award anytime soon, but honest cooking with great flavors! I had the pork chop with grits; amazing grits!!! Pork chop a bit over done, but good. My wife had the chicken fried chicken and it was so juicy and tender...I am salivating as I type. The duck fat tater tots are great as well. Our reservations were fumbled but the waiter that took care of us was very accommodating and friendly. This made up for their blemish. If in the area, Check it out.
(5)Paul C.
Great food. Great service. A tad pricy for content - but you'll be happy. Duck fat tater tots - full portion served four of us as a nice picky appetiser. The dips are tasty and varied too. Salty but superb. I had the brisket - with corn bread, coleslaw and BBQ sauce. It was tender, perfectly cooked and with just the right amount of sauce. The slaw was delicious and the corn bread plentiful (most of it left...British tastebuds for you). My partner had chicken fried chicken with spinach and easily the best mashed potatoes I've had in a long time. Also covered in a pepper gravy. The other two in our party had the veggie burger (very bean based - if you know the sort - she loved it) and the fish tacos (big and full - tasty). The sweet potato fries are worthy of their own mention. Very good indeed dipped in the BBQ sauce. Drinks were craft beers and cocktails mainly. Wines and spirits too. Cocktails were a tad pricey - but perfectly mixed. Beer selection very nice but limited. Brooklyn for the win. I will be back!
(4)Brian M.
No trip to Nashville would be complete without a stop at Merchant's, seriously can over 500 Yelpers be wrong! Now there are actually two restaurants to Merchants' and my review will be covering the more casual downstairs option. When we were seated we were provided a small container of popcorn which was seasoned with what tasted like parmesan, dill, and garlic, the combination of flavors was amazing. While looking over the menu, and decided to start off with an order of the Duck Fat Tater Tots, which were very tasty and served with a chipotle mayo, béarnaise and house made ketchup. The tots were delicious, as was the chipotle mayo. For my entree, I went with the Mac & Cheese, which is served with white cheddar, crispy bacon, tomato, scallions, and roasted poblano. This dish was deliciously creamy and cheesy and was a home run! I was able to try some of the Chicken Fried Chicken which was served with smashed Yukon potatoes and it was equally as tasty. In fact, the Chicken Fried Chicken was so good it had me considering returning the following night just to order it. Even though I didn't return the following night, I know that I will be ordering that the next time I am in Nashville. I will say that the staff here was exceptional, however the downstairs gets very loud as the sound seems to echo making it hard for softer casual conversation. I imagine that the upstairs is a bit more upscale, low key, and intimate which if so would make a perfect date night location. Overall Merchant's is a solid option for a quality dining experience, I can only imagine the quality of the food served upstairs at the more formal. I recommend reservations to avoid the crowd, as this place does get busy which can leave you waiting for nearly an hour for a table. However do not let the wait times discourage you, stick it out and you will be thanking yourself later!
(5)Vincent T.
A really busy, really cool restaurant in the heart of downtown Nashville... (make a reservation) Duck Fat Tots, Deviled Eggs, Mac& Cheese, all good starters. Chicken Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea Pork Loin were both excellent entrees. Service was attentive and friendly. Really liked the decor and bartender uniforms. Would've liked to try some cocktails with dinner, buuuuut I arrived smashed. So just water for me... (a day of bar hopping on Broadway will do that to ya) I had awesome food at every spot I went while in Nashville. This wasn't the best meal overall, but it definitely was the best food on Broadway. Check it out.
(4)Denise D.
Eating at this restaurant was one of the highlights of our visit to Nashville (and, trust me, we had loads of fun in Nashville). The service, amazing. The music, 1990s. The food, unforgettable. I was introduced to a Nashville micro brew here, Yazoo (I got the Gerst, the boyfriend the hefeweizen, both delightful). We started with fried green tomatoes, served with pimento cheese and a sauce I'd like to bathe in. For dinner, I had the tilapia and the boyfriend had the brisket. The accompaniments and sauces were all spot on. Our server (well, bartender--same difference) answered all our questions about the menu items and even offered, before we ordered, to replace anything that we weren't happy with. I was concerned that the tilapia would be too spicy for me, and he assured me that most of the heat was in the sauce, which he had them serve on the side. (He was right). I will definitely not miss this place when I return to Nashville.
(5)Khay G.
One of the best brunches I've ever been to. I came here about 6 months ago and now that I'm on Yelp I had to do a review for it. Everything from the atmosphere and service to the drinks and food were 5/5. If you're going on the weekend, expect a wait for a table. Ours was 45 mins but totally worth it. On the pricey side, but if you're willing to spend a bit more on dining out you won't be disappointed. We got the baked cheese to split and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were very heavy, I don't think I ate for the rest of the day. If I ever come back to Nashville, Merchants will be on my list to visit.
(5)Kenny C.
Merchants was the last meal I had in Nashville, so I wanted to make it count. The restaurant itself is beautiful. It looks liek a townhouse with high ceilings. And there's a chandelier in the back where the hostesses are (kind of looks like a hotel). They give you a little tin of popcorn when you sit down. It had powdered ranch seasoning in it, which I didn't know was a thing. It was like crack. For an appetizer, I went with the duck fat tator tots, because honestly, how the hell am I going to turn that down? They were delicious and came with three dipping suaces - ketchup, chipotle mayo and bearnaise. Loved the tangy bearnaise. Don't worry guys, I went with the half order because I'm not a glutton. For my entree, our lovely waitress recommended the chicken fried chicken, which came with over yukons and spinach, topped with country gravy. Despite the hear-attack-inducing description, it actually wasn't that heavy. The chicken was thin and fried beautifully, and there were vegetables involved, which is healthy, right? Maybe I'm in denial. It was my second time having fried chicken that day, but hey, when in Nashville...
(5)Violet P.
The restaurant is broken up into 2 different areas. The upstairs area is a steak and seafood restaurant and downstairs has a wider variety including sandwiches. We started with the tater tot and guac for appetizers. Guac was just meh so I was a bit disappointed as I love my guac but the tots with the 3 sauces were awesome! Definitely recommend them. 3 of us had the NY strip and one had the recommended pork loin. Let me tell you, go with the pork loin!!! It was sooooo juicy and tender. All 3 of us felt that the steak was ruined by the sauce that was on top of it. We all stripped it off. Or if you're really in the mood for a smaller steak, ask for it on the side and then decide. The prices were pretty decent for a nicer place on Broadway and the drinks were decent as well!! We had excellent service from Jim! He was very attentive and worked very hard.
(4)Kevin Z.
We ate here last night. Since we had 6 in our party & it was a Friday I figured we would need a reservation. So I called only to hear that due to events in the area they were fully booked, but we could come in early & possibly get a table. My friend had told me she just ate there the night before. She said that she ate upstairs as the downstairs was full & there was quite the wait. She mentioned that the menu was limited & prices were higher. Sure enough when looking on the website there is a 'up' & a 'down' menu which reflect both. We arrived shortly after 6pm on Friday night to be sat 5 minutes later. The place has a bit of a oldschool malt shop feel to it. The servers & bartenders all wear white & black attire w/ suspenders. All very looking hipster like. The drinks were very tasty & strong. We ordered the duck fat tatter tots & cheese plate for apps, both so GOOD. Oh and they provide you w/ popcorn seasoned w/ Hidden Valley Ranch which is also very tasty. I ordered the Soup & Sammy which is a grilled cheese w/ bacon, tomato soup, & chips. SO GOOD! Around the table the Pork Loin, Mac & Cheese, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chicken Fried Chicken, & Wings were all ordered. Everyone at our table was happy w/ their food. We had a birthday at our table so they brought out a dessert, but no one sang happy birthday sadly except for us. We had someone in our party that had food allergies & our server was happy to recommend a variety of different options & checked w/ the kitchen as well. The other cool thing was when the checks were handed out separately they were able to split the apps 6 ways so no one was stuck w/ them solely. We will be back in Nashville again in a week & this is a place we look to return too. Very happy w/ everything minus the happy birthday songs. 4.5 stars.
(4)Ahmed R.
All of the food here was amazing! I loved this place. The portions are so huge, so had to split meals, and we came back here a 2nd time during our trip. My wife and I split the brisket, and WOW! We didn't expect too much, but just WOW. It's easily enough food for 2 people. The brisket and BBQ sauce was absolutely fantastic. It was gorgeous served over some warm cornbread. The cornbread was amazing and deserves some serious attention. The cole slaw on the side went with everything nicely. I tried my mom's fish tacos and they too were delicious. We came back the next day for more food and everything just hit the spot perfectly. I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)Julie C.
Great food, drinks and service but be prepared to wait for it! We don't mind snagging a drink or even seat at the bar. I haven't had anything I didn't like and the brisket melts in your mouth, yum!!! The drinks are unique and very refreshing. I'm never disappointed here.
(4)Louis D.
After eating numerous times in the bistro we tried Upstairs last night. From the moment we arrived until we departed everything far exceeded our expectations. The professionalism of the entire staff was only surpassed by the food, and it's presentation. By far our most pleasurable dining experience since arriving in Nashville 13 years ago. Set the stage for a magnificent evening at The Schermerhorn. Highly recommended!
(5)Russ T.
Every time we come to Nashville we have to eat here. The chicken salad, soups, entrees and drinks are great. A lot of hand squeezed juices go into the drinks. Service is top notch considering how busy they stay. Out door sitting is available weather permitting. Carissa rocks as a bartender.
(5)Chelsea W.
After reading some killer reviews on Merchants and quickly realizing it was our best bet for genuine food on Broadway, we decided to give it a try--at first, it seemed like we had made a good decision. After all, our wait to be seated was only 15 minutes (pretty amazing for a Saturday evening) and the staff all seemed friendly enough. We didn't eat upstairs--we opted for the more casual menu and ate outside at a table that was perfect for people watching (also perfect for making awkward eye contact with tourists, but that's a different story entirely.) Our meal was very average, much to our surprise and immediate regret. $60 for an Applebees-quality meal? Ridiculous. Waiting for us at our table was a cup of stale popcorn that we barely touched. We started with the fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese and hot pepper jam. They were both chewy and stiff in all the wrong places; meanwhile, the pimento cheese tasted like a cheap tub of processed mumbo jumbo you could easily buy at Wal-Mart. Disappointing start, but we held out hope that things would improve. They did not. I ordered the salmon BLT with basil mayo and chips, and... well... there really isn't much to report. The seasoned chips were the best part of the meal. Salmon was horribly dry, the 'basil mayo' was practically nonexistent, etc. Not at ALL what one would expect from a restaurant rated as highly as Merchants. Needless to say, I have no plans to return to this place, and we certainly won't be recommending it to anyone in the near future.
(2)Sarah G.
I went to Nashville to visit my sister and on my first night there, we ventured down to Broadway to have dinner at Merchants. It was pretty busy but we put our names in and went down the street to have a drink. We didn't have to wait too long to get a table, which was nice on a busy Friday night. We ordered drinks and dinner, including the duck fat tater tots which are unbelievable. I also had a burger (excellent) and probably the best Moscow Mule I've ever had. I would definitely go back.
(4)Mijung H.
Been here a couple of times, and plan to revisit many more times. Everything I have tried here has been delicious, from the tater tots, to the fried green tomatoes, to the grilled cheese. Can't go wrong. In addition, try the pimm's cup cocktail. It is refreshing with scents of cucumber and earthy goodness. Perfect day time recovery drink after a wild night in Nas Vegas. Enjoy!!
(5)Kendall B.
I'm so happy with my decision to eat here. I ordered the Blackened Catfish Sandwich and it was delicious. I recommend it to everyone! The portion sizes are big and filling! The service was great and everyone was really friendly. They have good beer options, which is a plus. It looks like they have a full bar too for any cocktails you would want. I really enjoyed my experience here and will be back on my next visit to Nashville!
(5)W P.
We stopped for drinks after a show at the Ryman and sat at the bar. Great music mix (blues/soul mainly) and decor, a welcome alternative to the honky tonk and country bars on Broadway that feel like more of a tourist trap these days. The Corsair Reviver (their version of the Corpse Reviver) was very tasty and well poured. Gin Gin Mule also hit the mark. A great spot for after a show or if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated.
(4)David L.
Our server, Jimmy, was a rockstar server and the food was excellent. Best catfish I've had in a long time. It's a busy place so make a reservation to save yourself waiting.
(5)Dana G.
Great lunch spot! I had the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, delicious! Also tried the deviled eggs and yum !!!!
(4)Rebecca N.
Every time I visit Nashville this is my dinner spot of choice! Never any complaints, great food, drinks, and service. Be prepared to wait if you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, but it's worth it!
(5)Lissette G.
Started off our amazing dining experience with a warming "WELCOME" from the bartenders (one Tuesday afternoon). Hostesses were nice and welcoming. Started with the naked cheese...IT WAS ORGASMIC. If you don't love cheese then order something else, I love cheese, this was amazeballs. Then fish tacos, don't expect no crummy frozen, battered & fried fish stick, this was real fish. Great flavors with the slaw and gauc. Salmon BLT was great too. Great atmosphere with a classic twist.
(4)FreewheelingFoodographer F.
This is my new favorite restaurant. As a Wisconsin-born foodie who recently relocated to Nashville, I had tried about 84 different BBQ places (and I'm sure gained 84 pounds since moving here). I was looking for something unique with local flavor, but just... not BBQ. Merchants is a fantastic restaurant. The ambience has this trendy-chic yet cozy-and-unpretentious vibe. We dined in a booth downstairs with a view of downtown/Broadway. The beverage list was extensive and the prices were good. I recommend a Belle Meade Bourbon. Or two. Who knew that Tennessee had such great whiskey?! Oh everyone knew that already..... We started with the duck fat tater tots which were phenomenal. They were cooked perfectly, with sides of some sort of chipotle aioli and this delicious béarnaise sauce that I may or may not have attempted to eat with a spoon and then lick the bowl dry. Ok maybe not, but it was that good. Be careful. I had the blackened catfish sandwich. Again, amazing. My husband had the fish tacos which were insanely good. Who knew Nashville had such awesome seafood?! ;) I wanted to try about 13 different menu items. Everything looked great. Staff was friendly. I will definitely be coming here again. But for now... to find BBQ joint #85... ;) Cheers! The Freewheeling Foodographer lesleighmemmel.wordpress…
(5)Tony B.
My wife and I had dinner here on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised that there wasn't a wait. It's a little crowded, but we had a good table and enjoyed the food overall. The duck fat tatot tots are a good as everyone else says and our only complaint is that we found the tacos to be a little too salty
(4)Karen V.
With an overwhelming amount of places downtown to choose from, we randomly picked Merchants, and oh my, what a great choice we made!! The Chicken Fried Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes with pimento cheese, and Jambalaya were all out of this world! Our finicky nine year old son loved his grilled chicken sandwich. And the service was quick, accurate, and really friendly (our server's name was Kyleigh). Overall a really wonderful dining experience.
(5)Nancy G.
On a recommendation, we came to merchants for brunch. The environment was fun and lively. The music was loud, but you could still talk between each other. The place looked like a black and white old fashioned soda fountain. Brunch started out with water brought out daintily in a glass container and seasoned popcorn in a small metal bucket. We ordered the duck fat tator tots after seeing lots of other yelpers do the same. It was pretty good. Nothing out of the world, but what can you expect from tator tots? We also ordered fish tacos and a bacon grilled cheese with tomato soup and homemade chips. Again, the food was good but not amazing. We ordered two bloody Mary's. They were good, but there didn't seem to be a single drop of alcohol in the drinks. Our server probably added the least to the meal - placing both our leftovers together in the same togo box and misconstrued our full order of tots for half. The sever seemed distracted - kind of the service you would expect from a Waffle House. Then again, we have had better service at a Waffle House.
(3)Jamie S.
This place is fantastic! Priced right, food is excellent, ambiance is great and the service is on point! Nothing short of a great experience!
(5)Becky H.
Still love it. Five pepper chicken is my favorite. Service is great. In a hurry sit in the bar or go upstairs for an upscale experience.
(5)Candace C.
Shoddy service with a side of roaches. Went to Merchants for dinner Friday night. Long wait as usual for a table so we sat at the bar. Had to beg for service as did others seated there. Food was OK. toward end of our meal a cock roach started across the bar. A waitress quickly stopped it and ended its journey with a napkin. Seconds later a manager - type guy appeared, apologized, and took one round of drinks off our tab. Nice gesture but we won't be back.
(1)Staci D.
We were seated promptly even though the town was busy. Food was great, desert even better. Came back the next day and sat at the bar. Try their apps! Great downtown location too.
(4)Amelia H.
As much as we enjoyed the food, I can't give this place more than two stars based on the service. The night started out very well, we had a party of six with a reservation for upstairs. Two of my friends were celebrating birthdays and this was supposed to be our nice dinner out for the weekend. We were shown to our table and our server was almost overly attentive at first (she seemed to have a server in training shadowing/assisting her.) About midway through the meal, our server was nowhere to be found. Did not come to refill water, ask if we wanted more wine/cocktails, or to see how the food was. We were looking around (like the other tables) and had to flag down other people to take care of what we needed. I had spoken to the "assistant" about coming to the table with dessert, etc. to celebrate the two birthdays, she assured me it would be taken care of. This never happened, and instead, a server we had never seen rushed over and asked if we wanted to see dessert menus, then before we could even answer she walked away. This was the same server who brought the check (because our server was still MIA) and she misunderstood the payment methods and how things were to be divided. It was a mess, and she barely apologized. Finally, after it was too late to really make it better, our original server came and said she was "sorry things got rocky towards the end, it was just so busy" as we looked around at a half empty dining room. I would hardly say they were slammed. It was a shame that we all left with a bad taste in our mouths after spending a good bit on dinner, and the food actually enjoyable. It didn't put anyone in a great mood to celebrate, and we really felt like we had just been forgotten and our business was not really important to Merchants. I would not go back or recommend based on our experience.
(2)Kristin G.
I've been wanting to try Merchants for awhile now and we finally went for my birthday. I ordered based on recommendations on yelp and thought the food was pretty decent but not amazing: Duck fat tater tots, fish tacos, and blackened tilapia. Best part by far was the drink selection...I had two really tasty drinks both with St. Germaine in them (its a fav) and they were AMAZING. Service was also really good, which is always a plus. Will likely return and try a different app/entree combination.
(4)Tori F.
We ate here while visiting Nashville and it was by far the best meal we had in the city. To start with we ordered the guacamole and duck fat tater tots which were both delicious. The strawberry salad with salmon was great. It was one of the tastiest pieces of salmon that I have ever had. The blackened catfish sandwich was also really delicious. The seasoning they use on their fish is out of this world. Our waitress was also really sweet and a great edition to the meal.
(5)Scott D.
Best spot for dinner downtown without spending a fortune. Excellent ambience, very laid back and relaxed environment. Menu is simple yet broad, and almost everything I have tried is prepared really well.
(4)Chad P.
My review is based on a group of people, so don't take this as a two-person date review. We were seated upstairs which was kind of cool to go through an elevator to reach her table. The building has a lot of charm and feels very old. The waitress was really sweet and nice, but she didn't do a good job of keeping everyone's order together. I missed the appetizer, because apparently I never heard her asking us for our order. The menu was pricey and it didn't make a lot of sense as far as ingredients go. The music was too loud for us to hear each other talk at times. One of the appetizers was too mushy to eat for a couple at our table, but the hush puppies were the real deal. Overall I would say we had a great time, but the server left something to be desired.
(3)Michele M.
Sweet tea pork loin is out of this world! Don't pass up the duck fat tator tots. Well worth the wait for a table.
(5)Amelia A.
good burgers, great service, and lovely atmosphere. the only thing was our food was a bit lukewarm. would return!
(4)Serena T.
Found this place via Yelp while in Nashville and glad that I did. There was a big group of us and Merchant's had something for everyone. I ordered a half order of the duck fat tater tots which as other reviews have mentioned were delish. It comes with 3 sauces, ketchup, a cheesy sauce and some type of aioli which was my favorite. Also ordered the fried green tomatoes which were just ok in my opinion. They were fried with corn meal so they were different than the fried green tomatoes which I've had before. The spicy relish was really good. I split the fish tacos with another person in our group and also wasn't blown away by them but they were decent. The fixins on the tacos were great and flavorful but the fish itself left something to be desired. For a drink I ordered the Moscow Mule and this was (to date) probably the best Moscow Mule I've had in my life. It had a perfect balance of lime and ginger beer and you could tell the lime was fresh squeezed. That being said, my four star rating is for the drink and the taters. But all the folks in my group were very pleased with their meals which ranged from the brisket, mac & cheese and the chili. Great atmosphere!
(4)Patrick W.
Food was amazing, service was good. Only issue was sitting out on the patio being placed under the heater. If you are a Yankee like me, chances are you won't be able to handle the heat.
(4)Patrick S.
Cool space, but nothing to write home about .Food was fine.
(3)Richard R.
Very nice restaurant that is a quieter refuge compared to the crowded sidewalks and honky tonks of Broadway. I ordered a brisket platter with mashed, gravy, cornbread, slaw -- very nice. Beautifully renovated historic building. Lovely restaurant. Recommended.
(4)Tina K.
Excellent and the duck fat tater tots are different good! Fried green tomatoes and the butterscotch pie phenomenal! Service was excellent. Skip the chain restaurants and go straight to Merchants.
(5)Alan B.
Went here for a late lunch and received incredible service from our waiter John K. We ordered the Mac N Cheese and added the brisket. Excellent! This place has some of the best food on Broadway. Be sure to stop in before the late night menu.
(4)Renee S.
Excellent service. Great atmosphere. We sat next to a window during an electrical storm. That was freaky... but fun also. Food was great. i would definitely go back!
(5)Alexandra S.
This place was in the heart of downtown Nashville. As a tourist that's exactly what I wanted. It has a lot of history in it which makes it look to be way out dated but it fit perfect for the history that Nashville upholds. The classic checkered tile on the floor and lots of wearing around the bar. It reminded me of an old house that I would tour through from the early 1900's. With all that being said the service was excellent! Absolutely no issues at all. Because we were visiting I was doing site seeing the waitress was more then helpful to make great recommendations on where to buy things and what to see. We were in no mood for alcohol so don't have any recommendations for that. The food was decent for what we ordered. Just a little expensive but that's what downtown is like I guess. There are two floors a lunch dining on the bottom and an upper floor for more elegant dining. I got the Greek salad it was very delicious I just wish I got some sort of meat on it so I wasn't hungry only a few hours later. My boyfriend got a regular burger and that was something that really hit the spot! You basically can design exactly what type of burger you want and he was stuffed for hours after the meal which is not normal for him with a big stomach!
(4)Andrew E.
Food is consistently pretty good. Service is consistently awful. Some of the worst service I've ever had. No air conditioning either. Never going back. Waiters don't care about you.
(1)Dr R.
Edible. Not worthy of a second visit. Blackened tilapia was under-seasoned and the hash that came with it was jus not impressive. It was supposed to come with roasted corn but the corn looked steamed. They've got some really good BBQ sauce though (yes kinda random... Their salmon BLT with fries was good). We drank water because besides telling us that we weren't really bourbon drinkers... The waiter didn't really have any good recommendations. I'd pass by. Other good restaurants to try. Probably just good for decor/atmosphere for small group.
(3)T T.
Really cute place! In between casual and dressy. Bartenders are very "vintage" inspired. We wet immediately served popcorn in an old fashioned tin. Great drink and menu selection.
(4)Lucy R.
I had a great time at Merchants last night. I loved the Soup and Sammy. Incredible service and wonderful atmosphere. If you are ever in the area, go here! Great job, Erica and Darryl.
(5)Doreen V.
A little disappointing... we ordered the duck fat tots (they were really good), deviled eggs (meh), two $12 drinks and lunch. My guy got a salad and I got the soup and sammy. Once our server left, we waited about 15 minutes for someone to return. After 15 or so minutes our appetizers, drinks, and lunch was all delivered together. The server returned once to our table about 25 minutes later and dropped the check. Not only was the service meh, the appetizers beat the drinks out- pay $12 for a drink and hope that you get it some time before dessert.
(3)Jaime G.
It was our first night in Nashville which was also New Years Eve. Our Uber driver suggested we check out Merchants since we wanted to experience the Bash on Broadway. We were pleasantly surprised with a beautiful open modern motif and only an hour wait. We ordered the duck fat tater tots which rocked our world. For dinner I had the grilled cheese and soup which was the perfect meal for a chilly evening. All in all I'm grateful this place was suggested to us because it made our NYE that much better.
(4)Sue H.
Had a great meal here. Fun atmosphere. Our server Ron H. Was totally awesome. And hot too!
(5)Michael C.
We are definitely not from Nashville, and read great reviews before coming only to be severely disappointed (mind you, we just ordered and haven't eaten yet). We go upstairs for the "better" menu and of the top choices none are available, "all sold out". We settle to go downstairs and of the few entrees on menu one of our top choices not available either. We are very disappointed thus far as of 4 menu options none are available.
(1)Stephen K.
Classy southern dining is what I would call this place. The food is very good steaks, fried chicken, brisket, pork loin, and the appetizers all were presented fabulously and the service was excellent. It's a very hipster spot in the south which is cool.
(4)Matt H.
Contrary to other reviews, this place was mediocre at best. The service was above average, the drinks were good, but the food was so-so. We had the deviled eggs (meh), duck tots (meh), fried green tomatoes (no good; don't bother) & the mac & cheese (the best of our selections, but not mind blowing). We're just passing through town, but if I lived around here, this place would fall low on my priority list. If you decide to check this place out, go into it with low expectations.
(2)Gretchen J.
Delicious dinner, fabulous service and wonderful atmosphere (upstairs). The gratin potatoes are a must as a side.
(5)Stephanie D.
Horrible hostess but they made it better/Our party put in our name and phone number and were told that we needed to wait 45 minutes, and that it would be fine to leave and come back, as the hostess would text us. Came back 45 minutes to check, and was rudely told we didn't respond to the 4 texts sent and they gave up our table, even though we received no notification. Thankfully the manager tried to make to it right, and he was great...but the next good move they need to make is fire that hostess. So incredibly rude! Luckily, the food was amazing and they offered us free apps. The veggie burger was great and so were the cocktails :)
(4)Laura H.
Our last meal in Nashville. Sigh. This town is great. My sweetheart found Merchants on yelp and we loved it. Started out with the salmon dip which comes to you on bruschetta type bread with veggies. Amazing! We went for an all out southern meal: chicken fried chicken with sweet potato fries in lieu of mashed potatoes. Brisket with coleslaw. Finished it off with chocolate cake almost as big as your head. The bartenders were awesome. Loved our drinks champagne cocktail and Manhattan. Great good. Great experience. Great way to enjoy our last meal in town. I have a great boyfriend whom gets all credit for finding Merchants.
(5)Dana S.
Nothing special here. Had a veggie burger that was really soft and lacked any substantial flavor. the sweet potato wedges were pretty tasty. friends ordered fish tacos that were realllyyyy fishy. I guess its to be expected in a landlocked state.
(2)Rachel B.
Made a stop here on a weekend trip to Nashville based on Yelp reviews. The food did not disappoint. Chips and sweet potato fries were delicious. Pulled pork was smoky. Staff were friendly.
(5)Bernadette M.
Cool spot. Their hostess station is passed the bar thru the entrance on Broadway. They couldn't accommodate a table of 7 so we had to sit outside. We just needed food so sure! It was hot though. My aunt had the deviled eggs, grandma had the soup (I don't know why given the weather), and my nephew had the root beer float. My cousin and I split the tator tots cooked in duck fat which made no difference to me, the fried green tomatos which was a must have since I've never seen it on a menu before and a side salad that had a pretty delicious dressing. Drinks were unique. I had the Beauty and the Beast and it was quite strong. My cousins was something much more up her alley. Service was good, music played outside and it was definitely not the country or live music heard all up and down the main strip there. There are definitely cheaper places to eat but this is a nice spot.
(4)Brenna H.
I ate at the restaurant upstairs. The service was great and everyone was very nice and accommodating. No complaints about any of the staff except for the kitchen. The food was unremarkable. I got the seafood of the day and it was very bland and unimpressive. The beat purée was overpowering and the fish and veggies had no taste to contribute to the dish. All in all, the restaurant had a cool atmosphere and the people were great but the food left much to be desired.
(3)Steve M.
The location is perfect and the food is great. We had a burger and the macaroni and cheese for our entrees. The mac was incredible. Our fries were cold but they immediately corrected with hotfries.
(4)Laura O.
Visiting Nashville for a conference and a local colleague recommended for dinner. Had a great experience! Loved sitting at the bar while we were waiting for our table. The whole vibe of the downstairs was great! We started with drinks recommended by the very charming bartenders and loved the duck fat tots and baked cheese for starters. Once moved to our table our server was excellent and the brisket was very tasty. Would recommend this place if you are looking for a great casual spot for dinner with a fun vibe and great service!
(4)Paul C.
I was contacted by a rep from the restaurant and asked to come back. I have to say, my experience was completely different. I'm going to be a little skeptical and say that the fact that they invited me back had something to do with the better experience. With that said, here's my review of Merchants. Service: Our server, Brandy, was very sweet and attentive. Our water was constantly refilled and our food came out quickly. Several of us asked for her recommendation and she knew the menu. We all ordered items that she recommended and they were all very good. The manager came over and checked on us several times. She even recommended an appetizer that was not yet on the menu and it was very good. Food: I ordered the pork loin and that was very tender and moist. This was my favorite of the night. However, i didn't care for tge grits that came with it. My buddies order the beef brisket, and the jambalaya. Both were pretty good, but not great. Our favorite appetizer were the chicken wing. It had a really good Cajun rub on it. The tater tots were good too, but nothing out of the ordinary.
(4)Angela P.
I love this place! There's a cool, modern/throwback/cosmopolitan/I don't know what I'm talking about...vibe to Merchants. We came here on a Friday night around 10:00 p.m. There are two menus here: upstairs and downstairs. We were seated downstairs, which was our preference anyway. Downstairs is a more casual (less expensive) menu. I had the macaroni & cheese. I think $15 is overpriced for mac & cheese, but the dish was really good and was more like a "gourmet" mac & cheese. The bacon cheeseburger at $13 was "fine" according to my husband. We shared the fried green tomatoes, reasonably priced as an appetizer, and the pimiento cheese served with them made them even better! The cocktails are done well here. I had the "botanist," which was made with St. Germain and other "refreshing" liquors. Cocktails are in the typical $10+ range. Although a little overpriced, Merchants does execute their menu well. And it's definitely a place I'd recommend for appetizers and cocktails. They also do shoe-shines in the lobby area in case you've scuffed your shoes at the honky tonk...I guess.
(4)Cathy L.
Memorable meal. The food was delicious. Tater tots for the appetizer are a must. Order the full size, the half size is so much smaller, you can always take the extras home if you can't eat the entire full order. Main courses we've tried and enjoyed, brisket, fish tacos, chicken salad-salad and jambalaya. The service was excellent both times. My only complaint and why 4 instead of 5 stars- the bathrooms were very dusty not so much dirty but the place needs a good scrubbing! Oh and the music got too loud throughout our meal.
(4)Maggy P.
Stopped here for lunch first day in Nashville. Had a cool Brooklyn vibe right in the middle of Broadway. So much food for cheap - had the duck fat tots (amazing) and a grilled cheese and soup. Cocktails were good and the service was great.. The guys helping us gave us some suggestions for places to check out while were in town.
(4)Craig C.
Great bar downstairs. Took my Dad here for a drink and appetizer. Nice to see the bartenders using fresh produce in all the cocktails. Our bartender is visibly hung over from last night, but he still made a good drink.
(4)Beth R.
My friend and I were visiting from Philly we came down with intentions of hanging out in the honky tonks and listening to live music. We ran into a local at bar who suggested Merchants, we needed a salad. We were told to eat downstairs as it was delish and not too expensive. We sat at the bar and right away ryan greeted us. He was an awesome guy and provided GREAT service. The food did not disappoint. We had the tots, shrimp and corn chowder and the Cobb salad. The taste and presentation were out of this world. We also had the pecan pie.. Also amazing. I highly recommend going here!!!
(5)Megan K.
A twist on traditional Southern fare in the heart of Nashville... * Vintage vibe (think bow ties + suspenders) * Unique cocktails (made with apothecary jars, droppers, + glass beakers) * Friendly bartenders * Delicious food (check out both menus- one for upstairs and a different for downstairs) * Eclectic music * A nice break from the rowdy Broadway crowd * A little bit hipster without being pretentious Overall, a great experience!
(5)Sapna C.
This is a nice place for a casual meal in downtown Nashville. It feels like a diner, but a bit more upscale, as other reviewers have mentioned. I went in for lunch here with my brother, while in Nashville. We had the duckfat tater tots and a fish cake to start. Both were delicious; however, the fish cake was a bit on the dry side. I had the grilled chicken burger as the main dish, which also delicious but a bit on the dry side. All in all, the food was good and the portions were quite generous for the price you pay.
(4)D. B.
Drinks were great. Food was average. brisket wasn't very tender. Had to cut it with a knife. Nice atmosphere though.
(3)Roger Y.
It is on the main tourist strip on Broadway in downtown Nashville. Not surprisingly, the downstairs bistro had lots of energy, buzzing with activities during our visit at 9 pm on a weeknight. We were seated promptly at our reserved time. Service was attentive even on a busy night. Drinks were good and refreshing. The deviled egg appetizer was a bit rubbery and only came in one flavor instead of a variety. The chicken fried chicken was well done. The breading was crunchy while the meat was moist and not over cooked. The fish taco had cream based toppings over fried fish. I would say the bistro is nice but not a destination. It is a fun place to eat and drink if you are in the area. The upstairs restaurant is probably a very different experience which I have yet to try.
(3)Allison S.
Drinking a "rise n' fall" (Chattanooga 1816 reserve whiskey, liquor 43, allspice dram, orange bitters) and eating a blackened catfish sandwich (caught in Kentucky lake TN with pickled chow chow). Excellent!
(5)Miles H.
I ordered the salmon BLT and it was outstanding. The homemade chips are delicious and salted with sea salt. The drink selection is extensive and my girlfriends Tennessee mojito was AWESOME. definitely worth a visit if the wait is not too long.
(5)Joe B.
We forgot to make a reservation and it was booked for the night, but I was told they only take reservations for half the restaurant. We showed up around 6pm on a Saturday night and were told it'd be a 25 minute wait. They can text you when your table is ready, which was great since we got to check out a few other places while waiting. By 630, the wait was up to an hour and 15 minutes so we lucked out And now for the important stuff... The food was delicious. I had the chicken fried chicken and the pulled pork sandwich (yes I was hungry). Both pulled pork sandwich was a solid 9/10, but the chicken fried chicken was top notch. Excellent service from our waitress Kiley too. Bottomless sweet teas were great!
(5)Ashley W.
Amazing. We came here late (around midnight) on Sunday night after a bit of drinking - we had just been passed over at the Star Wars auditions and were drowning our sorrows along Broadway. The bartenders were so friendly and bantered easily with us. They refused our request to buy a round for the kitchen for inconveniencing them at the end of their shift, which was gentlemanly. After I looked over their cocktail list and couldn't find anything I particularly wanted, they mixed me up something special. It was something with bitters and lemon and whiskey and other things I can't recall. It was absolutely delicious and went perfectly with the duck fat fried tater tots. If you're in the area, stop in to Merchants just for those. Good Lord. As good as the food and service were, I loved the decor here as well - classic tri-chromatic diner color palate with an old-world feel. They also had a fantastic playlist going. Next time we're in Nashville we'll definitely return.
(5)Heidi F.
Excellent, down to earth service! The duck tots were all right...soup and sammy was awesome! Chicken fried chicken was delish! The bartender was serious about his craft and made the most excellent mojito! This is probably the most eclectic people you will ever see!
(4)Becky E.
I was visiting Nashville with my best friend for the weekend and decided to stop in at Merchants!! Probably the best meal of the weekend! I had the Sammy & Soup. Grilled cheese & bacon sandwich with tomato soup!! Ultimate comfort food for me! Absolutely fantastic!!! My friend had the blackened catfish sandwich and shrimp corn chowder. She raved on & on about how good it was!! Definitely stop in for a bite of you're in town!!!!
(5)J S.
Brian Hall was our server and was wonderful! Ask for him.... So enjoyable. He recommended the Brisket which was great. He's adorable and personable.
(5)Krista K.
Best Moscow mule I have ever had. They make their own ginger syrup to create an amazing flavor. The Moscow mule is served with a piece of candied ginger on top. Wow... Dustin was our server and was fantastic, even though we arrived minutes before closing. Their ranch popcorn was crave-able! Ask nicely and they will give you the super secret recipe!
(5)Cathleen N.
We dined upstairs since the brased short ribs caught my eye. The ambiance itself is quite pleasing and there was plenty of room to move around. I had a Miss Atomic Bomb which is the ultimate girly drink and was a great recommendation by our waitress. We skipped on the appetizers and went straight to the main entree. I wasn't as wowed as I thought I would be. My short ribs were actually much too salty for my taste. The celery puree and roasted beets were what saved the dish for me. It seemed to balance out the saltiness so that I could at least manage to eat the dish. The broccoli seemed as though it was just added to the dish as an afterthought. It wasn't seasoned at all. For dessert, my fiance had the strawberry hand pie which he didn't even finish. It wasn't as appetizing as the description made it out to be. I had a chocolate/peanut dessert that was quite delicious! It also came with some ice cream which aided in balancing out the richness of the chocolate. I think that should we return to Merchants, we will be dining downstairs as that's where a majority of the good reviews come from.
(3)Amber J.
Duck fat tater tots!?! Yes, please! The chipotle mayo dipping sauce was fabulous! The ranch coated popcorn while you wait was amazing!
(4)Jennifer H.
In town for a girls weekend and we always make reservations for the first night a head of time. So happy we found a great place downtown, started off with a drink called the mad hatter...jack, absithe, fresh lemonade. We also order the duck fat fried tater tots and the southern fry. I did not care much for the fried okra, I guess it is an acquired taste. I shared a meal wIth a friend and they split it for us....mac and cheese and chicken fried chicken. Yum! Good service,
(4)Taylor J.
Stopped in on Saturday around 1pm and as I was by myself, I grabbed a seat at the bar that was open. The bartender was very helpful in helping pick a local brew to my liking (Jackalope Thunder Ann) and he was right on. He was very friendly and attentive, and helped with food recommendations too. I was torn between the brisket and pulled pork. He recommended pulled pork since it was lunchtime, as well as the sweet potato fries as my side. I didn't even realize that I got a side because the options aren't listed on the menu. But his recommendation did NOT disappoint. The sweet potato fries were the best part of the whole meal. I HIGHLY recommend them... delicious!!! As for the pulled pork, it was just average. Nothing I haven't had elsewhere, and I was looking for better on my first meal in Nashville. It is nice to have the BBQ sauce on the side so you can control how much is on the sandwich. My only real complaint is that my seat at the bar was on the end next to the station where the waitstaff makes their own mixed drinks. That didn't bother me, but it did bother me that they continually complained about their customers as they stood there making their drinks. I may have only been one person, but you're still within earshot of at least one customer who can hear you complain and criticize the people who are essentially putting money in your pocket. And they were just making fun of the special requests people were making for the mixed drinks - if they're paying and they're drinking it, why do you care? Why be mean about it? Very unprofessional.
(3)Katherine C.
I found this place via yelp while looking for a "not too touristy" place to eat. My parents and I were surprised by the variety and atmosphere right off of the main strip. The hosts gave us several sitting options and were helpful. We of course ordered the duck fat tater tots and they were incredible. I ordered the steak frites (I substituted for the house made chips which were on par) and it was easily the best steak I have ever had. If they serve steak in heaven, this is what they'll use. The waiter also brought out popcorn that was very good and had several different flavors to it-we had to ask for more! Their drink selection is vast and the bar and bartenders are very diverse and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this place--the first place my dad gave a 5 start rating to!
(5)Kevin J.
Awesome. Get the fish tacos. Pulled pork sandwich was also good. Bartenders make excellent craft cocktails. If you want an old fashion or similar drink, they make them right. This place is the only classy, decent place to eat around that area. Everywhere else is standard to below average bar food, which is fine when you are hammered, but if you want a nice meal before you go out, this is the place to go.
(5)Janet N.
We came here for a few cocktails on New Year's Eve 2012/13 to get out of the rain, and I'm so glad we did. We made Merchant's a destination when a friend recommended the Rocky Top Flip, a (really tasty) cocktail that the bartenders here mix up. But we were also a bit peckish so we grabbed a few seats at the bar and ordered some food - fried green tomatoes and crab guacamole. (Both tasty, but my preference was for the tomatoes.) We were tempted by but did not order the duck fat tater tots. This place has a really cool ambiance - stylish but laid back, and the bartenders were chatty and pleasant, even on what is probably the worst night of the year to work. They have a menu of Nashville/Tennessee based cocktails, of which we tried four. One was a bit sweet for me (The "I Love Lucy," I think) but they were all good. It was the perfect place to spend a few hours on a rainy NYE, and I'd be happy to come back on another visit.
(4)Matthew R.
So, it was Thanksgiving day, we are out of towners and hungrier than a bunch of broke college kids 3 months into school. We set out to see what was open to satisfy our hunger and decided to make the walk down to broadway. Much to my dismay, Broadway was open for business. We walked up and down Broadway and happen to stroll by Merchants and went in on a whim. Initial impression was classic southern style with timeless southern hospitality. Immediately greeted with a smile and no wait for the lower floor. (Make sure you check out the menus for both floors). Wait staff was more than friendly and attentive. We were never left waiting for anything and our water glasses were never empty. Cocktails and beers were on point and constant attention to how our experience was going made this a very enjoyable place. Surprisingly, Merchants was really busy and not an empty table in the place. As for the food, we started with the duck fat fried tater tots, simply amazing! Light, crunchy, not greasy and amazing flavorful. I ordered the Cobb salad and the grilled chicken sandwich, both of which were amazing. The salad had fresh lettuce, great egg and chicken and an amazing light sprinkle of house dressing. The grilled chicken salad was a very generous fresh grilled chicken breast topped with delicious Swiss, lettuce and tomato. I was lucky enough to get a side of slaw from my brothers meal that I put on top that just set this off. I would recommend asking for slaw on it or getting a side and adding it yourself. All in all, great service, great fresh food and a very happy atmosphere. They also had plenty of TVs around the bar to watch the Thanksgiving day games. A must try place if you have the time.
(4)Sarah K.
went to merchants with some friends over the weekend! we split some appetizers--the baked cheese and duck fat tater tots. the tater tots were excellent! i had the fish tacos. delicious, but hard to eat. the sweet potato fries (which i chose over the slaw per the recommendation of our waiter) were thick and flavorful. i didn't care for the bbq sauce they were served with for dipping, so next time i'd ask for ketchup instead. we made a reservation and it was so easy and nice to be seated right when we arrived. the complimentary valet parking (to the side of the restaurant in the alley, not along the street) was super nice and convenient. will be going back here! prices were pretty reasonable for how nice of a restaurant it is.
(4)Donald L.
My wife and I ate her on our stop over on the way to our Florida Vacation. Loved the location in the historical building. It was just like it looked on the website. So we scheduled a table in the bistro on the first floor. The service was perfect, drinks always full and the food was spot on! We tried the duck fat fried Tater Tots, very good. She had the Fried Chicken and i had the Jambalaya. The chicken was crispy and the mashed potatoes and spinach was excellent. The Jambalaya packed some heat, it was not over the top, but just perfect. I had added a side of corn bread that was a good way to cool the pallet. Looking forward for another visit!
(4)Lauren M.
I was definitely pleasantly surprised with Merchants being smack-dab in the middle of Nashville's tourist strip but am so very happy with the experience! The idea is very cool - upstairs is nice dining and downstairs is a more casual affair. They serve ranch-flavored popcorn as a snack when you sit down (delicious) and the waiters work together to make sure you are well taken care of. I got the pork with cheddar grits and was so very happy. My husband's mac 'n cheese was to die for. I only wish we lived closer to go back!
(5)Sam U.
Great atmosphere and decor. It's a pleasant dining experience. Food was solid, I loved the chicken fried chicken. Apps are good as well, as others are pointing out the duckfat tater tots. I think it's a must for at least a drink, if not a meal, as you wander around downtown. I didn't see any other restaurant like it on Broadway. I felt it a little over priced for what it was, but based on location and uniqueness to the immediate area it was not unreasonable.
(4)Heather G.
Actually one of the better meals we had in Nashville. Decent service, clean appearance of restaurant. Here is what you must try: duck fat tater tots. I think I have said enough!
(4)Mike P.
First time to Nashville and wanted to find the quintessential Nashville restaurant for a quick bite. This was the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten. Lights out good! If ever back in town, Merchants will be on my short list of places to visit again..
(5)Brian M.
Went to Merchant for dinner before our flight home. We were lucky enough to get Ross as our waiter. He made great suggestions and was speedy because we had a flight to catch. We highly recommend The Merchant and make sure you request Ross. Wonderful experience.
(5)Laura F.
Pretty darn delicious. I got the pork chop with grits. I don't always like grits but these were very yummy. Pork was cooked perfectly. Our server was very likeable as well.
(4)A B.
Had a bite downstairs today and the food was average for the price. Turkey sandwich was decent and fried green tomatoes were great but I kid you not, multiple servers asked no less than 9 times total if they could "get some of our plates out of the way." Okay fine, I don't want to sit in front of dirty empty plates (and i appreciate their attention to this) but we're talking about plates that still had food on them. Also, if I still have food in my hands, don't offer to take my plate. Common sense people.
(3)A. C.
(6/22/2014) Great location in the midst of Lower Broad in the historic Merchant's Hotel, that's pretty much the greatest thing about it. Place is very popular, good thing we had a reservation, people were still jammed in there pressed up against our table. Cocktails were tasty, pricey. Food was OK, not great, would call it adequate, nothing was bad, but nothing was special or outstanding, not even the Duck Fat Tater Tots (while they were excellent tots, they're still a from-frozen Ore-Ida tater tot not matter what you fry them in). I will say the Bernaise Sauce was absurdly delicious, but it's pretty much a stick of melted butter, can't go wrong. They seem to try to make up for it with generous portion sizes. Deviled Eggs were just as good as at any picnic. The Southern Fry was plentiful, somewhat over-fried, thin pickles, okra, small shrimp were dry, the larger catfish pieces were all right. We were full and enjoyed the company, Merchant's let us do that.
(3)Evelyn R.
Duck fat tater tots were really good and came with great dipping sauces. Fish tacos were fantastic and light. Chicken fried chicken was perfectly crispy, tender, and juicy on a bed of mashed potatoes and wilted spinach which really made the whole dish amazing. And you can't go wrong with any of the cocktails, they're all delicious. Loved the decor and feel of the place, a Nashville highlight!
(5)Laura D.
The duck tater tots are awesome when paired with their trip of dipping sauces and the cheese dip has an incredible depth of flavor. The mad hatter is a treat because it's a slightly sweet drink but not sickly so. Ryan J has Zach Braff's charm but is a super competent server. Don't miss this late night hot spot!
(5)Kara S.
I spent A LOT of time looking for a restaurant before my first trip to Nashville. Either they looked like a BBQ joint or were very pricey restaurants. I wanted to go somewhere nice since we were celebrating our 2 year anniversary, but I also wanted something reasonable....SO glad I decided on this place! After reading these other reviews, I saw that I should call and get a reservation. Well I tried the day before and they were already full...which is a good sign. However, I saw someone say to get there by 6 so we did and we had to wait about 30-45 minutes for our table. BUT, they take your phone number down and you can go to a nearby bar and grab a drink or two while you wait...and then they text you, which was very convenient. The location is great because it's in the heart of downtown so there is a lot going on. We sat downstairs right next to a window so it was so fun to people watch. We first tried the duck fat tator tots which everyone raved about. I mean, they were good, but honestly I didn't notice too much of a difference in taste from other tator tots...but you could blame that thought after a couple beers.... I had the mac and cheese which was DELICIOUS and a very good portion size. My fiancé had the bacon burger with sweet potato fries (which were legit potatoes) and he loved his dish as well. He had some kind of whiskey drink that he really enjoyed as well. We were so glad we chose this place, so I highly recommend making a reservation or getting there by 6 on the weekends!
(5)Alex E.
We dined here before a concert. Easily seated and the service was good. The duck fat tater tots were okay. Neat atmosphere but food wasn't memorable.
(3)Hillary H.
awesome, Meghan was great, we always had refills and great food and service! try it
(5)David L.
I've dined both upstairs and downstairs here over the years. My upstairs dining experience is quite dated, though, so I'll confine my comments here to my recent downstairs experience. Frankly, the downstairs area is not that roomy, so it has always seemed to be hit or miss in my experience as to whether you can land a table without a reservation. Fortunately, this time, I had a reservation! (I highly recommend you follow suit.) The servers here have never seemed to have a lot of time on their hands, so they rush around at a pretty frenzied pace. Nevertheless, we received quick attention and were given ample time to decide on our meals. (Note: I let the server know we had an engagement at the Ryman at 7:30pm so they would be aware of our need for quick turnaround and attention. I should also emphasize that this was not the first time I've dined here prior to a TPAC , Arena or Ryman event. They readily accept the guidance and act accordingly. Refreshing!) Even though we were somewhat in a rush - we arrived at 6pm - we simply had to pause for a glass of wine. Nice house choices are available, and we chose the cab. Nice! So, time was a-wasting - we needed to order. I opted for the fish tacos, with the duck fat tater tots. The mahi-mahi was quite good and the guacamole provided a nice, fresh zest. The slaw that accompanied the tacos had a nice tang to it, as well. And the tater tots - these were hot and delicious. Once dipped in the chipotle mayo, each tot tasted just great! Exactly what I hoped for. Exactly what I got! My beautiful and savvy daughter - always the one to focus her palate on a simple dish with potential flair - chose the soup n' sammy: A nice blend of cheddar and gouda cheeses with a creamy tomato soup. Simple, perfect, understated, but wholly satisfying. Just what she wanted. Admittedly, not the most elegant meal. But, that was not our intent. We clearly intended to have a nice, quick but relaxing meal before a fun concert. It absolutely met our expectations! - Solid customer service. - Good food, popping with flavors. - Reasonable prices. - Convenient location. - oh, and valet parking! This spot has always held a unique position in my head as a quaint, fun place to start an evening of downtown entertainment. It is conveniently located, in close proximity to TPAC, the Ryman or the Arena. I recommend you try it for the start of an enjoyable evening. You can't go wrong!
(4)Jeff E.
We ate on the ground floor level and this was the perfect place for our first night in Nashville. Great southern fare and great cocktails. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a casual place that feels a little upscale. Get the chicken fried chicken!
(4)Samantha S.
Food was delicious and service was excellent!! Brian was our waiter and he was awesome!
(5)Jennifer F.
Came to merchants are and say outside. We had the Tator tots which were great. Unsure of what else to have we turned to the waiter for guidance. Ryan helped is out and helped my husband choose 2 great drinks. We had the wings and the Cobb salad. service was fantastic. Ryan was wonderful. Would definitely come again.
(5)Cristina A.
Had a great dinner. Upstairs was a bit expensive and we changed our mind and went downstairs. The Tennessee mojito is a must if you like a sweet fresh drink. They also had a good beer selection. We tried the tater tots and they were good with the buffalo sauce. I will definitely be coming back.
(5)Debbie M.
Wow I've been blown away at many a place but this was phenomenal with an upscale nawlins sophistication but staying true to the the deep south hospitality with the best fare Nashville has to offer- oh so worth it
(4)Emily K.
Very very good! The salads are great for lunch and the tatter tots are really good. Great drink choices and the service was excellent.
(5)Dagger B.
Luv this restaurant!!!! Upstairs menu has the best food though IMO but everything is exceptionally great!
(5)Nick O.
This is a must stop in Nashville for dinner but gets packed at weekends so get there early. Upstairs is finer dining, downstairs is more a bistro feel. This is a place where the ladies can really dress up, or go casual either works as a very mixed crowd. There is a great vibe at the bar if you're by yourself too. Staff are awesome, very chatty and the food is always good. Check out the menu on their site it's all good stuff, steak and fish are superb here. Good selection of wine and scotches. If you are in Nashville for a romantic weekend, make this your first night for dinner and let your date wear that sexy dress, then head down the street and cross over to "crossroads" for some great music. Welcome to Nashville!
(4)Leesa W.
Best sweet potato fries. Friendly staff. Glad we chose this over Rippy's. Pleasant atmosphere.
(5)Jack K.
We often visit downtown restaurants before symphony performances. We have visited Merchant's several times, but this was our first to eat downstairs. We enjoyed it a lot. The upstairs restaurant is more elegant, including a more extensive menu. The downstairs restaurant has a simple menu, and is much more vibrant. We really enjoyed the experience, which included a good view of all the hustle and bustle of people on Broadway. The food includes the best fried green tomatoes we have had in Nashville, a good selection of burgers and sandwiches, a few upscale main dishes, and some very good desserts. Our meal was excellent and the experience was fun. The wine selection was very good. Highly recommended.
(4)Jeff M.
Although I appreciated the menu and craft cocktails I can sum up Merchants Restaurant (Up) in one word: awful. The wedge salad with thick pieces of bacon started the night of just fine but then the rest came. Quail stuffed with foie gras sounded pretty awesome but the flavor of the foie somehow manged to not make its way through the quail. There was no depth of flavor in the dish and the quail was not seasoned aggressively enough. The carolina mountain trout with lobster mash was another miss. The white fish was discolored by burnt butter and it was not seasoned properly. The mash was luke warm and the lobster was cold. The pan roasted chicken, although not seasoned enough, was cooked fine, but, the gnocchi mac and cheese was too heavy, too rich and just unpleasant to eat. A side of brussel sprouts with bacon was exactly how it sounds; sports with bacon. Nothing was seasoned properly. A little salt would have improved each dish. I skipped dessert. Finally to add to the list of my grievances service was slow and showed a lack of maturity.
(1)Jenna H.
I came upon Merchants during a business trip last May - it was nice and close to my hotel. My co-worker and I decided to eat upstairs as we favored the menu more and got a great seat at the window overlooking the street below. The ambiance was great, and I loved the server's uniforms with suspenders. The service itself throughout our time there was not the best. Our server really did not know the menu at all and could not make recommendations. The bread starter was fabulous - and the salted butter it came with was amazing. My garden salad was unimpressive and bland, but I was really happy with my dinner. I chose the poached cobia amandine. The fish was fresh and buttery, and came accompanied with garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus. I would come here again if I am in the area.
(3)Kevin N.
So honky tonk row has its own particular mojo, one not unknown to locals, and, frankly, to those descending like ninjas upon the city, in search of fun or commerce or the proverbial late nights warbling to fan favorites spun out against the burgeoning moon. That's not really what Merchant's is all about, mind you, but that's where it's situated, so stands to reason that they occasionally come into contact with these sentiments, and as an out of towner who's spent a little bit of time here, it was worthwhile to stumble in on a weekend afternoon in no particular hurry, but also without an agenda. What we found was a comfy, upscale ambience, punctuated by attentive but not overt service, and a menu ripe with just what we needed at the time: a couple of apps, some cold ones, a cocktail in the offing, some wine, hopefully poured a little too tall. All in all, I'd happily rep the duck fat tater tots (to soak up what's troubling you), paired with a choice libation: the brew list was decent, the wine list approachable, the cocktail list intriguing, even on an afternoon where we didn't quite know what we were up to next. Because sometimes you need to wander. And there are places made to keep fueling your quest. Let this be one of 'em.
(4)Adam M.
As part of my quest to have great steak in every city I visit, I chose Merchants in Nashville. For ambiance, you can't beat Merchants. Built in a historic Nashville hotel, the antique and worn look is both historic and comfortable. Dinner was served upstairs, with a view out over Broadway and busy downtown Nashville. I wanted good steak and was not disappointed. Pricey but good. The duck fat fries were pretty awesome and my ribeye was tasty. Not a bad place to eat in downtown Nashville.
(4)Katie K.
Great spot on Broadway! Our server, Matt, picked the perfect drink for me...The Botanist, mint, lemon, cucumber, gin...perfection! We share the fried green tomatoes and the surf and turf special (filet and lobster), it was the perfect portion for two of us so weren't carrying leftovers all over Broadway. Matt was especially great with recommendations and timed our meal perfectly. The bartenders were also extremely attentive and helpful with recommendations while we waited to be seated. Next time we're in Nashville, we'll be back!
(5)Joe P.
Excellent food and good service in the most touristy area of Nash Vegas. Some grade A people-watching too, if you get a window seat with a view of Broadway. My table enjoyed the duck fat tots, the cobb salad, and the chicken fried something or other. Merchants was the food-related highlight of my short visit to Nashville.
(5)Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were visiting Nashville and was recommended this place by a local bartender. We get there and are told there will be a 35-45 minute wait and ask for my phone number so they can text me when our table is ready. No seats at the bar so we head over to Margaritaville to grab a drink while we wait. About 15 minutes later, right after we order a drink I get a text saying our table is ready...pretty mad at this point, we finished our drinks quickly (more like chugged) and headed back. Service was alright and so was the food for how overpriced it was..probably wouldn't recommend it.
(3)Jason S.
I should like this place more. I really should. Duck fat tater tots, people! That should do it, right? Decent menu, pretty sure that the Goldberg bros. have something to do with this place nowadays. Nice cocktails, servers with natty uniforms, what's not to like? I'll tell you what. The last time I was there was right before the "Tenacious D" concert at the Ryman. I walked into the men's room and one of the stalls had sh*t overflowing onto the floor. That's not an exaggeration. I'm pretty sure that I did a triple take. How does that happen in a civilized world? It is six months later and only now am I comfortable talking about it. On the upside, they will valet park your car and you can pick it up whenever you are done, hijinks be damned.
(2)Moira R.
This is one of my favorite places in Nashville, although I've had great to just okay experiences here. The duck fat tater tots and the fried green tomatoes (with pimento cheese and pepper jelly) are phenomenal. The mac and cheese is amazing, and my partner tells me the brisket and fish tacos are to die for. I've loved the turkey club when in the mood for something simple. the sweet potato fries are great. Their cocktails are similarly well made and delicious, although I think their bartenders look and act a little pretentious. I came with a friend and they messed up her order (mac and cheese, no bacon). They had to remake the mac and cheese, but they ran out of noodles and had to make more. Ultimately, this experience was fine because the waitress was on top of the situation, incredibly apologetic, as was the manager. They comped something. We felt great about the service offered in this instance. Their desserts are similarly delicious, and almost a cannot miss. My last visit I had slightly lackluster service, for the first time. Our waitress seemed... distracted? preoccupied? like she didn't particularly want to be at work that day? I don't know, but it felt like a far cry from the usual experience I have at Merchant's. again, there was an issue with a friend's food order. she asked for a cheeseburger with no lettuce, tomato, onion, etc., and well done bacon. The burger came with all of these things + soggy bacon. The waitress apologized for the bacon, explained they pre-prepped it, and asked the kitchen to make more, which came out acceptably. All in all, it wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I was used to. This entire review refers to the downstairs section of the restaurant, because upstairs looks delicious, but pricey. The hosts have always been pleasant, and we've always managed to squeeze in fairly quickly, be it a last minute reservation, or wandering in off the street on a weekday. It's definitely one of my fav spots in Nashville.
(4)Mike C.
Note: This review is for the downstairs/casual bistro. We knew we were only going to have one dinner in Nashville; this ended up being the right call. Cool bar scene, very friendly service, good beer list and great views of the action on Main St. Tried the duck fat tots. Pretty good, not much different from regular tots. Maybe a little bit richer and saltier tasting. But worth a try. Had the tomato soup and sammy for dinner. Delicious comfort food! My girlfriend also really liked her fish tacos. We also really enjoyed the old-timey yet modern feel of the place and the fact that we had a table near the windows at the front of the restaurant, so we could watch was happening at all the nearby bars.
(4)Diana Y.
Wonderful service!!! Loved, loved, loved the charcuterie plate's mousse pâté. Best ever!!!
(5)Ekta S.
Great location, good ambience, I really like their system of texting when a table is available. We were two persons, and on a Thursday night the wait time was about 30-40 minutes. We found seating at the bar and decided to just stay there instead of waiting for 30 minutes. The bartender brought us a nice little portion of popcorn - seasoned with cheese and dill (I think). We tried a local brew and the deviled eggs with pickles- excellent. We picked tilapia for the entree- again excellent. The side of cornbread was the best I have ever had. Now to why I took off the two stars- I asked for a Mac and Cheese without bacon- first I had to wait to about 30 minutes to get the food, after a reminder that I was waiting, the food came out with bacon in it. The place was busy and mistakes happen, but after specifying a few times that we don't eat meat- I expected better. I would still go back for the cornbread though!
(3)Vicki S.
I had eaten in the downstairs dining area at Merchants several times, but never upstairs until earlier this week. The service is great up and down, but the dining experiences really are completely different. Downstairs is laid-back, contemporary Southern bistro fare. I love that they start your meal with a small bowl of popcorn in place of the oft-used bread basket. Upstairs is higher-end new American, with pricing to match both atmospheres. I arrived as the first one in my party and was able to sit back and people-watch for a bit. I immediately noticed some unmasked irritation from the hostess as several people, one after another, asked what the difference was between up and down. For dinner, I enjoyed (thoroughly) the wedge salad and the pan-roasted chicken. We were presented with a lovely basket of cheddar biscuits and corn muffins, served with a smoked sorghum butter (amazing). I was a bit taken aback by the portion sizes - the chicken seemed tiny to me, as did one of my companion's steaks. Both were prepared perfectly, though I had to request the salt shaker. Merchants really is a shining star among the trashier joints on the Broadway strip. If you can, wander around a bit - from what I've read there are still some bits and pieces of the old hotel that used to stand in its spot.
(4)Mike J.
In spite of the fact that the first time I ate here I got a shard of glass in my cobb salad, this spot is a solid 3 stars in terms of lunch value. We suggest the patio - well heated in the winter. Overall, a good spot to bring business guests for lunch when you can't get into Etch.
(3)Todd C.
Excellent food. You have to have the tater tots fried in duck fat. I chose the sweet potatoes fries and my daughter had the home made chips - both were winners. The steak frites was vey good and my wife enjoyed the catfish sandwich.
(5)Earl T.
We dined in the upstairs dining room. Knowledgeable and friendly wait staff. The scallops were well received, the hake was outstanding and the pork shoulder pieces were delicious. Ask Porter, the waiter, about his tick taser. Used the valet parking and then went to the Ryman theater from there. Quite convenient to the Ryman with a nice wine list as well.
(4)Noelle T.
Great lunch spot on Broadway. I might even go so far as to say that this is the best burger I've had in Nashville! I ordered my burger with homemade pimento cheese, bacon, and sweet potato fries. This is the only burger I've EVER eaten that didn't need ketchup or some sort of sauce. It was better than the burger I had at Gabby's, better than Burger Up, better than Red Robin, and better than Fat Mos. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and the corner building allowed for a ton of natural light which made for a great lunch vibe.
(4)Tim G.
I haven't been to Merchants in a long time. Mostly because we are never downtown to eat. Tonight I was at a corporate function upstairs. The food was great. We had a salad, steak and a bunch of other stuff. The portion sizes were big. The service was excellent. On the way home I realized that I had left my laptop in the banquet room. I called an talked with the hostess. She ran up stairs and found it. When I pulled in she brought it to the car. Their honestly earns six stars. Thank you for helping me out tonight.
(5)Betsy R.
Ok, so first of all, the service is absolutely incredible. We arrived for an eight o'clock reservation, and the hostess informed us that it would be a few minutes before our table was ready. The manager appeared, introduced himself, whisked us over to the bar, and gave us (a party of five) a round of drinks on the house. Yup. Mama like. Our waitress was also an absolute delight--prompt, attentive, friendly, and split the checks without hesitation. Now, on to my favorite part of any spot: decor. Merchants is adorable. It's light and airy and somehow manages to blend old world charm with sleek modernity. Love. If anyone has a chance to book it for a private party, they should jump at the chance. The ambiance alone is worth writing home about. The cocktails are out of this world. The bartenders are mixologists and are mixMASTERS. I LOVED my manhattan(s) and they had some cool and inventive stuff as well. A gal pal got a southern mojito with mango rum, and what a delightful indulgence it was. The FOOD. We started with the baked cheese, but we were eying the crab guac. I had the fried chicken, and I'm no southerner, but BLESS MY HEART if it wasn't the best chicken and gravy I'd ever had the pleasure of ingesting. It came with a perfectly sautéed garlicky spinach. The other gal pals had everything from jambalaya to steak frites, and all plates were cleaned. We were in the Nash for a little getaway, and had no idea what to expect, but boy did we strike GOLD with this joint. Thanks so much, Merchants.
(5)Vee E.
The blackened tilapia was seasoned perfectly, well worth a second trip. You've also got to have the duck fat tater tots (share with a few others).
(5)Kevin L.
What a nice experience. If you are adventurous let the bar tender fix you a specialty drink of their choosing. Was astounded on how on point the seasoning of the food was. This might have been the first restaurant where I did not add salt or pepper to my meal, or think that the food was over seasoned. Will be back again!
(5)Mary M.
Awesome!!!! Great service and trendy, unique quality dishes! We will definitely comeback!!! Inexpensive quality presentation of foods on the upper level as there are two levels with the lower level being less expensive and more casual.
(5)Ann E.
My husband and I NEVER order our appetizers and entrees at the same time because we like a little time between courses. When we got to Merchants, we ordered Mojitos to sip on while looking over the menu. After ordering the drinks, we ordered soups. My husband really enjoyed the Tomato Bisque and I had the Shrimp Corn Chowder which was excellent. Our cocktails arrived after we had started eating our soups. When we were done eating our soups, we ordered our meals. I am not kidding when I tell you that our meals came out 5 minutes later!! Terrible timing! And unacceptable for us. My husband had Jambalaya which he said was pretty good. I had fish tacos for the first time and I thought they were delicious. Although our waitress was pleasant and the food was good, I have to give only 2 stars because of the above mentioned incident.
(2)Marcia M.
I should really get out of my comfort hole sometimes... why have I always just considered Merchants to be just a dining spot? My last review was based off of a large dinner party that I hosted in the upstairs dining area but this update version is to swoon about the downstairs bar area. I loved the casual layout which is a completely different vibe from the more dark and moodiness from the upstairs dining area. It almost reminded me of a somewhat snazzier diner? My date and I ponied up to the bar for a cocktail and after the bartender made a suggestion on a crisp cordial, we obliged. DELISH. The prices are fair and in line with a spot of this caliber. Although, I didn't order from the food menu as we had already grabbed a bite earlier in the evening, I noticed an awfully seductive veggie burger and some appetizers that I must try soon. The menu had a very kitschy layout with interesting (and amusing) descriptions of their bites that include words such as "yummy" "gooey ooey" which I didn't expect but found to be charming. I will most certainly come back for lunch and for more cocktails as well. What was once deemed as a special occasion place, could now be a comfy little nook for this yelper.
(4)Mike L.
We sat at bar and service was a bit scattered due to all the demands on the bar staff. But staff was nice. Food was decent to good but was a little pricey for what we got. Nice bar selection. The hotel recommended we tried their Moscow Mule. It was good but served in a regular glass instead of the copper mug that I expected. There are a lot of choices in that area but this place was a good solid choice.
(3)Fran K.
The duck fat tater tots are amazing. Staff is very attentive to the customers. We dined in the bistro. They have a fine dinning section upstairs. I had the brisket and it was delicious. My friend had the steak frites. Make sure you get their home made m-57 steak sauce!
(4)Paul B.
Food was incredible! Thanks to Claire she suggested the Smoked Brisket and it was the best meal I've had. Brisket melted in my mouth. Claire was outstanding and never let my water cup become empty. I highly recommend Merchants and hope you get Claire!
(5)Hadie B.
Looking for a place that satisfied our taste buds for a well balanced delicious meal to offset all the Nashville partying and drinking and we came across this gem. The staff are not only courteous with their southern charm- they know the menu and can offer recommendations for even the pickiest of eaters. Wanna know how something tastes before ordering? Our awesome waitstaff, Nick let us sample the chowder, which was beyond delicious! Nick in his self tied bow-tie was extremely attentive and never skipped a beat. I had the salmon BLT with the duck fat tater tots. Loved the combo of the salmon with the bacon. While we enjoyed our food we were entertained by Travis, who not only had great recommendations for around town but has a hot bod as well. I highly recommend this establishment. Good eats and a staff that is unmatched in Nashville. Well done, Merchant!
(5)Stephanie L.
I will give Merchants a kudos on their craft cocktails, but the rest is less than stellar to make mention. I still will, I guess, but I was more than disappointed. In ordering the Southern fry, I expected more than puny slices of fried okra and sad, "smaller than popcorn" shrimp, and bits of catfish (the one plus) and fried, flimsy pickles. The tater tots were crispy. Yes. But, they too could have been more original. Like, homemade. I have had the from-scratch variety, and their flawed shapes show that hands made them versus a machine. I know that a lot of tourists walk through the door at Merchants, but tell me one person that wants to receive their food in 5 minutes? That is, 5 minutes after ordering the food. Unless I am at a fast food joint, I never want my food that fast. I want to enjoy the stages of a meal, from the cocktail sipping, to the appetizer munching, from the main attraction, to the dessert. Our food was up so fast, I thought it was someone else's order. To me, the swift delivery equated to pre-made or frozen food that had been dumped in a fryer and served. That, or the lot was made well ahead of time--in bulk--and reheated/sat under a lamp. You can be original (so you think) all day long with your suspenders and bow-ties, but if it doesn't translate to more than being on a bandwagon...well, you may want to rethink the grand message you are trying to convey as a restaurant. I don't care what your wearing if the product isn't worth the fashion show.
(3)Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I were only in Nashville for one night and we were not sure where to go for dinner. Visited Merchant's on a recommendation, and was floored by how much we loved everything about it. The food was excellent! The drinks were top notch as well, I highly recommend trying the Roughing It. As a bartender, I really enjoy trying craft cocktails that are unfamiliar and unique, and this one took the cake. Our server, Ryan J, was superb as well. Gave us some great recommendations on the menu and was a joy to talk to the entire evening. I highly recommend this joint, it made our only night in Nashville a fantastic experience.
(5)Morgan P.
My fiance and I came here for a New Years Day burger. We wanted to start the year out on the right foot. We were quickly seated in a booth by a window. We ordered burgers. He ordered chips with his and I ordered the sweet potato fries. Our burgers were really good. We ordered our burgers medium and they were cooked appropriately: pink in the center. I ordered mine with the pimento cheese at the waitress's suggestion and it was really good. The burgers came with lettuce, onion, and tomato and was served so that you can dress it how you like. Our sides were not tasty. My boyfriend said that his chips were greasy and flavorless. My sweet potato fries tasted like a piece of sweet potato. I know that sounds whiney but they were really thick cut and it tasted like I was just eating chunks of baked sweet potato. I mean that in an unpleasant way. I like sweet potato fries but these were not my favorite. Overall, the side issue ended up being a blessing because our burgers were more than enough food so we didn't leave feeling overstuffed. I would come back if I wanted a burger and I were downtown.
(4)Kyle M.
Merchant's is a classy, lively restaurant at Broadway and 4th, in downtown Nashville. They offer two dining settings, simply referred to as Up(stairs) and Down, with Down being casual, bar-centered dining, and Up being more upscale. The menus match the setting. As I have yet to experience Up, this review will be solely on Down. The setting was fantastic. Our table was overlooking the intersection, on the 4th Ave side, providing an excellent view of passersby and the downtown area. The atmosphere was casual, but classy, with bowtie and suspender clad bartenders and servers, contributing to the fun, southern atmosphere. The drinks menu was excellent, with twists on classic cocktails spotlighting local beers and liquors. My dinner mates and I tasted the classic daiquiri and margarita, the house whiskey cocktail, and the Presbyterian, a wonderful, tart cocktail featuring Wild Turkey rye, lemon, and house-made gingerbeer. They menu also featured several local Yazoo brews, and a simple but diverse wine list. The menu was eclectic, with strong southern influence. We shared the fried green tomatoes, with cornmeal breading, served over homemade pepper jam with Merchant's house pimento cheese. While they came a little darker than I would have hoped, the flavors were incredible. The breading adhered to the tomato, which had been perfectly cooked, and retained just the right amount of chew. The jam was just sweet enough, while keeping a bright pepper flavor, and the pimento cheese was the perfect creamy texture with just enough bite to compliment the dish. For entrees, we had the steak frites, a french dip, mac n cheese, and the jambalaya. The steak friges came as a perfectly cooked and tender filet with fresh homemade fries, served with a small salad with lemon garlic vinaigrette. The french dip was simply but wonderfully roasted shaved beef, on a fresh baguette served with the quintessential jus and crisp homemade potato chips. The Mac n cheese featured thick, perfectly cooked macaroni in a creamy, delicious cheese sauce with crisp bacon and sweet cherry tomatoes. Finally, the Jambalaya was exquisite. Shredded stewed chicken in a spicy, perfectly seasoned creole sauce with soft andouille, with dirty rice topped with fresh, if not small, well-cooked shrimp. Ultimately we found ourselves satisfied enough to skip dessert, although we were saddened to learn that they offered only coffee, with no espresso options on the menu. The service was excellent, albeit somewhat slow, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and the vantage of downtown Nashville captivating enough to overlook the pace. All in all, the food was excellent, the atmosphere hip and fun, and the servers very friendly and knowledgeable, being quick to offer suggestions when asked. I can't wait to return to try Up, and of course, another Presbyterian.
(4)Jessica P.
Great event space upstairs! We had an engagement party here for my sister and her fiance a few weeks ago. The staff was super friendly, the food was good and the drinks were strong, what more could you want in an event space? If I am ever in Nashville again with some free time I will definitely come here to try the downstairs dining experience.
(4)Helen C.
I went for dinner with my kids passing through Nashville and have not stopped talking about our amazing experience!! Everything thing about this restaurant is 5 stars! The food was excellent, cocktails amazing and service was outstanding! I have a lttle deli and pastry shop back home so I understand the importance of customer service! and this place has got it all! Our server was Jackie but we also had the pleasure of meeting John and Ryan. All three helped make our experience at Merchants memorable, helping with suggestions on the menu especially with picky eaters and suggestions with cocktails. Cant wait to go back! Wish we had something like this back home! Highly recommend!!!
(5)Thomas L.
Definitely a highlight in the downtown eating scene. The mac and cheese was so tasty. My wife didn't like her drink at first but the waitress was more than willing to get her another more liked drink. We had been her once before for dessert and it didn't disappoint. The whole meal this time was again one of our best in Nashville along with the service. We would highly recommend the Brownie a la Mode and there are also some dessert cocktails to pair with the brownie. I would highly recommend checking this place out especially if you are downtown. I think it overlooked by a lot of locals.
(5)Chris C.
