Merchants Restaurant

History. This was the first place I took my future wife for dinner. 1990. The upstairs was historic and full of personality. It was magical. We came to the downstairs many times after that. The old building and good food were wonderful. Some years later, around 2003, we came back with, now including our daughter........to find the upstairs all mauve colored and the menu rather snooty. Disappointed. Food was average at best. But the downstairs remained great until a couple years ago when some group of obviously gay men bought it, painted white over all the old historic wood and turned the menu into some buffalo wild wings p.o.s. that's 1 page finger food and 6 pages of drinks. Disgusting to see such an historic place fall to such a low.…

Best fine dining in downtown.. I have eaten on the bar level (1st floor) and it was really good. The drink mixers are amongst the best in Nashville (same owners as Patterson House??)....but most recently I went up to the fine dining floor and it was simply amazing. The BEST steak in Nashville, according to my husband and I had the shrimp & grits. I think its the best grits I've ever had. Merchants is a must in Nashville.

P.S. read some of the bad reviews..they're hilarious! Some sad little people out there.…

Needs a Name Change. I worked downtown for years until about 4 years ago and loved going to Merchants especially for the Salmon BLT and always in the past had such a great experience each time I went. Decided to go back and was looking forward too that same great meal. Paid 5.00 too park and then walked into the NEW Merchants...wow who remolded this place? Must have gotten a deal on White paint and ruined the classy look the building had. Ordered the Salmon BLT and it was a shell of what it used too be, everything was different about it even the fries. Horrible meal for 15.00 but I did get some garlic popcorn...classy touch! I will say the service was good but please don't try too pull off the same menu of old, just start selling hamburgers, hotdogs, milkshakes and maybe some nachos with that gooey yellow cheese substitute and that would be more appropriate for the New Merchants. At least you don't have to rely on return business in the downtown area.…

Excellent Service. Everything about Merchants is special to me. I love the art, food, drink and service. What more could you want! There is a special blend of warmth and hospitality that greets you at the door and continues during the meal.…