Back to Akron
The Merchant Tavern - Steakhouse in Akron, Ohio

The Merchant Tavern

4.5 (832 reviews)

1824 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313

American restaurant
Bar & grill
Cocktail bar
Distillery
Gastropub

About The Merchant Tavern - steak house in Akron, Ohio

Laid-back hangout serving upmarket American standards & craft beer in a vintage-inspired space.

Customer Review Summary

The Merchant Tavern offers a mixed dining experience according to various reviews. Positive feedback highlights the exceptional service, particularly from staff members like Emma and Adi, who are described as kind, attentive, and approachable. Many diners praised the food quality, especially the burgers, steak fondue, and cheese curds, with notable recommendations for the unique flavors, such as the Apricot burger. The ambiance is generally liked, though some found it disrupted by noise from children. Conversely, criticism points to inconsistent service, with some guests experiencing delays and a lack of attentiveness. Pricing is mentioned as relatively high, but many believe the quality justifies the cost. Overall, while some patrons express eagerness to return, others hesitate due to service and price concerns.

Key Features

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great wine list
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Children

  • High chairs

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking

Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.5 out of 5
5
561
4
164
3
56
2
25
1
26
Based on 832 reviews

Caroline Shell

3 weeks ago

We had a lovely birthday dinner at the Merchant Tavern. We had a larger group and did have a reservation, but arrived early and they were able to get us seated. We had multiple seniors in our group and our server Emma was possibly the best server in any establishment I’ve had. She was incredible kind, patient, and attentive, especially to the seniors in our party, talking loudly when needed so that they could hear, and getting on their level. All enjoyed their food immensely and the portions were healthy and nearly all took leftovers home. The cocktails were delicious and had good variety and had a few mocktail options as well. Overall very happy with our experience and will be happy to go back!

C. C.

5 months ago

This strip-mall style restaurant is lacking. Overall, the experience was impacted by the service, which was unhurried and lacking attention. In jest, I could have purchased the ingredients and prepared the meal in less time than it took to place an order and receive it. After receiving our order, our server only appeared when passing by the table and to provide the check. Upon request, another server kindly brought our condiments. It became evident why their rating was lower compared to similar dining establishments in the area. The steak fondue possessed a delightful flavor but lacked creative presentation. The fries were enjoyable. The ambiance was satisfactory. However, during our visit, there were several boisterous children, which made it challenging to engage in conversation. The prices were relatively high. A single wing, I refer to as a "wing ding," was priced at $2.00 each; 8 were $16. The steak (flat iron) fondue, categorized as an appetizer, was priced at $19. I would like to kindly suggest to the server, Ra_ _ _ _ B., that tips can be considerably rewarding if she demonstrates interest and responsiveness towards the customers. It is not my intention to write a review with a rating lower than 4 stars. These concerns can be effectively addressed if given the necessary attention. BTW, a fee for using a credit card is charged. I probably won't return, and I don't recommend it. I consider it a promise that never delivered.

Jon Sanchez

Never leave disappointed. The cheese curds are my favorite appetizer, which is definitely worth a try. The Merchant has always had a reputation for being exceptionally clean. I've been coming here off and on for 8+ years, and it's always been great food and a clean environment. That's important. Being a former bus boy, the front end reflects the state of the kitchen in most restaurants.

Dr. Joseph A. Bauer

4 months ago

So glad to see the Piscazzi tradition of fine food and drink in Merriman Valley being carried on by Anthony Piscazzi, along with the legacy of his great uncle and someone I considered a friend….John “The Merch” Piscazzi. The restaurant has an amazing vibe, and you couldn’t ask for friendlier staff—special shoutout to Adi for making our visit even better! I was part of a group of 12, and every single person raved about the appetizers and main dishes. The experience was elevated even further with their in-house distillery offering fine spirits—my cousins especially loved the bourbon. Can’t wait to come back for another fantastic meal!

Nathan Yost

8 months ago

I don't have enough good things to say about this place. I see why it's always so packed now. The burgers are the best I've ever had, not even kidding -- seriously. I had the Apricot burger and it was PHENOMENAL. The perfect blend of sweet, tanginess plus the pickled onions and a juicy, flavorful patty were complex, and delicious. The patty appeared to be handmade fresh, the fries also appeared to be made in-house and are reminiscent of Rockne's fries (my favorite). The price is rather high for a burger, but for the quality I would say it's actually worth it. The burger and fries were delicious and filling. The service was fantastic -- the waiter checked in with us often, was laid back, and very attentive. The atmosphere was very nice and comfortable, although the temperature inside was a tad on the cold side. The drink selection is huge, the tap selection not so much, but the beers on tap are very well curated and delicious. The Toxic Brew Co. Tangerine Wheat is a new favorite of mine. This was a very enjoyable dining experience and I can't wait to go back.

Nathan Keith

2 months ago

A very nice place. Everything was great. Well prepared, well plated. Staff was kind and courteous.

Dee Rates Food

8 months ago

This place has a very nice dining area and a cute patio. A lot of nice things on the menu 😋 The goat cheese mac and cheese was so creamy and yummy. The burger was fair, the salad was so so. But overall a good experience. 8/10 overall for this place

Debra D

First time and not the last! Addy was an amazing attentive server! We both had burgers and a delicious sauerkraut ball appetizer! The Hell Fire burger was no joke! If you wannt handle the heat get the sauce on the side! (We were champs and smothered it in "sauce")

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 4–11 PM
Monday Closed
Saturday 12–11 PM
Sunday 4–10 PM
Thursday 4–10 PM
Tuesday 4–10 PM
Wednesday 4–10 PM

Price Range

$$