Sometimes you find a good restaurant in the middle of a tourist area, but most of the time, you find a place trying to hard to appeal to the crowds, and not enough to be a good restaurant. Merchants is smack in the middle of touristy Broadway which should be your first clue to go somewhere else.I wanted to like this place a lot, but unfortunately the food was only so-so and the service was awful. The building and cafe on the first floor are appealingly renovated in sort of a "modern Victorian" way (the place dating back to the actual Victorian era), and i had high hopes for the place based on the friendly initial greeting and space, but things quickly went downhill from there. My partner and i shared the duck fat tater tots, which were very obviously frozen tater tots which had really no hint of the richness they should get from the duck fat, with 3 not-very-special sauces. Big disappointment. My main was a jambalaya with was perfectly fine, but nothing i couldn't get a lot of other places or make myself. I don't go out to a restaurant to have things i can make better myself. My cocktail was quite good -- a basil mojito -- but it came out AFTER my appetizer after we asked another waiter about it. It was then plunked down without even a "sorry for the wait." Which brings up another big issue -- the service. Our waiter spent too much time being an ironic-mustache-sporting; bow-tle and skinny- braces wearing hipster to pay us any attention. Also, part of the problem was that our blouses were not cut low enough. The girls one table over were getting much more attention. One good drink + awful service and mediocre food does not = a good restaurant. So at least we saved on the tip, because he only got about 10%. And that's about how much i liked this resturant out of 100.
(1)Ray S.
Best food in Nashville. Well worth any wait. Cobb was awesome, fish tacos great, and kids loved grilled cheese. Super atmosphere.
(5)HuangRong E.
So I followed my friends in here expecting nothing and just figured we'd have a quick lunch before going back to work. However!! When I put a duck fat tater tot in my mouth, I instantly felt the need to take the rest of the plate and keep it to myself. Screw you friends! All mine! And also, duck fat! What the hell?! Do you make everything taste so good??! I ordered the deviled eggs and southern fry, and both were good, it was creamy and tasty, and the fried fish and shrimp were so good! I try not to eat fried foods but it was worth the calories. I also dislike salmon unless its sashimi but I tried my friends salmon bacon sandwich and again I wanted to steal it. Screw you fried, mine!! The salmon didn't have the fishy taste and it was crispy on the side, and soooo meaty like! I'm not sure what that exactly means but I guess its fish, but meatlike. Get it?? Lastly, I'm totally blown away by how genuine Daniel the waiter is. He's such an honest and friendly guy, you don't see this in L.A. I'm used to waiters who couldn't give a crap but Daniel is sooooo nice! What the heck Daniel, be my best friend already! I really wanted to go back the next day but I ended up getting a headache and had to stay in. Really sad that I couldn't eat good food and see Daniel again before I left. Normally I wouldn't be heading to Nashville frequently but I would definitely consider coming back so I can eat here again, and also say hello to my favorite waiter! My parents used to own restaurants so I definitely know. When a establishment can get such a top notch server it's like gold, people will want to come back because you feel so welcomed! It's not just an act, he really cares if you enjoyed your meal. I'm so glad I got to experience this hospitality and professional service, and amazing food. Try it out yourself! :)
(5)Paula C.
On our visit to Nashville we met locals who recommended Merchants. Glad we listened. We went before the dinner rush, so we did not wait. Our waitress, Kamellie was a breath of fresh air. Friendly, outgoing, and she provided outstanding service. The food was excellent. We are from Chicago, and we are foodies. This place rocks!
(5)Ellie M.
This was generally a mixed experience. I was in Nashville on travel and went to Merchants with a larger group. The primary plus is that the space itself is cool and well done, good ambiance. Clearly they are trying to do some interesting things with the menu... however, the food and drinks were good but not great. Unfortunately, the staff in general seemed to think this place is better than it is and were unnecessarily uppity which I find very off-putting. It's a decent choice for Nashville where I have not found many good places - but compared with restaurants nationally they fall right in the middle and thus need to drop the airs.
(3)Kerriann K.
Ate upstairs at Merchant's. Waited 40 minutes to be seated only to find the dining room had over 7 tables free (most of which remained free the whole time we were there). Other than what seemed like a needless wait, the rest of the dining experience was excellent. Friendly, well-versed staff, and excellent entrees. The steak frites was served more rare than requested, but the dishes were promptly cooked for longer. The lamb and scallop and squid ink risotto were awesome.
(4)Lauren D.
Food was AMAZING. I had the most delicious cornbread I've ever tasted, and the cocktails and local beer selection were spot on! I would highly recommend making a reservation as there was at least a 45 minute wait prior to our 7pm dining time. The one issue which brought this down to four stars was the lack of service by the host. I was very disappointed when the host came up to us and immediately said you'll have to come back. I told them we had a reservation and they said it wasn't in the system. I had to argue with them and show our Open Table reservation - behold, they already had a table reserved for someone with the same number of people at the same time - who would have thought?! Not happy that we were not treated the best, but hopefully the next visit to Merchants will prove to be a better experience.
(4)Brittany S.
I was so happy to find a place on music row that had some gluten free food. I am at the point where I am pretty used to being gluten free now...but being in the south it is hard not to be able to try hardly anything that it is famous for. The food was decently priced, it tasted really good, and the staff was really friendly and attentive. I would definitely go back there again!
(4)Tom R.
The downstairs was pretty cool. It's an old style diner with some really good food. It has a marble bar in the center and all the tables are marble. The food is very good. The duck fat tots...pretty good, but I couldn't tell the difference between duck fat and regular frying oil. Definitely go!
(4)Rachel H.
Duck Fried Tater Tots. All I have to say. My boyfriend and I snuck in here randomly and we are so glad we did. The staff was very nice and the food was delicious! The popcorn that they give you before the meal was yummyyy and they probably thought we were crazy because they kept having to refill our "cup", but we just couldn't get enough. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Cindy H.
Just wrapped up our first meal in Nashville at Merchants and it was delicious. And our server, Ryan J, was awesome. He had great recommendations and made sure the Tennessee Mojitos kept flowing. If you have the appetite, the chicken fried chicken was amazing.
(5)Cole A.
Great service, our waitress Ariel was outstanding! The ambience is classy and chic without feeling too uptight. Recommended fried green tomato app! Get the sweet potato fries if you order a sandwich. The pulled pork was a little dry but still very flavorful. Their drink menu is extensive with some expertly crafted and unique choices.
(4)James S.
Goo d food. Service at bar was good even though it was so busy. I recommend this. Tater tots were great. They are cooked in duck fat! Delish!
(4)Stephie Z.
You can't hear me, but I am sighing right now. One of those deep and long sighs. My friends and I received completely different service dependent upon where we were sitting in the bottom of this restaurant on a Saturday evening. It started with me and one friend. We sat at the bar. Bartender immediately grabbed our beers. He was quick to have us order and the food was delivered after our beer was finished (fairly quickly). My chicken confit was tasty if not a bit bland. My friends classic wedge salad with blue cheese was huge and the dressing was crave worthy. We ordered another beer, then received and paid our check quickly. A good dining experience with excellent service. Then my friends arrived. There was no more bar seating so they put our names in for a table. The place had started clearing out and was about half full so we were sat at a booth quickly. After awhile a waitress showed up to take our drink order. We wait and wait and wait for our drinks. About 30 minutes. A bit too long for 3 beers and a glass of wine. We decide to move over to the counter since no one is paying attention to us in our booth. The waitress never even wanders by. We sat at the counter for a bit without being asked if we needed anything and we made up our mind to leave. Of course the waitress walks up with our drinks just then. She looked a little panicked when she realized we weren't at the table, but we walked back over since the drinks were there. She apologized profusely, something about thinking another waitress was supposed to run drinks. She took my friends food order and disappeared. Awhile later the food is received... a large salad, a bowl of soup, and 4 oysters on the half shell. Oh wait, make that 3 oysters on the half shell along with one completely empty oyster shell. When the waitress comes back to check on us.. after my friends had eaten the rest of their meal.. we notify her about the missing oyster. What idiotic chef/ plater person puts an empty shell on a plate and sends it out? A poorly managed line. **To their credit a manager came out and told us that he would send another 4 oysters out on the house and that our first round of drinks was on the restaurant** Very adequate compensation for the poor service and lack of oyster. I would probably eat here again, but next time I would stick to the bar. They seem to be much more attentive.
(3)Allison B.
I stopped by before the a show at the Ryman to grab a cocktail. I wish I allowed more time and was able to eat too. The menu looked amazing. I had no idea there was such a nice place among the honky tonks of Broadway. Cocktails were amazing. They had a good mix of traditional favorites and creative yummyness. The bar was packed, but service was fast and attentive. I will be back if for nothing else but the duck tater tots.
(4)Barrett R.
I go to this place every time I visit Nashville. It is the best restaurant on Broadway given such a touristy area. The drinks are pricey, but the food is great. I have eaten several menu items, and they are all very tasty. From a foodie standpoint and the fact it is on a MAJOR Honky Tonkin' tourist street, you cannot go wrong.
(4)Gina B.
After reading a lot of mixed reviews on this restaurant and having a lot of lackluster meals in Nashville, we reviewed yelp and decided our best bet was Merchant! I'd give them 5 stars, but they have a serious deficit in the vegetarian entree selection. Essentially, my friend was asked to come up with what she wanted and they would prepare it for her (which contradicts what you go out to eat for... you rely on the imagination of the chef right??). Anywho. We enjoyed the crab guacamole dip and I had the fish taco. Huge dish that I had served w/sweet potato fries. They put cinnamon and sea salt on them. Hello! Speak to my belly! We were super pleased w/everything and the price was nice!!! Go, check them out. The ambience is very nice for Broadway; a perfect contradiction to the touristy crasiness, which is so fantastic!
(4)Jelena Z.
Bravo, Merchants... Bravo! The food was killer, the ambiance remarkable and the drinks? Legendary. I usually don't do cocktails but downed THREE. I'll forever remember Merchants as the place where I popped my Dark and Stormy cherry. This is my signature cocktail now until the end of time. Melodramatic, perhaps, but completely true. Mixology is taken seriously here and both the know-how and the elbow grease show. To touch upon aesthetics - I loved the brooding vintage insides, perfect for one of those long, winding dinners when you try just about everything off the menu. A dream dinner party destination! From drinks to dessert, I felt fireworks. Big, over-the-top 4th of July fireworks! I promise: You won't be, can't be disappointed.
(5)Brian J.
I took the recommendation of my hotel's front desk and ate at Merchant's and am glad I did. Excellent service. Great food. I started with the charcuterie appetizer and ended with the lamb. Not a single complaint. I will definitely be back the next time I visit Nashville.
(5)Annette J.
I was so full from my meal here at Merchant's that I had to bow out of a honky tonk pub crawl after because I just didn't have any more room in my stomach for drinks. That's the marker of a good meal! One where I'm just so damn full but I still eat and eat and eat because it would be a sin not to! The space is really neat. The first floor is very diner-esque but upstairs is a more formal dining area with cool little decorative touches like a fireplace mantle bolted to a wall, filled with glued on sticks. So cute! I don't have a fireplace in my house but I've always wanted one. This would be cool way to fake it! The service was killer. Our waitress was friendly, helpful, and kept cool with our huge group, definitely a plus! The cocktails were fabulous and creative (Clover Club ftw!) and the food? Oh the food! Tried a bit of everything. From foie gras to baked potato gnocci, all fantastic appetizers. My main course of the mushroom gnocci was also to die for. Maybe I got too full from so much potatoey Italian goodness but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The desserts were also outrageous. I went with the chocolate bread pudding which clearly pushed me over the edge in the best way possible. Oh, how I wish Merchant's was in my own backyard. But perhaps it's good it's not. Saves my tummy a lot of discomfort. ;)
(5)A C.
I stuck my head in here Saturday night during Memorial Day weekend. The decor was beautiful: black and white with a 1940's feel. Bartenders were all wearing starched white shirts and bowties. It was about 11:30pm-ish and there were only a few tables sat and about 10-12 people at the very large round bar. Considering many of the other restaurants on Broadway were packed at this time, this was kind of a red flag to me. Undaunted, I proceeded to the bar and got started. The bartender that helped me was adequate but after the meal came out, he was basically non-existent for the rest of the evening. I ordered a Medium ( pink throughout with a warm center) steak, salad, and fries. The steak came out in STRIPS (wtf?) and was medium rare ( red thru-out with a cool, dark red center). I asked a bartender to have it "'re-fired" thinking it would be an easy fix. 5 minutes later, it came back in the Exact Same Condition. I pointed out the internal coloring to the bartender and he had it re-fired a 2nd time. The manager (a short, pudgy, early 30-something Caucasian male with a blond/reddish beard) brought it out this time and said it was medium because the thermometer said it was 147 degrees. It was STILL red, albeit, with a dark, warmer red center. I decided to just make do with it to which he replied, "It's not like you're paying for it," in the snottiest, most immature and juvenile manner possible. Normally, I would be grateful about getting a steak comp'ed but Manager Pudgy Smurf's piss-poor attitude (along with the kitchen's inability to cook a MEDIUM steak) definitely ruined the meal. Ironically, I left a $20.00 tip only because I was not going to give them the smug satisfaction of thinking they gave me something (a comp'ed steak) for free that I didn't deserve. I give the meal 3 stars and the customer service 1 star. There are hundreds of restaurants in Nashville with far better service and steaks. Don't waste your time here.
(1)Molly O.
Absolutely wonderful food. Service was terrific, great selection of local beers, and the chef inspired menu was superb. As an out of towner, our waiter made us feel very welcomed and even gave us a list of places and restraints to go to while we were in town! The upstairs section is more upscale, but worth every penny.
(5)Rachel F.
By far my favorite Nashville dining experience. Strange entrance: bar, booths...then a large lobby...then an elevator (a giant one!) and now the whole lot of us is up on the second floor. I could talk about the ambiance and vibe and blah-freakity-blah la la la. What I'd like to talk about re: Merchants? The food and the service. Mostly the service. 1. Food The menu had me salivating. I mean, I got really, really excited reading this one. Foie app w/ apples and cranberries? Truffled cauliflower? Short ribs with chantrelle mushrooms and celery root and potato puree? Yes, yes and yes, to all of it. Also...had a great craft cocktail called "The Clover," and loved it. The food was well done, artfully prepared, and thoughtfully presented. 2. Service Here's where I will glow and glow and go and go. Im-freaking-peccable. Spot on. Professional but not cold. Extremely knowledgeable staff, great recommendations (esp that wine)! Spot on French-service. Confident, efficient, fantastic. Rave rave rave. I wish Merchants was in Milwaukee, like...a lot. A lot. I loved this restaurant. Not sure how I got there, but sure was happy to have been.
(5)Stacy P.
So I just moved to Nashville a little over a year ago and have been to Merchant's a couple times and had a good experience. However, this review is not about those good experiences. My 2 girlfriends were visiting from home and I suggested we go out to dinner at Merchant's. We were greeted and the server took our drink order, after checking our IDs. Now, I do want to say... we do look young. We are all 25 and unfortunately I have the pleasure of having adult braces. About 15 minutes go by, and still no drinks. Another server comes over and ask if we've been taken care of. We reply we have and he looks confused. THEN... I'm guessing this man was the manager that came over to our table, though I couldn't tell you because he NEVER introduced himself. He says "Hey ladies, did you order some drinks tonight?" We reply "Yes...." So he just says "Can I see your IDs" Instead of maybe explaining his reasoning behind this, he is completely rude about it and walks away. About another 10 minutes go by and he brings us the drinks and says "You all look mad, what's wrong?" We just stared at him... of course we are mad. You are rude. "You all look young, that's a compliment! Now here's your drinks so you can have a good night" And walks away... Needless to say, when the waitress returned we paid for our drinks and left. She seemed surprised and said "I'm so sorry but we have a strict policy. Someone just got fired last week for serving someone underage" Now, being someone who has worked in the restaurant business for a few years, I completely understand the need of checking IDs. HOWEVER, its the way you go about it that makes all the difference. We felt completely embarrassed, all the staff were staring at us like we did something wrong. Nashville is a tourist town, if you cannot recognize out of state IDs then USE A SCANNER. And explain your policy first before you send over your "manager" who also should have explained the policy. Won't be coming back. Thanks.
(1)Kim G.
They duck fat tots are ok, have had better. The chicken fried chicken was pretty tasty along with the spinach and mashed taters! The brisket was tender but the cornbread tasted a few dats old and dry...the cocktails and service were the star here! Great southern hospitality and the Mad Hatter cocktail was delish and was tipsy after 2!
(4)Todd And Annie S.
We had an appetizer, an entree and a locally brewed beer. Overall experience very delightful; friendly service and enjoyed our fish tacos and southern fried app! Nice break from the strip scene and neat historical bldg. Very eclectic menu would love to try again.
(4)Ryan D.
Been here twice... ate in the downstairs section both times. Great food with a local flair. Tried a burger and the salmon. Also have had the duck fat tater tots... which definitely worth trying out. The cheese plate is great. Food has been great on both visits. What really made our visits special, however, was the staff. They're great. They have fun. They'll talk with you. And they'll go above and beyond to provide good service. Case in point: on our last visit, my wife tried the veggie burger. She didn't like it. It wasn't that it was ill-prepared or anything... just wasn't to her taste. So she didn't eat much of it. The waiters noticed and immediately offered to bring something else. We tried to decline--since it was a matter of taste and not of poor quality. They wouldn't accept our decline, and brought us free desserts. Can't say this happens to everybody, but it was great gesture and left us feeling great about the experience. Thanks, Merchants!
(5)Wind E.
what a unique dining place on Broadway, different from all the BBQ and bar food. the duck fat taters were great, our server, Arielle, recommended the fish tacos and they were fantastic. Service was great, food was too!
(5)Chris W.
The restaurant was really neat, very old feel to it, classic archeticture and ambiance. Liked the fact that it was not like most of the other restaurants on broadway with lots of loud music to eat over. That is always there to do after you eat (which I did). It was very crowded, and the service was very slow. They were pretty good on bringing the food on time, and re filling the water glass, but the bar was very under staffed and it took for ever to get an adult bev. I saw a guy wait so long for a beer that the bartender told him not to worry it was on him for making him wait so long. Food was good. The kitchen had their ducks in a row and brought out food promptly after order was placed. Dont order food until you are pretty much ready for it because there is not a lot time in between when you order and when it arrives to the table. I was impressed to see their turn time in the kitchen considering how busy it was, however the bar service was very poor.
(3)Marcus P.
I've been here several times and I've always enjoyed my meal. I've only eaten in the downstairs section (upstairs is the pricier more intimate setting). My fiance gets their mac and cheese..WOW. I'm not really that interested in mac and cheese usually, but this stuff is outstanding. It is a huge portion, so it's a great dish to share. (CAUTION: It is extremely rich. If you are a rich food wimp, steer clear.) The atmosphere is really cool; has an elegant 1920s feel to it. It can get a little busy in here, but the staff has always seemed to do a pretty good job of keeping up. Overall this is a great place to take friends from out of town to eat before heading to the honky tonks downtown. Make sure you make a reservation.
(4)Natalie D.
Everyone in our group loved their food (myself included). Grab guacamole is always a must. Can't go wrong with the burger, pork tenderloin, chicken fried chicken or William "Will" as a waiter.
(4)Christopher D.
Great food and atmosphere. I was only in Nashville for one night and I definitely happy I stopped at merchants for dinner. I had the chicken fried chicken and thought it was amazing. I will make sure to go to merchants next time I'm back in Nashville!
(5)Jamie R.
This restaurant is way overrated and overpriced. Very limited menu and $38 steak was like shoe leather and served with fries. I've had better steaks at Outback and Texas Roadhouse. Not impressed at all!
(1)Ronald N.
Great food and service. We dined upstairs w/c was more quiet and the ambiance is great. I had the chicken & my wife had the braised beef. We were both happy with what we ordered. Another plus going for them is the free valet service.
(4)Bridget S.
Disappointed..thought the food and ambiance would have been better. My hubby made reservations for our anniversary dinner and we arrived with great expectations. My pork was OK and husbands steak SALTY...will not return.
(2)Brandon G.
This is a review for the UPSTAIRS PORTION ONLY. I don't know what the deal is with this place, I'm surprised it's owned by the same people who own Catbird, etc. Downstairs is well lit and has a really cool vibe, Upstairs is dark and dingy and more expensive. I read one other review that said the Chef is off on Sundays, I think that must be accurate. I started with Beef tartare, I've had good beef tartare before and it tastes fresh and looks fresh and has a accent of citrus to offset the raw beef. This was a big scoop of glop and I took a couple bites and didn't feel comfortable eating it. For entree I had the steak frites, the fries had a really weird off-putting taste, and the steak was overcooked on the thinner part, and under cooked on fatter part. Overall the steak still tasted like beef but it was cooked and seasoned sloppily. I think the majority of reviews for Merchant's is for the downstairs portion, I will return to try that out at some point, but the experience I had upstairs was pretty bad, between an inedible appetizer, fries that sucked, and a badly cooked steak. I expect a WAY better experience for the prices.
(1)Keith D.
Went to Merchants on a Saturday night without reservations. They said it would take over an hour to sit upstairs, but they had us seating in about 20 minutes. The food was unbelievable good. I had the pork chop, best I ever had. Other entrees were the blackened swordfish (excellent), and 72 hours spare rib (fantastic). We then ordered all three desserts because we couldn't decide. They were are great, but our favorite was definitely the apple pie--a must try. For cocktails, I recommend the Tennessee mojito and the top hat. Both were great. Overall a great dining experience with excellent wait staff.
(5)Carolyn C.
After waiting an hour for a table, (which we expected, since we had no reservation) we were rewarded with a really excellent meal! The short ribs, chicken and pasta all received rave reviews from our party. The chocolate bread pudding was to die for! Do not miss this place!
(5)Ruth L.
was at a company function and expected a nice expensive place but its dated, entrance dark and gloomy, the portions are a joke. salad was like 3 pieces of lettuce and the steak wasn't cooked right nor a size I'd expect from the place. location is hard to get into on busy days downtown. needless to say I don't even see how they can charge what they do. no luxury, pathetic portions even for a pricey restaurant, food not good, the place is decorated and has the feel of an old motel. but I cannot give an opinion on staff since it was a function not an regular dining and I don't know if upstairs is different than 1st floor but I was on 2nd and the bathrooms up there are clean but not kept up
(1)Steve I.
For this ambiance in the middle of a touristy block and food this tasty, I would have expected to pay more than $15. I had the fish tacos, soooo freaking good. Lots of healthy options, a nice place, and friendly service. Would definitely recommend.
(5)Pete B.
Great food, and environment, but stay away from eating at the bar! Jacob the bartender was a complete smartass!! Made our dining experience disappointing! :(
(3)Patrick D.
Great food and drinks and a nice little break from all of the madness on Broadway. The brisket was amazing!
(5)Ryan O.
Stopped in here tonight after an event downtown for a cocktail or two. The drink menu has some pretty interesting choices, especially the local section which features Tennessee twists on popular drinks. I got a chuckle out of the names of a few of them, one of which I remember was the "Mountain man-hattan" which I think featured a local moonshine of some sort. The bourbon and rye menu is quite extensive by Nashville standards. They have a few particularly rare/pricey bottles of bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle 21 year and 23 year as well has Rittenhouse rye 21 year. The bad news (as is with most places that stock such exquisite spirits) is that there out of a lot of them. They did have the pappy 23 year in stock but I wasn't about to fork over $40 for a glass of bourbon on this night. On my first go-round I opted for a classic manhattan, which they list with bourbon on the menu but I opted for a rye. It was on par with what I would consider a good manhattan. For my second drink I was craving something rather different and I didn't expect the bartender would be able to fulfill my request but boy was I surprised. I was feeling a bit tired but still wanted a drink so I asked for an Irish coffee. Whenever I ask for something out of ordinary like that I always hope the barkeep perks up and asks if I want it the real/traditional way or the generic/chain restaurant way. Well the bartender did just that and long story short I ended up enjoying a real Irish coffee with Jameson, a sugar cube, (real) thick cream, and hot coffee. It was resplendent and the complete opposite of some dumb bastardized Applebees style drink consisting of baileys with coffee. Next time I am downtown I think I will be going back here for a real cocktail or two. You better believe I will also be sampling the duck fat tater tots with bernaise and chipotle mayo because if that doesn't sound awesome, I don't know what does.
(4)Emily R.
I will admit a large group of friends and I stumbled in here late night expecting the usual diner and all 10 of us were pleasantly surprised by our experience. For a town not known for their food (no offense Nashville), this place really delivers a good selection of food for late-night diners, foodies, and those seeking some Southern classics alike. And, did I mention their drinks were unique and tasty? The ambiance was trendy and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. This place is worth the wait (there can oftentimes be a line) and do not be discouraged by it's location in the heart of "Nashvegas" on Broadway - it's a fantastic gem and the best meal of many during my 5 day trip in May 2013.
(5)Mary-Catherine W.
Super cute, trendy retro vibe going on in here. Plenty of room for everyone. We ate at the bar after a Predators game. Very close to the arena. They only thing was we felt a little rushed even though the place was packed from fans after the game. A+ drinks, and beer selection. I had the blackened Tilapia which was waaay better than expected with the hash and aioli bringing the dish together... but lets be honest its still tilapia in a better than average restaurant. Can I atleast get some salmon? Also had milkshake which was pretty tasty. All in all great place to have drinks and some apps but the entree menu could use a little work with finer ingredients.
(3)Sean B.
Very nice hostess started our experience. Nice service, decent food, wonderful decor. High marks for this place.
(4)Tiffany D.
The fish tacos and blackened talapia were so delicious! The local brews were tasty too! Susan enhanced our experience with her outstanding service and hospitality!
(5)Peter D.
THis place is a real contradiction. I was in town visiting with a friend and we sat at the bar to grab a decent dinner. 2 bartenders, 2 very different experiences. The first was a younger guy with sorta spiky hair who basically ignored us being more interested in pretty much anything female that walked in. No drinks, orders suggestions nothing. it got pretty uncomfortable since we were getting pissed. 0 star service and he was acting frankly kinda like a douche. Then we have the older guy who was the extreme polar opposite. Helpful, attentive and did not ignore us. He gave us 5 star service. Hence I cut it down the middle since I cant forget the first guy. You want a place to pick up drunk girls, go work at at tootsies or something. Now about the food: Well we both ordered exactly the same thing which was the prime rib. I thought it was ok though I found it a bit meager on the portion and the veggies felt reheated, the carrots in particular. They had the taste and texture of something cooked ahead and reheated in the pan. Not real appetizing. The meat flavor was ok but I found it a bit on the fatty side and by the time I was done with dinner I was still kinda hungry. I am pretty skinny so its not that I eat that much, just that for the money I should have felt somewhat full. The good news is that left me open for a late night snack. Over all I think this place is ok, but its just missing something in the food, layout and service that really it needs to shine and get a recommendation. For the money you can do better at Mortons or some other place. For a drink, I do like the bar. So I am mixed on this one.
(3)Rob M.
Great drinks and appetizers. It was magic to sit at the bar and watch the bartender do his thing making our drinks.
(4)Leigh J.
Merchant's serves food late into the night, which isn't always easy to find while out honky-tonkin' in downtown Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are the best late night snack ever: a thin layer of delectably crunchy potato coating a tender potato filling. The flavour of the duck is subtle but pushes the deliciousness factor up a few notches. And, it's big enough to share with a couple of hungry friends!
(4)Cynthia L.
This place is awesome! There was a delay in getting our dinner out, so the manager delivered it personally and then comped the entire meal! To top it off, they bought us dessert. The fried green tomatoes were amazing. I had the Catfish Sandwich, which was terrific. Loved the sweet potato fries. My boss had the Salmon Caesar that she said was very good. The creme brulee was also terrific. Signature cocktail was also a hit. I had the I heart Lucy - actually I had two. If I am back in Nashville, I will definitely eat here again.
(5)H G.
Went here on a recommendation from our driver - we wanted a yummy steak dinner at a local restaurant so he dropped us here. We sat upstairs (downstairs was more of a bistro) I already knew I wanted a filet - one of my faves, so I ordered that with the roasted brussel sprouts - the steak was soo good, the brussel sprouts were okay (ordered a veggie vs a potato dish because I needed something green in my body that day after being at a conference for 4 days!!) - the brussel sprouts were a little under cooked, but still darn tasty!! I would go back here in a heartbeat - the staff was great, the food was excellent only thing I didn't like was the bathroom - it had seen better days and is in need of an update :)
(4)Amanda F.
Excellent service and great food! We had the duck tater tots, baked cheese, strawberry salad, and brisket... Everything was fantastic!
(5)julesmary p.
Fun times downstairs late night at the bar. Inventive drinks, cool bartenders. Duck fat tater tots are damn good. Wish they had more healthy stuff downstairs (like they do upstairs) but like I said, the duck fat tater tots are awesome.
(4)Wayne H.
Don't do the burger or fries ! Over priced, over rated. My wife had the bacon and cheese sandwich with tomato soup and enjoyed it. Wish I had ordered that as well.
(2)Kimberly K.
A group and I came here on a Sunday night. Though the staff and ambiance were friendly, the food overall was "meh." I ordered tomato bisque and the crab guacamole. The bisque was great, but the guacamole was already turning brown when I received it. The additional crab gave it an unfavorable texture. My friends ordered the mac and cheese with habanero peppers. The proportion of peppers to pasta was almost 50/50 which overpowered the entire dish. It needed salt and more flavor overall. For dessert we ordered peach pie and a blondie. The pie's spices was too intense for the dish. The blondie wasn't a blondie...it was more like a chocolate chip cookie bar. I will say the waitress was amazing on refilling out drinks and we were appreciative of that. Otherwise I would never dine here again.
(2)Michael R.
The bacon burger was good, but nothing all that special. Best part was the atmosphere and getting some drinks at the bar adter dinner.
(4)Paul W.
Nice experience on busy Broadway block. Cheerful and attentive servers. All meat comfort food menu. Large portions and okay quality.
(3)Robb S.
I really liked the bartenders as they knew what they were talking about. The drink selection was great also. Food was good but not great which is the only reason I am giving it a 4 star instead of 5. Still very solid spot
(4)Heather W.
We just happened upon this spot and are so glad we did. It is located right on Broadway and provides Valet parking which was a definite plus. We chose to dine upstairs and enjoyed the low lighting and music. Scott, our waiter was amazing and recommended a cocktail to start our experience, The Botanist. I have never been a fan of gin but this was one of the best cocktails I have ever had! We decided to go against his suggestion of Pork belly wraps and wish we hadn't. We chose the warm oysters and they were just average. The heirloom tomato salad was wonderful and my husbands Caesar was good as well. Scott suggested the Waygu beef for dinner and my husband loved it! The beef was prepared and seasoned well and the potatoes were great. I had the risotto and it was not as good as the beef. I would recommend this spot for the great cocktails and attentive, polite staff. Listen to their suggestions regarding menu items.
(4)Rebecca O.
I went to Merchant's for lunch on a Wednesday after shopping downtown. The restaurant exceeded all my expectations, so much so that my group decided to return again for lunch the next day. I ordered the Duck Fat Tater Tots, Chicken Fried Chicken, and House Salad. I don't like duck so I was reluctant to try to Tater Tots but I'm so glad I did. They were delicious! The Chicekn Fried Chicken was perfectly cooked, crispy outside, juicy and tender inside. The house salad had a wonderful lemon/garlic vinaigrette dressing. If I could have bought a bottle on the spot I would have! The second day I had the salad again (I'm obsessed with the dressing!) and the Beef Brisket. The beef was so tender it fell apart as soon as I touched it with my fork. The corn bread was the perfect side, and very tasty. Lastly, but most important, I have to mention our waiter Daniel. He is fantastic. A genuine, friendly, and helpful person he enhanced the atmosphere and food to make it a truely memorable experience. I really can't say enough nice things about him. If you stop in, ask for Daniel. You won't be disappointed. Great atmosphere, food, and service. If I lived in Nashville, I would be a regular at Merchants.
(5)Jonathan M.
The staff here goes above and beyond many other restaurants that I have visited! I have an allergy to tree nuts and the chief personally came out and made sure that there was absolutely no cross contamination and offered me plenty of alternatives, some that were not listed on the menu. The food here was well prepared and very tasty, and the prices were reasonable.
(5)Jen F.
Loved the duck fat tater tots! That bearnaise sauce is so good! The full order is really big! Enough for 3 or more people to share. My husband was expecting to taste more of a duck fat flavor. The fish tacos are really good too!
(4)Mark M.
Had late lunch. Grilled chicken sandwich was tasty. Server friendly. For broadway it lacked tourist feel which was nice!
(4)Val M.
Really yummy drinks and food! Not crazy about the green tomatoes, but my tilapia was good. Also had good service at the bar which I loved.
(4)Bridgette C.
I really like this place. I've only been to the bistro part downstairs (there's another space upstairs that's more high-end dining) but this place has always provided me with a good meal and a good time whenever I'm downtown. I went here with girlfriends on a Friday night before attending the symphony (which I'd like to take this moment to say, if you haven't been, go to the symphony!!) and they were extremely busy. I hate being that person who's all "we have someplace to be" but we were hungry and so I was stuck being that person. The staff were amazing about it, however, and very attentive. Our server got our order in quickly without sacrificing good service. We made it with time to spare. I was VERY impressed and grateful, so much so that we went back after the symphony to have dessert...which was a great idea because their pumpkin cheesecake and bread pudding are amazing offerings. The atmosphere may be a little odd (it's almost 50s meets 20s meets slow jams on the radio, not sure why it works but it does) but its a great place for a good meal right in the heart of downtown. And thanks again for being so great to us that night Merchants, we appreciate it!
(4)Katie P.
My boyfriend and I had been to a concert at Mercy Lounge and we're wondering around the downtown area at 2am looking for somewhere to eat. We stumbled into this place and saw they had a late-night menu. First of all, the place is gorgeous, with it's classy black and white tile and sparkling surfaces. The free ranch popcorn appetizer was amazing, as was the club sandwich with tomato basil mayo and sweet potato fries that I ordered. I can't wait to go back again!!
(5)Sally H.
Amazing fish tacos. And bartender ryan will make you super good cocktails!! I was in town for a football game. Great time.
(4)Nisa A.
Aside from an extremely rude waitress, the food at Merchants was really good and it was located in a fun area within Nashville. The drinks here were all really interesting, and you can tell the bartenders take pride in their various concoctions (I definitely recommend the Miss Atomic Bomb if you're looking for something that's sweet, but not too sweet). The food was good overall, and this place was a pretty posche spot. My only recommendation is that the restaurant hire nicer individuals who actually pay attention to their consumers; I was really disappointed by the service and treatment we received.
(4)Joshua P.
Pretty good meal in the heart of Nashville tourist central. The restaurant was packed but I was able to grab a seat at the bar immediately. I had the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits. I was surprised by the great service and solid food in such a touristy location. I'd definitely eat here again.
(4)Steven F.
This place was okay, nothing special. I definitely had my expectations way too high since this place was a 4-star 200+ review restaurant. This restaurant has a two floor system where the bottom floor is for a more casual dining experience and the top floor is for a more chef-driven semi-formal dining experience. That being said, we shot for the casual floor so I cannot speak for the other part of the restaurant. What I liked: Duck-fat Tater Tots (would give me reason to come back), Wings, Botanist (gin cocktail), Burger with a fried egg on top What I didn't like: Mac-and-Cheese, Brisket
(3)Greg D.
Merchants was on our bucket lists of restaurants to hit while we were in town. They did not disappoint. There were six of us in our party and we were told that the wait would be about a half hour and they would text us when it was ready. So we hit a few stores on Broadway to pick up some gifts for the kids. We were texted in about 20 minutes. We were seated in a booth that was rather big. Merchants was just finishing the lunch rush and it was slightly crowded. To start you off you receive free ranch flavored popcorn. Good popcorn. It was our last meal in Nashville before our flight back to Chicago, so I did not drink. I had the unsweetened ice tea. We ordered some apps. We tried fried green tomatoes, wings and the deviled eggs. All were good but the eggs were the best. I had the shrimp corn chowder soup. It was outstanding. Our group of six all had burgers and fish tacos. I had the burger with bacon and it was just great. Juicy with barely any pink showing in the meat. Prices seem to be inline with other places on Broadway. I really liked Merchants. The place is super clean and the staff was attentive. A well oiled machine if you will.
(5)Christina T.
Very nice interior. You can dress up or dress down. They had two menus: upstairs dining room (fancier and quieter) and downstairs (bar is downstairs with tvs). Cool copper top bar. They give you popcorn to munch on while you wait. It is dusted with ranch dressing mix--addictive. I had the veggie burger which wasn't bad (3 out of 5 stars). They didn't have an option for a wheat bun. Sweet potato fries are amazing, along with the house salad (lemon garlic vinaigrette dressing---yum!!).
(4)Josh B.
Definitely appears to be one of (if not the) nicest restaurant on Broadway. Expected to wait a while but only ended up being 5-10 minutes. Split a few appetizers and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Felt very clean and well managed. Great local beer options!
(4)Bob G.
This place was a lifesaver. On a cold Tuesday night in November we were looking for somewhere decent to eat before hitting a few bars. All we had seen in the previous hour and a half was tumbleweed blowing through deserted streets and bars! But this place was a find and worth waiting for... although at 10:30, we were kinda hungry! Seriously a nice place, good atmosphere and good Southern food. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Robert U.
Very good! As you may know, this is two restaurants in one: upstairs is more formal, while downstairs is casual and almost pubby. Downstairs Review: So it's pretty casual and a bit noisy. I had a business dinner here, and it was not too loud for our chat. I had a reservation and was seated promptly. Very well done. I had the "soup and sammy," and it was excellent. The soup was a tomato bisque that was really flavorful. The sammy was a grilled cheese with bacon. The bread was buttered and lightly toasted, giving it the appearance of a ruben. It was really good. I also appreciated the local brews they served. Overall, I really enjoyed it. (I don't give many five stars, but Merchants is pretty darn close. I'll go again. If it's this good again, I'll revise to 5-stars.)
(4)Keith P.
If you are going to operate a restaurant at least create your food instead of serving what i can buy in the freezer section of the grocery store. We went here after the symphony on Saturday night at 10pm. First let me start with the good things. The service was great. Now the bad things, we ordered the duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs and a cheeseburger after reading other reviews on yelp about merchant's mediocrity. The deviled eggs were bland and flavorless. The tater tots basically came out of an orida bag in the freezer as did the sweet potato fries that came with our burger. The burger was not bad but nothing I could not get anywhere else. Skip this place and go somewhere off of Broadway.
(2)Amanda K.
Bar food with a little upscale touch to it in the heart of Nashville on Broadway. Service was great, as well as the food!
(5)Lalie K.
I find Merchants to be a delightful and refreshing break from the downtown madness. The interior is open and bright and reminiscent of places I have been outside of Nashville. The service is always decent, the food is good and the drinks are well crafted. This is the type of place I would visit upon repeat. Lunches, Dinners or Cocktails with, coworkers, family or friends, this spot is versatile enough to fit most occasions. Merchants is enjoyable and safe and you just can't ever go quite wrong in selecting it as a dining or drinking destination.
(4)Debi W.
First time at this restaurant and it was amazing. We had the chicken fried chicken and the jambalaya and it was awesome. They also have a great wine list!! It is a must try restaurant in Nashville!! Ask for Wendy
(5)Rachel M.
Duck Fat tater tots. That's all you need to know.
(5)Harry R.
Great food, I had the sweet tea pork and My sister had the chicken fried chicken. Both amazing. Would recommend to everyone
(5)Jeffrey V.
To be honest i didn't get a wow from the duck fat tots. The fried green tomatoes were good but the Cobb salad was ho-hum. A nice place to escape the drone of all the music blasting from Broadway if you want a bite and be able to talk with your guest or just talk to yourself. Comfortable seating with tables or at the bar. We were in for a late lunch on Sunday and were seated immediately.
(3)Shannon F.
Had a party of 40 here and could not have been happier great food and even better service! Thank you so much for such an amazing night!
(5)Kyle T.
While looking for food downtown we managed to stumble upon this gem. We started with the duck fat tater tots which hit the spot just right. The best part were the entrees. We ordered the fish tacos and the pulled pork sandwich. We asked them to split it so we could share and like most places I expected them to cut the sandwich in half for us. What ended up happening was not only did they cut them in half but they gave them to us on separate plates with full sized side portions on each one. If you're looking for a place with wonderful food and service at a great price you've gotta come here!
(5)Joe M.
Great place right on Broadway, we ate upstairs. I had a steak and it was cooked perfect. Our waiter Mike offered up some good suggestions. We were a group of 6 and all were happy with their food. Fish, steak, salad and a few other things were ordered. Good eating by all
(4)Anthony D.
Came back. Had chicken fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and tater tots. All were awesome!
(5)Kristin Marie S.
I can't believe it took me three years to try out Merchants. With the amount of times I have eaten downtown it should have happened sooner. On Saturday night after the Art Crawl we decided to hit up downstairs at Merchants. We totally scored with the best seat in the house, the corner booth by the window! The people watching was great. We got to see the band and watch the crowd funnel out from the Ryman. Perfect! The decor is high class Johnny Rockets. I love the marble floors, I love the old building, I love the black and white color scheme. Bravo decorators, job well done! To the food! Normally I won't eat a sandwich at dinner, I'm weird, I understand this BUT the tomato soup and bacon grilled cheese were calling my name! They made the grilled cheese with gouda. So. good. Did I also mention there was bacon? The bacon melted in my mouth, seamless bites through and through. The tomato soup was spot on as well. Nothing special, just good ole tomato soup. I dipped, I ate, I slurped, I chomped, it was a great end to a fantastic Saturday!
(4)Lori H.
Service started off good but tapered off. Once I was the only person my server had, he pretty much completely ignored me and literally walked circles around the bar. He also seemed to be quite interested in his crush on his coworker rather than actually doing his job. He actually lost a sale because of it, I had been planning on dessert but changed my mind as I got more irritated. The food itself was good. Chicken fried chicken was delicious. The whiskey selection is amazing, including a good selection of ryes which isn't always easy to find So in summary, if you don't mind being ignored, the food is pretty good. Not earth shattering, but good. They'd have a 4 star review if the service had been better.
(3)Jill R.
The best oven roasted chicken that I have ever eaten! Everything was delicious starting with the wine and ending with the apple cake and coffee. Excellent service too. Must try it if in downtown Nashville,
(5)Cameron P.
Awesome. Tator tots and fried chicken are a must. Delicious food, well priced and excellent customer service from waitress. super convenient location. Highly recommended.
(5)Frey F.
Solid option when you're downtown. They've been here longer than most any food purveyor on these several blocks. They have consistently good management leading to consistently prompt and accurate service. Every time we've visited [which is usually before an event at Bridgestone] someone get's the fish taco's, they're always fresh. We've never had a meal that wasn't well prepared and fresh. One thing that sets them apart is that they hit their serving stride no matter how busy, we've been when it's packed and mid-afternoon on a weekday when it's slow and it's always outstanding. If you take out of town guests to Downtown Nashville you have a safe bet here.
(4)Damien C.
On the second to the last day of a business trip to Nashville I went with a small group to Merchants for lunch. I cannot express enough how much I loved this place. Great atmosphere (sort of retro, cosmo, classy hip), stellar service and really amazing food. I opted for the duck fat tater tots, ranch popcorn, salmon BLT and washed it down with a local brew, Yazoo amber ale. Not one thing disappointed. In fact, tomorrow is my last day in Nashville and I'll be stopping by again for lunch on my way back to the airport. Do yourself a favor, if you're even halfway considering trying Merchants, go in. You'll regret it if you don't. Also, when speaking to the hostess, ask if Daniel is working. If he is, you'll want to ask to be seated in his section. As someone who spent the first 5 years of his working experience in the service industry, this man knows what's up. Really cool, genuinely friendly down to earth guy with who just wants to make sure you enjoy your visit.
(5)Ryan B.
My party of 6 waited almost 2 hours for a seat here a few weekends ago. We sat on the patio for our meal, which felt a little too disconnected from the rest of the place. The food was good though and priced in-line with the surrounding restaurants. The sweet tea porkchops was pretty tasty.
(3)Melissa V.
This place is perfect! Great food, service, atmosphere...it has it all. The fish tacos and jambalaya are among the best I've ever had! Get there early or you'll have to wait!
(5)N S.
Great locale! Food really good, different. A unique twist on southern cuisine. Service excellent. Reservations accepted. Craft beer on tap. Appetizers were worth the money (I almost always pass on these). Romantic and shabby chic upstairs.
(4)Kelly G.
Previous reviews led us to Merchants on our first night in Nashville. Located right on Broadway in a beautiful historic building, we were able to valet our car at the restaurant and leave it while we explored the music venues after dinner. Despite having no reservation we were seated immediately on the outdoor patio, and proceeded to order two of the most delicious and unique cocktails either of us had had in a while. We ordered off the downstairs menu, although apparently they have a pricier, chef special menu for upstairs. That being said, we were extremely satisfied with the downstairs menu. We ordered bacon and cheddar macaroni and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and their southern fry, and while it may not have been the healthiest of meals, it was definitely one of the tastiest. I can't even say which dish I liked best because they were all so good. I would definitely recommend hitting this restaurant before a night out on Broadway, even if it's just for a cocktail and appetizer!
(5)Alexandra S.
Yes yes and yes! They serve you popcorn when seated, food is good quality and you have to try the Tennessee mohito if you're a fan of mohitos! Tasty duck tater tots and delicious turkey club sandwich made w basil pesto mayo. Yummmmm
(5)Carolyn M.
This place is an oasis amid the honky tonk insanity on Broadway. Delicious cocktails (I love the champagne cocktail) and incredible food. The French dip is epic. Cute little attire for the servers too.
(5)Lis R.
The waitstaff ruined what has the potential to be an awesome restaurant. Visited it twice, as it has a great menu and we wanted to give it a second chance, thinking maybe the waitstaff was just off its game the first time... nope. Just plain poor service. Friday night, 9ish: Dinner upstairs in the real restaurant - we were told there was a half hour wait and we could wait at the bar. When asked how she would find us when ready, the hostess said "i don't forget a face". Welp, she forgot. Over an hour later we checked back and were like HEY remember us? Flustered she then sat us within minutes. Also, while waiting at the bar, the bartender forgot about our drink order...so after waiting 10 minutes on those we asked again. At least he comped that first round, in his defense. Food is great - shrimp & grits, lobster mac, etc. YUM. Second time, Saturday night, closer to 11 after the T.Swift concert - returned and ate downstairs in the diner section. Love the popcorn they start you with and the burgers were great. Sweet potato fries were cut way to thick and thus not cooked thru, so stick to regular fries. Waitstaff, again, just more interested in talking amongst themselves than working. Sigh. Has so much potential...
(2)Roger C.
Very nice place with a great atmosphere. It feels kind of diner / fine dining at the same time. Good drinks and fair prices. The downtown location is topnotch. There are very few choices that are moderately healthy anywhere downtown, that I've seen. The wait staff makes up for their speed by being super friendly and personable. Good times.
(4)Melissa D.
The appetizers were way better then the entrees. The atmosphere was nice and the drinks were good. You gotta try the tator tots in duck fat!!
(3)Jen L.
Wanted to like this place so badly - however the service coupled with health code violations is a cause for one star at best. - handling money, picking lips, washing tables, then handling ice and food with bare hands - empty drink sat in front of me for almost 25 minutes. No one noticed/asked if I needed something... We just ended up leaving instead of spending more money. - hungover/rude bartenders and staff, who, while there was no one in the bar, were too busy to wait on patrons. Manager was more concerned with high fives than with happy customers. The only attention that was paid to us was when we placed our credit card down to pay (and even that took over ten minutes) But hey, at least we got to hear a good story about how one of the bartenders had a "really, really late night last night"
(1)Brooke M.
We sat at the bar because we couldn't get a reservation (last minute planning). We were reluctant because we we didn't want to wait 45 minutes for a table but we were super excited when two spots opened at the bar. I had tons of questions about the menu and what to try and the bar staff was beyond excellent. We had the fried green tomatoes and the fish tacos. Both of them were way beyond our expectations!
(5)Kimberly R.
This was a great choice for dinner! We had just arrived in Nashville and were looking to go down to Broadway. The menu is awesome and cocktails were great! This place was pretty crowed,45 minute wait. We got drinks at the bar. Moscow mules were really tasty! The wait ended up being 15 minutes, so we were glad we stayed! Started with the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs. Both delicious!! The tomatoes had a pepper sauce and some pimento cheese that really kicked up the dish. I tried the fish tacos, which the waitress said was one of their best dishes, and they were really good! The fish was not fried, but well seasoned. Had some different local beers on the menu too which were great to try. The service was great, and the music was fun. I would definitely go back! There is an upper floor that has a different menu, more expensive. But I really liked the main floor menu.
(4)Beth C.
Our cocktails were delicious and our bartender was delightful! Conveniently located downtown and not a "trashy bar" like a lot of surrounding places. We're from out of town and our bartender helped recommend places for other meals.
(5)Samantha B.
4 Words that drew me in....DUCK FAT TATER TOTS. Merchants is a bustling hip restaurant. You have the choice of dining upstairs (more upscale) or downstairs (casual gastropub). However I don't think they have the tots upstairs so choose wisely. I loved the ambience at Merchants especially the suspenders all the servers and bartenders had on. I ordered their veggie burger which was ok...the consistency was a little mushy, but the flavor wasn't too bad. If you have a large party make sure you make reservations months in advance because this restaurant is very popular
(4)Laura M.
This is my second time here! Yes the tater tots fried in duck fat are really good. I had sever other things the last time I was here and I would say the food is really good would have got 4-5 star for food. But service is a bit slow and not very friendly. My biggest reason for 3 stars is a Moscow mule not in a copper cup? It tasted good but I don't like not keeping with the way this drink should be served. I know (from being a restaurant owner) the cups are stollen a lot. But when you have no happy hour and your drinks are 12 dollars serve it in the copper cup.
(3)Lauren H.
loved it! I got a vegetarian version of their mac and cheese and fell in love. Also their drinks are the best!!!
(4)John L.
So this was another well regarded eatery in Nashville. The "upstairs" vs. "downstairs" comments are accurate - choose wisely. A diverse menu to be had - we opted for the downstairs comfort foods array. First I will say that the "front door" workers seem like they wish they were somewhere else - or maybe we caught them on an unhappy night (it is pretty hot and humid inside the place). We had Open Table reservations - but still had to camp out on chairs in the middle of the dining area while they figured out where to stuff us. The bar tender guys seemed a bit peeved, too. Another batch of folks having an off night? Our servers were good-hearted folk happy to chit-chat and offer recommendations. Food portions seemed immense! I had the chicken fried chicken and got through maybe half of it. My girl got the jambalaya and we both enjoyed the good heat therein, but got full much quicker than expected. Dessert was pleasant (but we were too full to make good use of it.) Overall Merchants was hard to pin down ambiance wise - and a little off-putting at reception. Bring and appetite and humble expectations and you'll be fine.
(3)Ana Q.
This place was really great. Excellent service. We went at around 3:30 on a weekday and it was not crowded. I had Mac and cheese and my husband had a burger. Both were delicious. I still prefer Fido's Mac and cheese and my husband has had a better burger, but I was impressed with the food and restaurant over all. Besides the only thing my husband didn't like was the soft bun, but next time we can order it "toasty". The place looks really nice and there's a good view of downtown from a lot of the tables. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Scott P.
Merchant's rocks. My wife had been here during a previous trip and just raved about how great it was. We were there during CMA Fest weekend and were fortunate enough to get a table. The place is right in the midst of everything on Broadway in downtown Nashville. We sat downstairs by the bar with an excellent view of the passersby. The bar area has a clean historical look with white subway tiles and high ceilings. The bourbon menu was extensive, and our waitress suggested 2 excellent recommendations. Usually when I ask about bourbons, I end up hearing about Jim or Jack, which obviously I'm well acquainted. They had some great finds for bourbons which you would expect for a restaurant in Nashville. We had the deviled eggs and strawberry salad as a starter. Both highly recommended. The highlight of the night was the brisket. Get the brisket. Wonderful tender beef brisket sandwiched between cornbread on the bottom and cole slaw on top. Nice portion to fill you up. Again, get the brisket. Service was great. Waitress was a bit "alternative" (tattoos, piercings, etc.) which some people may not like but we could care less as long as the service was friendly and food came out on time. There was so much we were not able to get to on the menu, but we were thankful for what we had at Merchant's. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Danielle W.
Great location, great service, good food. My little people (ages 4-5) and I shared duck fat tater tots and fish tacos, which they loved. The service is fast and friendly. Apparently, they've been in business this long for a reason!
(4)George J.
Loved everything about Merchants except the volume. It is a large open space with no absorbent surface, so gets very loud. We were able to waltz right in on Sunday night without a reservation - upstairs is a steak place, downstairs is southern fare. We stayed down, and gladly. Split a great but simple iceberg wedge - I had jambalaya, which was well done and too large to finish; the wife had sweet tea pork, which was huge and perfectly cooked. Had a couple of great cocktails and great conversation with our waitress. A most memorable last night in Nashville dinner. Would eat here again any time.
(4)Arshbir G.
The servers are nice! The drinks are awesome. But, the food was lacking. Of course, it's not their fault that their vegetarian food is horrible. I should have known better. But, they were super nice about making the tater tots without the duck fat. Next time -- I'll be sure NOT to order the veggie burger.
(3)Maureen S.
Ok. Overrated - tater tots were ore Ida- chicken salad Fair at best - fish tacos - ok and tilapia average overrated - have a bologna sandwich at Roberts western world & thank me
(1)Kimberly P.
Terrible. The fried green tomato appetizer featured very tough tomatoes and a tasteless red sauce. The one star is for the teaspoon of pimento cheese that accompanied. The tomato bisque tasted canned or reconstituted and was watery.
(1)Tor K.
Merchants is a great place to bring people who haven't gotten to experience Nashville. It has your typical southern food, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, etc. My favorite thing on the menu is the Blackened Tilapia with the chipotle sauce. Awesome. Also perfect location to take people to the bars once dinner is over. Only negatives are parking and lack of beer selection but that might just be being too picky.
(4)L M L.
Great cocktails and a nice place to eat out; however, the wait can be long and the service is a bit on the slower side. That being said, if you have time to spare, the fried chicken and duck fat tater tots are worth a try.
(4)Patty M.
First time visit to Merchant. Coming all the way from Chicago, the girls and I have high expectations for any restaurant. We waited about an hour for our table. Not bad for downtown Nashville, a late Saturday night, and 9 girls. Drinks are pretty amazing, as they should be for $11. The Moscow mule and Save Me Guadalupe, are delicious. Bartender seemed a little tense. We'll cut him some grace, but people skills can make it or break it for people. Small tins of popcorn at every table keep you from eating your hands off. Get the tater tots. You will regret it if you don't. The beernaise is sausalicious. Our food was great. We order burgers, soup and Sammy, and salads. Our server, Macy G, was great! So attentive and personable. We are chicago spoiled but will come back to Merchants when we come down to these parts again.
(3)Molly L.
Excellent service and a very cool atmosphere. We sat downstairs as we were not dressed nor had the patience to wait for a table upstairs. The baked cheese appetizer was delicious and loved by all at our table. I had the fish tacos which were nothing spectacular but a good filling portion for the price. The cocktails looked impressive from our view of the bar but I stuck with their selection of tap beer. I would definitely go back if I return. Not overdone and decent food.
(4)Emily V.
The food was delicious! I had the duck fat tater tots and the sweet tea pork loin. But the one problem with the restaurant was that the music was too loud to even speak at the table and it was absurdly hot. There are fans but no air conditioning that I could tell. The food is excellent but hard to enjoy in the heat!
(4)kyle t.
You had me at Duck Fat Tatter Tots! What are the chances for a good meal in the heart of the touristy part or Nashville? Well, thank you Yelp app and walk in here, it appears or be 100%. The Tatter Tots are incredible, best I've ever had with great sauces and one if them Bernaise and holy crap! The fried Green Tomatoes were great as well, wonderful sauce and pimento cheese....wow! For the main course I had the Jumbalia and it too was wonderful. Usually with a dish like this I will always add hot sauce, I do live in MN after all. Now this Jumbalia was perfect, I tasted it and put the hot sauce down. Not that it was super hot or spicy but the flavors were just delightful and I really didn't want to mess with them. Add to the food and the tasty beers fantastic service from our server and a couple of others and I could not find a flaw! Thank you for a great night! KT
(5)Chephirah A.
This place was fantastic. It's hipster done right. Service was excellent. Our server was knowledgable, attentive, and friendly. The craft drinks were sooooo yummy. We tried the chicken wings and fried green tomatoes both were delicious but those fried green tomatoes were perfection. Then we split the special which was zucchini risotto with pan seared scallops and a balsamic reduction. So good! All in all a wonderful experience.
(4)Brian D.
Duck Fat Tater Tots! You're welcome, send check payable to me. The béarnaise sauce was perfect with the tots. Ask for more. Everything dish and drink was well thought out with great care and respect for every ingredient.
(5)Troy W.
This is a trendy restaurant but a comfortable menu, the drink list is pretty extensive as well. I can't really find anything bad to say about this place. Note that they have two menus, one for downstairs, more casual and a more refined menu for upstairs. Another nice thing for us travelers is they are open late, I arrive late via plane and rush here, they still accommodate me with a smile. This is NOT your normal Nashville joint, but if you like good food and cool atmosphere you'll like this place. You owe to yourself to try it once... By the way, did I tell you it was a whiskey bar?
(4)Marian C.
Pre-Ryman show dinner was had here during a weeknight. Cocktails were had and strong. Food was average. Had duck fat tater tots and fried chicken. Tater tots were nothing spectacular. Chicken was overbreaded and barely any meat. I could not finish it. I guess the food is better than most places on Broadway.
(3)Christine K.
What a jewel! Went here last night and it was amazing from start to finish. Their speciality cocktail drinks were on point. I had the Moscow Mule and it was very refreshing. The ambiance was very cute! It kind of reminds me of Patterson's House but way more....welcoming? This place is also located in downtown so when you're done with dinner you can adventure downtown Nashville if you're from out of town. I had a hard time to decide what I wanted to eat cause honestly everything on the menu sounded amazing! Chicken Fried Chicken, you are the love of my life. My goodness, it was a hybrid of fried chicken and country fried steak laid with mashed potatoes and spinach. The chicken was so juicy and moist that I didn't need a knife to cut it! My love, had their brisket which was also incredible. I highly recommend this place!
(5)David R.
This place is a perfect $15-$25 restaurant. The ingredients are fresh and the presentation is elegant. They have an extensive bar menu, and the service is excellent. They meticulously checked ingredients to accommodate my allergy, and the timing could not have been better. I do not typically like tater tots, but their duck fat fried tots had such a rich flavor. Best Tots I've ever had. The fish tacos we great. Lots of veggies and slaw just like I like'm. Full and happy :D A
(5)Kory H.
Upstairs is the way to go. Great food, decent wine selection, top notch service. My favorite pre-Ryman stop.
(5)Emma A.
Beautiful place but... The fish tacos were really not good. The fish was over cooked, the seasoning masked any other taste and the tacos was hard like a sole. My husband had the blackened mahi-mahi which was good but nothing special. The tader tots were amazing though! The reason why I gave 4 starts instead of 3 is because the service was excellent. I actually did not eat my fish tacos and explain to the waitress why. She immediately took it out of the bill which was a really nice gesture.
(4)Kamilah K.
Simply great! We arrived without making reservations and was told we had a 20 mins wait. No problem, since it seemed like the only decent food spot at the time. The decor is white and black, very vintage/modern/clean. The place just seemed posh. We sat at the bar and had some drinks while we waited. i cant remember what I ordered, but it was good. Our bar time was cut short since the hostess said someone canceled so a table opened up. We were seated and enjoyed our delicious pop corn. I ordered the deviled eggs with sweet pickles. What a tasty opener. For my main entree, I had a veggie burger with coleslaw. It was cooked properly, the swiss cheese was gooey, and the cole slaw was fresh. My bf had fried chicken and he said it was one of the best he's had. I would def come back if I visit Nashville again.
(5)Stefanie M.
I have been desperately wanting to check out all of the buzz Merchants has been creating and finally, there were two empty seats at the bar just beckoning to us! We grabbed those seats and waited quite some time to be acknowledged but we finally were. We were given two cloudy glasses with water poured from a communal bottle without the bar even being wiped from the previous diners. We then had to ask for popcorn (don't eat it, you'll only want more and more and more! It's amazing!) while we waited 10 minutes for our cocktails. The cocktails were almost worth the wait! Moscow Mule with candied ginger? It was to die for...I could have had 10! Hubby had a White Russian which he said was also really good! To eat I got a burger. Maybe it's the diner-esque feel of the restaurant that made me want it, but I was sad when I got it because it was tiny. However, upon eating it I found that it had really good flavor and was the perfect size! Fries were meh, just frozen fries, no big deal. Hubby had the chicken fried steak which was good but not memorable. Service was "cool"....lots of hipsters practicing their cool bar skills while missing out on the greatest job in the world....INTERACTING! Either way, we may or may not go back but I was hoping it would end up in our rotation of favorites and it didn't. On to the next!
(2)CL H.
This was a wonderful choice during a recent Nashville visit. In the heart of tourist-y area, but what a fantastic retro spot. Clean and spotless, well-kept, with seating around the center bar, or in booths and tables nearby. Enjoyed delicious fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. And the Pimm's cups were perfect on a gorgeous sunny day. Loved the fish tacos. The attention to detail and skill behind the bar was apparent in the presentation and flavor. Definitely on the list next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)Jennifer H.
We had reservations and decided to eat upstairs. It is a very unique restaurant and the elevator adds to the atmosphere. :-) The drinks were out of the ordinary and definitely not to be missed. I enjoyed reading the 8+ page love letter written even further upstairs. The age of the building adds to the charm and takes you back in time. It was snowing when we were there which added to the ambiance & romance. They were out of some menu items upstairs. The food was prepared perfectly and as expected was impeccable. I can't wait to try the downstairs menu though.....:-)
(5)Lizz M.
Duck fat tater tots, get them! A co-worker and I popped in to Merchants during a conference. A conference which made finding a reservation impossible. Luckily, we found a few seats at a bar upon entering. Our server was very helpful, especially as my co-worker has a dairy allergy and didn't want to risk getting sick the night before our presentation. The fish tacos were recommended to me and they were fantastic! My only regret is not having any room for dessert.
(4)Gabrielle M.
I recently attended a conference for work and happened to be traveling with a coworker of mine that has certain food allergies beyond the typical gluten allergy. Our waitress was so wonderful to check with the chef for certain plates and make adjustments as needed. The atmosphere upstairs was very nice and had a ton of character. I would suggest reserving a table ahead of time since it's on the busy street of Broadway. The food was heavenly and I would recommend the scallops! We had a great experience and will definitely be back during future trips!!!
(5)Allen D.
"Had you over for dinner. Fish tacos"! Great place and food. Don't wait for a table. Go eat at the bar. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Don't know what the cheese with it was but "I'll lick it anyway".
(5)Matthew B.
The bartenders here are great, they have the old school barbershop style wardrobe going on and are friendly, knowledgable and make damn good drinks. Definitely go by the bar when waiting for your table. The food, also great, but it was missing something I couldn't place my finger on which is why I left off a star.
(4)Danielle G.
Fabulous food- I got a strawberry salad with salmon & a Tennessee mojito. The staff were very friendly & service was fast! We didn't wait long for drinks or food. We sat on the patio off the street, so it was very entertaining as well!
(5)Eric D.
Went twice, the first time I had Jambalaya it was ok at best the second time was the strip steak and it was way over cooked and smothered in steak sauce. Besides all of that the service was poor, I really liked the place and wanted it to be good but I won't return.
(2)Chris B.
I am a downstairs guy here at merchants, love the burger medium rare. Great drinks and some pretty rare bourbons on hand as well. The brisket is very good but needs more smoke. Mac and cheese leaves something to be desired. But overall worth going to and I will be going back.
(4)Laura S.
Lovely experience! We dined in the main level (more casual/comfort dining) and made a reservation beforehand. We were seated right away, and our server and other staff were absolutely perfect. Cleaned our table after each plate was finished and filled drinks promptly. I didn't love the ranch popcorn like others did, but that's not why I came :) My husband had a drink recommended by the server (cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned), and he said it was great. We had the duck fat tots, and they were all they were cracked up to be. The chipotle mayo was fantastic. My husband got the grilled chicken sandwich with house chips and he ate every bite. I had the chicken fried chicken and could have eaten every bite, but I used restraint. It is a HUGE order. So amazing. We wished we had room for the tasty-sounding desserts, but those will have to wait for another time. I would come back here in a heartbeat.
(4)Allie M.
Amazing service. We had to wait for our table so we sat at the bar for a bit. Bartender was very helpful and friendly. We got seated at the wrong table and said they would have to move us but didn't which was nice. Waitstaff was amazing. Our waiter was so friendly and honestly the best waiter I think I've ever had. Knew the menu very well. Food was amazing!! The vibe of the place was so appealing and just a great atmosphere all around. Would recommend going!!
(5)Jessica W.
Great atmosphere, great service, truly a gem in the heart of Nashville. Recommend the fried green tomatoes; everything was fantastic.
(4)Maria E.
I don't know how they made fried chicken a fancy and delicious dish, but it was great! Great selection of drinks and good atmosphere
(4)Joe D.
Cool place. Grabbed a bite to eat before the a Motley Crüe concert at Bridgestone around the corner. Ordered the southern fry app, which had okra, pickles, shrimp, and catfish. Tasty. Also ordered the shrimp corn chowder and it was nice but a little spicy and frankly no shrimp to be found. The steak frites with filet, greens, and 57 sauce was very good and cooked a nice medium. Cocktail wise we had old fashioneds, champagne cocktails, and a couple awesome glasses of the black maple hill Oregon whisky. Had it once before and still fantastic. The server was a little slow but above average. Looking forward to going back. It is a loud place so if that's not your thing then just be aware.
(4)Eric W.
Food isn't bad, but it's not great. Get the feeling that you're in a tourist joint - move 'em in, move 'em on. I don't regret it, but wouldn't go back.
(2)Dan C.
Delicious food in a classy environment paired with friendly service. Little more upscale then it's surroundings but still reasonably priced.
(4)Eric H.
Very nice upscale place with decent prices and a nice broad menu. Sat outside on the heated patio and watched the street. Nice lunch.
(5)Liz S.
One of my favorite places to come to when I'm in Nashville. This little nugget is extremely out of place in this part of town but oddly enough, it seems to work here. I first stumbled into this place one night with friends after a concert at the Bridgestone Arena as it was one of the few places with late night eats. We we're guided to a table close to the open kitchen where plates of delectable dishes were pouring their way out one by one. We started with some cocktails and appetizers (fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots) and followed it up with our entrees. I don't remember much after the tots. They were divine. That and the two old fashions were enough for me! Needless to say, the meal and the evening were perfect. I recently went back for Memorial Day for a spa weekend and some recharge before a hectic work schedule and made my way to this place once more. I sat at the bar and made friends with the bartender who, after giving him the ingredients list, made me a delicious jalapeño cucumber margarita. He was a true mixologist and great at his craft. I made a meal of their Steak and Pomme Frites with homemade steak sauce and followed this with some samplings from their very well curated whiskey/bourbon list. Perfect finish to an all around good night. This place will continue to be one of my favorite stops whenever I make my way to Nashville. It's hip atmosphere, crafted cocktails and selective menu will be enough to entice me in no matter the trip or occasion.
(5)Chris C.
Service was terrible. The food was fine but not outstanding, and they were out of fried chicken. How does that happen?
(2)J. L.
Stopped in for lunch. Wait was shorter than expected - told 30 minutes, only waited for 10. Server was very nice, but forgot to put our app order in so it was delivered to our table about 5 minutes after our lunch was delivered. Our lunch was delicious, but towards the end of my meal I found two hairs in my pile of chips.
(2)Chris J.
One of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are a must have appetizer. Service has always been great, the drinks are good too. I try to make it here every time I visit Nashville.
(5)Aprille H.
We went here on a whim. My mom and I were not sure if we were going to find and good fresh food downtown. We came and sat at the bar. Brian and Constantin took great care of us. When I yelp I usually do the experience. However what we had was awesome. We split the Greek chop and the pork loin . Both so delicious! They even split the entree for us so we had our own plate. The bill was really reasonable as well. Def somewhere to check out
(5)Michelle S.
oh my goodness, this place is so delicious I ended up there twice on my last trip to nashville. The fried green tomatoes are amazing. The tots, amazing, the grits amazing, my chicken sandwich, incredible, the cob salad delicious. Eat here, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Alexandra S.
Fantastic food and great service. Great price very reasonable. We ordered the tator tots, guacamole, wings, bbq sandwich and chicken sandwich. I love the ambience.
(5)Rebecca G.
After much debate, we ended the evening at Merchants! The Green Tomatoes and French Fries with Ranch dressing were amazing! The burger worked too! Loved sitting at a window seat and watching Nashville fly by!
(4)Sheena T.
I went to Merchants (the lower restaurant) before a concert with a group of 4, and had a great experience! The location is great, and I really love that the building is historic and the restaurant is beautiful inside. You can eat downstairs for a more causal experience or upstairs for a more formal meal. I have only been to the lower restaurant, but want to go back and try the top level! Our table got the crab guacamole to start and I split the turkey club sandwich with another person. The sandwich was nothing to brag about, but the sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had (and I've had a lot!). They were large cut fries and tasted amazing. I could eat a whole helping of them! The guac was very good and they set out small containers of pepper seasoned popcorn which was really nice to snack on before our food came. They had a great cocktail menu. I had 2 mojitos and they were fabulous after my hectic Friday. My friend had a gin drink that was well liked among the table also. We were a bit rushed to get to the concert, so I wasn't able to sit and savor the meal as much as I would have liked, but next time I will take my time. Great experience and I can't wait to eat here again!
(4)Jon L.
Great atmosphere and excellent options. Somebody will even offer to shine your shoes while you eat...
(5)Ariana P.
Great location. Great service. I had the fried chicken and my friend had the brisket. Both were super under-season. I wanna give it 5 stars because our server was honestly great, but you go to a restaurant for the food :(
(3)Whitney R.
Was traveling across the country and had to stop in Music City. I was staying at the aLoft and it was suggested to grab dinner at Merchants. It was a Monday night and as expected, it was packed. I sat at the bar and was immediately greeted by multiple bartenders with water, menus and my drink order. Per suggestion by the tender I got a wedge salad and the sweet tea pork chop. Both excellent. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(4)Andrea N.
Our waiter was accommodating beyond the normal expectations. Thanks buddy! Thanks for the gluten free beer option; blue dog was a nice blend with the salmon blt (and thanks for making it without the bread for me). Be sure to taste the popcorn, it was a fun and innovative starter. My husband got the steak and added their chipotle and garlic sauces to it; he was a happy camper.
(5)David D.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. This place is on my must stop at every time I come through.
(5)Nicole B.
My husband and I came to Nashville for the weekend and stopped in here late on a Saturday night. We were seated right away on the heated patio. The chili and shrimp chowder were great. The wings were baked and dry rubbed and by far the best we EVER had. Highly suggested to go, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jennifer S.
Love it!! Duck Fat Tater tots! Sweet Tea Pork, and the Blackened Catfish was delicious! Absolutely recommend it!
(5)Hannah P.
I am pretty much obsessed with Merchants. I had two nights in Nashville... I ate at Merchants both nights. The food was good! However, what kept me coming back was the service. I vacillated between amazement that my glass was always full to sheer awe at how cool and nice everyone is that works there. LOVED IT!
(5)Charles Y.
Last night in Nashville and downtown for the Behold the Lamb of God performance at the Ryman. We decided on Merchant's due to close proximity to venue. Ashton was our server and she was delightful even though she is soon to move to Charleston, SC. I had the Salmon BLT sandwich and my wife had the Chicken BLT sandwich. Both were outstanding. If you are attending something downtown Nashville I highly recommend this place!
(5)Stephanie I.
Great place to start the night downtown!! Make sure you make a reservation in advance or you won't get a table. The music is loud and the service is great. We never had an empty glass of water. We started with the deviled eggs and they were delicious!! Since we weren't starving we ordered the Greek salad which is huge and fresh and the Fish tacos. We really enjoyed our food. I wish we had ordered more but what we did order was great. If anyone is wanting to grab a quick bite to eat before going out or to a predators game, this is the place!
(4)Corra S.
We are tourists in the city and found ourselves eating here two days in a row (lower lever). If you are tired of the bar or BBQ food, then go here. Fresh food, clean place, and lots of personality. Our bodies needed some "healthy" food after countless fried things over the weekend. But... We couldn't pass up the duck fat fried tater tots. Delicious! Also got the salmon strawberry salad (just what the doctor ordered. Side note- I dont even eat seafood but couldn't stop nibbling on my husbands salmon- cooked so well ad not fish tasting) and chicken fried chicken for dinner. Round two got the baked cheese, turkey sandwich and chicken salad salad for lunch the next day. Chicken salad was all white meat and one of the best chicken salads I've had. ALL of the food was delicious! Great flavors and spices! Drinks were also good- the blue moon (gin and lavender drink) was YUMMM!
(5)Martha C.
In case your wondering, the dress code for this restaurant is handsome. Beautiful people creating and serving beautiful people. I felt privileged. A group of ladies and I enjoyed a fine dinning experience upstairs at Merchants one evening of our trip. Maybe it was the handsome people or the good food, either way I was in a great way, if you know what I mean!. We all felt young, hot and ready to go! I got the steak and it was fabulous; done just right for me! The stellar dish of the evening however was a friends duck fat tots. You can never go wrong with duck fat! Seriously! She was so fabulous that rather than getting the fries, which are typically served upstairs, she get the tots, which are typically served downstairs. Either way they were a panty dropper. So good! Bravo Merchants! Bravo!
(4)John W.
There is - despite the several positive reviews - nothing special about Merchants. This restaurant is constantly crowded with noisy tourists bit is difficult to get a table, service is polite but inconsistent, and the food is overpriced. We had the tater tots, which might have been ordered from Macdonalds for half the price, and a very dry brisket with even drier cornbread slice. Won't eat here again.
(2)Rick W.
Good service, good location, good food. We lunched there. The duck fat tater tots are a great appetizer. A full order was plenty for four. The jambalaya was very good, as was the corn chowder. The presentation of all dishes was excellent. Merchants is worth a try.
(4)Antony T.
This was one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville as a local based off my first visit. Good food and service. The second time the food was consistent but the attitude of all three servers that night was so bad that I will never go back again.
(2)LL T.
Great food especially when you sit at the bar and don't have to deal with the wait. I ordered several sides - duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs, green salad and peach cobbler. Wasn't really hungry so it was a good portion. Especially the half order of tater tots. I'm looking forward to coming back here for lunch since I'm here for business travel.
(4)Ang R.
Great brunch. Duck fat tater tots. Dry rubbed chicken wings. Was surprised because it is right on Broadway. Service was excellent. Very friendly.
(4)Alisha W.
I have dined a few times at the downstairs restaurant of Merchants. Both times the meal was good. I had the veggie burger the first time and it was great, the sweet potato fires really sealed the deal. The second time I had the chicken pecan salad. It was really good, lots of blackened chicken that was delicious. The only bad the was a few pieces of lettuce were not fresh and mushy! Ick! We also had the fish tacos that were very good as well! The service was not that great but I think the waiter was just being trained. I will visit again!
