Elegant but down to earth dine in eatery. Food was great, my friend had the risotto and was blown away by the added rib. I had a burger and thought it was one of the better burgers I’d had. Just don’t expect lettuce or tomato on it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Madison Burger w Side
Sandy Caughlan
Cool looking place. Service was good. The food and drinks were underwhelming. Had the risotto, which was bland. I typically don't salt my food much, but this was one note. Needed more acid, salt, or something. We had the gin, raspberry, lime, egg white drink, and it was incredibly sour. Like drinking lime juice. Requested some simple syrup to make it drinkable. The onion fondue was good. Although I was expecting a cheesy onion fondue, it was not. It was like French onion soup without the broth. It was still yummy with the chips. That was my favorite thing here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Melissa L.
Went to the Merchant to have a nice date night, food was delicious although a bit pricey, interior was a nice, dimly lit modern vibe Carmelized onion fondue (8/10): was more of a dip rather than fondue, but the flavor was incredible, chips were good too although my personal preference would have been some crusty baguette slices Charcuterie board (10/10): wouldn't change a thing, every element was sooo good especially the mustard which was a surprise, loved the variety Braised short rib (9/10): short rib was so soft and almost melted on the tongue, enjoyed the potatoes and beet underneath as well, cabbage puree was an interesting choice a bit grainy but didn't take away from the dish Steak frites (7/10): steak was smaller than expected, fries could've been crispier but were still solid Only concerning part of our experience was that our waiter seemed a bit afraid of us and wouldn't check in very often. He also waited for a group of white women sitting behind us and seemed much more comfortable and chatty. I can't help but wonder whether this was because of our racial identity (me and my partner are both Chinese), but don't want to make any assumptions. Waiter wasn't malicious by any means and provided standard service which was just a bit awkward/uncomfortable.
Courtney M.
This was an absolute fav!!! It is in such a convenient spot, right off the square. Our waiter was extremely friendly! And the service was so fast! Pictured is the two appetizers we got. We got the caramelized onion fondue and fried cheese curds! Both were absolutely phenomenal! The drink pictured is the "Something in the Orange" and my friend got "Lavender Haze." Both of the drinks were super yummy! For dinner I got the Oklahoma onion burger and she got the Crispy fried chicken sandwich! We both enjoyed our meals! One thing was we each got salad as our side. The salad could have used some fixings and more dressing. It was just lettuce with no cucumber, tomato, onion, croutons.. nothing. But overall, this was an amazing dinner and drink atmosphere. It's so cute inside and it such an inviting place. I highly recommend if you're ever in the Madison area!!
Linds H.
My husband and I love Lucille, so we figured we had to give Merchant (its' sister restaurant) a try. We had a great experience here! The interior is very aesthetic and modern. We stopped by for happy hour after work, and each got a few cocktails and some appetizers. The cheese curds were delicious! The cocktail menu is unique and reasonably-priced. The bartenders were very friendly, and took care of us well. We'll be back!
Cheri Stratte
Absolutely loved the food choices. Everything was fantastic. The location was awesome and atmosphere was very fun.
Jennie H
Got the Costco gift cards, thought we would give this place a shot. When we checked in for our 5:30 reservation we were told that there was another party coming at 7:30 and they would need the table for that. Very odd, I've never had a timeline for a restaurant that didn't have booked experiences.Got the cheese curds and the bogo wine for our appetizers. Wine was good, the cheese in the curds was good. The batter around the cheese was a little harder than I like but ok. The ranch they served it with had no flavor.My husband got the Spiced Black Manhattan, which was good, though the gingerbread syrup was little overpowering at the end.I had the braised short rib with roasted potatoes. Overall very mid. The meat was well cooked but needed some seasoning. The potatoes seemed baked more than roasted and has no seasoning.My husband had the steak frites. The steak was charred on the outside and rare on the inside. Aioli with it was ok.Overall, felt the time limit for the dining experience was a little off putting and the food overpriced for what you got. Wouldn't go back except maybe for a cocktail.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Sameet Sapra
Good vibes and ambiance! I liked the large open seating areas, comfortable booths.Excellent cheese curds, but neither of our brunch dishes (omelette, 2 eggs) were that special.The breakfast potatoes could’ve spent a bit more time getting crispy. There was also a lack of seasoning, which was disappointing.
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds
J D
Had the onion fondue and drinks...real
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Rodney Jenkins
5 stars in the hopes the Merchant makes a comeback!*The Way We Were - Barbara
Handy because we could get a brunch reservation. They weren't busy on Sunday and it was quiet, which was good. Our server Grant was great. Service was slowish- not his fault. Menu and food was ok. We probably won't be back. Not because it was bad, just wasn't that great.
Reel N.
Went to the Merchant for Valentine's Day. Fixed menu but we decided to do it anyway. The bar was nice. The atmosphere was really neat since their remodel. The food was "fine." The drinks were visually pleasing, though pricey for what you got. Apparently, paying for the presentation not the alcohol. Asked wife if she'd want to return. She said maybe for the ambiance and one drink. Would give 3.5 stars but rating won't allow half stars.
Piotr Langner
Walked in right now and restaurant emptyWas told there is no room on SundayCalled them and they said it’s fullLet’s see if they will be….Bunch of kids serving…..Manager said sorry about it….
Jerry McLain
Just a cool spot. Has the downtown Madison alternative vibe open to all. Craft cocktails and great food. Frites are sick. You won’t stop until they are gone. The merchant burger..best bun I’ve ever tasted. Great curds, eggs benedict…stop it. So good yet somehow undiscovered. Music was brunchtastic. Great mix fit the vibe. Go soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tim Riley (UglyStix)
Wasn't thrilled with the food but maybe it just wasn't for me.
