Everything was excellent except there was apparently only 1 waitress for the maybe 10-12 tables so service was lacking. She said someone called out unexpectedly and was doing her best but....
Elysia S.
We love this place! The drinks are delicious, love the atmosphere, staff is AMAZING! Thanks for making my husband's birthday wonderful. Lots of memories and laughs.
Lori D.
We love Merchant Bar! Good vibe. We haven't yet tried the food, but the cocktails are soooooo good! Service was extremely slow this visit, but they appeared to be short staffed - one bartender and one server taking all orders and delivering everything on his own. They couldn't keep up and we never did get our last round before we closed out and called it a night. Based on this visit alone I would have given it three stars all things considered, but factoring in multiple prior visits I'd give it a strong four. If you a have a nearby dinner reservation like we did, it's the perfect spot for a pre-game or post-game cocktail and fun. Cheers!
Gigi B
Service was very good. The only thing was there was one waitress, one bartender, and one bus boy! Food was delicious. Drinks were great. I would definitely go back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns
JoannS
We've always had a good experience at Merchant Bar and this time was no different. Our food was well prepared, delicious and came out in a timely manner. Our waiter/bartender, Sam, was friendly and attentive even as the restaurant became more and more crowded. I'd definitely recommend stopping in for a quick bite before a show or a late night drink after.
Petty
We went on a Friday after work for drinks, and the Bartender who waited on us was very nice, patient with us, answered our questions, and made great drinks.It's a small cozy place, which would be great for a date night, and not necessarily, a ladies night out.Absolutely no complaints on the drinks or service, it was just more quiet than we would have preferred on a Friday. We did not eat there.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
DeniseG
Met my daughter here for happy hour. It was the first time there for both of us. It was crowded at the bar and energetic. I had made reservations so they sat us in the back at one of the two tables which was perfect. The server was very friendly and attentive. The bartender brought us our food and she was wonderful as well. We got the chips and gauc, the cauliflower and the crab dip. Everything was really good. The house wine on happy hour special was good too. They have wines on tap. I will definitely be going back again.
William K.
Came here with my family and was met with kind service and outstanding food. We tried multiple dishes off of the menu and everything was delicious. Will be returning!! :)
Barry Gilbert
Great cocktails, nice vibe.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lydia E York
Sophisticated with a neighborhood touch. Cocktails are made with attention to detail and balance.
Was very turned off at the fact that I had a reservation and when I was sat the table by the door (remind you it's below 0 outside) I requested to sit further back and I was told that those tables are reserved for guests who make reservations and request so specifically sit there because they are regulars and knows where to sit. That's rude and unfair.
Richard Wisk
Merchant Bar is always amazing and a best stop in Wilmington. Staff, craft cocktails and food are top notch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Used to be my favorite but last few visits have been disappointing. They have one wait staff for the entire restaurant (both times I've been in the last two weeks, when they have been busy); bartender so backed up it took over an hour to get a drink (glass of wine), food horrendous (burger not cooked). For a restaurant that always has a healthy number of patrons, it's puzzling why they would only have one waiter. We won't go back.
Chris Iggy
Great place to hang out and unwind. The specialty drinks are the best and there's something for everyone. The food is so delicious and fresh we always order lots to share.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AlmostMG
The two of us enjoyed four appetizers and they were all perfectly prepared: the calamari, the olive and hummus, the tuna crudo, and the cauliflower. We're looking forward to returning and repeating the same order.
Everything was excellent except there was apparently only 1 waitress for the maybe 10-12 tables so service was lacking. She said someone called out unexpectedly and was doing her best but....
We love this place! The drinks are delicious, love the atmosphere, staff is AMAZING! Thanks for making my husband's birthday wonderful. Lots of memories and laughs.
We love Merchant Bar! Good vibe. We haven't yet tried the food, but the cocktails are soooooo good! Service was extremely slow this visit, but they appeared to be short staffed - one bartender and one server taking all orders and delivering everything on his own. They couldn't keep up and we never did get our last round before we closed out and called it a night. Based on this visit alone I would have given it three stars all things considered, but factoring in multiple prior visits I'd give it a strong four. If you a have a nearby dinner reservation like we did, it's the perfect spot for a pre-game or post-game cocktail and fun. Cheers!
Service was very good. The only thing was there was one waitress, one bartender, and one bus boy! Food was delicious. Drinks were great. I would definitely go back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns
We've always had a good experience at Merchant Bar and this time was no different. Our food was well prepared, delicious and came out in a timely manner. Our waiter/bartender, Sam, was friendly and attentive even as the restaurant became more and more crowded. I'd definitely recommend stopping in for a quick bite before a show or a late night drink after.
We went on a Friday after work for drinks, and the Bartender who waited on us was very nice, patient with us, answered our questions, and made great drinks.It's a small cozy place, which would be great for a date night, and not necessarily, a ladies night out.Absolutely no complaints on the drinks or service, it was just more quiet than we would have preferred on a Friday. We did not eat there.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Met my daughter here for happy hour. It was the first time there for both of us. It was crowded at the bar and energetic. I had made reservations so they sat us in the back at one of the two tables which was perfect. The server was very friendly and attentive. The bartender brought us our food and she was wonderful as well. We got the chips and gauc, the cauliflower and the crab dip. Everything was really good. The house wine on happy hour special was good too. They have wines on tap. I will definitely be going back again.
Came here with my family and was met with kind service and outstanding food. We tried multiple dishes off of the menu and everything was delicious. Will be returning!! :)
Great cocktails, nice vibe.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sophisticated with a neighborhood touch. Cocktails are made with attention to detail and balance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bistro Fries, Market Burger, Crab Pad Thai, Shrimp Tacos
Restaurantji Recommends
Was very turned off at the fact that I had a reservation and when I was sat the table by the door (remind you it's below 0 outside) I requested to sit further back and I was told that those tables are reserved for guests who make reservations and request so specifically sit there because they are regulars and knows where to sit. That's rude and unfair.
Merchant Bar is always amazing and a best stop in Wilmington. Staff, craft cocktails and food are top notch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Used to be my favorite but last few visits have been disappointing. They have one wait staff for the entire restaurant (both times I've been in the last two weeks, when they have been busy); bartender so backed up it took over an hour to get a drink (glass of wine), food horrendous (burger not cooked). For a restaurant that always has a healthy number of patrons, it's puzzling why they would only have one waiter. We won't go back.
Great place to hang out and unwind. The specialty drinks are the best and there's something for everyone. The food is so delicious and fresh we always order lots to share.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The two of us enjoyed four appetizers and they were all perfectly prepared: the calamari, the olive and hummus, the tuna crudo, and the cauliflower. We're looking forward to returning and repeating the same order.