(4)Robert R.
My girlfriend Julie & I had dinner here and the food was pretty good but not extraordinary. She had the veggie burger & I had the jambalaya. Her burger was ok and my jambalaya wasn't too bad. The interior is pretty cool and this is a decent option if you are out on Broadway.
(3)Violet W.
Very disappointed, food is not good at all, the fried chicken is dry and corn chowder is weird tasting shrimps are not fresh, tater tots are nice but that's all. Service is pretty good~
(2)Corey W.
So I had never been in Merchants on any level before. Stumbled past it drunk on Broadway but never gave it much thought since there wasn't Blaring music and cheap beer. Also, up to now I was under the bias that anything located on the Broadway strip was just another tourist trap. I can't speak for the other floors of the place but after having Dinner on the second floor I believe I was wrong. They started off on a great note with me. Free valet service which is crucial because of the location on Broadway. That and I love pulling up to a valet stand in my dented old Honda Civic. This place is great for a quiet upscale dinner. Setting is fairly romantic. Service is very professional. It was interesting is when looking at their drink menu I was handed a tablet PC with an interactive list so you could look up drinks by category. While I thought it was very cool, it did take away from the ambiance. Something about a smartly printed hard paper menu can't be replaced in a place going for more formal romantic. Food was top notch. I appreciated the menu size. By that I mean there was enough to give variety but it still fit nicely in medium print on one page. I hate going to a nicer Restaurant where reading the menu feels like reading the instruction manual to a NASA spaceship (Cheesecake Factory comes to mind here), and is a serious time commitment. Nothing blew me away but the consistency and quality were top tier Nashville. It is easy to rack up a bill pretty quickly. My significant other and I went, indulging a little since we hadn't eaten out in the last two weeks; 3 cocktails, appetizer, 2 entrees and a desert later we had a $125 bill. I will say though it was worth it. I'll be going again. And wish I could give them 4.5 stars
(4)Daniel K.
Merchants is always a party in your mouth! The duck fat tater tots are to die for! I also love the Sazarac for my drink. They actually removed the drink from the menu, but I was able to order it and it was amazing as usual. Whenever I come to town I make sure to go to Merchants once, if not twice!
(5)Frank P.
Fairly disappointing. We were in town for the weekend and we had been told to come here at some point. It gets 2 points for ambience, the popcorn & the sweet potato fries. My fiancée had the strawberry salad w chicken which was not very appetizing. The chicken looked dry. I had the fish tacos which allegedly were made from Mahi Mahi. I'm not so sure it was Mahi. It was overall flavorless and dry. They attempted to disguise the Mahi w strong seasoning and cabbage. I was expecting a sauce to go along w tacos but none was provided. Overall disappointing experience. Food selection was better at Etch and 12 south. Not sure how this establishment got 4 stars.
(2)Joelle K.
I had dinner the other night at Merchants. They have a fancier dining option upstairs with a smaller menu. We opted for the more casual option downstairs. The mad hatter cocktail was tasty, but should have been stronger. I had the turkey club with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was awesome, but the fries weren't the best. My husband loved the beef brisket.
(4)Laura G.
Gotta update - the bar and restaurant (downstairs) was much more happening this time around. Excellent coctails - Dark and Stormy is what my friend had - some rum / ginger concoction - really nice. We sat at the bar - loved the popcorn. We shared wings which were really great - dry rubbed with excellent sauces. One of the best parts was after a loud day at Summer NAMM we really wanted to find a place with no live music - this was the perfect place. Very nice historical building!
(4)Kristie A.
I loved everything about this place. Historic building, good food, good drinks and an awesome waiter named Mike. I have to say the upstairs area is a little on the boring side. Not much to see and not a lot of people around. The downstairs area is where the action is happening. But the two levels offer two completely different menus. Downstairs being cheaper with things like burgers, etc. The upstairs has a fancier menu. Since upstairs had no wait, that's what we did. The hostess took us up on the elevator. The wine list comes on an iPad, which is super cool. Seems more places are going to adopt this concept, and I'm all about it. I settled on a chardonnay. For dinner I ordered the mussels and frites. The mussels came already pulled out of their shell and floating in a garlicy broth. Yum. The frites were thick and fluffy. Not at all what I was expecting. I also ordered the beet salad and it was yum too. A nice assortment of different flavored beets. Mike was great and even offered up a fun bar when we asked where the locals go.
(5)Adrian M.
nice place right in the heart of downtown. the only place on the strip that doesn't play country music. it was very crowded, and got pretty loud, but hey, the place was packed. We sat in the downstairs to people watch. Servers were very friendly, explained the menu well and suggested good wines. Food was good, not great. decent flavors, but no wow factor anywhere to be seen. Just solid dishes based on solid ingredients.
(4)Julie H.
This is a historic restaurant with an interesting menu. The view of the street was a great backdrop. The duck fat tots and dipping sauces were extremely tasty. The special was a brisket sandwich topped with homemade pickles (the best). The plate came loaded with sweet potato fries. Glad we stopped in!
(4)Sherri H.
What we ate was good BUT when sat down our server went through the litany of what was no longer available. She explained that it had been an unusually busy weekend and they were out of oysters, salmon, tuna, pork and lamb. We asked about options for seafood eating vegetarians and got an indignant response "we are a steakhouse - we don't really cater to vegetarians" we ordered a winter salad and she told us there were only 3 left and there might be some ingredients missing. We suspect they were also out of crab because the crab hush puppies had no crab. The bread was good - glad we could drink more than water. They need a better inventory system or someone to run to the grocery store.
(2)Matt T.
Nice twist on the South. Great cocktails and we'll priced at that. Bartenders know their stuff. Right in the middle of all the Broadway action.
(4)Amy B.
Ate in the first floor bistro. Nice upscale alternative to Broadway honky tonks. Attentive service. Loved the fried green tomatoes, Mac and Cheese and pulled pork sandwich.
(4)Aubrey J.
Loved this unpretentious Southern restaurant! The understated decor really draws the attention more to the historical feel of the building itself, which I loved. It was also made apparent that the focus here is on customer service and food, rather than a kitschy tourist-drawing themed restaurant like so many are leaning toward. Our waiter, Scott, was just awesome, with all kinds of great recommendations. I enjoyed a tequila cocktail (Adore Salvatore? Can't remember the exact name) and the Dark & Stormy (a sort of rum mule) which was excellent. The manager brought the second drink out himself because I had inquired about the ingredients and talked with us for a few minutes. Fried Green Tomatoes were the only thing I wasn't completely thrilled with. The flavor of the cornmeal and tart tomater with a pepper jam & pimiento cheese were a great complement to each other, but the tomato itself was pretty tough, and cutting through it pretty much destroyed the delicate breading. I will say though that my enormous slab of pork loin was both tender and succulent, and the flavor of this paired with green beans and polenta was great. My friend enjoyed the fish tacos, which looked delicious. Overall a great experience!
(4)Erin K.
This restaurant is in a perfect location right downtown and the food and drinks are great! The atmosphere inside is more old school with all of the marble and tile and the servers are wearing bow ties which adds to a fun atmosphere. We ordered the duck fat tater tots (with chipotle may, béarnaise, and ketchup), the southern fry (catfish, oyster, house pickles and okra) and the chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes, garlic studded spinach and country gravy. It was all very good. The chicken was so flavorful and the gravy and potatoes were fantastic. However, I thought the spinach was just mushy and slimy. I also ordered the Botanist (Botanivore gin, St. Germain, simple syrup, mint, lemon and cucumber) which was so tasty and very refreshing!
(4)John G.
My lady and I had a great experience at Merchant's. Great food, great atmosphere and great service. The jumbalaya was fantastic and so were the salads. If I ever find myself back in Nashville, I will definitely be coming back to Merchant's.
(5)Erin M.
Great food amazing cheese dip omg crazy ppl are very friendly. Recommend the devil eggs the bacon on the wedge salad was thick and chunky.
(4)Tim A.
Of course, reviews of this place get confusing because it's basically two restaurants in one building. To be clear, I'm discussing the downstairs area. This place has a lot of energy to it, and it was absolutely packed when I was here. The menu, as you may observe, is full of stuff that sounds really promising. Certainly, some of it delivers. I had heard everyone raving about the duck fat tater tots, so that seemed like a must-have. The tots themselves were decent, but the sauces were great, especially the chipotle mayo and the bernaise. The reason I think everyone raves about the tots, though, is because there isn't much else to rave about. We also had the Southern Fry, which in retrospect was a lot of fried food. The pickles shined, but everything else was pretty bland. Unfortunately, that sort of the tone of the rest of plates we had. Everything was on the verge of being tasty...but only on the verge. The steak frites, while marvelously cooked, didn't have much to add in the flavor department, and the same could be said for the brisket and fried chicken. The cobbler was decent, but I wouldn't say it was better than Dalt's, and I don't have to find a parking spot downtown for that. Again, the place was super crowded, so maybe they had their hands full and put together an off-night. I'll give 'em points for effort.
(3)Mandy H.
I definitely suggest making a reservation. We arrived at our reservation time, heard them tell the gentleman in front of us it would be a 45 minute wait, and then were promptly seated at the table they had waiting for us. We ordered the duck fat tater tots as an appetizer, only order the half is there are just two of you. The full order was way more than we needed for two. My friend had the sweet tea pork loin and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were excellent. The staff is all very friendly and attentive. This is for sure on the list for a return trip the next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)Priorteyez C.
Ate on second floor.....most amazing meal I have ever had. There were four of us and we shared the $130 Porter house steak. I have NEVER had a steak so tender in my life! Beet salad was amazing. The onion rings amazing. The potato loaf....what can I say...AMAZING. only thing I would suggest, warn customers about the smoky flavorings on everything...even in the old fashioned drink, which quite honestly was worst drink ever. BUT overall AMAZING dining experience.
(5)Athenapex C.
Had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious. I had the corn chowder which was good but very thick. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich which was delicious. They do fresh squeezed lemonade as well. Great place to go and would go again.
(4)Casey L.
The duck fat tater tots were definitely a 'must' after reading the reviews but believe me when I say it was their sauces that were to die for! Great local beer and a great menu! We enjoyed the popcorn while we were waiting for our meal. Will definitely be back when we return to Nashville!
(4)Stacy R.
I really enjoyed this restaurant! We weren't able to get a reservation in the upstairs, nor were we able to get anything after 4:30, so we ended up eating sandwiches instead of a dinner, but the sandwiches were still delicious! The guacamole was also amazing! At first, I was a little disappointed that we ended up in the Bistro part of the restaurant, but in the end, it was still worth eating there, and I would definitely go back!
(4)Morgan K.
Been here twice on separate trips to Nashville. Be sure and order the duck fat tater-tots and try one of their cocktails. The manhattan (made with bulliet rye) is a personal favorite. Pimento cheese grits are to die for! When making reservations, be sure and specify he bistro (downstairs- more casual) or upstairs (more fancy). Different menus and price points at both.
(5)Jena W.
This one would've gotten 5 stars! The only minor setback was the personality, or lack there of, of our waitress! Food was amazing; atmosphere and location couldn't be better!
(4)Rodney P.
At first glance the place looks a little snooty. That was the first and last time I doubted this place. The food was fantastic (get the baked cheese), the service staff was friendly and attentive. This place is a must stop.
(5)Greg N.
The food was "OK" but was definitely nothing special. My boyfriend and I shared the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't waste your money on these. Go buy a bag of Ore Ida tater tots at the grocery store. The bearnaise sauce (one of three dipping sauces) was good, but it speaks volumes that the ketchup was the best sauce. The malted mayonaise tasted like feet. DIS-GUST-ING. I had the fried green tomato sandwich for my main course. Again, something I could have made at home that would have turned out better there. The drinks were good, but late. We didn't get them until our entrees came out, and then we had to ask for them as we could see them sitting at the bar for the better part of 15 minutes. The waiter was atrocious. 1. He was chewing gum. I repeat. HE WAS CHEWING GUM. He should have been fired alone for that. Disgusting. 2. He was either homophobic or just a dolt. He also had either table on either side of us, and they got much better treatment. Actually, it was odd because he would help one table, totally bypass us, and then help the other. His tip reflected that. Whoever picked out those silly uniforms... change them. The servers all look like they're callers at a circus. it's gimmicky. It's really obvious this place is just utilizing it's space on Broadway to draw in the tourist crowd. I have a feeling if this place were left to stand on it's own merits and in a neighborhood that required it too have better food/service/everything to succeed, it would be closed pretty quickly.
(1)Robert B.
Everyone at our table of 5 loved their meals at the downstairs restaurant. The duck fat tater tots were delicious. There were so many, I didn't think we would eat them all, but we did.
(5)Elizabeth E.
Really enjoyed this spot for casually fine dining. Started out with lunch, JAMBALAYA that was top notch. Went back for dinner. Fun atmosphere, beautiful old building, staff was great. We had FRIED GREEN TOMATO'S, fried crispy sweet perfection.
(4)Johnny T.
Sad Trombone. I missed out. Evidently, everyone and their mama is smitten with Merchants. I didn't get it. The location is cool. 4th and Broadway is as perfect a location for out-of-towners as it gets in Nashville, so that wasn't it. The building is cool. After walking through a downstairs that looks diner-y (not an insult), you're whisked upstairs by elevator (or you can hoof it) and, suddenly, you're surrounded by brick walls, recessed flooring, long tables and pretty views. So, that wasn't it. The cocktails were cool. I introduced my colleague to the wonder of The Dark & Stormy and I hovered around brown liquors for the rest of the night. I wasn't out of my mind, but I was feeling pretty good. That wasn't it. The service was a little off. We were a large group and, like little Mike Brady, I get it: not everyone is going to reap the same attention as the others. It just kept happening. My appetizer was forgotten. And, then, oops, my drink order went somewhere else. 'Did you need some more silverware? I'll be right back... in ten or so minutes.' I didn't make a big deal of anything, but it didn't make me feel great that I had to persuade my dining companions to eat their food as I waited for mine. Twice. That may have been it. The food was... satisfactory. I came in expecting to be awed and I was 'alrighted.' Again, I am wondering if it was me because my companions seemed to be loving their experience. I was bored by mine. I am not a big beef person so, perhaps if I were, I would have a different opinion. Then again, maybe not. I dined with a vegan who seemed most content with her food. The gnocchi was fine, if not a tad bit mushy. I skipped the salad but had a bite or two of the arugula (I liked it the most). My pork tenderloin was filling but not entirely satisfying. Even for a fatty such as myself, dessert was ho-hum. From the bread pudding to a toast and jelly concoction, my tastebuds weren't tickled. They were poked. Truthfully, I was bored by much of what I ate. I kept waiting for the 'moment' and it never came. I think that I ordered poorly. The overall star rating and positive experience my companions had can't be wrong. So, the food... maybe that was it. That could have been it. That was probably it.
(3)James L.
I was lucky enough to end up here twice on a recent biz trip, so I can say that it is not just good, but consistent as well. Upstairs is the "fine dining" area, where I ate both times - the only correction needed is that upstairs is $$$ for sure, not 2. Drinks were great, nice appetizer sent out by the chef was a pleasant surprise, and the appetizers, salads, and entrees were all very good - both presentation and taste. I had fish one night - excellent, and then a filet the next night - cooked to perfection. And for desert - the peach cobbler cannot be beat.
(5)Andrew R.
Really neat place. Ate dinner at the bar, bar tenders were friendly. Had very good mac n cheese and the wife enjoyed her veggie burger. We were looking for a place a little different then eating at the bars or main spots. This fit the description perfectly. I would go again.
(4)Em P.
This review is for the upstairs "fine dining" portion: I'd been wanting to try the rehash of Merchants after I heard the guys who own Patterson House and Paradise Park took it over. Those are two really good establishments (for what they mean to be...speakeasy or tourist dive) and I had reason to infer that Merchants would extend their record. And I was wrong. Started with a cocktail. Took a while (only because it was made downstairs at the bar) but was solid Patterson-house quality. My partner's extra dry martini had too much vermouth (more than none), but I understand only homeless people ask for a glass of gin and it's a strange request. Second was better. Got a couple of starters to split, even though there wasn't any inherently sharable on the menu. Got the beets and goat cheese (beets could have been a little more uniformly cooked, goat cheese was good but it wasn't dressed as the menu stated). Got the tomato starter too (good, but nothing to squawk at). We received a nice little amuse bouche, but it included goat cheese and tomato which we just ate 2 seconds before. Points for trying though! They were out of the fish stated on the menu (I don't remember what it was originally...red snapper?) but were substituting salmon in it's place. I still got it, but it had little flavor. Cooked nicely, but maybe the salmon overpowered what would have been a good balance. Not bad, just not good. The wilted scallions on it were tough and stringy and impossible to eat. My partner's dinner was worse...he got the pork and it was a really really nasty piece of meat. Fatty, but still dry, no flavor. Pork can be soooo good! We skipped dessert. Wasn't really worth the parking downtown. Overall the service wasn't BAD...it was just....strange. We had multiple servers throughout the evening, each was nice, but sort of unnerving to give one guy your drink order, someone else bring it out, yet another clean the table off...etc. The building itself is really cool looking, with history and the details to match. Downstairs looked a little better, and I may give it a whirl if I'm on lower broad for some reason. Eh.
(1)HaileyTIffany M.
:( Really wanted to like it, it's beautiful, the staff is magazine beautiful, the uniforms are beautiful. However, I ordered just desert. A blueberry crumble. What we both got was: blueberry soup, with a light sprinkling of crumble (no crust whatsoever), and melted ice cream. I mean COMPLETELY melted. We should've sent it back. It was two bowls of blueberry soup. Maybe a bad day? WIll have to try it again later, cause the place is gorgeous. But dang.
(2)Quinn S.
Fantastic food, the blackened tilapia was cooked to perfection and the balance of spice was right on. My mother had the sweet tea pork loin with grits which she thought was great but the pork loin was a tad over cooked. It was a little loud but the server was attentive, professional, and really nice so it all balanced out. I might be biased because New York is so expensive but the prices couldn't be more reasonable. I would love to come back.
(4)Tim T.
Was looking for a place to have a steak while walking on Broadway after looking at the menu the wife and I decided to give this place a try. We were asked if we would like to eat upstairs or down, if was load and very busy downstairs so we decided to eat up, it's very nice upstairs cloth everything and low lighting. Looking at the menu it was the same style menu at Ruth Chris everything is separate, the steak I ordered was good just expected more from a place like this.
(4)Erin J.
Can you say tourist trap? Decor - cute Service - not great Food - not great Bloody Mary's - disgusting Air conditioning - mediocre Would not go back as it's just a bunch of fried nonsense. I did enjoy dipping the duck fat tater tots in the baked cheese.
(2)Zeke T.
This was the best option we found on Broadway for good eats without all the drunk 20somethings and loud music. It was a respite amidst the storm (for us...who had just come from a Ryman tour...on a Saturday mid-day). It was a little warm inside (though cooler than outside for sure), but the atmosphere was bright and fun. The waitstaff was friendly, and the food came quickly. The beer list is more than adequate, and I get the feeling that the cocktails would be excellent. Recommendations: the tater tots! But the rest of our food, mostly sandwiches, was good too. :)
(4)Junica B.
Abosutely divine! My filet was amazing.
(4)Paul M.
Everything about this experience was incredible. The restaurant is beautiful, the service was fantastic, and the food was exceptional. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. If you're looking for delicious food made in house, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Lawrence M.
The food here was fine. It was not good or very good. For the price, I would have expected better. The brisket was recommended and was slightly dry. Adding bbq sauce to it, did not change that. Ate with two other people, said the same about the Salmon and the burger. Fine not good. With limited time to visit Nashville, invest your limited meal efforts elsewhere
(2)Noelle C.
We came in for an early dinner and got a seat immediately. The southern fry appetizer was pretty good, but it was the pulled pork sandwich that blew me away. So delicious! I couldn't even eat the whole thing. And the sweet potato fries are a must!
(4)Carissa O.
I don't mind merchants but it's a bit touristy and the food is pretty average. It's not bad, it just isn't great, you know? Been a couple times... I've had the pulled pork sandwich and one of the salads... I honestly couldn't tell you about the salad as I don't remember it, the sandwich was fine. Maybe I just need to try something else but with so many amazing restaurants in Nashville, I don't know I'll be back.
(2)Suzanne K.
The ambiance was nice, bright, classy. Liked that the waiters wore bowties and the service was excellent. Had the Southern Fry, and it was pretty good. The okra and shrimp were slightly over-cooked, but the catfish and dill pickles were perfectly cooked. Had the Blackened Catfish Sandwich. The fish was cooked perfectly, moist and tender. And the sweet potato fries paired with their sorghum BBQ sauce was pretty awesome. It's not typical southern food, but it was good. I'd recommend it.
(4)ana b.
Merchants was such a Nashville treat while visiting from out of town! Our host Brian seated us in the perfect spot and Tanya recommended the delicious crab hushpuppies and fully loaded potato cake - what a surprise of delight! Tanya also told us about the history of the building and recommended places to go out in Nashville. We were well taken care of and greatly enjoyed the food!
(5)Ben S.
I visited here three times on my trip. Two times I sat at the bar and one time via a reservation I sat at a high top table near the bar. The service was friendly all the times. It was also efficient and the kitchen for how busy this place gets was surprisingly fast. The three times I went for lunch I ordered (in order of my favourite to least favourite) the fish tacos, the salmon sandwich, and a burger. The sweet potato fries that come with the sandwiches are really good - they were thick cuts. This is the only really nice place on Broadway. I found it via the opentable app and am glad I did. It's worth your visit. The drink list is extensive too and they have some cool creations. It was fun to watch them make a few - like Old Faithful.
(5)Jaya D.
One of the deviations from fried or BBQ on Broadway. The cocktail selection was very nice and our drinks were delicious. The duck fat tater tots were good but not worth the hype - tasted like tater tots. The Mac and cheese was fantastic. Pretty long wait for lunch on a Friday.
(4)Ken J.
Skip the tots. Although they may have been cooked in duck fat, you couldn't tell. The aioli was good but the bernaise was described as sun tan lotion tasting by other people in the party. Seems like a good comparison. The chicken fried chicken was very good with the sauteed spinach, but the grilled chicken sandwich had pretty terrible chicken (frozen?) and so much guacamole it should have been served with chips. Would I eat there again, probably not. It's not bad, but it was pricy ($55 for two no alcohol) and there are better places downtown.
(3)Non P.
Great stuff. Great place. Added benefit: the waiters all dressed up like 1920s newboys/clerks, kind of Dickensian (yeah, wrong era). Popcorn. For free. Before your meal. Deviled eggs that taste like a priority express delivery from the Dark One himself. Everything else that tastes just right. Service is well trained and genuinely polite and helpful. Snap snap snap. Can someone please ask: Are the (male) waiters required to have facial hair? And while you're at it: exactly what time period are the outfits supposed to evoke? I'm always too embarrassed, and too busy eating, to ask. I imagine it's a roaring twenties thing, but want to confirm.
(5)Terry V.
I went to lunch here with my mentor and we decided to try out a downtown lunch spot. We were seated in the corner booth which was fantastic for people watching and great lighting on a summer afternoon. When you first sit down, they'll bring you a little tin of popcorn and gladly refill it if you'd like. They usually sprinkle a dill seasoning but of course on our day- they would fun out and it was just sprinkled with salt and pepper. We started off with fried green tomatoes! Fantastic!! The spicy pepper jam is the perfect compliment. They also serve it with pimento cheese for those who like that. I'm not the biggest fan so the jam served me well. Then for our entrees, we both ordered Two words: Fish Tacos! The use mahi mahi and mahi mahi isn't it delicious. The pico de gallo, jalapeno aioli, and guacamole is great. I wasn't a fan of the slaw. I'm pretty picky when it comes to slaw so I focused more on the tacos. I think this is a great spot and had a wonderful time. The feel is very different from downtown which was really nice. I would definitely come back here.
(4)Brady H.
Ate here on a business trip in Nashville. To start, you must get an Old Fashioned, they have some of the best in the country. Wow! I got the fish tacos whichv were very good, the waiter was amazing, and my coworker got a great burger. Definitely recommend this place if you are in town.
(4)Lesley G.
The place was really nice and had a neat atmosphere. The front entrance can be confusing since the hostess is past the bar and more accessible through the side entrance. Overall, great food and service. I had the lobster Mac and cheese on special and it was amazing. I was so bummed I couldn't finish it. I also enjoyed the seasoned popcorn as a starter. I will admit that the bill gave me sticker shock, so watch those drink and special prices!
(4)Steve H.
I really enjoyed this place, we got a window seat and the server Megan did an excellent job. The fried green tomatoes and corn chowder were very tasty starters. My chicken fried chicken was excellent and done just right. It is easy to see why this establishment has been around so long.
(4)M.J. D.
Bartender was very nice and actually has a personality, drinks were spot on, and let me tell you about the food. Chicken fried chicken was unbelievable. So crispy and the gravy went perfect with the potatoes and spinach. The mac and cheese was very good as well but i know i will never have another chicken fried chicken dinner like that in Chicago.
(5)Natalya S.
I have been going to Merchants about once a week for the past 4 months, it is worth the occasional long wait. It was my favorite restaurant hands down in downtown Nashville. The staff that work there are all great, I have had pleasant experiences with all. Basically all the food they serve there is delicious and it is hard to go wrong. One of my co-workers would go as far to say as he has had the best steak here out of all places in Nashville. Merchants is setup like two separate restaurants. The downstairs is cheaper and more casual dining, while upstairs is pricier and finer dining. Sometimes they will also let you order the upstairs menu when sitting downstairs (worth asking about if there is a long wait for upstairs). Both menu's are great. Before I get into a couple of disappointments I had recently, I do highly recommend checking this place out, like I said the food is some of the best you can find in downtown Nashville, the environment is nice, and the service is good. They changed my favorite dish, which was hands down the best shrimp and grits I may have ever had in my life. It is now something smaller and the recipe is completely different, and not as good as it used to be. Oddly enough, when I asked the server before ordering it, he told me it hadn't changed (strange considering I had the same dish for 3-4 months before that). I think their chef may have changed because I also ordered the chicken fried chicken from their downstairs menu a week later and it too wasn't as good as I remembered it. The other issue with Merchants is that sometimes there can be quite a wait, so I do recommend making reservations. In regard to the long wait I mentioned earlier in this post, a staff member told me it would be a half hour wait, but this turned into about an hour wait. My friends and I were a bit disgruntled by this (especially combined with the recent changes in food). Merchant's management did the best they could to make it up to us, they led us off with each a glass of sparkling wine. Then halfway through the meal, they also let us know our appetizers were on the house. That was really amazing of them, and much appreciated that they went above and beyond in making it up to us. It definitely made a big difference to me. So, in summary, Merchants food is delicious, but it can be a wait, I miss the old shrimp and grits, but there is still plenty of other things to enjoy on their menu. Definitely worth going to and you will be back!
(4)Laurie E.
Food was hit and miss. The tots were incredible. Sat near door and nearly froze. The Pim 's cocktails with crushed apple were fantastic. The waiter staff was very hip.
(3)William W.
After hearing the wonderful reviews on here I decided to give this place a try. I went to the downstairs portion a bit after two o'clock, and the place was about 60% full. My server took our drink orders then did not return for about fifteen minutes. When we finally ordered, of course we got the duck fat tater tots. They were nice and crispy and the sauces were well seasoned, but that takes no skill to put out. When the entrees finally came after half an hour it was a different story! My girlfriend ordered a salad and enjoyed it. It was freezing outside and we had walked there from the hotel, so I ordered the "Soup and Sammie". The closest parking near there was $10 for an hour and a half. First off the soup had been slung in the microwave and was quickly approaching the heat of the sun. When i cooled down a taste, it was bland and needed to be seasoned much more than it had been. The chips were homemade chips that are supposed to be cooked to order; however, you could tell that they had been cooked hours prior if not the previous day. I bit into one and almost lost a few teeth. The bacon tasted as if it was cooked at the beginning of the shift. The grilled cheese tasted as if it had been sitting in the window for a while and the fat used to cook the bread left a funny aftertaste. After all that it took another thirty minutes to get our check. The bill ended up being about $35. I will never return to this restaurant again.
(1)Steve S.
We were looking for something less upscale but rather than wait an hour we went up stairs. Great choice! Any chef that can make my two least favorite vegetables delicious deserves an award. We had three different entrees: cauliflower, short ribs, and chicken. They were all perfect. Overall, an excellent dining experience in "honky tonk" central. A good pour on the Gentleman Jack, but not great, and tooth picks were available.
(4)Leslie V.
I'm an NYC epicurean and give Merchants a very strong two thumbs up! Thanks to reading other great reviews we checked this joint out. The atmosphere gave us the southern class with character we were looking for. The crafted drinks were delicious and the bartenders and waitstaff were delightful. We started with the fried green tomatoes and I had the blackened tilapia, while my friend had the burger. My meal was outstanding. I highly recommend the fish, especially if you like a lil heat! I usually like to try different places, but on my next go around in Nashville I will definitely be sure to make another stop at Merchants. Thank you for showing a northern girl a fabulous evening!
(5)Mindy B.
Stopped in for lunch. Food was really delicious. I know we were really hungry, but the food far exceeded our expectations. Sandwiches were really good. Excellent sweet potato fries. Service was good too! I would recommend this place instead of most of the bars downtown.
(5)Courtney W.
I've been to Merchants twice, and it seems like they've recently updated it. It felt very "Brooklyn" to me in here. I think it was the tattooed staff and style of the place, but also they didn't play country music here (a rare find in Nashville). I was very impressed with the quality of the food. We ate downstairs where you can find delicious sandwiches, and the prices are great. (I had the salmon blt with sweet potato fries...Yum!) The fried appetizers were delicious too (especially the catfish). Will definitely be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)Frank G.
I was in town for the Growco conference with two associates on April 8 and attended a session where the two owners, Max and Benjamin Goldberg, spoke. Intrigued, we decided to check it out. We were told there was a 30 to 40 minute wait, which was fine. After an hour wait we were told that we were next in line and that a table was about to become available. Incredibly, a group walked right in and was immediately given this table because they had reservations and we were told that they should not have to wait. Based upon their assurances that another table would soon be available we did not walk out. When the table became "available" we were taken upstairs and lo and behold our table had been given away to a large group that needed more room. The hostess told us that they would bring another table down from the third floor for us, which was eventually accomplished. After all that the food and service was just average. Based upon the owners' assurance during their conference session that the guest experience was of utmost importance to them and anyone could get a free dinner by saying that their previous dinner had not been satisfactory, we were not offered so much as a complementary appetizer or drink for the entirely unsatisfactory way in which we were treated.
(1)William H.
Great dinner reconnecting with friends while in town for a family wedding. Atmosphere and decor were fantastic and drink menu had some delicious selections. For dinner I went brisket with cornbread and cleaned my plate. Luckily I left room for some key lime pie (a personal favorite). Only slight miss was no espresso post dinner. I love to finish off a great meal with some rich flavorful coffee. A great spot for dinner downtown. As a final note I was in the Bistro but friends opined the second floor was also an excellent experience.
(4)Josh M.
Mind you this this a review for the downstairs portion of this establishment. Have not made a point to check out the upstairs because downstairs is JUST SOO GOOD!!! You are seated in a 40's style diner/bar and immediately served a small tin cup full of this marvelous sour cream and onion popcorn. WHERE IS THAT ON THE MENU? Great beer selection without having too many options making it hard to decide. I have made it a point to try a new beer each time that I have visited. Last time I partook in 2 different "flavors", the Caldera IPA and the Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. I would highly suggest either of these two options. One point that I would like to make is ANY of their beers pair very well with any menu item. Now selecting food here is like being a kid in a candy store for me. BURGERS. Bear Creek Farms local beef from Thompson Station. This is some juicy stuff! MMM. Now to compliment this sandwich I like to choose simple options and can not get away from the smoked gouda and a fried egg. It has a special place in my heart, mind you if I ate too many, there wouldn't be much space left in my heart. Add a side of fries and I'm set. I have tried the sweet potato fries and they just aren't for me. Next time will be the duck fat tots. My wife fallen in love with the Turkey Club. That is a turkey sandwich. I think that turkey smothered in that basil mayo would be enough, but then they add in the crunch veggies. Overall, I have been here 3 times in the last 6 months and it never fails. If you are feeling brave to venture out into the heart and hustle and bustle of Broadway, I highly recommend this place. This is a place I want to keep going back to.
(5)Kathleen M.
After the total fail of a meal at Park Cafe, we needed a cheeseburger. A good one. Problem was, it was in the late hours of the evening and we were carless traipsing up and down Broadway. Our options were limited, but luckily Merchants was there. I fell in love with the space. I say this in the absolute nicest way possible, but it reminded me of a really refined Waffle House. You've got your high top counter, your low top counter, and some booths along the wall. Just remove the yellow and brown particle board, replace it with beautiful antique marble and steel accents, and you've got Merchants. But yes, just to see the space is worthy of a pop inside, so get on it. Apparently we walked in to the middle of a total computer meltdown, and our bartender gave us a heads up that it may be a while. He seemed flustered, to say the least. It had definitely been a rough night, and I wouldn't say he was excited to see us. Especially when we decided to stick around *and* order food. The servers' uniform is a little overkill on the hipster quotient: plaid shirts and suspenders, no joke. But I suppose it could be a lot worse. And dude warmed up to us as the night went on, especially once the computer system was back up and running. The cheeseburger was delightful, but that may have been due to our rumbly bellies and the late hour. I do remember a double, slightly overdone patty served up on some fantastic bread. And seriously yummy fries, *and* they were nice enough to split it in two for us and serve it on two separate plates: I've never seen a place do that with a burger, and it was appreciated. You may think I'm crazy for having a Clover Club with a cheeseburger, but that's just what I did. And I loved that I could do it here. And that the Clover Club was served in a lowball rather than a martini glass: heaven in my eyes. If I end up back in Nashville at some point, I'll be coming back here.
(4)Glenn F.
Merchants is one of the most reliable restaurants in the Broadway/downtown area of Nashville. The food is well planned and put together great. The prices are reasonable and service and ambiance is always superb. The fish tacos, chicken fried chicken and salmon are my favorite. The Johnny Cash Chili is overated and overpriced. I haven't been there for drinks, but today I noticed the bar tender working diligently trying to perfect various concoctions. I give it a thumbs up!
(4)Tarra J.
The upstairs "upscale" section of the restaurant had a small menu of unique but not over-the-top dishes. Food was delicious and served with a smile. Definitely recommend!
(4)Seed M.
Everything was great. Had the Mac N Cheese and it was good. My dates had Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches. Everyone was happy it was a great time. The server was so pretty. Wish you were mine. HE HE
(4)Jeremy E.
Went before a Preds game. Food was good. Duck fat tots were very good. Way overpriced and the service was extremely lacking. Water glasses were empty, and they didn't take the plates off of our table when we were done with apps which made for a cluster**** when entrees came. Only reason why they can stay in business is because they are located right downtown and people don't have a choice.
(3)Annie D.
Culinary angels live in this kitchen wearing chef's hats and yelling for more truffle oil. I swear. The service was great---patient, knowledgeable and warm. The atmosphere is amazing too---dim, bold colors, dark wood, crystal chandeliers, wrought iron and this vintage-modern-gothic feel. And the food. AAAH. Starters of foie gras, shrimp and grits, cheesy gnocchi. I ordered the filet for my entree, which was one of the best steaks I've ever had (and I used to live in Argentina, land of grass-fed beef). It came with au jus, potatoes and some other stuff I just scarfed happily without taking notes. They change the accouterments seasonally, so you can expect some variety. I also nabbed a bite of chocolate bread pudding (OMG) and Rachel F's short ribs and truffled cauliflower. Short ribs were a winner, but the cauliflower had me wishing there were some biscuits lying around because it tasted like gravy. Do with that what you will. The sour Clover Club was my drink of choice. It's a craft cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, housemade raspberry puree and egg white. Get this and be happy. There are separate menus for upstairs and down. Down is more casual (but still pretty chic) and upstairs is fancy-town. I mean that in the best way because it isn't pretentious in the least. I wish I could have eaten at Merchants every night I was in Nashville. As much as I might like, I wouldn't be able to afford eating here daily unless I was growing money in my backyard (which I am not, for the record---so stay out of my garden). It's probably best to come for a celebration with your friends and loved ones or an impressive date with your number one guy/gal.
(5)Jennifer M.
This was a very nice restaurant. Food was extremely good! I had the crab guacamole and chicken fried chicken. Mmmm. I was glad we went there. It is hipster classy and could recommend it for the young adults or old adults.
(4)Hailey D.
Maybe it was because I was way too tired to eat..I don't know. But it wasn't what I thought it would be. I ordered fish tacos with sweet potato fries. Fries were awesome, crisp and delicious. Fish tacos? I loved how they put lettuce instead of cabbage. But I hated that they put red onions in it. It just was not what I would expect from fish tacos. My friends ordered steak and lamb steak respectively. Lamb steak came out perfect. But steak was overcooked. She ordered medium rare but it was medium well done. Of course they didn't charge for it, after my friend declined to have it fixed. Food was fine. Service was acceptable, except when the waitress spilt water on our table, dropped a lemon wedge on the floor, and spilt my friend's sweet tea. The place was nice...except the tile floor just didn't go with upscale looking interior. Overall it was OK..I probably won't return. The menu didn't have the variety I expected.
(3)Janie M.
Merchants is my go to restaurant whenever I have guests in town. It's in the heart of downtown, the food is pretty decent and I've always had really great service there. The lines are sometimes long on a Friday or Saturday, but thanks to Open Table I never have to worry about waiting anymore!
(4)Carolyn F.
Had dinner upstairs. Pretty solid for a higher-end meal but there were definitely a few misses. The lighting was very dim and the tables are pretty spaced out, producing a muted and somewhat dead atmosphere (vs the very bright and lively downstairs). Sitting next to the window, you can check out the action at the honky tonks across the street. We started out with a complimentary amuse-bouche of gougere, which was fine. The shrimp and grits appetizer was outstanding. Super tender shrimp and a great smoky and buttery flavor to the dish overall. The duck risotto was fine but somewhat salty. The steak was alright, with very tender meat and good flavor. The pheasant was four or five pieces of breast meat and tasted fine if a little bland. I wished the bird was served on the bone for more flavor and brought out sooner, as it was lukewarm when it arrived. Both entrees seemed to be decently well-executed but I found neither to be exciting. Besides the shrimp and grits, the other truly outstanding dish was the soft chocolate dessert. This alone would make me return to the restaurant! Imaginative combination of flavors (malt chocolate and balsamic) with delicious mint ice cream. Yummmm.
(4)Katie L.
This is for the first floor restaurant. Yummy! We tried the cheese appetizer and it lived up to its description. Our table had the brisket, steak frites, chowder and pork loin. The pork loin is probably the best pork loin I have ever had. The corn bread is real corn bread- so good. The meat was all well seasoned and moist. The bernaise sauce that comes with the steak frites was almost drinkable it had such great flavor. The service was top notch, our drinks were never empty - our pop cups were never empty. Our server brought out extra chips for our appetizer. A really nice place, you are going to pay a little more but you are definitely paying for quality of ingredients, local meats etc. and this is worth it to me. Also, they have complimentary valet which is a nice added touch especially so you do not have to pay for parking downtown and only have to pay a tip. I would go back for the wonderful cuisine any time I was in town.
(4)Hannah J.
I went here for a late casual lunch yesterday. The first thing to note about this place is that there are 2 sections to the restaurant and they have different menus. The upstairs sounds a little more fancy and on my tour it was more of a classic dining room feel. It had great light fixtures and dark walls with a great vibe. The 3rd floor was more empty and seemed like a great place for business luncheon or party. Also, they let us just walk around and tour the building since it's so historic. Downstairs is more casual- this is where I ate. It's an old pharmacy/soda shop. The bar is behind the original marble counter top. The seating is booth style with marble table tops as well. They were even playing football on flat screens. First, the cocktails were awesome. I had my favorite: Dark and Stormy. It almost rivals that of the Patterson house. We also had the fried green tomatoes app, but it was not that freshly made. And they served it was some pimento topping and jalapeno salsa. Not my favorite. For the main course, they have only 2 veggie options: friend green tomato sandwich and a veggie burger. I opted for the veggie burger. It was alright. Nothing to write home about. This is the only reason they got 3 stars. It was just wasn't that exciting of a menu. On the other hand, the service was awesome. Partly because it was slow, but also because everyone was super nice. I hope to get back to try the upstairs dining room. I will update then, Maybe they'll move up to 4 stars?
(3)Mike M.
Service good. Rsvp'd online and it worked nicely. Food was above average not the best I ever had. Mac and cheese and fish taco's good. Fish taco was a little watery from the liquid in the fish they made it with but still was good. The crab guacamole was pretty good also. In the middle of broad and recommended by conciere. I'd come here again. Waiter was slow to clear off plates after we ate. Restaurant was slowing down at this point too.
(3)Gene G.
We tried out the down stairs area where things are of more casual nature. Very white, but well decorated area almost feeling like your in an old time drug store. I like the get up the bartenders wear, bow tie, suspenders, and jeans as whoever chose to make the uniforms that way made a nice choice. The drink menu was well done on the mixed side, the beer selection is mediocre and does not have any draft selections. There also wasn't the option of a chilled glasses for the beers. The service was meteoker, but the food is done extremely well. This is a well rounded diner fitting almost any type of situation. This place is in a pretty happening area and the building is gorgeous. I had a pimento cheese and bacon burger, that was fine. Pros: Drink Menu Good Food Nice Decor and Character Good Location Cons: Mediocre Service Limited Beer Menu
(4)Emily M.
This place had me a little befuddled. The drinks were awesome, A+, we had moscow mules, dark and stormy's and a specialty martini. The food was delicious, the steaks were just right, asparagus was cooked to perfection, caprese app was lovely, and the gnocchi was really enjoyable to indulge in. The service was good, friendly peeps. However....the layout and the decor, stunk. We sat upstairs and it felt very cold, bare, and old. More importantly, the bathroom was dirty, looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months. Who wants to pay $40 for a steak and not enjoy the entire experience? And if the bathroom for the patrons isn't sparkling, it makes me wonder how they (don't) take care of the actual kitchen, etc. So, good food, good drinks, and pee with your eyes closed. :)
(3)Marty Y.
Reminds me of a classy southern plantation but the middle of all of the honky tonks on Broadway. Had the blackened talapia and ate at the bar during lunch. Not the kind of place you would got drinks, but its a classy restaurant. Dig it. 4 stars.
(4)Janet S.
I've done both dinner and lunch here and both were satisfactory, dinner was a little pricey but we enjoyed playing tourist and being downtown. Lunch this week was macaroni and cheese with jalapeno and ham, not quite as baked as I would like it but tasty and filling. My friend's salad was delicious and a generous portion. Cocktails - Tennesse mojito quite fabulous, especially as it was lunchtime (naughty!). It's across the street from my new office so I suspect I'll be spending more time here. Service very professional. Lunch came to $25 each for two inc tip.
(3)Whitney H.
Some friends and I ate at Merchants on a trip to Nashville out of a recommendation from a friend and it was absolutely amazing. Not only was the food delicious, our service was outstanding and you can't beat the wine selection. I would highly recommend Merchants.
(5)Meredith H.
I gotta be honest, I wasn't impressed. It was a cool place to eat, but I don't know if I'll be going back. We did get there late, and they were really cool about it (we had reservations for 8 and got there around 8:15) but we had to wait about 20 minutes for them to clean off a table (totally understandable.) We were shown to our table, got our lukewarm water (apparently it's cool in Europe to not put ice in your water, which is what they do here. I've been to Europe and I got ice there all the time without asking, so who knows.) and we ordered appetizers. We were so excited for our crab guac dip, and one other one, but we literally waited probably 30 minutes. By this time, our food should have come and we flagged down our waiter who didn't remember to put the apps in, so he apologized and said that they would still come, and he'd bring them AFTER our main meal. Whatever. He felt bad and I think he waived the price and offered us free desert, but we passed on it. It was good food, though! I got the grilled salmon BLT and it was delicious! I just didn't like the service.
(2)mumin k.
I was at Merchants again and fell in love with this place one more time. The drinks here are amazing. You simply can not go wrong by ordering anything on the cocktail menu. The bartenders here definitely know what they are doing. They are NOT just mixing stuff but are doing a magic with these drinks. This time I had the turkey leg confit sandwich which was simply amazing. It took me back to the days when I was having a duck confit sandwich in France. Highly recommended. I think this is one of the best places in town. I am planning to go there late in the evening and sit in the bar and have at least 3-4 of my favorite cocktails.
(5)Butch A.
Stopped in for drinks the other evening. I am a Los Angeles based Nashvegas regular by the way. I brought my business associates, and we sat at the bar. Our mixologist, Will, was great. Drinks were killer. A good time was had by all. The food is always excellent, as is the entire team at Merchants. If you find yourself on Broadway - treat yourself. You may also become a convert;)
(5)John R.
Were do I start. At the door the valet pick up my car with a smile. Based on the cars he probably sees each evening, that was a good sign. Moving into the restaurant we were welcomed upstairs. We ordered the hot chicken app. The serving temp was hot but the spice was lacking. Good capture of the southern specialty but could have used more heat. Salad was the blue cheese lemon vin on a wedge. Bacon and Blue was great but the lemon seemed a little off. A nut or lime may have complimented better. The entree was the ribeye and gnocchi. Temperature and sauce was perfect, however seasoning was toooooo salty. May need another BP tablet tonight. I do want to say that the service was very attentive and punctual. This was a nice compliment leading to a good gratuity. Thank you overall. Overall value is falling behind........maybe downstairs is the place to be?
(2)Grayson W.
The food was very good and the place seemed classy, but I thought it could stand a little updating and I I thought it was a tad overpriced.
(3)Maureen R.
Merchants is a calm oasis in the craziness that is Broadway in Nashville. As first-timers to Nashville, we enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the street. and shopped and bar-hopped in and out of all the crazy places. But when it came time to eat lunch, we gladly diverted from it temporarily. We were visiting on a recent Sunday and stumbled into the filming of a beer commercial (think Clydesdale horses). The street was blocked off to vehicles but pedestrians were still able to walk the length of Broadway and watch the staging and rehearsals for the commercial. So that just added to the fun vibe of the street. When it came time for lunch, we thought of eating at one of the places with a rooftop patio so we could continue to view the filming. After climbing two flights of stairs at one of the most popular chain honky-tonks, we discovered the rooftop was a cacophony of noise - music from a live band was way too loud. We quickly retreated and went in search of a better choice. Merchants did not have a menu posted outside and we were unsure of the type of food they served. We hesitantly ventured inside and found it a bit awkward that you have to walk to the back of the restaurant to find the host and request a table. We requested a look at the menu, which Hans, the host, gladly offered. We mentioned that we were enjoying the filming that was going on right outside the front of the restaurant. Much to our delight, Hans showed us to a booth that was tucked into a corner against the front window and removed the "reserved" sign from the table. We had a birds-eye view of the action on the street while we lounged in air-conditioned comfort eating the addictive, complimentary herbed popcorn. Thank you, Hans - this is exactly what we had in mind. Our server, Paul, made some recommendations and shared some insight about the menu. I chose the soup and sandwich combo, priced at $11, and couldn't have been happier with my entree. I received a generous bowl of shrimp and corn bisque that was a meal in itself. My grilled cheese sandwich was a gooey-three cheese delight that came with house-made potato chips. My friend had a burger, similarly priced, that she raved about. Paul was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. We lingered over a shared piece of pecan pie for dessert as we continued to watch the action happening right on the other side of our window. Thanks to Hans and Paul for making our lunch at Merchants the best part of our day on Broadway!
(5)Kim T.
Lamb steak was amazing... Juicy, tender, very well seasoned... Flavorful. The first bite was a symphony of flavor and I am not even a huge fan of lamb!!!. Pot roast was ai'ght. Sweet potato puree a little runny. It needed a little seasoning. In general good atmosphere, good food, good local beer. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.
(3)Stacie L.
I have been to Merchants for lunch and dinner. Both times it was just "OK." Nothing on the menu wow'd me; everything is basic. The atmosphere is too sterile, the seating is too hard, and the flavors bore me. Also, the smell of fish when you first enter is overwhelming.
(3)Melanie M.
yes the food was good fried green tomatoes, johnny cash chili and bacon cheeseburger ,but we sat at the bar the service was sloooow but we will be back
(3)Emily J.
I went here for dinner while on a business trip in Nashville. We were driving through downtown and I suggested that we check out Merchants. We sat in the bar area which was nice and causal, compared to the more formal dining room. They have a nice selection of beers and an extensive southern inspired menu. I was immediately drawn to the Chicken Oscar. It was one of the best chicken dishes I have ever had. It is grilled chicken topped with lump crab meat, asparagus, and a béarnaise sauce and served with andouille sausage grit cakes. Being a California girl with southern roots, I think that anything made with grits is fabulous. The dish was delicious and incredibly rich. What topped off our experience was the great service and the old, charming building.
(4)Jen H.
I loved this place. The atmosphere was terrific and the food was really quite good. We had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious, crispy, and salty. I had the soup and sammie which was HEAVENLY. My husband had the pork loin, which was okay. However, it came with some great pimento cheese grits. The restaurant was beautiful and I loved the decor. The wait was long without a reservation, but I loved that they would text you when your table is ready. The only complaint was the timing. Our food took a while to get to us, and the appetizer and entrees came our simultaneously.
(4)Steve N.
A chic attire for what feels to be an old school vibe. I found it a bit odd the hostand was place way in the back of the place. The staff was entirely welcoming. I'm used to having bread as the thing to munch on while waiting for food but they served popcorn. Now I dislike popcorn and it surprises everyone when I hit the movies but that's how I am... I gave it a try here and it was actually pleasant. Light salt and it was sweet. Ordered fried green tomato (recent new-found love), tomato soup and a salmon blt. I realized after the server walked away that I kind of overloaded on tomatoes haha... The fried green tomatoes were done nicely! Sometimes they come out soggy inside but these still held their shape. They sat atop a pepper jam and topped with pimento cheese. These came together so well. Like a sweet melody. The tomato soup didn't do it for me though - it was too salty and reminded me too much of Panera's bagged tomato soup. The salmon blt wasn't too special but was enjoyable. Although the salmon was cooked almost perfect. Cooked medium which meant it was juicy and flavorful. Would consider coming back for dessert.
(4)Jackie M.
Horrendous customer service. Maybe the worst I've ever experienced at a restaurant. I made reservations for the upstairs venue for 12. 12 people. That's good money, right? You'd think a restaurant might be excited about us spending beaucoup bucks. Anyway, the hostesses were so rude upon arrival. So bad we thought it might be a joke. We wanted to add 4 extra people to our dinner and they told us absolutely not, and looked at us like we were nuts. I understand tables can be at a premium, so we were bummed. However, when we were finally seated (30 mins after our reservation time) the ENTIRE upstairs emptied out in 20 minutes. So there were about 40 extra seats but our extra 4 friends couldn't join us. This wasn't the end though. Drinks took centuries to come. My tartare looked like a raw hamburger patty. Oddest item I've ever been served. Our waitress was nice but overall the experience was really poor. Our 4 friends ended up eating bbq at Jack's across the street... we were seriously jealous we didn't join them. Won't go back here. Ever!
(1)Yappy M.
It is nice to finally have a place downtown that doesn't cater to the mouth-breathers and the Doc Johnson t-shirt crowd. My girlfriend and I stumbled across this place when we were looking for a decent restaurant downtown. A nice discovery. The owners have a done a great job with the decor. It has a great retro feel to the place--almost like a 1950's soda shop, albeit with upscale dining and booze. The popcorn they served as an appetizer was a nice touch. Overall, the food was good and the drinks were stiff. This place is unique for Nashville and certainly for Downtown. If there were a few more places like this on Broadway, it would give locals more of a reason to go down there.
(4)Jeff S.
Great local place in the middle of it all. Really liked the laid back downstairs atmosphere and the staff was great. Great menu with some different choices. The duck fat tater tots are good but nothing to get to excited for. The portions are solid and you would be hard to find something better on music row
(4)Erin M.
The bartender (lots of tattoos, glasses) was extremely likable. He made eye contact immediately when we sat down to let us know he saw us, took our drink orders shortly after, and checked back with us to make sure everything was good. While they weren't the greatest cocktails I've ever imbibed- they were tasty. There are loads of bars in San Francisco like this, with classic cocktails and servers running around in suspenders- but most of them have really cranky and pissed off bartenders. It's refreshing to be in a town where people pouring expensive drinks at nice places are actually pleasant. My one complaint is that it's too damn bright in there. It gives the place a bit of a diner feel.
(4)George N.
Wow, this is some darn good food! I had the Endive and Bibb lettuce salad, and the Red Snapper entre, both were fantastic. Good service, good ambiance, highly recommended.
(5)Maksim F.
Great food, very nice service, and awesome location!
(5)Kola H.
I decided to try Merchants immediately after seeing the many 4+ star reviews and multiple notes on how the place was "surprisingly great quality food despite being in the tourist trap". The interior was bright and contemporary with a beautiful copper bar, antiqued mirrors and the barkeeps wore cute bow ties & suspenders (very prohibition of them). I warned my bar tender that I was a "foodie" so the food had better be good, he laughed, told me about a special dinner and book signing that was happening with Maneet Chauhan of The Food Network's "Chopped" but my flight was just before the event so I couldn't make it :/ He suggested the fried green tomatoes and salmon blt, but as I'm still on my "pescetarian" diet opted for the mahi mahi tacos w/jalapeno aioli, guac and slaw. The food came out in good timing and the plate looked fresh, appetizing and the cilantro and thinly sliced radish bits were a great touch! The slaw was very lightly dressed so it hardly tasted like any coleslaw I'm used to, but that was a good thing! Thanks again to Will and Speedy for the great info and service- I'd definitely come back again ;)
(4)Lauren S.
Overall: Tasty, but basic menu with a bistro-type flair. A nice departure from the honky-tonks downtown. Food/Drink: I'm usually not a big appetizer fan but I was with a big group so we got a few things to munch on. Thumbs up to the tater tots, especially with the white/vinegary dipping sauce. I was also pleasantly surprised with the beet & goat cheese crostini. It was more beet juice mixed with goat cheese which, given that I hate beets, was great. There are a variety of sandwich-type items on the entree list and they are pretty large. Picks for my table included the roast beef, burger, salmon BLT and grilled chicken (from what I could see) and everyone seemed to enjoy it! For the side option, choose the sweet potato fries. The drinks featured are more "old time" drinks with gin, whiskey, brandy, bitters etc. Not really my cup of tea, but they did sound impressive. Atmosphere/Service: I ate downstairs in the more casual area but there is a more fine dining option upstairs. It was very open/clean and the service was fine. Food came out quickly and our waitress was attentive without being annoying. Cost: Appetizers range from $6 - $10 and sandwiches are about $12.
(3)Buddy R.
A little better than most of the touristy places on Broadway. We ate downstairs - which is the more casual. We ate at the bar because we were there during a convention and the place was crowded. The building looks quite old as does the bar area, but all was clean and well maintained. Food was good but not exceptional. I had an excellent hamburger and my wifes salad was very good. Service was fine.
(3)Louise B.
Excellent dining experience. Get the Tennessee Mojito. Best cocktail I have ever had. Ate downstairs at a table by the window. Wonderful view of the Broadway action outside. Wait staff was very professional and attentive. All of us four got different entrees and were delicious. I highly recommend Merchant's.
(5)Andrea Q.
Went to Nashville in May of 2009 and finally getting around to my reviews of the area. 4 stars for food, but knocking a star for sketchy credit card billing. Merchants had good food and nice place to sit outside. I went here with 5 of my girlfriends before going to the Grand Ole Opry to see Steve Martin's banjo debut. Merchants was great at accommodating us - we were kind of in a rush to eat and get out of there so we wouldn't be late for the show. I had the Southern Chicken Cordon Bleu which was a pecan crusted chicken breast stuffed with ham and swiss cheese in a creamy dijon sage sauce. It was served with sauteed spinach and Andouille sausage grit cakes. YUM!!! The whole meal was delicious. My friends all enjoyed their meals as well. Our waiter was kind of a dick- he wasn't even remotely friendly or personable and seemed really distracted. He also over charged my credit card and a friend's credit card by adding in an extra 18% tip on top of the 18% that was already included in the bill. We only found this out after we left Nashville and checked out bank statements. Not cool at all. When we each called the restaurant, they claimed to not have records of it and said they couldn't help us with the overcharge - not a cool practice Merchants! An honest mistake is one thing, having been a waiter for a long time myself, I know that sometimes a number is entered incorrectly but the restaurant should own up and fix the mistake instead of claiming to not be able to do anything about it. And for it to happen to more than one person at a table? Makes it even more likely that it was done on purpose. If I was in Nashville again, I would probably eat there because I really enjoyed my meal but service could be better and I will pay with cash next time!
(3)Sara R.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. It is perfect for residents and tourist alike. The service at Merchants has always been incredible. Drinks are always made perfectly. My favorite dish is the sweet tea pork loin. But everything I've had is delicious. We always seem to order an appetizer with dinner, but it's not necessary. All meals are filling enough!! Come out to Merchants for a great all around dining experience. You won't regret it!
(5)Megan H.
I love this place... it is what every restaurant should aim to be: focused, fresh, and friendly. First off, the menu had variety but wasn't huge. The food they did offer was some of the best I've had in awhile. I ordered the spinach salad and requested blackened salmon on top and they hooked me up! The blue cheese crumbles they used were so pillowy soft, and tangy delicious that I'm still thinking about them 3 days later! They did fumble a bit and forgot my appetizer but they went above and beyond to make up for it by offering a free dessert which we were sadly too full to take them up on, but I really applaud their customer service. This place is really a gem in the heart of downtown Nashville.
(5)Sarah L.
I was in Nashville for business during the week of the CMAs. I wanted to get out and be around the energy while playing it safe and avoiding the honkey tonk craziness alone. I ended up at Merchants bar. The server was great. The food was ok. I ordered fried green tomatoes, and the breading kind of crumbled off. The bread on my salmon blt was a bit over toasted. But all in all, it was a fine place.
(3)Carrie B.
I'll go with 5 on this one, we were looking for a place to grab a bite while passing through Nashville and since the downtown area was in walking distance of our hotel we had plenty of places to choose from. The iPhone again made the decision based on the location and after reading a couple of reviews, decided this was the place. When we saw the building we had to try it. It's split up into a more formal dining room and a casual soda fountain/pharmacy area, which is what the 130+ year old building used to house. There is original pharmacy signage on the walls on the 3rd floor and it's always great to see a place reuse so much from the original structure, like the original pharmacy countertops. The service was great, everyone was so friendly and even though we only had the smoked salmon appetizer, the food was great and we will definitely come back the next time we're in Nashville.
(5)Sadie F.
We visited the downstairs on a saturday night. There was a 30-40 minute wait at 6PM so We decided to sit at the bar for dinner and drinks. The bartender took care of us and made us some strong mixed drinks. They were pretty tasty. For dinner we had the fried green tomato BLT w/ french fries. The sandwich was a very large portion; it was on thick toast and came with a tasty mayo and red onions. The fries were also a large portion and had a tasty seasoning on it. Overall, we were pleased with the taste, quality and portion of the food. It also came super quickly. The service was decent, a little slow when it was time to check out but overall pleasant.
(4)Andalee C.
Amazing food upstairs in their fancy restaurant and downstairs at the bar. We had a huge garden salad for $6 downstairs and the fried green tomatoes. Both were great. We had dinner upstairs: the juiciest chicken I've ever had. High end, fantastic food of far better quality than we expected in the downtown area. A perfect alternative to the fried bologna sandwiches offered at the other places on Broadway.
(5)David W.
So I took a client here on business as I had previously been for lunch one day and thought this was a super cool spot. It is on Broadway which is the tourist trap, but has an old school vibe, black and white checkered floors, and waiters in suspenders and cool outfits. Great craft cocktail list and lunch was pretty stellar too. Did dinner downstairs in the bistro area. less formal of course. Service was really good, food average especially for the price. Cocktails were great. wine list was just okay. i would highly recommend this spot for lunch and cocktails. would consider doing their upstairs dining for a more formal dinner.
(3)Adrienne K.
Fabulous Steak Frites! Wonderful service, great location!
(4)Chris G.
I gave it 4 Stars - - - but only because I am very stingy with that 5th star. Really nothing to keep me from that, or complain about. I may even call it 4 and 1/2 stars, as we had a great meal. Merchant's has two sections - - Upstairs and Downstairs. Each of these two sections has its own menu. The Upstairs has a pricier menu, and we opted for the lower-priced Downstairs section. We made a reservation through OpenTable here on the Yelp Website, and they had our table for two in the Downstairs section waiting for us as we arrived. When you make your reservation on OpenTable, it asks you to specify "Upstairs or Downstairs". I think you can look on the restaurant's website to see which menu appeals your taste/budget. The easy reservation process allowed us ample time to enjoy a relaxing dinner before the concert at The Ryman. The Downstairs menu is not too long - - - pretty much one page for food and appetizers, and the flip-side for drinks and cocktails. My wife and I both found plenty to suit our taste-buds. The decor is cool, with a beautiful marble bar and tables. The prices were not too bad. My wife and I had a couple of Champagne Cocktails along with the Wings Appetizer. Then we both had entrees, and shared a dessert and coffee - - - all of this for a total of $78 plus Tip. I tipped our waiter 25% because of his "attentive, yet unobtrusive" service that he rendered. There are plenty of other restaurants in downtown Nashville that I still want to try, but if you are looking for a good place to take your date before a show or after a ballgame, you can't go wrong with Merchant's. Maybe you'll see me there again when you show up.
(4)Buddy B.
*This is a review of the more affordable, casual downstairs section* Visually, the place is fantastic. Ergo the two stars (and that's being lenient: visuals make 2 stars in a restaurant setting?). However, the burger was dry and boring, even after I tried to make it interesting with smoked gouda and bbq sauce. And finally, the music. While I do like the Buzzcocks and the faster White Stripes numbers, this ain't the place for them. This place isn't a dark bar. It's got the feel of a burger joint. The music just made us give up trying to have a conversation. And the social anxiety! I can't remember ever praying for the server to not come over and fill up our water glasses.
(2)Brenda K.
I was visiting friends and believe it or not, they have been in Nashville 6 years and have never been. We ate upstairs in the restaurant and were very pleased with our dinner and service. Only in the south would the amuse bushce would be a pork rind on beer cheddar cheese! I had the beet salad, crab cakes and gnocchi mac and cheese. All very tasty! Small portions for the meaty men with us, but I was very satisfied with my choices and just the right amount of food. Service was excellent - my friends drink was not right and when it was redone, the bartender personally brought up the right one! I highly recommend giving this place a try.
(4)Sean C.
Very good food, sat downstairs which offers more casual southern style fare, excellent service and cool retro ambiance makes this place a can't miss. A great diversion from all the honky tonk bars downtown.
(4)Angie K.
Loved this place! We strolled in there not expecting amazingness and ended up loving it. Deviled eggs as as app, and a variety of entrees we were all happy! Also the price is right. Good drinks, great popcorn, very good service. Worth the wait!
(5)Steve S.
A clean, well-lit restaurant with a hip nod to the 1890's. Was in town for a business meeting and after wandering on Broadway, listening to the music pouring out on the streets, I stopped in and grabbed a seat at the bar. The bartender, in suspenders and bow tie, was amazingly efficient. Bringing me popcorn to snack on and filling my diet coke whenever the glass was half full. Grilled chicken sandwich with onion, avocado and spicy aoli was excellent but better still were the duck fat tater tots. Could not have asked for a better first impression of Nashville.
(4)Cheryl D.
We had one evening to enjoy downtown Nashville and booked a reservation for Merchants Restaurant on the recommendations of every single diner who had ever eaten there. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere is cool and inviting, the servers were wonderful, and the food was great. Fish tacos, Chicken fried chicken, and a steak. All wonderful. Had a little issue with one of the bartenders who thought he was Tosh. He mocked me when I ordered and talked with my hands and then insulted my husband when he carded my son and told him anyone would look young standing next to "him". Not called for but I guess he thought he was being funny. All in all a great place in Nashville and we will return.
(4)Debi A.
My daughter and I ate here after walking lower Broadway on our first trip to Nashville for an apartment hunting trip for her. It seemed like a good choice for a quiet dinner after a busy day. The bars in the area were great for live music and crowds, but we needed to relax. This was perfect for what we were looking for. We sat outside at our request, it was hot, but the awning kept us cool and it was nice to sample some local dishes and a nice glass of wine. I recommend it if you find yourself downtown.
(4)Mark D.
Merchants is a pretty good place to have lunch. It's not going to blow you away, but it's good.
(3)Stephanie F.
Very good food and service! Love the craft cocktail list and the sides. We sat upstairs and had a very yummy dinner. When you go, get the creamed corn, the mac and cheese and a nice steak. Mmmmmm!
(4)Phyllis S.
This place is a calm cool around way too much noise. WHICH WAS A POSITIVE FOR ME. Tom our bartener made the very coldest Martini. Tom made blue cheese olives by hand, who knew. I thought they came in a jar!! The goat cheese and beet crostinies..WOW. perfect! We had the roast beef sandwich, plain one might say...except for the horseradish Mayo & pickled onions Can't for another reason to go back
(5)Rick P.
Left Jacks Barbecue due to ripoff portions, came here. Liked it. Ate downstairs, loved the atmosphere, good service. Turkey Club was excellent, great country bread and thick high quality bacon. Side salad was huge. Fries were good but the place really needs to step up to steak fries. I also had the Corn Shrimp Chowder and loved it but the portion was disappointing. The Mahi fish tacos are complicated but good, again small portions though. Prices are average. Would go back.
(3)Ashley H.
Very cool spot. Food is good and reasonably priced. Grilled chicken sandy w sweet pot fries were great. Baked chz app, not so much. Way too rich for my tastes and I normally love anything with cheese.
(4)Jeff E.
Great steak! Plan in about $50 to $60 per person with a glass of wine
(4)Sam L.
I've been hearing that Merchants is the gem of downtown Nashville, and after enjoying lunch with my boyfriend & his family one day, I am now able to confirm that rumor! The peppered popcorn they start you out with is yum yum!!! I ordered a delicious soup & sammy, and everyone around the table was very excited to swap goodies and taste every item. It was very delicious. We had a great lunch & will definitely be going back for some more tasty treats.
(4)Allie M.
As far as restaurants on Broadway go, I'd say this is the top one. While most of the restaurants around are either chains or just not very good, Merchants has a really nice atmosphere and is uniquely Nashville. Both the food and the service have always been excellent. The menu has a wide variety and seems to be consistently delicious.
(4)Mindy B.
I was in Nashville on vacation, and Merchants was recommended by a friend. We were celebrating a birthday with a big party, and they were more than accommodating. The hostess was very sweet and personable, as was the entire wait staff. We ate in the upstairs dining room, which has a very stylish decor, and hip vibe. Great place for a date as well... We were never waiting on anything, and the food and drinks were spectacular! I had the beet salad, and 6oz steak. It was cooked perfectly, and was exactly the way I wanted it. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience.
(5)Jonathan S.
The food was excellent downstairs. Mac and Cheese was great! The service was not so good. We had dinner late evening on a Saturday Night and the server rushed us the entire night. From appetizers through desert we were pushed through like cattle. Our dinner arrived within a couple of minutes of the appetizers, which we had not come close to finishing. I usually eat here when in Nashville, and will likely give them another chance.
(2)Roy K.
Came for a work function and I was impressed. Good 'ol town' environment feel along with great good. I hate the filet and it was cooked perfectly + apps and dessert were good as well. Pricey - but that's expected at a place like this.
(5)Tony C.
Ok. This is hard for me to say because I am an avid carnivore and I have eaten steaks all over the world, but I had the best ribeye steak of my 43 years at The Merchant. It was perfectly marbled, aged and prepared. I could have cut it with a spoon. It was amazing and it ruined me. The place itself is cool, if not a bit full of itself. I waited an hour plus for a table as a walk in which I NEVER do, but the bar was fun and admittedly, downtown Nashville is not exactly flush with fine dining. But after we were seated, the service and food made it worth the wait. In fact we were in town for three nights and I immediately made a reservation for the next night when we were leaving. No doubt, you pay for what you get. And there is pretension in the place. But when the food is served, all is forgiven. Even the bill.
(5)Kathleen M.
Excellent southern fare. We ate downstairs in their "bistro". The cocktails were fabulous and they also serve some good local beers. The fish tacos can't be missed and my husband said the tilapia was the best he has ever had. Being from the east coast we were nervous about the seafood in a land locked state, but it was delicious!
(5)Jennie V.
The best place to eat on lower Broadway. Locals go there. Downstairs is casual. Think yummy comfort foods with gourmet twists. Upstairs is a bit fancier. Everything is delicious. Order a champagne cocktail and enjoy the people watching.
(4)The C.
I ate here with some colleagues from work and none of us were happy with our dinners. This included a couple fish dishes and steak. It just wasn't good. My steak was not good quality. The fish was lifelessly flavored. For the prices they charge, the quality of everything has to go way up. The service was fine but what's the point of good service if your food stinks. I would not go back. There are plenty of other alternatives in the area.
(2)Heather L.
I was looking forward to my dinner at Merchants but it was a total disappointment. The food is decent - not amazing but I thought everything was fine. We ate upstairs and I found the atmosphere bland - it looked like they were trying to make it look expensive and cosy, but didn't want to foot the bill. So instead it felt like I was in a wanna be country club. The service was totally friendly, but FAR (!!) from a "fine dining experience" as they consider themselves. The waiter wasn't educated on the menu, the wine list or basics of how to serve. Water glasses were only filled when requested and silverware was never switched out. Overall, I thought this was way overrated for what it was.
(2)Taylor R.
My lady and I were up there on 12/09/2013 right before the Brian Setzer show at the Ryman. We were kind of in a hurry because it was about 6:15 when we walked in and the show started at 7:30. When we walked in, the art deco-ish décor just enticed us. The place seemed fairly busy and appeared at a first glance to be running like clockwork. Over the next 45 minutes, I was convinced that this was not just an illusion. The host staff were very friendly and informative. They told us that there was an upstairs and a downstairs. We looked at the menu for upstairs and while it looked phenomenal, I was trying to stay under $100. There was about a 20 minute wait for a table, but we opted for the bar. The bartenders were great (I wish I could remember the name of the person that waited on us the most.), very knowledgeable, prompt, entertaining and sensitive to the fact that we couldn't stay terribly long. We ordered two ales, two ribeye steaks and a pecan pie. Everything was superb. We loved the food, impeccable service and the general atmosphere of your establishment. The bill was $71 and with tip, we dropped $90. It was a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. We might get to Nashville 4 times a year (although hopefully that will be changing, we live just south of Chattanooga) and we'll try to make it to your establishment at least once a year, possibly more if my budget will allow it. This place is a gem on Broadway.
(5)Leslie D.
We ventured out onto Broadway street tonight and stumbled into Merchant's. It looked nice inside and the place was packed! (always an indicator of good food!) The restaurant is darling! It has an "up/down" theme because there is a nicer (fancier) restaurant upstairs and a more casual bar and restaurant downstairs. We opted for down because that's where the crowd was. : ) The restaurant opened in 1892 and has lots of charm! A beautiful old bar, a cute patio, gorgeous hardwood floors and quaint white marble tables are a few of the gems this place holds. The Tennessee Mojito (made with peach rum!) caught my eye on the drink menu, so that's what I had to have. It was very very good! Almost too good. Depending on how vegetarian you are there are a few options for dinner. I opted for the Market Vegetables which were corn, okra, green beans, squash, potatoes, tomatoes and a tomato balsamic jam. The jam was out of this world and the vegetables were all very fresh. We had the Chocolate Torte for dessert and the torte itself was not fantastic, but the homemade ice cream on top was fabulous! Do yourself a favor and just ask for a bowl of that.
(5)Jo N.
Great dining option on Broadway. Ate downstairs in the bar area where the food was a little more basic. I had good chicken fried chicken and my friend had some nice fish tacos. Nice place, I would try it again. it was not busy at all at 5 pm on a Tuesday in January.
(4)Genya D.
Don't go to this restaurant on a Sunday night. The chef is off that night, and the food quality takes a HUGE hit. My family and I went to the upstairs part of the restaurant on a Saturday night, and were blown away by the food (five stars). The apps (beet salad, bruschetta, and fried octopus) were fantastic. Our entrees were phenomenal: chicken, pork, and brisket. And...the dessert. Oh my god. Seasonal crumble: blueberries with a crumble topping, caramel and sea salt vanilla ice cream. I could have eaten the whole thing myself. The crumble was so good that we talked about it all day Sunday, and it was the sole reason we went back on Sunday night (to the downstairs section). This was a mistake. The oysters were funky and smelled nasty (and tasted bad). I know, don't order seafood on a Sunday night. My bad. The fried green tomatoes were blah. My friend chicken was runny inside. And then...the crumble. It was soupy, had just a sprinkle of topping, and it was raw. We sent the oysters and the crumble back to the kitchen. It was then that our server (who had left my fried chicken plate on the table next to us gathering flies) informed us that the chef is off on Sunday nights. Why not just close the restaurant on Sunday nights instead of providing such lackluster food and service. I give it 3.5 stars, averaged between the two nights.
(4)Dina D.
The decor at Merchants is lovely. I love the teal walls and golden curtains and chandeliers with the warm lighting. The black and white photography complements it well, as does the faux fireplace with white wood. The food is excellent. I had the roast chicken with farro and roasted vegetables. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the dish was very flavorful. For dessert, I had the seasonal crumble with buttermilk ice cream and sea salt caramel. This was divine. Even the menus have a classy font that adds to the restaurant's ambiance. I would definitely recommend Merchant's.
(5)Caitlin D.
I was surprised by Merchants tonight, because I had pictured hamburgers and grease for some reason. Mainly because that's what all the other restaurants on Broadway serve. However, once you walk in, it is clear that Merchants is of a nicer quality. I had calamari, which was great, and a soup and salad combo. Not my most creative choice, but I wasn't super hungry. The caesar was tasty, and the fried ball of brie on it even better. I'll have to go back and try something more interesting, but I could see this place offers quality food.
(4)Al S.
A group of five of us dined here this past weekend and had a very pleasant experience. We started off ordering drinks from a friendly bartender on the ground floor. Dinner took place on the second floor, which was rather classy--dimly lit with dark walls and furniture. The menu contained standard steakhouse fare; however, the food arrived promptly and was presented nicely. My filet was cooked perfectly. My companions all enjoyed their dishes. Delicious cheesecake topped off the night. Service was prompt, attentive, and upbeat. I would gladly dine here again.
(4)Ryan C.
Merchants Restaurant is a jewel in Nashville's crown, offering an spectacular dining experience replete with exceptional service and carefully crafted cuisines pouring forth from a charming and reputedly haunted 1870's era building. The menu is well done and the quality of the food was simply astounding. I strongly suggest starting off with the Roasted Vegetable Ravioli it was a delightful mix of highly palatable but rounded earthy textures. Since you are in the South it would only be fitting to follow up with the Jack Daniel's Filet Mignon, it will take very little effort to clean your plate. My wife was quite impressed with the Pan Seared Sea Scallops, the were exceptionally large and prepared perfectly. The service was at least equally exceptional both my wife and I were very pleased with our waiter Kevin, he possessed a warm friendly demeanor and showed an outstanding attentiveness to detail.
