It’s the most talked about establishment in downtown Jersey City. The Merchant Bar and Restaurant on Grove Street is an exciting new venue in a city with a growing nightlife scene.
Conveniently located directly across the street from City Hall, The Merchant opened its doors during the summertime, and business is continuously growing. Formerly a bank, the building was transformed by David O’Brien and his sister Anne-Marie into a hip, chic and comfortable restaurant with a large bar and lounge area.
"We are getting positive feedback from the community," said O’Brien recently.
Upon entering the establishment through its large front doors, the first thing patrons experience is The Merchant’s bar area. Suitable for more than two dozen people, the scene at the bar is an excellent spot to spark a conversation with a friend or a stranger. The bartenders are personable and they make a mean dirty Grey Goose martini.
The main dining room is located on the main floor next to the bar. There are several art pieces on the walls, and a dozen tables for patrons to enjoy their meals. For a more private and intimate dining experience, a second dining room is located in the back of the restaurant on the second floor. There is also a balcony overlooking the bar where patrons can enjoy drinks and entrees in private.
"Here we get a nice mix of people," O’Brien said. "We are really busy on the weekends and offer the best food in Jersey City."
The Merchant’s top entrees include pecan crusted chicken breast ($13.95), served with corn bread stuffing and sweet potato fries; pan seared pork chops ($15.95), served with parsley mashed potatoes and red cabbage; shitake crusted salmon filet ($15.95), served with basil risotto in a mushroom broth; rack of lamb ($19.95), served with potato au gratin and rosemary lamb jus-li; rock shrimp in lemon-herb sauce ($16.95), served with vegetables; farfalle ($10.95), served with grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato and basil in a light cream sauce; capellini ($12.95), served with shrimp in a tomato basil sauce; and sandwiches like The Grand ($8.50), southwestern grilled chicken breast sandwich with tomato sauce, melted jalapeno cheese and served with fries; and The Majestic ($8.95), a grilled angus burger with lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
"We are the perfect place to bring a date, or enjoy a good time with family and friends," O’Brien said.
My meal
I began my meal with a bowl of cream of broccoli ($3.95). The soup was tasty and a bit spicy, just how I like it. Soups change daily, so ask the waiter for the soup du jour. In addition to soup, the menu includes appetizers like Caesar salad ($4.95), calamari ($7.95), Maryland crab cakes ($10.95), Thai spring roll ($6.95), and herb panco crusted chicken fingers ($6.95).
For the main course I devoured the delicious grilled hanger steak ($16.95). Prepared medium-well, as recommended by the waiter, the steak was served in a whiskey cream sauce, and with a side of onion rings. The pieces of meat were tender and juicy. Executive chef Edward Bitterly prepares an entrée that is large enough to satisfy my big appetite, and it is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. I enjoyed the steak with an apple martini.
Another formidable steak on the menu is the grilled strip steak ($18.95), served with onions and garlic and mashed potatoes.
For dessert I tried the banana-chocolate bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce ($5) and a cup of coffee. It was the right combination for relaxing after such a terrific dining experience.
The Merchant Bar and Restaurant is located at 279 Grove St. in Jersey City. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. They cater private parties, feature a Sunday brunch menu and offer a variety of drink specials. The restaurant is just a few blocks from the Grove Street PATH station. For more information call (201) 200-0202 or visit www.themerchantnj.com. q