I really enjoy Merchant. We've only ever been here for appetizers and drinks. They have an extensive drink menu and have never been disappointed. Their bartenders are super fast and friendly and easy on the eyes which is a plus. They have a really good cheese and meat board and their warm olives with ricotta is tasty as well.
It is usually busy here but the bar is large and we can usually snag a seat. If you don't get a seat it can be hard to find standing space as their dining area is smaller and goes right up to the bar.
There clientele can be a bit uppity and pretentious. My husband would probably give this place a 2 stars because of that aspect plus the crowdedness. One time there was women saving a seat for someone which is fine. She said my husband could sit there until her friend got there. We were thinking maybe 5 minutes which was fair enough to ask too and he didn't mind moving. But then a half hour later she asked my husband to move, we were done with our drinks and moving on anyways, but really? That's not the the bars fault but its just the kind of people you might find there. Its fun to come here on a girl's night before dinner and a show otherwise I drag my husband against his will.