(5)Anonymous P.
Had dinner here with a couple of friends. The restaurant is located in a great part of town with lots to see and do before and after dinner. Nashville's Broadway has rows of bars with live music playing in every single one of them. Merchants is a great place to eat. They have a lower level for casual dining and drinking,and a separate dining room for some high society grubbing. There are separate menus for each dining area. We ate upstairs because why drop $10 on a "chicken sandwich" sitting next to common folk when you can drop $25 on a "poultry plate" upstairs snobbing it up with high society. Good food, good service, and a good feel to the place.
(4)Kyle A.
Stopped by here for a pregame beer and sandwich before the USA soccer game. The location is great for walking to matches at LP field. Food prices were in line with the quality. I would recommend to anyone as it seemed people of all ages and types were here.
(4)Stuart L.
I was disappointed in this restaurant. Both the appetizers and main course came out cold. We were half way through the appetizers when the hostess brought out the main course. The table was too small for all of the plates, so she pulled the appetizer plates off the table even though we were still eating them. Didn't even ask if we were done. Considering the cost and type of restaurant, we expected better service. Next time we are in Nashville, we will not bother going here.
(2)Robert K.
Merchants is a cool restaurant in an even cooler building. This is the first place I went out to dinner when I moved to Nashville! The atmosphere inside is cool, with giant booths in the front dining room. The shrimp and grits are delicious! It was my first time having this signature southern dish. Cooked just right, the shrimp were big and juicy. The grits were smooth and not too gritty. It is in a great location downtown right on Broadway, which is great for a night out on the town. Dinner followed by bar hopping, Nashville style.
(5)Dan M.
I went here for dinner with the wife on a Sunday. We were in Nashville for a wedding and wanted to grab something a little nicer than BBQ. It had a 4 star rating on Yelp, so why not! We arrived downstairs, looked over both the bistro and the upstairs menu. We decided to go 'upscale' and be seated upstairs. We were told she could not seat us right now, and it would be about 45-60 minutes. Not a problem on vacation, we went to the bar downstairs and had drinks and an appetizer. I had a Jack/Coke and her a martini. I was impressed by the ice cubes, as they were the nonstandard large size cubes (actual cubes) which decreases the amount of watering down that occurs. We had the duck-fat fried tater tots, and they were fantastic. Three dipping sauces, so it made it feel a little classier than squeezing Ketchup out of a bottle. After about 20 minutes, the hostess came back and said they were ready upstairs. We didn't need the whole basket of tots, so we finished our drink and headed upstairs. Downstairs decor was very cool. Old school styling, subway tile, etc. Upstairs, the decor was very nice, low lighting, very classy with some exposed brick. To my surprise, there were only maybe 10 people upstairs, with seating for at least 50-60. I was very confused at why we had to wait. But figured maybe it was going to be attentive service and they were short-staffed or something. The service was a bit slow to start. They filled our water glasses fairly quickly and gave us menus. After about 10 minutes, he came back to take the wine order. This took a good 15-20 minutes to come back. Then he disappeared again, finally coming back to take the dinner order. Disappeared again... and probably another 20 minutes for our soups to come out. From there out the service was fine, with items coming up properly timed and drinks refreshed. From a food perspective, we both had the tomato bisque, which was very good. We were also brought a small crab and citrus taster which was also very good. This brought our expectations up regarding the upcoming meal. My wife had the roasted chicken with farro and some summer squash. It was pleasant, but nothing to get excited for. She mentioned that she shouldn't have gone with chicken, because who gets excited for chicken? I had a 14oz rib eye, which was recommended by the waiter. It was tasty enough, but a ton of fat. I understand it's a rib eye... but this was a bit over the top. It was cooked properly and was tasty enough, but for almost $30, I was expecting more. It also came in a weird little cast iron pot/dish. The dish was just deep enough to hinder your ability to cut the steak easily. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. We took a look at the dessert menu, but nothing thrilled us so we got the check. It wasn't bad, $100 for 2 soups, 2 meals, 2 glasses of wine. We were discussing what we thought of the place and both of us said "underwhelmed". We were discussing being spoiled living in Chicago, but I don't know how much weight that holds. I've had amazing dinners in small towns and this just didn't cut it. I'm going with 2 stars, with them getting knocked on service and food. I still don't know why it took 30 minutes (and quoted 60) to get us seated in an empty place? We asked if they were busy and the waitress said "No, we usually book up by 2PM, blah blah blah" adding to the confusion. I just got the impression they were trying to make themselves more exclusive than they are. On food and pricing alone, I would have gone for three. It wasn't bad... but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. If we had the half-star, MAYBE 2.5... MAYBE. I feel comfortable giving this 2. To be fair, the bistro area has potential. Similar food, but more upscale sandwiches / sides than a standard diner/bar. I would give that a shot.
(2)Michelle M.
Good, bad, both... I went here for the first time about 2 years ago while in town and ended up eating here 3 times (2 lunches and a dinner). I thought it was really really tasty. They had a great bread pudding, great sandwiches, great burgers, etc. The service was also really quick and servers were nice. I just went back to Nashville for a car show and convinced my parents to go for dinner one night. Apparently they changed chefs or the chef changed menu items or something, didn't really know exactly what the server said. We started out with the spinach artichoke dip which wasn't horrible, but it was really runny. For our dinner, we ordered pork chop, brie salad, and chicken sandwich. I had the sandwich and I ordered a side of the spicy chipotle mayo with it. They did not lie about the spicy part of it!!! It was good, but my mouth was on fire while I was eating it. The sandwich tasted like a chicken sandwich that you would order from any restaurant, nothing special about it, but no complaints either. The pork chop was full of fat, and nowhere near the cost. The salad had really runny dressing and when asked for a side of dressing (twice), it never came. Every time we had an issue that the server knew about, he disappeared and didn't reappear until the problem was fixed which was fine except that he would disappear for 10 minutes at a time while everyone's drinks would be empty (and with that spicy chipotle mayo, you need a full glass at all times). At this point, my parents had no clue why I told them we had to go there, but we stayed for dessert because my mom loves bread pudding when it has chocolate chips instead of raisins, which they have. We also ordered carrot cake and chocolate cake. The description of the chocolate cake said something about it being chocolate cake with chocolate icing. When I got my "chocolate cake", it was not cake, it was mousse. I never would have ordered it had I known that. I took a bite thinking maybe it had cake somewhere, but it didn't, it was just mousse. The carrot cake was small and round and 90 percent frosting. There was approximately 2 spoon fulls of actual carrot cake hidden under tons of frosting. When the server came back and saw that I only took one bite of the chocolate "cake", he said yeah, our chef changed it today (thanks for the warning), but I will take it back since you didn't like it. This was very nice considering that I didn't even ask him to do that, but he never offered me another dessert, just took it back. It is fine, I didn't need the calories anyways. Our bill was around 100 bucks for 1 appetizer, 3 meals, and 2 desserts. Overall this 2nd experience was nowhere near as good as the first, but the bread pudding is still delicious so I would maybe go back for just that. They are getting ready to do a major remodel so hopefully after that they will work on getting their food back to being good!
(2)Eat S.
Solid food, great attentive serice make me a repeat visitor to Merchants downstairs when I am in Nashville. Generally fairly priced, yet you do need to look at what you are ordering and the price alongside it. As a pervious reviewer wrote - $ 21. for an OK chicken cordon blu - does not measure up to their hearty burgers. Keep it simple and you will be pleased
(4)Steph H.
After some deliberation, I decided that I would use my birthday as an opportunity to try out the upstairs (read: swanky) section of Merchants restaurants. After getting the go-ahead from my dining companions, I made a reservation for four for 7 pm and we were off to the proverbial races. One thing I like about Merchants is that they have a complimentary valet stationed out front - kind of a must-have (and must-use) given the area. Parking would otherwise be a nightmare in the downtown district, so prepare to tip a few bucks and hand over your keys. I've been to the downstairs portion of Merchants before and never really had to wait, despite never having a reservation. Ironically, this time my party and I did wind up having to wait about 25 minutes for our table even though we did have reservations! At one point one of the girls at the front of the house mentioned something about how if the wait was "much longer" they'd likely give us a round of free drinks, which cheered our spirits considerably, but wouldn't you know it said drinks never appeared. Moreover, when we finally made it upstairs there were plenty of empty tables so I'm not sure what the wait was for. Kind of a disappointing way to start dinner. Still it was my birthday and I while I could certainly have cried if I wanted to, I didn't want any tears! Instead we dove into ordering many of the drool-inducing first and second courses. After ordering, the chef sent out an amuse-bouche (smoked shrimp salad) that wasn't all that great (way too smokey) and had us worrying. Our first courses were hit and miss - some were heavenly (the gnocchi and the seared foie gras come to mind) but we largely left the crab cake uneaten as it had an overly fishy flavor that was really unpleasant. So far, the evening was off to a shaky start... Thankfully the mains totally redeemed the wobbly beginning to the meal. Everything we ordered was fantastic, and I'd happily order everything we tried again (a good thing since many of these plates will set you back close to $30 per person). Everything was cooked perfectly, the plating was GORGEOUS, and the flavors were spot on. Our dessert followed suit, in that it was the perfect way to end the meal and even though we were all stuffed, we managed to find room for it! The only real let-down to our experience was the service. I've already mentioned the wait, but I just really felt that given the caliber of the food and the vibe the upstairs dining room is going for, the service fell short. At one point, a dirty fork was placed in front of me and when we pointed it out, it took about five minutes to get it replaced even though our food had been served and I now had nothing to eat it with. Additionally, it took a really long time to get our drinks freshened and served after ordering them, and when we ordered a bottle of wine, it took about 15 minutes to appear. Our waitress was really helpful and knowledgeable, that didn't make up for the lag we felt with everything. Also, given that I had specified at the time of the reservation that we were celebrating a birthday, I would have appreciated it if the dessert had been on the house or some other nice gesture. Between the four of us, we easily spent over $250, so a free dessert wouldn't have killed them! All in all, the food was a solid 4.5 stars, but the service was a measly 3. I'll split the difference and give Merchants 4 stars because I would certainly consider returning again since the food really was very good. Also, I do love the downstairs restaurant (where service seems better!), and will definitely be back when I can only spend $40 on dinner, instead of 4 times that.
(4)Erin D.
I've only ever been here for lunch, but I enjoyed it either way. W started off with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which was really good. It comes with tortilla chips and sour cream. My meal was pretty good too. I got the Southwest Salad - which comes with chicken, black beans and tortilla strips. It wasn't bad, but a little pricey for my taste. I went with a vegetarian friend of mine though, and she had a tough time eating here. All their soups were made with their Chicken or Beef broth. She considered the grilled cheese, but wanted to be a little healthier than that, so finally gave in and got a piece of fish. I really liked the ambiance too. We sat in this fun circular booth, because of the size of our group. They also had a nice bar to one side, that I'd like to go back and sit at for a while.
(4)Stacy S.
Had the blackened tilapia with sweet potatoes. OMG! It was way better than I could have even imagined. It was soo delicious! Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town :)
(4)Jeff B.
We got a burger and a club sandwich. The burger was very good; meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly as ordered. The club sandwich was fine, I would probably not order it again. Overall a good experience. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Dan d.
This area of Nashville is saturated with eateries (most of them essentially drinking establishments that happen to serve food). This place however actually IS a restaurant, and one of the older establishments in the city. I had lunch downstairs (I hear the upstairs is a more upscale white-tablecloth type setting). The setting was quaint in an authentic way, and much better suited to conversation than the typically noisy establishments in the area. The service and food were both excellent.
(4)brewgirl b.
Excellent, excellent food in the upstairs dining area. Cant rave enough about the low country shrimp and creamy grits, served with a wild shrooms, corn and asparagus ragout. Our starter arugula salad with spiced pecans, buttermilk blue cheese and a pear vinaigrette was outstanding. Service was friendly, but a bit off. Great decor, but maybe a bit too dark. Also, I'm used to paying $30+ for an entree in San Francisco, so finding similarly priced entrees in Nashville was unexpected.
(4)Cory D.
A great spot to visit in downtown Nashville. The food is excellent, and the location is great for watching people as they move down the street. I will definitely making another visit.
(5)Paul R T J.
Looked like it could have been much better. Waiter seemed frazzled & lost. Better service would have saved the day, instead cocktails were made incorrectly and wine was warm, not to mention the mistakes in half of our orders. It looks like a good place we just got the lousy service. Oh well, maybe next time
(2)Mitch E.
Oh Merchants, in a row of Honky Tonk, you are my charming delight. Merchants is located right in the heart of Nashville, right on Broadway. You can get two different dinning experiences, an upstairs or downstairs menu. We went with the downstairs. We were told it would be a thirty minute wait. We told them we'd be by the bar and sure enough two seats opened up. After waiting around and ordering our appetizers, we figured we'd just stay here and told them to cancel that table reservation. We were given attentive service at the bar, tough I guess my only issue/concern was how fast our food came out. Our appetizer took a bit and we hadn't even told them our entrees for awhile. We told them our entrees maybe a minute before our appetizer came out and two minutes later they were in our face. Nothing tasted bad and we didn't get sick, it was just odd. We got everyone's favorite, duck fat tater tots. They were so good. They came with three different sauces. Ketchup, a chipotle mayo, and a beeranaise. All pretty tasty, though I felt the beeranaise went better with the fries from my entree. I got the blackened catfish sandwich which was delicious. My friend got the fish tacos which he said were stellar. This is an wonderful option if you're feeling hungry on Broadway.
(5)Laura S.
Some of the best chicken fried chicken I have ever had. Obviously a little pricier than it would usually be, but definitely worth it for the quality the restaurant gives you. Also ordered the duck tater tots because it seemed like a must. It was a unique taste and good, but probably wouldn't it order it again. At the end of the day, they're tater tots. Over all still really enjoyed the restaurant!
(4)Brian B.
Duck fat tater tots were off the chain. Chicken fried chicken was good, but not crazy amazing. Staff was super friendly and overall experience was nice. We sat on the patio, which was tilted but fun. Building it's in, which I'm told used to be a hotel, is pretty cool.
(4)Kelsey R.
A friend and I came here for the first meal of our Nashville trip. Merchants was a great place to go. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. I loved getting to try a taste of the Nashville BBQ. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce a little sweet. My meal came with onion rings and these were perfection as well. They had popcorn out for all their guests (like their chips and salsa or peanuts). It was nice to nosh on. The selection of local brews was pretty good so it was nice to get a local craft beer to experience Nashville a little more. The inside was beautiful! Despite being around 1 on a Saturday we found seats easily at the bar. I would definitely return and recommended it to other travelers at our hotel.
(5)Dana A.
Delicious food. Chill vibe. Friendly service. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Good (not great) salad, and great Rosemary sauce with the ribeye.
(3)Derrick L.
great/simple food. cool bar tenders.
(4)Danny B.
I visited Merchants Restaurant recently with 5 buddies during a guys weekend in Nashville. We made reservations a few weeks ahead of time for an upstairs table. I'll get the weird stuff out of the way first: 1. We arrived at the time of our reservation, but were made to wait 15 minutes or so. Normally this would be fine, but I was then surprised to be escorted upstairs to a basically empty dining room. Not sure why we were waiting. 2. The menu we were given was different than the "UP" menu on the website. Apparently, the website is still publishing the "Autumn" menu, and we were there in Spring. Slightly disappointing, as my visit to the website had me drooling over the Butter Poached Lobster appetizer and Kobe Strip w/ Truffled Pumpkin Perogies. Neither selection made the cut onto the Spring menu. 3. We were notified that the restaurant was out of Foie Gras, and the Halibut entree. Not a big deal, but several of us had planned on Foie Gras. 4. I ordered two different types of wine from a decent wine list; both were not available, so I had to substitute. 5. The cocktail menu featured a barrel-aged cocktail selection. Only after one in our group order one of the drinks was it pointed out that these cocktails were "coming soon". My friend politely pointed out that perhaps the drinks should not be listed on the menu until they actually exist. 6. They don't have an espresso machine. None of the above items were offensive, but the aggregate was just a bit weird. Fortunately, our waitress had a good sense of humor and put up with our sarcastic comments on their being out of everything. Now, the good stuff: 1. Great location in downtown Nashville 2. Trendy-without-being-obnoxious decor, both downstairs and upstairs. 3. The dining area upstairs was mostly open, but had columns throughout the room which made each table seem somewhat private. 4. Friendly and accomodating staff 5. Pricing was reasonable for what you got, and portions were not small. Between the six of us, our appetizers included a couple Beet and Cheese salads, a mixed green salad, celery root puree/soup, head cheese (I forgot the fancy term they used for this), and crab cake. The celery root soup was unique, fresh, and delicious, especially with a healthy topping of cracked black pepper. The beet and cheese salad was probably the star, with a few different types of beets, onions, cheese, and a green apple puree/reduction. I could eat this salad every day and never get bored. Crab cake was great in that it was almost entirely crab meat (no fillers), but nothing particularly special or unique. The mixed green salad was described by its owner as "awful", by which I think he meant it had only 2-3 uninteresting ingredients topped with an entirely bland vinaigrette. I did not try to head cheese, but those who did seemed pleased. For the entree, I had the Aged (28-day) Strip Steak with cipollini onions/balsamic vinegar, asparagus, and some sauteed wild mushrooms. The asparagus had a drizzle of truffle oil on top. In all honesty, this was the best steak dish I've had outside of a Peter Luger Steakhouse or equivalent. The chef was able to achieve a true Pittsburgh Rare, and the cut had perfect fat distribution. I slowly devoured the steak over about 30-40 minutes and loved the last bite as much as the first. Even though I'm not much of a mushroom guy, the sauteed mushrooms were fantastic - lots of flavor, with a perfect "brownness". Others in the party ordered: 1. Pan-seared scallops - they looked good, but like the crab cake, not sure how special or unique something like this can really be. 2. Wild mushroom gnocchi - my second-favorite dish after my aged strip steak. Great flavor, and I didn't even mind that it didn't contain any meat. 3. Ribeye - very good, but paled in comparison the the aged strip steak. 4. Filet - didn't try it, but the owner seemed very pleased with it. 5. Pheasant - from the same guy who disliked the salad, I don't think he was thrilled with this either. Dessert menu was lame overall, but there was a nice selection of after-dinner drinks. I had a nice glass of port. Overall, I thought it was a great experience, and I'd visit Merchants again if I ever find myself in Nashville in the future.
(4)Christina C.
Loved everything about this place! Immediately after walking in I loved the feel of the place. Everything from the marble to the servers' uniforms were charming. The service itself was great - our server was very nice and gave great recommendations from the menu. The food and drinks were also delicious!! I got a mule (my fave) which was one of the better ones I'd tried. For lunch, I ordered the chicken salad salad. I love chicken salad and this one did not disappoint! I wish I had some right now!! The dressing it came with was SO GOOD!! While it may not look filling at first, it definitely filled me up. I have to eat gluten free (Celiac) and I checked with my server. He was knowledgeable and double checked with the chef as needed. My salad was gf except for the nuts (don't know why). Everyone in my party loved their dishes as well. My husband gushed over the wings! Can't go wrong with any of the food or drinks here!! Definitely a gem in the honky tonk area.
(5)Amanda Z.
Great Sunday evening dining. We started with the deviled eggs and loved the added flavor of the pickle. Both my husband and I ordered a salad. I ate the chicken chopped salad and loved it. The vinaigrette dressing was the perfect lightness, but a lot of flavor. The drinks are also delicious!
(4)Bill C.
Our first night in Nashville, we were looking for a place to eat and our concierge suggested Merchants. We walked there from our hotel and we're excited at how cute it looked. Our first experience was a bit frustrating as we had an 8PM reservation and didn't get seated until 8:40. Our table was in a great location, the corner booth on the first floor looking down Broadway to the river. My second complaint was how noisy it was. It was super hard to talk at the table so if you are looking to enjoy a meal and conversation, you might be out of luck, at least where we were sitting. On to the great part. The food and drinks were amazing. I had two great cocktails, a Dark & Stormy and Sixty Fifteen. My wife tried a local white wine, not good and an Oregon Pinot Gris, much better. We all shared the Southern Fry and Tater Tots to start and both were out of this world. Who could imagine Tater Tots being so good, but the duck fat in the description should have been a clue. The Southern Fry was equally yummy, pickles, catfish, shrimp and okra. Not the healthiest start to a meal, but darn good. So why start healthy with the entree. I had the chicken fried chicken which was out of this world, served on top of mashed potatoes and spinach. My only regret was being too full to eat the whole thing. Our one son had the same and the other had a perfectly cooked steak while our daughter had a cheeseburger. My wife went healthier with a refreshing Greek salad. I also ordered the iceberg wedge, why would I think I'd have room for a salad. It was a nice wedge which some of the tastiest pieces of bacon, but I only made it halfway through. I loved the food here, everything we had was just so tasty and well prepared, exactly the type of southern comfort food I was looking for after a couple of days of BBQ in Memphis. I'd highly recommend, but not necessarily for a family or those looking for a quiet evening. If you aren't one of those, this is a great choice along bustling Broadway.
(5)Lacey P.
We got the Greek salad and pulled pork BBQ sandwich for lunch and split them. Perfect amount of food and it was delicious. I would definitely come back. If you want to eat dinner here and not wait get a reservation.
(5)Tina S.
This place was not what it looked like on the outside. The lower level had the look of a old fashioned soda fountain. You could order sandwiches and salads. But we wanted something nicer. Please follow us upstairs...it was a nice elegant sit down dinner with cloth napkins, silver, wine glasses. My friend ordered the watermelon salad and scallops. His watermelon salad was the prettiest thing I have ever seen. It was slices of tomatoes, watermelon, sliced onions topped with feta cheese and a vinaigrette. I begged him to share and he did. I had the corn soup, which was topped with popcorn, very sweet and tasty. I had the pan crusted chicken with mushrooms and a few garden veggies. This place was amazing.....
(4)Chad R.
Some of the best food in Downtown Nashville!! One of my favorite places in town. I always take out-of-town guest here so they can experience Lower Broad, and get a taste of good food that makes you think you're somewhere besides Nashville. I've only eaten downstairs, so my review will only be for the Downstairs Menu. ALWAYS get the Tater tots! Flavored and fried in Duck fat, and served with 3 different dippings. It's a great appetizer! And you cannot go wrong with Grilled Salmon BLT or the Sweet Tea Pork Loin. They are my favorites. And the drinks are carefully crafted!! Owned by the same people who own Patterson House, and have many of the same classic cocktails. The bartenders take great pride in the drinks they are making, and just a couple dollars cheaper than PH. Definitely can't go wrong here if you're in downtown Nashville!!
(5)Lenka O.
I came to Nashville last weekend with a couple of girlfriends for a fun ladies trip. our first stop on Thursday night was to find somewhere with great dinner and after a couple of recommendations from locals we ended up at merchants. it was still near the strip so we could go out after. This place was absolutely wonderful food everything from the duck fat tater tots to all 3 entrees that we shared and dessert was nothing less than great. We tried the jambalaya, lobster mac and cheese and the fish tacos. The cocktails were creative and delicious too. I'll be honest, it's not going to be your cheapest dinner in Nashville but when you're on Music Row what else do you expect but to spend a little money? at least I can say that after eating here nothing was a regret.
(5)Lauren S.
This restaurant is one of the best on the Broadway. The first floor is a bit noisy and more of a scene. The second floor is quiet and more of an elegant setting. They even shine your shoes while eating if you want. They have a great cocktail list. Order the potato chips they are a must. I had the pork chop for dinner and I can honestly say it was one of the best I have had. We ended with a chocolate dessert which was amazing. I would go back for sure.
(4)Cynthia G.
This restaurant was FABULOUS!!! Ate downstairs. Very attentive wait staff. Had the fish tacos and they were perfectly seasoned. Also had the peach cobbler...delish!!!! Definitely a must!!!
(5)Laura M.
Had a great experience here as out of towners on a Friday evening. We didn't have to wait to eat in the downstairs bar & grill, though I believe the upstairs fine dining area would have required a reservation. This building is amazing! It was built in the 1870's and used to house a pharmacy among other things. You can see the bones of the pharmacy with the long marble counter and little stools where you once would have enjoyed soda shop service. The menu has great variety in the entrees and a good range of prices too with sandwiches under $10 and entrees ranging from $15-$30. Our waitress was very friendly and even gave us directions and tips for our trip. Overall the ambience, food and service was wonderful!
(4)Rachael P.
My friend and I went here before a show at the Ryman and had a great time! It was a Sunday night and we sat at the bar. We both ordered drinks (I had a Dark and Stormy) and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We only ordered apps and dessert since we were in a time crunch. We had the deviled eggs, southern fry, and the baked cheese. Soooo good! We ate every last bite, I still think about how delicious it was. We had the cheesecake for dessert, pretty good nothing super special. The location is great since it's so close to everything downtown and the food, from what I've had, is excellent!
(5)Lisa L.
Have been to Merchants 8 times now. Every time we go, it gets a little sloppier, a little less good, a little less... worth it. This is the last time. Chose the Southern Fry app, a mistake. Supposedly includes catfish, shrimp, okra and dill pickles. The catfish nuggets were great, but the 1" shrimp were fried into hard little bites of brick. Simply awful. While the smoked brisket was delicious, it was served ON TOP OF cold cole slaw alongside cold cornbread. Resultant weeping mess underneath meat was disgusting. DH had sweet tea pork, also delish. Grits were exceptional. The green beans, however, were all black on both ends, a sure sign of way too much time in the walk-in. How any expediter could let that plate out of the kitchen is baffling. The quality is just not there for the price. When Max was around more, the place ran a lot better. Our overly-tatted waiter REEKED of smoke and was clearly taking smoke breaks about every 10 minutes. Hostess stand employees couldn't be bothered, and were SO irritated to have to wave people to the back to check in. Sayonara, Merchants. We knew ya when.
(2)Ethel B.
Would give this 5 stars, but our waiter wasn't at the top of his game. We had to get someone else to fill our drinks and bring the condiments to us. With that being said, my husband and I both got the French dip and it was fantastic. Sweet potato fries were great too!
(4)Anwar M.
The steak was good. Stephen our sever seemed to be inexperienced. We sat in the first floor pharmacy, and it has a decent atmosphere. I wouldn't go again, but overall a decent experience.
(3)STEVE G.
This restaurant has been remodeled by the new owners. It has a wonderful bistro menu on the first floor which is very reasonably priced. it is like a Paris cafe. The second floor is more formal and has a great menu and a wide selection of wines. I loved the deserts. The service was great!! Will always eat there when I return to Nashville.
(5)David C.
I do not know the history of this building, but there is clearly an abundance of history here. The bar scene downstairs is cool, but once you enter the narrow stairway upstairs, you enter an altogether different realm. Beautiful, historic decor, impressive displays of wine, fine furniture, etc. We had the good fortune of eating on the private party floor. Service was impeccable and the food was, perhaps not memorable, but very good. I enjoyed the coffee and dessert as well as the salad and entree.
(4)Steve m.
Love the atmosphere--nice and quiet, subdued. Comfortable tables (meaning you're not squeezed in like some places). Very good, professional staff. Probably the very best steak I'd ever had in my life!! Super tender, you could drop a fork in it! If I'm ever in Nashville again, I'd stop here. Small menu, but they do it right.
(5)Heather R.
My husband and I had dinner here the other night. The food was pretty good definitely a little over priced though. My husband had the chicken cordon blu and I think it was $21 and that was for CHICKEN! It was ok but not worth the price. I had the salmon and it was pretty tasty and cooked just right that was $25 not badly priced but also I don't think it was exactly affordable. Our server we had was a little on the duh side. He wasn't the brightest bulb in the box....when we would ask questions he would kind of look at us like he was trying to process what we had just asked....the service was ok, but I definitely have experienced better from a fine dinning standpoint. Nonetheless the food was good and we would go back.
(4)Debapriya B.
What a disgrace to fine dining. Never go in there even if you have amnesia$%#!@$%. When one ends up paying almost $30 for an entrée, one expects divine service and food quality. My friend was eating when the server tried to take her plate away. The food portions were that of a Parisian Bistro with the quality of a back alley vendor stand. And they were not consistent either. The people in the next table had ordered what I did and got a full plate of food. However, I consider myself lucky since the food was so bad; I ended up eating less off it and not feel guilty. Nashville should shut down this abomination or invoke fire and brimstone to do it for them.
(1)J C.
I'm not a fan of this place. We had a work luncheon here about a month ago, and while I don't have complaints about the service, the food was just so-so. The menu also looked expensive for what was being offered. It's a lot of Southern food, but they also have some decent-looking sandwiches. I had a steak, and it was good but not fantastic. All in all, it was an okay meal but not very memorable.
(2)Gary K.
What a dump. Me and my wife split a surf and turf. They over charged, the spinach was cold as we're the potatos and the ladies room toilets were overflowing. Avoid if at all possible.
(1)Christine N.
I rarely give a 5 star review- quite honestly i must be made to feel quite special before I'm willing to hand out a perfect review. Visited on a busy Saturday night with a group of girlfriends in from out of town. We showed up without reservations, and I was immediately concerned because the restaurant was pretty packed. We let the hostess know that we were a party of 6 without reservations; and as I suspected, she told me that there was a pretty lengthy wait both at the upstairs and downstairs restaurant. As any large group would, we started the chatter right away about potentially going somewhere else. So she immediately offered to talk to her manager and see if he might be able to do anything to accommodate us. The manager Mike was able to squeeze us in. As a matter of fact, we were seated within minutes in this incredibly busy dining room and he graciously offered a drink on the house to our guest of honor (bride to be). Dinner service was excellent- our server (Jim, or Jimmy- I think) was knowledgeable about the menu, and didn't miss a beat even with the chaos that came from serving my friends. His suggestions were right on and everyone was insanely happy with their choices. The fish tacos were a big hit- I tried a bite and have to say, that was a damn good taco. I went with the pork tenderloin and it was excellent. Not one person had a bad thing to say about this place.The manager stopped by the table to see how dinner was and we raved about both the excellent service and the amazing food. Each of my friends remarked on how everyone had treated us so well. I think what made this place so special is that each member of the staff took the time to make sure that we were happy. This was teamwork at its finest and was really reflected in the overall experience. I even went back for lunch the next day! I ordered the eggs Benedict- no surprise here, they were incredible. My only regret is that i do not live closer to Nashville because i would love to eat here more often.
(5)Michele V.
Deeee-licious! Definitely start with the fried green tomatoes.
(5)Sheila S.
Nice break from the bright lights and honky tonk of Broadway. NOthing like it in the area it's in. Modern food and drink done in a fun way. Great waitstaff and atmosphere. Duck fat tater tots are amazing.
(4)Kelly M.
Excellent food! Very cool building! My fiance and I split the NY Strip and it's probably one of the best steaks I've had in a long time. The prices were very reasonable (but perhaps I'm just used to SF prices) and they were happy to let us join a group that we knew who were already seated. One star off because the service seemed to be a little slow and it did not look at all busy - but he was very nice.
(4)Brian O.
Prices are going up, portions are getting smaller. For several years I could order crab cakes downstairs, this time I had to call over a manager to get them ordered and they only gave me 1. We use to rant and rave about Merchants . This is the second time our favorite restaraunt failed us. And they no longer stock Sam Adams lager. Will be seeking a new favorite. Bring back the downstairs menu .
(2)Morgan L.
My boyfriend and I got a late start to dinner and luckily, this place was wait-free at 8:30 on a Saturday night so we gave it a shot. The space is beautiful-- an older building with sophisticated charm offering a respite from the neon-and-beer looniness outside. We were promptly seated and efficiently served. Our order (two medium rare burgers) came out quickly and were cooked to our specifications-- not dry and pink in the middle. They were tasty but not mind blowing. We loved the atmosphere and the music (very pleasant 50s and before instrumental). Definitely give it a shot, there were way more exciting menu options that looked delicious (brown sugar rubbed porkchop, seared scallops).
(3)Phil T.
Had heard so much about this place and was excited to go. operating since 1892, I enjoy the history of the place. The decor is light, white walls vintage mirrors easy to sit in. Went twice and tried a few things. Duck Fat Tater Tots were good but light on duck fat flavor. I wonder if they really use it. House made ricotta was great and the Almost Famous Fried Chicken would have been great but it was undercooked. The navy bean side item was really tasty.
(3)Brad L.
Stopped by on a Sunday night and got bad service but decent food. I had a burger and the others with me had salad and trout. We ate on the first floor which is more casual than the upper floor, but not even close to being worth the money.
(2)Misty L.
cute place and a great reputation but...not so impressed. food was good, but the menu was quite limited when we were there for CMA fan fair. it also seemed in puting their own unique spin on things Merchants may go a little too far for some people's taste. egg whites to thicken margarita's, my friend's mojito was not good... fun to experience the atmosphere, but i don't think i'd go back a second time.
(2)Mitch E.
Oh Merchants, in a row of Honky Tonk, you are my charming delight. Merchants is located right in the heart of Nashville, right on Broadway. You can get two different dinning experiences, an upstairs or downstairs menu. We went with the downstairs. We were told it would be a thirty minute wait. We told them we'd be by the bar and sure enough two seats opened up. After waiting around and ordering our appetizers, we figured we'd just stay here and told them to cancel that table reservation. We were given attentive service at the bar, tough I guess my only issue/concern was how fast our food came out. Our appetizer took a bit and we hadn't even told them our entrees for awhile. We told them our entrees maybe a minute before our appetizer came out and two minutes later they were in our face. Nothing tasted bad and we didn't get sick, it was just odd. We got everyone's favorite, duck fat tater tots. They were so good. They came with three different sauces. Ketchup, a chipotle mayo, and a beeranaise. All pretty tasty, though I felt the beeranaise went better with the fries from my entree. I got the blackened catfish sandwich which was delicious. My friend got the fish tacos which he said were stellar. This is an wonderful option if you're feeling hungry on Broadway.
(5)Laura S.
Some of the best chicken fried chicken I have ever had. Obviously a little pricier than it would usually be, but definitely worth it for the quality the restaurant gives you. Also ordered the duck tater tots because it seemed like a must. It was a unique taste and good, but probably wouldn't it order it again. At the end of the day, they're tater tots. Over all still really enjoyed the restaurant!
(4)Brian B.
Duck fat tater tots were off the chain. Chicken fried chicken was good, but not crazy amazing. Staff was super friendly and overall experience was nice. We sat on the patio, which was tilted but fun. Building it's in, which I'm told used to be a hotel, is pretty cool.
(4)Kelsey R.
A friend and I came here for the first meal of our Nashville trip. Merchants was a great place to go. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. I loved getting to try a taste of the Nashville BBQ. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce a little sweet. My meal came with onion rings and these were perfection as well. They had popcorn out for all their guests (like their chips and salsa or peanuts). It was nice to nosh on. The selection of local brews was pretty good so it was nice to get a local craft beer to experience Nashville a little more. The inside was beautiful! Despite being around 1 on a Saturday we found seats easily at the bar. I would definitely return and recommended it to other travelers at our hotel.
(5)Christina C.
Loved everything about this place! Immediately after walking in I loved the feel of the place. Everything from the marble to the servers' uniforms were charming. The service itself was great - our server was very nice and gave great recommendations from the menu. The food and drinks were also delicious!! I got a mule (my fave) which was one of the better ones I'd tried. For lunch, I ordered the chicken salad salad. I love chicken salad and this one did not disappoint! I wish I had some right now!! The dressing it came with was SO GOOD!! While it may not look filling at first, it definitely filled me up. I have to eat gluten free (Celiac) and I checked with my server. He was knowledgeable and double checked with the chef as needed. My salad was gf except for the nuts (don't know why). Everyone in my party loved their dishes as well. My husband gushed over the wings! Can't go wrong with any of the food or drinks here!! Definitely a gem in the honky tonk area.
(5)Amanda Z.
Great Sunday evening dining. We started with the deviled eggs and loved the added flavor of the pickle. Both my husband and I ordered a salad. I ate the chicken chopped salad and loved it. The vinaigrette dressing was the perfect lightness, but a lot of flavor. The drinks are also delicious!
(4)Cheryl D.
We had one evening to enjoy downtown Nashville and booked a reservation for Merchants Restaurant on the recommendations of every single diner who had ever eaten there. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere is cool and inviting, the servers were wonderful, and the food was great. Fish tacos, Chicken fried chicken, and a steak. All wonderful. Had a little issue with one of the bartenders who thought he was Tosh. He mocked me when I ordered and talked with my hands and then insulted my husband when he carded my son and told him anyone would look young standing next to "him". Not called for but I guess he thought he was being funny. All in all a great place in Nashville and we will return.
(4)Debi A.
My daughter and I ate here after walking lower Broadway on our first trip to Nashville for an apartment hunting trip for her. It seemed like a good choice for a quiet dinner after a busy day. The bars in the area were great for live music and crowds, but we needed to relax. This was perfect for what we were looking for. We sat outside at our request, it was hot, but the awning kept us cool and it was nice to sample some local dishes and a nice glass of wine. I recommend it if you find yourself downtown.
(4)Mark D.
Merchants is a pretty good place to have lunch. It's not going to blow you away, but it's good.
(3)Stephanie F.
Very good food and service! Love the craft cocktail list and the sides. We sat upstairs and had a very yummy dinner. When you go, get the creamed corn, the mac and cheese and a nice steak. Mmmmmm!
(4)Phyllis S.
This place is a calm cool around way too much noise. WHICH WAS A POSITIVE FOR ME. Tom our bartener made the very coldest Martini. Tom made blue cheese olives by hand, who knew. I thought they came in a jar!! The goat cheese and beet crostinies..WOW. perfect! We had the roast beef sandwich, plain one might say...except for the horseradish Mayo & pickled onions Can't for another reason to go back
(5)Rick P.
Left Jacks Barbecue due to ripoff portions, came here. Liked it. Ate downstairs, loved the atmosphere, good service. Turkey Club was excellent, great country bread and thick high quality bacon. Side salad was huge. Fries were good but the place really needs to step up to steak fries. I also had the Corn Shrimp Chowder and loved it but the portion was disappointing. The Mahi fish tacos are complicated but good, again small portions though. Prices are average. Would go back.
(3)Ashley H.
Very cool spot. Food is good and reasonably priced. Grilled chicken sandy w sweet pot fries were great. Baked chz app, not so much. Way too rich for my tastes and I normally love anything with cheese.
(4)Jeff E.
Great steak! Plan in about $50 to $60 per person with a glass of wine
(4)Sam L.
I've been hearing that Merchants is the gem of downtown Nashville, and after enjoying lunch with my boyfriend & his family one day, I am now able to confirm that rumor! The peppered popcorn they start you out with is yum yum!!! I ordered a delicious soup & sammy, and everyone around the table was very excited to swap goodies and taste every item. It was very delicious. We had a great lunch & will definitely be going back for some more tasty treats.
(4)Allie M.
As far as restaurants on Broadway go, I'd say this is the top one. While most of the restaurants around are either chains or just not very good, Merchants has a really nice atmosphere and is uniquely Nashville. Both the food and the service have always been excellent. The menu has a wide variety and seems to be consistently delicious.
(4)Mindy B.
I was in Nashville on vacation, and Merchants was recommended by a friend. We were celebrating a birthday with a big party, and they were more than accommodating. The hostess was very sweet and personable, as was the entire wait staff. We ate in the upstairs dining room, which has a very stylish decor, and hip vibe. Great place for a date as well... We were never waiting on anything, and the food and drinks were spectacular! I had the beet salad, and 6oz steak. It was cooked perfectly, and was exactly the way I wanted it. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience.
(5)Jonathan S.
The food was excellent downstairs. Mac and Cheese was great! The service was not so good. We had dinner late evening on a Saturday Night and the server rushed us the entire night. From appetizers through desert we were pushed through like cattle. Our dinner arrived within a couple of minutes of the appetizers, which we had not come close to finishing. I usually eat here when in Nashville, and will likely give them another chance.
(2)Roy K.
Came for a work function and I was impressed. Good 'ol town' environment feel along with great good. I hate the filet and it was cooked perfectly + apps and dessert were good as well. Pricey - but that's expected at a place like this.
(5)Tony C.
Ok. This is hard for me to say because I am an avid carnivore and I have eaten steaks all over the world, but I had the best ribeye steak of my 43 years at The Merchant. It was perfectly marbled, aged and prepared. I could have cut it with a spoon. It was amazing and it ruined me. The place itself is cool, if not a bit full of itself. I waited an hour plus for a table as a walk in which I NEVER do, but the bar was fun and admittedly, downtown Nashville is not exactly flush with fine dining. But after we were seated, the service and food made it worth the wait. In fact we were in town for three nights and I immediately made a reservation for the next night when we were leaving. No doubt, you pay for what you get. And there is pretension in the place. But when the food is served, all is forgiven. Even the bill.
(5)Kathleen M.
Excellent southern fare. We ate downstairs in their "bistro". The cocktails were fabulous and they also serve some good local beers. The fish tacos can't be missed and my husband said the tilapia was the best he has ever had. Being from the east coast we were nervous about the seafood in a land locked state, but it was delicious!
(5)Jennie V.
The best place to eat on lower Broadway. Locals go there. Downstairs is casual. Think yummy comfort foods with gourmet twists. Upstairs is a bit fancier. Everything is delicious. Order a champagne cocktail and enjoy the people watching.
(4)The C.
I ate here with some colleagues from work and none of us were happy with our dinners. This included a couple fish dishes and steak. It just wasn't good. My steak was not good quality. The fish was lifelessly flavored. For the prices they charge, the quality of everything has to go way up. The service was fine but what's the point of good service if your food stinks. I would not go back. There are plenty of other alternatives in the area.
(2)Heather L.
I was looking forward to my dinner at Merchants but it was a total disappointment. The food is decent - not amazing but I thought everything was fine. We ate upstairs and I found the atmosphere bland - it looked like they were trying to make it look expensive and cosy, but didn't want to foot the bill. So instead it felt like I was in a wanna be country club. The service was totally friendly, but FAR (!!) from a "fine dining experience" as they consider themselves. The waiter wasn't educated on the menu, the wine list or basics of how to serve. Water glasses were only filled when requested and silverware was never switched out. Overall, I thought this was way overrated for what it was.
(2)Robert K.
Merchants is a cool restaurant in an even cooler building. This is the first place I went out to dinner when I moved to Nashville! The atmosphere inside is cool, with giant booths in the front dining room. The shrimp and grits are delicious! It was my first time having this signature southern dish. Cooked just right, the shrimp were big and juicy. The grits were smooth and not too gritty. It is in a great location downtown right on Broadway, which is great for a night out on the town. Dinner followed by bar hopping, Nashville style.
(5)Taylor R.
My lady and I were up there on 12/09/2013 right before the Brian Setzer show at the Ryman. We were kind of in a hurry because it was about 6:15 when we walked in and the show started at 7:30. When we walked in, the art deco-ish décor just enticed us. The place seemed fairly busy and appeared at a first glance to be running like clockwork. Over the next 45 minutes, I was convinced that this was not just an illusion. The host staff were very friendly and informative. They told us that there was an upstairs and a downstairs. We looked at the menu for upstairs and while it looked phenomenal, I was trying to stay under $100. There was about a 20 minute wait for a table, but we opted for the bar. The bartenders were great (I wish I could remember the name of the person that waited on us the most.), very knowledgeable, prompt, entertaining and sensitive to the fact that we couldn't stay terribly long. We ordered two ales, two ribeye steaks and a pecan pie. Everything was superb. We loved the food, impeccable service and the general atmosphere of your establishment. The bill was $71 and with tip, we dropped $90. It was a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. We might get to Nashville 4 times a year (although hopefully that will be changing, we live just south of Chattanooga) and we'll try to make it to your establishment at least once a year, possibly more if my budget will allow it. This place is a gem on Broadway.
(5)Leslie D.
We ventured out onto Broadway street tonight and stumbled into Merchant's. It looked nice inside and the place was packed! (always an indicator of good food!) The restaurant is darling! It has an "up/down" theme because there is a nicer (fancier) restaurant upstairs and a more casual bar and restaurant downstairs. We opted for down because that's where the crowd was. : ) The restaurant opened in 1892 and has lots of charm! A beautiful old bar, a cute patio, gorgeous hardwood floors and quaint white marble tables are a few of the gems this place holds. The Tennessee Mojito (made with peach rum!) caught my eye on the drink menu, so that's what I had to have. It was very very good! Almost too good. Depending on how vegetarian you are there are a few options for dinner. I opted for the Market Vegetables which were corn, okra, green beans, squash, potatoes, tomatoes and a tomato balsamic jam. The jam was out of this world and the vegetables were all very fresh. We had the Chocolate Torte for dessert and the torte itself was not fantastic, but the homemade ice cream on top was fabulous! Do yourself a favor and just ask for a bowl of that.
(5)Jo N.
Great dining option on Broadway. Ate downstairs in the bar area where the food was a little more basic. I had good chicken fried chicken and my friend had some nice fish tacos. Nice place, I would try it again. it was not busy at all at 5 pm on a Tuesday in January.
(4)Steph H.
After some deliberation, I decided that I would use my birthday as an opportunity to try out the upstairs (read: swanky) section of Merchants restaurants. After getting the go-ahead from my dining companions, I made a reservation for four for 7 pm and we were off to the proverbial races. One thing I like about Merchants is that they have a complimentary valet stationed out front - kind of a must-have (and must-use) given the area. Parking would otherwise be a nightmare in the downtown district, so prepare to tip a few bucks and hand over your keys. I've been to the downstairs portion of Merchants before and never really had to wait, despite never having a reservation. Ironically, this time my party and I did wind up having to wait about 25 minutes for our table even though we did have reservations! At one point one of the girls at the front of the house mentioned something about how if the wait was "much longer" they'd likely give us a round of free drinks, which cheered our spirits considerably, but wouldn't you know it said drinks never appeared. Moreover, when we finally made it upstairs there were plenty of empty tables so I'm not sure what the wait was for. Kind of a disappointing way to start dinner. Still it was my birthday and I while I could certainly have cried if I wanted to, I didn't want any tears! Instead we dove into ordering many of the drool-inducing first and second courses. After ordering, the chef sent out an amuse-bouche (smoked shrimp salad) that wasn't all that great (way too smokey) and had us worrying. Our first courses were hit and miss - some were heavenly (the gnocchi and the seared foie gras come to mind) but we largely left the crab cake uneaten as it had an overly fishy flavor that was really unpleasant. So far, the evening was off to a shaky start... Thankfully the mains totally redeemed the wobbly beginning to the meal. Everything we ordered was fantastic, and I'd happily order everything we tried again (a good thing since many of these plates will set you back close to $30 per person). Everything was cooked perfectly, the plating was GORGEOUS, and the flavors were spot on. Our dessert followed suit, in that it was the perfect way to end the meal and even though we were all stuffed, we managed to find room for it! The only real let-down to our experience was the service. I've already mentioned the wait, but I just really felt that given the caliber of the food and the vibe the upstairs dining room is going for, the service fell short. At one point, a dirty fork was placed in front of me and when we pointed it out, it took about five minutes to get it replaced even though our food had been served and I now had nothing to eat it with. Additionally, it took a really long time to get our drinks freshened and served after ordering them, and when we ordered a bottle of wine, it took about 15 minutes to appear. Our waitress was really helpful and knowledgeable, that didn't make up for the lag we felt with everything. Also, given that I had specified at the time of the reservation that we were celebrating a birthday, I would have appreciated it if the dessert had been on the house or some other nice gesture. Between the four of us, we easily spent over $250, so a free dessert wouldn't have killed them! All in all, the food was a solid 4.5 stars, but the service was a measly 3. I'll split the difference and give Merchants 4 stars because I would certainly consider returning again since the food really was very good. Also, I do love the downstairs restaurant (where service seems better!), and will definitely be back when I can only spend $40 on dinner, instead of 4 times that.
(4)Erin D.
I've only ever been here for lunch, but I enjoyed it either way. W started off with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which was really good. It comes with tortilla chips and sour cream. My meal was pretty good too. I got the Southwest Salad - which comes with chicken, black beans and tortilla strips. It wasn't bad, but a little pricey for my taste. I went with a vegetarian friend of mine though, and she had a tough time eating here. All their soups were made with their Chicken or Beef broth. She considered the grilled cheese, but wanted to be a little healthier than that, so finally gave in and got a piece of fish. I really liked the ambiance too. We sat in this fun circular booth, because of the size of our group. They also had a nice bar to one side, that I'd like to go back and sit at for a while.
(4)Stacy S.
Had the blackened tilapia with sweet potatoes. OMG! It was way better than I could have even imagined. It was soo delicious! Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town :)
(4)Jeff B.
We got a burger and a club sandwich. The burger was very good; meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly as ordered. The club sandwich was fine, I would probably not order it again. Overall a good experience. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Dan d.
This area of Nashville is saturated with eateries (most of them essentially drinking establishments that happen to serve food). This place however actually IS a restaurant, and one of the older establishments in the city. I had lunch downstairs (I hear the upstairs is a more upscale white-tablecloth type setting). The setting was quaint in an authentic way, and much better suited to conversation than the typically noisy establishments in the area. The service and food were both excellent.
(4)Cynthia G.
This restaurant was FABULOUS!!! Ate downstairs. Very attentive wait staff. Had the fish tacos and they were perfectly seasoned. Also had the peach cobbler...delish!!!! Definitely a must!!!
(5)Laura M.
Had a great experience here as out of towners on a Friday evening. We didn't have to wait to eat in the downstairs bar & grill, though I believe the upstairs fine dining area would have required a reservation. This building is amazing! It was built in the 1870's and used to house a pharmacy among other things. You can see the bones of the pharmacy with the long marble counter and little stools where you once would have enjoyed soda shop service. The menu has great variety in the entrees and a good range of prices too with sandwiches under $10 and entrees ranging from $15-$30. Our waitress was very friendly and even gave us directions and tips for our trip. Overall the ambience, food and service was wonderful!
(4)Christine N.
I rarely give a 5 star review- quite honestly i must be made to feel quite special before I'm willing to hand out a perfect review. Visited on a busy Saturday night with a group of girlfriends in from out of town. We showed up without reservations, and I was immediately concerned because the restaurant was pretty packed. We let the hostess know that we were a party of 6 without reservations; and as I suspected, she told me that there was a pretty lengthy wait both at the upstairs and downstairs restaurant. As any large group would, we started the chatter right away about potentially going somewhere else. So she immediately offered to talk to her manager and see if he might be able to do anything to accommodate us. The manager Mike was able to squeeze us in. As a matter of fact, we were seated within minutes in this incredibly busy dining room and he graciously offered a drink on the house to our guest of honor (bride to be). Dinner service was excellent- our server (Jim, or Jimmy- I think) was knowledgeable about the menu, and didn't miss a beat even with the chaos that came from serving my friends. His suggestions were right on and everyone was insanely happy with their choices. The fish tacos were a big hit- I tried a bite and have to say, that was a damn good taco. I went with the pork tenderloin and it was excellent. Not one person had a bad thing to say about this place.The manager stopped by the table to see how dinner was and we raved about both the excellent service and the amazing food. Each of my friends remarked on how everyone had treated us so well. I think what made this place so special is that each member of the staff took the time to make sure that we were happy. This was teamwork at its finest and was really reflected in the overall experience. I even went back for lunch the next day! I ordered the eggs Benedict- no surprise here, they were incredible. My only regret is that i do not live closer to Nashville because i would love to eat here more often.
(5)Michele V.
Deeee-licious! Definitely start with the fried green tomatoes.
(5)Sheila S.
Nice break from the bright lights and honky tonk of Broadway. NOthing like it in the area it's in. Modern food and drink done in a fun way. Great waitstaff and atmosphere. Duck fat tater tots are amazing.
(4)Anwar M.
The steak was good. Stephen our sever seemed to be inexperienced. We sat in the first floor pharmacy, and it has a decent atmosphere. I wouldn't go again, but overall a decent experience.
(3)STEVE G.
This restaurant has been remodeled by the new owners. It has a wonderful bistro menu on the first floor which is very reasonably priced. it is like a Paris cafe. The second floor is more formal and has a great menu and a wide selection of wines. I loved the deserts. The service was great!! Will always eat there when I return to Nashville.
(5)Dana A.
Delicious food. Chill vibe. Friendly service. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Good (not great) salad, and great Rosemary sauce with the ribeye.
(3)Derrick L.
great/simple food. cool bar tenders.
(4)Danny B.
I visited Merchants Restaurant recently with 5 buddies during a guys weekend in Nashville. We made reservations a few weeks ahead of time for an upstairs table. I'll get the weird stuff out of the way first: 1. We arrived at the time of our reservation, but were made to wait 15 minutes or so. Normally this would be fine, but I was then surprised to be escorted upstairs to a basically empty dining room. Not sure why we were waiting. 2. The menu we were given was different than the "UP" menu on the website. Apparently, the website is still publishing the "Autumn" menu, and we were there in Spring. Slightly disappointing, as my visit to the website had me drooling over the Butter Poached Lobster appetizer and Kobe Strip w/ Truffled Pumpkin Perogies. Neither selection made the cut onto the Spring menu. 3. We were notified that the restaurant was out of Foie Gras, and the Halibut entree. Not a big deal, but several of us had planned on Foie Gras. 4. I ordered two different types of wine from a decent wine list; both were not available, so I had to substitute. 5. The cocktail menu featured a barrel-aged cocktail selection. Only after one in our group order one of the drinks was it pointed out that these cocktails were "coming soon". My friend politely pointed out that perhaps the drinks should not be listed on the menu until they actually exist. 6. They don't have an espresso machine. None of the above items were offensive, but the aggregate was just a bit weird. Fortunately, our waitress had a good sense of humor and put up with our sarcastic comments on their being out of everything. Now, the good stuff: 1. Great location in downtown Nashville 2. Trendy-without-being-obnoxious decor, both downstairs and upstairs. 3. The dining area upstairs was mostly open, but had columns throughout the room which made each table seem somewhat private. 4. Friendly and accomodating staff 5. Pricing was reasonable for what you got, and portions were not small. Between the six of us, our appetizers included a couple Beet and Cheese salads, a mixed green salad, celery root puree/soup, head cheese (I forgot the fancy term they used for this), and crab cake. The celery root soup was unique, fresh, and delicious, especially with a healthy topping of cracked black pepper. The beet and cheese salad was probably the star, with a few different types of beets, onions, cheese, and a green apple puree/reduction. I could eat this salad every day and never get bored. Crab cake was great in that it was almost entirely crab meat (no fillers), but nothing particularly special or unique. The mixed green salad was described by its owner as "awful", by which I think he meant it had only 2-3 uninteresting ingredients topped with an entirely bland vinaigrette. I did not try to head cheese, but those who did seemed pleased. For the entree, I had the Aged (28-day) Strip Steak with cipollini onions/balsamic vinegar, asparagus, and some sauteed wild mushrooms. The asparagus had a drizzle of truffle oil on top. In all honesty, this was the best steak dish I've had outside of a Peter Luger Steakhouse or equivalent. The chef was able to achieve a true Pittsburgh Rare, and the cut had perfect fat distribution. I slowly devoured the steak over about 30-40 minutes and loved the last bite as much as the first. Even though I'm not much of a mushroom guy, the sauteed mushrooms were fantastic - lots of flavor, with a perfect "brownness". Others in the party ordered: 1. Pan-seared scallops - they looked good, but like the crab cake, not sure how special or unique something like this can really be. 2. Wild mushroom gnocchi - my second-favorite dish after my aged strip steak. Great flavor, and I didn't even mind that it didn't contain any meat. 3. Ribeye - very good, but paled in comparison the the aged strip steak. 4. Filet - didn't try it, but the owner seemed very pleased with it. 5. Pheasant - from the same guy who disliked the salad, I don't think he was thrilled with this either. Dessert menu was lame overall, but there was a nice selection of after-dinner drinks. I had a nice glass of port. Overall, I thought it was a great experience, and I'd visit Merchants again if I ever find myself in Nashville in the future.
(4)Genya D.
Don't go to this restaurant on a Sunday night. The chef is off that night, and the food quality takes a HUGE hit. My family and I went to the upstairs part of the restaurant on a Saturday night, and were blown away by the food (five stars). The apps (beet salad, bruschetta, and fried octopus) were fantastic. Our entrees were phenomenal: chicken, pork, and brisket. And...the dessert. Oh my god. Seasonal crumble: blueberries with a crumble topping, caramel and sea salt vanilla ice cream. I could have eaten the whole thing myself. The crumble was so good that we talked about it all day Sunday, and it was the sole reason we went back on Sunday night (to the downstairs section). This was a mistake. The oysters were funky and smelled nasty (and tasted bad). I know, don't order seafood on a Sunday night. My bad. The fried green tomatoes were blah. My friend chicken was runny inside. And then...the crumble. It was soupy, had just a sprinkle of topping, and it was raw. We sent the oysters and the crumble back to the kitchen. It was then that our server (who had left my fried chicken plate on the table next to us gathering flies) informed us that the chef is off on Sunday nights. Why not just close the restaurant on Sunday nights instead of providing such lackluster food and service. I give it 3.5 stars, averaged between the two nights.
(4)Stacie L.
I have been to Merchants for lunch and dinner. Both times it was just "OK." Nothing on the menu wow'd me; everything is basic. The atmosphere is too sterile, the seating is too hard, and the flavors bore me. Also, the smell of fish when you first enter is overwhelming.
(3)Melanie M.
yes the food was good fried green tomatoes, johnny cash chili and bacon cheeseburger ,but we sat at the bar the service was sloooow but we will be back
(3)Emily J.
I went here for dinner while on a business trip in Nashville. We were driving through downtown and I suggested that we check out Merchants. We sat in the bar area which was nice and causal, compared to the more formal dining room. They have a nice selection of beers and an extensive southern inspired menu. I was immediately drawn to the Chicken Oscar. It was one of the best chicken dishes I have ever had. It is grilled chicken topped with lump crab meat, asparagus, and a béarnaise sauce and served with andouille sausage grit cakes. Being a California girl with southern roots, I think that anything made with grits is fabulous. The dish was delicious and incredibly rich. What topped off our experience was the great service and the old, charming building.
(4)Jen H.
I loved this place. The atmosphere was terrific and the food was really quite good. We had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious, crispy, and salty. I had the soup and sammie which was HEAVENLY. My husband had the pork loin, which was okay. However, it came with some great pimento cheese grits. The restaurant was beautiful and I loved the decor. The wait was long without a reservation, but I loved that they would text you when your table is ready. The only complaint was the timing. Our food took a while to get to us, and the appetizer and entrees came our simultaneously.
(4)Steve N.
A chic attire for what feels to be an old school vibe. I found it a bit odd the hostand was place way in the back of the place. The staff was entirely welcoming. I'm used to having bread as the thing to munch on while waiting for food but they served popcorn. Now I dislike popcorn and it surprises everyone when I hit the movies but that's how I am... I gave it a try here and it was actually pleasant. Light salt and it was sweet. Ordered fried green tomato (recent new-found love), tomato soup and a salmon blt. I realized after the server walked away that I kind of overloaded on tomatoes haha... The fried green tomatoes were done nicely! Sometimes they come out soggy inside but these still held their shape. They sat atop a pepper jam and topped with pimento cheese. These came together so well. Like a sweet melody. The tomato soup didn't do it for me though - it was too salty and reminded me too much of Panera's bagged tomato soup. The salmon blt wasn't too special but was enjoyable. Although the salmon was cooked almost perfect. Cooked medium which meant it was juicy and flavorful. Would consider coming back for dessert.
(4)Jackie M.
Horrendous customer service. Maybe the worst I've ever experienced at a restaurant. I made reservations for the upstairs venue for 12. 12 people. That's good money, right? You'd think a restaurant might be excited about us spending beaucoup bucks. Anyway, the hostesses were so rude upon arrival. So bad we thought it might be a joke. We wanted to add 4 extra people to our dinner and they told us absolutely not, and looked at us like we were nuts. I understand tables can be at a premium, so we were bummed. However, when we were finally seated (30 mins after our reservation time) the ENTIRE upstairs emptied out in 20 minutes. So there were about 40 extra seats but our extra 4 friends couldn't join us. This wasn't the end though. Drinks took centuries to come. My tartare looked like a raw hamburger patty. Oddest item I've ever been served. Our waitress was nice but overall the experience was really poor. Our 4 friends ended up eating bbq at Jack's across the street... we were seriously jealous we didn't join them. Won't go back here. Ever!
(1)Yappy M.
It is nice to finally have a place downtown that doesn't cater to the mouth-breathers and the Doc Johnson t-shirt crowd. My girlfriend and I stumbled across this place when we were looking for a decent restaurant downtown. A nice discovery. The owners have a done a great job with the decor. It has a great retro feel to the place--almost like a 1950's soda shop, albeit with upscale dining and booze. The popcorn they served as an appetizer was a nice touch. Overall, the food was good and the drinks were stiff. This place is unique for Nashville and certainly for Downtown. If there were a few more places like this on Broadway, it would give locals more of a reason to go down there.
(4)Jeff S.
Great local place in the middle of it all. Really liked the laid back downstairs atmosphere and the staff was great. Great menu with some different choices. The duck fat tater tots are good but nothing to get to excited for. The portions are solid and you would be hard to find something better on music row
(4)Erin M.
The bartender (lots of tattoos, glasses) was extremely likable. He made eye contact immediately when we sat down to let us know he saw us, took our drink orders shortly after, and checked back with us to make sure everything was good. While they weren't the greatest cocktails I've ever imbibed- they were tasty. There are loads of bars in San Francisco like this, with classic cocktails and servers running around in suspenders- but most of them have really cranky and pissed off bartenders. It's refreshing to be in a town where people pouring expensive drinks at nice places are actually pleasant. My one complaint is that it's too damn bright in there. It gives the place a bit of a diner feel.
(4)George N.
Wow, this is some darn good food! I had the Endive and Bibb lettuce salad, and the Red Snapper entre, both were fantastic. Good service, good ambiance, highly recommended.
(5)Paul R T J.
Looked like it could have been much better. Waiter seemed frazzled & lost. Better service would have saved the day, instead cocktails were made incorrectly and wine was warm, not to mention the mistakes in half of our orders. It looks like a good place we just got the lousy service. Oh well, maybe next time
(2)Rachael P.
My friend and I went here before a show at the Ryman and had a great time! It was a Sunday night and we sat at the bar. We both ordered drinks (I had a Dark and Stormy) and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We only ordered apps and dessert since we were in a time crunch. We had the deviled eggs, southern fry, and the baked cheese. Soooo good! We ate every last bite, I still think about how delicious it was. We had the cheesecake for dessert, pretty good nothing super special. The location is great since it's so close to everything downtown and the food, from what I've had, is excellent!
(5)Lisa L.
Have been to Merchants 8 times now. Every time we go, it gets a little sloppier, a little less good, a little less... worth it. This is the last time. Chose the Southern Fry app, a mistake. Supposedly includes catfish, shrimp, okra and dill pickles. The catfish nuggets were great, but the 1" shrimp were fried into hard little bites of brick. Simply awful. While the smoked brisket was delicious, it was served ON TOP OF cold cole slaw alongside cold cornbread. Resultant weeping mess underneath meat was disgusting. DH had sweet tea pork, also delish. Grits were exceptional. The green beans, however, were all black on both ends, a sure sign of way too much time in the walk-in. How any expediter could let that plate out of the kitchen is baffling. The quality is just not there for the price. When Max was around more, the place ran a lot better. Our overly-tatted waiter REEKED of smoke and was clearly taking smoke breaks about every 10 minutes. Hostess stand employees couldn't be bothered, and were SO irritated to have to wave people to the back to check in. Sayonara, Merchants. We knew ya when.
(2)Ethel B.
Would give this 5 stars, but our waiter wasn't at the top of his game. We had to get someone else to fill our drinks and bring the condiments to us. With that being said, my husband and I both got the French dip and it was fantastic. Sweet potato fries were great too!
(4)Michelle M.
Good, bad, both... I went here for the first time about 2 years ago while in town and ended up eating here 3 times (2 lunches and a dinner). I thought it was really really tasty. They had a great bread pudding, great sandwiches, great burgers, etc. The service was also really quick and servers were nice. I just went back to Nashville for a car show and convinced my parents to go for dinner one night. Apparently they changed chefs or the chef changed menu items or something, didn't really know exactly what the server said. We started out with the spinach artichoke dip which wasn't horrible, but it was really runny. For our dinner, we ordered pork chop, brie salad, and chicken sandwich. I had the sandwich and I ordered a side of the spicy chipotle mayo with it. They did not lie about the spicy part of it!!! It was good, but my mouth was on fire while I was eating it. The sandwich tasted like a chicken sandwich that you would order from any restaurant, nothing special about it, but no complaints either. The pork chop was full of fat, and nowhere near the cost. The salad had really runny dressing and when asked for a side of dressing (twice), it never came. Every time we had an issue that the server knew about, he disappeared and didn't reappear until the problem was fixed which was fine except that he would disappear for 10 minutes at a time while everyone's drinks would be empty (and with that spicy chipotle mayo, you need a full glass at all times). At this point, my parents had no clue why I told them we had to go there, but we stayed for dessert because my mom loves bread pudding when it has chocolate chips instead of raisins, which they have. We also ordered carrot cake and chocolate cake. The description of the chocolate cake said something about it being chocolate cake with chocolate icing. When I got my "chocolate cake", it was not cake, it was mousse. I never would have ordered it had I known that. I took a bite thinking maybe it had cake somewhere, but it didn't, it was just mousse. The carrot cake was small and round and 90 percent frosting. There was approximately 2 spoon fulls of actual carrot cake hidden under tons of frosting. When the server came back and saw that I only took one bite of the chocolate "cake", he said yeah, our chef changed it today (thanks for the warning), but I will take it back since you didn't like it. This was very nice considering that I didn't even ask him to do that, but he never offered me another dessert, just took it back. It is fine, I didn't need the calories anyways. Our bill was around 100 bucks for 1 appetizer, 3 meals, and 2 desserts. Overall this 2nd experience was nowhere near as good as the first, but the bread pudding is still delicious so I would maybe go back for just that. They are getting ready to do a major remodel so hopefully after that they will work on getting their food back to being good!
(2)Eat S.
Solid food, great attentive serice make me a repeat visitor to Merchants downstairs when I am in Nashville. Generally fairly priced, yet you do need to look at what you are ordering and the price alongside it. As a pervious reviewer wrote - $ 21. for an OK chicken cordon blu - does not measure up to their hearty burgers. Keep it simple and you will be pleased
(4)David C.
I do not know the history of this building, but there is clearly an abundance of history here. The bar scene downstairs is cool, but once you enter the narrow stairway upstairs, you enter an altogether different realm. Beautiful, historic decor, impressive displays of wine, fine furniture, etc. We had the good fortune of eating on the private party floor. Service was impeccable and the food was, perhaps not memorable, but very good. I enjoyed the coffee and dessert as well as the salad and entree.
(4)Steve m.
Love the atmosphere--nice and quiet, subdued. Comfortable tables (meaning you're not squeezed in like some places). Very good, professional staff. Probably the very best steak I'd ever had in my life!! Super tender, you could drop a fork in it! If I'm ever in Nashville again, I'd stop here. Small menu, but they do it right.
(5)Heather R.
My husband and I had dinner here the other night. The food was pretty good definitely a little over priced though. My husband had the chicken cordon blu and I think it was $21 and that was for CHICKEN! It was ok but not worth the price. I had the salmon and it was pretty tasty and cooked just right that was $25 not badly priced but also I don't think it was exactly affordable. Our server we had was a little on the duh side. He wasn't the brightest bulb in the box....when we would ask questions he would kind of look at us like he was trying to process what we had just asked....the service was ok, but I definitely have experienced better from a fine dinning standpoint. Nonetheless the food was good and we would go back.
(4)Debapriya B.
What a disgrace to fine dining. Never go in there even if you have amnesia$%#!@$%. When one ends up paying almost $30 for an entrée, one expects divine service and food quality. My friend was eating when the server tried to take her plate away. The food portions were that of a Parisian Bistro with the quality of a back alley vendor stand. And they were not consistent either. The people in the next table had ordered what I did and got a full plate of food. However, I consider myself lucky since the food was so bad; I ended up eating less off it and not feel guilty. Nashville should shut down this abomination or invoke fire and brimstone to do it for them.
(1)J C.
I'm not a fan of this place. We had a work luncheon here about a month ago, and while I don't have complaints about the service, the food was just so-so. The menu also looked expensive for what was being offered. It's a lot of Southern food, but they also have some decent-looking sandwiches. I had a steak, and it was good but not fantastic. All in all, it was an okay meal but not very memorable.
(2)Gary K.
What a dump. Me and my wife split a surf and turf. They over charged, the spinach was cold as we're the potatos and the ladies room toilets were overflowing. Avoid if at all possible.
(1)Kelly M.
Excellent food! Very cool building! My fiance and I split the NY Strip and it's probably one of the best steaks I've had in a long time. The prices were very reasonable (but perhaps I'm just used to SF prices) and they were happy to let us join a group that we knew who were already seated. One star off because the service seemed to be a little slow and it did not look at all busy - but he was very nice.
(4)Brian O.
Prices are going up, portions are getting smaller. For several years I could order crab cakes downstairs, this time I had to call over a manager to get them ordered and they only gave me 1. We use to rant and rave about Merchants . This is the second time our favorite restaraunt failed us. And they no longer stock Sam Adams lager. Will be seeking a new favorite. Bring back the downstairs menu .
(2)Morgan L.
My boyfriend and I got a late start to dinner and luckily, this place was wait-free at 8:30 on a Saturday night so we gave it a shot. The space is beautiful-- an older building with sophisticated charm offering a respite from the neon-and-beer looniness outside. We were promptly seated and efficiently served. Our order (two medium rare burgers) came out quickly and were cooked to our specifications-- not dry and pink in the middle. They were tasty but not mind blowing. We loved the atmosphere and the music (very pleasant 50s and before instrumental). Definitely give it a shot, there were way more exciting menu options that looked delicious (brown sugar rubbed porkchop, seared scallops).
(3)Phil T.
Had heard so much about this place and was excited to go. operating since 1892, I enjoy the history of the place. The decor is light, white walls vintage mirrors easy to sit in. Went twice and tried a few things. Duck Fat Tater Tots were good but light on duck fat flavor. I wonder if they really use it. House made ricotta was great and the Almost Famous Fried Chicken would have been great but it was undercooked. The navy bean side item was really tasty.
(3)Brad L.
Stopped by on a Sunday night and got bad service but decent food. I had a burger and the others with me had salad and trout. We ate on the first floor which is more casual than the upper floor, but not even close to being worth the money.
(2)Misty L.
cute place and a great reputation but...not so impressed. food was good, but the menu was quite limited when we were there for CMA fan fair. it also seemed in puting their own unique spin on things Merchants may go a little too far for some people's taste. egg whites to thicken margarita's, my friend's mojito was not good... fun to experience the atmosphere, but i don't think i'd go back a second time.
(2)Dina D.
The decor at Merchants is lovely. I love the teal walls and golden curtains and chandeliers with the warm lighting. The black and white photography complements it well, as does the faux fireplace with white wood. The food is excellent. I had the roast chicken with farro and roasted vegetables. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the dish was very flavorful. For dessert, I had the seasonal crumble with buttermilk ice cream and sea salt caramel. This was divine. Even the menus have a classy font that adds to the restaurant's ambiance. I would definitely recommend Merchant's.
(5)Caitlin D.
I was surprised by Merchants tonight, because I had pictured hamburgers and grease for some reason. Mainly because that's what all the other restaurants on Broadway serve. However, once you walk in, it is clear that Merchants is of a nicer quality. I had calamari, which was great, and a soup and salad combo. Not my most creative choice, but I wasn't super hungry. The caesar was tasty, and the fried ball of brie on it even better. I'll have to go back and try something more interesting, but I could see this place offers quality food.
(4)Al S.
A group of five of us dined here this past weekend and had a very pleasant experience. We started off ordering drinks from a friendly bartender on the ground floor. Dinner took place on the second floor, which was rather classy--dimly lit with dark walls and furniture. The menu contained standard steakhouse fare; however, the food arrived promptly and was presented nicely. My filet was cooked perfectly. My companions all enjoyed their dishes. Delicious cheesecake topped off the night. Service was prompt, attentive, and upbeat. I would gladly dine here again.
(4)brewgirl b.
Excellent, excellent food in the upstairs dining area. Cant rave enough about the low country shrimp and creamy grits, served with a wild shrooms, corn and asparagus ragout. Our starter arugula salad with spiced pecans, buttermilk blue cheese and a pear vinaigrette was outstanding. Service was friendly, but a bit off. Great decor, but maybe a bit too dark. Also, I'm used to paying $30+ for an entree in San Francisco, so finding similarly priced entrees in Nashville was unexpected.
(4)Cory D.
A great spot to visit in downtown Nashville. The food is excellent, and the location is great for watching people as they move down the street. I will definitely making another visit.
(5)Ryan C.
Merchants Restaurant is a jewel in Nashville's crown, offering an spectacular dining experience replete with exceptional service and carefully crafted cuisines pouring forth from a charming and reputedly haunted 1870's era building. The menu is well done and the quality of the food was simply astounding. I strongly suggest starting off with the Roasted Vegetable Ravioli it was a delightful mix of highly palatable but rounded earthy textures. Since you are in the South it would only be fitting to follow up with the Jack Daniel's Filet Mignon, it will take very little effort to clean your plate. My wife was quite impressed with the Pan Seared Sea Scallops, the were exceptionally large and prepared perfectly. The service was at least equally exceptional both my wife and I were very pleased with our waiter Kevin, he possessed a warm friendly demeanor and showed an outstanding attentiveness to detail.
(5)Anonymous P.
Had dinner here with a couple of friends. The restaurant is located in a great part of town with lots to see and do before and after dinner. Nashville's Broadway has rows of bars with live music playing in every single one of them. Merchants is a great place to eat. They have a lower level for casual dining and drinking,and a separate dining room for some high society grubbing. There are separate menus for each dining area. We ate upstairs because why drop $10 on a "chicken sandwich" sitting next to common folk when you can drop $25 on a "poultry plate" upstairs snobbing it up with high society. Good food, good service, and a good feel to the place.
(4)Kyle A.
Stopped by here for a pregame beer and sandwich before the USA soccer game. The location is great for walking to matches at LP field. Food prices were in line with the quality. I would recommend to anyone as it seemed people of all ages and types were here.
(4)Stuart L.
I was disappointed in this restaurant. Both the appetizers and main course came out cold. We were half way through the appetizers when the hostess brought out the main course. The table was too small for all of the plates, so she pulled the appetizer plates off the table even though we were still eating them. Didn't even ask if we were done. Considering the cost and type of restaurant, we expected better service. Next time we are in Nashville, we will not bother going here.
(2)Dan M.
