Stopped by Merchants Pub & Plate while in Lawrence for an event and was excited to find a place with good gluten-free options. The restaurant itself is beautiful inside -- a cozy mix of rustic and modern that creates a really inviting atmosphere. Service started a little slow, though our waitress became more attentive once she came by. We mentioned it was our first visit, so I was a bit surprised there wasn't much guidance on the menu or any recommendations. At one point I asked about the two kinds of fries (I love fries!), and the explanation was simply that they were "fancy fries," without much detail on flavors or differences. We started with drinks and the Brussels sprouts appetizer. The sprouts were actually very good, with a nice balance in the sauce, and both the wine and sangria were refreshing. Unfortunately, dinner is where things went downhill. Our meals -- a steak and a gluten-free chicken sandwich -- took about 45 minutes to arrive, which felt long for relatively simple dishes. I had asked about the gluten-free bun since they can sometimes be dry, but didn't receive much insight beyond "it's gluten free," and sadly it was indeed very dry. The chicken itself lacked flavor, though the goat cheese cilantro sauce helped make it somewhat enjoyable. The fries looked homemade and delicious but arrived cold. The steak was cooked as requested, but it didn't have much flavor beyond the mushrooms on top. The broccoli side was tasty, and the potatoes were good, though it on a bed of Some kind of cheese sauce that wasn't quite to our liking. Overall, the space and gluten-free availability were promising, and the appetizers and drinks were enjoyable, but the food execution and service details didn't quite meet expectations for us this visit. read more

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Met for a lunch meetingon a chilly day. What was nice was I was able to have a cup of coffee with it! Our server was very helpful with navigating the menu. We had the fried green tomato sandwich and the Bison Burger at the recommendation of our server who was wonderful. Both were cooked to perfection and so good! read more

We've been to the merchant twice and both times had a very good experience, I am combining the two reviews into one. We had the Elotes corn dip for appetizer both times, we think it's delicious and different. We split some truffle potato leek soup and thought it was delicious too. My son had the 16 ounce ribeye, which was superb. The last time he had the mac & cheese monger and added grilled chicken, I thought it was OK, not something I'd order because did not seem elevated IMO. I had the spinach ravioli and added grilled chicken and thought it was delicious! We split the carrot cake for dessert, my son loved it, but I thought it was a little odd because it was not traditional, which some people would like. We definitely will return and want to try the burgers. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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The drinks here are always interesting & delicious! Beer choices are almost overwhelming! We want to try too many! Goat cheese dip is a must - every trip! We Love it! The burgers are still great & chicken sandwich was also good. I finally did the Mac & cheese with chicken & bacon - it's amazing & not in a way that 'all Mac & cheese is good' '. It's phenomenal period. Service always good, everyone is great there. It was pretty busy & got a little loud but still not too loud. Love this place on Mass! read more

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! read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - Side of gluten free cheesemonger! - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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i was looking forward to a nice solo meal and this place had good reviews. the ambiance and servers are great but the food was soooooo mediocre overwhelming for the price ($88). i got the tellers tonic mocktail, kale caesar, and ribeye. mocktail flavor was unbalanced. it was cloyingly sweet which is unexpected for a shrub base. i was looking forward the refreshing acidic taste but it was so artificially sweet. the kale caesar was barely dressed and the croutons were stale. the ribeye itself was cooked ok but the mushrooms on top of it were overseasoned and the "charred broccoli" was mostly soggy and not seasoned at all. the potatoes had some sort of sauce but it was barely there so it also had little taste. what a bummer. read more

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. read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - High Vault Ceiling - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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. read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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! read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - Dining area - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Food is always delicious, atmosphere amazing, and service fantastic. My family and I have a few favorite starters, the Brussel sprouts and the goat cheese dip, highly recommend both. read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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

Merchants Pub & Plate - The Merchant - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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. read more

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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. read more

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This place is consistently awesome - I've been here multiple times over the last several years.  It's my go-to when I'm in town.  While it's no longer one of the few places with vegan options, it's certainly the best.  Everyone will be able to find something here. There's likely not much left to be said that hasn't already, so to be brief, it simply has all the things: dietary friendly options (dairy-free/vegan/gluten-free/celiac), all the beverages (cocktails/mocktails/beer/wine/kombucha), all the seating (bar/high tops/patio/groups), all the vibes/ambience/atmosphere, excellent service/friendly staff/reasonable wait times, reasonable prices, a solid happy hour, kids menu, lunch specials, delicious and unique food options, locally sourced options, brunch, the bathroom is even cool -- I could go on forever. To summarize: the blueprint for 'how-it's-done' in the restaurant space. read more

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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!!

