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Merchants Pub & Plate

4.1 (477 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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MERCHANTS PUB & PLATE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Trendy
Classy
Outdoor seating

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Bison Classic Burger
Emily G.

I always love merchants. Sometimes when I'm there I stop and think about all the people who came before us. This includes of course the history of Lawrence and how influential this building has been over time. Since I've been in Lawrence (which is about 10 years now which is so nuts) this has been Merchants. I love Merchants. It's consistently (to me) a top 3 restaurant on Mass St. The food is high quality. The service is high quality. The chefs table is a vibe (idk if they still have it but they did a few years ago). Anyway, the duck and dumplings was so comforting. It was the perfect ratio of duck to dumpling to vegetable to broth. The bison burger always slaps and the fries are so yummy. Dare I say they have the best burger in town? Also you guys have the BEST Diet Coke. So good and crispy. I love you Merchants! Also sitting next to the window and looking out to the twinkle lights on mass was so dreamy.

Kale Caesar Salad
Mitra T.

We were seated on the 3rd floor which lacked the charm and character of other areas. The can ceiling lighting helped create the sterile environment. All the noise travels up, so it was difficult to hear. There is no elevator, so be sure to indicate on your reservation request if steps aren't an option. Food was creative but just ok. Everything we had needed a little something to elevate it. The crab cakes didn't have a great crab taste and the sauces served with it, needed some type of acid to balance the flavor. The kale in my Caesar kale salad had tough stems still attached and the kale hadn't been massaged so was quite rough. I did enjoy the crispy fried garlic on top. I didn't love my entree the Short Rib Gnocchi. There were too many distinct flavors that didn't blend well together. Was a very heavy dish, as well, definitely glad I split the entree. The kitchen was willing to split which is always nice. Server was great, but it took so long to be served each course. At one point I had to get up and walk around because I was getting tired of sitting on the very hard chairs. Overall, not sure I would go back for dinner. I might go for a glass of beer/wine and a few shareables instead.

Side salad yes, a side salad was as big as a regular size salad
Amanda I.

This restaurant located directly on mass Street in Lawrence. It was an old Bank converted into a pretty cool restaurant ambience. we went there with a larger group got right in and tried multiple specialty drinks which are pretty unique to this restaurant. We also tried several different entrées that I would classify as just being Ok. the restaurant is super cool. The servers are all super knowledgeable about the menu and offer great service. I just was not a complete fan of all of the different types of foods that we had but would recommend you guys trying for yourself as the drinks probably top off The experience. a must try is the homemade pickle brine which can be added to any of the specialty drinks or different entrées.

Side of gluten free cheesemonger!
Aislinn B.

Merchants is a true treat, especially for those with dietary restrictions. Well marked menu with modifications available for most allergies. Spacious, filled with history, and cozy, this location knocks it out of the park. Always helpful and knowledgeable staff are the icing on top the cake for your next visit!

High Vault Ceiling

JONATHAN. IS. THE. BEST. SERVER. He deserves a raise, he deserves a promotion, he has created the best experience for us!!! We were just getting apps & drinks but he still prioritized us.

Jack B.

This felt like the perfect restaurant to stumble upon early in 2025 with my New Year's Resolution set. When I went to LFK for a KU game I was picturing eating fried sports bar food I'd surely have to make up for walking up the huge hill to campus. Alas, we decided to check out Merchants. I was thoroughly impressed by the down to earth restaurant. It's super cool that the restaurant is in an old bank and that the bathroom is in the vault! We started with the Butternut Squash Arancini that looked like falafels served over sauce. It was super yummy but not too filling before our mains. The Cauliflower Tikka Masala was amazing. I really liked that it wasn't served over rice. Instead, I got to savor all of the flavors spread over the cauliflower and with the naan. It is also really nice that the restaurant does a fantastic job marking all of the dietary guidelines for every item. That makes ordering so much easier than having to ask a waiter about each dish that you want.

Dining area
Ronald H.

YesAmazing! My experience at Merchants Pub & Plate was absolutely wonderful. The food was a standout--every dish was bursting with flavor, from the perfectly seasoned appetizers to the hearty main courses. The menu offered a great variety, and the presentation was impressive, making each meal feel like a special treat. The service was exceptional; the staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our visit. They even went out of their way to accommodate a small request, which made us feel truly valued as customers. The ambience was another highlight--warm, cozy, and inviting, with a great atmosphere that made it perfect for a relaxing evening out. The decor was tasteful, and the lighting created just the right mood. I'd rate my experience a solid 5 stars and can't wait to return!