I went here for dinner with the wife on a Sunday. We were in Nashville for a wedding and wanted to grab something a little nicer than BBQ. It had a 4 star rating on Yelp, so why not! We arrived downstairs, looked over both the bistro and the upstairs menu. We decided to go 'upscale' and be seated upstairs. We were told she could not seat us right now, and it would be about 45-60 minutes. Not a problem on vacation, we went to the bar downstairs and had drinks and an appetizer. I had a Jack/Coke and her a martini. I was impressed by the ice cubes, as they were the nonstandard large size cubes (actual cubes) which decreases the amount of watering down that occurs. We had the duck-fat fried tater tots, and they were fantastic. Three dipping sauces, so it made it feel a little classier than squeezing Ketchup out of a bottle. After about 20 minutes, the hostess came back and said they were ready upstairs. We didn't need the whole basket of tots, so we finished our drink and headed upstairs. Downstairs decor was very cool. Old school styling, subway tile, etc. Upstairs, the decor was very nice, low lighting, very classy with some exposed brick. To my surprise, there were only maybe 10 people upstairs, with seating for at least 50-60. I was very confused at why we had to wait. But figured maybe it was going to be attentive service and they were short-staffed or something. The service was a bit slow to start. They filled our water glasses fairly quickly and gave us menus. After about 10 minutes, he came back to take the wine order. This took a good 15-20 minutes to come back. Then he disappeared again, finally coming back to take the dinner order. Disappeared again... and probably another 20 minutes for our soups to come out. From there out the service was fine, with items coming up properly timed and drinks refreshed. From a food perspective, we both had the tomato bisque, which was very good. We were also brought a small crab and citrus taster which was also very good. This brought our expectations up regarding the upcoming meal. My wife had the roasted chicken with farro and some summer squash. It was pleasant, but nothing to get excited for. She mentioned that she shouldn't have gone with chicken, because who gets excited for chicken? I had a 14oz rib eye, which was recommended by the waiter. It was tasty enough, but a ton of fat. I understand it's a rib eye... but this was a bit over the top. It was cooked properly and was tasty enough, but for almost $30, I was expecting more. It also came in a weird little cast iron pot/dish. The dish was just deep enough to hinder your ability to cut the steak easily. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. We took a look at the dessert menu, but nothing thrilled us so we got the check. It wasn't bad, $100 for 2 soups, 2 meals, 2 glasses of wine. We were discussing what we thought of the place and both of us said "underwhelmed". We were discussing being spoiled living in Chicago, but I don't know how much weight that holds. I've had amazing dinners in small towns and this just didn't cut it. I'm going with 2 stars, with them getting knocked on service and food. I still don't know why it took 30 minutes (and quoted 60) to get us seated in an empty place? We asked if they were busy and the waitress said "No, we usually book up by 2PM, blah blah blah" adding to the confusion. I just got the impression they were trying to make themselves more exclusive than they are. On food and pricing alone, I would have gone for three. It wasn't bad... but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. If we had the half-star, MAYBE 2.5... MAYBE. I feel comfortable giving this 2. To be fair, the bistro area has potential. Similar food, but more upscale sandwiches / sides than a standard diner/bar. I would give that a shot.
(2)Bill C.
Our first night in Nashville, we were looking for a place to eat and our concierge suggested Merchants. We walked there from our hotel and we're excited at how cute it looked. Our first experience was a bit frustrating as we had an 8PM reservation and didn't get seated until 8:40. Our table was in a great location, the corner booth on the first floor looking down Broadway to the river. My second complaint was how noisy it was. It was super hard to talk at the table so if you are looking to enjoy a meal and conversation, you might be out of luck, at least where we were sitting. On to the great part. The food and drinks were amazing. I had two great cocktails, a Dark & Stormy and Sixty Fifteen. My wife tried a local white wine, not good and an Oregon Pinot Gris, much better. We all shared the Southern Fry and Tater Tots to start and both were out of this world. Who could imagine Tater Tots being so good, but the duck fat in the description should have been a clue. The Southern Fry was equally yummy, pickles, catfish, shrimp and okra. Not the healthiest start to a meal, but darn good. So why start healthy with the entree. I had the chicken fried chicken which was out of this world, served on top of mashed potatoes and spinach. My only regret was being too full to eat the whole thing. Our one son had the same and the other had a perfectly cooked steak while our daughter had a cheeseburger. My wife went healthier with a refreshing Greek salad. I also ordered the iceberg wedge, why would I think I'd have room for a salad. It was a nice wedge which some of the tastiest pieces of bacon, but I only made it halfway through. I loved the food here, everything we had was just so tasty and well prepared, exactly the type of southern comfort food I was looking for after a couple of days of BBQ in Memphis. I'd highly recommend, but not necessarily for a family or those looking for a quiet evening. If you aren't one of those, this is a great choice along bustling Broadway.
(5)Lacey P.
We got the Greek salad and pulled pork BBQ sandwich for lunch and split them. Perfect amount of food and it was delicious. I would definitely come back. If you want to eat dinner here and not wait get a reservation.
(5)Tina S.
This place was not what it looked like on the outside. The lower level had the look of a old fashioned soda fountain. You could order sandwiches and salads. But we wanted something nicer. Please follow us upstairs...it was a nice elegant sit down dinner with cloth napkins, silver, wine glasses. My friend ordered the watermelon salad and scallops. His watermelon salad was the prettiest thing I have ever seen. It was slices of tomatoes, watermelon, sliced onions topped with feta cheese and a vinaigrette. I begged him to share and he did. I had the corn soup, which was topped with popcorn, very sweet and tasty. I had the pan crusted chicken with mushrooms and a few garden veggies. This place was amazing.....
(4)Chad R.
Some of the best food in Downtown Nashville!! One of my favorite places in town. I always take out-of-town guest here so they can experience Lower Broad, and get a taste of good food that makes you think you're somewhere besides Nashville. I've only eaten downstairs, so my review will only be for the Downstairs Menu. ALWAYS get the Tater tots! Flavored and fried in Duck fat, and served with 3 different dippings. It's a great appetizer! And you cannot go wrong with Grilled Salmon BLT or the Sweet Tea Pork Loin. They are my favorites. And the drinks are carefully crafted!! Owned by the same people who own Patterson House, and have many of the same classic cocktails. The bartenders take great pride in the drinks they are making, and just a couple dollars cheaper than PH. Definitely can't go wrong here if you're in downtown Nashville!!
(5)Lenka O.
I came to Nashville last weekend with a couple of girlfriends for a fun ladies trip. our first stop on Thursday night was to find somewhere with great dinner and after a couple of recommendations from locals we ended up at merchants. it was still near the strip so we could go out after. This place was absolutely wonderful food everything from the duck fat tater tots to all 3 entrees that we shared and dessert was nothing less than great. We tried the jambalaya, lobster mac and cheese and the fish tacos. The cocktails were creative and delicious too. I'll be honest, it's not going to be your cheapest dinner in Nashville but when you're on Music Row what else do you expect but to spend a little money? at least I can say that after eating here nothing was a regret.
(5)Lauren S.
This restaurant is one of the best on the Broadway. The first floor is a bit noisy and more of a scene. The second floor is quiet and more of an elegant setting. They even shine your shoes while eating if you want. They have a great cocktail list. Order the potato chips they are a must. I had the pork chop for dinner and I can honestly say it was one of the best I have had. We ended with a chocolate dessert which was amazing. I would go back for sure.
(4)Violet P.
The restaurant is broken up into 2 different areas. The upstairs area is a steak and seafood restaurant and downstairs has a wider variety including sandwiches. We started with the tater tot and guac for appetizers. Guac was just meh so I was a bit disappointed as I love my guac but the tots with the 3 sauces were awesome! Definitely recommend them. 3 of us had the NY strip and one had the recommended pork loin. Let me tell you, go with the pork loin!!! It was sooooo juicy and tender. All 3 of us felt that the steak was ruined by the sauce that was on top of it. We all stripped it off. Or if you're really in the mood for a smaller steak, ask for it on the side and then decide. The prices were pretty decent for a nicer place on Broadway and the drinks were decent as well!! We had excellent service from Jim! He was very attentive and worked very hard.
(4)Francesca D.
Came in on a whim for some snacks because we were starving after the music on the green. What a cool atmosphere. We sat at the bar next to some drunk locals which was hilarious. Get the duck fat tots SO good and worth the hype. Fried green tomatoes were just okay- lacking some spice. But when you put the spicy sauce from the tots on it with the pimento they are on point. Should definitely offer that- just ask for it I'm sure they will give it to you. Also got the Mac and cheese and it was probably the best I've ever had. So filling though. Even for 2 people. Service was spotty so we're giving it a 4. But other than that not to shabby for being on then main drag full of tourist traps. Would go back again with a reservation and for dinner.
(4)W. John R.
This place is really classy, being in the heart of downtown Nashville but feeling like a quiet, elegant space. One of my favorite things about the visit were the cocktails - a full menu of creative and tasty offerings, and a waiter who was knowledgeable and able to make informed recommendations. We started with the pork belly wrap appetizer- it was amazing. I love Bibb lettuce (and grow it at home) and this waxy, crisp lettuce was the perfect vehicle for the sweet-and-spicy treats inside. Our main courses were good. My pork chop was a smidge overdone, but the flavor was great. The sides - especially the twice baked potatoes gratin - complemented the meal perfectly.
(4)Bill T.
Was in Nashville for four days and came here twice it was so good! Food is excellent...the duck fat tater tots are outstanding. We loved the chipotle sauce that came with them. Our first server (I think her name was Ali) recommended the queso with them. It came with a fresh salsa-type garnish and she recommended mixing it in with the cheese and it was amazing. I later had a burger and fries, both great. Service was terrific too. Ali was helpful and told us other fun places to go to eat and drink and her recommendations were fantatstic. The second time, we sat at the bar and the talented bartender made us some great drinks and explained to one of my friends why they did certain things and what some of the ingredients were. Very informative. Our waiter the last night was Brian H and he was very good. Drinks are great...we had old-fashioneds, a Vieux Carre and a Fig Sidecar. The bar really adds their own twist to these bespoke cocktails and make them very memorable. If there's a line, just put your name in and wait. It will be worth it.
(5)Chrissie V.
This place shows what "elevated classics" should REALLY look like, when it comes to food. Duck fat tater tots...fried green tomatoes with the most delicious sauce and pimento cheese...deviled eggs with a crisp pickle chip...I could go on for days about the apps...by far the favorite of our 9 person party was the tots though...they get served with 3 sauces and do yourself a favor and ask for an extra hollandaise sauce before it even gets to your table...you get a pretty generous portion of tots and you will definitely run out of that particular sauce. We had a pretty wide range of entrees at the table...steak frites, pork, fish tacos, veggie burger, REAL burger, mac and cheese...all of which people raved about, but the pork was the surprise winner. As far as sides go...sweet potato fries seemed to be the most popular choice they were cut steak fry style and they looked amazing. The house salad had truly the most amazing dressing on it ever...they need to bottle that for real. I'm probably going to be disappointed by salad dressing for the rest of my life now. They had a pretty extensive drink menu...including a long list of ginger based drinks. All were good...I tried a couple of varieties and all were good, not great. Perfectly satisfactory though because the food really was the star of the show. We're visiting Nashville for a bachelorette party (obviously not an original idea...holy bridal veils Batman!), so I probably won't have much occasion for visiting this restaurant again, but I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone visiting Broadway!
(5)Debi E.
Catfish sandwich- 4.5 stars Smoked brisket- 2.5 stars Restaurant vibe- 4.5 stars Drinks- 4.5 stars
(4)Marisela S.
This restaurant was very delicious and had a great atmosphere. I has the fish tacos, also our table had the po boy shrimp sandwich and the burger and all were tasty with sweet potato fries. It was a great meal, the server was timely and didn't linger and totally worth a visit
(4)Amy C.
Best place to eat on Broadway. Not your normal quick bite. Both downstairs and upstairs are a huge delight and worth the wait.
(5)Gerry T.
Honestly very good food!!! Nothing fancy that will win them a James Beard award anytime soon, but honest cooking with great flavors! I had the pork chop with grits; amazing grits!!! Pork chop a bit over done, but good. My wife had the chicken fried chicken and it was so juicy and tender...I am salivating as I type. The duck fat tater tots are great as well. Our reservations were fumbled but the waiter that took care of us was very accommodating and friendly. This made up for their blemish. If in the area, Check it out.
(5)Paul C.
Great food. Great service. A tad pricy for content - but you'll be happy. Duck fat tater tots - full portion served four of us as a nice picky appetiser. The dips are tasty and varied too. Salty but superb. I had the brisket - with corn bread, coleslaw and BBQ sauce. It was tender, perfectly cooked and with just the right amount of sauce. The slaw was delicious and the corn bread plentiful (most of it left...British tastebuds for you). My partner had chicken fried chicken with spinach and easily the best mashed potatoes I've had in a long time. Also covered in a pepper gravy. The other two in our party had the veggie burger (very bean based - if you know the sort - she loved it) and the fish tacos (big and full - tasty). The sweet potato fries are worthy of their own mention. Very good indeed dipped in the BBQ sauce. Drinks were craft beers and cocktails mainly. Wines and spirits too. Cocktails were a tad pricey - but perfectly mixed. Beer selection very nice but limited. Brooklyn for the win. I will be back!
(4)Brian M.
No trip to Nashville would be complete without a stop at Merchant's, seriously can over 500 Yelpers be wrong! Now there are actually two restaurants to Merchants' and my review will be covering the more casual downstairs option. When we were seated we were provided a small container of popcorn which was seasoned with what tasted like parmesan, dill, and garlic, the combination of flavors was amazing. While looking over the menu, and decided to start off with an order of the Duck Fat Tater Tots, which were very tasty and served with a chipotle mayo, béarnaise and house made ketchup. The tots were delicious, as was the chipotle mayo. For my entree, I went with the Mac & Cheese, which is served with white cheddar, crispy bacon, tomato, scallions, and roasted poblano. This dish was deliciously creamy and cheesy and was a home run! I was able to try some of the Chicken Fried Chicken which was served with smashed Yukon potatoes and it was equally as tasty. In fact, the Chicken Fried Chicken was so good it had me considering returning the following night just to order it. Even though I didn't return the following night, I know that I will be ordering that the next time I am in Nashville. I will say that the staff here was exceptional, however the downstairs gets very loud as the sound seems to echo making it hard for softer casual conversation. I imagine that the upstairs is a bit more upscale, low key, and intimate which if so would make a perfect date night location. Overall Merchant's is a solid option for a quality dining experience, I can only imagine the quality of the food served upstairs at the more formal. I recommend reservations to avoid the crowd, as this place does get busy which can leave you waiting for nearly an hour for a table. However do not let the wait times discourage you, stick it out and you will be thanking yourself later!
(5)Denise D.
Eating at this restaurant was one of the highlights of our visit to Nashville (and, trust me, we had loads of fun in Nashville). The service, amazing. The music, 1990s. The food, unforgettable. I was introduced to a Nashville micro brew here, Yazoo (I got the Gerst, the boyfriend the hefeweizen, both delightful). We started with fried green tomatoes, served with pimento cheese and a sauce I'd like to bathe in. For dinner, I had the tilapia and the boyfriend had the brisket. The accompaniments and sauces were all spot on. Our server (well, bartender--same difference) answered all our questions about the menu items and even offered, before we ordered, to replace anything that we weren't happy with. I was concerned that the tilapia would be too spicy for me, and he assured me that most of the heat was in the sauce, which he had them serve on the side. (He was right). I will definitely not miss this place when I return to Nashville.
(5)Khay G.
One of the best brunches I've ever been to. I came here about 6 months ago and now that I'm on Yelp I had to do a review for it. Everything from the atmosphere and service to the drinks and food were 5/5. If you're going on the weekend, expect a wait for a table. Ours was 45 mins but totally worth it. On the pricey side, but if you're willing to spend a bit more on dining out you won't be disappointed. We got the baked cheese to split and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were very heavy, I don't think I ate for the rest of the day. If I ever come back to Nashville, Merchants will be on my list to visit.
(5)Kenny C.
Merchants was the last meal I had in Nashville, so I wanted to make it count. The restaurant itself is beautiful. It looks liek a townhouse with high ceilings. And there's a chandelier in the back where the hostesses are (kind of looks like a hotel). They give you a little tin of popcorn when you sit down. It had powdered ranch seasoning in it, which I didn't know was a thing. It was like crack. For an appetizer, I went with the duck fat tator tots, because honestly, how the hell am I going to turn that down? They were delicious and came with three dipping suaces - ketchup, chipotle mayo and bearnaise. Loved the tangy bearnaise. Don't worry guys, I went with the half order because I'm not a glutton. For my entree, our lovely waitress recommended the chicken fried chicken, which came with over yukons and spinach, topped with country gravy. Despite the hear-attack-inducing description, it actually wasn't that heavy. The chicken was thin and fried beautifully, and there were vegetables involved, which is healthy, right? Maybe I'm in denial. It was my second time having fried chicken that day, but hey, when in Nashville...
(5)Guy C.
Blackened tilapia was amazing. Even a burger was excellent with mushrooms piled high. Nikia, our server, was knowledgable, prompt, professional and friendly. Great people watching on the corner of Broadway and 4th.
(5)Becca J.
I guess I was a little disappointed considering all of the raving reviews about this place. It does seem like the best option to eat if you are hanging out "downtown" near all of the honky tonk bars, so that is probably one of the reasons it is rated so highly. My table split a half order of the Duck Fat Tater Tots, and I ordered the Blackened Tilapia. The tater tots were good, but not amazing. I did like the various dipping sauces they provided. The Tilapia was actually really good, and I would get that again. The ambiance felt a bit diner-y, perhaps it was the hard, white floors and the booths. My understanding is that it is different upstairs, but we didn't get to experience that. Be prepared to pay for street / lot parking. Unfortunately we were there on an "event" day (there was a concert going on somewhere close-by) and got stuck with a $25 parking tab. The building is historic and very cute.
(4)Stephanie B.
We came to Nashville for our anniversary and found Merchants by accident. The staff was very accommodating and sweet. We hit the jackpot with our waitress, Jennifer. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and loved them. For dinner we ordered the NY strip and I changed the sauce to Bernaise because who on Earth wouldn't want that? P.S. We sat on the lit up patio and it couldn't have been more romantic.
(5)Lily P.
Great A+++++ We even got out boots shined while eating.
(5)Zlata P.
It's a nice place to eat, however it gets super busy, so be ready to wait for a table or if you lucky, you can grab a seat at the bar. Came here on a Friday night, place was packed. 45 min wait for a table, we were hungry, so we sat at the bar. Everything on the menu looked good. I tried pulled pork sandwich. It came out a little dry for my taste. Friend had a steak, she seemed to like it. I also tried deviled eggs, and I think that was my favorite out of all things we ordered . To drink I got some house special cocktail, don't remember the name, it was gin based. Service was friendly at first, and after it became even busier, bartenders seemed to be overwhelmed with customers, so It was no service at this point. Check it out. But I would probably come back on a less busy night .
(4)Maria K.
I have lived in Nashville for 19 years, and discovered Merchants a couple years ago. I was a concierge at a nice hotel on West End and always found myself making reservations for people here....and after visiting I know why! There are two circumstances in which I will find myself at merchants. The first being when I want to dine in a fun environment downtown without all the craziness, and the second being whenever I want to start a night off of bar hopping at a nice classy place. The food at Merchants is slightly above average. I usually have the hamburger or the chicken fried chicken. They have a southern twist on common entrees which gives it more of a "Nashville" vibe. But let me tell you, the cocktails are absolutely phenomenal. They have a list of very eclectic options ranging from my personal favorite, Rock City Peach (which has a spicy jalapeno syrup in it!) to a Tennessee mojito made with mango moonshine. Trust me when I say Merchants has some of the best cocktails in the city. The ambiance is also wonderful. It is themed as an upscale diner inside an old pharmacy building. Now, they also have fine dining on the top level but I prefer the mail floor. The restaurant tends to get a bit busy, but you give them your number and they text you when a table is ready. You can use this time to check out some of the surrounding area bars! HELPFUL TIP!!! They have valet parking until 10 PM at the tiny avenue right before the restaurant. So if you want free parking for your meal, drive by slowly and look on your right!
(5)Mollie S.
Last weekend, my girlfriends and I headed to Nashville to celebrate one of by best friend's 30th birthday. Since we all weren't experts on where the trendy spots were, we did some research and stumbled upon a gem on Broadway... Merchants Restaurant! The place was completely packed on a Friday night. When we went to the hostess, we were told it would take 2 hours for us to get a table! Being determined to stay at Merchants, I spotted 3 stools at the bar with our names on them. The moment we sat down and were greeted by several very polite, handsome and well dressed bartenders. They were are all dressed in dress shirts, suspenders and bow ties... SWOON. Cody was our server for the evening and he treated us like royalty! He ensured that all of us, ESPECIALLY the birthday girl, had an amazing time! The food and drinks were delicious, not to mention affordable! We even got to sample some hometown specialty shots... and I LOVE shots! We loved this place so much we went there again for dinner on our last night in town. For anyone who is visiting Nashville or lives there, you need to go to Merchants for delicious food, yummy cocktails and wonderful service. I promise you will not regret it! I hope to make it back there soon! :)
(5)Jared K.
I wandered downtown to meet my mom and aunt, who were visiting for a few days. They're into touristy stuff, so I thought that Merchant's on Broadway would be a great spot to take them for lunch. I suppose I could have taken them to Robert's Western World or Wildhorse Saloon if we wanted to get super touristy, but those places are a bit more than I can handle. There are still a few obvious remnants of the original pharmacy business in their first-floor bistro area, including the layout, marble counters, and abundant natural lighting. Even the attitudes at Merchants seem reminiscent of the past, exemplified by the hostesses and waitstaff who gave my family some great Nashville hospitality. I didn't really have barbecue on my mind when we walked into Merchants, but when I saw a Smoked Brisket entree on the menu, I couldn't resist the temptation. Theirs comes with cornbread, coleslaw, and a chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce. I asked for sauce on the side and also requested the house-made potato chips as a substitute side dish. As expected, the potato chips were terrific. They were thick-cut chips with a ton of crunch. It was also patently obvious that they were homemade. The cornbread was beautifully sweet and very buttery. It tasted like there might have been some molasses mixed right in (or at least maybe some brown sugar). Merchants' brisket is prepared with something they call a "Music City Rub," although I'm not sure exactly what that is. The meat was much smokier than I envisioned, so much so that it was immediately noticeable when I took my first bite. Their rub seasoning was decent enough, but the brisket didn't have much of a crust to speak of, so I feel like I missed out on a potential flavor source there. Despite its leanness, the brisket was still tender and juicy. What little fat there was had certainly soaked up plenty of flavor from the smoking process. It was rendered well, though there was a little too much of it packed together. The chipotle-sorghum barbecue sauce was good, too. It was only somewhat spicy, but paired nicely with the brisket. We had an excellent meal at Merchants, and I'm sure we'll be back.
(4)Emily H.
This place was amazing!!! The food was excellent, our waiter was excellent and the duck fat tater tots were excellent. Without a doubt, my favorite spot in Nashville!!
(4)Stephanie H.
FULL DISCLOSURE- my friend knows one of the co-owners, so my experience was slightly more amazing because of it. However, I can say that even if we had not had the friend connection, this place has outstanding service, food and a fantastic atmosphere! I love the fact that they have a casual downstairs and fancier upstairs. Both menus looked unbelievably good (truly something for everyone), but we went for the downstairs menu, because we wanted something more casual and at a lower price point. I ordered a local IPA that was wonderful, then we went nuts on the appetizers, getting the deviled eggs and duck fat tater tots. Holy crap - those tater tots were ridiculous. I couldn't stop eating them. They came with three delicious sauces, but the spicy chipotle ended up being everyone's favorite. The portion size was HUGE and more than enough for all 4 of us. The deviled eggs were also fantastic and were well presented on top of a pickle - a unique presentation, but the flavor of the pickle was an excellent touch! For an entree, I ordered the salmon salad. Again - HUGE portion size - and the salmon itself was prepared well; not overcooked and paired with goat cheese, apples and nuts. Yum. The service was also over the top and I really don't think it was because of our "connection" - our waitress was extremely courteous, attentive, and very nice - paying us just the right amount of attention, despite how bustling the place happened to be on a Saturday night. If you're in the Nashville area, I highly recommend trying this place out. The location is central, and the atmosphere is trendy and fun. Also was deeply impressed by the music list - tons of 90s hits. Definitely made the experience better :)
(5)Sabrina D.
Awesome vibe with an old school feel. Great bar area. Salads were delicious and so wasn't the chicken fried chicken. We tried the duck tators ( recommended by every other yelper) and they were good. Half order is good for 4 people, we got the large and it was to much. Located right on Broadway!
(4)Riley S.
Great service, atmosphere and food - Nashville wrapped up in a single restaurant. Our group of friends came here for our final dinner in Nashville. We got the chicken fried chicken and blackened tilapia. Can't say enough about the chicken fried chicken. The chicken was extremely crispy and placed over a bed of mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach with country fried gravy. Come here if you wanna come here for a great taste of southern food for a reasonable price.
(5)Shelby J.
I love Merchants! I've eaten here both times I have been in Nashville recently. We eat downstairs at Merchants Café. There can usually be a wait, but its totally worth it! And when I was here the first time it wasn't actually that long of a wait and we had no reservation. I always eat downstairs at Merchants. Love the vibe of the whole place, very cool and old school looking from the waiting area completely in black and white, to the dining spaces. First of all, its been said before I'm sure and it might be cliché, but THOSE TOTS. Yeah, you gotta get the tater tots. The larger starter size is actually really large, I would only order that if you had 3+ people or something like that. I usually am in a party of 2, and we ordered the large and we left some so we could enjoy our meals. When I went with my mom, we split an entrée after having the appetizer... and it was delicious and the perfect size for it. We got the Sweet Tea Pork Loin, which comes with bourbon jus, pimento cheese grits and molasses glazed green beans. It tastes as delicious as it sounds. Plus they split the plates for us and it was still beautifully plated. So very good. I've also had some sandwiches and salad here, both were quite good. To be honest I've not had a bad meal here, and the service has always been friendly. It's a great spot to hit in Nashville, particularly if you're hanging out in the Broadway area.
(4)Karen S.
Best meal we had in Nashville - though keep in mind we were staying at the Gaylord, so perhaps not the biggest hurdle to clear. But this was an outstanding meal! Appetizer of fried green tomatoes, as well as a plate of fried stuff (clearly not doing it justice, but included okra and pickles) were a great start. I had brisket which was tender and flavorful. The rest of my tablemates all ordered the chicken fried chicken and raved about it. Service was excellent. Place is a bit loud (we were in the downstairs part), but it made for a fun atmosphere. Would for sure come back here!
(5)Michelle S.
Great crepes. Clean and modern place. Friendly staff
(4)Kerry N.
Neat, fun and trendy place, but the food was average. The duck fat tots sounded cool, but they weren't. We ordered 4 different dishes and nothing was stand out. Great location though.
(4)Nicole M.
I LOVE Merchants. Their salmon BLT is my go to every time. It's so good I can't ever try anything else because I don't want to miss the chance of eating it. The popcorn they serve at the beginning is different and yummy. Duck fat tater tots are a must try.
(5)Vicki M.
The food here is absolutely amazing! Portions are big so feel free to share plates! Great drinks and sweet accommodating staff with personalized birthday messages! Love this spot it's a must!
(5)Jay R.
Merchants is good, I like the food and can specifically recall the fried green tomatoes were delicious. It also has a prime location right in the middle of Broadway Downtown. That being said, the service was kind of on the slow side (and somewhat stiff) and I didn't find my meal overly memorable, so it lands at 3 stars for now. I'd definitely be willing to go back though!
(3)James B.
Ok, so we are the family with the stroller and the 3 months old baby that everyone roles the eyes at... We tend boldly walk in and request a booth so we can put the baby seat next to one of us and then we wait for the reaction of the hostess to figure out whether this is a good idea or not. All I can say for Merchant is THANK YOU! Thank you for understanding that its a little tricky with a baby, thank you for taking the stroller and putting it somewhere safe and thank you for the great service and food! What a fantastic restaurant. We arrive, the staff are friendly and welcoming and even though we try and make sure we eat early to get out of peoples way (5:30pm ish), we were not rushed, nor were we made to feel anything other than part of the gang. We go to our table and proceed to order dinner. The food is super tasty and the starter portions are perfect to share. The hostess checks in with us half way through, which she doesn't need to do, the waiter recommends that BEST dishes to eat and we thoroughly enjoy our time there. I recommend the whole experience :) Loved it!
(5)Chris X M.
We had a GREAT lunch here. Very crowded, but one of the better restaurant options on Broadway. Drinks were very well prepared and food was excellent. Server was fast and friendly, although a bit busy. We will come back. A/C was not working right--hope they fix that.
(5)Kristie A.
My coworkers and I came here one night and we sure had a good time! the best thing about that place after their food was our Waiter, Harrison. He made our dining experience so fun and enjoyable! All of their food was soo delicious! My favorites were my main dish which was scallop, pork belly wrap, and butterscotch pie! As a Nashvillian, this place is often thought of as a touristy spot. Don't be fooled. This place is the real deal in Nashville. All their foods are the delicious and service is remarkable.
(5)Tammy O.
This was one our favorites from the girls trip!!! Mojitos were fabulous!!! The food was excellent...hamburger is a definite if we go back!!! The peach cobbler dessert is worth every calorie. If you go ask for Cheyenne...the best server in Nashville!!!!
(5)Samantha F.
My boyfriend and I visited from NYC tonight - and this place was great! Cocktails are on point (particularly Pimm's Cup and the Creole Fashioned). Fried green tomatoes were DELICIOUS, followed by tasty smoked (and super moist) brisket for my BF and a Salmon strawberry salad for me. Everything was divine. Oh... And a peach cobbler on the house? Amazing. Thanks for a GREAT dinner and a whole lot of hospitality :)
(5)Claudia A.
Quick review! My fiancée had their "top menu hit" as the server called it which was Fish tacos (really in Nashville?!) oh well should have said that aloud before he ordered it. As he describes his first bite with just a facial expression of disappointment I knew he didn't like it. My salad was the grilled chicken strawberry salad. Ehh, not bad but not good. Just EH! The free popcorn is good and the sweet potato fries are thick and good. Amendment: took off a star because the bathrooms are unkept and unsanitary
(1)Amy D.
Delicous! Merchants offers a bit of upper scale dining (not formally upscale but definitely refined offerings) on Broadway. If you're looking for a table walk straight back to the hostess table (you will pass the bar on the left). I chose to dine at the bar for brunch. The bar has a beautiful copper finish. There is a long list of specialty cocktails in addition to coffee and tea. The coffee is pretty good. I tried the fried green tomatoes. They are delicious! The fried green tomatoes come with a sweet and sour sauce and pimento cheese- yum. I also had the Monte Christo, which was a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Service was also prompt and excellent- Merchants is definitely worth a stop.
(5)David T.
We only stopped in for appetizers but the atmosphere and the food was great. We had the baked cheese dip which was excellent.
(5)Hunter O.
Staff was nice.. The place has a old school charm. The pork belly app was super yummy, my steak was good but had a lot of grizzle in it.. Now it was a ribeye and I like fat in my ribeye steak just no grizz.. Prob had to cut off at least 4oz of it.. But moving on from there the duck fat fries are super yummy and would be worth stoping by and ratting those alone with a nice cold beer.. I think over all it was good place, just saddened by the meat quality and the high end price.. I don't mind paying for quality..
(4)Carol S.
The food is outstanding. We sat at the bar and, unfortunately, the service was spotty and distracted. Nice when it showed up but hard to place a timely order. That being said, the food came out on a rocket and perfectly cooked. Are they psychic back in the kitchen?
(4)Amy W.
Amazing food and drinks. They serve you truffle popcorn at the bar to start which is awesome. Had the tilapia and it was fantastic. Very fresh, very yummy
(5)Beth G.
Been here many many many times for happy hour many times years back. Had dinner there a few times then too. Steak was good, not complaints. Most recently went in 2015. It has been around a longggggg time. Being on Broadway and prices of rent, it is still around and consistently good. They start with popcorn which is fun. The couple of guys we met coming out said you MUST have the Iced Tea Pork Chop. Wish I could have, next time I will! We had the deviled eggs again...the Northern friends, could not get enough of these. I am from the North originally and always do like when someone else makes the deviled eggs. Get this-- the Wings appetizer were amazing. Who knew?!?!? So glad to go out with friends as they order different meals I can report on here on Yelp. Had the Duck Fat tater tots. Have you had anything with duck fat? Not that much difference, and really I did find ANY difference on the tots. I would think the duck flavor would carry over--- not so much. Another had the Soup and Sammy. Reviews were good, no complaints. Another had Chicken Fried chicken, they liked! The BBQ pulled pork sandwich she loved. Next time really going to try that Iced Tea Pork item. We sat outside, not too hot. Parking is paid, Someone said it tourist populated. Since Nashville has boomed since the flood, I guess it is.
(4)Zeke T.
This was the best option we found on Broadway for good eats without all the drunk 20somethings and loud music. It was a respite amidst the storm (for us...who had just come from a Ryman tour...on a Saturday mid-day). It was a little warm inside (though cooler than outside for sure), but the atmosphere was bright and fun. The waitstaff was friendly, and the food came quickly. The beer list is more than adequate, and I get the feeling that the cocktails would be excellent. Recommendations: the tater tots! But the rest of our food, mostly sandwiches, was good too. :)
(4)AaronErin D.
Shortly after arriving in Nashville we decided to have some food before our bar crawl adventures. Loved the atmosphere immediately after walking in, it has a more "classy" feel compared to most of the places located down Broadway. We weren't completely impressed with the female bartender, we sat for a while before finally being greeted and she didn't seem very happy to be working. Luckily during shift change a more up beat man took over our check. The drinks we ordered were delicious. They make an excellent Old Fashion here. Their selection of bourbons, beers and wines were impressive. Be sure to try some of their popcorn they give at the bar, it's delicious. As far as the food goes we tried their Duck Fat Tots... Order the small the large portion is massive. They tasted okay but nothing special. The Deviled Eggs, Fried Green Tomatoes, & Guacamole were tasty. Very basic food flavors, nothing exceptional but It's a spot worth checking out while traveling to Nashville.
(4)Allie W.
Downstairs is much more casual and louder, with windows facing downtown Broadway so there is great people watching. If you want a more intimate dinner with a fancier menu, request a table upstairs where the dark decor of the former hotel make for a superb dining experience. The steak is awesome as is the seared tuna. I was especially impressed with the cocktails. I love Moscow mules and they make their own ginger beer in-house which made for an excellent mule. We also ordered the lemon dessert which was a sweet/tart/delicious way to end our evening before heading out on Broadway. I haven't eaten downstairs in a while, but the tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and burger are fantastic!
(4)Catie B.
I'm pretty sure my life changed while I was here this evening. Everything was phenomenal from the bread and sweet butter to the fresh oysters to the pork chop and duck fat fries I had. They have talented mixologists on staff so don't skip the cocktails. I can't say enough good things.
(5)Martin C.
Much more upmarket restaurant than everything else in the honky tonk area. It's definitely not good value and I didn't see any live music there and not sure if they even offer it. The interior has nice decor and the guacamole was great. The tater tots even though they were goose fat ones tasted like any other ones I've had. If you are on the strip and want something a bit fancier with no music check these guys out.
(4)Leesa F.
We needed a really good meal in downtown Nashville and this place nailed it! From the server to the drinks to the food it was just what we wanted. We ordered 3 appetizers- baked cheese (AMAZING!), deviled eggs and the much talked about duck fat tator tots. I would order the cheese again but the deviled eggs weren't very flavorful and just kind of bland. The tots were just ok- I wouldn't order them again. For entrees we both ordered a salad, chicken Caesar and the chopped greek. What you might expect but the dressing wasn't my favorite. Overall great experience and I will be back for a few other items on their menu that looked very intriguing.
(4)Vincent T.
A really busy, really cool restaurant in the heart of downtown Nashville... (make a reservation) Duck Fat Tots, Deviled Eggs, Mac& Cheese, all good starters. Chicken Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea Pork Loin were both excellent entrees. Service was attentive and friendly. Really liked the decor and bartender uniforms. Would've liked to try some cocktails with dinner, buuuuut I arrived smashed. So just water for me... (a day of bar hopping on Broadway will do that to ya) I had awesome food at every spot I went while in Nashville. This wasn't the best meal overall, but it definitely was the best food on Broadway. Check it out.
(4)Loralyn D.
There aren't too many great restaurants within walking distance from Broadway, but this is one of the best. There are 2 levels - the top story is more of a 3 course meal whereas downstairs has more of a classy diner feel. The downstairs has a cool atmosphere and the building itself has a lot of history. The Jambalaya and Lobster Mac & Cheese are 2 of my favorites.
(4)Toki W.
I had the opportunity Merchants upstairs dining room due to a last minute cancellation. Apparently it can be difficult to get a same day reservation in the upstairs dining area. The food was some of the best I ever had. I had a steak, seared perfectly, and my wife ordered a pork chop with corn and some type of peach glaze (which I kept stealing from her). I ordered my steak, as I often do, with no accompaniments as it was my first time there. There were options for sides, sauces, etc. but it was perfect without. Service upstairs was fantastic. We had a waitress who was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients (she told us the name of the captain of the ship that caught some of the seafood), a busser who was charming and delightful, and a empty dishes/plates/cups were removed or refilled within moments. We shared dessert, which was their very own take on a s'mores. It was completely out of this world. I'm not much for sweets, but this was indescribable. Shortly after that, Gil the GM came out and congratulated us on our wedding anniversary, engaged in friendly chit chat, and offered to take us out for more drinks at their sister bar (Paradise Park right next door!). Gil, thanks for the invitation. We had some other stops to make, otherwise we would have gladly accepted the offer. When we come back to Nashville, we will be making reservations upstairs before we even leave. I'd give you a sixth star if I could.
(5)Carrie D.
Had the salmon BLT. Very good! The sweet potato fries are great good. Service was ok.
(4)Adam R.
Overall, this is one of the better options for direct Broadway access. We stopped in before a Preds game for a bite of early dinner. We had reservations and were seated promptly at 5pm. We were greeted by VERY friendly staff and servers. Can't complain there at all. We had a small offering of complimentary popcorn that was very good. Superb seasoning, and I found myself going back to the little tin over and over. I must also comment with satisfaction on the music playing. It was the perfect level, and a GREAT selection of songs. As we had never been, I asked the server for recommendations. He highly recommended the catfish. I bit, as I am your typical Southern boy and love me some good catfish! It. Was. Gross. If you're from the South, you know there's only 1 way to serve proper catfish. Fried. This nasty thing was all sad, watery, floppy, thin, and had a nasty texture to the skin. The aioli was average. The fries were fries, nothing special there, and honestly lacking seasoning, but not terrible. The wife's Mac & Cheese was quite good, as was another member's turkey sandwich. Another ding that brings them down a star was no specific offering for kids. No kids menu, or plates designed for children. Our 7 year old got a plate full of food that I wouldn't have been able to eat all of. I must admit, we were there with family, and we didn't get a chance to imbibe in any of their cocktails or drinks that looked quite tasty. We will go again for the drinks and try to sit at the bar, which looked quite nice, but might pass on the full meal.
(4)Tabby K.
Fun times, killer and very attentive wait staff. Yeah, it's definitely touristy, but what the hell? This is Nashville, after all!! Hit 'em up!!
(5)Brian H.
Best tater tots in town...wow. But difficult to get a table most nights.
(4)Laura G.
Enjoyed a lunch at this turn of the century establishment. Clean and friendly staff. We had the turkey club and sweet potato fries. We started with the fried green tomatoes. All very fresh.
(5)Ryan A.
Our food was fantastic, and it came out quick. I had the French Dip, which was a special today. Wife had the pulled pork sandwich, which was awesome. Sweet potato fries and the Duck Fat Tater Tots rock. Best service I have had in quite some time.
(5)Noelle M.
I totally agree with the other reviewers who raved about the duck fat tater tots - a half portion is enough for two people. Quick and polite service, had a nice table on the patio for dinner and we didn't even have to wait to be seated. I loved my Cobb Salad and my friend was happy with her Chicken Fried Chicken, which the waiter selected for her.
(4)Lia P.
I really didn't think it would be possible to have a good meal on touristy Broadway yet somehow Merchants proved us wrong. Our meal wasn't just good, it was amazing! Five stars through and through. From our waitress to the drinks to the food and ambiance- everything was perfect. I guess it should be noted that we sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant, which is much more upscale than the downstairs section. We didn't have a reservation so we were told it would be about an hour wait- totally understandable on a busy Saturday night. They take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. So simple, I wish more places would do that! Our table was ready in 20 rather than an hour which was a nice surprise. We were given a table by a window overlooking Broadway. So much fun watching all the bachelorette parties and booze busses go by. Loved that we weren't squished in with other two tops, making it more romantic. First of all, drinks. I had the Bulleit cocktail with berry marinade. I'm not sure what a berry marinade is but it was fresh and refreshing. Sweet but not too sweet, everything I want in a cocktail. Then I had a Manhattan. So strong and smooth as it should be. I definitely recommend starting with the charcuterie board. The meat portions (duck and salami on ours) were a little bit smaller but so smoky and rich it didn't matter. It also came with a jar of liver mousse and strawberry jam which we tried so hard to finish but it was too rich. Darn! It was perfect with the buttery brioche that came with it. For my main I had the lamb. It was like a short rib, so tender. My husband had the grilled beef which was also good. His came with Brussels sprouts which I kept stealing off his plate (hey, he doesn't eat them). I wouldn't normally get dessert at the same place I eat dinner- it's like a thing of mine- but I had a feeling theirs would be worth it. Sure enough they have a dedicated pastry chef who whips up their sweet treats. It was an easy choice- the smoked chocolate with peanut butter ice cream. Smoked whaaat? I'm not real fancy so smoked chocolate was quite the treat for me. Went perfectly with a glass of 12 year Macallan. A couple tidbits- our waitress (Jen) was perfect. Not condescending, didn't read us the menu, didn't hover. In general the pacing of the meal was perfect. If I'm going to have a $200 meal I want to take my time and savor it. Merchants gets it. I just wish they would do away with the iPad drink menu. It doesn't really serve a purpose (except maybe for the older, hard of seeing crowd?) and doesn't really fit their vibe. But that's my only complaint which says a lot about this charming gem!
(5)Stormie L.
The bartender was inconvenienced by us being there, but the menu and drinks did not disappoint. I would come here for the tastes and ambiance, but not for the service.
(2)David P.
This place is split between a diner style floor and a fancy dinner upstairs. We chose the fancy option. They fresh whip butter to pair with their homemade bread. Everything from appetizer to dessert was really well done. It is a bit on the pricey side compared to downstairs, but if that is within your budget, then do it . Only thing is, I wished a few of the more down home southern options were available for appetizers.
(4)Jen B.
I went to Merchant's with a group of my future coworkers. Yes, future. I think this was the "breaking bread" together part of my experience with them. There was no bread, but there was complimentary sour cream and onion popcorn. To share, we ordered the duck fat tater tots. I have never had anything fried in duck fat before, and I did not notice a difference in taste between the duck fat tater tots here and the tater tots I've had fried in vegetable oil. The tots were shared among our group of 9 coworkers, and it was plenty to share. They were not greasy, and they came with 2 dipping sauces: ketchup and chipotle mayo. The mayo is the star of this dish. I liked the presentation of the tots in a cast iron skillet, too. We also shared 2 orders of the fried green tomatoes (5 patties in each order). The tomatoes were lightly breaded and fried. They were nothing out-of-this-world, though. If you're ever in the Ann Arbor, MI, area, try the fried green tomato sandwich at Sava's on State Street. I opted to get the Southern Fry instead of the main entrees. Catfish, okra, shrimp, and pickles. The catfish was wonderful, nice and tender. The other fried goods were good, too, but again, nothing out-of-this-world. My coworker got the jambalaya, which looked very hearty and had a deep red broth base. She wasn't very impressed with it. Another coworker ordered the chicken fried chicken, which she shared with another coworker due to the large portion size. The gravy on the chicken was nice and creamy, and the potatoes were as well. The atmosphere here is very hip and trendy-wait staff in bow ties and suspenders, white tiling. There were 3 screens showing the Tigers-Rangers game and the Vanderbilt game. The service is slow, though. Each table gets a bottle of water to be poured and refilled as you would like. Unfortunately, the bottles empty fast when you have 5 people at a table. And, finding your server to ask for a refill is difficult as this place is very busy due to its location on Broadway near other tourist attractions. For me, the highlights of this experience were the company of my coworkers and the dates my coworkers brought from Saudi Arabia. Overall, Merchant's is a good place for a casual night out on the town.
(3)Hayley T.
I visited Merchants this past Friday night. Cody immediately served me at the bar with a pleasant sense of urgency. He expertly guided us through the cocktail menu. I settled for the Tennessee Mojito. Cody skillfully created my libation quickly. As a professional, award winning bartender I was thoroughly impressed by Cody taking so much pride in his job and the bar he works at. Merchants bartenders are such a breath of fresh air on Broadway, especially when they are as accommodating as Cody. Thank you Cody.
(5)Steph D.
Went for a quick lunch for a bachelorette party and it was great! A lot got the pulled pork and I had the brisket. Both were amazing and the atmosphere was a lot of fun! We had Ali as our waitress and she was fantastic! She was super sweet! Would certainly come back again next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)Rachael Z.
Luckily for me, I visited Nashville for work last week. Although it was a business trip, my boss and I went all out (as much as possible), starting with a great meal! Though there were multiple restaurants I had wanted to visit in the city itself, we didn't want to take one cab after another, and therefore chose Merchants. Though we had full reign on the price of our meals, we chose to eat downstairs. I'd prefer a tapas-style menu for nearly every meal (tasting multiple items), therefore we stayed downstairs. So glad we did! We started with several appetizers - the duck fat tater tots, baked cheese and fried green tomatoes. Our server mistakenly put in a full order of tots (instead of half) and holy moly, is that a large portion! Definitely for 4+ hungry hungry people. They were very tasty, and I loved the chipotle dipping sauce. The baked cheese was my favorite - ooey gooey, and the cheese never hardened. I was disappointed with the fried green tomatoes...they just looked *too* perfect. They were too fried, and though it stated it was a "spicy pepper jam", it was more sweet and I tasted no spice. Remove the sauce, and it would have been okay. We were so full, certainly given the large order of tots, but I still ordered the jambalaya, and my boss ordered a bowl of soup. I am not fooling here, when I say that no more than 90 seconds later, our orders were on the table. Clearly, they have large vats of jambalaya and soup sitting around, but could you have at least made it seem like it was made-to-order?? I really disliked that. Really really. Drinks/dessert: Our server recommended the Botanist, and we both tried it and loved it! Local gin, and a sweet/sour type of taste. For dessert I chose another drink, rather than a sweet treat (as we were advised they were all large). It was some type of rummy, creamy dream - it was SO fantastic. I would go back here and order that over, and over, and over again. Our server was super neat, the atmosphere was great and we enjoyed the food. I only wish that the menu would be available on both levels, as I would have LOVED to order the gumbo downstairs.
(4)Erin S.
Came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon. They give you seasoned popcorn when you sit which is pretty delicious. I had the cobb salad and it was excellent- big and fresh. The restaurant is light and bright and a great atmosphere. Would definitely come back next time I am in town.
(5)MARK G.
I enjoyed the atmosphere, chic but not crazy. Decided to split both the duck fat tater tots and the chicken fried chicken. It was a wise choice for lunch. Also a shout out to Shawn for taking such good care of us.
(4)Kait S.
Miles better than most other places on Broadway. But I think that is leading to inflated 5-star reviews. Merchants is good. I ate downstairs in the bistro which was incredibly loud and HOT. We couldn't wait to get drinks-which took a while-so we could maybe cool down a tad. Drink prices seemed a little too high but they were good. The popcorn (in lieu of bread) was stale. Food came quickly, we had the pulled pork sandwich and a salmon salad. It was good but not anything to wrote home about. Service was fine, timely and attentive, but not overly great. It was a little hard to understand our waiter as he was missing all of his front teeth-but he was a good waiter. Final thoughts- if you're looking for something besides burgers and chicken fingers on Broadway, this is your place. But don't go out of your way.
(3)Mark L.
My wife and I tried Merchants (down) on our last night in Nashville and it did not disappoint. They start of with giving you popcorn with a special seasoning that makes the popcorn amazing and we were shocked to find out what the seasoning was! We started with the Duck Fat Tator Tot appetizer which was a great choice especially the béarnaise sauce that comes on the side as a dipping sauce. My wife had the fish tacos that were very good and filling. I had the Sweet Tea Pork Loin on top of pimento cheese grits, and molasses glazed green beans then bourbon jus was poured over the pork loin. This meal was phenomenal! The pimento cheese grits were the best cheese grits I've ever had. So good I had to order an extra side of them! Merchants had a great atmosphere and good service - I highly recommend this for your next Nashville night out!
(5)Michele D.
Recommended by friends we finally had a chance to check Merchant's out. Overall the food was average. We chose to eat downstairs where the food was a little more casual but the menu seemed bigger. We had the duck fat tater tots that we're pretty good and I ordered the steak. It was cooked the way I ordered it which was nice and I would say it was good but not the best steak I've had. My husband had the brisket which he didn't like very much but he's a picky eater. I thought it was pretty good and it was definitely a good size portion. The ambiance saved the experience for me and would draw me back but maybe just for cocktails and not necessarily dinner
(3)Anders O.
Great spot! Good food, cool atmosphere, best place to eat on Broadway. Our waiter Eric said he was training and it was only his second night, we would have never guessed, he was awesome!
(5)Randa E.
In Nashville for a show during the same weekend as the SEC Tournament. So it was like we took the whole city of Lexington with us:) Big Blue Nation!!! Anyway, we ordered Bloody Mary's and the Southern Fry appetizer. Bloodys were spicy and tasted made from scratch. The app was delish! I ordered the Salmon BLT with a salad and my bf got the Blackened Catfish. Great portions and we tried our best to eat every bite! 2 sandwiches with side, 2 top shelf Bloodys, appetizer, and tip came to $80. A little pricy for lunch but we try to eat at least one great meal any time we travel and we weren't staying long enough for dinner so we splurged on a killer lunch and we were not disappointed:)
(5)Amie O.
Went on a busy Sunday evening, but loved that even with an hour wait, they are able to text you when your table is ready. So nice to be able to walk around and enjoy the area and not miss out on a reservation. Started with Duck Fat Tater Tots, which were amazing! I had fish tacos which were a little on the salty side and my husband had the brisket which was just right. I'm not a big rum on the rocks drinker, but I would absolutely recommend the Papas Pilar on ice with a lime wedge. It smelled like warm brown sugar and was so smooth, I could sip it without a heavy burn. Service was great and so was the feel of the restaurant. Very fun!
(5)Punam D.
I came here last night as part of a large group. We were seated in a private room up 2 flights of stairs and handed a very limited menu. I had a Cobb salad to start. You can't really go wrong with a large head of lettuce, a tomato or two and some dressing, so that was fine. Then I had the salmon with some blackened potatoes which was underwhelming, although everything tasted fresh. Others chose the beef which arrived swimming in a tasteless sauce. Significantly, when the order was taken, no attempt was made to ask how the steak should be cooked, and that was because it was well done regardless. Pudding was a dry biscuit-like cake which was extraordinarily unappetising. The red wine was simply horrible; we had a choice of a Cabernet or a Pinot noir, neither of which were good. Service was good though. In view of this experience, bearing in mind the other good reviews, maybe this restaurant doesn't cater for large groups very well. I will not return.
(2)Rene C.
I've always been a fan of Merchant's and go here often for lunch. Has a great history and antique vibe that I love. I am so glad that they are still here since the big influx. Love the popcorn touch and the friendly folks. Especially love the cobb salad. Bar keeps are awesome and you get the best of both worlds, i.e., downstairs is hip, loud and happening; upstairs is quiet and romantic.
(4)Justin J.
Very cool atmosphere. Started off with drinks and an appetizer. "no sleep till Brooklyn" which is a whiskey and espresso based glass of awesome! And the southern fry, which has catfish, shrimp okra and pickles. Perfect amount of batter, perfect fry, perfect appetizer. For entrees, we had the chicken fried chicken and tilapia and sweet potato hash. Both great. The chicken fried chicken is definitely a "feel good" meal. Very impressed with everything. The only reason it got 4/5 was the wait. But that's to be expected and you completely forget about it after your stay.
(4)Aman S.
Great place, more upscale on Broadway. Good bartenders and awesome drinks. I had the burger and tater tots, simple, but good and fast service. The deviled eggs leave a little something to be desired.
(4)Jessica C.
Duck fat tator tots - DO IT! ...and get the dry-rub wings while you're at it. This place is cool. Met up with some friends to grab a few drinks before heading to a concert. The moscow mule was on point...one of the best I've ever had. My friends ordered the guac and cheese appetizers before I got there...and devoured them before I got there, too.
(4)Amanda C.
Loved this restaurant!! It's a great break from all the BBQ and bar food in downtown Nashville. Our server was absolutely fantastic and very attentive. I had the chicken sandwich (which usually isn't all that special at other establishments). I was blown away! Everything about the sandwich was excellent. The chicken was great quality, all of the ingredients tasted exceptionally fresh... And the sauce they had on the bun tied everything together in perfect harmony. My boyfriend had the chicken fried chicken and raved about it, and he loves his chicken fried chicken. When looking for a nice place to dine when in downtown Nashville, definitely stop by Merchants!
(4)Leslie M.
Great place to dine in the middle of downtown Broadway. It may look a bit run down from the outside but the moment you step inside, you'll be thoroughly impressed. Super cute and spacious with a New York City kind of feel. The customer service I must say was spectacular. In fact, we had reservations for 11:15am but arrived at 11:50am and our table was held for us. Mind you this was on a busy Saturday afternoon. Impressive. On to the food...the apps were just ok (we ordered the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs). However, the entrees more than made up for it. The chicken fried chicken was ON POINT! It was moist and flavorful and sat on a bed of perfectly cooked spinach. The strawberry salad I ordered was also delicious. It came with a juicy piece of blackened salmon that accompanied a generous portion of fresh greens. All in all, I had a great experience and would recommend this spot to both tourists and locals.
(4)Kim T.
Great spot right on Broadway in the middle of all the fun bars! It's a hip/ modern/ 60's vibe, waiters are dressed in suspenders. Food is great, MUST try their duck fat tater tots, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Ashlynn M.
Open late (we went in after midnight) & had the duckfat tator tots, guacamole & chips & BBQ pork sandwich. All were delish & great vibe.
(5)Chris A.
It's a little bit pricey, but it's well worth every penny! The food is great, and the service is even better. Our waiter provided us with his recommendations for the best drinks, as well as which drinks would compliment each particular dish. I don't go downtown very often, but I'll definitely make it a point to go back to Merchant's in the near future.
(5)Lana N.
We were in town for a conference so looked up some local areas and found this place. We got there at about 630pm on a Thursday night and it was pretty packed. The hostess actually seated us 30 minutes after arrival and right in front of the restaurant with a great view. We ordered the following: - Complimentary popcorn - very fresh and I believe they sprinkled the popcorn with sour cream and chives. - Duck fat tater tots - this was amazing, the tater tots were cooked in duck fat and served with an aioli, ketchup and some sort of butter sauce. - Blackened filet with sweet potato hash - the fish was cooked perfectly and the seasoning tasted very south if that makes any sense. The hash complimented the fish very well. - Chocolate cake - probably one of the most amazing chocolate cake I have ever tasted. Was so good that I didn't want to stop eating. Overall the food was good but we had a weird experience. Once we were in the middle of our dinner, the manager asked us to leave because there was some sort of device near our front window and a bunch of police cars were there. We stood in the back for 10 min and came back to see that our food was gone. The waitress thought that we left but offered us a togo order so we waited another 10 min for that. Our waitress was great and accommodated us. The manager on the other hand did a poor job. She should have told us to stand on the side and come back when everything was cleared, but instead she never bothered to come back. I really enjoyed the food, but the experience with the manager was very disappointing.
(3)Jonathan D.
I only stopped in for a couple drinks while in town, so can't comment on the food other than to say it all looked really great. This restaurant is quite spacious and in the perfect location in downtown Nashville. The cocktail menu is quite vast, but be prepared to pay at least $12 for a mixed drink. However, expect to enjoy said pricey beverage. That said, I enjoyed a Reelfoot Manhattan and their version of a Pimm's Cup, which is made with Pennington strawberry rye. Both drinks really hit the spot.
(4)Joshua W.
Honestly, I loved every bit of my visit. The service was quick, the waitress friendly, the food spot on and the atmosphere enjoyable. While it is more of an upscale restaurant for the area, it is still affordable. I recommend it to anyone.
(5)Patrick Y.
Good quality but taste didn't meet expectations from the prices. I'd find somewhere else to go next time I'm in Nashville.
(3)Tim T.
Was looking for a place to have a steak while walking on Broadway after looking at the menu the wife and I decided to give this place a try. We were asked if we would like to eat upstairs or down, if was load and very busy downstairs so we decided to eat up, it's very nice upstairs cloth everything and low lighting. Looking at the menu it was the same style menu at Ruth Chris everything is separate, the steak I ordered was good just expected more from a place like this.
(4)Erin J.
Can you say tourist trap? Decor - cute Service - not great Food - not great Bloody Mary's - disgusting Air conditioning - mediocre Would not go back as it's just a bunch of fried nonsense. I did enjoy dipping the duck fat tater tots in the baked cheese.
(2)Aurora M.
Went on a Monday night and it was so crowded we had to wait 25 min for a table for 4 people. Duck fat tater tots - really good. The tots were crispy and they had 3 different dipping options. Fried green tomatoes - a little strange, the sauce wasn't very good although the pimento cheese tasted good with the tomatoes. Cheese dip - Grainy Smoked brisket - the portion was enormous with literally 6 inches of cornbread. The brisket was dry and tough, hard to chew. Cornbread and coleslaw were ok, not great. My dining companions has the pulled pork sandwich and the black bean burger, neither of which they liked. They left most of the food on the plate. One friend had the fish tacos, which he seemed to enjoy. I wouldn't recommend this place. I'm not sure why it's labeled as American (New) when the entrees are pretty standard with nothing creative or innovative.
(2)Brian L.
Got the duck fat tater tots. The duck fat taste wasn't as prominent as I thought (I'm comparing it to salty sow's triple duck fat fries in Austin, TX). The Bearnaise was a little thin in my opinion, but the chipotle mayo was delicious. I got blackened tilapia as a main course which was very tasty and very well cooked. The dessert was one of my favorite parts: peach cobbler. Simply delicious and fresh out of the oven. Overall, great place to eat during 4th of July albeit a little crowded. A good breath of fresh air from all the other restaurants and bars in the area.
(4)T M.
I travel to Nashville frequently for work and would consider myself a foodie. Merchants is as good as it gets. The only knock is the location. It is so not a tourist trap and the location makes it appear like one. I wish it was a few blocks off of Broadway but ,whatever the case, it won't stop me from visiting this location on my trips. I have never had a bad meal so I would highly recommend this place for lunch and/or dinner. The thing that stands out the most is the bartenders. If you are lucky enough to get Steve sit down and have him guide you. He makes one of the best cocktails in the business. The Old Fashioned and Manhattans are to die for. This place is a must visit on your next trip.
(5)Bonnie B.
I'm from Atlanta but have always enjoyed eating downstairs at Merchants. Fun bar, lively atmosphere, great people watching. Tonight all that changed! We ate upstairs and I'm never going down again! Never. Never. Never. I had Roasted Zucchini.. Go ahead and laugh at me! It was the most amazing vegetarian dish I ever had. Complex blend of incredible flavors... This is one dish I cannot recreate but I will do cornbread crumb topping on my roasted veggies! My true love had the pork chop which was tender & delicious & served with very tasty kale. Why not 5 stars? They were out if our 1st wine choice & our 2nd choice wasn't chilled yet but we were given a glass of prosecco on the house! Our servers were incredible too! See you soon Merchants!
(4)Allie A.
We headed to Merchants for my birthday dinner before a big show at the Ryman. So nice we could walk there from the hotel, and to the Ryman without any trouble at all! I've been on a bit of a specialty cocktail kick lately, so was excited to see they had many options available. Ordered up a Fig sidecar and some duck fat tots straight up! And the table popcorn, I have no idea what is sprinkled on top, but as a huge popcorn lover, it was right on and I ate most of the cup myself. Ordered the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits and molasses green beans for my entree. I was a little disappointed... there were two cuts of tenderloin, one was ok, but the top piece was a little over-cooked. But no worries, I downed my sorrows in a few, ok probably 3 Botanists... and they were just what the doctor ordered. Although there were no celebrity sightings, and a little let down over the entree, the drinks, location and history of the place, I'll still give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)Stephanie W.
Whatever you hear about the Duck fat tater tots are true. They are unbelievable !! Came her twice during a business trip and was very happy both times. I have tried the BBQ Pulled Pork and Chicken sandwich. Keep in mind everything is very salty and fried. The house chips are not moist enough. The sweet tea is amazing but I am from the north and don't know better. The food comes out really quick and the staff is super trendy and quirky. I am pretty happy this place was around the corner from my hotel. The upstairs has a different menu and was fancier which is a little confusing but overall very good !
(4)Darrell K.
The staff at my hotel recommended this place as a good local establishment. The menu looked good and the bartender was informative, friendly and fast. The food was prepared nicely. So, my only gripe was that the food was kind of bland. Too bad since this place had a great atmosphere, in a great location and had great service.
(3)Kimberly A.
Great fresh drinks, atmosphere is classy with a little edge to it. They serve you seasoned popcorn while you decide what to order. I had the salmon sandwich - it has a basil mayo that makes the sandwich come together. I think I am going to have to come back for the sandwich again. It was delicious!
(4)Barry C.
The food here is below average, my steak was burnt, should have been medium rare. Staff never once asked 'is everything ok' despite the fact I wasn't eating the food. When I asked for the check she got the check and didn't say thanks or anything, just threw it down in front of me. Avoid
(1)T L.
The duck fat tater tots are a must have! The atmosphere is upscale, but casual. The bartender made a perfect Old Fashioned, which I seldom find. The entire meal and experience was top notch. I would highly recommend this place!
(5)Marisa Y.
Came here for dinner the first night of a bachelorette party weekend. We had a party of 6 so it was an hour wait, but we just grabbed drinks and appetizers at the bar. We ordered the duck fat tater tots and fried green tomatoes. The tater tots were a resounding success and I thought the fried green tomatoes were good, but I've had better. The pimento cheese definitely elevated them. I really enjoyed the Moscow mule I ordered and the fish tacos were delicious. The popcorn they give you at dinner and the bar is amazing. Really addicting and delicious. I would love to buy a bag to snack on. I'd definitely come back here again if I'm ever in Nashville again.
(4)Karen S.
Most of the glowing reviews seem to be for the casual bistro instead of the fancy dining room upstairs. Unfortunately, I can't echo everyone else's sentiment. There's complimentary popcorn instead of bread. I...don't like popcorn (unless it's covered in chocolate). Very un-American of me, I know. For starters, we had to try the duck fat tater tots. They were distinctly better than a fast food chain's, and the chipotle aioli took it up a notch. The waitress told us that the fish tacos are by far the most popular dish. Persuasive sell- I'm in. Sadly, I didn't drink the Kool-Aid on this one. Total snooze. Bor-ing. Texas deffo has better fish tacos. I was starting to miss home. The blackened tilapia with sweet potato poblano hash was pretty good, but not a standout. I've pretty much forgotten all about this meal.
(3)Carol L.
Went with a group. First of all there are two seatings, upstairs and downstairs. Downstairs is more casual. The interior of downstairs reminded me of an ice cream parlor. It was weird to me. Didn't fit with the food. That being said,the popcorn they bring your table was delicious. Couldn't figure out what the seasoning was, but I gobbled it up. We ordered fried green tomatos and the duck fat tatertots for the table. Both were delicious. Have to admit that I was full by the time my entree came (fish tacos) so I don't know if that was the reason, but I wasn't crazy at all about those and didn't even eat them. Craft cocktails are yummy! Waitstaff was efficient and semi-friendly. Mostly I think she was humoring us.
(3)Mike S.
I really, REALLY wish I hadn't loaded up on beer before I came here, cause the food was so good. Unfortunately the portions were huge and our hotel didn't have a minifridge, so... My coworker and I stopped in after checking out some of the local honky-tonks and sat downstairs in the more casual pub area. No question this place is popular - we got there after 9:00 and still had about a 45 minute wait. Every bit of the meal made it worth it though. The popcorn they give you (complimentary) is seasoned in sour cream and onion powder, making it addicting as all hell. On top of shoving my face with popcorn, we also started out with an order of fried green tomatoes, which were crispy and steaming hot. The pulled pork sandwich I had was very good and messy, the way a pulled pork should be. The sandwich was lacking a bit in BBQ sauce, which allowed the pork flavor to really come through. Next time, I'd probably get the coleslaw on the side, as it made the sandwich a little too rich, especially for an already full stomach. The drink selection seemed good, though again, we were doing just fine on alcohol at the time. Also, the service was impeccable - very friendly staff all around who loved to chat the customers up. Will definitely be back, a little better prepared!
(5)Sierra Y.
Came in for a super quick bite after power walking around Nashville. Amazing deviled eggs & Pimms Cup! Love the ambiance as well. I will definitely come back.
(4)Taylor M.
I'm leaving Merchants 5/5 because the only things I ate off the menu contained Gouda cheese and honestly I'd eat a baby if it was smothered in Gouda. Not only did I get a great snack but I also got my server's number. Merchants has the two best things that Nashville has to offer...the hottest cheese and the coolest dude.
(5)Bailey M.
This is my favorite go-to spot for date night. Their drink menu is on point! Always new cocktails available. They bring your table some popcorn to munch on instead of the typical chips/salsa. I don't even like popcorn much but I will eat the entire container of this with all the enthusiasm of a hungry hungry hippo.
(5)Jason B.
Very cool "Dapper Dan" venue. Fits well for Nashville. Great atmosphere, friendly service. We had the CFC and it was awesome. Highly recommend.
(4)Linda A.
First time here. We were seated upstairs (the fancy section). The menu wasn't that enticing and we both kind of settled for our choices. The creamed collards were wonderful however. I might go back for those alone. Otherwise, for the price there are much better choices downtown.
(2)Angela R.
The small Tim of popcorn was awesome. Great flavor. I had the Cobb salad, pretty basic, husband got the salmon BLT, his was great. Duck fat tater tots with the chipotle mayo were bomb!! Service was great and the vibe was great. Beautiful place.
(5)Adrian D.
The food was great. A little pricey but expected due to the location and ambiance. I knocked the score down since we ate at the bar and the bartender was completely rude. He acted as if he was doing us a favor and got an attitude when I asked for a box after forgetting half my order. I would recommend the place but if your server is a auburn haired thin male then ask for someone else because he will ruin your experience.
(4)Kelly K.
While in town for the CMA fest we saw the reviews for this place and decided to try it. After waiting 45 minutes (which was completely acceptable) we both decided to try the flank steak. Even though the restaurant was packed, the steak was cooked to perfection. Looking forward to visiting again next year.
(4)Carol L.
I stopped in for a late lunch on Saturday. Busy and noisy in a friendly way, I sat at the bar. I was adventurous and ordered a gin and mint and ginger drink. I like all of those ingredients but it was too spicy for me. I ordered the fish tacos which were very flavorful. Just the right temp. The cole slaw was just so-so. But I would definitely give two thumbs up to the tacos themselves. Atmosphere was bright and cheerful. Bartenders attentive and entertaining.
(4)Kimberlee A.
I was surprised to find myself a fan of a place on the popular strip of downtown Nashville. But this place has it right. My waitress was great - pleasant and attentive and provided recommendations which turned out to be perfect. I let her know I wasn't sure what I wanted to drink and she recommended the Miss Atomic Bomb and said it was sparkling white wine and very refreshing. Oh, a magical drink that was exactly what I was looking for. When I asked for some clarity on the ingredients (it was almost spicy, in a good way) she got some guidance from the bar. Next up, I was hungry, but only just so. That and I didn't want to get back to the hotel and be hungry later. So, something filling but not heavy. Salmon salad it was. Blackened Salmon atop a (huge) pile of greens, strawberries and almonds. The salmon was perfect and the vinaigrette was great. The salad itself was filling and did the job. Now, I really couldn't stand to pass up the duck fat tater tots that everyone loves here - so I got a to-go order. They don't taste immensely different from your usual tater tots - but they are served with a hollandaise sauce (in addition to a spicy mayo and ketchup) which make them pop-able delights. Service, drinks and food - check. Also - Great Patio! Herbed/cheesy popcorn for the table!
(4)Andrea R.
Merchants is located in the middle of the rowdiest street in Nashville (apparently happy hour starts by noon on Fridays here). For that reason alone I was skeptical to eat here, but I liked the vibe once we stepped inside. We scored a table immediately for lunch, which was ideal since I had a flight to catch. Our waiter greeted us with some delish complimentary popcorn. We devoured it and asked for more. My meal was as tasty as my popcorn. I ordered the fish tacos (yum) and they came with a side of sweet potato fries. My favorite! I ate the entire thing and it was really filling, which was good since I didn't get a chance to eat again that day. Traveling will do that to you! Based on my recent few days in Nashville it seems there's no shortage of amazing restaurants, but I'd stop in Merchants again if I found myself on this crazy street.
(4)Dee Dee H.
Stumbled On Merchants while walking downtown. We felt it had a interesting look to it from the outside. As we always do , we went to Yelp to see what others said and decided to give it a try. We had put our name in to sit at a table, the wait was about 30 mins, but a place came up to sit at the bar and decided to do that instead. We sat at the bar with Eli (Sp?) and he could not have been more helpful and wonderful to chat with and a perfect 10 waiter. They scored hiring him!!!!! While he was very busy, he made sure that our Water was always full , once my husband and I took our last sip of our wine or beer he was right there asking if we would like another. A good server/bartender is key for us! He was 10+ stars My husband had the Jambalaya and it was delicious. Great flavor and a good portion. I took Eli's recommendation and had the brisket , it was tender and filled with flavor and the corn bread that came with my meal was just how i like it. Moist and dense. We will go back again! Great job Merchants at making a visitor feel at home!
(5)Rose G.
Delicious. Had the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and the Greek salad. Te salad was light and refreshing, which was a nice balance to the salty satisfying tots.
(5)Deanna A.
Great spot for a gluten free late night bite! We came here around 10 pm on a Saturday after a long road trip from upstate New York to Nashville. We were pretty ravenous so we grabbed a table downstairs, but I was worried I would have a hard time finding gluten free options surrounded by so much southern fare. Luckily our server was both friendly and knowledgeable. I got the pork loin with pimento grits and green beans. After checking with the kitchen he suggested one slight modification (butter instead of glaze on the green beans), and I was able to enjoy the dish pretty much as it was meant to be enjoyed. Plus I was able to wash it all down with a delicious crispin hard cider. My only complaint would be it would have been nice to have a few more options. Frying is huge in the south, but a dedicated fryer for the delicious looking fries or duck fat tater tots would have made this a 5 star experience.
(4)Jackie D.
Not a bad stop for a late lunch. Was seated at a small booth by the front window that served for some good people watching! I order the half duck tator tots and the strawberry salad with blackened salmon. The salmon was a very big portion and quite a filling meal. Staff was incredibly friendly and likable. I imagine this place is a stand out compared to the many options in music row.
(4)Tanya C.
2nd time to Nashville, 2nd time to Merchants. Service was fast, but had dirty water glass. Waiter changed it out, and I noticed I had another dirty glass, this time with lipstick. Waiter apologized and brought a third one. Service was fast and food was good. Place was very busy, like two years before. Decor is nice and love the staff's outfits. Would eat here again if I'm in Nashville again. I'll just make sure my glasses and silverware are clean.
(3)Amelia S.
Absolutely loved the Pimm's cup and highly recommend it...tasted almost like an arnold palmer, the perfect amount of sweet/sour combo. I had the jambalaya - others had the brisket and a cheeseburger. All seemed to really enjoy their meals. The service was GREAT- it's odd that I don't give more credit for this. Our waitress was spot on...and it made our experience that much better. Definitely recommend the bistro area!
(4)Stephanie S.
What a breath of fresh air on Broadway! This classy yet affordable spot stands out among the row of crowded bars. Great to sit and enjoy a meal with friends. The decor is clean and bright, our server was friendly and attentive, and the food, delicious. For apps, we got the baked cheese and the duck fat tater tots. The cheese was perfection! I didn't think there was anything special about the tater tots though. I got the chicken sandwich for my entree. It was so flavorful and HUGE! I had to take half of it home! For a cocktail- you can't go wrong with the Pink Lady! Slightly sweet and creamy. Delicious! The drink menu is extensive and denotes which drinks use local liquor, which is a nice touch. Overall I was really impressed with this place. It seems out of place on Broadway, but it was exactly the kind of place this out of towner was looking for. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend visiting Nashville!
(5)Aaron S.
Absolutely enjoyed our lunch at Merchants! The Tater Tots are totally amazing. Out meals were very good with a great Greek Salad and true Southern Chicken Fried Chicken smothered with delicious gravy. The bar menu was quite interesting with several great craft cocktails on their list. Also a great selection of local beers. All in all, this is a great place for lunch in downtown Nashville! I will definitely return here on my next visit.
(4)Cait C.
This place has great American/southern style food with a modern twist. I really enjoyed the fish served with root vegetable hash. Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, well seasoned. The dish was delicious and flavorful. I also stole my friends sweet potato fries which were real sweet potatoesband possibly the best I've had. Others got the chicken which looked equally delicious but extremely heavy, and I would probably get that one to share. We finished with desserts, all of which were spectacular, but I can never resist fruit and ice cream so I enjoyed the peach cobbler.
(5)Julia J.
Merchants had great service, good drinks and pretty good food. The signature tater tots were good, though I don't get the craziness over duck fat. My drinks were delicious. My dining partner really enjoyed her salad with strawberries and goat cheese. I had the club sandwich, which you can't really screw up, but had a nice addition with the basil mayo and sweet potato fries on the side. I will definitely return to Merchants on the next trip to Nashville.
(4)Carolyn P.
Had a great dinner at Merchants. Ask for our server, Heather Owens! She was GREAT! Super friendly, helpful, personable, attentive. We ordered duck fat tater tots (nothing too special), cheese dip (GREAT! Recommended). chicken Fried Steak (great!!!) and pulled pork (great as well) Overall great night on the enclosed heated patio.
(4)Carl D.
Ate upstairs, enjoyed the ambiance. The food was delicious! Had the 8oz filet and market fish, sword fish tonight. The food came out faster than expected. We enjoyed every bite! Make sure to add some sides if u go al a carte. Butterscotch pie for dessert, awesome! Had a pretzel crust which made a perfect combo of sweet and salty. Best part, $1 went to local charity this month, can't beat that. We really enjoyed the service. Very helpful explaining the menu and had us sample the wine before we bought, gotta love a free taste.
(5)Rene M.