Perfect date night destination! The waitstaff are quick and friendly. The food is delicious, but expensive. Live music enhances the mood significantly. read more

We have been coming to Merchants for the last 5 years and we always have the best experience but tonight was worth noting! MEGAN was our sever on the 3rd floor. She was so kind and so happy at every turn! I wished I could have thanked her more than I did... she flew up and down those stairs with a smile and a wag that made us feel like family! Thank you Megan ! After a long week of work at LMH it absolutely made it all Worth it! Megan made us feel like we should do better! Simply put .... she is one of those people that makes us as locals want to keep coming back !!! read more

My first visit was amazing and I can't wait to return. The "upscale casual" concept is comforting, the staff were friendly, and the food was phenomenal. We ordered the honey chipotle chicken sandwich and the chicken and dumplings. I'm not a fan of goat cheese but oh my, the cilantro goat cheese spread that is on the chicken sandwich was super tasty and makes me second-guess my dislike of this particular cheese. Their take on chicken and dumplings is a stretch but the flavor doesn't disappoint. read more

Let me just say this.... The sad part about this review is that I was very happy when I first came in. I was sitting at a high top by myself and had a very kind and attentive server. For context- I am traveling for work in a city I've never been to before and I wanted to try a new place that seemed to be popular around the hotel I'm staying at. I came in for dinner around 5:30 and wanted a bar seat so I'm not taking up a whole table for just myself. Unfortunately, none were available so I sat alone at a high top for a drink until someone got up from the bar. When the couple got up I came to the bar to sit down in the corner and the bartender saw me, smiled and did not even think to clean up the space. I sat with dirty glasses from the people there before me for at least 30 minutes (never even offered to wipe down the space). BTW the plate was mine after I finished eating which was served to be in the mess lol. But, I kept trying to push them towards the end because I find that pretty nasty to eat around. The bartender never asked me if I needed anything or came to clean up. The other bartender that seemed to be serving the bar high tops....awesome. he finally came back to me at the bar and continued to serve me another drink and cleaned up. Disappointed that the other one didn't give me the time of day or even clean up the space for me to eat when my food arrived. Otherwise, the food was good. The other bartender made up for this experience. Will give another try and hope it gets better. read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

My Husband and I stopped in last week for Happy Hour. Our bartender server Whitney was the greatest. It was early so it wasn't too crowded and not to noisy, you could carry on a conversation. We hadn't seen the deviled eggs or hummus on the menu before so we decided on those. Also my husband wanted a burger and to try the potatoes ... we ordered some more. Their food is fresh and tasty it's hard not to try 1 of everything all at once. It was all delicious I recommend this restaurant. read more

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Merchants is a must stop for game day in Lawrence. Beautiful old bank building with high-quality food. The short rib poutine is a favorite! read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - Poutine - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

This is the best meal I've had in a very long time. I have to eat gluten free and everything was VERY clearly marked for gluten, nuts, milk and vegetarian restrictions. The bun on my burger wasn't crumbly as so many gluten free buns are. Do yourself a favor and get the brussel sprouts. We both ordered dessert and it was well worth it. The service was excellent. They take reservations which was very convenient. The ambiance is unique and fits the menu well. We will absolutely be back. read more

What a fun place for a Saturday brunch. $5 mimosas and bloody Mary's. They have a fun cocktail list and a great brunch menu. Table ordered the poutine, soup of the day, fries. I wasn't a fan of the fries, they were a little flimsy and too skinny for me. Our waitress was also having a difficult day and I think she may have been stretched a bit thin. read more

Love the food here and the ambiance. Great outdoor seating on a nice day. Check out their happy hour specials recently we ate an early dinner and everything was delicious. This is one of our go to date restaurants but also a fun place to meet a friend for happy hour. clean, friendly servers, great food! If you haven't tried Merchants yet- check them out! read more

