The River Merchant

Food and vibes at The River Merchant were so good! Probably the best Caesar salad I've ever had, and the added blackened chicken was perfect. Our server Lorelei was great, and suggested leaving our beer cheese behind from the pretzel app for our fries which was such a clutch suggestion. The salmon croquettes were also delicious. Lots of wins at this restaurant, definitely would recommend.

You know that feeling when you walk into a place for the 1st time and you know you’re going to leave happy, that’s the feeling we got tonight. Sat at the centrally located bar, which allows you to see everything. Bar tenders were great, servers were also attentive. Pulled Pork tacos were tasty, pickled red onion was a nice touch. Mushroom flat bread was awesome, with goat cheese and lots of fresh mushrooms (yum). We had an awesome time here. Can’t wait to come back again. Cheers Riv Merch.

Stopped for dinner before a show at Kent Stage. The service was speedy, and the food was delicious. The Sweet Potato tots with Sriracha aoili were great. I would put them on the appetizer menu instead of on the sides menu. We had them as an appetizer, and it was perfect. Our server, Jada, was delightful.

A refreshingly great experience! Unbelievably well managed. Great beer, great food, great bartenders. What a rarity these days. Crispy goat cheese and meatloaf were so delicious!

I had one of the best meals Tonight. We ordered the crispy goat cheese app. It was savory and sweet. I ordered the Kobe Meatloaf for my entree. It was served with pierogis, asparagus, mushrooms and had a delicious leek cream sauce. We also got a side of fries to share and they were wonderful also. Normally I don't order a dessert, but we all shared the brownie dessert and it was the perfect ending to such a great meal. The restaurant itself is very nice inside and all the employees were pleasant. Try this place if you haven't already!!

5 🌟 food, service and atmosphere! Every bite of food was so delicious, the flavors were so complimentary to whatever the main item on the plate was. The signature cocktails were the most amazing thing I've ever sipped. Will definitely go back every chance I get!!

Best dinner I've had in forever. Had the Kobe meatloaf and it was fantastic. Atmosphere and staff were excellent.

We attended because a friend recommended the place for Sunday brunch.
The food is good and tasty, the Benedict’s could use a little bit more of holandés sauce, but overall very good, the squishy orange juice was perfect and the coffee good, we will be back soon for lunch or dinner to try the cocktails and beer selection. See you soon.

Have you ever seen peace sign dipping sauce?! This restaurant should definitely be on your radar if you are ever visiting the Kent state campus.
Featured in my photos:
1. Homemade #foccacia with #yinyang olive oil and balsamic
2. Korean BBQ Brisket Tacos (AMAZING!)
3. Cherry cobbler (#omg)
4. #homemade dream bars
5. Fresh #crumbcake

This spot was so yummy, we went back 2 nights in a row. Check out therivermerchant , and you're welcome. I will be back!

PRO TIP!!: There is additional parking next door, in the parking lot to the left of the building.

I'd give more stars for service but it was Mother's day weekend and I can see how our server may have been distracted. Nice atmosphere once you get past the wine racks located at the entranceway. Be careful!!!

This restaurant didn't exist when I lived in the Kent area years ago, so I was happy to try it out after reading such good reviews on Yelp. And that hype was lived up to, as the whole experience was very solid, with good service and a really pleasant atmosphere that is both slightly upscale and yet comfortable. And the food was very enjoyable, well made and inventive, and I'm only sad I only get to this area every so often, since I would definitely be a regular if I lived nearby.

What a great spot with an amazing view and, staff, food and adult beverage selection! We sat at the bar and had a great experience from the moment we sat down. Amazing selection of Bourbon and Rye with Bartenders that can formulate an amazing cocktail. Our food was delivered promptly and all food concerns were taken seriously.
I had the Big Kent and it did not disappoint. We will return and hopefully snag a table riverside!

Great food and such friendly people! A variety selection of wines and craft beer. Beautiful outdoor space and views of the river! I highly recommend sitting outside. It’s such a calming and scenic space.

This place was great! The servers were very friendly and accommodating, offering recommendations. Fries, flatbreads and burgers were pretty good. You can tell the owners were extremely thoughtful about the design of the menu, the recipes, the look of the restaurant, etc. The meals are a little more expensive than average casual dining (coming from a middle class perspective). Make reservations if you can while it’s still a newer restaurant. The parking situation is much better than it was with the old winery that used to own the spot. Overall, it’s a great experience. I can’t wait to try it in summer when the patio by the river is open.

Mom and I had a great time at The River Merchant for Sunday lunch. It's a lively place with a staff that tries their absolute best but is challenged with keeping up with the demands of all their guests. The menu, albeit quite brief, has something for everyone. Don't pass up the French onion soup as a starter ( it's almost a meal in itself). Also, the smoked salmon flatbread was very tasty and a perfect accompaniment with flavours that complemented nicely.

We love this place, went for my birthday, the menu is always changing to keep it fresh, and it's always good. Our waitress was a bit obtuse this time, she was young , but she was pleasant. Thanks for a good experience.

If you love expertly crafted cocktails, a nice craft beer menu, and yummy food, run, don't walk to The River Merchant!

We went on a Saturday around 5 pm. Barely had to wait for a table. If you go they don't take reservations for under 4 people so I would recommend getting there early. The view on the pationis gorgeous so try to get an outside high top on the water side.
Everything on the menu looked excellent but there appetizers all looked appealing too so we got the hummus crudite. Everything in there was scrumptious. They have a wide variety of beer on tap and a huge wine selection. You can even purchase some in the little market.
Highly recommend!

Compared to some businesses that are only going through the motions, River Merchant shines. The employees took time to describe the features and paid attn to their timing and my needs. These stellar interactions were provided by Ben, Gavin, & Josh. Plus the fair prices are the cherry on top.

Second time I've been here and both times have been stellar. Service is prompt and the staff is courteous. Feels upscale but prices aren't outrageous IMO. Food has been great both times - highly recommend the French onion soup 😁