Horrible food and ok service. The duck fat tater tots...... Nothing special AT ALL, they were no different than over cooking some at your house. I got the pulled pork sandwich and I do not know if my batch of coleslaw was bad or if that's how it should tastes but it was so bad I couldn't eat anything else on my plate. My husband got the brisket and the only thing good was the corn bread. Save yourself the hike!!!!
(1)Lynnette S.
What amazing food and service!! Matthew was a great waiter, very attentive and very helpful. The food was delicious and the ambience was great. This was our first evening in Nashville and what a great place to start!! We LOVED it!!
(5)Sleiman F.
Good experience. Good food. Good service. Too much fried for my taste, but that's Tennessee!!
(4)Brindar S.
Amazing food! Amazing drinks! The place was packed and our group of 5 didn't have a reservation, but we just thought we'd try our luck. Glad we did because they had plenty of room on the heated patio. Our group ordered Tennessee mojitos and an old fashioned, all on point. I wish I knew what seasoning they put on the popcorn starter, because I don't usually care about popcorn, but this was delicious. We got the guacamole and the cheese dip, both were great. I had the Mac n cheese and it was amazing. I wish we weren't going out after so I could have boxed up my leftovers, but alas I had to part with my macaroni. Overall, delicious! I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because my vegetarian friend ordered the Mac n cheese without bacon, but found a piece of bacon at the bottom of her dish.
(4)Kristen B.
Merchants was amazing! My family and I were passing through on our way cross country and we stopped in Nashville for the night. We stumbled across Merchants on Broadway and were not disappointed! The food and drinks are incredibly reasonably priced! We had the deviled eggs, guacamole, and dry rubbed wings. All were AMAZING. For entrees we had chicken friend chicken, pulled pork and Caesar salad. The salad was just alright, but the chicken and pulled pork (with sweet potato fries of course) were excellent! We recommend them both! The mint Mojito....just get it! I would eat here again in a second!
(5)Renee S.
This place is awesome! I actually visited it more than once during my visit to Nashville. I love the venue. The food was good. There was a great variety of beers on the tap wall. Just fun. One of my favorite places to visit on Broadway!
(4)Daniella A.
Service was great! Waitress was really nice. But everything else was average, Food was ok, place was ok.
(3)Julie C.
Two stars basically because of the service. I'm actually still sitting at the bar while writing this. He bartender has completely ignored us through our entire meal. My husband asked for another glass of wine, and he ignored us. I had the chicken fried chicken and my husband had the jambalaya. Jambalaya was great, mine was good too, but not the best I've had. The bartender has dreadlocks. We decided not to stay further because it didn't seem like he cares about anyone other than the guys sitting next to us drinking shots etc. Won't recommend this place to others coming into town. Terrible service.
(2)Larry S.
Our son was in town, and we were walking around Broadway looking for someplace different for dinner. Merchants looked interesting, so we gave it a try. I was a little disappointed that they were out of my first and second choices of beer. But my wife and son were very impressed with the mixed drinks they ordered. They both tried the Mules and thought they were great. My son and I both had steaks that were perfectly cooked and deliciously seasoned. My wife had the pulled pork, and we all tried and enjoyed it. Overall, the food and drinks were outstanding, as was the service. Our waiter seemed to have a sixth sense in taking care of us. They probably would have received a four or five star rating if they hadn't turned my $30 tip into a $50 tip. 22 April 2014 Follow-up: After posting my original review of Merchant's, I was contacted by their management, who has investigated the incident, and has deposited the full amount of the tip back into my account. This has reinforced my belief that all companies have occasional customer service problems, but it is the way that the companies respond to the problems that have the most impact on the customer's opinion. I've upgraded my rating based on Merchant's response.
(4)Reshawn L.
If you plan to be downtown and you're looking for good food this is the place. Yummy food and good music (radio)! There are different menus for the upstairs and downstairs areas. My friend and I shared the French dip and the burger and an amazing slice of pie downstairs. Another member of our party had a very tasty mixed greens salad with salmon.They were both delicious. The upstairs menu offered higher end options. Unfortunately, this place is so popular there can be a long wait for dinner. We were hungry and took the first seats available. You have to go early. It's extremely busy at night.
(4)Garen M.
Great burgers and an excellent Reuben sandwich. Both were sloppy and we ended up eating them with a fork. We sat at the bar and had excellent service. We arrived early afternoon and didn't have a wait for seating.
(4)Jen I.
Great location and atmosphere! I recommend eating downstairs - I sat at the bar. The bartenders were very nice and helpful. I got the chicken fried chicken - HUGE portion! Everything from the spinach - potatoes - chicken - gravy were very good! Free popcorn to start off with a beer was nice too!
(4)M G.
Great food and drinks. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive. Will definitely come back.
(5)Rena H.
Had to go to Nashville for work. Went to this restaurant with a couple of coworkers. Service was great and the food was very good. We ordered a couple of appetizers and we each had entrées. I tried their homemade ginger beer and it was a little bit spicy for me but it was good. Would probably go there again if I was in Nashville.
(4)Amanda J.
This place was awesome! It's a casual and comfortable place that's good for southern food. We got the duck fat tater tots, fried green tomatoes, and deviled eggs as appetizers and we were very happy with our choices. My only warning is to get a half order of the tater tots- a full order is too much if you plan on getting a meal too!
(5)Sha P.
Not the best piece of meat I've ever had. We went in with a group of 14 and they were accommodating. Food arrived on time and the wait staff was courteous and nice. Nothing to get too excited about. Average steak and appetizers. I thought the water melon salad was interesting and creative. Other than that an average steak house in an old building! There are better places to get steak at in Nashville!
(3)Kelly M.
The southern fry, the baked cheese and the tater tots apps were amazing. Great alcohol selection, great ambiance and great service-Heather O was awesome, very attentive!
(5)Lindsey C.
My husband and I went to Nashville on our honeymoon in September, and this was our last stop for lunch before we drove four hours home. We started with the duck fat tater tots, because we had read great things about them. They. Were. Amazing. The best tater tots we have ever had. Ever. I ordered the mac and cheese, with bacon and tomatoes. It was delicious. I am a bit of a mac and cheese connoisseur, and this really was some of the best I've had. My husband had a New York strip steak with mashed potatoes and mushrooms. I tried some of his potatoes and they were rich and creamy. I really can't wait to go back to Nashville and eat at Merchants again.
(5)Ana M.
Awesome cute spot... Friendly atmosphere and great food!!! If you want to get away from the wild bar scene its a perfect spot .. Not far from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Honky Tonk Central
(5)Andrea T.
So we wanted to go to Jack's, but they were closed for Easter Sunday. We popped in here, because we had already paid for parking. Our waiter was friendly and kept bringing us this amazing popcorn. So freaking good. We split a wedge salad, which was pretty standard and the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes were good, but cut a little too thick. The homemade pimento cheese was good, but not spicy enough. I had the fish tacos which came with amazing homemade coleslaw. Loved it! My mom was craving a burger and said it was really good. The ambience was really great. Loved the details. My moscow mule was tasty. I would definitely come back for drinks/appetizers, but would eat elsewhere. The food is good, but there is so much more amazing food to be had.
(3)Eric J.
I have to say this was my favorite dinner experience around here. Great inside ambiance, great service, great steaks. And a boat load of tater tots!
(4)J S.
Wow. The chicken fried chicken was fantastic. I would come back just for that. Duck fat tater tots were ok. They tasted like, tater tots? Place is nice though. Kinda pricey, but still worth it.
(4)Roy S.
I went here for a business dinner. We reserved a party room upstairs. This place is so rich in history, it just makes you feel good walking in knowing people used this building since the late 1800's as a pharmacy and few other things. You can read about when you go there, there's pictures all over the wall with stories. I knew as soon as I checked my coat, this was going to be a great evening. Like I said, we reserved a party room upstairs with a huge wooden table that sat 12 of us. This place was super nice. We were in our own corner on the 2nd floor or maybe 3rd, I can't really remember. Either way there was a big doorway with doors that closed and made it private for us. The room was very elegant and just looked expensive. Ha. I wasn't big on the menu, it was all high-class like dishes. I ended up ordering lamb chops with wild rice and smashed potatoes with cheese which was absolutely eff'n delicious. Surprised the hell out of me, I'm usually a burger n fries kinda guy. I didn't care much for dessert, I was happy with what I had for my meal. I would go over the entire menu, but you can check it out on their website. Dinner was a little pricey, but I am sure the majority of that is going towards the atmosphere. That piece of real estate isn't cheap, ya know? I would suggest at least checking this place out once. The history alone is worth the trip. Cheers!
(4)Gigi R.
Doing some really great an delicious things here. Definitely a place you should try if visiting Nashville.
(5)Karen B.
Best Chicken Salad salad in the city. Smooth, great flavor, on bibb lettuce. It's a feast so well done. Even non-salad lovers would appreciate it.
(4)Michael F.
Walked in on a busy Monday evening and was lucky to land a table for two by the window with a great view to people watch. They start off by bringing us water and a small tub of great tasting popcorn while we reviewed the menu. My wife and I began with the house salads and they allowed us to switch and have the honey dijon dressing. The salads were a generous portion and the honey dijon had some heat to it which made our salads really tasty. My wife had the blackened tilapia which came with roasted corn and sweet potatoes. My wife loved it and finished it all. I had the smoked brisket which came with coleslaw and cornbread. The portion was perfect and the barbecue sauce was very tasty. The service was friendly and superb. For the quality of the meal, we were very impressed with the prices at this location. They could be charging more but they aren't.
(5)Jim K.
In a word, excellent. We had dinner last night, and the service, drinks and food were all great.
(5)Danielle C.
Nice restaurant in great location. Food was good, but I feel definitely overpriced. Nothing to rave about.
(3)Laura D.
Ugh- I wish I ate downstairs. I'm a tourist & was here the weekend of the final four. Place was packed with a 2 hour wait. The hostess said they have no wait upstairs which was more fine dining. What the heck, I thought, beats waiting 2 hours! Portions are tiny. Delicious, but tiny. Expensive and tiny. Did I mention the portions were small? I'm sorry but 3 scallops for thirty something bucks? That doesn't even happen in New York. The Caesar salad literally had 3 or 4 pieces of romaine lettuce. I don't remember bc I came straight from tootsies and I was drunk. But it wasn't chopped so you can literally count the pieces of lettuce. The chicken that came with the salad was quite delicious though. But $95 for 3 people- no drinks?! AND I left hungry? Wait it out & Stay downstairs.
(4)Danek C.
Pimento grits, green beans and chicken fried steak, D E L I C I O U S. Died and went to heaven.
(5)Stacy W.
Love it. Great place for awesome food on Broadway in Nashville. The sweet tea pork loin and the brisket were incredible. Nice selection of wine, and the mixology was very unique. Service was fantastic - thank you, Heather! You rock!
(5)Aj S.
Awesome place! Try the tater tots and the wings off the app menu:) cool atmosphere and good drinks!
(5)Megan J.
The Good: - Fish tacos - Fried green tomatoes The Better: - Duck fat tator tots - Greek salad - Blackened tilapia The Best: - Guacamole - Chicken fried chicken - Champagne cocktails - Round booth in the front window No Srsly For Reals The Best: - Mac and Cheese - Chocolate cake
(5)Gerriann J.
We love to eat when we travel, usually planning our entire trip around which restaurants we will visit. Nashville is a hit of an exception. We planned this trip around cowboy boots and the Grand Ole Opry. However, our last night there we wanted a great meal and went to Merchant's on Broadway. The food was wonderful - fantastic southern appetizers like fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots. Beef brisket served on corn bread was so wonderful as well. But the server was snippy- and even told us that they ran out of milk for our after dinner coffee. What a disappointing ending to what could have been the one wonderful meal we had on Nashville
(3)Therese W.
Though the service was great, the price for what you get is not worth it. Two fish tacos, that taste very fishy, and a bowl of mac n cheese that is pretty much tasteless, it's just not worth 30 dollars!
(3)Scott N.
Went twice. The first visit was great. The food was good, tasty, and quick, and the beer selection was pretty respectable. The second time, we were on a time crunch. We walked in, and asked if we could get our order to go because of that (we were working a convention and had a limited time to eat). They were happy to oblige, and took our orders and money right away, seating us at the bar while we waited. The food took a very long time to come out, wasting our entire lunch break just waiting. We took our food back to the venue, and sat down to gobble down our food in five minutes. Out of seven orders, three were extremely messed up. I can't have bleu cheese. I ordered my veggie burger with no cheese. Instead, it came out smothered in bleu cheese. I had to choose between throwing away my meal and skipping lunch, or getting violently sick to my stomach. I chose to skip lunch. Another one of my party got no onions - he was allergic. Again, lots of onions. The Salmon BLT somehow turned into a bacon cheeseburger. No sign of salmon, or in fact the lettuce or tomatos either. I cannot recommend this place.
(1)Amy F.
Don't stay downstairs ... spring for the a la carte upstairs and have the filet or chicken!
(4)Jason B.
Merchant's is a cool spot in the middle of downtown Nashville. It is a nice change of pace if you are looking for something that doesn't have a loud, mediocre country cover band. They have a bar menu, and a separate dinner menu for the upstairs dining area. I've only dined in the bar area, and have no experience with the full dinner menu. The bar menu offers a nice selection of upscale bar food. It is a little pricey, and its good, but not exceptional. I've enjoyed the appetizers more than my entrees. The tater tots are really good, but if the menu didn't say they were cooked in duck fat, you'd never know they weren't cooked in an old Fry Daddy with Wesson oil. They don't have any draft beer, which is kind of a bummer. They also have a limited selection of local beers, which is sad because we have so many great breweries around town. This place is so close to 4 stars, but just short for me. That could change with a better beer selection. I could also change if I had a chance to dine upstairs off the full menu.
(3)Diana M.
Make sure you make reservations for this place b/c it gets busy. There are two menus here - one for upstairs (finer dining) and downstairs is more casual. we ate downstairs.. We loved the seasoned popcorn that they start us off with on the table. It was very yummy. We got the pork fat tater tots as an app, and it was salty goodness. I got the fish tacos and it was really good. My friend got the burger and said it was ok. I would go with the tacos again.. Our waitress was very friendly. Also, we had a 45 minute wait, but they text you when they are ready for you which is great b/c we went next door to honky tonk for a drink while we waited since there was no room at the bar here
(4)Kathy D.
I had a their oysters on a half shell appetizer and their Ahi Tartar. The food was delicious. I really like the ambience of the restaurant upstairs and enjoyed the great service from the staff.
(4)Nick H.
Really enjoyed our meal there. Some simple food done very thoughtfully, a great cocktail menu and a very elegant place. Only two small detractors - our mains came before finishing starters, and they didn't seem to have air conditioning. Would recommend, and they're open later than many places (and on Broadway if you want after dinner music).
(4)Kayla M.
Try the duck fat tots (they come with incredible dipping sauces) as well as the deviled eggs. I had the fish tacos for my meal and they were amazing. We heard the mac and cheese is delicious as well. They have a great drink selection and a wonderful vibe. We ate on the first floor which was casual dining. The waitress was pleasant and the service was incredibly fast. Be sure to book a reservation because it gets crowded. Definitely recommend!!
(5)T L.
Hostess Staff unpleasant, the two girls had no smiles. At all. Told us a wait of 20-25 minutes... 45 mins later took their time getting the table ready and continued to keep us waiting even when the tables were ready. Waitress pleasant but scattered. Let's see how the food is...
(1)Aimee S.
Very nice atmosphere! When entering you walk through the restaurant to reach the hostess, which was a bit odd. You then get two dining options; upstairs (very high class menu) or downstairs (still unique, but less expensive menu). We chose downstairs. Our waitress was so kind and helpful. She helped make our time at Merchants relaxed and enjoyable. We chose the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't let the name freak you out they're just fried in duck fat making them crispy. They were delicious! We ordered a bottle of Rule 21, an excellent choice if you like dry reds. I ordered the chicken fried chicken...a southern treat for a northerner like me. My husband got the smoked brisket, which was tender and tangy...a nice combo. When visiting Nashville again we will definitely be back to Merchants.
(5)C R.
My boyfriend and I were in Nashville for just 1 night and a friend recommended that we go to merchants for dinner! We loved it!! Our server, I believe his name was Brian was awesome!! He made great food and drink recommendations and we loved everything we tried! I did the fried chicken... Yum!!! He also helped recommend some need to see spots since we were only going to be there a short amount of time! Great food & amazing customer service, what more could you ask for?!?
(5)John O.
Food good. Service outstanding. Cool place. Pulled pork sand. With coleslaw awesome chicken fried chicken great
(4)Karla B.
I wish we had found this place before our last day in Nashville. What a super find!! It's been around since est. 1892, 3 story, lovely atmosphere and a real restaurant on Broadway, not bar fare, no fried bologna.. We stopped in for light fare BUT I had a yummy tomato soup and grilled gourmet cheese on sourdough bread with homemade chips and deviled eggs for late lunch....dinner later will need to be up of soup. I couldn't resist my comfort meal from childhood. happy happy
(5)Mary F.
I can't bring myself to give Merchant's high marks. Maybe because I'm a local and I felt like I was getting the tourist treatment--like I was getting shined on. Getting the show. Our server was too cool for his own good. I usually don't care how cool my server is, but being as cool as this cat was, well the bar went right up to Perfect. Of course, he missed the bar. We were seated downstairs and I could fall out of my booth and hit the bar, but between our booth and the bar, he got my drink order wrong. Funny. Like Fred Sanford's funny: "Ha, ha, hell." So what. I'm here for the food; not the hipster waitstaff. But, the environment is often interesting. There was a pretty young hostess whom I met in the bathroom who was tending to her fresh Minnie Mouse tattoo; she had heavy meticulously applied make-up,long fawn-like fake eyelashes and glossy dark hair, but like Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. She was sweet and winced at the sting of her new tattoo. Pleasant break from my too-cool waiter. So, the food. We had the duck fat tater tots. Ribeye, fish tacos, Johnny Cash chili, hamburger (mid-rare) with cheddar, and Cobb salad. The meats were respectable. Ribeye was perfectly done, a bit gristly, and under seasoned except for the salt. Hamburger was very good; loosely packed, perfectly cooked at mid-rare. The chili was predictable. Nothing special there. Served in a tiny cast iron pot. Fish tacos were bland and not remarkable. The tater tots were fun and tasty, but that whole duck fat thing, well, they just tasted like tater tots; I couldn't identify any duck fat aroma or flavor. Here's an idea: truffled tater tots. The alliteration alone should land it a spot on the menu. The Cobb salad made me want to cry. I call it the Grudge Salad. Like someone was made to put a Cobb salad on the menu and, so, there--hmph! If I were eating it b/c I was on a diet, I'd want to kill myself. But, I don't know what's worse, eating it b/c I had to, or actually choosing it b/c I wanted a salad b/c I like salads. Sad, sad Cobb. Cocktails and Drinks: After telling my hot stuff waiter that I don't like sweet cocktails, he said he had just the thing for me: a Rise Up bourbon cocktail. It was so sweet, I had to ask for a shot of soda in it. Blech! My husband had a negroni--fresh and crisp. The other notable dishes here were the desserts: rootbeer float, warm peach cobbler, and a house made eggnog dessert drink. I stuck with a cream sherry. I'll keep watching Yelp reviews on Merchants to see if I should try the upstairs--perhaps there's a big difference. For the experience we had, it's not worth a repeat trip--too expensive for food that is just a notch above pedestrian.
(3)Dale C.
Get the Tots! Don't let them talk you into the small tots! The large is good for two if not getting anything else and they are great. If you are at the downstairs bar ask for the free popcorn. Outstanding!
(5)Cathy H.
Great place, kind staff but best of all the food rocked. They also take your number and text you when your table is ready, would definitely come back. Salmon BLT...YUM, finished with cheesecake dip-genius!
(4)Terra B.
An absolute amazing experience from the second my husband and I walked in!! Each and every employee was happy, friendly and eager to please. The boys behind the bar were the real deal and a bit entertaining as we watched one juggle lemons! It didn't matter to the waiters if you were their table. They were always sure you had water, a cocktail or any other need. The food? Oh em gee!! Had soups that made us feel like we were wrapped in a warm blankie....(tomato bisque and shrimp and corn chowder) my husband had never had jumbalaya (I know right?) and he almost ate his entire huge bowl. I had the "special" which was coffee encrusted pork chop with green beans and potatoes. It was THE best pork chop I've ever eaten! Tender, juicy and seasoned by a genius!!
(5)Tony V.
Huge bar for individual seating if your out of town and solo. The blackened tilapia was a great dish and is enough for two if you want to share. One of the best old fashions drinks I have had in a while.. They make their own simple syrup which has a honey smokey flavor.. Great place!
(5)Julia I.
Best meal we had on our trip to Nashville! Beautiful place with an upscale atmosphere, we ate at the downstairs restaurant. Hung out at the copper counter bar and ordered some amazing cocktails while we waited for a table, the Mad Hatter was delish! Our waiter was funny and welcoming giving us a lot of recommendations for our trip. Amazing food, I ordered the fish tacos and would highly recommend!
(5)Nick W.
Who knew there would be amazing food in the most touristy area of Nashville? Killer food: First off, go for nothing more than a drink and the popcorn at the bar, amazing! I asked the secret ingredient, you should do the same. Entree was the sweet tea pork loin, sitting on pimento cheese grits and green beans, drizzled with sweet tea balsamic reduction. WOW! I literally had every other group at the bar asking what it was, and they all ordered it as well. Not to miss! Drinks: no beers on tap, all bottles, but had a couple good IPAs. Overall: if you're hungry before or after hitting up Tootsies or The Stage, check out Merchants for a great meal and order the sweet tea pork loin!
(5)Saju J.
We ate upstairs in the private dining room. Awesome friendly southern service. Had some of the best crabs legs, lobster, oyster and shrimp on their seafood platter. Great soup, pork shanks and dessert. Great place.right on honky tonk street.
(4)Kleine E.
Had lunch here the other day. The food was really good, although the fried green tomatoes were a little tough. Highly recommend their hamburgers and salads!
(4)Chris S.
This is a great spot in downtown Nashville, literally in the heart of the honky tonks. We were quickly seated on a busy night by a very friendly host. Waters were brought out immediately and the menu was explained in sufficient detail. People were definitely hanging out having a few drinks. The kind of place you could take a date and have a fun night out or chow down before going out. The food was excellent. I ordered the Sweet Tea Pork Loin and was amazed at how tender and flavorful the meat was. The last time I ordered pork in a restaurant it was very dry so this was a welcome change. The Pimento Cheese Grits and molasses glazed green beans were delicious. And I couldn't get enough of the Bourbon Just amazing. My buddy had the fried chicken which he said was awesome! I had a local Yazoo IPA that turned out to be a nice pairing with the pork.The price was in line with expectations considering the neighborhood. Bottom line, if food and fun is important to you, you should check this place out.
(4)Lela T.
A very nice, cool bar. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar because we felt like being social during our trip to Nashville. The food was great. We had the tater tots (the regular size is a lot of tots for your $) and a cobb salad, both were delicious. But it is a speak easy bar, and they have a nice list of cocktails so we tried 4 of them. All four were very good. The ambiance is quite nice, not too loud but also not stiff. Also we found the price to be reasonable, but we are from CA and NY so can't really compare to Nashville standards. The bartenders were very nice, and we had some fun conversations with them about the area.
(4)Christine O.
I have never been here before and came because I read awesome reviews from all of you lovely people. And all I can say is WOW.... Yall need to order the fish tacos cause they are incredible! Seriously this place has an awesome atmosphere, great service and fabulous food! We ordered the rum blonde dessert after our meal... ALSO AMAZING!
(5)Jen L.
Wanted to like this place so badly - however the service coupled with health code violations is a cause for one star at best. - handling money, picking lips, washing tables, then handling ice and food with bare hands - empty drink sat in front of me for almost 25 minutes. No one noticed/asked if I needed something... We just ended up leaving instead of spending more money. - hungover/rude bartenders and staff, who, while there was no one in the bar, were too busy to wait on patrons. Manager was more concerned with high fives than with happy customers. The only attention that was paid to us was when we placed our credit card down to pay (and even that took over ten minutes) But hey, at least we got to hear a good story about how one of the bartenders had a "really, really late night last night"
(1)Brooke M.
We sat at the bar because we couldn't get a reservation (last minute planning). We were reluctant because we we didn't want to wait 45 minutes for a table but we were super excited when two spots opened at the bar. I had tons of questions about the menu and what to try and the bar staff was beyond excellent. We had the fried green tomatoes and the fish tacos. Both of them were way beyond our expectations!
(5)Kimberly R.
This was a great choice for dinner! We had just arrived in Nashville and were looking to go down to Broadway. The menu is awesome and cocktails were great! This place was pretty crowed,45 minute wait. We got drinks at the bar. Moscow mules were really tasty! The wait ended up being 15 minutes, so we were glad we stayed! Started with the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs. Both delicious!! The tomatoes had a pepper sauce and some pimento cheese that really kicked up the dish. I tried the fish tacos, which the waitress said was one of their best dishes, and they were really good! The fish was not fried, but well seasoned. Had some different local beers on the menu too which were great to try. The service was great, and the music was fun. I would definitely go back! There is an upper floor that has a different menu, more expensive. But I really liked the main floor menu.
(4)Beth C.
Our cocktails were delicious and our bartender was delightful! Conveniently located downtown and not a "trashy bar" like a lot of surrounding places. We're from out of town and our bartender helped recommend places for other meals.
(5)Samantha B.
4 Words that drew me in....DUCK FAT TATER TOTS. Merchants is a bustling hip restaurant. You have the choice of dining upstairs (more upscale) or downstairs (casual gastropub). However I don't think they have the tots upstairs so choose wisely. I loved the ambience at Merchants especially the suspenders all the servers and bartenders had on. I ordered their veggie burger which was ok...the consistency was a little mushy, but the flavor wasn't too bad. If you have a large party make sure you make reservations months in advance because this restaurant is very popular
(4)Laura M.
This is my second time here! Yes the tater tots fried in duck fat are really good. I had sever other things the last time I was here and I would say the food is really good would have got 4-5 star for food. But service is a bit slow and not very friendly. My biggest reason for 3 stars is a Moscow mule not in a copper cup? It tasted good but I don't like not keeping with the way this drink should be served. I know (from being a restaurant owner) the cups are stollen a lot. But when you have no happy hour and your drinks are 12 dollars serve it in the copper cup.
(3)Lauren H.
loved it! I got a vegetarian version of their mac and cheese and fell in love. Also their drinks are the best!!!
(4)John L.
So this was another well regarded eatery in Nashville. The "upstairs" vs. "downstairs" comments are accurate - choose wisely. A diverse menu to be had - we opted for the downstairs comfort foods array. First I will say that the "front door" workers seem like they wish they were somewhere else - or maybe we caught them on an unhappy night (it is pretty hot and humid inside the place). We had Open Table reservations - but still had to camp out on chairs in the middle of the dining area while they figured out where to stuff us. The bar tender guys seemed a bit peeved, too. Another batch of folks having an off night? Our servers were good-hearted folk happy to chit-chat and offer recommendations. Food portions seemed immense! I had the chicken fried chicken and got through maybe half of it. My girl got the jambalaya and we both enjoyed the good heat therein, but got full much quicker than expected. Dessert was pleasant (but we were too full to make good use of it.) Overall Merchants was hard to pin down ambiance wise - and a little off-putting at reception. Bring and appetite and humble expectations and you'll be fine.
(3)Ana Q.
This place was really great. Excellent service. We went at around 3:30 on a weekday and it was not crowded. I had Mac and cheese and my husband had a burger. Both were delicious. I still prefer Fido's Mac and cheese and my husband has had a better burger, but I was impressed with the food and restaurant over all. Besides the only thing my husband didn't like was the soft bun, but next time we can order it "toasty". The place looks really nice and there's a good view of downtown from a lot of the tables. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Tor K.
Merchants is a great place to bring people who haven't gotten to experience Nashville. It has your typical southern food, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, etc. My favorite thing on the menu is the Blackened Tilapia with the chipotle sauce. Awesome. Also perfect location to take people to the bars once dinner is over. Only negatives are parking and lack of beer selection but that might just be being too picky.
(4)L M L.
Great cocktails and a nice place to eat out; however, the wait can be long and the service is a bit on the slower side. That being said, if you have time to spare, the fried chicken and duck fat tater tots are worth a try.
(4)Scott P.
Merchant's rocks. My wife had been here during a previous trip and just raved about how great it was. We were there during CMA Fest weekend and were fortunate enough to get a table. The place is right in the midst of everything on Broadway in downtown Nashville. We sat downstairs by the bar with an excellent view of the passersby. The bar area has a clean historical look with white subway tiles and high ceilings. The bourbon menu was extensive, and our waitress suggested 2 excellent recommendations. Usually when I ask about bourbons, I end up hearing about Jim or Jack, which obviously I'm well acquainted. They had some great finds for bourbons which you would expect for a restaurant in Nashville. We had the deviled eggs and strawberry salad as a starter. Both highly recommended. The highlight of the night was the brisket. Get the brisket. Wonderful tender beef brisket sandwiched between cornbread on the bottom and cole slaw on top. Nice portion to fill you up. Again, get the brisket. Service was great. Waitress was a bit "alternative" (tattoos, piercings, etc.) which some people may not like but we could care less as long as the service was friendly and food came out on time. There was so much we were not able to get to on the menu, but we were thankful for what we had at Merchant's. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Danielle W.
Great location, great service, good food. My little people (ages 4-5) and I shared duck fat tater tots and fish tacos, which they loved. The service is fast and friendly. Apparently, they've been in business this long for a reason!
(4)George J.
Loved everything about Merchants except the volume. It is a large open space with no absorbent surface, so gets very loud. We were able to waltz right in on Sunday night without a reservation - upstairs is a steak place, downstairs is southern fare. We stayed down, and gladly. Split a great but simple iceberg wedge - I had jambalaya, which was well done and too large to finish; the wife had sweet tea pork, which was huge and perfectly cooked. Had a couple of great cocktails and great conversation with our waitress. A most memorable last night in Nashville dinner. Would eat here again any time.
(4)Arshbir G.
The servers are nice! The drinks are awesome. But, the food was lacking. Of course, it's not their fault that their vegetarian food is horrible. I should have known better. But, they were super nice about making the tater tots without the duck fat. Next time -- I'll be sure NOT to order the veggie burger.
(3)Maureen S.
Ok. Overrated - tater tots were ore Ida- chicken salad Fair at best - fish tacos - ok and tilapia average overrated - have a bologna sandwich at Roberts western world & thank me
(1)Kimberly P.
Terrible. The fried green tomato appetizer featured very tough tomatoes and a tasteless red sauce. The one star is for the teaspoon of pimento cheese that accompanied. The tomato bisque tasted canned or reconstituted and was watery.
(1)Patty M.
First time visit to Merchant. Coming all the way from Chicago, the girls and I have high expectations for any restaurant. We waited about an hour for our table. Not bad for downtown Nashville, a late Saturday night, and 9 girls. Drinks are pretty amazing, as they should be for $11. The Moscow mule and Save Me Guadalupe, are delicious. Bartender seemed a little tense. We'll cut him some grace, but people skills can make it or break it for people. Small tins of popcorn at every table keep you from eating your hands off. Get the tater tots. You will regret it if you don't. The beernaise is sausalicious. Our food was great. We order burgers, soup and Sammy, and salads. Our server, Macy G, was great! So attentive and personable. We are chicago spoiled but will come back to Merchants when we come down to these parts again.
(3)Molly L.
Excellent service and a very cool atmosphere. We sat downstairs as we were not dressed nor had the patience to wait for a table upstairs. The baked cheese appetizer was delicious and loved by all at our table. I had the fish tacos which were nothing spectacular but a good filling portion for the price. The cocktails looked impressive from our view of the bar but I stuck with their selection of tap beer. I would definitely go back if I return. Not overdone and decent food.
(4)Emily V.
The food was delicious! I had the duck fat tater tots and the sweet tea pork loin. But the one problem with the restaurant was that the music was too loud to even speak at the table and it was absurdly hot. There are fans but no air conditioning that I could tell. The food is excellent but hard to enjoy in the heat!
(4)kyle t.
You had me at Duck Fat Tatter Tots! What are the chances for a good meal in the heart of the touristy part or Nashville? Well, thank you Yelp app and walk in here, it appears or be 100%. The Tatter Tots are incredible, best I've ever had with great sauces and one if them Bernaise and holy crap! The fried Green Tomatoes were great as well, wonderful sauce and pimento cheese....wow! For the main course I had the Jumbalia and it too was wonderful. Usually with a dish like this I will always add hot sauce, I do live in MN after all. Now this Jumbalia was perfect, I tasted it and put the hot sauce down. Not that it was super hot or spicy but the flavors were just delightful and I really didn't want to mess with them. Add to the food and the tasty beers fantastic service from our server and a couple of others and I could not find a flaw! Thank you for a great night! KT
(5)Chephirah A.
This place was fantastic. It's hipster done right. Service was excellent. Our server was knowledgable, attentive, and friendly. The craft drinks were sooooo yummy. We tried the chicken wings and fried green tomatoes both were delicious but those fried green tomatoes were perfection. Then we split the special which was zucchini risotto with pan seared scallops and a balsamic reduction. So good! All in all a wonderful experience.
(4)Brian D.
Duck Fat Tater Tots! You're welcome, send check payable to me. The béarnaise sauce was perfect with the tots. Ask for more. Everything dish and drink was well thought out with great care and respect for every ingredient.
(5)Troy W.
This is a trendy restaurant but a comfortable menu, the drink list is pretty extensive as well. I can't really find anything bad to say about this place. Note that they have two menus, one for downstairs, more casual and a more refined menu for upstairs. Another nice thing for us travelers is they are open late, I arrive late via plane and rush here, they still accommodate me with a smile. This is NOT your normal Nashville joint, but if you like good food and cool atmosphere you'll like this place. You owe to yourself to try it once... By the way, did I tell you it was a whiskey bar?
(4)Marian C.
Pre-Ryman show dinner was had here during a weeknight. Cocktails were had and strong. Food was average. Had duck fat tater tots and fried chicken. Tater tots were nothing spectacular. Chicken was overbreaded and barely any meat. I could not finish it. I guess the food is better than most places on Broadway.
(3)Christine K.
What a jewel! Went here last night and it was amazing from start to finish. Their speciality cocktail drinks were on point. I had the Moscow Mule and it was very refreshing. The ambiance was very cute! It kind of reminds me of Patterson's House but way more....welcoming? This place is also located in downtown so when you're done with dinner you can adventure downtown Nashville if you're from out of town. I had a hard time to decide what I wanted to eat cause honestly everything on the menu sounded amazing! Chicken Fried Chicken, you are the love of my life. My goodness, it was a hybrid of fried chicken and country fried steak laid with mashed potatoes and spinach. The chicken was so juicy and moist that I didn't need a knife to cut it! My love, had their brisket which was also incredible. I highly recommend this place!
(5)David R.
This place is a perfect $15-$25 restaurant. The ingredients are fresh and the presentation is elegant. They have an extensive bar menu, and the service is excellent. They meticulously checked ingredients to accommodate my allergy, and the timing could not have been better. I do not typically like tater tots, but their duck fat fried tots had such a rich flavor. Best Tots I've ever had. The fish tacos we great. Lots of veggies and slaw just like I like'm. Full and happy :D A
(5)Kory H.
Upstairs is the way to go. Great food, decent wine selection, top notch service. My favorite pre-Ryman stop.
(5)Emma A.
Beautiful place but... The fish tacos were really not good. The fish was over cooked, the seasoning masked any other taste and the tacos was hard like a sole. My husband had the blackened mahi-mahi which was good but nothing special. The tader tots were amazing though! The reason why I gave 4 starts instead of 3 is because the service was excellent. I actually did not eat my fish tacos and explain to the waitress why. She immediately took it out of the bill which was a really nice gesture.
(4)Kamilah K.
Simply great! We arrived without making reservations and was told we had a 20 mins wait. No problem, since it seemed like the only decent food spot at the time. The decor is white and black, very vintage/modern/clean. The place just seemed posh. We sat at the bar and had some drinks while we waited. i cant remember what I ordered, but it was good. Our bar time was cut short since the hostess said someone canceled so a table opened up. We were seated and enjoyed our delicious pop corn. I ordered the deviled eggs with sweet pickles. What a tasty opener. For my main entree, I had a veggie burger with coleslaw. It was cooked properly, the swiss cheese was gooey, and the cole slaw was fresh. My bf had fried chicken and he said it was one of the best he's had. I would def come back if I visit Nashville again.
(5)Stefanie M.
I have been desperately wanting to check out all of the buzz Merchants has been creating and finally, there were two empty seats at the bar just beckoning to us! We grabbed those seats and waited quite some time to be acknowledged but we finally were. We were given two cloudy glasses with water poured from a communal bottle without the bar even being wiped from the previous diners. We then had to ask for popcorn (don't eat it, you'll only want more and more and more! It's amazing!) while we waited 10 minutes for our cocktails. The cocktails were almost worth the wait! Moscow Mule with candied ginger? It was to die for...I could have had 10! Hubby had a White Russian which he said was also really good! To eat I got a burger. Maybe it's the diner-esque feel of the restaurant that made me want it, but I was sad when I got it because it was tiny. However, upon eating it I found that it had really good flavor and was the perfect size! Fries were meh, just frozen fries, no big deal. Hubby had the chicken fried steak which was good but not memorable. Service was "cool"....lots of hipsters practicing their cool bar skills while missing out on the greatest job in the world....INTERACTING! Either way, we may or may not go back but I was hoping it would end up in our rotation of favorites and it didn't. On to the next!
(2)CL H.
This was a wonderful choice during a recent Nashville visit. In the heart of tourist-y area, but what a fantastic retro spot. Clean and spotless, well-kept, with seating around the center bar, or in booths and tables nearby. Enjoyed delicious fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. And the Pimm's cups were perfect on a gorgeous sunny day. Loved the fish tacos. The attention to detail and skill behind the bar was apparent in the presentation and flavor. Definitely on the list next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)Jennifer H.
We had reservations and decided to eat upstairs. It is a very unique restaurant and the elevator adds to the atmosphere. :-) The drinks were out of the ordinary and definitely not to be missed. I enjoyed reading the 8+ page love letter written even further upstairs. The age of the building adds to the charm and takes you back in time. It was snowing when we were there which added to the ambiance & romance. They were out of some menu items upstairs. The food was prepared perfectly and as expected was impeccable. I can't wait to try the downstairs menu though.....:-)
(5)Lizz M.
Duck fat tater tots, get them! A co-worker and I popped in to Merchants during a conference. A conference which made finding a reservation impossible. Luckily, we found a few seats at a bar upon entering. Our server was very helpful, especially as my co-worker has a dairy allergy and didn't want to risk getting sick the night before our presentation. The fish tacos were recommended to me and they were fantastic! My only regret is not having any room for dessert.
(4)Gabrielle M.
I recently attended a conference for work and happened to be traveling with a coworker of mine that has certain food allergies beyond the typical gluten allergy. Our waitress was so wonderful to check with the chef for certain plates and make adjustments as needed. The atmosphere upstairs was very nice and had a ton of character. I would suggest reserving a table ahead of time since it's on the busy street of Broadway. The food was heavenly and I would recommend the scallops! We had a great experience and will definitely be back during future trips!!!
(5)Allen D.
"Had you over for dinner. Fish tacos"! Great place and food. Don't wait for a table. Go eat at the bar. Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Don't know what the cheese with it was but "I'll lick it anyway".
(5)Matthew B.
The bartenders here are great, they have the old school barbershop style wardrobe going on and are friendly, knowledgable and make damn good drinks. Definitely go by the bar when waiting for your table. The food, also great, but it was missing something I couldn't place my finger on which is why I left off a star.
(4)Danielle G.
Fabulous food- I got a strawberry salad with salmon & a Tennessee mojito. The staff were very friendly & service was fast! We didn't wait long for drinks or food. We sat on the patio off the street, so it was very entertaining as well!
(5)Eric D.
Went twice, the first time I had Jambalaya it was ok at best the second time was the strip steak and it was way over cooked and smothered in steak sauce. Besides all of that the service was poor, I really liked the place and wanted it to be good but I won't return.
(2)Chris B.
I am a downstairs guy here at merchants, love the burger medium rare. Great drinks and some pretty rare bourbons on hand as well. The brisket is very good but needs more smoke. Mac and cheese leaves something to be desired. But overall worth going to and I will be going back.
(4)Joelle K.
I had dinner the other night at Merchants. They have a fancier dining option upstairs with a smaller menu. We opted for the more casual option downstairs. The mad hatter cocktail was tasty, but should have been stronger. I had the turkey club with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was awesome, but the fries weren't the best. My husband loved the beef brisket.
(4)Laura G.
Gotta update - the bar and restaurant (downstairs) was much more happening this time around. Excellent coctails - Dark and Stormy is what my friend had - some rum / ginger concoction - really nice. We sat at the bar - loved the popcorn. We shared wings which were really great - dry rubbed with excellent sauces. One of the best parts was after a loud day at Summer NAMM we really wanted to find a place with no live music - this was the perfect place. Very nice historical building!
(4)Kristie A.
I loved everything about this place. Historic building, good food, good drinks and an awesome waiter named Mike. I have to say the upstairs area is a little on the boring side. Not much to see and not a lot of people around. The downstairs area is where the action is happening. But the two levels offer two completely different menus. Downstairs being cheaper with things like burgers, etc. The upstairs has a fancier menu. Since upstairs had no wait, that's what we did. The hostess took us up on the elevator. The wine list comes on an iPad, which is super cool. Seems more places are going to adopt this concept, and I'm all about it. I settled on a chardonnay. For dinner I ordered the mussels and frites. The mussels came already pulled out of their shell and floating in a garlicy broth. Yum. The frites were thick and fluffy. Not at all what I was expecting. I also ordered the beet salad and it was yum too. A nice assortment of different flavored beets. Mike was great and even offered up a fun bar when we asked where the locals go.
(5)Adrian M.
nice place right in the heart of downtown. the only place on the strip that doesn't play country music. it was very crowded, and got pretty loud, but hey, the place was packed. We sat in the downstairs to people watch. Servers were very friendly, explained the menu well and suggested good wines. Food was good, not great. decent flavors, but no wow factor anywhere to be seen. Just solid dishes based on solid ingredients.
(4)Julie H.
This is a historic restaurant with an interesting menu. The view of the street was a great backdrop. The duck fat tots and dipping sauces were extremely tasty. The special was a brisket sandwich topped with homemade pickles (the best). The plate came loaded with sweet potato fries. Glad we stopped in!
(4)Sherri H.
What we ate was good BUT when sat down our server went through the litany of what was no longer available. She explained that it had been an unusually busy weekend and they were out of oysters, salmon, tuna, pork and lamb. We asked about options for seafood eating vegetarians and got an indignant response "we are a steakhouse - we don't really cater to vegetarians" we ordered a winter salad and she told us there were only 3 left and there might be some ingredients missing. We suspect they were also out of crab because the crab hush puppies had no crab. The bread was good - glad we could drink more than water. They need a better inventory system or someone to run to the grocery store.
(2)Matt T.
Nice twist on the South. Great cocktails and we'll priced at that. Bartenders know their stuff. Right in the middle of all the Broadway action.
(4)Amy B.
Ate in the first floor bistro. Nice upscale alternative to Broadway honky tonks. Attentive service. Loved the fried green tomatoes, Mac and Cheese and pulled pork sandwich.
(4)Tiffany D.
The fish tacos and blackened talapia were so delicious! The local brews were tasty too! Susan enhanced our experience with her outstanding service and hospitality!
(5)Ahmed R.
All of the food here was amazing! I loved this place. The portions are so huge, so had to split meals, and we came back here a 2nd time during our trip. My wife and I split the brisket, and WOW! We didn't expect too much, but just WOW. It's easily enough food for 2 people. The brisket and BBQ sauce was absolutely fantastic. It was gorgeous served over some warm cornbread. The cornbread was amazing and deserves some serious attention. The cole slaw on the side went with everything nicely. I tried my mom's fish tacos and they too were delicious. We came back the next day for more food and everything just hit the spot perfectly. I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)Julie C.
Great food, drinks and service but be prepared to wait for it! We don't mind snagging a drink or even seat at the bar. I haven't had anything I didn't like and the brisket melts in your mouth, yum!!! The drinks are unique and very refreshing. I'm never disappointed here.
(4)Louis D.
After eating numerous times in the bistro we tried Upstairs last night. From the moment we arrived until we departed everything far exceeded our expectations. The professionalism of the entire staff was only surpassed by the food, and it's presentation. By far our most pleasurable dining experience since arriving in Nashville 13 years ago. Set the stage for a magnificent evening at The Schermerhorn. Highly recommended!
(5)Russ T.
Every time we come to Nashville we have to eat here. The chicken salad, soups, entrees and drinks are great. A lot of hand squeezed juices go into the drinks. Service is top notch considering how busy they stay. Out door sitting is available weather permitting. Carissa rocks as a bartender.
(5)David L.
Our server, Jimmy, was a rockstar server and the food was excellent. Best catfish I've had in a long time. It's a busy place so make a reservation to save yourself waiting.
(5)Dana G.
Great lunch spot! I had the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, delicious! Also tried the deviled eggs and yum !!!!
(4)Rebecca N.
Every time I visit Nashville this is my dinner spot of choice! Never any complaints, great food, drinks, and service. Be prepared to wait if you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, but it's worth it!
(5)Chelsea W.
After reading some killer reviews on Merchants and quickly realizing it was our best bet for genuine food on Broadway, we decided to give it a try--at first, it seemed like we had made a good decision. After all, our wait to be seated was only 15 minutes (pretty amazing for a Saturday evening) and the staff all seemed friendly enough. We didn't eat upstairs--we opted for the more casual menu and ate outside at a table that was perfect for people watching (also perfect for making awkward eye contact with tourists, but that's a different story entirely.) Our meal was very average, much to our surprise and immediate regret. $60 for an Applebees-quality meal? Ridiculous. Waiting for us at our table was a cup of stale popcorn that we barely touched. We started with the fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese and hot pepper jam. They were both chewy and stiff in all the wrong places; meanwhile, the pimento cheese tasted like a cheap tub of processed mumbo jumbo you could easily buy at Wal-Mart. Disappointing start, but we held out hope that things would improve. They did not. I ordered the salmon BLT with basil mayo and chips, and... well... there really isn't much to report. The seasoned chips were the best part of the meal. Salmon was horribly dry, the 'basil mayo' was practically nonexistent, etc. Not at ALL what one would expect from a restaurant rated as highly as Merchants. Needless to say, I have no plans to return to this place, and we certainly won't be recommending it to anyone in the near future.
(2)Sarah G.
I went to Nashville to visit my sister and on my first night there, we ventured down to Broadway to have dinner at Merchants. It was pretty busy but we put our names in and went down the street to have a drink. We didn't have to wait too long to get a table, which was nice on a busy Friday night. We ordered drinks and dinner, including the duck fat tater tots which are unbelievable. I also had a burger (excellent) and probably the best Moscow Mule I've ever had. I would definitely go back.
(4)Mijung H.
Been here a couple of times, and plan to revisit many more times. Everything I have tried here has been delicious, from the tater tots, to the fried green tomatoes, to the grilled cheese. Can't go wrong. In addition, try the pimm's cup cocktail. It is refreshing with scents of cucumber and earthy goodness. Perfect day time recovery drink after a wild night in Nas Vegas. Enjoy!!
(5)Kendall B.
I'm so happy with my decision to eat here. I ordered the Blackened Catfish Sandwich and it was delicious. I recommend it to everyone! The portion sizes are big and filling! The service was great and everyone was really friendly. They have good beer options, which is a plus. It looks like they have a full bar too for any cocktails you would want. I really enjoyed my experience here and will be back on my next visit to Nashville!
(5)W P.
We stopped for drinks after a show at the Ryman and sat at the bar. Great music mix (blues/soul mainly) and decor, a welcome alternative to the honky tonk and country bars on Broadway that feel like more of a tourist trap these days. The Corsair Reviver (their version of the Corpse Reviver) was very tasty and well poured. Gin Gin Mule also hit the mark. A great spot for after a show or if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated.
(4)Lissette G.
Started off our amazing dining experience with a warming "WELCOME" from the bartenders (one Tuesday afternoon). Hostesses were nice and welcoming. Started with the naked cheese...IT WAS ORGASMIC. If you don't love cheese then order something else, I love cheese, this was amazeballs. Then fish tacos, don't expect no crummy frozen, battered & fried fish stick, this was real fish. Great flavors with the slaw and gauc. Salmon BLT was great too. Great atmosphere with a classic twist.
(4)FreewheelingFoodographer F.
This is my new favorite restaurant. As a Wisconsin-born foodie who recently relocated to Nashville, I had tried about 84 different BBQ places (and I'm sure gained 84 pounds since moving here). I was looking for something unique with local flavor, but just... not BBQ. Merchants is a fantastic restaurant. The ambience has this trendy-chic yet cozy-and-unpretentious vibe. We dined in a booth downstairs with a view of downtown/Broadway. The beverage list was extensive and the prices were good. I recommend a Belle Meade Bourbon. Or two. Who knew that Tennessee had such great whiskey?! Oh everyone knew that already..... We started with the duck fat tater tots which were phenomenal. They were cooked perfectly, with sides of some sort of chipotle aioli and this delicious béarnaise sauce that I may or may not have attempted to eat with a spoon and then lick the bowl dry. Ok maybe not, but it was that good. Be careful. I had the blackened catfish sandwich. Again, amazing. My husband had the fish tacos which were insanely good. Who knew Nashville had such awesome seafood?! ;) I wanted to try about 13 different menu items. Everything looked great. Staff was friendly. I will definitely be coming here again. But for now... to find BBQ joint #85... ;) Cheers! The Freewheeling Foodographer lesleighmemmel.wordpress…
(5)Tony B.
My wife and I had dinner here on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised that there wasn't a wait. It's a little crowded, but we had a good table and enjoyed the food overall. The duck fat tatot tots are a good as everyone else says and our only complaint is that we found the tacos to be a little too salty
(4)Karen V.
With an overwhelming amount of places downtown to choose from, we randomly picked Merchants, and oh my, what a great choice we made!! The Chicken Fried Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes with pimento cheese, and Jambalaya were all out of this world! Our finicky nine year old son loved his grilled chicken sandwich. And the service was quick, accurate, and really friendly (our server's name was Kyleigh). Overall a really wonderful dining experience.
(5)Nancy G.
On a recommendation, we came to merchants for brunch. The environment was fun and lively. The music was loud, but you could still talk between each other. The place looked like a black and white old fashioned soda fountain. Brunch started out with water brought out daintily in a glass container and seasoned popcorn in a small metal bucket. We ordered the duck fat tator tots after seeing lots of other yelpers do the same. It was pretty good. Nothing out of the world, but what can you expect from tator tots? We also ordered fish tacos and a bacon grilled cheese with tomato soup and homemade chips. Again, the food was good but not amazing. We ordered two bloody Mary's. They were good, but there didn't seem to be a single drop of alcohol in the drinks. Our server probably added the least to the meal - placing both our leftovers together in the same togo box and misconstrued our full order of tots for half. The sever seemed distracted - kind of the service you would expect from a Waffle House. Then again, we have had better service at a Waffle House.
(3)Jamie S.
This place is fantastic! Priced right, food is excellent, ambiance is great and the service is on point! Nothing short of a great experience!
(5)Becky H.
Still love it. Five pepper chicken is my favorite. Service is great. In a hurry sit in the bar or go upstairs for an upscale experience.
(5)Candace C.
Shoddy service with a side of roaches. Went to Merchants for dinner Friday night. Long wait as usual for a table so we sat at the bar. Had to beg for service as did others seated there. Food was OK. toward end of our meal a cock roach started across the bar. A waitress quickly stopped it and ended its journey with a napkin. Seconds later a manager - type guy appeared, apologized, and took one round of drinks off our tab. Nice gesture but we won't be back.
(1)Staci D.
We were seated promptly even though the town was busy. Food was great, desert even better. Came back the next day and sat at the bar. Try their apps! Great downtown location too.
(4)Amelia H.
As much as we enjoyed the food, I can't give this place more than two stars based on the service. The night started out very well, we had a party of six with a reservation for upstairs. Two of my friends were celebrating birthdays and this was supposed to be our nice dinner out for the weekend. We were shown to our table and our server was almost overly attentive at first (she seemed to have a server in training shadowing/assisting her.) About midway through the meal, our server was nowhere to be found. Did not come to refill water, ask if we wanted more wine/cocktails, or to see how the food was. We were looking around (like the other tables) and had to flag down other people to take care of what we needed. I had spoken to the "assistant" about coming to the table with dessert, etc. to celebrate the two birthdays, she assured me it would be taken care of. This never happened, and instead, a server we had never seen rushed over and asked if we wanted to see dessert menus, then before we could even answer she walked away. This was the same server who brought the check (because our server was still MIA) and she misunderstood the payment methods and how things were to be divided. It was a mess, and she barely apologized. Finally, after it was too late to really make it better, our original server came and said she was "sorry things got rocky towards the end, it was just so busy" as we looked around at a half empty dining room. I would hardly say they were slammed. It was a shame that we all left with a bad taste in our mouths after spending a good bit on dinner, and the food actually enjoyable. It didn't put anyone in a great mood to celebrate, and we really felt like we had just been forgotten and our business was not really important to Merchants. I would not go back or recommend based on our experience.
(2)Tori F.
We ate here while visiting Nashville and it was by far the best meal we had in the city. To start with we ordered the guacamole and duck fat tater tots which were both delicious. The strawberry salad with salmon was great. It was one of the tastiest pieces of salmon that I have ever had. The blackened catfish sandwich was also really delicious. The seasoning they use on their fish is out of this world. Our waitress was also really sweet and a great edition to the meal.
(5)Scott D.
Best spot for dinner downtown without spending a fortune. Excellent ambience, very laid back and relaxed environment. Menu is simple yet broad, and almost everything I have tried is prepared really well.
(4)Chad P.
My review is based on a group of people, so don't take this as a two-person date review. We were seated upstairs which was kind of cool to go through an elevator to reach her table. The building has a lot of charm and feels very old. The waitress was really sweet and nice, but she didn't do a good job of keeping everyone's order together. I missed the appetizer, because apparently I never heard her asking us for our order. The menu was pricey and it didn't make a lot of sense as far as ingredients go. The music was too loud for us to hear each other talk at times. One of the appetizers was too mushy to eat for a couple at our table, but the hush puppies were the real deal. Overall I would say we had a great time, but the server left something to be desired.
(3)Michele M.
Sweet tea pork loin is out of this world! Don't pass up the duck fat tator tots. Well worth the wait for a table.
(5)Amelia A.
good burgers, great service, and lovely atmosphere. the only thing was our food was a bit lukewarm. would return!
(4)Serena T.
Found this place via Yelp while in Nashville and glad that I did. There was a big group of us and Merchant's had something for everyone. I ordered a half order of the duck fat tater tots which as other reviews have mentioned were delish. It comes with 3 sauces, ketchup, a cheesy sauce and some type of aioli which was my favorite. Also ordered the fried green tomatoes which were just ok in my opinion. They were fried with corn meal so they were different than the fried green tomatoes which I've had before. The spicy relish was really good. I split the fish tacos with another person in our group and also wasn't blown away by them but they were decent. The fixins on the tacos were great and flavorful but the fish itself left something to be desired. For a drink I ordered the Moscow Mule and this was (to date) probably the best Moscow Mule I've had in my life. It had a perfect balance of lime and ginger beer and you could tell the lime was fresh squeezed. That being said, my four star rating is for the drink and the taters. But all the folks in my group were very pleased with their meals which ranged from the brisket, mac & cheese and the chili. Great atmosphere!
(4)Patrick W.
Food was amazing, service was good. Only issue was sitting out on the patio being placed under the heater. If you are a Yankee like me, chances are you won't be able to handle the heat.
(4)Patrick S.
Cool space, but nothing to write home about .Food was fine.
(3)Richard R.
Very nice restaurant that is a quieter refuge compared to the crowded sidewalks and honky tonks of Broadway. I ordered a brisket platter with mashed, gravy, cornbread, slaw -- very nice. Beautifully renovated historic building. Lovely restaurant. Recommended.
(4)Tina K.
Excellent and the duck fat tater tots are different good! Fried green tomatoes and the butterscotch pie phenomenal! Service was excellent. Skip the chain restaurants and go straight to Merchants.
(5)Alan B.
Went here for a late lunch and received incredible service from our waiter John K. We ordered the Mac N Cheese and added the brisket. Excellent! This place has some of the best food on Broadway. Be sure to stop in before the late night menu.
(4)Renee S.
Excellent service. Great atmosphere. We sat next to a window during an electrical storm. That was freaky... but fun also. Food was great. i would definitely go back!
(5)Alexandra S.
This place was in the heart of downtown Nashville. As a tourist that's exactly what I wanted. It has a lot of history in it which makes it look to be way out dated but it fit perfect for the history that Nashville upholds. The classic checkered tile on the floor and lots of wearing around the bar. It reminded me of an old house that I would tour through from the early 1900's. With all that being said the service was excellent! Absolutely no issues at all. Because we were visiting I was doing site seeing the waitress was more then helpful to make great recommendations on where to buy things and what to see. We were in no mood for alcohol so don't have any recommendations for that. The food was decent for what we ordered. Just a little expensive but that's what downtown is like I guess. There are two floors a lunch dining on the bottom and an upper floor for more elegant dining. I got the Greek salad it was very delicious I just wish I got some sort of meat on it so I wasn't hungry only a few hours later. My boyfriend got a regular burger and that was something that really hit the spot! You basically can design exactly what type of burger you want and he was stuffed for hours after the meal which is not normal for him with a big stomach!
(4)Andrew E.
Food is consistently pretty good. Service is consistently awful. Some of the worst service I've ever had. No air conditioning either. Never going back. Waiters don't care about you.
(1)Dr R.
Edible. Not worthy of a second visit. Blackened tilapia was under-seasoned and the hash that came with it was jus not impressive. It was supposed to come with roasted corn but the corn looked steamed. They've got some really good BBQ sauce though (yes kinda random... Their salmon BLT with fries was good). We drank water because besides telling us that we weren't really bourbon drinkers... The waiter didn't really have any good recommendations. I'd pass by. Other good restaurants to try. Probably just good for decor/atmosphere for small group.
(3)T T.
Really cute place! In between casual and dressy. Bartenders are very "vintage" inspired. We wet immediately served popcorn in an old fashioned tin. Great drink and menu selection.
(4)Lucy R.
I had a great time at Merchants last night. I loved the Soup and Sammy. Incredible service and wonderful atmosphere. If you are ever in the area, go here! Great job, Erica and Darryl.
(5)Doreen V.
A little disappointing... we ordered the duck fat tots (they were really good), deviled eggs (meh), two $12 drinks and lunch. My guy got a salad and I got the soup and sammy. Once our server left, we waited about 15 minutes for someone to return. After 15 or so minutes our appetizers, drinks, and lunch was all delivered together. The server returned once to our table about 25 minutes later and dropped the check. Not only was the service meh, the appetizers beat the drinks out- pay $12 for a drink and hope that you get it some time before dessert.
(3)Jaime G.
It was our first night in Nashville which was also New Years Eve. Our Uber driver suggested we check out Merchants since we wanted to experience the Bash on Broadway. We were pleasantly surprised with a beautiful open modern motif and only an hour wait. We ordered the duck fat tater tots which rocked our world. For dinner I had the grilled cheese and soup which was the perfect meal for a chilly evening. All in all I'm grateful this place was suggested to us because it made our NYE that much better.
(4)Sue H.
Had a great meal here. Fun atmosphere. Our server Ron H. Was totally awesome. And hot too!
(5)Michael C.
We are definitely not from Nashville, and read great reviews before coming only to be severely disappointed (mind you, we just ordered and haven't eaten yet). We go upstairs for the "better" menu and of the top choices none are available, "all sold out". We settle to go downstairs and of the few entrees on menu one of our top choices not available either. We are very disappointed thus far as of 4 menu options none are available.
(1)Stephen K.
Classy southern dining is what I would call this place. The food is very good steaks, fried chicken, brisket, pork loin, and the appetizers all were presented fabulously and the service was excellent. It's a very hipster spot in the south which is cool.
(4)Matt H.
Contrary to other reviews, this place was mediocre at best. The service was above average, the drinks were good, but the food was so-so. We had the deviled eggs (meh), duck tots (meh), fried green tomatoes (no good; don't bother) & the mac & cheese (the best of our selections, but not mind blowing). We're just passing through town, but if I lived around here, this place would fall low on my priority list. If you decide to check this place out, go into it with low expectations.
(2)Gretchen J.
Delicious dinner, fabulous service and wonderful atmosphere (upstairs). The gratin potatoes are a must as a side.
(5)Stephanie D.
Horrible hostess but they made it better/Our party put in our name and phone number and were told that we needed to wait 45 minutes, and that it would be fine to leave and come back, as the hostess would text us. Came back 45 minutes to check, and was rudely told we didn't respond to the 4 texts sent and they gave up our table, even though we received no notification. Thankfully the manager tried to make to it right, and he was great...but the next good move they need to make is fire that hostess. So incredibly rude! Luckily, the food was amazing and they offered us free apps. The veggie burger was great and so were the cocktails :)
(4)Laura H.
Our last meal in Nashville. Sigh. This town is great. My sweetheart found Merchants on yelp and we loved it. Started out with the salmon dip which comes to you on bruschetta type bread with veggies. Amazing! We went for an all out southern meal: chicken fried chicken with sweet potato fries in lieu of mashed potatoes. Brisket with coleslaw. Finished it off with chocolate cake almost as big as your head. The bartenders were awesome. Loved our drinks champagne cocktail and Manhattan. Great good. Great experience. Great way to enjoy our last meal in town. I have a great boyfriend whom gets all credit for finding Merchants.
(5)Dana S.
Nothing special here. Had a veggie burger that was really soft and lacked any substantial flavor. the sweet potato wedges were pretty tasty. friends ordered fish tacos that were realllyyyy fishy. I guess its to be expected in a landlocked state.
(2)Rachel B.
Made a stop here on a weekend trip to Nashville based on Yelp reviews. The food did not disappoint. Chips and sweet potato fries were delicious. Pulled pork was smoky. Staff were friendly.
(5)Aubrey J.
Loved this unpretentious Southern restaurant! The understated decor really draws the attention more to the historical feel of the building itself, which I loved. It was also made apparent that the focus here is on customer service and food, rather than a kitschy tourist-drawing themed restaurant like so many are leaning toward. Our waiter, Scott, was just awesome, with all kinds of great recommendations. I enjoyed a tequila cocktail (Adore Salvatore? Can't remember the exact name) and the Dark & Stormy (a sort of rum mule) which was excellent. The manager brought the second drink out himself because I had inquired about the ingredients and talked with us for a few minutes. Fried Green Tomatoes were the only thing I wasn't completely thrilled with. The flavor of the cornmeal and tart tomater with a pepper jam & pimiento cheese were a great complement to each other, but the tomato itself was pretty tough, and cutting through it pretty much destroyed the delicate breading. I will say though that my enormous slab of pork loin was both tender and succulent, and the flavor of this paired with green beans and polenta was great. My friend enjoyed the fish tacos, which looked delicious. Overall a great experience!
(4)Erin K.
This restaurant is in a perfect location right downtown and the food and drinks are great! The atmosphere inside is more old school with all of the marble and tile and the servers are wearing bow ties which adds to a fun atmosphere. We ordered the duck fat tater tots (with chipotle may, béarnaise, and ketchup), the southern fry (catfish, oyster, house pickles and okra) and the chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes, garlic studded spinach and country gravy. It was all very good. The chicken was so flavorful and the gravy and potatoes were fantastic. However, I thought the spinach was just mushy and slimy. I also ordered the Botanist (Botanivore gin, St. Germain, simple syrup, mint, lemon and cucumber) which was so tasty and very refreshing!
(4)John G.
My lady and I had a great experience at Merchant's. Great food, great atmosphere and great service. The jumbalaya was fantastic and so were the salads. If I ever find myself back in Nashville, I will definitely be coming back to Merchant's.
(5)Erin M.
Great food amazing cheese dip omg crazy ppl are very friendly. Recommend the devil eggs the bacon on the wedge salad was thick and chunky.
(4)Tim A.
Of course, reviews of this place get confusing because it's basically two restaurants in one building. To be clear, I'm discussing the downstairs area. This place has a lot of energy to it, and it was absolutely packed when I was here. The menu, as you may observe, is full of stuff that sounds really promising. Certainly, some of it delivers. I had heard everyone raving about the duck fat tater tots, so that seemed like a must-have. The tots themselves were decent, but the sauces were great, especially the chipotle mayo and the bernaise. The reason I think everyone raves about the tots, though, is because there isn't much else to rave about. We also had the Southern Fry, which in retrospect was a lot of fried food. The pickles shined, but everything else was pretty bland. Unfortunately, that sort of the tone of the rest of plates we had. Everything was on the verge of being tasty...but only on the verge. The steak frites, while marvelously cooked, didn't have much to add in the flavor department, and the same could be said for the brisket and fried chicken. The cobbler was decent, but I wouldn't say it was better than Dalt's, and I don't have to find a parking spot downtown for that. Again, the place was super crowded, so maybe they had their hands full and put together an off-night. I'll give 'em points for effort.
(3)Mandy H.
I definitely suggest making a reservation. We arrived at our reservation time, heard them tell the gentleman in front of us it would be a 45 minute wait, and then were promptly seated at the table they had waiting for us. We ordered the duck fat tater tots as an appetizer, only order the half is there are just two of you. The full order was way more than we needed for two. My friend had the sweet tea pork loin and I had the chicken fried chicken. Both were excellent. The staff is all very friendly and attentive. This is for sure on the list for a return trip the next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)Priorteyez C.
Ate on second floor.....most amazing meal I have ever had. There were four of us and we shared the $130 Porter house steak. I have NEVER had a steak so tender in my life! Beet salad was amazing. The onion rings amazing. The potato loaf....what can I say...AMAZING. only thing I would suggest, warn customers about the smoky flavorings on everything...even in the old fashioned drink, which quite honestly was worst drink ever. BUT overall AMAZING dining experience.
(5)Athenapex C.
Had the duck fat tater tots which were delicious. I had the corn chowder which was good but very thick. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich which was delicious. They do fresh squeezed lemonade as well. Great place to go and would go again.
(4)Casey L.
The duck fat tater tots were definitely a 'must' after reading the reviews but believe me when I say it was their sauces that were to die for! Great local beer and a great menu! We enjoyed the popcorn while we were waiting for our meal. Will definitely be back when we return to Nashville!
(4)Kevin Z.
We ate here last night. Since we had 6 in our party & it was a Friday I figured we would need a reservation. So I called only to hear that due to events in the area they were fully booked, but we could come in early & possibly get a table. My friend had told me she just ate there the night before. She said that she ate upstairs as the downstairs was full & there was quite the wait. She mentioned that the menu was limited & prices were higher. Sure enough when looking on the website there is a 'up' & a 'down' menu which reflect both. We arrived shortly after 6pm on Friday night to be sat 5 minutes later. The place has a bit of a oldschool malt shop feel to it. The servers & bartenders all wear white & black attire w/ suspenders. All very looking hipster like. The drinks were very tasty & strong. We ordered the duck fat tatter tots & cheese plate for apps, both so GOOD. Oh and they provide you w/ popcorn seasoned w/ Hidden Valley Ranch which is also very tasty. I ordered the Soup & Sammy which is a grilled cheese w/ bacon, tomato soup, & chips. SO GOOD! Around the table the Pork Loin, Mac & Cheese, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chicken Fried Chicken, & Wings were all ordered. Everyone at our table was happy w/ their food. We had a birthday at our table so they brought out a dessert, but no one sang happy birthday sadly except for us. We had someone in our party that had food allergies & our server was happy to recommend a variety of different options & checked w/ the kitchen as well. The other cool thing was when the checks were handed out separately they were able to split the apps 6 ways so no one was stuck w/ them solely. We will be back in Nashville again in a week & this is a place we look to return too. Very happy w/ everything minus the happy birthday songs. 4.5 stars.
(4)Megan K.
A twist on traditional Southern fare in the heart of Nashville... * Vintage vibe (think bow ties + suspenders) * Unique cocktails (made with apothecary jars, droppers, + glass beakers) * Friendly bartenders * Delicious food (check out both menus- one for upstairs and a different for downstairs) * Eclectic music * A nice break from the rowdy Broadway crowd * A little bit hipster without being pretentious Overall, a great experience!
(5)Sapna C.
This is a nice place for a casual meal in downtown Nashville. It feels like a diner, but a bit more upscale, as other reviewers have mentioned. I went in for lunch here with my brother, while in Nashville. We had the duckfat tater tots and a fish cake to start. Both were delicious; however, the fish cake was a bit on the dry side. I had the grilled chicken burger as the main dish, which also delicious but a bit on the dry side. All in all, the food was good and the portions were quite generous for the price you pay.
(4)Laura S.
Lovely experience! We dined in the main level (more casual/comfort dining) and made a reservation beforehand. We were seated right away, and our server and other staff were absolutely perfect. Cleaned our table after each plate was finished and filled drinks promptly. I didn't love the ranch popcorn like others did, but that's not why I came :) My husband had a drink recommended by the server (cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned), and he said it was great. We had the duck fat tots, and they were all they were cracked up to be. The chipotle mayo was fantastic. My husband got the grilled chicken sandwich with house chips and he ate every bite. I had the chicken fried chicken and could have eaten every bite, but I used restraint. It is a HUGE order. So amazing. We wished we had room for the tasty-sounding desserts, but those will have to wait for another time. I would come back here in a heartbeat.
(4)Allie M.
Amazing service. We had to wait for our table so we sat at the bar for a bit. Bartender was very helpful and friendly. We got seated at the wrong table and said they would have to move us but didn't which was nice. Waitstaff was amazing. Our waiter was so friendly and honestly the best waiter I think I've ever had. Knew the menu very well. Food was amazing!! The vibe of the place was so appealing and just a great atmosphere all around. Would recommend going!!
(5)Jessica W.
Great atmosphere, great service, truly a gem in the heart of Nashville. Recommend the fried green tomatoes; everything was fantastic.
(4)Maria E.
I don't know how they made fried chicken a fancy and delicious dish, but it was great! Great selection of drinks and good atmosphere
(4)Joe D.
Cool place. Grabbed a bite to eat before the a Motley Crüe concert at Bridgestone around the corner. Ordered the southern fry app, which had okra, pickles, shrimp, and catfish. Tasty. Also ordered the shrimp corn chowder and it was nice but a little spicy and frankly no shrimp to be found. The steak frites with filet, greens, and 57 sauce was very good and cooked a nice medium. Cocktail wise we had old fashioneds, champagne cocktails, and a couple awesome glasses of the black maple hill Oregon whisky. Had it once before and still fantastic. The server was a little slow but above average. Looking forward to going back. It is a loud place so if that's not your thing then just be aware.
(4)Eric W.
Food isn't bad, but it's not great. Get the feeling that you're in a tourist joint - move 'em in, move 'em on. I don't regret it, but wouldn't go back.
(2)Dan C.
Delicious food in a classy environment paired with friendly service. Little more upscale then it's surroundings but still reasonably priced.
(4)Eric H.
Very nice upscale place with decent prices and a nice broad menu. Sat outside on the heated patio and watched the street. Nice lunch.
(5)Liz S.
One of my favorite places to come to when I'm in Nashville. This little nugget is extremely out of place in this part of town but oddly enough, it seems to work here. I first stumbled into this place one night with friends after a concert at the Bridgestone Arena as it was one of the few places with late night eats. We we're guided to a table close to the open kitchen where plates of delectable dishes were pouring their way out one by one. We started with some cocktails and appetizers (fried green tomatoes and duck fat tater tots) and followed it up with our entrees. I don't remember much after the tots. They were divine. That and the two old fashions were enough for me! Needless to say, the meal and the evening were perfect. I recently went back for Memorial Day for a spa weekend and some recharge before a hectic work schedule and made my way to this place once more. I sat at the bar and made friends with the bartender who, after giving him the ingredients list, made me a delicious jalapeño cucumber margarita. He was a true mixologist and great at his craft. I made a meal of their Steak and Pomme Frites with homemade steak sauce and followed this with some samplings from their very well curated whiskey/bourbon list. Perfect finish to an all around good night. This place will continue to be one of my favorite stops whenever I make my way to Nashville. It's hip atmosphere, crafted cocktails and selective menu will be enough to entice me in no matter the trip or occasion.
(5)Chris C.
Service was terrible. The food was fine but not outstanding, and they were out of fried chicken. How does that happen?
(2)J. L.
Stopped in for lunch. Wait was shorter than expected - told 30 minutes, only waited for 10. Server was very nice, but forgot to put our app order in so it was delivered to our table about 5 minutes after our lunch was delivered. Our lunch was delicious, but towards the end of my meal I found two hairs in my pile of chips.
(2)Chris J.
One of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are a must have appetizer. Service has always been great, the drinks are good too. I try to make it here every time I visit Nashville.
(5)Aprille H.
We went here on a whim. My mom and I were not sure if we were going to find and good fresh food downtown. We came and sat at the bar. Brian and Constantin took great care of us. When I yelp I usually do the experience. However what we had was awesome. We split the Greek chop and the pork loin . Both so delicious! They even split the entree for us so we had our own plate. The bill was really reasonable as well. Def somewhere to check out
(5)Michelle S.
oh my goodness, this place is so delicious I ended up there twice on my last trip to nashville. The fried green tomatoes are amazing. The tots, amazing, the grits amazing, my chicken sandwich, incredible, the cob salad delicious. Eat here, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Alexandra S.
Fantastic food and great service. Great price very reasonable. We ordered the tator tots, guacamole, wings, bbq sandwich and chicken sandwich. I love the ambience.
(5)Rebecca G.
After much debate, we ended the evening at Merchants! The Green Tomatoes and French Fries with Ranch dressing were amazing! The burger worked too! Loved sitting at a window seat and watching Nashville fly by!
(4)Sheena T.
I went to Merchants (the lower restaurant) before a concert with a group of 4, and had a great experience! The location is great, and I really love that the building is historic and the restaurant is beautiful inside. You can eat downstairs for a more causal experience or upstairs for a more formal meal. I have only been to the lower restaurant, but want to go back and try the top level! Our table got the crab guacamole to start and I split the turkey club sandwich with another person. The sandwich was nothing to brag about, but the sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had (and I've had a lot!). They were large cut fries and tasted amazing. I could eat a whole helping of them! The guac was very good and they set out small containers of pepper seasoned popcorn which was really nice to snack on before our food came. They had a great cocktail menu. I had 2 mojitos and they were fabulous after my hectic Friday. My friend had a gin drink that was well liked among the table also. We were a bit rushed to get to the concert, so I wasn't able to sit and savor the meal as much as I would have liked, but next time I will take my time. Great experience and I can't wait to eat here again!
(4)Jon L.
Great atmosphere and excellent options. Somebody will even offer to shine your shoes while you eat...
