The Merchant | Jersey City, NJ (grove street)

My friend, Marian, took the day off to study for her GMATs and I was working from home. Have you figured this out yet? We had a lunch date at The Merchant in Jersey City 🙂

The Merchant is a pub that has something for everyone. Their menu consists of all types of cuisines, including Mexican, Thai, American, even Indian. Speaking of Indian food, Chicken Tikka Masala is a national British dish and this place makes it better than many Indian establishments. Trust me, it is that good.

LOCATION
279 Grove Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201.200.0202

AMBIENCE
The Merchant is a casual hangout spot. This place is huge, there is a bar and a dining area, both upstairs and downstairs. This can be a cute place for a date, but it seems better for groups.

RECOMMENDED TO
Bar Scene, Casual Dining, Groups.

CUISINE
American

MENU – $$
The Merchant Menu. Entrees range anywhere from $10 – $20. If you eat here lunch time, the entrees are a couple dollars cheaper, not that significant. On their website, look for specials going on each day of the week. The portions are filling.
Lunch for 2 people: $28 (including tip)

RECOMMENDED HEALTHY EATS… choices below are based on my knowledge of food and nutrition. There is no online nutritional information available for The Merchant. There are some good brunch options here. Please use your own discretion when making a decision.

HEALTHY EATS
APPETIZERS
Grilled Pesto Flat Bread
SALADS
House Salad w/dressing on side
Cobb Salad without bacon & w/dressing on side
Apple & Warm Goat Cheese w/dressing on side
Starburst Salad w/dressing on side
PASTAS
Spinach & Portabello Ravioli
SANDWICHES
Homemade Veggie Burger
Tuna Wrap without Mayonnaise
BRUNCH
Granola & Yogurt
Apple & Goat Cheese Salad w/dressing on side
Cobb Salad without bacon & w/dressing on side
Santa Fe Eggs
Grand Chicken Sandwich w/Mayo on side

MY REVIEW
I have been to The Merchant a couple times before with my husband. Previously I tried the Chicken Tikka Masala which was outstanding! I also tried the Grilled Chicken Quesadilla which was average, there was way too much grilled chicken for my liking and not enough cheese, and hence the appetizer was a bit dry. I also tried an Apple Martini here which was delicious!

Today however, I ordered the special, Buffalo Chicken Wrap with a side of French Fries… I know, I’m so BAD!!! It seems I have no self control when it comes to eating French fries or anything fried. But not so fast, I did ask our waiter to use grilled chicken in the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, instead of fried, so there, I wasn’t so unhealthy.

The wrap was great. It was filled with grilled chicken, avocados, lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, and some kind of buffalo dressing/sauce… YUM! The fat was all in the sauce, the rest of the ingredients seem healthy. It was so good. The fries were great too, perfectly crisp, hot, and thick. I ate 3/4 of my wrap and ate all my fries… I’ll work out tomorrow.

VERDICT – 3.5 / 5

While looking at the menu today, my friend and I literally wanted to order 5 things off the menu, the dishes are so creative and appetizing. On a weekend when I am not watching my diet as closely, I want to indulge in the Mac & Cheese, it looks heavenly made with 4 types of cheeses. How do you say no to that? The salads look flavorful here, especially the Southwestern Chicken Salad, I am a sucker for Mexican food. The Homemade Veggie Burger and Pan Roasted Salmon look delicious. As you can see, I love this place, their menu is selective, but you have to vote for quality over quantity! You will get your money’s worth and I will definitely go back to The Merchant. I recommend this place.