Coconut lime panna cotta
Susan R.

This was my second time in Lawrence KS and my sister's first. We came out to visit family in the area. We all decided on Merchants Pub and Plate. Our server was Arthur and he couldn't have been more polite or helpful, considering how many questions we peppered him with about the entrees. I also loved the impressive list of mocktail offerings--my Frenchie (a take on the French 75) was balanced and refreshing. Everyone else at the table had various beers. My sis mentioned having a Kolsch in Cologne, and apparently Americans are serving it all wrong--should be consumed ice cold in a small glass, not a pint. But hey, we are far from Germany and that's nitpicking. We shared deviled eggs on bacon jam and the pork belly burnt ends (interestingly spicy preparations), both delicious, but my award goes to the eggs! Entrees included the pork chop, short rib rigatoni (special), NOLA gnocchi and the least hungry among us had the chicken bahn meatballs app as a meal. Everyone enjoyed their selections. I rounded things out with the coconut lime panna cotta (special) and sis had tutti frutti sorbet. Apparently, tutti frutti should simply be called raspberry according to her taste buds. I loved loved loved my panna cotta, though the presentation appeared to have suffered a mishap during plating. Please settle a bet for me, because I tasted plum & cherry in my raspberry puree garnish (similar to vintage Gerber's strained plum baby food), which I happened to love. This is a cool place, nicely decorated with friendly staff with lots of interesting cocktails. Check them out. If I lived closer, I eat through the entire menu, starting with the Korean fried chicken steamed bun tacos.

Mac and Mac & Cheesemonger
Hadley B.

This place was SO delicious. I was in town with my friends and sister, so we picked a place close to where we were staying. Every piece of food we had was SO yummy. Would absolutely go out of my way to go here again. The inside was spacious and inviting. All the staff was nice, but our waiter was a bit snarky when ordering. They accidentally spilled some red sauce on my friend, but they went out of their way to help her clean up. They even found a tide stick!

The Merchant
Miguel M.

My favorite place to have dinner if you're in town. Hard to suggest a dish because everything is so good

Keri S.

After living in Lawrence for a few years and experiencing the local dining scene. I'd like to share that Merchants remains one of my top picks for brunch (collectively with the Roost) and dinner. On a casual day, it was relatively easy to go down Mass Street and decide somewhere to eat. However, on a busy week, particularly a weekend, based upon where you go, you will usually have to wait a few minutes before they can fit you and your party. Well, because of the longer wait times and my lack of patience, I used to avoid merchants since I knew I'd have to wait for seating. However, on a day when I was not as starved and determined to be more patient, there was actually no wait at all, and my friends and I were seated instantly. Furthermore, even if there was a wait, I would have done it again because the truffle goat cheese dip is well worth it. I have yet to find a restaurant that serves anything like the unique dish so far. Brussels sprouts are another one of my favorites. I was never a fan of Brussels sprouts until I tried them here, and I don't think I'll ever be able to hate them again. I'm looking forward to returning and trying more of their menu items. But, for the time being, if you want something a little more upscale but not overly elegant or pricey, I recommend Merchants.

Drinks anyone? Yes indeed.
Ilene H.

Wonderful. Love the building itself. Such a beautiful set up. Staff was very welcoming. Ordered the Pear Pressure and Winter Sangria; they did not disappoint. I loved the Brussel sprouts!! Enjoyed the salmon bruchetta and I added 2 poached eggs on the side. Our experience was lovely. This place won't disappoint.

Amaretti Spritz

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I freaking LOVE this place! One of the best places to eat in Lawrence!! Their Potato Leak soup is the best!!

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Beer Kitchen - The Brickhouse