(5)Ariana P.
Great location. Great service. I had the fried chicken and my friend had the brisket. Both were super under-season. I wanna give it 5 stars because our server was honestly great, but you go to a restaurant for the food :(
(3)Whitney R.
Was traveling across the country and had to stop in Music City. I was staying at the aLoft and it was suggested to grab dinner at Merchants. It was a Monday night and as expected, it was packed. I sat at the bar and was immediately greeted by multiple bartenders with water, menus and my drink order. Per suggestion by the tender I got a wedge salad and the sweet tea pork chop. Both excellent. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(4)Andrea N.
Our waiter was accommodating beyond the normal expectations. Thanks buddy! Thanks for the gluten free beer option; blue dog was a nice blend with the salmon blt (and thanks for making it without the bread for me). Be sure to taste the popcorn, it was a fun and innovative starter. My husband got the steak and added their chipotle and garlic sauces to it; he was a happy camper.
(5)David D.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. This place is on my must stop at every time I come through.
(5)Nicole B.
My husband and I came to Nashville for the weekend and stopped in here late on a Saturday night. We were seated right away on the heated patio. The chili and shrimp chowder were great. The wings were baked and dry rubbed and by far the best we EVER had. Highly suggested to go, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jennifer S.
Love it!! Duck Fat Tater tots! Sweet Tea Pork, and the Blackened Catfish was delicious! Absolutely recommend it!
(5)Hannah P.
I am pretty much obsessed with Merchants. I had two nights in Nashville... I ate at Merchants both nights. The food was good! However, what kept me coming back was the service. I vacillated between amazement that my glass was always full to sheer awe at how cool and nice everyone is that works there. LOVED IT!
(5)Charles Y.
Last night in Nashville and downtown for the Behold the Lamb of God performance at the Ryman. We decided on Merchant's due to close proximity to venue. Ashton was our server and she was delightful even though she is soon to move to Charleston, SC. I had the Salmon BLT sandwich and my wife had the Chicken BLT sandwich. Both were outstanding. If you are attending something downtown Nashville I highly recommend this place!
(5)Stephanie I.
Great place to start the night downtown!! Make sure you make a reservation in advance or you won't get a table. The music is loud and the service is great. We never had an empty glass of water. We started with the deviled eggs and they were delicious!! Since we weren't starving we ordered the Greek salad which is huge and fresh and the Fish tacos. We really enjoyed our food. I wish we had ordered more but what we did order was great. If anyone is wanting to grab a quick bite to eat before going out or to a predators game, this is the place!
(4)Corra S.
We are tourists in the city and found ourselves eating here two days in a row (lower lever). If you are tired of the bar or BBQ food, then go here. Fresh food, clean place, and lots of personality. Our bodies needed some "healthy" food after countless fried things over the weekend. But... We couldn't pass up the duck fat fried tater tots. Delicious! Also got the salmon strawberry salad (just what the doctor ordered. Side note- I dont even eat seafood but couldn't stop nibbling on my husbands salmon- cooked so well ad not fish tasting) and chicken fried chicken for dinner. Round two got the baked cheese, turkey sandwich and chicken salad salad for lunch the next day. Chicken salad was all white meat and one of the best chicken salads I've had. ALL of the food was delicious! Great flavors and spices! Drinks were also good- the blue moon (gin and lavender drink) was YUMMM!
(5)Martha C.
In case your wondering, the dress code for this restaurant is handsome. Beautiful people creating and serving beautiful people. I felt privileged. A group of ladies and I enjoyed a fine dinning experience upstairs at Merchants one evening of our trip. Maybe it was the handsome people or the good food, either way I was in a great way, if you know what I mean!. We all felt young, hot and ready to go! I got the steak and it was fabulous; done just right for me! The stellar dish of the evening however was a friends duck fat tots. You can never go wrong with duck fat! Seriously! She was so fabulous that rather than getting the fries, which are typically served upstairs, she get the tots, which are typically served downstairs. Either way they were a panty dropper. So good! Bravo Merchants! Bravo!
(4)John W.
There is - despite the several positive reviews - nothing special about Merchants. This restaurant is constantly crowded with noisy tourists bit is difficult to get a table, service is polite but inconsistent, and the food is overpriced. We had the tater tots, which might have been ordered from Macdonalds for half the price, and a very dry brisket with even drier cornbread slice. Won't eat here again.
(2)Rick W.
Good service, good location, good food. We lunched there. The duck fat tater tots are a great appetizer. A full order was plenty for four. The jambalaya was very good, as was the corn chowder. The presentation of all dishes was excellent. Merchants is worth a try.
(4)Antony T.
This was one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville as a local based off my first visit. Good food and service. The second time the food was consistent but the attitude of all three servers that night was so bad that I will never go back again.
(2)LL T.
Great food especially when you sit at the bar and don't have to deal with the wait. I ordered several sides - duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs, green salad and peach cobbler. Wasn't really hungry so it was a good portion. Especially the half order of tater tots. I'm looking forward to coming back here for lunch since I'm here for business travel.
(4)Ang R.
Great brunch. Duck fat tater tots. Dry rubbed chicken wings. Was surprised because it is right on Broadway. Service was excellent. Very friendly.
(4)Alisha W.
I have dined a few times at the downstairs restaurant of Merchants. Both times the meal was good. I had the veggie burger the first time and it was great, the sweet potato fires really sealed the deal. The second time I had the chicken pecan salad. It was really good, lots of blackened chicken that was delicious. The only bad the was a few pieces of lettuce were not fresh and mushy! Ick! We also had the fish tacos that were very good as well! The service was not that great but I think the waiter was just being trained. I will visit again!
(4)Robert R.
My girlfriend Julie & I had dinner here and the food was pretty good but not extraordinary. She had the veggie burger & I had the jambalaya. Her burger was ok and my jambalaya wasn't too bad. The interior is pretty cool and this is a decent option if you are out on Broadway.
(3)Violet W.
Very disappointed, food is not good at all, the fried chicken is dry and corn chowder is weird tasting shrimps are not fresh, tater tots are nice but that's all. Service is pretty good~
(2)Corey W.
So I had never been in Merchants on any level before. Stumbled past it drunk on Broadway but never gave it much thought since there wasn't Blaring music and cheap beer. Also, up to now I was under the bias that anything located on the Broadway strip was just another tourist trap. I can't speak for the other floors of the place but after having Dinner on the second floor I believe I was wrong. They started off on a great note with me. Free valet service which is crucial because of the location on Broadway. That and I love pulling up to a valet stand in my dented old Honda Civic. This place is great for a quiet upscale dinner. Setting is fairly romantic. Service is very professional. It was interesting is when looking at their drink menu I was handed a tablet PC with an interactive list so you could look up drinks by category. While I thought it was very cool, it did take away from the ambiance. Something about a smartly printed hard paper menu can't be replaced in a place going for more formal romantic. Food was top notch. I appreciated the menu size. By that I mean there was enough to give variety but it still fit nicely in medium print on one page. I hate going to a nicer Restaurant where reading the menu feels like reading the instruction manual to a NASA spaceship (Cheesecake Factory comes to mind here), and is a serious time commitment. Nothing blew me away but the consistency and quality were top tier Nashville. It is easy to rack up a bill pretty quickly. My significant other and I went, indulging a little since we hadn't eaten out in the last two weeks; 3 cocktails, appetizer, 2 entrees and a desert later we had a $125 bill. I will say though it was worth it. I'll be going again. And wish I could give them 4.5 stars
(4)Daniel K.
Merchants is always a party in your mouth! The duck fat tater tots are to die for! I also love the Sazarac for my drink. They actually removed the drink from the menu, but I was able to order it and it was amazing as usual. Whenever I come to town I make sure to go to Merchants once, if not twice!
(5)Frank P.
Fairly disappointing. We were in town for the weekend and we had been told to come here at some point. It gets 2 points for ambience, the popcorn & the sweet potato fries. My fiancée had the strawberry salad w chicken which was not very appetizing. The chicken looked dry. I had the fish tacos which allegedly were made from Mahi Mahi. I'm not so sure it was Mahi. It was overall flavorless and dry. They attempted to disguise the Mahi w strong seasoning and cabbage. I was expecting a sauce to go along w tacos but none was provided. Overall disappointing experience. Food selection was better at Etch and 12 south. Not sure how this establishment got 4 stars.
(2)Bernadette M.
Cool spot. Their hostess station is passed the bar thru the entrance on Broadway. They couldn't accommodate a table of 7 so we had to sit outside. We just needed food so sure! It was hot though. My aunt had the deviled eggs, grandma had the soup (I don't know why given the weather), and my nephew had the root beer float. My cousin and I split the tator tots cooked in duck fat which made no difference to me, the fried green tomatos which was a must have since I've never seen it on a menu before and a side salad that had a pretty delicious dressing. Drinks were unique. I had the Beauty and the Beast and it was quite strong. My cousins was something much more up her alley. Service was good, music played outside and it was definitely not the country or live music heard all up and down the main strip there. There are definitely cheaper places to eat but this is a nice spot.
(4)Brenna H.
I ate at the restaurant upstairs. The service was great and everyone was very nice and accommodating. No complaints about any of the staff except for the kitchen. The food was unremarkable. I got the seafood of the day and it was very bland and unimpressive. The beat purée was overpowering and the fish and veggies had no taste to contribute to the dish. All in all, the restaurant had a cool atmosphere and the people were great but the food left much to be desired.
(3)Steve M.
The location is perfect and the food is great. We had a burger and the macaroni and cheese for our entrees. The mac was incredible. Our fries were cold but they immediately corrected with hotfries.
(4)Laura O.
Visiting Nashville for a conference and a local colleague recommended for dinner. Had a great experience! Loved sitting at the bar while we were waiting for our table. The whole vibe of the downstairs was great! We started with drinks recommended by the very charming bartenders and loved the duck fat tots and baked cheese for starters. Once moved to our table our server was excellent and the brisket was very tasty. Would recommend this place if you are looking for a great casual spot for dinner with a fun vibe and great service!
(4)Paul C.
I was contacted by a rep from the restaurant and asked to come back. I have to say, my experience was completely different. I'm going to be a little skeptical and say that the fact that they invited me back had something to do with the better experience. With that said, here's my review of Merchants. Service: Our server, Brandy, was very sweet and attentive. Our water was constantly refilled and our food came out quickly. Several of us asked for her recommendation and she knew the menu. We all ordered items that she recommended and they were all very good. The manager came over and checked on us several times. She even recommended an appetizer that was not yet on the menu and it was very good. Food: I ordered the pork loin and that was very tender and moist. This was my favorite of the night. However, i didn't care for tge grits that came with it. My buddies order the beef brisket, and the jambalaya. Both were pretty good, but not great. Our favorite appetizer were the chicken wing. It had a really good Cajun rub on it. The tater tots were good too, but nothing out of the ordinary.
(4)Angela P.
I love this place! There's a cool, modern/throwback/cosmopolitan/I don't know what I'm talking about...vibe to Merchants. We came here on a Friday night around 10:00 p.m. There are two menus here: upstairs and downstairs. We were seated downstairs, which was our preference anyway. Downstairs is a more casual (less expensive) menu. I had the macaroni & cheese. I think $15 is overpriced for mac & cheese, but the dish was really good and was more like a "gourmet" mac & cheese. The bacon cheeseburger at $13 was "fine" according to my husband. We shared the fried green tomatoes, reasonably priced as an appetizer, and the pimiento cheese served with them made them even better! The cocktails are done well here. I had the "botanist," which was made with St. Germain and other "refreshing" liquors. Cocktails are in the typical $10+ range. Although a little overpriced, Merchants does execute their menu well. And it's definitely a place I'd recommend for appetizers and cocktails. They also do shoe-shines in the lobby area in case you've scuffed your shoes at the honky tonk...I guess.
(4)Cathy L.
Memorable meal. The food was delicious. Tater tots for the appetizer are a must. Order the full size, the half size is so much smaller, you can always take the extras home if you can't eat the entire full order. Main courses we've tried and enjoyed, brisket, fish tacos, chicken salad-salad and jambalaya. The service was excellent both times. My only complaint and why 4 instead of 5 stars- the bathrooms were very dusty not so much dirty but the place needs a good scrubbing! Oh and the music got too loud throughout our meal.
(4)Maggy P.
Stopped here for lunch first day in Nashville. Had a cool Brooklyn vibe right in the middle of Broadway. So much food for cheap - had the duck fat tots (amazing) and a grilled cheese and soup. Cocktails were good and the service was great.. The guys helping us gave us some suggestions for places to check out while were in town.
(4)Craig C.
Great bar downstairs. Took my Dad here for a drink and appetizer. Nice to see the bartenders using fresh produce in all the cocktails. Our bartender is visibly hung over from last night, but he still made a good drink.
(4)Beth R.
My friend and I were visiting from Philly we came down with intentions of hanging out in the honky tonks and listening to live music. We ran into a local at bar who suggested Merchants, we needed a salad. We were told to eat downstairs as it was delish and not too expensive. We sat at the bar and right away ryan greeted us. He was an awesome guy and provided GREAT service. The food did not disappoint. We had the tots, shrimp and corn chowder and the Cobb salad. The taste and presentation were out of this world. We also had the pecan pie.. Also amazing. I highly recommend going here!!!
(5)D. B.
Drinks were great. Food was average. brisket wasn't very tender. Had to cut it with a knife. Nice atmosphere though.
(3)Kristin G.
I've been wanting to try Merchants for awhile now and we finally went for my birthday. I ordered based on recommendations on yelp and thought the food was pretty decent but not amazing: Duck fat tater tots, fish tacos, and blackened tilapia. Best part by far was the drink selection...I had two really tasty drinks both with St. Germaine in them (its a fav) and they were AMAZING. Service was also really good, which is always a plus. Will likely return and try a different app/entree combination.
(4)Roger Y.
It is on the main tourist strip on Broadway in downtown Nashville. Not surprisingly, the downstairs bistro had lots of energy, buzzing with activities during our visit at 9 pm on a weeknight. We were seated promptly at our reserved time. Service was attentive even on a busy night. Drinks were good and refreshing. The deviled egg appetizer was a bit rubbery and only came in one flavor instead of a variety. The chicken fried chicken was well done. The breading was crunchy while the meat was moist and not over cooked. The fish taco had cream based toppings over fried fish. I would say the bistro is nice but not a destination. It is a fun place to eat and drink if you are in the area. The upstairs restaurant is probably a very different experience which I have yet to try.
(3)Allison S.
Drinking a "rise n' fall" (Chattanooga 1816 reserve whiskey, liquor 43, allspice dram, orange bitters) and eating a blackened catfish sandwich (caught in Kentucky lake TN with pickled chow chow). Excellent!
(5)Miles H.
I ordered the salmon BLT and it was outstanding. The homemade chips are delicious and salted with sea salt. The drink selection is extensive and my girlfriends Tennessee mojito was AWESOME. definitely worth a visit if the wait is not too long.
(5)Joe B.
We forgot to make a reservation and it was booked for the night, but I was told they only take reservations for half the restaurant. We showed up around 6pm on a Saturday night and were told it'd be a 25 minute wait. They can text you when your table is ready, which was great since we got to check out a few other places while waiting. By 630, the wait was up to an hour and 15 minutes so we lucked out And now for the important stuff... The food was delicious. I had the chicken fried chicken and the pulled pork sandwich (yes I was hungry). Both pulled pork sandwich was a solid 9/10, but the chicken fried chicken was top notch. Excellent service from our waitress Kiley too. Bottomless sweet teas were great!
(5)Amber J.
Duck fat tater tots!?! Yes, please! The chipotle mayo dipping sauce was fabulous! The ranch coated popcorn while you wait was amazing!
(4)Jennifer H.
In town for a girls weekend and we always make reservations for the first night a head of time. So happy we found a great place downtown, started off with a drink called the mad hatter...jack, absithe, fresh lemonade. We also order the duck fat fried tater tots and the southern fry. I did not care much for the fried okra, I guess it is an acquired taste. I shared a meal wIth a friend and they split it for us....mac and cheese and chicken fried chicken. Yum! Good service,
(4)Ashley W.
Amazing. We came here late (around midnight) on Sunday night after a bit of drinking - we had just been passed over at the Star Wars auditions and were drowning our sorrows along Broadway. The bartenders were so friendly and bantered easily with us. They refused our request to buy a round for the kitchen for inconveniencing them at the end of their shift, which was gentlemanly. After I looked over their cocktail list and couldn't find anything I particularly wanted, they mixed me up something special. It was something with bitters and lemon and whiskey and other things I can't recall. It was absolutely delicious and went perfectly with the duck fat fried tater tots. If you're in the area, stop in to Merchants just for those. Good Lord. As good as the food and service were, I loved the decor here as well - classic tri-chromatic diner color palate with an old-world feel. They also had a fantastic playlist going. Next time we're in Nashville we'll definitely return.
(5)Heidi F.
Excellent, down to earth service! The duck tots were all right...soup and sammy was awesome! Chicken fried chicken was delish! The bartender was serious about his craft and made the most excellent mojito! This is probably the most eclectic people you will ever see!
(4)Becky E.
I was visiting Nashville with my best friend for the weekend and decided to stop in at Merchants!! Probably the best meal of the weekend! I had the Sammy & Soup. Grilled cheese & bacon sandwich with tomato soup!! Ultimate comfort food for me! Absolutely fantastic!!! My friend had the blackened catfish sandwich and shrimp corn chowder. She raved on & on about how good it was!! Definitely stop in for a bite of you're in town!!!!
(5)J S.
Brian Hall was our server and was wonderful! Ask for him.... So enjoyable. He recommended the Brisket which was great. He's adorable and personable.
(5)Krista K.
Best Moscow mule I have ever had. They make their own ginger syrup to create an amazing flavor. The Moscow mule is served with a piece of candied ginger on top. Wow... Dustin was our server and was fantastic, even though we arrived minutes before closing. Their ranch popcorn was crave-able! Ask nicely and they will give you the super secret recipe!
(5)Cathleen N.
We dined upstairs since the brased short ribs caught my eye. The ambiance itself is quite pleasing and there was plenty of room to move around. I had a Miss Atomic Bomb which is the ultimate girly drink and was a great recommendation by our waitress. We skipped on the appetizers and went straight to the main entree. I wasn't as wowed as I thought I would be. My short ribs were actually much too salty for my taste. The celery puree and roasted beets were what saved the dish for me. It seemed to balance out the saltiness so that I could at least manage to eat the dish. The broccoli seemed as though it was just added to the dish as an afterthought. It wasn't seasoned at all. For dessert, my fiance had the strawberry hand pie which he didn't even finish. It wasn't as appetizing as the description made it out to be. I had a chocolate/peanut dessert that was quite delicious! It also came with some ice cream which aided in balancing out the richness of the chocolate. I think that should we return to Merchants, we will be dining downstairs as that's where a majority of the good reviews come from.
(3)Taylor J.
Stopped in on Saturday around 1pm and as I was by myself, I grabbed a seat at the bar that was open. The bartender was very helpful in helping pick a local brew to my liking (Jackalope Thunder Ann) and he was right on. He was very friendly and attentive, and helped with food recommendations too. I was torn between the brisket and pulled pork. He recommended pulled pork since it was lunchtime, as well as the sweet potato fries as my side. I didn't even realize that I got a side because the options aren't listed on the menu. But his recommendation did NOT disappoint. The sweet potato fries were the best part of the whole meal. I HIGHLY recommend them... delicious!!! As for the pulled pork, it was just average. Nothing I haven't had elsewhere, and I was looking for better on my first meal in Nashville. It is nice to have the BBQ sauce on the side so you can control how much is on the sandwich. My only real complaint is that my seat at the bar was on the end next to the station where the waitstaff makes their own mixed drinks. That didn't bother me, but it did bother me that they continually complained about their customers as they stood there making their drinks. I may have only been one person, but you're still within earshot of at least one customer who can hear you complain and criticize the people who are essentially putting money in your pocket. And they were just making fun of the special requests people were making for the mixed drinks - if they're paying and they're drinking it, why do you care? Why be mean about it? Very unprofessional.
(3)Katherine C.
I found this place via yelp while looking for a "not too touristy" place to eat. My parents and I were surprised by the variety and atmosphere right off of the main strip. The hosts gave us several sitting options and were helpful. We of course ordered the duck fat tater tots and they were incredible. I ordered the steak frites (I substituted for the house made chips which were on par) and it was easily the best steak I have ever had. If they serve steak in heaven, this is what they'll use. The waiter also brought out popcorn that was very good and had several different flavors to it-we had to ask for more! Their drink selection is vast and the bar and bartenders are very diverse and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this place--the first place my dad gave a 5 start rating to!
(5)Kevin J.
Awesome. Get the fish tacos. Pulled pork sandwich was also good. Bartenders make excellent craft cocktails. If you want an old fashion or similar drink, they make them right. This place is the only classy, decent place to eat around that area. Everywhere else is standard to below average bar food, which is fine when you are hammered, but if you want a nice meal before you go out, this is the place to go.
(5)Donald L.
My wife and I ate her on our stop over on the way to our Florida Vacation. Loved the location in the historical building. It was just like it looked on the website. So we scheduled a table in the bistro on the first floor. The service was perfect, drinks always full and the food was spot on! We tried the duck fat fried Tater Tots, very good. She had the Fried Chicken and i had the Jambalaya. The chicken was crispy and the mashed potatoes and spinach was excellent. The Jambalaya packed some heat, it was not over the top, but just perfect. I had added a side of corn bread that was a good way to cool the pallet. Looking forward for another visit!
(4)Janet N.
We came here for a few cocktails on New Year's Eve 2012/13 to get out of the rain, and I'm so glad we did. We made Merchant's a destination when a friend recommended the Rocky Top Flip, a (really tasty) cocktail that the bartenders here mix up. But we were also a bit peckish so we grabbed a few seats at the bar and ordered some food - fried green tomatoes and crab guacamole. (Both tasty, but my preference was for the tomatoes.) We were tempted by but did not order the duck fat tater tots. This place has a really cool ambiance - stylish but laid back, and the bartenders were chatty and pleasant, even on what is probably the worst night of the year to work. They have a menu of Nashville/Tennessee based cocktails, of which we tried four. One was a bit sweet for me (The "I Love Lucy," I think) but they were all good. It was the perfect place to spend a few hours on a rainy NYE, and I'd be happy to come back on another visit.
(4)Matthew R.
So, it was Thanksgiving day, we are out of towners and hungrier than a bunch of broke college kids 3 months into school. We set out to see what was open to satisfy our hunger and decided to make the walk down to broadway. Much to my dismay, Broadway was open for business. We walked up and down Broadway and happen to stroll by Merchants and went in on a whim. Initial impression was classic southern style with timeless southern hospitality. Immediately greeted with a smile and no wait for the lower floor. (Make sure you check out the menus for both floors). Wait staff was more than friendly and attentive. We were never left waiting for anything and our water glasses were never empty. Cocktails and beers were on point and constant attention to how our experience was going made this a very enjoyable place. Surprisingly, Merchants was really busy and not an empty table in the place. As for the food, we started with the duck fat fried tater tots, simply amazing! Light, crunchy, not greasy and amazing flavorful. I ordered the Cobb salad and the grilled chicken sandwich, both of which were amazing. The salad had fresh lettuce, great egg and chicken and an amazing light sprinkle of house dressing. The grilled chicken salad was a very generous fresh grilled chicken breast topped with delicious Swiss, lettuce and tomato. I was lucky enough to get a side of slaw from my brothers meal that I put on top that just set this off. I would recommend asking for slaw on it or getting a side and adding it yourself. All in all, great service, great fresh food and a very happy atmosphere. They also had plenty of TVs around the bar to watch the Thanksgiving day games. A must try place if you have the time.
(4)Sarah K.
went to merchants with some friends over the weekend! we split some appetizers--the baked cheese and duck fat tater tots. the tater tots were excellent! i had the fish tacos. delicious, but hard to eat. the sweet potato fries (which i chose over the slaw per the recommendation of our waiter) were thick and flavorful. i didn't care for the bbq sauce they were served with for dipping, so next time i'd ask for ketchup instead. we made a reservation and it was so easy and nice to be seated right when we arrived. the complimentary valet parking (to the side of the restaurant in the alley, not along the street) was super nice and convenient. will be going back here! prices were pretty reasonable for how nice of a restaurant it is.
(4)Lauren M.
I was definitely pleasantly surprised with Merchants being smack-dab in the middle of Nashville's tourist strip but am so very happy with the experience! The idea is very cool - upstairs is nice dining and downstairs is a more casual affair. They serve ranch-flavored popcorn as a snack when you sit down (delicious) and the waiters work together to make sure you are well taken care of. I got the pork with cheddar grits and was so very happy. My husband's mac 'n cheese was to die for. I only wish we lived closer to go back!
(5)Sam U.
Great atmosphere and decor. It's a pleasant dining experience. Food was solid, I loved the chicken fried chicken. Apps are good as well, as others are pointing out the duckfat tater tots. I think it's a must for at least a drink, if not a meal, as you wander around downtown. I didn't see any other restaurant like it on Broadway. I felt it a little over priced for what it was, but based on location and uniqueness to the immediate area it was not unreasonable.
(4)Heather G.
Actually one of the better meals we had in Nashville. Decent service, clean appearance of restaurant. Here is what you must try: duck fat tater tots. I think I have said enough!
(4)Mike P.
First time to Nashville and wanted to find the quintessential Nashville restaurant for a quick bite. This was the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten. Lights out good! If ever back in town, Merchants will be on my short list of places to visit again..
(5)Brian M.
Went to Merchant for dinner before our flight home. We were lucky enough to get Ross as our waiter. He made great suggestions and was speedy because we had a flight to catch. We highly recommend The Merchant and make sure you request Ross. Wonderful experience.
(5)Laura F.
Pretty darn delicious. I got the pork chop with grits. I don't always like grits but these were very yummy. Pork was cooked perfectly. Our server was very likeable as well.
(4)A B.
Had a bite downstairs today and the food was average for the price. Turkey sandwich was decent and fried green tomatoes were great but I kid you not, multiple servers asked no less than 9 times total if they could "get some of our plates out of the way." Okay fine, I don't want to sit in front of dirty empty plates (and i appreciate their attention to this) but we're talking about plates that still had food on them. Also, if I still have food in my hands, don't offer to take my plate. Common sense people.
(3)A. C.
(6/22/2014) Great location in the midst of Lower Broad in the historic Merchant's Hotel, that's pretty much the greatest thing about it. Place is very popular, good thing we had a reservation, people were still jammed in there pressed up against our table. Cocktails were tasty, pricey. Food was OK, not great, would call it adequate, nothing was bad, but nothing was special or outstanding, not even the Duck Fat Tater Tots (while they were excellent tots, they're still a from-frozen Ore-Ida tater tot not matter what you fry them in). I will say the Bernaise Sauce was absurdly delicious, but it's pretty much a stick of melted butter, can't go wrong. They seem to try to make up for it with generous portion sizes. Deviled Eggs were just as good as at any picnic. The Southern Fry was plentiful, somewhat over-fried, thin pickles, okra, small shrimp were dry, the larger catfish pieces were all right. We were full and enjoyed the company, Merchant's let us do that.
(3)Evelyn R.
Duck fat tater tots were really good and came with great dipping sauces. Fish tacos were fantastic and light. Chicken fried chicken was perfectly crispy, tender, and juicy on a bed of mashed potatoes and wilted spinach which really made the whole dish amazing. And you can't go wrong with any of the cocktails, they're all delicious. Loved the decor and feel of the place, a Nashville highlight!
(5)Laura D.
The duck tater tots are awesome when paired with their trip of dipping sauces and the cheese dip has an incredible depth of flavor. The mad hatter is a treat because it's a slightly sweet drink but not sickly so. Ryan J has Zach Braff's charm but is a super competent server. Don't miss this late night hot spot!
(5)Kara S.
I spent A LOT of time looking for a restaurant before my first trip to Nashville. Either they looked like a BBQ joint or were very pricey restaurants. I wanted to go somewhere nice since we were celebrating our 2 year anniversary, but I also wanted something reasonable....SO glad I decided on this place! After reading these other reviews, I saw that I should call and get a reservation. Well I tried the day before and they were already full...which is a good sign. However, I saw someone say to get there by 6 so we did and we had to wait about 30-45 minutes for our table. BUT, they take your phone number down and you can go to a nearby bar and grab a drink or two while you wait...and then they text you, which was very convenient. The location is great because it's in the heart of downtown so there is a lot going on. We sat downstairs right next to a window so it was so fun to people watch. We first tried the duck fat tator tots which everyone raved about. I mean, they were good, but honestly I didn't notice too much of a difference in taste from other tator tots...but you could blame that thought after a couple beers.... I had the mac and cheese which was DELICIOUS and a very good portion size. My fiancé had the bacon burger with sweet potato fries (which were legit potatoes) and he loved his dish as well. He had some kind of whiskey drink that he really enjoyed as well. We were so glad we chose this place, so I highly recommend making a reservation or getting there by 6 on the weekends!
(5)Alex E.
We dined here before a concert. Easily seated and the service was good. The duck fat tater tots were okay. Neat atmosphere but food wasn't memorable.
(3)Hillary H.
awesome, Meghan was great, we always had refills and great food and service! try it
(5)David L.
I've dined both upstairs and downstairs here over the years. My upstairs dining experience is quite dated, though, so I'll confine my comments here to my recent downstairs experience. Frankly, the downstairs area is not that roomy, so it has always seemed to be hit or miss in my experience as to whether you can land a table without a reservation. Fortunately, this time, I had a reservation! (I highly recommend you follow suit.) The servers here have never seemed to have a lot of time on their hands, so they rush around at a pretty frenzied pace. Nevertheless, we received quick attention and were given ample time to decide on our meals. (Note: I let the server know we had an engagement at the Ryman at 7:30pm so they would be aware of our need for quick turnaround and attention. I should also emphasize that this was not the first time I've dined here prior to a TPAC , Arena or Ryman event. They readily accept the guidance and act accordingly. Refreshing!) Even though we were somewhat in a rush - we arrived at 6pm - we simply had to pause for a glass of wine. Nice house choices are available, and we chose the cab. Nice! So, time was a-wasting - we needed to order. I opted for the fish tacos, with the duck fat tater tots. The mahi-mahi was quite good and the guacamole provided a nice, fresh zest. The slaw that accompanied the tacos had a nice tang to it, as well. And the tater tots - these were hot and delicious. Once dipped in the chipotle mayo, each tot tasted just great! Exactly what I hoped for. Exactly what I got! My beautiful and savvy daughter - always the one to focus her palate on a simple dish with potential flair - chose the soup n' sammy: A nice blend of cheddar and gouda cheeses with a creamy tomato soup. Simple, perfect, understated, but wholly satisfying. Just what she wanted. Admittedly, not the most elegant meal. But, that was not our intent. We clearly intended to have a nice, quick but relaxing meal before a fun concert. It absolutely met our expectations! - Solid customer service. - Good food, popping with flavors. - Reasonable prices. - Convenient location. - oh, and valet parking! This spot has always held a unique position in my head as a quaint, fun place to start an evening of downtown entertainment. It is conveniently located, in close proximity to TPAC, the Ryman or the Arena. I recommend you try it for the start of an enjoyable evening. You can't go wrong!
(4)Jeff E.
We ate on the ground floor level and this was the perfect place for our first night in Nashville. Great southern fare and great cocktails. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a casual place that feels a little upscale. Get the chicken fried chicken!
(4)Samantha S.
Food was delicious and service was excellent!! Brian was our waiter and he was awesome!
(5)Jennifer F.
Came to merchants are and say outside. We had the Tator tots which were great. Unsure of what else to have we turned to the waiter for guidance. Ryan helped is out and helped my husband choose 2 great drinks. We had the wings and the Cobb salad. service was fantastic. Ryan was wonderful. Would definitely come again.
(5)Cristina A.
Had a great dinner. Upstairs was a bit expensive and we changed our mind and went downstairs. The Tennessee mojito is a must if you like a sweet fresh drink. They also had a good beer selection. We tried the tater tots and they were good with the buffalo sauce. I will definitely be coming back.
(5)Debbie M.
Wow I've been blown away at many a place but this was phenomenal with an upscale nawlins sophistication but staying true to the the deep south hospitality with the best fare Nashville has to offer- oh so worth it
(4)Joe M.
Great place right on Broadway, we ate upstairs. I had a steak and it was cooked perfect. Our waiter Mike offered up some good suggestions. We were a group of 6 and all were happy with their food. Fish, steak, salad and a few other things were ordered. Good eating by all
(4)Anthony D.
Came back. Had chicken fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and tater tots. All were awesome!
(5)Dagger B.
Luv this restaurant!!!! Upstairs menu has the best food though IMO but everything is exceptionally great!
(5)Nick O.
This is a must stop in Nashville for dinner but gets packed at weekends so get there early. Upstairs is finer dining, downstairs is more a bistro feel. This is a place where the ladies can really dress up, or go casual either works as a very mixed crowd. There is a great vibe at the bar if you're by yourself too. Staff are awesome, very chatty and the food is always good. Check out the menu on their site it's all good stuff, steak and fish are superb here. Good selection of wine and scotches. If you are in Nashville for a romantic weekend, make this your first night for dinner and let your date wear that sexy dress, then head down the street and cross over to "crossroads" for some great music. Welcome to Nashville!
(4)Leesa W.
Best sweet potato fries. Friendly staff. Glad we chose this over Rippy's. Pleasant atmosphere.
(5)Jen F.
Loved the duck fat tater tots! That bearnaise sauce is so good! The full order is really big! Enough for 3 or more people to share. My husband was expecting to taste more of a duck fat flavor. The fish tacos are really good too!
(4)Todd And Annie S.
We had an appetizer, an entree and a locally brewed beer. Overall experience very delightful; friendly service and enjoyed our fish tacos and southern fried app! Nice break from the strip scene and neat historical bldg. Very eclectic menu would love to try again.
(4)Emily K.
Very very good! The salads are great for lunch and the tatter tots are really good. Great drink choices and the service was excellent.
(5)Kim G.
They duck fat tots are ok, have had better. The chicken fried chicken was pretty tasty along with the spinach and mashed taters! The brisket was tender but the cornbread tasted a few dats old and dry...the cocktails and service were the star here! Great southern hospitality and the Mad Hatter cocktail was delish and was tipsy after 2!
(4)Mark M.
Had late lunch. Grilled chicken sandwich was tasty. Server friendly. For broadway it lacked tourist feel which was nice!
(4)Val M.
Really yummy drinks and food! Not crazy about the green tomatoes, but my tilapia was good. Also had good service at the bar which I loved.
(4)Kyle T.
While looking for food downtown we managed to stumble upon this gem. We started with the duck fat tater tots which hit the spot just right. The best part were the entrees. We ordered the fish tacos and the pulled pork sandwich. We asked them to split it so we could share and like most places I expected them to cut the sandwich in half for us. What ended up happening was not only did they cut them in half but they gave them to us on separate plates with full sized side portions on each one. If you're looking for a place with wonderful food and service at a great price you've gotta come here!
(5)Rebecca O.
I went to Merchant's for lunch on a Wednesday after shopping downtown. The restaurant exceeded all my expectations, so much so that my group decided to return again for lunch the next day. I ordered the Duck Fat Tater Tots, Chicken Fried Chicken, and House Salad. I don't like duck so I was reluctant to try to Tater Tots but I'm so glad I did. They were delicious! The Chicekn Fried Chicken was perfectly cooked, crispy outside, juicy and tender inside. The house salad had a wonderful lemon/garlic vinaigrette dressing. If I could have bought a bottle on the spot I would have! The second day I had the salad again (I'm obsessed with the dressing!) and the Beef Brisket. The beef was so tender it fell apart as soon as I touched it with my fork. The corn bread was the perfect side, and very tasty. Lastly, but most important, I have to mention our waiter Daniel. He is fantastic. A genuine, friendly, and helpful person he enhanced the atmosphere and food to make it a truely memorable experience. I really can't say enough nice things about him. If you stop in, ask for Daniel. You won't be disappointed. Great atmosphere, food, and service. If I lived in Nashville, I would be a regular at Merchants.
(5)Jonathan M.
The staff here goes above and beyond many other restaurants that I have visited! I have an allergy to tree nuts and the chief personally came out and made sure that there was absolutely no cross contamination and offered me plenty of alternatives, some that were not listed on the menu. The food here was well prepared and very tasty, and the prices were reasonable.
(5)Bridgette C.
I really like this place. I've only been to the bistro part downstairs (there's another space upstairs that's more high-end dining) but this place has always provided me with a good meal and a good time whenever I'm downtown. I went here with girlfriends on a Friday night before attending the symphony (which I'd like to take this moment to say, if you haven't been, go to the symphony!!) and they were extremely busy. I hate being that person who's all "we have someplace to be" but we were hungry and so I was stuck being that person. The staff were amazing about it, however, and very attentive. Our server got our order in quickly without sacrificing good service. We made it with time to spare. I was VERY impressed and grateful, so much so that we went back after the symphony to have dessert...which was a great idea because their pumpkin cheesecake and bread pudding are amazing offerings. The atmosphere may be a little odd (it's almost 50s meets 20s meets slow jams on the radio, not sure why it works but it does) but its a great place for a good meal right in the heart of downtown. And thanks again for being so great to us that night Merchants, we appreciate it!
(4)Katie P.
My boyfriend and I had been to a concert at Mercy Lounge and we're wondering around the downtown area at 2am looking for somewhere to eat. We stumbled into this place and saw they had a late-night menu. First of all, the place is gorgeous, with it's classy black and white tile and sparkling surfaces. The free ranch popcorn appetizer was amazing, as was the club sandwich with tomato basil mayo and sweet potato fries that I ordered. I can't wait to go back again!!
(5)Sally H.
Amazing fish tacos. And bartender ryan will make you super good cocktails!! I was in town for a football game. Great time.
(4)Nisa A.
Aside from an extremely rude waitress, the food at Merchants was really good and it was located in a fun area within Nashville. The drinks here were all really interesting, and you can tell the bartenders take pride in their various concoctions (I definitely recommend the Miss Atomic Bomb if you're looking for something that's sweet, but not too sweet). The food was good overall, and this place was a pretty posche spot. My only recommendation is that the restaurant hire nicer individuals who actually pay attention to their consumers; I was really disappointed by the service and treatment we received.
(4)Joshua P.
Pretty good meal in the heart of Nashville tourist central. The restaurant was packed but I was able to grab a seat at the bar immediately. I had the sweet tea pork tenderloin with pimento cheese grits. I was surprised by the great service and solid food in such a touristy location. I'd definitely eat here again.
(4)Steven F.
This place was okay, nothing special. I definitely had my expectations way too high since this place was a 4-star 200+ review restaurant. This restaurant has a two floor system where the bottom floor is for a more casual dining experience and the top floor is for a more chef-driven semi-formal dining experience. That being said, we shot for the casual floor so I cannot speak for the other part of the restaurant. What I liked: Duck-fat Tater Tots (would give me reason to come back), Wings, Botanist (gin cocktail), Burger with a fried egg on top What I didn't like: Mac-and-Cheese, Brisket
(3)Greg D.
Merchants was on our bucket lists of restaurants to hit while we were in town. They did not disappoint. There were six of us in our party and we were told that the wait would be about a half hour and they would text us when it was ready. So we hit a few stores on Broadway to pick up some gifts for the kids. We were texted in about 20 minutes. We were seated in a booth that was rather big. Merchants was just finishing the lunch rush and it was slightly crowded. To start you off you receive free ranch flavored popcorn. Good popcorn. It was our last meal in Nashville before our flight back to Chicago, so I did not drink. I had the unsweetened ice tea. We ordered some apps. We tried fried green tomatoes, wings and the deviled eggs. All were good but the eggs were the best. I had the shrimp corn chowder soup. It was outstanding. Our group of six all had burgers and fish tacos. I had the burger with bacon and it was just great. Juicy with barely any pink showing in the meat. Prices seem to be inline with other places on Broadway. I really liked Merchants. The place is super clean and the staff was attentive. A well oiled machine if you will.
(5)Christina T.
Very nice interior. You can dress up or dress down. They had two menus: upstairs dining room (fancier and quieter) and downstairs (bar is downstairs with tvs). Cool copper top bar. They give you popcorn to munch on while you wait. It is dusted with ranch dressing mix--addictive. I had the veggie burger which wasn't bad (3 out of 5 stars). They didn't have an option for a wheat bun. Sweet potato fries are amazing, along with the house salad (lemon garlic vinaigrette dressing---yum!!).
(4)Josh B.
Definitely appears to be one of (if not the) nicest restaurant on Broadway. Expected to wait a while but only ended up being 5-10 minutes. Split a few appetizers and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Felt very clean and well managed. Great local beer options!
(4)Bob G.
This place was a lifesaver. On a cold Tuesday night in November we were looking for somewhere decent to eat before hitting a few bars. All we had seen in the previous hour and a half was tumbleweed blowing through deserted streets and bars! But this place was a find and worth waiting for... although at 10:30, we were kinda hungry! Seriously a nice place, good atmosphere and good Southern food. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Robert U.
Very good! As you may know, this is two restaurants in one: upstairs is more formal, while downstairs is casual and almost pubby. Downstairs Review: So it's pretty casual and a bit noisy. I had a business dinner here, and it was not too loud for our chat. I had a reservation and was seated promptly. Very well done. I had the "soup and sammy," and it was excellent. The soup was a tomato bisque that was really flavorful. The sammy was a grilled cheese with bacon. The bread was buttered and lightly toasted, giving it the appearance of a ruben. It was really good. I also appreciated the local brews they served. Overall, I really enjoyed it. (I don't give many five stars, but Merchants is pretty darn close. I'll go again. If it's this good again, I'll revise to 5-stars.)
(4)Keith P.
If you are going to operate a restaurant at least create your food instead of serving what i can buy in the freezer section of the grocery store. We went here after the symphony on Saturday night at 10pm. First let me start with the good things. The service was great. Now the bad things, we ordered the duck fat tater tots, deviled eggs and a cheeseburger after reading other reviews on yelp about merchant's mediocrity. The deviled eggs were bland and flavorless. The tater tots basically came out of an orida bag in the freezer as did the sweet potato fries that came with our burger. The burger was not bad but nothing I could not get anywhere else. Skip this place and go somewhere off of Broadway.
(2)Amanda K.
Bar food with a little upscale touch to it in the heart of Nashville on Broadway. Service was great, as well as the food!
(5)Lalie K.
I find Merchants to be a delightful and refreshing break from the downtown madness. The interior is open and bright and reminiscent of places I have been outside of Nashville. The service is always decent, the food is good and the drinks are well crafted. This is the type of place I would visit upon repeat. Lunches, Dinners or Cocktails with, coworkers, family or friends, this spot is versatile enough to fit most occasions. Merchants is enjoyable and safe and you just can't ever go quite wrong in selecting it as a dining or drinking destination.
(4)Debi W.
First time at this restaurant and it was amazing. We had the chicken fried chicken and the jambalaya and it was awesome. They also have a great wine list!! It is a must try restaurant in Nashville!! Ask for Wendy
(5)Rachel M.
Duck Fat tater tots. That's all you need to know.
(5)Harry R.
Great food, I had the sweet tea pork and My sister had the chicken fried chicken. Both amazing. Would recommend to everyone
(5)Jeffrey V.
To be honest i didn't get a wow from the duck fat tots. The fried green tomatoes were good but the Cobb salad was ho-hum. A nice place to escape the drone of all the music blasting from Broadway if you want a bite and be able to talk with your guest or just talk to yourself. Comfortable seating with tables or at the bar. We were in for a late lunch on Sunday and were seated immediately.
(3)Shannon F.
Had a party of 40 here and could not have been happier great food and even better service! Thank you so much for such an amazing night!
(5)Kristin Marie S.
I can't believe it took me three years to try out Merchants. With the amount of times I have eaten downtown it should have happened sooner. On Saturday night after the Art Crawl we decided to hit up downstairs at Merchants. We totally scored with the best seat in the house, the corner booth by the window! The people watching was great. We got to see the band and watch the crowd funnel out from the Ryman. Perfect! The decor is high class Johnny Rockets. I love the marble floors, I love the old building, I love the black and white color scheme. Bravo decorators, job well done! To the food! Normally I won't eat a sandwich at dinner, I'm weird, I understand this BUT the tomato soup and bacon grilled cheese were calling my name! They made the grilled cheese with gouda. So. good. Did I also mention there was bacon? The bacon melted in my mouth, seamless bites through and through. The tomato soup was spot on as well. Nothing special, just good ole tomato soup. I dipped, I ate, I slurped, I chomped, it was a great end to a fantastic Saturday!
(4)Lori H.
Service started off good but tapered off. Once I was the only person my server had, he pretty much completely ignored me and literally walked circles around the bar. He also seemed to be quite interested in his crush on his coworker rather than actually doing his job. He actually lost a sale because of it, I had been planning on dessert but changed my mind as I got more irritated. The food itself was good. Chicken fried chicken was delicious. The whiskey selection is amazing, including a good selection of ryes which isn't always easy to find So in summary, if you don't mind being ignored, the food is pretty good. Not earth shattering, but good. They'd have a 4 star review if the service had been better.
(3)Jill R.
The best oven roasted chicken that I have ever eaten! Everything was delicious starting with the wine and ending with the apple cake and coffee. Excellent service too. Must try it if in downtown Nashville,
(5)Cameron P.
Awesome. Tator tots and fried chicken are a must. Delicious food, well priced and excellent customer service from waitress. super convenient location. Highly recommended.
(5)Frey F.
Solid option when you're downtown. They've been here longer than most any food purveyor on these several blocks. They have consistently good management leading to consistently prompt and accurate service. Every time we've visited [which is usually before an event at Bridgestone] someone get's the fish taco's, they're always fresh. We've never had a meal that wasn't well prepared and fresh. One thing that sets them apart is that they hit their serving stride no matter how busy, we've been when it's packed and mid-afternoon on a weekday when it's slow and it's always outstanding. If you take out of town guests to Downtown Nashville you have a safe bet here.
(4)Damien C.
On the second to the last day of a business trip to Nashville I went with a small group to Merchants for lunch. I cannot express enough how much I loved this place. Great atmosphere (sort of retro, cosmo, classy hip), stellar service and really amazing food. I opted for the duck fat tater tots, ranch popcorn, salmon BLT and washed it down with a local brew, Yazoo amber ale. Not one thing disappointed. In fact, tomorrow is my last day in Nashville and I'll be stopping by again for lunch on my way back to the airport. Do yourself a favor, if you're even halfway considering trying Merchants, go in. You'll regret it if you don't. Also, when speaking to the hostess, ask if Daniel is working. If he is, you'll want to ask to be seated in his section. As someone who spent the first 5 years of his working experience in the service industry, this man knows what's up. Really cool, genuinely friendly down to earth guy with who just wants to make sure you enjoy your visit.
(5)Ryan B.
My party of 6 waited almost 2 hours for a seat here a few weekends ago. We sat on the patio for our meal, which felt a little too disconnected from the rest of the place. The food was good though and priced in-line with the surrounding restaurants. The sweet tea porkchops was pretty tasty.
(3)Kerriann K.
Ate upstairs at Merchant's. Waited 40 minutes to be seated only to find the dining room had over 7 tables free (most of which remained free the whole time we were there). Other than what seemed like a needless wait, the rest of the dining experience was excellent. Friendly, well-versed staff, and excellent entrees. The steak frites was served more rare than requested, but the dishes were promptly cooked for longer. The lamb and scallop and squid ink risotto were awesome.
(4)Paul M.
Everything about this experience was incredible. The restaurant is beautiful, the service was fantastic, and the food was exceptional. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. If you're looking for delicious food made in house, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Lawrence M.
The food here was fine. It was not good or very good. For the price, I would have expected better. The brisket was recommended and was slightly dry. Adding bbq sauce to it, did not change that. Ate with two other people, said the same about the Salmon and the burger. Fine not good. With limited time to visit Nashville, invest your limited meal efforts elsewhere
(2)Noelle C.
We came in for an early dinner and got a seat immediately. The southern fry appetizer was pretty good, but it was the pulled pork sandwich that blew me away. So delicious! I couldn't even eat the whole thing. And the sweet potato fries are a must!
(4)Carissa O.
I don't mind merchants but it's a bit touristy and the food is pretty average. It's not bad, it just isn't great, you know? Been a couple times... I've had the pulled pork sandwich and one of the salads... I honestly couldn't tell you about the salad as I don't remember it, the sandwich was fine. Maybe I just need to try something else but with so many amazing restaurants in Nashville, I don't know I'll be back.
(2)Suzanne K.
The ambiance was nice, bright, classy. Liked that the waiters wore bowties and the service was excellent. Had the Southern Fry, and it was pretty good. The okra and shrimp were slightly over-cooked, but the catfish and dill pickles were perfectly cooked. Had the Blackened Catfish Sandwich. The fish was cooked perfectly, moist and tender. And the sweet potato fries paired with their sorghum BBQ sauce was pretty awesome. It's not typical southern food, but it was good. I'd recommend it.
(4)ana b.
Merchants was such a Nashville treat while visiting from out of town! Our host Brian seated us in the perfect spot and Tanya recommended the delicious crab hushpuppies and fully loaded potato cake - what a surprise of delight! Tanya also told us about the history of the building and recommended places to go out in Nashville. We were well taken care of and greatly enjoyed the food!
(5)Ben S.
I visited here three times on my trip. Two times I sat at the bar and one time via a reservation I sat at a high top table near the bar. The service was friendly all the times. It was also efficient and the kitchen for how busy this place gets was surprisingly fast. The three times I went for lunch I ordered (in order of my favourite to least favourite) the fish tacos, the salmon sandwich, and a burger. The sweet potato fries that come with the sandwiches are really good - they were thick cuts. This is the only really nice place on Broadway. I found it via the opentable app and am glad I did. It's worth your visit. The drink list is extensive too and they have some cool creations. It was fun to watch them make a few - like Old Faithful.
(5)Jaya D.
One of the deviations from fried or BBQ on Broadway. The cocktail selection was very nice and our drinks were delicious. The duck fat tater tots were good but not worth the hype - tasted like tater tots. The Mac and cheese was fantastic. Pretty long wait for lunch on a Friday.
(4)William H.
Great dinner reconnecting with friends while in town for a family wedding. Atmosphere and decor were fantastic and drink menu had some delicious selections. For dinner I went brisket with cornbread and cleaned my plate. Luckily I left room for some key lime pie (a personal favorite). Only slight miss was no espresso post dinner. I love to finish off a great meal with some rich flavorful coffee. A great spot for dinner downtown. As a final note I was in the Bistro but friends opined the second floor was also an excellent experience.
(4)Josh M.
Mind you this this a review for the downstairs portion of this establishment. Have not made a point to check out the upstairs because downstairs is JUST SOO GOOD!!! You are seated in a 40's style diner/bar and immediately served a small tin cup full of this marvelous sour cream and onion popcorn. WHERE IS THAT ON THE MENU? Great beer selection without having too many options making it hard to decide. I have made it a point to try a new beer each time that I have visited. Last time I partook in 2 different "flavors", the Caldera IPA and the Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. I would highly suggest either of these two options. One point that I would like to make is ANY of their beers pair very well with any menu item. Now selecting food here is like being a kid in a candy store for me. BURGERS. Bear Creek Farms local beef from Thompson Station. This is some juicy stuff! MMM. Now to compliment this sandwich I like to choose simple options and can not get away from the smoked gouda and a fried egg. It has a special place in my heart, mind you if I ate too many, there wouldn't be much space left in my heart. Add a side of fries and I'm set. I have tried the sweet potato fries and they just aren't for me. Next time will be the duck fat tots. My wife fallen in love with the Turkey Club. That is a turkey sandwich. I think that turkey smothered in that basil mayo would be enough, but then they add in the crunch veggies. Overall, I have been here 3 times in the last 6 months and it never fails. If you are feeling brave to venture out into the heart and hustle and bustle of Broadway, I highly recommend this place. This is a place I want to keep going back to.
(5)Lesley G.
The place was really nice and had a neat atmosphere. The front entrance can be confusing since the hostess is past the bar and more accessible through the side entrance. Overall, great food and service. I had the lobster Mac and cheese on special and it was amazing. I was so bummed I couldn't finish it. I also enjoyed the seasoned popcorn as a starter. I will admit that the bill gave me sticker shock, so watch those drink and special prices!
(4)Steve H.
I really enjoyed this place, we got a window seat and the server Megan did an excellent job. The fried green tomatoes and corn chowder were very tasty starters. My chicken fried chicken was excellent and done just right. It is easy to see why this establishment has been around so long.
(4)M.J. D.
Bartender was very nice and actually has a personality, drinks were spot on, and let me tell you about the food. Chicken fried chicken was unbelievable. So crispy and the gravy went perfect with the potatoes and spinach. The mac and cheese was very good as well but i know i will never have another chicken fried chicken dinner like that in Chicago.
(5)Jack K.
We often visit downtown restaurants before symphony performances. We have visited Merchant's several times, but this was our first to eat downstairs. We enjoyed it a lot. The upstairs restaurant is more elegant, including a more extensive menu. The downstairs restaurant has a simple menu, and is much more vibrant. We really enjoyed the experience, which included a good view of all the hustle and bustle of people on Broadway. The food includes the best fried green tomatoes we have had in Nashville, a good selection of burgers and sandwiches, a few upscale main dishes, and some very good desserts. Our meal was excellent and the experience was fun. The wine selection was very good. Highly recommended.
(4)Jeff M.
Although I appreciated the menu and craft cocktails I can sum up Merchants Restaurant (Up) in one word: awful. The wedge salad with thick pieces of bacon started the night of just fine but then the rest came. Quail stuffed with foie gras sounded pretty awesome but the flavor of the foie somehow manged to not make its way through the quail. There was no depth of flavor in the dish and the quail was not seasoned aggressively enough. The carolina mountain trout with lobster mash was another miss. The white fish was discolored by burnt butter and it was not seasoned properly. The mash was luke warm and the lobster was cold. The pan roasted chicken, although not seasoned enough, was cooked fine, but, the gnocchi mac and cheese was too heavy, too rich and just unpleasant to eat. A side of brussel sprouts with bacon was exactly how it sounds; sports with bacon. Nothing was seasoned properly. A little salt would have improved each dish. I skipped dessert. Finally to add to the list of my grievances service was slow and showed a lack of maturity.
(1)Jenna H.
I came upon Merchants during a business trip last May - it was nice and close to my hotel. My co-worker and I decided to eat upstairs as we favored the menu more and got a great seat at the window overlooking the street below. The ambiance was great, and I loved the server's uniforms with suspenders. The service itself throughout our time there was not the best. Our server really did not know the menu at all and could not make recommendations. The bread starter was fabulous - and the salted butter it came with was amazing. My garden salad was unimpressive and bland, but I was really happy with my dinner. I chose the poached cobia amandine. The fish was fresh and buttery, and came accompanied with garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus. I would come here again if I am in the area.
(3)Courtney W.
I've been to Merchants twice, and it seems like they've recently updated it. It felt very "Brooklyn" to me in here. I think it was the tattooed staff and style of the place, but also they didn't play country music here (a rare find in Nashville). I was very impressed with the quality of the food. We ate downstairs where you can find delicious sandwiches, and the prices are great. (I had the salmon blt with sweet potato fries...Yum!) The fried appetizers were delicious too (especially the catfish). Will definitely be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)Pete B.
Great food, and environment, but stay away from eating at the bar! Jacob the bartender was a complete smartass!! Made our dining experience disappointing! :(
(3)Kevin N.
So honky tonk row has its own particular mojo, one not unknown to locals, and, frankly, to those descending like ninjas upon the city, in search of fun or commerce or the proverbial late nights warbling to fan favorites spun out against the burgeoning moon. That's not really what Merchant's is all about, mind you, but that's where it's situated, so stands to reason that they occasionally come into contact with these sentiments, and as an out of towner who's spent a little bit of time here, it was worthwhile to stumble in on a weekend afternoon in no particular hurry, but also without an agenda. What we found was a comfy, upscale ambience, punctuated by attentive but not overt service, and a menu ripe with just what we needed at the time: a couple of apps, some cold ones, a cocktail in the offing, some wine, hopefully poured a little too tall. All in all, I'd happily rep the duck fat tater tots (to soak up what's troubling you), paired with a choice libation: the brew list was decent, the wine list approachable, the cocktail list intriguing, even on an afternoon where we didn't quite know what we were up to next. Because sometimes you need to wander. And there are places made to keep fueling your quest. Let this be one of 'em.
(4)Adam M.
As part of my quest to have great steak in every city I visit, I chose Merchants in Nashville. For ambiance, you can't beat Merchants. Built in a historic Nashville hotel, the antique and worn look is both historic and comfortable. Dinner was served upstairs, with a view out over Broadway and busy downtown Nashville. I wanted good steak and was not disappointed. Pricey but good. The duck fat fries were pretty awesome and my ribeye was tasty. Not a bad place to eat in downtown Nashville.
(4)Katie K.
Great spot on Broadway! Our server, Matt, picked the perfect drink for me...The Botanist, mint, lemon, cucumber, gin...perfection! We share the fried green tomatoes and the surf and turf special (filet and lobster), it was the perfect portion for two of us so weren't carrying leftovers all over Broadway. Matt was especially great with recommendations and timed our meal perfectly. The bartenders were also extremely attentive and helpful with recommendations while we waited to be seated. Next time we're in Nashville, we'll be back!
(5)Joe P.
Excellent food and good service in the most touristy area of Nash Vegas. Some grade A people-watching too, if you get a window seat with a view of Broadway. My table enjoyed the duck fat tots, the cobb salad, and the chicken fried something or other. Merchants was the food-related highlight of my short visit to Nashville.
(5)Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were visiting Nashville and was recommended this place by a local bartender. We get there and are told there will be a 35-45 minute wait and ask for my phone number so they can text me when our table is ready. No seats at the bar so we head over to Margaritaville to grab a drink while we wait. About 15 minutes later, right after we order a drink I get a text saying our table is ready...pretty mad at this point, we finished our drinks quickly (more like chugged) and headed back. Service was alright and so was the food for how overpriced it was..probably wouldn't recommend it.
(3)Junica B.
Abosutely divine! My filet was amazing.
(4)Jason S.
I should like this place more. I really should. Duck fat tater tots, people! That should do it, right? Decent menu, pretty sure that the Goldberg bros. have something to do with this place nowadays. Nice cocktails, servers with natty uniforms, what's not to like? I'll tell you what. The last time I was there was right before the "Tenacious D" concert at the Ryman. I walked into the men's room and one of the stalls had sh*t overflowing onto the floor. That's not an exaggeration. I'm pretty sure that I did a triple take. How does that happen in a civilized world? It is six months later and only now am I comfortable talking about it. On the upside, they will valet park your car and you can pick it up whenever you are done, hijinks be damned.
(2)Moira R.
This is one of my favorite places in Nashville, although I've had great to just okay experiences here. The duck fat tater tots and the fried green tomatoes (with pimento cheese and pepper jelly) are phenomenal. The mac and cheese is amazing, and my partner tells me the brisket and fish tacos are to die for. I've loved the turkey club when in the mood for something simple. the sweet potato fries are great. Their cocktails are similarly well made and delicious, although I think their bartenders look and act a little pretentious. I came with a friend and they messed up her order (mac and cheese, no bacon). They had to remake the mac and cheese, but they ran out of noodles and had to make more. Ultimately, this experience was fine because the waitress was on top of the situation, incredibly apologetic, as was the manager. They comped something. We felt great about the service offered in this instance. Their desserts are similarly delicious, and almost a cannot miss. My last visit I had slightly lackluster service, for the first time. Our waitress seemed... distracted? preoccupied? like she didn't particularly want to be at work that day? I don't know, but it felt like a far cry from the usual experience I have at Merchant's. again, there was an issue with a friend's food order. she asked for a cheeseburger with no lettuce, tomato, onion, etc., and well done bacon. The burger came with all of these things + soggy bacon. The waitress apologized for the bacon, explained they pre-prepped it, and asked the kitchen to make more, which came out acceptably. All in all, it wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I was used to. This entire review refers to the downstairs section of the restaurant, because upstairs looks delicious, but pricey. The hosts have always been pleasant, and we've always managed to squeeze in fairly quickly, be it a last minute reservation, or wandering in off the street on a weekday. It's definitely one of my fav spots in Nashville.
(4)Mike C.
Note: This review is for the downstairs/casual bistro. We knew we were only going to have one dinner in Nashville; this ended up being the right call. Cool bar scene, very friendly service, good beer list and great views of the action on Main St. Tried the duck fat tots. Pretty good, not much different from regular tots. Maybe a little bit richer and saltier tasting. But worth a try. Had the tomato soup and sammy for dinner. Delicious comfort food! My girlfriend also really liked her fish tacos. We also really enjoyed the old-timey yet modern feel of the place and the fact that we had a table near the windows at the front of the restaurant, so we could watch was happening at all the nearby bars.
(4)Diana Y.
Wonderful service!!! Loved, loved, loved the charcuterie plate's mousse pâté. Best ever!!!
(5)Ekta S.
Great location, good ambience, I really like their system of texting when a table is available. We were two persons, and on a Thursday night the wait time was about 30-40 minutes. We found seating at the bar and decided to just stay there instead of waiting for 30 minutes. The bartender brought us a nice little portion of popcorn - seasoned with cheese and dill (I think). We tried a local brew and the deviled eggs with pickles- excellent. We picked tilapia for the entree- again excellent. The side of cornbread was the best I have ever had. Now to why I took off the two stars- I asked for a Mac and Cheese without bacon- first I had to wait to about 30 minutes to get the food, after a reminder that I was waiting, the food came out with bacon in it. The place was busy and mistakes happen, but after specifying a few times that we don't eat meat- I expected better. I would still go back for the cornbread though!
(3)Vicki S.
I had eaten in the downstairs dining area at Merchants several times, but never upstairs until earlier this week. The service is great up and down, but the dining experiences really are completely different. Downstairs is laid-back, contemporary Southern bistro fare. I love that they start your meal with a small bowl of popcorn in place of the oft-used bread basket. Upstairs is higher-end new American, with pricing to match both atmospheres. I arrived as the first one in my party and was able to sit back and people-watch for a bit. I immediately noticed some unmasked irritation from the hostess as several people, one after another, asked what the difference was between up and down. For dinner, I enjoyed (thoroughly) the wedge salad and the pan-roasted chicken. We were presented with a lovely basket of cheddar biscuits and corn muffins, served with a smoked sorghum butter (amazing). I was a bit taken aback by the portion sizes - the chicken seemed tiny to me, as did one of my companion's steaks. Both were prepared perfectly, though I had to request the salt shaker. Merchants really is a shining star among the trashier joints on the Broadway strip. If you can, wander around a bit - from what I've read there are still some bits and pieces of the old hotel that used to stand in its spot.
(4)Mike J.
In spite of the fact that the first time I ate here I got a shard of glass in my cobb salad, this spot is a solid 3 stars in terms of lunch value. We suggest the patio - well heated in the winter. Overall, a good spot to bring business guests for lunch when you can't get into Etch.
(3)Todd C.
Excellent food. You have to have the tater tots fried in duck fat. I chose the sweet potatoes fries and my daughter had the home made chips - both were winners. The steak frites was vey good and my wife enjoyed the catfish sandwich.
(5)Tim G.
I haven't been to Merchants in a long time. Mostly because we are never downtown to eat. Tonight I was at a corporate function upstairs. The food was great. We had a salad, steak and a bunch of other stuff. The portion sizes were big. The service was excellent. On the way home I realized that I had left my laptop in the banquet room. I called an talked with the hostess. She ran up stairs and found it. When I pulled in she brought it to the car. Their honestly earns six stars. Thank you for helping me out tonight.
(5)Earl T.
We dined in the upstairs dining room. Knowledgeable and friendly wait staff. The scallops were well received, the hake was outstanding and the pork shoulder pieces were delicious. Ask Porter, the waiter, about his tick taser. Used the valet parking and then went to the Ryman theater from there. Quite convenient to the Ryman with a nice wine list as well.
(4)Noelle T.
Great lunch spot on Broadway. I might even go so far as to say that this is the best burger I've had in Nashville! I ordered my burger with homemade pimento cheese, bacon, and sweet potato fries. This is the only burger I've EVER eaten that didn't need ketchup or some sort of sauce. It was better than the burger I had at Gabby's, better than Burger Up, better than Red Robin, and better than Fat Mos. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and the corner building allowed for a ton of natural light which made for a great lunch vibe.
(4)Mindy B.
Stopped in for lunch. Food was really delicious. I know we were really hungry, but the food far exceeded our expectations. Sandwiches were really good. Excellent sweet potato fries. Service was good too! I would recommend this place instead of most of the bars downtown.
(5)Betsy R.
Ok, so first of all, the service is absolutely incredible. We arrived for an eight o'clock reservation, and the hostess informed us that it would be a few minutes before our table was ready. The manager appeared, introduced himself, whisked us over to the bar, and gave us (a party of five) a round of drinks on the house. Yup. Mama like. Our waitress was also an absolute delight--prompt, attentive, friendly, and split the checks without hesitation. Now, on to my favorite part of any spot: decor. Merchants is adorable. It's light and airy and somehow manages to blend old world charm with sleek modernity. Love. If anyone has a chance to book it for a private party, they should jump at the chance. The ambiance alone is worth writing home about. The cocktails are out of this world. The bartenders are mixologists and are mixMASTERS. I LOVED my manhattan(s) and they had some cool and inventive stuff as well. A gal pal got a southern mojito with mango rum, and what a delightful indulgence it was. The FOOD. We started with the baked cheese, but we were eying the crab guac. I had the fried chicken, and I'm no southerner, but BLESS MY HEART if it wasn't the best chicken and gravy I'd ever had the pleasure of ingesting. It came with a perfectly sautéed garlicky spinach. The other gal pals had everything from jambalaya to steak frites, and all plates were cleaned. We were in the Nash for a little getaway, and had no idea what to expect, but boy did we strike GOLD with this joint. Thanks so much, Merchants.
(5)Vee E.
The blackened tilapia was seasoned perfectly, well worth a second trip. You've also got to have the duck fat tater tots (share with a few others).
(5)Kevin L.
What a nice experience. If you are adventurous let the bar tender fix you a specialty drink of their choosing. Was astounded on how on point the seasoning of the food was. This might have been the first restaurant where I did not add salt or pepper to my meal, or think that the food was over seasoned. Will be back again!
(5)Mary M.
Awesome!!!! Great service and trendy, unique quality dishes! We will definitely comeback!!! Inexpensive quality presentation of foods on the upper level as there are two levels with the lower level being less expensive and more casual.
(5)Ann E.
My husband and I NEVER order our appetizers and entrees at the same time because we like a little time between courses. When we got to Merchants, we ordered Mojitos to sip on while looking over the menu. After ordering the drinks, we ordered soups. My husband really enjoyed the Tomato Bisque and I had the Shrimp Corn Chowder which was excellent. Our cocktails arrived after we had started eating our soups. When we were done eating our soups, we ordered our meals. I am not kidding when I tell you that our meals came out 5 minutes later!! Terrible timing! And unacceptable for us. My husband had Jambalaya which he said was pretty good. I had fish tacos for the first time and I thought they were delicious. Although our waitress was pleasant and the food was good, I have to give only 2 stars because of the above mentioned incident.
(2)Marcia M.
I should really get out of my comfort hole sometimes... why have I always just considered Merchants to be just a dining spot? My last review was based off of a large dinner party that I hosted in the upstairs dining area but this update version is to swoon about the downstairs bar area. I loved the casual layout which is a completely different vibe from the more dark and moodiness from the upstairs dining area. It almost reminded me of a somewhat snazzier diner? My date and I ponied up to the bar for a cocktail and after the bartender made a suggestion on a crisp cordial, we obliged. DELISH. The prices are fair and in line with a spot of this caliber. Although, I didn't order from the food menu as we had already grabbed a bite earlier in the evening, I noticed an awfully seductive veggie burger and some appetizers that I must try soon. The menu had a very kitschy layout with interesting (and amusing) descriptions of their bites that include words such as "yummy" "gooey ooey" which I didn't expect but found to be charming. I will most certainly come back for lunch and for more cocktails as well. What was once deemed as a special occasion place, could now be a comfy little nook for this yelper.
(4)Mike L.
We sat at bar and service was a bit scattered due to all the demands on the bar staff. But staff was nice. Food was decent to good but was a little pricey for what we got. Nice bar selection. The hotel recommended we tried their Moscow Mule. It was good but served in a regular glass instead of the copper mug that I expected. There are a lot of choices in that area but this place was a good solid choice.
(3)Fran K.
The duck fat tater tots are amazing. Staff is very attentive to the customers. We dined in the bistro. They have a fine dinning section upstairs. I had the brisket and it was delicious. My friend had the steak frites. Make sure you get their home made m-57 steak sauce!
(4)Paul B.
Food was incredible! Thanks to Claire she suggested the Smoked Brisket and it was the best meal I've had. Brisket melted in my mouth. Claire was outstanding and never let my water cup become empty. I highly recommend Merchants and hope you get Claire!
(5)Hadie B.
Looking for a place that satisfied our taste buds for a well balanced delicious meal to offset all the Nashville partying and drinking and we came across this gem. The staff are not only courteous with their southern charm- they know the menu and can offer recommendations for even the pickiest of eaters. Wanna know how something tastes before ordering? Our awesome waitstaff, Nick let us sample the chowder, which was beyond delicious! Nick in his self tied bow-tie was extremely attentive and never skipped a beat. I had the salmon BLT with the duck fat tater tots. Loved the combo of the salmon with the bacon. While we enjoyed our food we were entertained by Travis, who not only had great recommendations for around town but has a hot bod as well. I highly recommend this establishment. Good eats and a staff that is unmatched in Nashville. Well done, Merchant!
(5)Stephanie L.
I will give Merchants a kudos on their craft cocktails, but the rest is less than stellar to make mention. I still will, I guess, but I was more than disappointed. In ordering the Southern fry, I expected more than puny slices of fried okra and sad, "smaller than popcorn" shrimp, and bits of catfish (the one plus) and fried, flimsy pickles. The tater tots were crispy. Yes. But, they too could have been more original. Like, homemade. I have had the from-scratch variety, and their flawed shapes show that hands made them versus a machine. I know that a lot of tourists walk through the door at Merchants, but tell me one person that wants to receive their food in 5 minutes? That is, 5 minutes after ordering the food. Unless I am at a fast food joint, I never want my food that fast. I want to enjoy the stages of a meal, from the cocktail sipping, to the appetizer munching, from the main attraction, to the dessert. Our food was up so fast, I thought it was someone else's order. To me, the swift delivery equated to pre-made or frozen food that had been dumped in a fryer and served. That, or the lot was made well ahead of time--in bulk--and reheated/sat under a lamp. You can be original (so you think) all day long with your suspenders and bow-ties, but if it doesn't translate to more than being on a bandwagon...well, you may want to rethink the grand message you are trying to convey as a restaurant. I don't care what your wearing if the product isn't worth the fashion show.
(3)Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I were only in Nashville for one night and we were not sure where to go for dinner. Visited Merchant's on a recommendation, and was floored by how much we loved everything about it. The food was excellent! The drinks were top notch as well, I highly recommend trying the Roughing It. As a bartender, I really enjoy trying craft cocktails that are unfamiliar and unique, and this one took the cake. Our server, Ryan J, was superb as well. Gave us some great recommendations on the menu and was a joy to talk to the entire evening. I highly recommend this joint, it made our only night in Nashville a fantastic experience.
(5)Morgan P.
My fiance and I came here for a New Years Day burger. We wanted to start the year out on the right foot. We were quickly seated in a booth by a window. We ordered burgers. He ordered chips with his and I ordered the sweet potato fries. Our burgers were really good. We ordered our burgers medium and they were cooked appropriately: pink in the center. I ordered mine with the pimento cheese at the waitress's suggestion and it was really good. The burgers came with lettuce, onion, and tomato and was served so that you can dress it how you like. Our sides were not tasty. My boyfriend said that his chips were greasy and flavorless. My sweet potato fries tasted like a piece of sweet potato. I know that sounds whiney but they were really thick cut and it tasted like I was just eating chunks of baked sweet potato. I mean that in an unpleasant way. I like sweet potato fries but these were not my favorite. Overall, the side issue ended up being a blessing because our burgers were more than enough food so we didn't leave feeling overstuffed. I would come back if I wanted a burger and I were downtown.
(4)Kyle M.
Merchant's is a classy, lively restaurant at Broadway and 4th, in downtown Nashville. They offer two dining settings, simply referred to as Up(stairs) and Down, with Down being casual, bar-centered dining, and Up being more upscale. The menus match the setting. As I have yet to experience Up, this review will be solely on Down. The setting was fantastic. Our table was overlooking the intersection, on the 4th Ave side, providing an excellent view of passersby and the downtown area. The atmosphere was casual, but classy, with bowtie and suspender clad bartenders and servers, contributing to the fun, southern atmosphere. The drinks menu was excellent, with twists on classic cocktails spotlighting local beers and liquors. My dinner mates and I tasted the classic daiquiri and margarita, the house whiskey cocktail, and the Presbyterian, a wonderful, tart cocktail featuring Wild Turkey rye, lemon, and house-made gingerbeer. They menu also featured several local Yazoo brews, and a simple but diverse wine list. The menu was eclectic, with strong southern influence. We shared the fried green tomatoes, with cornmeal breading, served over homemade pepper jam with Merchant's house pimento cheese. While they came a little darker than I would have hoped, the flavors were incredible. The breading adhered to the tomato, which had been perfectly cooked, and retained just the right amount of chew. The jam was just sweet enough, while keeping a bright pepper flavor, and the pimento cheese was the perfect creamy texture with just enough bite to compliment the dish. For entrees, we had the steak frites, a french dip, mac n cheese, and the jambalaya. The steak friges came as a perfectly cooked and tender filet with fresh homemade fries, served with a small salad with lemon garlic vinaigrette. The french dip was simply but wonderfully roasted shaved beef, on a fresh baguette served with the quintessential jus and crisp homemade potato chips. The Mac n cheese featured thick, perfectly cooked macaroni in a creamy, delicious cheese sauce with crisp bacon and sweet cherry tomatoes. Finally, the Jambalaya was exquisite. Shredded stewed chicken in a spicy, perfectly seasoned creole sauce with soft andouille, with dirty rice topped with fresh, if not small, well-cooked shrimp. Ultimately we found ourselves satisfied enough to skip dessert, although we were saddened to learn that they offered only coffee, with no espresso options on the menu. The service was excellent, albeit somewhat slow, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and the vantage of downtown Nashville captivating enough to overlook the pace. All in all, the food was excellent, the atmosphere hip and fun, and the servers very friendly and knowledgeable, being quick to offer suggestions when asked. I can't wait to return to try Up, and of course, another Presbyterian.
(4)Jessica P.
Great event space upstairs! We had an engagement party here for my sister and her fiance a few weeks ago. The staff was super friendly, the food was good and the drinks were strong, what more could you want in an event space? If I am ever in Nashville again with some free time I will definitely come here to try the downstairs dining experience.
(4)Helen C.
