Merchant bar and Restaurant

Name: Merchant bar and Restaurant
Address: Forster Street, Galway, Connacht, Ireland, Republic of, HP1 TCP0
Telephone: (091) 569 633
Price range: €30 and under
Rating: 3.7

3.7

29 reviews

€30 and under

International

Top tags:

Discover Merchant Cafe & Bar, a gem nestled in the heart of Galway. Adjoining the Eyre Square Hotel, Merchant Cafe & Bar combines the charm of a classic cafe with the liveliness of a modern bar, our venue offers a distinct and engaging experience.

Sample our menu, carefully curated to meld international flavours with locally sourced ingredients. Our chefs' expertise shines in dishes that beautifully blend innovation with tradition. From a bustling daytime cafe to a vibrant lunch and dinner spot that transitions seamlessly into a lively nighttime bar, we cater to diverse tastes.

Our ambience reflects our dedication to creating lasting memories. The fusion of contemporary design and rustic elements in our decor provides an inviting setting, perfect for intimate gatherings or joyous celebrations. Join us at Merchant Cafe & Bar and experience a space where style meets comfort.

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No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 Sept 2023

19:00

Booked 1 time today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
International, Café, Dining Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 7:30 am–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 7:30 am–12:30 am
Phone number
(091) 569 633
Website
https://www.eyresquarehotel.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
Forster Street, Galway, Connacht HP1 TCP0
Area
Galway City Centre
Parking Details
None
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