Beer Kitchen

4.3(1.3k reviews)
35.1 mi•Westport
•$$

Came to Kansas City over the recent holidays to visit some friends, and Beer Kitchen came as a…read morelocal recommended place. Good food, good vibes, good beer selection, I was sold. So we loaded up and showed up one day around Noon. Ambiance was really cool. It's in the middle of some sort of progressive looking shanty-esque suburb. The kind of place that does drag queen bingo. I was right at home. Inside was college sport bar, but with a nice, huge board on the wall of all their beer selection. It Was quite expansive. Service was top notch, too. Nice server took care of us, made sure our glasses were never empty. The food came out at a good clips, and we got an unexpected bonus of free little beignet-like donuts with some delicious dipping sauces. As for food, we started off with a jumbo order of the Truffle Parmesan Hand-Cut Fries for the table. We got to choose two from their extensive list of aioli dipping sauces. Fries were good. Dusted with the perfect amounts of truffle and parmesan. And the sauces were my oh my. I recommend paying the upcharge to just try them all. I mentioned the time earlier, because we had no idea we were stumbling upon their brunch menu. Even more options to choose from! I got the Crispy Waffle Smash Burger (smashed hertzog beef patties, fried egg, smoked bacon, merkt's cheddar, caramelized onion, maple aioli, crispy buttermilk waffle). This thing was really nice. Perfect waffle, not too small, not too big, and no oily or anything obtrusive. A nice bun option. Eggs and bacon sometime get lost against giant burger patties, but with these smash patties, the extra accoutrements really stand out and make this burger really stand out in my mind. I also for the try the Smokestack Burger (smoked burnt ends, smoked gouda, whiskey bbq glaze, pickle relish, chipotle aioli & crispy jalapeño straws). Uhhh, as you can read, this thing was loaded with goodness. Fatty burger, smokey burnt ends, sweet boozy glaze, acidic pickles, and texture from that jalapeno. This was the perfect burger. I insist you order this. Overall, my research did not reveal Beer Kitchen to me, locals recommendation did. Shows that you gotta use your street smarts instead of your book smarts sometimes. Best meal I had in Kansas City.

Pros: Ambiance was super nice. Part craft brewery, part…read moremodern Southern brunch joint. Very cozy and inviting. Service was super nice. We got brunch, but we didn't even know they served brunch, so that was a huge bonus. The food was out of this world delicious. And their beer selection was great, too. Far more than your typical selection of only IPAs. Cons: Not a single con. Tips: Come for brunch. Get one of their astounding burgers.

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Beer Kitchen - The special drink listing

The special drink listing

Beer Kitchen - Chicken Fried Steak

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Beer Kitchen - Fantastic light sour, a rarity in the category

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Blvd Tavern

Blvd Tavern

4.0(442 reviews)
35.7 mi•Crossroads, Greater Downtown
•$$
Free parking
Outdoor seating

UPDATED: They have one of the best steaks in the city... but this last time I went... at 9 pm when…read morethey have their closing time online at 10 pm... kind of torqued me off. I'll be back... because the food is good. But they need to fix their outward information. Now I have to wait for that steak. Bastards!!! I'm serious about being pissed. Just a heads up to the marketing folks. FIX YOUR HOURS!!! ADDED PART: I appreciate the leadership response. Further, I recognize that there are a multitude of platforms with business hours posted. And expecting to sync them all is just crazy. I get it. I was just upset I couldn't get that delicious dish! Regardless... I updated the rating from 3 to 5 stars. (consider 24 hour operations and we don't need to discuss this further) LOL!!! Seriously though... looking forward to coming through.

This review is for brunch. My wife and I had dined here before, so when I was searching for a…read moreshort-notice Saturday brunch reservation I liked the prospect when I saw availability here. It seemed like my family enjoyed what they ordered, and I'll say the cinnamon roll looked really good. My wife and I weren't super hungry, so we each ordered a biscuit and gravy. I loved the biscuit. It had a unique texture with a crispy outside while internally soft and moist. The biscuit and gravy is a real bang for buck option. The side of fruit was really good. It wasn't one of those sad bowls of mostly honeydew melon and cantaloupe. It had grapes, blueberries and strawberries. There was a mixup with one of the entrees my group ordered but the issue was quickly resolved by the server.

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Blvd Tavern
Blvd Tavern
Blvd Tavern - Mimosa

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Mimosa

Boulevard Brewing - Bento box of snacks with happy hour tasting

Boulevard Brewing

4.7(271 reviews)
35.2 mi
•$$

The Boulevard Beer Hall is a KC staple. If you're into craft beer you should definitely check it…read moreout. And even if you're not, you should still check it out. The Hall consists of 3 floors and they have plenty of parking, both lot and garage. The main floor has all the merchandise and to go beers, a self guided little tour, a little bar area. The second floor has beer and food. The menu has been updated a few times but I've ordered several items and all have been good. I believe the last time I went they expanded into pizza. They have a couple of bar areas, one with a majority of their offerings and the other for experimental beers. I like the experimental offerings and I regularly check them out. On the larger bar they have seasonal, year round, and sometime specialty beers. They also offer seltzers if beer isn't your thing. They have lots of seating including patio. The patio is nice because it overlooks the city and they're expanding it. The 3rd level I'm personally less familiar with. They call it the Rec Dec and I've been up there maybe once. They have games like shuffleboard that you can rent lanes for. They also offer more cocktail like drinks so I'd recommend this level if you're less into beer. All three levels have excellent service. Definitely check them out if you're in town or in the area!