I love Merchants! Typically I get to come first lunch or brunch, I love their Dill Pickle Martini and Potato Leek soup. Although I've loved everything I've ordered from the menu. This time we went for a friend's bday and I had the salmon baguette And it was so good the salmon was cooked perfectly and the bread was nice and crusty outside with a soft inside. Our cheese platers were great starters as well. My friend got the short rib has and it was fire flames!!! We love it here. You should visit if you haven't. read more

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Really nice upscale restaurant (without being overly fancy). Remodeled former bank with multi level seating. The food is really good, as is their craft beer selection (around 30 rotating taps). They also have a full bar, if craft beer is not what you're into. This is a very popular spot so it's a good idea to have a reservation. The service is always very good - friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. I had dinner with my son there earlier this week and we both enjoyed the Short Rib dish. Great place to go if you're in the heart of Laurence (Mass Street) and want a really good meal or to just grab a great beer at the bar. read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - Sort Ribs - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Great meal and wonderful atmosphere! Very high ceilings and loved the decor. Our server was great and went above and beyond to provide an excellent experience! If I lived in town this would definitely be my go-to spot! read more

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I'd give this a solid 3.5 stars. Cute place. They were half empty but sat us right next to a bussing station. After being bumped into repeatedly asked to move and were accommodated but seems weird they would even seat us there. Shared the labneh app which was good, the brussels sprouts which were amazing and the bee stings which were unimpressive. Had the goat cheese ravioli and it was good but shockingly bland for goat cheese, lacked the expected tang. Fun cocktail menu. read more

I think they are overpriced and overrated. Menu is somewhat pretentious especially the tiny happy hour snacks which are outrageously expensive. read more

Delightful food, in a seriously cool environment. This is an old bank, and they did a great job keeping the charm and cool elements of the bar, while transforming it into a fun, yummy and welcoming experience. We came for brunch, and we were able to be seated without a wait, which is lovely. Short rib poutine was really good, and the smoked salmon baguette was yummy too. We will be back! read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - Smoked salmon baguette - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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Always a favorite stop for us while in Lawrence. Couldn't ask for a better menu, especially if you have any dietary concerns. Dog friendly patio is a huge perk. Great service and everything has been delicious on every trip. Mocktails and cocktails to die for! read more

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Merchants never fails me. I've been 10+ times at this point and have never had an experience that left a bad taste in my mouth. I don't think there has been a single visit where I didn't order the In a Pickle Martini. It's very simple, a little pricy, but absolutely impossible to refuse in my opinion. Service is typically very good with the servers being kind and knowledgeable about the menu. Pictured is the deviled pickled beet eggs which was recommended by my waitress last time I went. They were amazing! One of my other all-time favorites is the gochujang chicken pasta which is an entree. VERY good and filling. The restaurant is located in an old bank and is super cute. Plenty of seating on all three levels plus some outdoor seating on nice days! Would recommend a reservation if your group is big or you're going at a busy time. read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - Deviled Beet Pickled Eggs - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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Rudest experience I've had in Lawrence! I was extremely disappointed with their accessibility service. We called and said we were in the crosswalk outside of the building and asked if they could seat 4, with a wheelchair seat. We were told yes to a wheelchair seat and that they could seat us immediately. After walking in, and getting our friend up the first floor elevator, the host very rudely informed us that she couldn't seat us because there wasn't an elevator up the second floor. When I said we had just gotten off the phone and been told we could be sat, she threw her hands up and said "Well, I don't know what you want me to do. I have reservations at 3" in a very snotty tone. I have never seen a hostess act this way, and be extremely agitated that we needed an accommodation. Took our business to Genovese Italian, just down the block, and had a wonderful dinner with a server who was extremely kind. I'd recommend to go there instead if you're looking at eating at Merchants. Again, worst service I've seen in Lawrence. read more

Best gourmet restaurant ever . The food is Top The taste , the ambience and the is over the top You won't regret to make reservations there . I had the most excellent food and service ever . Trust me you won't be disappointed! read more

Merchants Pub & Plate - Merchants Burger - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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This is a great local spot. The food is good, they have a great beer list and the cocktails are good. Service is good and it's always a good time. It's beautiful on the inside and a very comfortable place to visit. Give it a try! read more