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About
Merchant Madison
Welcome to one of Madison’s culinary gems, Merchant Madison, where traditional comfort food meets modern American cuisine in a vibrant setting. Nestled at 121 S Pinckney St, this trendy hotspot is perfect for both casual dining and festive gatherings, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Merchant Madison embodies the spirit of New American dining, offering an eclectic menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences—whether you’re pescatarian, vegan, or simply craving a hearty burger. The ambiance is hip yet welcoming, ideal for enjoying a meal with friends or family any day of the week, particularly during the lively weekends.
- Reservations & Accessibility: The restaurant is accessible to all, equipped with wheelchair access and gender-neutral restrooms. Reservations can be made for a hassle-free experience.
- Culinary Highlights: Indulge in their Merchant Burger, featuring a juicy double patty and rich flavors, or enjoy the creative Cauliflower Cobb Salad, a delightful twist on a classic that packs a flavorful punch.
- Happy Hour & Beyond: Experience their happy hour specials and enjoy craft cocktails like the Tell Tale Heart Mule, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- Kid-Friendly Options: Not just for adults, Merchant Madison also offers a robust kids' menu, making it a great spot for family dinners.
- Outdoor Seating & Pet-Friendly: The charming outdoor area allows you to enjoy your meal al fresco while accommodating your furry friends, making it extra inviting.
From the moment you step inside, the vibrant decor captures your attention, with seasonal themes that enhance the dining experience. Guests have praised the “Nightmare Before Christmas” decor during the holidays, which adds a whimsical touch to the atmosphere. As Susanna M. mentions, the staff is friendly and the ambiance delightful, providing an overall enjoyable dining adventure.
One of the standout features of Merchant Madison is their commitment to quality and creativity. As Brian J. observed, the new layout and warm ambiance create a comfortable space for dining. The corn bisque with mussels is another favorite, delivering both warmth and flavor—a must-try for anyone looking for something unique and comforting on the menu.
In summary, whether you’re getting together for a lively dinner with friends, a family outing, or even a solo meal to unwind, Merchant Madison promises an inviting and delicious experience. This establishment has truly become a beloved favorite in the Madison dining scene, setting the bar high for comfort food with a stylish twist.
Make your way to Merchant Madison, where great food, an inviting atmosphere, and friendly service await!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I like going to Merchant at Christmas time. Their decor is so fun and the ambiance is great. I usually get their burgers and the staff are always super friendly! The food is a little on the pricier side for what you get but it is a still a good experience. ”
“ I hadn't been in the Merchant since the remodeling and it was opened up with soft lighting and nice relaxing music playing. Parking is very close by in a inclosed ramp,great for this January weather! Whiskey sour was excellent and they have dry January fifty percent off pricing on mocktails! Deviled eggs and cheese curds with hot honey sauce were delicious. Get the suggested Shrimp cakes! It was not busy when they opened on a Saturday evening and service was quick and friendly. We will be back soon! ”
“ Merchant currently has a fun "Nightmare Before Christmas" theme overlay for the holidays. The decor and specialty drinks can make for a a fun stop if you are out on the square celebrating. There was no wait on a recent Tuesday night and everything was well organized and neat. ”
“ I went to Merchant twice this past week! Once immediately after the Yelp Elite event where I learned that Merchant is the sister restaurant of Lucille, and once for a work dinner. Merchant has their Nightmare Before Christmas theme going on, which makes it look so fun. The lighting is also fun, but makes taking photos tricky (a note for my soup photo)! I had the corn chowder without mussels for dinner along with the tell tale heart mule to drink (NA version). The chowder was tasty, with a little kick, but I would have preferred a chunkier/less puréed version. I was grateful for the option to choose with or without mussels as I'm not a huge seafood fan. The mocktail was great - a slightly different version of a traditional mule, and not spicy despite the habanero. The second dinner I attended, I had the mac and cheese with green beans. It's a decent portion, covered in bread crumbs. The green beans are super garlicky, which I loved! Our table also shared a bottle of red wine. I really enjoy the atmosphere at Merchant. The menu is a little limited, but it's good comfort food overall. I'd return especially for a happy hour with all the various options. ”
“ My husband and I stopped in after a Yelp Elite event at Lucille, as we were able to get $1.00 off beverages on their holiday menu. They have the place decked out in a Nightmare Before Christmas theme, and it looks amazing! The details are fabulous, and it's such a fun atmosphere. The wait was a bit longer than I would have expected, with not many seated at the bar and 3 bartenders, but the staff was friendly and looking around at all the pretty lights helped distract us. I ordered the NA version of Sally's Deadly Nightshade, and it was delicious! The subtle coconut flavor was so tasty. It came in a cute little Oogie Boogie mug, but I was stunned by the price - $14 for a tiny little drink that didn't contain any alcohol. Overall it was a nice time, but the wait and the prices will probably keep us from returning on a regular basis. ”
“ Came here with a group of coworkers after a conference. Their beet salad was fantastic, and so is their carrot cake! It wasn't too loud, so we were able to get some great conversations which was nice. Fast service, very attentive, would definitely recommend as a good place for a group. ”
“ This place was 10/10 delicious! I recommend making a reservation if you have a larger party as it's a popular place. The inside is too cute the way everything is decorated. I also would recommend Ubering to this location or planning to walk as parking is scarce. I highly recommend the Bloody Mary that comes with a beer chaser and ordering the cheese curds for the table! Our service was fast and very kind. All over an amazing experience I can't wait to eat here again! ”
“ Stopped in for Trivia night (Sunday). Trivia is played over the speaker indoors, heads up if you were not expecting it. We dedicated to play and had a lot of fun even after joining late! For dinner, we started with the olives and cheese curds. Cheese curds are very well seasoned. We've had the steak frites before and they are consistently delicious. The Shawarma was ok, I think for a vegetarian dish it was portioned a little small. The salad was overdressed, in my opinion. I will say, Merchant always has really unique, creative dishes and many vegetarian options. Service was a little slow, considering it did not seem that busy for dine in, and I noticed this last time also. Did not impact the meal, would just keep this in mind next time! ”
“ An amazing brunch spot. Fabulous drinks and the food is spectacular! Never had shakshuka eggs Benedict before, it was delicious. The PB&J Napoleon was a delightful treat. The staff was attentive and prompt. Looking forward to the next time I come here. ”