I adore Boulevard when I am in Kansas City. I recommend tours all the time as a fun thing to do…read more Which is partially why I've gone on 3 tours now - but I'm not complaining! I love getting to see my friends enjoy it as much as I did the first time and continue to do. The guides are super personable and it's just a fun experience. The price is great for all the samples, including the end where you get tokens to trade in at the bar for mini pours! The beer hall is massive, truly. You can order food from a QR code on your table or at the bar. Nothing super crazy, but decent pizza and sandwiches. They've got a nice patio balcony as well. Check out the small bar for experimental pours - this past time there was a Dubai chocolate stout, and another time I had a divine apple pie ale. And don't forget the gift shop! They really have some groovy merch, and the ability to craft your own six packs. What's better than some brewskis straight from the source??

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Boulevard Brewing
Boulevard Brewing - Pretzel

Pretzel

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City Barrel Brewery - steak salad

City Barrel Brewery

4.0(186 reviews)
36.4 mi•Greater Downtown
•$$

Right when you walk in it, it feels like a downtown hip brewery. Love the vibe. Food can be a…read morelittle expensive in my opinion at a brewery. We ended up just getting a snack, Gouda Mac and cheese bites. They were pretty salty which took away for the flavor inside. Dunking in the RAD AF (one of their beers) ranch helped it out. Waiter was absolutely amazing. He was attentive and easy to chat with. When we left, every worker we passed, said thank you or have a good night. They do have a small parking lot north of the building which helped with not finding off street parking.

I'm updating my review as it's been a while and last night I finally got the chance to try their…read morefood menu. First of all, looking at my last review I realized that the Rad AF was the first IPA I really fell in love with and really changed the way I viewed IPAs in general - now they are my primary beer of choice which would have shocked 2019 Sarah to hear. The things I said in my last review still ring true as the beer at City Barrell anywhere you get it whether it's in the taproom or at the liquor store is pricey. The difference now is that everything everywhere is pricey and I maintain that their beers are still amongst the very best in town, so in short, it's honestly probably a slightly better value now than it was in 2019 when it's all said and done. Now onto the food. You're going to find bar-fare here and they do it really well. We had cheese curds and I had a sandwich and "fancy fries" all were delicious. Next time I'm going to do their appetizer platter and just enjoy all the bar food deliciousness. What put this into 5 star territory for me though was our server - she was so nice and welcoming - it was honestly just one of the best casual dining experiences I've had in a long time.

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City Barrel Brewery
City Barrel Brewery - AF Fries

AF Fries

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Spectators - Yum

Spectators

2.8(72 reviews)
36.1 mi
•$$

With it being slow, the restaurant should've been clean. I walked in to one side of the floor being…read moredirty. Trash on the floor. So I went to the other side to sit. The girl that was with him working never said anything to me until she saw the tip. THEN she asked if she could help. Just NOT very friendly. The food wasn't anything to rave about. I had the Blacken Cajun Chicken recommended by Zac. I added an additional piece of chicken b/c the piece was small, but they gave ALOT of pasta. They have A LOT of sauce, but it was some THICK ALFREDO SAUCE. The second piece of chicken was SMALLER than the first, but I ate and was satisfied. The place was ABSOLUTELY dead, but Zac's customer service was good which is why I'm giving TWO stars! He was attentive and had a great sense of humor. On my way to my room, I met a lady that comes here once a month for work. She was saying how GROSS the food is, and she was going to try the appetizers tonight. I told her to have a glass of wine to help wash it down. After getting to my room, the food keeps running up in my throat. I hope I don't throw up. Do NOT order the Cajun Chicken Pasta or Flank steak. I spoke with a gentleman there that was having it, and he stated it wasn't very good. Which is why I chose the pasta.

Honestly pretty decent given it's on the second floor on the Sheraton Hotel and we're in KC. Not…read moreknown for its vegetarian food, the vegan meatloaf was pretty good. The menu is huge with different wraps, sandwiches, quesadilla, nachos, tots and pasta options. We were a group of 8 at a conference and everyone seemed satisfied with what they got. Friendly staff too - thanks!

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Spectators
Spectators - Fried mushrooms and zucchini.

Fried mushrooms and zucchini.

Spectators - Menu - April 2026.

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Menu - April 2026.

Merchants Pub & Plate - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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