What 29 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.7

3.7 based on recent ratings

3.7Food
3.5Service
3.5Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

29 Reviews

MS
MariaS
Berlin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 31 August 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
A nice and quite place. Good food ( I really liked the pear salad with goat cheese) service slow but the staff is kind
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful menu! Great variety for myself and my partner. Super friendly and attentive staff. Will be back
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on 29 July 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
When we arrived there was no host to seat us at our reservation time and the bartender told us the kitchen was closed. We did not have a drinks only reservation so this was disappointing
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ND
NealD
Washington DC
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on 21 July 2023
overall5food5service3ambience4
Very good chicken wings. Staff and managers need a bit more experience and oversight. Very difficult to get their attention, didn't deliver ordered drinks, etc.
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HC
HelenC
N. Ireland
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 15 July 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very good food and good atmosphere Would recommend
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F
Faye
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 18 June 2023
overall2food2service4ambience2
One thing I hate is leaving a bad review so I will start by saying this is not a bad restaurant. It just need work on service which I would say is more the problem of staff than management. 4 of us ate here on Sunday. My order was a pear salad which came with 3 small pieces of pear & a plate of lettuce. Pear looked like a garnish & not the main part. My salad came quickly but my husband ordered soup & 2 kids ordered chicken wings , these came 30 mins later. Food was ok but it’s not on when 4 people sit down together that there is such a difference in receiving food. It’s a pity as if all was working together this would be a great place to eat. We paid for our food without complaint & left a tip. What would be the good in given out to waiting staff when the problem lies with the kitchen.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on 22 October 2022
overall1food1service3ambience1
Disappointing evening in the merchant bar and not the dining experience we’ve come to associate with Opentable restaurants. We arrived to what was essentially a half empty pub with no atmosphere on a Saturday evening. The photos are deceiving. This is NOT a restaurant. It is a pub that happens to sell a bit of food on the side (which was poor quality to say the least). Don’t make the mistake of dressing up if you are going - tracksuits and runners seem to be an appropriate dress code, we felt overdressed in a shirt and jeans. We found the quality of the food to be poor. The fish and chips tasted like they came out of a microwave and the chicken burger wasn’t much better. The menus (which are handed out on a single A4 sheet of paper) are completely out of date - we were told they haven’t been updated on the website in over a year. This was disappointing as we had planned what we wanted to eat ahead of arrival only to find that our first, second and third options were all unavailable. Unfortunately, we had booked last minute and couldn’t leave to find somewhere else to go at 8:30 on a Saturday. The only positive we took from the “meal” was that we were in and out of the pub within 35 minutes. The server was also very warm and friendly. She gave us some good recommendations of places in Galway to go for some live music.
Merchant bar and RestaurantResponded on 22 November 2022
Dear Guest, I am extremely sorry for the very negative experience, I have organized an update of the website menu. Your comments about the food have been shared with our kitchen team. Feedback regarding the quality of our menu is in the main extremely positive however it is 100% consistency that we strive for. I am very glad to read that our staff member was warm and friendly with you and you enjoyed the recommendations offered for live Music Kind Regards, John Beattie Eyre Square Hotel
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JD
JosephineD
Connacht
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 29 August 2022
overall4food4service2ambience4
Nice bar. Good food. Staff not very happy....grumpy
Merchant bar and RestaurantResponded on 22 November 2022
Hi Josephine, Thank you for the Recommendation, We hope you have the opportunity to return soon, We are very sorry if you felt our team members were not attentive on the night, We strive to be warm, friendly and engaging at all times and will work harder at this in future Kind Regards, The Merchant Bar and Restaurant Team
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MO
MaureenO
Dublin
13 reviews
vip
2.0
13 reviews
Dined on 23 July 2022
overall2food1service2ambience1
Dined here on a recent trip to Galway and was a huge let down. Drinks were nice but the food wasn't very good and my friends barely touched theirs. I found a lot of bones in my fish, wouldn't mind if it were one or two but it was at least 10 bones I picked out. Service was OK, kind of just left you alone and didn't check in. We quickly finished our drinks, paid and left. Ended up having a McDonald's later that night and that was miles better. Wouldn't dine in here again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on 20 July 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The nachos were excellent, the music was great, we would def go back again!!
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R
Review1
Connacht
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 28 May 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Food was poor. Got the bruschetta and the bread was stale. Burger was cold. Staff were very nice and friendly.
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L
Lauren00
Connacht
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 26 February 2022
overall2food3service3ambience2
Sat in nice area, music very repetitive though. We got our starters within 5 minutes of ordering and then after they took our starters away it took 35 from them to get our main courses and people that came in after us were getting their food. I also said when I was booking the table that it was for a 50th birthday but there was nothing at all for that and I thought something small would have been nice. Poor appearance of pornstar martini too. Main courses were gorgeous but vegetable soup didn’t taste if anything and we didn’t have condiments on our table to add salt to it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Connacht
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 19 February 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was an excellent experience, we enjoyed it
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MC
MariaC
Sligo
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 12 February 2022
overall3food3service1ambience2
The location was great and food was okay. But the service was very poor.
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SS
SiobhanS
Tipperary
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 12 February 2022
overall1food3service1ambience2
Food was average but I've never seen worse table service.
1 person found this helpful
DW
DamienW
Connacht
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 January 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pleasant experience, food was great and staff very helpful 👌
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on 22 January 2022
overall3food3service5ambience4
A very mellow pub on a rather busy street. Good food and drinks but suited for someone looking for a quite and calm ambience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Connacht
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 January 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for a romantic night out and have to say I was blown away!!!! We had the burger and the fish and chips and it was utterly sublime!!!! Staff could not do enough for you either. Cannot wait to recommend this place to all my friends
Merchant bar and RestaurantResponded on 22 November 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for the wonderful Review and the recommendations to your friends, We hope you have had the opportunity to return again since your visit, Kind Regards, The Merchant Bar and Restaurant Team
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Connacht
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 January 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Excellent service
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AF
AndieF123
Connacht
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 15 January 2022
overall2food2service2ambience4
Service was very slow, food was very average and Guinness was poor. There was a lady manager who was very good with service but all others were poor. Ordered fish and chips, fish almost tasted like it had been frozen. Guinness was very poor, both the dish and drink ordered in Galway for most places are well above average but not in this instance. Nice setting and bar ambiance but couldn’t recommend on that alone.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Connacht
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 19 December 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Service was absolutely brutal waiting ages for drinks and food , When the food came out it was horrible was full of salt and was un able to eat , Definitely would not recommend
1 person found this helpful
J
Jenna
Dublin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 3 December 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great night with the girls at the Merchant. Service was superb, extremely friendly staff that couldn’t have done enough for us. We were blown away by the music duo who were playing together for the first time.
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MD
MariaD
Dublin
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 3 December 2021
overall4food5service5ambience3
The music was very good but was very loud found it difficult to have a conversation. Staff were very pleasant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
N. Ireland
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 27 November 2021
overall2food3service3ambience1
We were seated beside a window/ door at alley way beside building. Worst seating in the house. Could see better seating vacant elsewhere. Totally ruined the experience
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Connacht
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 12 November 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Katie was a great waitress. We waited over an hour for fish and chips. My son who’s 4 I ordered chicken tenders when they arrived were PINK had I not checked his food he could have been so sick. I sent them back they came out again the same chicken cooked further and again PINK instead of cooking then fresh they re cooked the chicken that’s so dangerous and still it wasn’t right. I definitely would not recommend here for anyone. This was at 6 o’clock and the place nearly empty. The rest of the food that took over an hour to come the peas were cold chef forgot to microwave them!!!!! Seriously you couldn’t make this up. Just awful on our on one night stay in Galway. Thanks!
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EM
EllaM9
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time there. Fab decor, good buzz and lovely food :)
Merchant bar and RestaurantResponded on 17 October 2021
Dear Ella, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are delighted you had a great time and hope to see you again soon. Yours Sincerely, Danielle Butler Merchant Café & Restaurant Manager
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GH
GemmaH
Cork
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 27 August 2021
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food was tasty, and delicious great value for money and a pretty good sitting out area. The staff were extremely helpful and attentive and were very friendly.
Merchant bar and RestaurantResponded on 17 October 2021
Dear Gemma, Thanks you so much for your wonderful comments! I am delighted to hear you enjoyed both the food and staff and will pass on your comments to our team. Regards, Danielle Butler Merchant Café & Restaurant Manager
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GH
GemmaH
Cork
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 26 August 2021
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food was great and the staff were very friendly, the food was well priced also and the seating was pretty good to overall a great place to sit have a drink and a munch.
Merchant bar and RestaurantResponded on 17 October 2021
Dear Gemma, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I am delighted to hear you had an enjoyable time with us and hope to see you again in the near future. Regards, Danielle Butler Merchant Café & Restaurant Manager
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G
Gme2023
Dublin
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on 5 July 2021
overall3food4service3ambience2
Outdoor area was awful it was cold, no heaters. We did get blankets upon request, but it wasn’t a very nice place to sit and look at
Merchant bar and RestaurantResponded on 17 October 2021
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to review us. I am sorry to hear that our outdoor area was not up to standard. We value all guest feedback and endeavour to do better and hope you will consider returning to us in future. Yours Sincerely, Danielle Butler Merchant Café & Restaurant Manager
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waiting staff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Merchant bar and Restaurant is rated 3.7 stars by 29 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 Sept 2023

19:00

Booked 1 time today

Google Map for Merchant bar and Restaurant

Forster Street, Galway, Connacht HP1 TCP0

Additional information

Area
Galway City Centre
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 7:30 am–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 7:30 am–12:30 am
Cuisines
International, Café, Dining Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
https://www.eyresquarehotel.com/
Phone number
(091) 569 633

Merchant bar and Restaurant

Make a booking

Additional information

Menu

What 29 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is Merchant bar and Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Merchant bar and Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information