merchants restaurant

consistently good food and service. my husband and i have dined upstairs and downstairs at merchants for regular dates and special dates such as our anniversary. we've always received genuine care from everyone from the hostess to the servers and chefs. the food is wonderful and fresh.

it was good but not great.  called for a reservation and they told us they were not taking reservations that night but we could come and get on the list and it wouldn't be too long of a wait.  it ended up being an hour.  we made a lap on broadway and then sat and waited a while longer.  when seated it was fine.  they brought some popcorn to nibble on.  that may have been the best thing all night.  we had drinks and they did have a good cocktail and beer program.  we had the blackened tilapia and chicken fried chicken with an order of the duck fat tater tots to share.  the tots were great.  highly recommended.  the tilapia was well prepared and had a nice sauce.  the chicken was good but they skimped on the gravy.  if there had been more gravy it would have improved the dish.  service was good.  it's a solid choice.

good, but didn't blow me away. when i saw the interior of merchants and read about how it'd been in business for so long, i was expecting something truly special. the food, however, seemed to be typical diner food. so although it tasted good, it was a bit of a letdown. for example, my tomato and cheese sandwich was tasty, but the tomato was so teeny tiny i wasn't sure it was there until i peeled open the sandwich. it looked like i'd just gotten the tomato skin. the interior is beautful, and i wouldn't object to eating her again, but it wasn't the destination restaurant i was expecting.

i am trying to figure out the negative reviews. i had the caesar salad and filet and both were delish .
our party was of 13 ladies and all were pleased and the chef definitely knows because all plates are going back empty. my filet was cooked to perfection and cut like butter. also, the wait staff have been prompt and courteous to say the least.
i will say the price is high but worth the cost. but am willing to pay this for the quality of food and service.

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.

i got the country fried steak and the gravy was not like any southern gravy i've ever had. my husband got the pork chops though and those were good.

i went here for lunch in november 2018 while in a trip. i love nashville and i love the area where this old restaurant is. my friend and i ordered a working lunch. we both had an appetizer and fish. everything was absolutely excellent. the wine i ordered was divine! -the server was very knowledgeable about the wine, and the specials. i highly would recommend this place.

2nd time here - first time was upstairs and a bit more formal - didn't rate it highly.  this year we ate casual outside and it was much more enjoyable.  just dropped by for a lunch snack - was busy but well organised and wait staff were helpful finding us a good seat.
had some wings then built our own burgers - so many options - enjoyable.
beers were good and the champagne cocktail was a hit.
pricing was fine and service fairly quick especially considering that it was reasonably busy.
tip - sit outside and you get all the vibes and music overflow from broadway!

i've eaten here twice, over a 2 year period. both times were upstairs and both were excellent. last night we had the strip steak, smoked pork chop, with a few sides: carrots, mashed potatoes, and truffle mac n cheese. dinner was delicious . service was very good.

had a wonderful time at merchants. i got the pulled pork sandwich and my wife got the turkey club. both were fantastic. service was great as well. drinks are pricey, but about standard for broadway.

hubby chose merchants as our dinner spot before the hillsong united and lauren daigle concert at the bridgestone arena. he picked it on his own without any help from me, and i had no idea where we were eating until we got there. he picked it because of the menu and the history behind the restaurant. he got a 100 on this pick! we ordered the baked cheese as an appetizer; i ordered the ceasar salad with grilled chicken, and hubby ordered the blackened tilapia. everything was delicious! oh, and you must order a piece of the homemade cornbread, it was very yummy as well! we will definitely be back, and recommend!

this beautiful bar and nightlife spot exudes class; the ample bar hosts space for mixed drinks and the interior alludes to the namesake of this restaurant, merchant’s hotel, which opened in 1892.

ate upstairs for the seafood and steak...service was excellent ....location was perfect.....enjoyed the pumpkin soup...food way too salty.....

great sandwich right in the middle of all the excitement downtown. our wait actually ended up being super short but if not there's plenty of stuff around to keep you entertained and free valet if you're driving.

we've eaten many meals at merchants and the food is always great.  i can't think of anything that i haven't liked.  the building itself is historic and dates back to 1892 according to their website.  it was an old pharmacy/retail space originally and then a hotel and finally, a restaurant.  you can read about this stuff on their web page. i like the atmosphere and the crowd is rather professional.  this place is refreshing considering its location...a bar-lined street full of bar food, music, and beer. 

i've had most of my meals downstairs but there is also an upper level that is a bit more formal.  there is a different menu for upstairs.  many times we have reservations for lunch but i they aren't required.

 i love their duck fat tater tots! they are so good and come with three sauces.  the tomato bisque and guacamole are also great choices.  as for entrees, so far, all the selections i've tried have been great.  some of my favorites are  the salmon blt, the bbq pulled pork sandwich, the soup n sammie, and the cheeseburger.  the also have a full bar and fun drink menu. the upstairs menu is fantastic.