Elegant but down to earth dine in eatery. Food was great, my friend had the risotto and was blown away by the added rib. I had a burger and thought it was one of the better burgers I’d had. Just don’t expect lettuce or tomato on it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Madison Burger w Side
Cool looking place. Service was good. The food and drinks were underwhelming. Had the risotto, which was bland. I typically don't salt my food much, but this was one note. Needed more acid, salt, or something. We had the gin, raspberry, lime, egg white drink, and it was incredibly sour. Like drinking lime juice. Requested some simple syrup to make it drinkable. The onion fondue was good. Although I was expecting a cheesy onion fondue, it was not. It was like French onion soup without the broth. It was still yummy with the chips. That was my favorite thing here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Went to the Merchant to have a nice date night, food was delicious although a bit pricey, interior was a nice, dimly lit modern vibe Carmelized onion fondue (8/10): was more of a dip rather than fondue, but the flavor was incredible, chips were good too although my personal preference would have been some crusty baguette slices Charcuterie board (10/10): wouldn't change a thing, every element was sooo good especially the mustard which was a surprise, loved the variety Braised short rib (9/10): short rib was so soft and almost melted on the tongue, enjoyed the potatoes and beet underneath as well, cabbage puree was an interesting choice a bit grainy but didn't take away from the dish Steak frites (7/10): steak was smaller than expected, fries could've been crispier but were still solid Only concerning part of our experience was that our waiter seemed a bit afraid of us and wouldn't check in very often. He also waited for a group of white women sitting behind us and seemed much more comfortable and chatty. I can't help but wonder whether this was because of our racial identity (me and my partner are both Chinese), but don't want to make any assumptions. Waiter wasn't malicious by any means and provided standard service which was just a bit awkward/uncomfortable.
This was an absolute fav!!! It is in such a convenient spot, right off the square. Our waiter was extremely friendly! And the service was so fast! Pictured is the two appetizers we got. We got the caramelized onion fondue and fried cheese curds! Both were absolutely phenomenal! The drink pictured is the "Something in the Orange" and my friend got "Lavender Haze." Both of the drinks were super yummy! For dinner I got the Oklahoma onion burger and she got the Crispy fried chicken sandwich! We both enjoyed our meals! One thing was we each got salad as our side. The salad could have used some fixings and more dressing. It was just lettuce with no cucumber, tomato, onion, croutons.. nothing. But overall, this was an amazing dinner and drink atmosphere. It's so cute inside and it such an inviting place. I highly recommend if you're ever in the Madison area!!
My husband and I love Lucille, so we figured we had to give Merchant (its' sister restaurant) a try. We had a great experience here! The interior is very aesthetic and modern. We stopped by for happy hour after work, and each got a few cocktails and some appetizers. The cheese curds were delicious! The cocktail menu is unique and reasonably-priced. The bartenders were very friendly, and took care of us well. We'll be back!
Absolutely loved the food choices. Everything was fantastic. The location was awesome and atmosphere was very fun.
Got the Costco gift cards, thought we would give this place a shot. When we checked in for our 5:30 reservation we were told that there was another party coming at 7:30 and they would need the table for that. Very odd, I've never had a timeline for a restaurant that didn't have booked experiences.Got the cheese curds and the bogo wine for our appetizers. Wine was good, the cheese in the curds was good. The batter around the cheese was a little harder than I like but ok. The ranch they served it with had no flavor.My husband got the Spiced Black Manhattan, which was good, though the gingerbread syrup was little overpowering at the end.I had the braised short rib with roasted potatoes. Overall very mid. The meat was well cooked but needed some seasoning. The potatoes seemed baked more than roasted and has no seasoning.My husband had the steak frites. The steak was charred on the outside and rare on the inside. Aioli with it was ok.Overall, felt the time limit for the dining experience was a little off putting and the food overpriced for what you got. Wouldn't go back except maybe for a cocktail.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Good vibes and ambiance! I liked the large open seating areas, comfortable booths.Excellent cheese curds, but neither of our brunch dishes (omelette, 2 eggs) were that special.The breakfast potatoes could’ve spent a bit more time getting crispy. There was also a lack of seasoning, which was disappointing.
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds
Had the onion fondue and drinks...real
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
5 stars in the hopes the Merchant makes a comeback!*The Way We Were - Barbara
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Handy because we could get a brunch reservation. They weren't busy on Sunday and it was quiet, which was good. Our server Grant was great. Service was slowish- not his fault. Menu and food was ok. We probably won't be back. Not because it was bad, just wasn't that great.
Went to the Merchant for Valentine's Day. Fixed menu but we decided to do it anyway. The bar was nice. The atmosphere was really neat since their remodel. The food was "fine." The drinks were visually pleasing, though pricey for what you got. Apparently, paying for the presentation not the alcohol. Asked wife if she'd want to return. She said maybe for the ambiance and one drink. Would give 3.5 stars but rating won't allow half stars.
Walked in right now and restaurant emptyWas told there is no room on SundayCalled them and they said it’s fullLet’s see if they will be….Bunch of kids serving…..Manager said sorry about it….
Just a cool spot. Has the downtown Madison alternative vibe open to all. Craft cocktails and great food. Frites are sick. You won’t stop until they are gone. The merchant burger..best bun I’ve ever tasted. Great curds, eggs benedict…stop it. So good yet somehow undiscovered. Music was brunchtastic. Great mix fit the vibe. Go soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wasn't thrilled with the food but maybe it just wasn't for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5