I went for dinner with my kids passing through Nashville and have not stopped talking about our amazing experience!! Everything thing about this restaurant is 5 stars! The food was excellent, cocktails amazing and service was outstanding! I have a lttle deli and pastry shop back home so I understand the importance of customer service! and this place has got it all! Our server was Jackie but we also had the pleasure of meeting John and Ryan. All three helped make our experience at Merchants memorable, helping with suggestions on the menu especially with picky eaters and suggestions with cocktails. Cant wait to go back! Wish we had something like this back home! Highly recommend!!!
(5)Thomas L.
Definitely a highlight in the downtown eating scene. The mac and cheese was so tasty. My wife didn't like her drink at first but the waitress was more than willing to get her another more liked drink. We had been her once before for dessert and it didn't disappoint. The whole meal this time was again one of our best in Nashville along with the service. We would highly recommend the Brownie a la Mode and there are also some dessert cocktails to pair with the brownie. I would highly recommend checking this place out especially if you are downtown. I think it overlooked by a lot of locals.
(5)Chris C.
Sometimes you find a good restaurant in the middle of a tourist area, but most of the time, you find a place trying to hard to appeal to the crowds, and not enough to be a good restaurant. Merchants is smack in the middle of touristy Broadway which should be your first clue to go somewhere else.I wanted to like this place a lot, but unfortunately the food was only so-so and the service was awful. The building and cafe on the first floor are appealingly renovated in sort of a "modern Victorian" way (the place dating back to the actual Victorian era), and i had high hopes for the place based on the friendly initial greeting and space, but things quickly went downhill from there. My partner and i shared the duck fat tater tots, which were very obviously frozen tater tots which had really no hint of the richness they should get from the duck fat, with 3 not-very-special sauces. Big disappointment. My main was a jambalaya with was perfectly fine, but nothing i couldn't get a lot of other places or make myself. I don't go out to a restaurant to have things i can make better myself. My cocktail was quite good -- a basil mojito -- but it came out AFTER my appetizer after we asked another waiter about it. It was then plunked down without even a "sorry for the wait." Which brings up another big issue -- the service. Our waiter spent too much time being an ironic-mustache-sporting; bow-tle and skinny- braces wearing hipster to pay us any attention. Also, part of the problem was that our blouses were not cut low enough. The girls one table over were getting much more attention. One good drink + awful service and mediocre food does not = a good restaurant. So at least we saved on the tip, because he only got about 10%. And that's about how much i liked this resturant out of 100.
(1)Ray S.
Best food in Nashville. Well worth any wait. Cobb was awesome, fish tacos great, and kids loved grilled cheese. Super atmosphere.
(5)HuangRong E.
So I followed my friends in here expecting nothing and just figured we'd have a quick lunch before going back to work. However!! When I put a duck fat tater tot in my mouth, I instantly felt the need to take the rest of the plate and keep it to myself. Screw you friends! All mine! And also, duck fat! What the hell?! Do you make everything taste so good??! I ordered the deviled eggs and southern fry, and both were good, it was creamy and tasty, and the fried fish and shrimp were so good! I try not to eat fried foods but it was worth the calories. I also dislike salmon unless its sashimi but I tried my friends salmon bacon sandwich and again I wanted to steal it. Screw you fried, mine!! The salmon didn't have the fishy taste and it was crispy on the side, and soooo meaty like! I'm not sure what that exactly means but I guess its fish, but meatlike. Get it?? Lastly, I'm totally blown away by how genuine Daniel the waiter is. He's such an honest and friendly guy, you don't see this in L.A. I'm used to waiters who couldn't give a crap but Daniel is sooooo nice! What the heck Daniel, be my best friend already! I really wanted to go back the next day but I ended up getting a headache and had to stay in. Really sad that I couldn't eat good food and see Daniel again before I left. Normally I wouldn't be heading to Nashville frequently but I would definitely consider coming back so I can eat here again, and also say hello to my favorite waiter! My parents used to own restaurants so I definitely know. When a establishment can get such a top notch server it's like gold, people will want to come back because you feel so welcomed! It's not just an act, he really cares if you enjoyed your meal. I'm so glad I got to experience this hospitality and professional service, and amazing food. Try it out yourself! :)
(5)Paula C.
On our visit to Nashville we met locals who recommended Merchants. Glad we listened. We went before the dinner rush, so we did not wait. Our waitress, Kamellie was a breath of fresh air. Friendly, outgoing, and she provided outstanding service. The food was excellent. We are from Chicago, and we are foodies. This place rocks!
(5)Ellie M.
This was generally a mixed experience. I was in Nashville on travel and went to Merchants with a larger group. The primary plus is that the space itself is cool and well done, good ambiance. Clearly they are trying to do some interesting things with the menu... however, the food and drinks were good but not great. Unfortunately, the staff in general seemed to think this place is better than it is and were unnecessarily uppity which I find very off-putting. It's a decent choice for Nashville where I have not found many good places - but compared with restaurants nationally they fall right in the middle and thus need to drop the airs.
(3)Non P.
Great stuff. Great place. Added benefit: the waiters all dressed up like 1920s newboys/clerks, kind of Dickensian (yeah, wrong era). Popcorn. For free. Before your meal. Deviled eggs that taste like a priority express delivery from the Dark One himself. Everything else that tastes just right. Service is well trained and genuinely polite and helpful. Snap snap snap. Can someone please ask: Are the (male) waiters required to have facial hair? And while you're at it: exactly what time period are the outfits supposed to evoke? I'm always too embarrassed, and too busy eating, to ask. I imagine it's a roaring twenties thing, but want to confirm.
(5)Lauren D.
Food was AMAZING. I had the most delicious cornbread I've ever tasted, and the cocktails and local beer selection were spot on! I would highly recommend making a reservation as there was at least a 45 minute wait prior to our 7pm dining time. The one issue which brought this down to four stars was the lack of service by the host. I was very disappointed when the host came up to us and immediately said you'll have to come back. I told them we had a reservation and they said it wasn't in the system. I had to argue with them and show our Open Table reservation - behold, they already had a table reserved for someone with the same number of people at the same time - who would have thought?! Not happy that we were not treated the best, but hopefully the next visit to Merchants will prove to be a better experience.
(4)Brittany S.
I was so happy to find a place on music row that had some gluten free food. I am at the point where I am pretty used to being gluten free now...but being in the south it is hard not to be able to try hardly anything that it is famous for. The food was decently priced, it tasted really good, and the staff was really friendly and attentive. I would definitely go back there again!
(4)Tom R.
The downstairs was pretty cool. It's an old style diner with some really good food. It has a marble bar in the center and all the tables are marble. The food is very good. The duck fat tots...pretty good, but I couldn't tell the difference between duck fat and regular frying oil. Definitely go!
(4)Rachel H.
Duck Fried Tater Tots. All I have to say. My boyfriend and I snuck in here randomly and we are so glad we did. The staff was very nice and the food was delicious! The popcorn that they give you before the meal was yummyyy and they probably thought we were crazy because they kept having to refill our "cup", but we just couldn't get enough. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Stephie Z.
You can't hear me, but I am sighing right now. One of those deep and long sighs. My friends and I received completely different service dependent upon where we were sitting in the bottom of this restaurant on a Saturday evening. It started with me and one friend. We sat at the bar. Bartender immediately grabbed our beers. He was quick to have us order and the food was delivered after our beer was finished (fairly quickly). My chicken confit was tasty if not a bit bland. My friends classic wedge salad with blue cheese was huge and the dressing was crave worthy. We ordered another beer, then received and paid our check quickly. A good dining experience with excellent service. Then my friends arrived. There was no more bar seating so they put our names in for a table. The place had started clearing out and was about half full so we were sat at a booth quickly. After awhile a waitress showed up to take our drink order. We wait and wait and wait for our drinks. About 30 minutes. A bit too long for 3 beers and a glass of wine. We decide to move over to the counter since no one is paying attention to us in our booth. The waitress never even wanders by. We sat at the counter for a bit without being asked if we needed anything and we made up our mind to leave. Of course the waitress walks up with our drinks just then. She looked a little panicked when she realized we weren't at the table, but we walked back over since the drinks were there. She apologized profusely, something about thinking another waitress was supposed to run drinks. She took my friends food order and disappeared. Awhile later the food is received... a large salad, a bowl of soup, and 4 oysters on the half shell. Oh wait, make that 3 oysters on the half shell along with one completely empty oyster shell. When the waitress comes back to check on us.. after my friends had eaten the rest of their meal.. we notify her about the missing oyster. What idiotic chef/ plater person puts an empty shell on a plate and sends it out? A poorly managed line. **To their credit a manager came out and told us that he would send another 4 oysters out on the house and that our first round of drinks was on the restaurant** Very adequate compensation for the poor service and lack of oyster. I would probably eat here again, but next time I would stick to the bar. They seem to be much more attentive.
(3)Allison B.
I stopped by before the a show at the Ryman to grab a cocktail. I wish I allowed more time and was able to eat too. The menu looked amazing. I had no idea there was such a nice place among the honky tonks of Broadway. Cocktails were amazing. They had a good mix of traditional favorites and creative yummyness. The bar was packed, but service was fast and attentive. I will be back if for nothing else but the duck tater tots.
(4)Ken J.
Skip the tots. Although they may have been cooked in duck fat, you couldn't tell. The aioli was good but the bernaise was described as sun tan lotion tasting by other people in the party. Seems like a good comparison. The chicken fried chicken was very good with the sauteed spinach, but the grilled chicken sandwich had pretty terrible chicken (frozen?) and so much guacamole it should have been served with chips. Would I eat there again, probably not. It's not bad, but it was pricy ($55 for two no alcohol) and there are better places downtown.
(3)Terry V.
I went to lunch here with my mentor and we decided to try out a downtown lunch spot. We were seated in the corner booth which was fantastic for people watching and great lighting on a summer afternoon. When you first sit down, they'll bring you a little tin of popcorn and gladly refill it if you'd like. They usually sprinkle a dill seasoning but of course on our day- they would fun out and it was just sprinkled with salt and pepper. We started off with fried green tomatoes! Fantastic!! The spicy pepper jam is the perfect compliment. They also serve it with pimento cheese for those who like that. I'm not the biggest fan so the jam served me well. Then for our entrees, we both ordered Two words: Fish Tacos! The use mahi mahi and mahi mahi isn't it delicious. The pico de gallo, jalapeno aioli, and guacamole is great. I wasn't a fan of the slaw. I'm pretty picky when it comes to slaw so I focused more on the tacos. I think this is a great spot and had a wonderful time. The feel is very different from downtown which was really nice. I would definitely come back here.
(4)Brady H.
Ate here on a business trip in Nashville. To start, you must get an Old Fashioned, they have some of the best in the country. Wow! I got the fish tacos whichv were very good, the waiter was amazing, and my coworker got a great burger. Definitely recommend this place if you are in town.
(4)William W.
After hearing the wonderful reviews on here I decided to give this place a try. I went to the downstairs portion a bit after two o'clock, and the place was about 60% full. My server took our drink orders then did not return for about fifteen minutes. When we finally ordered, of course we got the duck fat tater tots. They were nice and crispy and the sauces were well seasoned, but that takes no skill to put out. When the entrees finally came after half an hour it was a different story! My girlfriend ordered a salad and enjoyed it. It was freezing outside and we had walked there from the hotel, so I ordered the "Soup and Sammie". The closest parking near there was $10 for an hour and a half. First off the soup had been slung in the microwave and was quickly approaching the heat of the sun. When i cooled down a taste, it was bland and needed to be seasoned much more than it had been. The chips were homemade chips that are supposed to be cooked to order; however, you could tell that they had been cooked hours prior if not the previous day. I bit into one and almost lost a few teeth. The bacon tasted as if it was cooked at the beginning of the shift. The grilled cheese tasted as if it had been sitting in the window for a while and the fat used to cook the bread left a funny aftertaste. After all that it took another thirty minutes to get our check. The bill ended up being about $35. I will never return to this restaurant again.
(1)Steve S.
We were looking for something less upscale but rather than wait an hour we went up stairs. Great choice! Any chef that can make my two least favorite vegetables delicious deserves an award. We had three different entrees: cauliflower, short ribs, and chicken. They were all perfect. Overall, an excellent dining experience in "honky tonk" central. A good pour on the Gentleman Jack, but not great, and tooth picks were available.
(4)Natalya S.
I have been going to Merchants about once a week for the past 4 months, it is worth the occasional long wait. It was my favorite restaurant hands down in downtown Nashville. The staff that work there are all great, I have had pleasant experiences with all. Basically all the food they serve there is delicious and it is hard to go wrong. One of my co-workers would go as far to say as he has had the best steak here out of all places in Nashville. Merchants is setup like two separate restaurants. The downstairs is cheaper and more casual dining, while upstairs is pricier and finer dining. Sometimes they will also let you order the upstairs menu when sitting downstairs (worth asking about if there is a long wait for upstairs). Both menu's are great. Before I get into a couple of disappointments I had recently, I do highly recommend checking this place out, like I said the food is some of the best you can find in downtown Nashville, the environment is nice, and the service is good. They changed my favorite dish, which was hands down the best shrimp and grits I may have ever had in my life. It is now something smaller and the recipe is completely different, and not as good as it used to be. Oddly enough, when I asked the server before ordering it, he told me it hadn't changed (strange considering I had the same dish for 3-4 months before that). I think their chef may have changed because I also ordered the chicken fried chicken from their downstairs menu a week later and it too wasn't as good as I remembered it. The other issue with Merchants is that sometimes there can be quite a wait, so I do recommend making reservations. In regard to the long wait I mentioned earlier in this post, a staff member told me it would be a half hour wait, but this turned into about an hour wait. My friends and I were a bit disgruntled by this (especially combined with the recent changes in food). Merchant's management did the best they could to make it up to us, they led us off with each a glass of sparkling wine. Then halfway through the meal, they also let us know our appetizers were on the house. That was really amazing of them, and much appreciated that they went above and beyond in making it up to us. It definitely made a big difference to me. So, in summary, Merchants food is delicious, but it can be a wait, I miss the old shrimp and grits, but there is still plenty of other things to enjoy on their menu. Definitely worth going to and you will be back!
(4)Laurie E.
Food was hit and miss. The tots were incredible. Sat near door and nearly froze. The Pim 's cocktails with crushed apple were fantastic. The waiter staff was very hip.
(3)Leslie V.
I'm an NYC epicurean and give Merchants a very strong two thumbs up! Thanks to reading other great reviews we checked this joint out. The atmosphere gave us the southern class with character we were looking for. The crafted drinks were delicious and the bartenders and waitstaff were delightful. We started with the fried green tomatoes and I had the blackened tilapia, while my friend had the burger. My meal was outstanding. I highly recommend the fish, especially if you like a lil heat! I usually like to try different places, but on my next go around in Nashville I will definitely be sure to make another stop at Merchants. Thank you for showing a northern girl a fabulous evening!
(5)Frank G.
I was in town for the Growco conference with two associates on April 8 and attended a session where the two owners, Max and Benjamin Goldberg, spoke. Intrigued, we decided to check it out. We were told there was a 30 to 40 minute wait, which was fine. After an hour wait we were told that we were next in line and that a table was about to become available. Incredibly, a group walked right in and was immediately given this table because they had reservations and we were told that they should not have to wait. Based upon their assurances that another table would soon be available we did not walk out. When the table became "available" we were taken upstairs and lo and behold our table had been given away to a large group that needed more room. The hostess told us that they would bring another table down from the third floor for us, which was eventually accomplished. After all that the food and service was just average. Based upon the owners' assurance during their conference session that the guest experience was of utmost importance to them and anyone could get a free dinner by saying that their previous dinner had not been satisfactory, we were not offered so much as a complementary appetizer or drink for the entirely unsatisfactory way in which we were treated.
(1)Patrick D.
Great food and drinks and a nice little break from all of the madness on Broadway. The brisket was amazing!
(5)Amanda F.
Excellent service and great food! We had the duck tater tots, baked cheese, strawberry salad, and brisket... Everything was fantastic!
(5)julesmary p.
Fun times downstairs late night at the bar. Inventive drinks, cool bartenders. Duck fat tater tots are damn good. Wish they had more healthy stuff downstairs (like they do upstairs) but like I said, the duck fat tater tots are awesome.
(4)Wayne H.
Don't do the burger or fries ! Over priced, over rated. My wife had the bacon and cheese sandwich with tomato soup and enjoyed it. Wish I had ordered that as well.
(2)James S.
Goo d food. Service at bar was good even though it was so busy. I recommend this. Tater tots were great. They are cooked in duck fat! Delish!
(4)Stacy P.
So I just moved to Nashville a little over a year ago and have been to Merchant's a couple times and had a good experience. However, this review is not about those good experiences. My 2 girlfriends were visiting from home and I suggested we go out to dinner at Merchant's. We were greeted and the server took our drink order, after checking our IDs. Now, I do want to say... we do look young. We are all 25 and unfortunately I have the pleasure of having adult braces. About 15 minutes go by, and still no drinks. Another server comes over and ask if we've been taken care of. We reply we have and he looks confused. THEN... I'm guessing this man was the manager that came over to our table, though I couldn't tell you because he NEVER introduced himself. He says "Hey ladies, did you order some drinks tonight?" We reply "Yes...." So he just says "Can I see your IDs" Instead of maybe explaining his reasoning behind this, he is completely rude about it and walks away. About another 10 minutes go by and he brings us the drinks and says "You all look mad, what's wrong?" We just stared at him... of course we are mad. You are rude. "You all look young, that's a compliment! Now here's your drinks so you can have a good night" And walks away... Needless to say, when the waitress returned we paid for our drinks and left. She seemed surprised and said "I'm so sorry but we have a strict policy. Someone just got fired last week for serving someone underage" Now, being someone who has worked in the restaurant business for a few years, I completely understand the need of checking IDs. HOWEVER, its the way you go about it that makes all the difference. We felt completely embarrassed, all the staff were staring at us like we did something wrong. Nashville is a tourist town, if you cannot recognize out of state IDs then USE A SCANNER. And explain your policy first before you send over your "manager" who also should have explained the policy. Won't be coming back. Thanks.
(1)Ryan D.
Been here twice... ate in the downstairs section both times. Great food with a local flair. Tried a burger and the salmon. Also have had the duck fat tater tots... which definitely worth trying out. The cheese plate is great. Food has been great on both visits. What really made our visits special, however, was the staff. They're great. They have fun. They'll talk with you. And they'll go above and beyond to provide good service. Case in point: on our last visit, my wife tried the veggie burger. She didn't like it. It wasn't that it was ill-prepared or anything... just wasn't to her taste. So she didn't eat much of it. The waiters noticed and immediately offered to bring something else. We tried to decline--since it was a matter of taste and not of poor quality. They wouldn't accept our decline, and brought us free desserts. Can't say this happens to everybody, but it was great gesture and left us feeling great about the experience. Thanks, Merchants!
(5)Wind E.
what a unique dining place on Broadway, different from all the BBQ and bar food. the duck fat taters were great, our server, Arielle, recommended the fish tacos and they were fantastic. Service was great, food was too!
(5)Chris W.
The restaurant was really neat, very old feel to it, classic archeticture and ambiance. Liked the fact that it was not like most of the other restaurants on broadway with lots of loud music to eat over. That is always there to do after you eat (which I did). It was very crowded, and the service was very slow. They were pretty good on bringing the food on time, and re filling the water glass, but the bar was very under staffed and it took for ever to get an adult bev. I saw a guy wait so long for a beer that the bartender told him not to worry it was on him for making him wait so long. Food was good. The kitchen had their ducks in a row and brought out food promptly after order was placed. Dont order food until you are pretty much ready for it because there is not a lot time in between when you order and when it arrives to the table. I was impressed to see their turn time in the kitchen considering how busy it was, however the bar service was very poor.
(3)Marcus P.
I've been here several times and I've always enjoyed my meal. I've only eaten in the downstairs section (upstairs is the pricier more intimate setting). My fiance gets their mac and cheese..WOW. I'm not really that interested in mac and cheese usually, but this stuff is outstanding. It is a huge portion, so it's a great dish to share. (CAUTION: It is extremely rich. If you are a rich food wimp, steer clear.) The atmosphere is really cool; has an elegant 1920s feel to it. It can get a little busy in here, but the staff has always seemed to do a pretty good job of keeping up. Overall this is a great place to take friends from out of town to eat before heading to the honky tonks downtown. Make sure you make a reservation.
(4)Natalie D.
Everyone in our group loved their food (myself included). Grab guacamole is always a must. Can't go wrong with the burger, pork tenderloin, chicken fried chicken or William "Will" as a waiter.
(4)Christopher D.
Great food and atmosphere. I was only in Nashville for one night and I definitely happy I stopped at merchants for dinner. I had the chicken fried chicken and thought it was amazing. I will make sure to go to merchants next time I'm back in Nashville!
(5)Jamie R.
This restaurant is way overrated and overpriced. Very limited menu and $38 steak was like shoe leather and served with fries. I've had better steaks at Outback and Texas Roadhouse. Not impressed at all!
(1)Ronald N.
Great food and service. We dined upstairs w/c was more quiet and the ambiance is great. I had the chicken & my wife had the braised beef. We were both happy with what we ordered. Another plus going for them is the free valet service.
(4)Bridget S.
Disappointed..thought the food and ambiance would have been better. My hubby made reservations for our anniversary dinner and we arrived with great expectations. My pork was OK and husbands steak SALTY...will not return.
(2)Brandon G.
This is a review for the UPSTAIRS PORTION ONLY. I don't know what the deal is with this place, I'm surprised it's owned by the same people who own Catbird, etc. Downstairs is well lit and has a really cool vibe, Upstairs is dark and dingy and more expensive. I read one other review that said the Chef is off on Sundays, I think that must be accurate. I started with Beef tartare, I've had good beef tartare before and it tastes fresh and looks fresh and has a accent of citrus to offset the raw beef. This was a big scoop of glop and I took a couple bites and didn't feel comfortable eating it. For entree I had the steak frites, the fries had a really weird off-putting taste, and the steak was overcooked on the thinner part, and under cooked on fatter part. Overall the steak still tasted like beef but it was cooked and seasoned sloppily. I think the majority of reviews for Merchant's is for the downstairs portion, I will return to try that out at some point, but the experience I had upstairs was pretty bad, between an inedible appetizer, fries that sucked, and a badly cooked steak. I expect a WAY better experience for the prices.
(1)Keith D.
Went to Merchants on a Saturday night without reservations. They said it would take over an hour to sit upstairs, but they had us seating in about 20 minutes. The food was unbelievable good. I had the pork chop, best I ever had. Other entrees were the blackened swordfish (excellent), and 72 hours spare rib (fantastic). We then ordered all three desserts because we couldn't decide. They were are great, but our favorite was definitely the apple pie--a must try. For cocktails, I recommend the Tennessee mojito and the top hat. Both were great. Overall a great dining experience with excellent wait staff.
(5)Carolyn C.
After waiting an hour for a table, (which we expected, since we had no reservation) we were rewarded with a really excellent meal! The short ribs, chicken and pasta all received rave reviews from our party. The chocolate bread pudding was to die for! Do not miss this place!
(5)Ruth L.
was at a company function and expected a nice expensive place but its dated, entrance dark and gloomy, the portions are a joke. salad was like 3 pieces of lettuce and the steak wasn't cooked right nor a size I'd expect from the place. location is hard to get into on busy days downtown. needless to say I don't even see how they can charge what they do. no luxury, pathetic portions even for a pricey restaurant, food not good, the place is decorated and has the feel of an old motel. but I cannot give an opinion on staff since it was a function not an regular dining and I don't know if upstairs is different than 1st floor but I was on 2nd and the bathrooms up there are clean but not kept up
(1)Steve I.
For this ambiance in the middle of a touristy block and food this tasty, I would have expected to pay more than $15. I had the fish tacos, soooo freaking good. Lots of healthy options, a nice place, and friendly service. Would definitely recommend.
(5)Ryan O.
Stopped in here tonight after an event downtown for a cocktail or two. The drink menu has some pretty interesting choices, especially the local section which features Tennessee twists on popular drinks. I got a chuckle out of the names of a few of them, one of which I remember was the "Mountain man-hattan" which I think featured a local moonshine of some sort. The bourbon and rye menu is quite extensive by Nashville standards. They have a few particularly rare/pricey bottles of bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle 21 year and 23 year as well has Rittenhouse rye 21 year. The bad news (as is with most places that stock such exquisite spirits) is that there out of a lot of them. They did have the pappy 23 year in stock but I wasn't about to fork over $40 for a glass of bourbon on this night. On my first go-round I opted for a classic manhattan, which they list with bourbon on the menu but I opted for a rye. It was on par with what I would consider a good manhattan. For my second drink I was craving something rather different and I didn't expect the bartender would be able to fulfill my request but boy was I surprised. I was feeling a bit tired but still wanted a drink so I asked for an Irish coffee. Whenever I ask for something out of ordinary like that I always hope the barkeep perks up and asks if I want it the real/traditional way or the generic/chain restaurant way. Well the bartender did just that and long story short I ended up enjoying a real Irish coffee with Jameson, a sugar cube, (real) thick cream, and hot coffee. It was resplendent and the complete opposite of some dumb bastardized Applebees style drink consisting of baileys with coffee. Next time I am downtown I think I will be going back here for a real cocktail or two. You better believe I will also be sampling the duck fat tater tots with bernaise and chipotle mayo because if that doesn't sound awesome, I don't know what does.
(4)Emily R.
I will admit a large group of friends and I stumbled in here late night expecting the usual diner and all 10 of us were pleasantly surprised by our experience. For a town not known for their food (no offense Nashville), this place really delivers a good selection of food for late-night diners, foodies, and those seeking some Southern classics alike. And, did I mention their drinks were unique and tasty? The ambiance was trendy and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. This place is worth the wait (there can oftentimes be a line) and do not be discouraged by it's location in the heart of "Nashvegas" on Broadway - it's a fantastic gem and the best meal of many during my 5 day trip in May 2013.
(5)Mary-Catherine W.
Super cute, trendy retro vibe going on in here. Plenty of room for everyone. We ate at the bar after a Predators game. Very close to the arena. They only thing was we felt a little rushed even though the place was packed from fans after the game. A+ drinks, and beer selection. I had the blackened Tilapia which was waaay better than expected with the hash and aioli bringing the dish together... but lets be honest its still tilapia in a better than average restaurant. Can I atleast get some salmon? Also had milkshake which was pretty tasty. All in all great place to have drinks and some apps but the entree menu could use a little work with finer ingredients.
(3)Sean B.
Very nice hostess started our experience. Nice service, decent food, wonderful decor. High marks for this place.
(4)Peter D.
THis place is a real contradiction. I was in town visiting with a friend and we sat at the bar to grab a decent dinner. 2 bartenders, 2 very different experiences. The first was a younger guy with sorta spiky hair who basically ignored us being more interested in pretty much anything female that walked in. No drinks, orders suggestions nothing. it got pretty uncomfortable since we were getting pissed. 0 star service and he was acting frankly kinda like a douche. Then we have the older guy who was the extreme polar opposite. Helpful, attentive and did not ignore us. He gave us 5 star service. Hence I cut it down the middle since I cant forget the first guy. You want a place to pick up drunk girls, go work at at tootsies or something. Now about the food: Well we both ordered exactly the same thing which was the prime rib. I thought it was ok though I found it a bit meager on the portion and the veggies felt reheated, the carrots in particular. They had the taste and texture of something cooked ahead and reheated in the pan. Not real appetizing. The meat flavor was ok but I found it a bit on the fatty side and by the time I was done with dinner I was still kinda hungry. I am pretty skinny so its not that I eat that much, just that for the money I should have felt somewhat full. The good news is that left me open for a late night snack. Over all I think this place is ok, but its just missing something in the food, layout and service that really it needs to shine and get a recommendation. For the money you can do better at Mortons or some other place. For a drink, I do like the bar. So I am mixed on this one.
(3)Rob M.
Great drinks and appetizers. It was magic to sit at the bar and watch the bartender do his thing making our drinks.
(4)Leigh J.
Merchant's serves food late into the night, which isn't always easy to find while out honky-tonkin' in downtown Nashville. The duck fat tater tots are the best late night snack ever: a thin layer of delectably crunchy potato coating a tender potato filling. The flavour of the duck is subtle but pushes the deliciousness factor up a few notches. And, it's big enough to share with a couple of hungry friends!
(4)Cynthia L.
This place is awesome! There was a delay in getting our dinner out, so the manager delivered it personally and then comped the entire meal! To top it off, they bought us dessert. The fried green tomatoes were amazing. I had the Catfish Sandwich, which was terrific. Loved the sweet potato fries. My boss had the Salmon Caesar that she said was very good. The creme brulee was also terrific. Signature cocktail was also a hit. I had the I heart Lucy - actually I had two. If I am back in Nashville, I will definitely eat here again.
(5)H G.
Went here on a recommendation from our driver - we wanted a yummy steak dinner at a local restaurant so he dropped us here. We sat upstairs (downstairs was more of a bistro) I already knew I wanted a filet - one of my faves, so I ordered that with the roasted brussel sprouts - the steak was soo good, the brussel sprouts were okay (ordered a veggie vs a potato dish because I needed something green in my body that day after being at a conference for 4 days!!) - the brussel sprouts were a little under cooked, but still darn tasty!! I would go back here in a heartbeat - the staff was great, the food was excellent only thing I didn't like was the bathroom - it had seen better days and is in need of an update :)
(4)Kimberly K.
A group and I came here on a Sunday night. Though the staff and ambiance were friendly, the food overall was "meh." I ordered tomato bisque and the crab guacamole. The bisque was great, but the guacamole was already turning brown when I received it. The additional crab gave it an unfavorable texture. My friends ordered the mac and cheese with habanero peppers. The proportion of peppers to pasta was almost 50/50 which overpowered the entire dish. It needed salt and more flavor overall. For dessert we ordered peach pie and a blondie. The pie's spices was too intense for the dish. The blondie wasn't a blondie...it was more like a chocolate chip cookie bar. I will say the waitress was amazing on refilling out drinks and we were appreciative of that. Otherwise I would never dine here again.
(2)Michael R.
The bacon burger was good, but nothing all that special. Best part was the atmosphere and getting some drinks at the bar adter dinner.
(4)Paul W.
Nice experience on busy Broadway block. Cheerful and attentive servers. All meat comfort food menu. Large portions and okay quality.
(3)Robb S.
I really liked the bartenders as they knew what they were talking about. The drink selection was great also. Food was good but not great which is the only reason I am giving it a 4 star instead of 5. Still very solid spot
(4)Heather W.
We just happened upon this spot and are so glad we did. It is located right on Broadway and provides Valet parking which was a definite plus. We chose to dine upstairs and enjoyed the low lighting and music. Scott, our waiter was amazing and recommended a cocktail to start our experience, The Botanist. I have never been a fan of gin but this was one of the best cocktails I have ever had! We decided to go against his suggestion of Pork belly wraps and wish we hadn't. We chose the warm oysters and they were just average. The heirloom tomato salad was wonderful and my husbands Caesar was good as well. Scott suggested the Waygu beef for dinner and my husband loved it! The beef was prepared and seasoned well and the potatoes were great. I had the risotto and it was not as good as the beef. I would recommend this spot for the great cocktails and attentive, polite staff. Listen to their suggestions regarding menu items.
(4)Barrett R.
I go to this place every time I visit Nashville. It is the best restaurant on Broadway given such a touristy area. The drinks are pricey, but the food is great. I have eaten several menu items, and they are all very tasty. From a foodie standpoint and the fact it is on a MAJOR Honky Tonkin' tourist street, you cannot go wrong.
(4)Gina B.
After reading a lot of mixed reviews on this restaurant and having a lot of lackluster meals in Nashville, we reviewed yelp and decided our best bet was Merchant! I'd give them 5 stars, but they have a serious deficit in the vegetarian entree selection. Essentially, my friend was asked to come up with what she wanted and they would prepare it for her (which contradicts what you go out to eat for... you rely on the imagination of the chef right??). Anywho. We enjoyed the crab guacamole dip and I had the fish taco. Huge dish that I had served w/sweet potato fries. They put cinnamon and sea salt on them. Hello! Speak to my belly! We were super pleased w/everything and the price was nice!!! Go, check them out. The ambience is very nice for Broadway; a perfect contradiction to the touristy crasiness, which is so fantastic!
(4)Cindy H.
Just wrapped up our first meal in Nashville at Merchants and it was delicious. And our server, Ryan J, was awesome. He had great recommendations and made sure the Tennessee Mojitos kept flowing. If you have the appetite, the chicken fried chicken was amazing.
(5)Jelena Z.
Bravo, Merchants... Bravo! The food was killer, the ambiance remarkable and the drinks? Legendary. I usually don't do cocktails but downed THREE. I'll forever remember Merchants as the place where I popped my Dark and Stormy cherry. This is my signature cocktail now until the end of time. Melodramatic, perhaps, but completely true. Mixology is taken seriously here and both the know-how and the elbow grease show. To touch upon aesthetics - I loved the brooding vintage insides, perfect for one of those long, winding dinners when you try just about everything off the menu. A dream dinner party destination! From drinks to dessert, I felt fireworks. Big, over-the-top 4th of July fireworks! I promise: You won't be, can't be disappointed.
(5)Brian J.
I took the recommendation of my hotel's front desk and ate at Merchant's and am glad I did. Excellent service. Great food. I started with the charcuterie appetizer and ended with the lamb. Not a single complaint. I will definitely be back the next time I visit Nashville.
(5)Annette J.
I was so full from my meal here at Merchant's that I had to bow out of a honky tonk pub crawl after because I just didn't have any more room in my stomach for drinks. That's the marker of a good meal! One where I'm just so damn full but I still eat and eat and eat because it would be a sin not to! The space is really neat. The first floor is very diner-esque but upstairs is a more formal dining area with cool little decorative touches like a fireplace mantle bolted to a wall, filled with glued on sticks. So cute! I don't have a fireplace in my house but I've always wanted one. This would be cool way to fake it! The service was killer. Our waitress was friendly, helpful, and kept cool with our huge group, definitely a plus! The cocktails were fabulous and creative (Clover Club ftw!) and the food? Oh the food! Tried a bit of everything. From foie gras to baked potato gnocci, all fantastic appetizers. My main course of the mushroom gnocci was also to die for. Maybe I got too full from so much potatoey Italian goodness but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The desserts were also outrageous. I went with the chocolate bread pudding which clearly pushed me over the edge in the best way possible. Oh, how I wish Merchant's was in my own backyard. But perhaps it's good it's not. Saves my tummy a lot of discomfort. ;)
(5)Cole A.
Great service, our waitress Ariel was outstanding! The ambience is classy and chic without feeling too uptight. Recommended fried green tomato app! Get the sweet potato fries if you order a sandwich. The pulled pork was a little dry but still very flavorful. Their drink menu is extensive with some expertly crafted and unique choices.
(4)Stacy R.
I really enjoyed this restaurant! We weren't able to get a reservation in the upstairs, nor were we able to get anything after 4:30, so we ended up eating sandwiches instead of a dinner, but the sandwiches were still delicious! The guacamole was also amazing! At first, I was a little disappointed that we ended up in the Bistro part of the restaurant, but in the end, it was still worth eating there, and I would definitely go back!
(4)A C.
I stuck my head in here Saturday night during Memorial Day weekend. The decor was beautiful: black and white with a 1940's feel. Bartenders were all wearing starched white shirts and bowties. It was about 11:30pm-ish and there were only a few tables sat and about 10-12 people at the very large round bar. Considering many of the other restaurants on Broadway were packed at this time, this was kind of a red flag to me. Undaunted, I proceeded to the bar and got started. The bartender that helped me was adequate but after the meal came out, he was basically non-existent for the rest of the evening. I ordered a Medium ( pink throughout with a warm center) steak, salad, and fries. The steak came out in STRIPS (wtf?) and was medium rare ( red thru-out with a cool, dark red center). I asked a bartender to have it "'re-fired" thinking it would be an easy fix. 5 minutes later, it came back in the Exact Same Condition. I pointed out the internal coloring to the bartender and he had it re-fired a 2nd time. The manager (a short, pudgy, early 30-something Caucasian male with a blond/reddish beard) brought it out this time and said it was medium because the thermometer said it was 147 degrees. It was STILL red, albeit, with a dark, warmer red center. I decided to just make do with it to which he replied, "It's not like you're paying for it," in the snottiest, most immature and juvenile manner possible. Normally, I would be grateful about getting a steak comp'ed but Manager Pudgy Smurf's piss-poor attitude (along with the kitchen's inability to cook a MEDIUM steak) definitely ruined the meal. Ironically, I left a $20.00 tip only because I was not going to give them the smug satisfaction of thinking they gave me something (a comp'ed steak) for free that I didn't deserve. I give the meal 3 stars and the customer service 1 star. There are hundreds of restaurants in Nashville with far better service and steaks. Don't waste your time here.
(1)Molly O.
Absolutely wonderful food. Service was terrific, great selection of local beers, and the chef inspired menu was superb. As an out of towner, our waiter made us feel very welcomed and even gave us a list of places and restraints to go to while we were in town! The upstairs section is more upscale, but worth every penny.
(5)Rachel F.
By far my favorite Nashville dining experience. Strange entrance: bar, booths...then a large lobby...then an elevator (a giant one!) and now the whole lot of us is up on the second floor. I could talk about the ambiance and vibe and blah-freakity-blah la la la. What I'd like to talk about re: Merchants? The food and the service. Mostly the service. 1. Food The menu had me salivating. I mean, I got really, really excited reading this one. Foie app w/ apples and cranberries? Truffled cauliflower? Short ribs with chantrelle mushrooms and celery root and potato puree? Yes, yes and yes, to all of it. Also...had a great craft cocktail called "The Clover," and loved it. The food was well done, artfully prepared, and thoughtfully presented. 2. Service Here's where I will glow and glow and go and go. Im-freaking-peccable. Spot on. Professional but not cold. Extremely knowledgeable staff, great recommendations (esp that wine)! Spot on French-service. Confident, efficient, fantastic. Rave rave rave. I wish Merchants was in Milwaukee, like...a lot. A lot. I loved this restaurant. Not sure how I got there, but sure was happy to have been.
(5)Melissa V.
This place is perfect! Great food, service, atmosphere...it has it all. The fish tacos and jambalaya are among the best I've ever had! Get there early or you'll have to wait!
(5)N S.
Great locale! Food really good, different. A unique twist on southern cuisine. Service excellent. Reservations accepted. Craft beer on tap. Appetizers were worth the money (I almost always pass on these). Romantic and shabby chic upstairs.
(4)Kelly G.
Previous reviews led us to Merchants on our first night in Nashville. Located right on Broadway in a beautiful historic building, we were able to valet our car at the restaurant and leave it while we explored the music venues after dinner. Despite having no reservation we were seated immediately on the outdoor patio, and proceeded to order two of the most delicious and unique cocktails either of us had had in a while. We ordered off the downstairs menu, although apparently they have a pricier, chef special menu for upstairs. That being said, we were extremely satisfied with the downstairs menu. We ordered bacon and cheddar macaroni and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and their southern fry, and while it may not have been the healthiest of meals, it was definitely one of the tastiest. I can't even say which dish I liked best because they were all so good. I would definitely recommend hitting this restaurant before a night out on Broadway, even if it's just for a cocktail and appetizer!
(5)Alexandra S.
Yes yes and yes! They serve you popcorn when seated, food is good quality and you have to try the Tennessee mohito if you're a fan of mohitos! Tasty duck tater tots and delicious turkey club sandwich made w basil pesto mayo. Yummmmm
(5)Carolyn M.
This place is an oasis amid the honky tonk insanity on Broadway. Delicious cocktails (I love the champagne cocktail) and incredible food. The French dip is epic. Cute little attire for the servers too.
(5)Lis R.
The waitstaff ruined what has the potential to be an awesome restaurant. Visited it twice, as it has a great menu and we wanted to give it a second chance, thinking maybe the waitstaff was just off its game the first time... nope. Just plain poor service. Friday night, 9ish: Dinner upstairs in the real restaurant - we were told there was a half hour wait and we could wait at the bar. When asked how she would find us when ready, the hostess said "i don't forget a face". Welp, she forgot. Over an hour later we checked back and were like HEY remember us? Flustered she then sat us within minutes. Also, while waiting at the bar, the bartender forgot about our drink order...so after waiting 10 minutes on those we asked again. At least he comped that first round, in his defense. Food is great - shrimp & grits, lobster mac, etc. YUM. Second time, Saturday night, closer to 11 after the T.Swift concert - returned and ate downstairs in the diner section. Love the popcorn they start you with and the burgers were great. Sweet potato fries were cut way to thick and thus not cooked thru, so stick to regular fries. Waitstaff, again, just more interested in talking amongst themselves than working. Sigh. Has so much potential...
(2)Roger C.
Very nice place with a great atmosphere. It feels kind of diner / fine dining at the same time. Good drinks and fair prices. The downtown location is topnotch. There are very few choices that are moderately healthy anywhere downtown, that I've seen. The wait staff makes up for their speed by being super friendly and personable. Good times.
(4)Melissa D.
The appetizers were way better then the entrees. The atmosphere was nice and the drinks were good. You gotta try the tator tots in duck fat!!
(3)Morgan K.
Been here twice on separate trips to Nashville. Be sure and order the duck fat tater-tots and try one of their cocktails. The manhattan (made with bulliet rye) is a personal favorite. Pimento cheese grits are to die for! When making reservations, be sure and specify he bistro (downstairs- more casual) or upstairs (more fancy). Different menus and price points at both.
(5)Jena W.
This one would've gotten 5 stars! The only minor setback was the personality, or lack there of, of our waitress! Food was amazing; atmosphere and location couldn't be better!
(4)Rodney P.
At first glance the place looks a little snooty. That was the first and last time I doubted this place. The food was fantastic (get the baked cheese), the service staff was friendly and attentive. This place is a must stop.
(5)Greg N.
The food was "OK" but was definitely nothing special. My boyfriend and I shared the duck fat tater tots as an app. Don't waste your money on these. Go buy a bag of Ore Ida tater tots at the grocery store. The bearnaise sauce (one of three dipping sauces) was good, but it speaks volumes that the ketchup was the best sauce. The malted mayonaise tasted like feet. DIS-GUST-ING. I had the fried green tomato sandwich for my main course. Again, something I could have made at home that would have turned out better there. The drinks were good, but late. We didn't get them until our entrees came out, and then we had to ask for them as we could see them sitting at the bar for the better part of 15 minutes. The waiter was atrocious. 1. He was chewing gum. I repeat. HE WAS CHEWING GUM. He should have been fired alone for that. Disgusting. 2. He was either homophobic or just a dolt. He also had either table on either side of us, and they got much better treatment. Actually, it was odd because he would help one table, totally bypass us, and then help the other. His tip reflected that. Whoever picked out those silly uniforms... change them. The servers all look like they're callers at a circus. it's gimmicky. It's really obvious this place is just utilizing it's space on Broadway to draw in the tourist crowd. I have a feeling if this place were left to stand on it's own merits and in a neighborhood that required it too have better food/service/everything to succeed, it would be closed pretty quickly.
(1)Robert B.
Everyone at our table of 5 loved their meals at the downstairs restaurant. The duck fat tater tots were delicious. There were so many, I didn't think we would eat them all, but we did.
(5)Elizabeth E.
Really enjoyed this spot for casually fine dining. Started out with lunch, JAMBALAYA that was top notch. Went back for dinner. Fun atmosphere, beautiful old building, staff was great. We had FRIED GREEN TOMATO'S, fried crispy sweet perfection.
(4)Johnny T.
Sad Trombone. I missed out. Evidently, everyone and their mama is smitten with Merchants. I didn't get it. The location is cool. 4th and Broadway is as perfect a location for out-of-towners as it gets in Nashville, so that wasn't it. The building is cool. After walking through a downstairs that looks diner-y (not an insult), you're whisked upstairs by elevator (or you can hoof it) and, suddenly, you're surrounded by brick walls, recessed flooring, long tables and pretty views. So, that wasn't it. The cocktails were cool. I introduced my colleague to the wonder of The Dark & Stormy and I hovered around brown liquors for the rest of the night. I wasn't out of my mind, but I was feeling pretty good. That wasn't it. The service was a little off. We were a large group and, like little Mike Brady, I get it: not everyone is going to reap the same attention as the others. It just kept happening. My appetizer was forgotten. And, then, oops, my drink order went somewhere else. 'Did you need some more silverware? I'll be right back... in ten or so minutes.' I didn't make a big deal of anything, but it didn't make me feel great that I had to persuade my dining companions to eat their food as I waited for mine. Twice. That may have been it. The food was... satisfactory. I came in expecting to be awed and I was 'alrighted.' Again, I am wondering if it was me because my companions seemed to be loving their experience. I was bored by mine. I am not a big beef person so, perhaps if I were, I would have a different opinion. Then again, maybe not. I dined with a vegan who seemed most content with her food. The gnocchi was fine, if not a tad bit mushy. I skipped the salad but had a bite or two of the arugula (I liked it the most). My pork tenderloin was filling but not entirely satisfying. Even for a fatty such as myself, dessert was ho-hum. From the bread pudding to a toast and jelly concoction, my tastebuds weren't tickled. They were poked. Truthfully, I was bored by much of what I ate. I kept waiting for the 'moment' and it never came. I think that I ordered poorly. The overall star rating and positive experience my companions had can't be wrong. So, the food... maybe that was it. That could have been it. That was probably it.
(3)James L.
I was lucky enough to end up here twice on a recent biz trip, so I can say that it is not just good, but consistent as well. Upstairs is the "fine dining" area, where I ate both times - the only correction needed is that upstairs is $$$ for sure, not 2. Drinks were great, nice appetizer sent out by the chef was a pleasant surprise, and the appetizers, salads, and entrees were all very good - both presentation and taste. I had fish one night - excellent, and then a filet the next night - cooked to perfection. And for desert - the peach cobbler cannot be beat.
(5)Quinn S.
Fantastic food, the blackened tilapia was cooked to perfection and the balance of spice was right on. My mother had the sweet tea pork loin with grits which she thought was great but the pork loin was a tad over cooked. It was a little loud but the server was attentive, professional, and really nice so it all balanced out. I might be biased because New York is so expensive but the prices couldn't be more reasonable. I would love to come back.
(4)Em P.
This review is for the upstairs "fine dining" portion: I'd been wanting to try the rehash of Merchants after I heard the guys who own Patterson House and Paradise Park took it over. Those are two really good establishments (for what they mean to be...speakeasy or tourist dive) and I had reason to infer that Merchants would extend their record. And I was wrong. Started with a cocktail. Took a while (only because it was made downstairs at the bar) but was solid Patterson-house quality. My partner's extra dry martini had too much vermouth (more than none), but I understand only homeless people ask for a glass of gin and it's a strange request. Second was better. Got a couple of starters to split, even though there wasn't any inherently sharable on the menu. Got the beets and goat cheese (beets could have been a little more uniformly cooked, goat cheese was good but it wasn't dressed as the menu stated). Got the tomato starter too (good, but nothing to squawk at). We received a nice little amuse bouche, but it included goat cheese and tomato which we just ate 2 seconds before. Points for trying though! They were out of the fish stated on the menu (I don't remember what it was originally...red snapper?) but were substituting salmon in it's place. I still got it, but it had little flavor. Cooked nicely, but maybe the salmon overpowered what would have been a good balance. Not bad, just not good. The wilted scallions on it were tough and stringy and impossible to eat. My partner's dinner was worse...he got the pork and it was a really really nasty piece of meat. Fatty, but still dry, no flavor. Pork can be soooo good! We skipped dessert. Wasn't really worth the parking downtown. Overall the service wasn't BAD...it was just....strange. We had multiple servers throughout the evening, each was nice, but sort of unnerving to give one guy your drink order, someone else bring it out, yet another clean the table off...etc. The building itself is really cool looking, with history and the details to match. Downstairs looked a little better, and I may give it a whirl if I'm on lower broad for some reason. Eh.
(1)HaileyTIffany M.
:( Really wanted to like it, it's beautiful, the staff is magazine beautiful, the uniforms are beautiful. However, I ordered just desert. A blueberry crumble. What we both got was: blueberry soup, with a light sprinkling of crumble (no crust whatsoever), and melted ice cream. I mean COMPLETELY melted. We should've sent it back. It was two bowls of blueberry soup. Maybe a bad day? WIll have to try it again later, cause the place is gorgeous. But dang.
(2)Andrew R.
Really neat place. Ate dinner at the bar, bar tenders were friendly. Had very good mac n cheese and the wife enjoyed her veggie burger. We were looking for a place a little different then eating at the bars or main spots. This fit the description perfectly. I would go again.
(4)Kathleen M.
After the total fail of a meal at Park Cafe, we needed a cheeseburger. A good one. Problem was, it was in the late hours of the evening and we were carless traipsing up and down Broadway. Our options were limited, but luckily Merchants was there. I fell in love with the space. I say this in the absolute nicest way possible, but it reminded me of a really refined Waffle House. You've got your high top counter, your low top counter, and some booths along the wall. Just remove the yellow and brown particle board, replace it with beautiful antique marble and steel accents, and you've got Merchants. But yes, just to see the space is worthy of a pop inside, so get on it. Apparently we walked in to the middle of a total computer meltdown, and our bartender gave us a heads up that it may be a while. He seemed flustered, to say the least. It had definitely been a rough night, and I wouldn't say he was excited to see us. Especially when we decided to stick around *and* order food. The servers' uniform is a little overkill on the hipster quotient: plaid shirts and suspenders, no joke. But I suppose it could be a lot worse. And dude warmed up to us as the night went on, especially once the computer system was back up and running. The cheeseburger was delightful, but that may have been due to our rumbly bellies and the late hour. I do remember a double, slightly overdone patty served up on some fantastic bread. And seriously yummy fries, *and* they were nice enough to split it in two for us and serve it on two separate plates: I've never seen a place do that with a burger, and it was appreciated. You may think I'm crazy for having a Clover Club with a cheeseburger, but that's just what I did. And I loved that I could do it here. And that the Clover Club was served in a lowball rather than a martini glass: heaven in my eyes. If I end up back in Nashville at some point, I'll be coming back here.
(4)Glenn F.
Merchants is one of the most reliable restaurants in the Broadway/downtown area of Nashville. The food is well planned and put together great. The prices are reasonable and service and ambiance is always superb. The fish tacos, chicken fried chicken and salmon are my favorite. The Johnny Cash Chili is overated and overpriced. I haven't been there for drinks, but today I noticed the bar tender working diligently trying to perfect various concoctions. I give it a thumbs up!
(4)Tarra J.
The upstairs "upscale" section of the restaurant had a small menu of unique but not over-the-top dishes. Food was delicious and served with a smile. Definitely recommend!
(4)Seed M.
Everything was great. Had the Mac N Cheese and it was good. My dates had Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches. Everyone was happy it was a great time. The server was so pretty. Wish you were mine. HE HE
(4)Jeremy E.
Went before a Preds game. Food was good. Duck fat tots were very good. Way overpriced and the service was extremely lacking. Water glasses were empty, and they didn't take the plates off of our table when we were done with apps which made for a cluster**** when entrees came. Only reason why they can stay in business is because they are located right downtown and people don't have a choice.
(3)Annie D.
Culinary angels live in this kitchen wearing chef's hats and yelling for more truffle oil. I swear. The service was great---patient, knowledgeable and warm. The atmosphere is amazing too---dim, bold colors, dark wood, crystal chandeliers, wrought iron and this vintage-modern-gothic feel. And the food. AAAH. Starters of foie gras, shrimp and grits, cheesy gnocchi. I ordered the filet for my entree, which was one of the best steaks I've ever had (and I used to live in Argentina, land of grass-fed beef). It came with au jus, potatoes and some other stuff I just scarfed happily without taking notes. They change the accouterments seasonally, so you can expect some variety. I also nabbed a bite of chocolate bread pudding (OMG) and Rachel F's short ribs and truffled cauliflower. Short ribs were a winner, but the cauliflower had me wishing there were some biscuits lying around because it tasted like gravy. Do with that what you will. The sour Clover Club was my drink of choice. It's a craft cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, housemade raspberry puree and egg white. Get this and be happy. There are separate menus for upstairs and down. Down is more casual (but still pretty chic) and upstairs is fancy-town. I mean that in the best way because it isn't pretentious in the least. I wish I could have eaten at Merchants every night I was in Nashville. As much as I might like, I wouldn't be able to afford eating here daily unless I was growing money in my backyard (which I am not, for the record---so stay out of my garden). It's probably best to come for a celebration with your friends and loved ones or an impressive date with your number one guy/gal.
(5)Jennifer M.
This was a very nice restaurant. Food was extremely good! I had the crab guacamole and chicken fried chicken. Mmmm. I was glad we went there. It is hipster classy and could recommend it for the young adults or old adults.
(4)Hailey D.
Maybe it was because I was way too tired to eat..I don't know. But it wasn't what I thought it would be. I ordered fish tacos with sweet potato fries. Fries were awesome, crisp and delicious. Fish tacos? I loved how they put lettuce instead of cabbage. But I hated that they put red onions in it. It just was not what I would expect from fish tacos. My friends ordered steak and lamb steak respectively. Lamb steak came out perfect. But steak was overcooked. She ordered medium rare but it was medium well done. Of course they didn't charge for it, after my friend declined to have it fixed. Food was fine. Service was acceptable, except when the waitress spilt water on our table, dropped a lemon wedge on the floor, and spilt my friend's sweet tea. The place was nice...except the tile floor just didn't go with upscale looking interior. Overall it was OK..I probably won't return. The menu didn't have the variety I expected.
(3)Janie M.
Merchants is my go to restaurant whenever I have guests in town. It's in the heart of downtown, the food is pretty decent and I've always had really great service there. The lines are sometimes long on a Friday or Saturday, but thanks to Open Table I never have to worry about waiting anymore!
(4)Carolyn F.
Had dinner upstairs. Pretty solid for a higher-end meal but there were definitely a few misses. The lighting was very dim and the tables are pretty spaced out, producing a muted and somewhat dead atmosphere (vs the very bright and lively downstairs). Sitting next to the window, you can check out the action at the honky tonks across the street. We started out with a complimentary amuse-bouche of gougere, which was fine. The shrimp and grits appetizer was outstanding. Super tender shrimp and a great smoky and buttery flavor to the dish overall. The duck risotto was fine but somewhat salty. The steak was alright, with very tender meat and good flavor. The pheasant was four or five pieces of breast meat and tasted fine if a little bland. I wished the bird was served on the bone for more flavor and brought out sooner, as it was lukewarm when it arrived. Both entrees seemed to be decently well-executed but I found neither to be exciting. Besides the shrimp and grits, the other truly outstanding dish was the soft chocolate dessert. This alone would make me return to the restaurant! Imaginative combination of flavors (malt chocolate and balsamic) with delicious mint ice cream. Yummmm.
(4)Katie L.
This is for the first floor restaurant. Yummy! We tried the cheese appetizer and it lived up to its description. Our table had the brisket, steak frites, chowder and pork loin. The pork loin is probably the best pork loin I have ever had. The corn bread is real corn bread- so good. The meat was all well seasoned and moist. The bernaise sauce that comes with the steak frites was almost drinkable it had such great flavor. The service was top notch, our drinks were never empty - our pop cups were never empty. Our server brought out extra chips for our appetizer. A really nice place, you are going to pay a little more but you are definitely paying for quality of ingredients, local meats etc. and this is worth it to me. Also, they have complimentary valet which is a nice added touch especially so you do not have to pay for parking downtown and only have to pay a tip. I would go back for the wonderful cuisine any time I was in town.
(4)Hannah J.
I went here for a late casual lunch yesterday. The first thing to note about this place is that there are 2 sections to the restaurant and they have different menus. The upstairs sounds a little more fancy and on my tour it was more of a classic dining room feel. It had great light fixtures and dark walls with a great vibe. The 3rd floor was more empty and seemed like a great place for business luncheon or party. Also, they let us just walk around and tour the building since it's so historic. Downstairs is more casual- this is where I ate. It's an old pharmacy/soda shop. The bar is behind the original marble counter top. The seating is booth style with marble table tops as well. They were even playing football on flat screens. First, the cocktails were awesome. I had my favorite: Dark and Stormy. It almost rivals that of the Patterson house. We also had the fried green tomatoes app, but it was not that freshly made. And they served it was some pimento topping and jalapeno salsa. Not my favorite. For the main course, they have only 2 veggie options: friend green tomato sandwich and a veggie burger. I opted for the veggie burger. It was alright. Nothing to write home about. This is the only reason they got 3 stars. It was just wasn't that exciting of a menu. On the other hand, the service was awesome. Partly because it was slow, but also because everyone was super nice. I hope to get back to try the upstairs dining room. I will update then, Maybe they'll move up to 4 stars?
(3)Mike M.
Service good. Rsvp'd online and it worked nicely. Food was above average not the best I ever had. Mac and cheese and fish taco's good. Fish taco was a little watery from the liquid in the fish they made it with but still was good. The crab guacamole was pretty good also. In the middle of broad and recommended by conciere. I'd come here again. Waiter was slow to clear off plates after we ate. Restaurant was slowing down at this point too.
(3)Gene G.
We tried out the down stairs area where things are of more casual nature. Very white, but well decorated area almost feeling like your in an old time drug store. I like the get up the bartenders wear, bow tie, suspenders, and jeans as whoever chose to make the uniforms that way made a nice choice. The drink menu was well done on the mixed side, the beer selection is mediocre and does not have any draft selections. There also wasn't the option of a chilled glasses for the beers. The service was meteoker, but the food is done extremely well. This is a well rounded diner fitting almost any type of situation. This place is in a pretty happening area and the building is gorgeous. I had a pimento cheese and bacon burger, that was fine. Pros: Drink Menu Good Food Nice Decor and Character Good Location Cons: Mediocre Service Limited Beer Menu
(4)Emily M.
This place had me a little befuddled. The drinks were awesome, A+, we had moscow mules, dark and stormy's and a specialty martini. The food was delicious, the steaks were just right, asparagus was cooked to perfection, caprese app was lovely, and the gnocchi was really enjoyable to indulge in. The service was good, friendly peeps. However....the layout and the decor, stunk. We sat upstairs and it felt very cold, bare, and old. More importantly, the bathroom was dirty, looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months. Who wants to pay $40 for a steak and not enjoy the entire experience? And if the bathroom for the patrons isn't sparkling, it makes me wonder how they (don't) take care of the actual kitchen, etc. So, good food, good drinks, and pee with your eyes closed. :)
(3)Marty Y.
Reminds me of a classy southern plantation but the middle of all of the honky tonks on Broadway. Had the blackened talapia and ate at the bar during lunch. Not the kind of place you would got drinks, but its a classy restaurant. Dig it. 4 stars.
(4)Janet S.
I've done both dinner and lunch here and both were satisfactory, dinner was a little pricey but we enjoyed playing tourist and being downtown. Lunch this week was macaroni and cheese with jalapeno and ham, not quite as baked as I would like it but tasty and filling. My friend's salad was delicious and a generous portion. Cocktails - Tennesse mojito quite fabulous, especially as it was lunchtime (naughty!). It's across the street from my new office so I suspect I'll be spending more time here. Service very professional. Lunch came to $25 each for two inc tip.
(3)Whitney H.
Some friends and I ate at Merchants on a trip to Nashville out of a recommendation from a friend and it was absolutely amazing. Not only was the food delicious, our service was outstanding and you can't beat the wine selection. I would highly recommend Merchants.
(5)Meredith H.
I gotta be honest, I wasn't impressed. It was a cool place to eat, but I don't know if I'll be going back. We did get there late, and they were really cool about it (we had reservations for 8 and got there around 8:15) but we had to wait about 20 minutes for them to clean off a table (totally understandable.) We were shown to our table, got our lukewarm water (apparently it's cool in Europe to not put ice in your water, which is what they do here. I've been to Europe and I got ice there all the time without asking, so who knows.) and we ordered appetizers. We were so excited for our crab guac dip, and one other one, but we literally waited probably 30 minutes. By this time, our food should have come and we flagged down our waiter who didn't remember to put the apps in, so he apologized and said that they would still come, and he'd bring them AFTER our main meal. Whatever. He felt bad and I think he waived the price and offered us free desert, but we passed on it. It was good food, though! I got the grilled salmon BLT and it was delicious! I just didn't like the service.
(2)mumin k.
I was at Merchants again and fell in love with this place one more time. The drinks here are amazing. You simply can not go wrong by ordering anything on the cocktail menu. The bartenders here definitely know what they are doing. They are NOT just mixing stuff but are doing a magic with these drinks. This time I had the turkey leg confit sandwich which was simply amazing. It took me back to the days when I was having a duck confit sandwich in France. Highly recommended. I think this is one of the best places in town. I am planning to go there late in the evening and sit in the bar and have at least 3-4 of my favorite cocktails.
(5)Butch A.
Stopped in for drinks the other evening. I am a Los Angeles based Nashvegas regular by the way. I brought my business associates, and we sat at the bar. Our mixologist, Will, was great. Drinks were killer. A good time was had by all. The food is always excellent, as is the entire team at Merchants. If you find yourself on Broadway - treat yourself. You may also become a convert;)
(5)John R.
Were do I start. At the door the valet pick up my car with a smile. Based on the cars he probably sees each evening, that was a good sign. Moving into the restaurant we were welcomed upstairs. We ordered the hot chicken app. The serving temp was hot but the spice was lacking. Good capture of the southern specialty but could have used more heat. Salad was the blue cheese lemon vin on a wedge. Bacon and Blue was great but the lemon seemed a little off. A nut or lime may have complimented better. The entree was the ribeye and gnocchi. Temperature and sauce was perfect, however seasoning was toooooo salty. May need another BP tablet tonight. I do want to say that the service was very attentive and punctual. This was a nice compliment leading to a good gratuity. Thank you overall. Overall value is falling behind........maybe downstairs is the place to be?
(2)Grayson W.
The food was very good and the place seemed classy, but I thought it could stand a little updating and I I thought it was a tad overpriced.
(3)Maureen R.
Merchants is a calm oasis in the craziness that is Broadway in Nashville. As first-timers to Nashville, we enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the street. and shopped and bar-hopped in and out of all the crazy places. But when it came time to eat lunch, we gladly diverted from it temporarily. We were visiting on a recent Sunday and stumbled into the filming of a beer commercial (think Clydesdale horses). The street was blocked off to vehicles but pedestrians were still able to walk the length of Broadway and watch the staging and rehearsals for the commercial. So that just added to the fun vibe of the street. When it came time for lunch, we thought of eating at one of the places with a rooftop patio so we could continue to view the filming. After climbing two flights of stairs at one of the most popular chain honky-tonks, we discovered the rooftop was a cacophony of noise - music from a live band was way too loud. We quickly retreated and went in search of a better choice. Merchants did not have a menu posted outside and we were unsure of the type of food they served. We hesitantly ventured inside and found it a bit awkward that you have to walk to the back of the restaurant to find the host and request a table. We requested a look at the menu, which Hans, the host, gladly offered. We mentioned that we were enjoying the filming that was going on right outside the front of the restaurant. Much to our delight, Hans showed us to a booth that was tucked into a corner against the front window and removed the "reserved" sign from the table. We had a birds-eye view of the action on the street while we lounged in air-conditioned comfort eating the addictive, complimentary herbed popcorn. Thank you, Hans - this is exactly what we had in mind. Our server, Paul, made some recommendations and shared some insight about the menu. I chose the soup and sandwich combo, priced at $11, and couldn't have been happier with my entree. I received a generous bowl of shrimp and corn bisque that was a meal in itself. My grilled cheese sandwich was a gooey-three cheese delight that came with house-made potato chips. My friend had a burger, similarly priced, that she raved about. Paul was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. We lingered over a shared piece of pecan pie for dessert as we continued to watch the action happening right on the other side of our window. Thanks to Hans and Paul for making our lunch at Merchants the best part of our day on Broadway!
(5)Kim T.
Lamb steak was amazing... Juicy, tender, very well seasoned... Flavorful. The first bite was a symphony of flavor and I am not even a huge fan of lamb!!!. Pot roast was ai'ght. Sweet potato puree a little runny. It needed a little seasoning. In general good atmosphere, good food, good local beer. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.
(3)Maksim F.
Great food, very nice service, and awesome location!
(5)Kola H.
I decided to try Merchants immediately after seeing the many 4+ star reviews and multiple notes on how the place was "surprisingly great quality food despite being in the tourist trap". The interior was bright and contemporary with a beautiful copper bar, antiqued mirrors and the barkeeps wore cute bow ties & suspenders (very prohibition of them). I warned my bar tender that I was a "foodie" so the food had better be good, he laughed, told me about a special dinner and book signing that was happening with Maneet Chauhan of The Food Network's "Chopped" but my flight was just before the event so I couldn't make it :/ He suggested the fried green tomatoes and salmon blt, but as I'm still on my "pescetarian" diet opted for the mahi mahi tacos w/jalapeno aioli, guac and slaw. The food came out in good timing and the plate looked fresh, appetizing and the cilantro and thinly sliced radish bits were a great touch! The slaw was very lightly dressed so it hardly tasted like any coleslaw I'm used to, but that was a good thing! Thanks again to Will and Speedy for the great info and service- I'd definitely come back again ;)
(4)Lauren S.
Overall: Tasty, but basic menu with a bistro-type flair. A nice departure from the honky-tonks downtown. Food/Drink: I'm usually not a big appetizer fan but I was with a big group so we got a few things to munch on. Thumbs up to the tater tots, especially with the white/vinegary dipping sauce. I was also pleasantly surprised with the beet & goat cheese crostini. It was more beet juice mixed with goat cheese which, given that I hate beets, was great. There are a variety of sandwich-type items on the entree list and they are pretty large. Picks for my table included the roast beef, burger, salmon BLT and grilled chicken (from what I could see) and everyone seemed to enjoy it! For the side option, choose the sweet potato fries. The drinks featured are more "old time" drinks with gin, whiskey, brandy, bitters etc. Not really my cup of tea, but they did sound impressive. Atmosphere/Service: I ate downstairs in the more casual area but there is a more fine dining option upstairs. It was very open/clean and the service was fine. Food came out quickly and our waitress was attentive without being annoying. Cost: Appetizers range from $6 - $10 and sandwiches are about $12.
(3)Buddy R.
A little better than most of the touristy places on Broadway. We ate downstairs - which is the more casual. We ate at the bar because we were there during a convention and the place was crowded. The building looks quite old as does the bar area, but all was clean and well maintained. Food was good but not exceptional. I had an excellent hamburger and my wifes salad was very good. Service was fine.
(3)Louise B.
Excellent dining experience. Get the Tennessee Mojito. Best cocktail I have ever had. Ate downstairs at a table by the window. Wonderful view of the Broadway action outside. Wait staff was very professional and attentive. All of us four got different entrees and were delicious. I highly recommend Merchant's.
(5)Andrea Q.
Went to Nashville in May of 2009 and finally getting around to my reviews of the area. 4 stars for food, but knocking a star for sketchy credit card billing. Merchants had good food and nice place to sit outside. I went here with 5 of my girlfriends before going to the Grand Ole Opry to see Steve Martin's banjo debut. Merchants was great at accommodating us - we were kind of in a rush to eat and get out of there so we wouldn't be late for the show. I had the Southern Chicken Cordon Bleu which was a pecan crusted chicken breast stuffed with ham and swiss cheese in a creamy dijon sage sauce. It was served with sauteed spinach and Andouille sausage grit cakes. YUM!!! The whole meal was delicious. My friends all enjoyed their meals as well. Our waiter was kind of a dick- he wasn't even remotely friendly or personable and seemed really distracted. He also over charged my credit card and a friend's credit card by adding in an extra 18% tip on top of the 18% that was already included in the bill. We only found this out after we left Nashville and checked out bank statements. Not cool at all. When we each called the restaurant, they claimed to not have records of it and said they couldn't help us with the overcharge - not a cool practice Merchants! An honest mistake is one thing, having been a waiter for a long time myself, I know that sometimes a number is entered incorrectly but the restaurant should own up and fix the mistake instead of claiming to not be able to do anything about it. And for it to happen to more than one person at a table? Makes it even more likely that it was done on purpose. If I was in Nashville again, I would probably eat there because I really enjoyed my meal but service could be better and I will pay with cash next time!
(3)Sara R.
This is by far the best restaurant in Nashville. It is perfect for residents and tourist alike. The service at Merchants has always been incredible. Drinks are always made perfectly. My favorite dish is the sweet tea pork loin. But everything I've had is delicious. We always seem to order an appetizer with dinner, but it's not necessary. All meals are filling enough!! Come out to Merchants for a great all around dining experience. You won't regret it!
(5)Megan H.
I love this place... it is what every restaurant should aim to be: focused, fresh, and friendly. First off, the menu had variety but wasn't huge. The food they did offer was some of the best I've had in awhile. I ordered the spinach salad and requested blackened salmon on top and they hooked me up! The blue cheese crumbles they used were so pillowy soft, and tangy delicious that I'm still thinking about them 3 days later! They did fumble a bit and forgot my appetizer but they went above and beyond to make up for it by offering a free dessert which we were sadly too full to take them up on, but I really applaud their customer service. This place is really a gem in the heart of downtown Nashville.
(5)Sarah L.
I was in Nashville for business during the week of the CMAs. I wanted to get out and be around the energy while playing it safe and avoiding the honkey tonk craziness alone. I ended up at Merchants bar. The server was great. The food was ok. I ordered fried green tomatoes, and the breading kind of crumbled off. The bread on my salmon blt was a bit over toasted. But all in all, it was a fine place.
(3)Carrie B.
I'll go with 5 on this one, we were looking for a place to grab a bite while passing through Nashville and since the downtown area was in walking distance of our hotel we had plenty of places to choose from. The iPhone again made the decision based on the location and after reading a couple of reviews, decided this was the place. When we saw the building we had to try it. It's split up into a more formal dining room and a casual soda fountain/pharmacy area, which is what the 130+ year old building used to house. There is original pharmacy signage on the walls on the 3rd floor and it's always great to see a place reuse so much from the original structure, like the original pharmacy countertops. The service was great, everyone was so friendly and even though we only had the smoked salmon appetizer, the food was great and we will definitely come back the next time we're in Nashville.
(5)Sadie F.
We visited the downstairs on a saturday night. There was a 30-40 minute wait at 6PM so We decided to sit at the bar for dinner and drinks. The bartender took care of us and made us some strong mixed drinks. They were pretty tasty. For dinner we had the fried green tomato BLT w/ french fries. The sandwich was a very large portion; it was on thick toast and came with a tasty mayo and red onions. The fries were also a large portion and had a tasty seasoning on it. Overall, we were pleased with the taste, quality and portion of the food. It also came super quickly. The service was decent, a little slow when it was time to check out but overall pleasant.
(4)Andalee C.
Amazing food upstairs in their fancy restaurant and downstairs at the bar. We had a huge garden salad for $6 downstairs and the fried green tomatoes. Both were great. We had dinner upstairs: the juiciest chicken I've ever had. High end, fantastic food of far better quality than we expected in the downtown area. A perfect alternative to the fried bologna sandwiches offered at the other places on Broadway.
(5)David W.
So I took a client here on business as I had previously been for lunch one day and thought this was a super cool spot. It is on Broadway which is the tourist trap, but has an old school vibe, black and white checkered floors, and waiters in suspenders and cool outfits. Great craft cocktail list and lunch was pretty stellar too. Did dinner downstairs in the bistro area. less formal of course. Service was really good, food average especially for the price. Cocktails were great. wine list was just okay. i would highly recommend this spot for lunch and cocktails. would consider doing their upstairs dining for a more formal dinner.
(3)Adrienne K.
Fabulous Steak Frites! Wonderful service, great location!
(4)Chris G.
I gave it 4 Stars - - - but only because I am very stingy with that 5th star. Really nothing to keep me from that, or complain about. I may even call it 4 and 1/2 stars, as we had a great meal. Merchant's has two sections - - Upstairs and Downstairs. Each of these two sections has its own menu. The Upstairs has a pricier menu, and we opted for the lower-priced Downstairs section. We made a reservation through OpenTable here on the Yelp Website, and they had our table for two in the Downstairs section waiting for us as we arrived. When you make your reservation on OpenTable, it asks you to specify "Upstairs or Downstairs". I think you can look on the restaurant's website to see which menu appeals your taste/budget. The easy reservation process allowed us ample time to enjoy a relaxing dinner before the concert at The Ryman. The Downstairs menu is not too long - - - pretty much one page for food and appetizers, and the flip-side for drinks and cocktails. My wife and I both found plenty to suit our taste-buds. The decor is cool, with a beautiful marble bar and tables. The prices were not too bad. My wife and I had a couple of Champagne Cocktails along with the Wings Appetizer. Then we both had entrees, and shared a dessert and coffee - - - all of this for a total of $78 plus Tip. I tipped our waiter 25% because of his "attentive, yet unobtrusive" service that he rendered. There are plenty of other restaurants in downtown Nashville that I still want to try, but if you are looking for a good place to take your date before a show or after a ballgame, you can't go wrong with Merchant's. Maybe you'll see me there again when you show up.
(4)Buddy B.
*This is a review of the more affordable, casual downstairs section* Visually, the place is fantastic. Ergo the two stars (and that's being lenient: visuals make 2 stars in a restaurant setting?). However, the burger was dry and boring, even after I tried to make it interesting with smoked gouda and bbq sauce. And finally, the music. While I do like the Buzzcocks and the faster White Stripes numbers, this ain't the place for them. This place isn't a dark bar. It's got the feel of a burger joint. The music just made us give up trying to have a conversation. And the social anxiety! I can't remember ever praying for the server to not come over and fill up our water glasses.
(2)Brenda K.
I was visiting friends and believe it or not, they have been in Nashville 6 years and have never been. We ate upstairs in the restaurant and were very pleased with our dinner and service. Only in the south would the amuse bushce would be a pork rind on beer cheddar cheese! I had the beet salad, crab cakes and gnocchi mac and cheese. All very tasty! Small portions for the meaty men with us, but I was very satisfied with my choices and just the right amount of food. Service was excellent - my friends drink was not right and when it was redone, the bartender personally brought up the right one! I highly recommend giving this place a try.
(4)Sean C.
Very good food, sat downstairs which offers more casual southern style fare, excellent service and cool retro ambiance makes this place a can't miss. A great diversion from all the honky tonk bars downtown.
(4)Angie K.
Loved this place! We strolled in there not expecting amazingness and ended up loving it. Deviled eggs as as app, and a variety of entrees we were all happy! Also the price is right. Good drinks, great popcorn, very good service. Worth the wait!
(5)Steve S.
A clean, well-lit restaurant with a hip nod to the 1890's. Was in town for a business meeting and after wandering on Broadway, listening to the music pouring out on the streets, I stopped in and grabbed a seat at the bar. The bartender, in suspenders and bow tie, was amazingly efficient. Bringing me popcorn to snack on and filling my diet coke whenever the glass was half full. Grilled chicken sandwich with onion, avocado and spicy aoli was excellent but better still were the duck fat tater tots. Could not have asked for a better first impression of Nashville.
(4)