The Merc

Easily one of the best restaurants in Saratoga. The Smashburger was delicious and full of flavor. It came on time and I was not disappointed. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the chicken and waffles. It was all white meat chicken breast. Crispy and flavorful. I took a few bites and I was envious but I also enjoyed my burger. It just makes you want a little bit of everything. We got the picture of Bellini and it was perfect for both of us. Great value. Overall, we will return very soon. We went for brunch around 3 PM on a Sunday and it wasn’t too busy. Granted we had a reservation so if you have the opportunity make a reservation and you won’t be disappointed. Worst case you’ll have a 10 to 15 minute wait

The most delicious salmon dish! Chocolate Mousse cake was divine. Everything was so delicious and our server was fantastic. Wonderful meal!

I absolutely loved the food here. We ordered the tomato bisque soap as a starter and OH MY GOD! That was amazing ! And then I ordered the merc burger and my husband the chicken sandwich.. absolutely delicious 1000000% recommend. P.S the bathroom was so cute and clean

Had a wonderful brunch at the Merc! Service was great and the atmosphere can't be beat. Love the old historical vibe. If you like a Bloody Mary you should definitely order one. I had the French Toast which was super yummy.

We came here for the brunch menu. And I ended up being slightly disappointed. The mimosas were great. And my girlfriend absolutely loved her eggs benedict. The adult grilled cheese initially came out with onions that I did not order and the rush to make the plate again resulted in cheese that was not melted and half warm truffel fries. We would definitely recommend the eggs benedict and the mimosas.

I was happy with this restaurant. The food was better than average but not like blown away amazing. I’ve only been once so I should go a second time. The ambiance was cute and lovely. I will try again. Pancakes are very good. Brussel sprouts are good but very large. The reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because I ordered eggs Benedict and asked the server to do my poached eggs medium instead of easy because I am not a fan of when the white part is runny. Well the eggs ended up being cooked even less than normal poached easy eggs. This is not a huge deal and could have been a fluke but it was still my experience and feedback.

Okay so it was packed when I walked in at 6:45 on a Sunday, found the one open barstool near the service well, the bartender (Deb, not Debbie) quickly greeted, watered and handed me menus… I asked for a taste of a draft even though she was slammed. Deb happily obliged, and I later picked her brain on bourbons. She also held my hand between three menu items I was contemplating, get the Merc smash burger, if you’re contemplating it… Then I got to listen to them coach up a young hire, they love this place and so should you!!!

First time at brunch here. The hype is real! Our server, JT, went above and beyond with appropriate recommendations and substitutions for our dietary limitations and quickly fielded any requests with a smile. Highly recommend, make a reservation to ensure a table, and get ready for a delicious meal!

We were in town with my daughter and her family, so I left the dining plans to her. This was one of her selected restaurants for the few days we were in Saratoga Springs, and it was good. My problem is that the brunch menu was rather limited (my opinion only), and there were enough things that I didn't like or didn't want, so that the only item I wanted was an omelette on their "specials" page, made with veggies and brie cheese. Unfortunately, I learned that I don't like brie in an omelette, even with as much as I like brie. Just didn't work for me, but that's not a strike against the restaurant. It's just my preference. My strike against the restaurant was a somewhat limited menu. Otherwise, everything seemed well prepared and tasty, but for the brie part. I don't even remember what all was in my omelette. Usually, I take a picture of any specialty menu, because I know I won't remember specifics by the time I write the reviews, but this time, I forgot to take that photo. All I have is a photo of the omelette as it arrived. It might've had spinach, mushrooms, red peppers and/or onions, which are my typical go-to omelette veggies, but who knows. I only remember the brie because I didn't like it, lol. My husband ordered their grilled cheese and liked it just fine. I do like grilled cheese, but I always feel guilty after eating them, so I tend to not order them when we go out. If we ever return to Saratoga Springs, I probably wouldn't come here for brunch. Their dinner menu seems a bit more ambitious, so I would check that out. I guess I'm just too fussy about brunch type items. It was packed here and apparently is quite popular and well-liked.

We had a very good experience and food here at The Merc! Service was excellent and it was clean and comfortable. Apps (Brussel Sprouts and special wings out if this world) with handful of other apps and a salad very good. The entrees also were enjoyed with the only exception being the pasta bolognese which wasn't bad, just was flat as if the pasta had been reheated in a hot water bath/rinse and served to save time (I've worked at places that did this so its not an out of line observation). Still overall very good experience and we will be back! Definitely check out The Merc!!!

The Merc executed a decently good brunch - nothing more than you would have expected in Saratoga Springs - and there were very good aspects and disappointments, but all-in-all this is the brunch spot in Saratoga Springs, and for good reason. If you're going on a weekend, get a reservation, otherwise you'll have to wait. It's simple, and honestly the wait isn't bad because the street is nice and there's places to go, but a little bit of planning goes a long way here to keep you from having a 2 hour wait for brunch and missing the first post at the races, or whatever else is going on for you! The cocktails are great, the cold brew decent, and there are a good amount of drink options - enjoy, it's brunch! The kale caesar salad was so refreshing and nice, it isn't interesting or different if you have had kale caesar before, but a classic kale caesar is great. Chicken and waffles were made well, and the hot sauce they have goes perfectly with this! Very filling portion, but maybe not enough for two. The dish that is enough for two and is oh so good is the carnitas benny! Like wow the carnitas are great. Unfortunately the eggs were not runny, which is sad for a poached egg, but they gave me extra hollandaise and hot sauce to make up for it. I wasn't going to send back the eggs because let's be real, the star of this dish is the carnitas! I'm not dying to come back, but if in Saratoga Springs, it will be in our brunch rotation.

Back again! This time for a burger at the bar and OMG! This is easily the best burger I have had in months! Served lightning fats at 3pm with the place kickin' on a rainy Spring Saturday. More proof that this is a great place to eat BUT the fries were soggy- inedible. Sub them out if possible. I keep coming back over and over though. I don't come for the fries... Cheers!!!

Tho is one of the few restaurants that doesn't mark allergens on the menu. It doesn't indicate which items are gluten free or dairy free. Disappointing that the restaurant doesn't care enough to make sure the customers can tell which foods are safe for them to eat if they have dietary needs.

Ambiance is so warm and welcoming. We were seated promptly. All our dishes were plentiful and very fresh ingredients! My avocado toast was delicious on sourdough bread. My friends' potatoes with grilled vegetables were perfectly seasoned to accompany their entrees of BLT sandwich with a pesto aioli & and a bacon omelette.

So full. The chicken was the best part. Truffle fries with the aioli were slamming. And obviously nothing is better than some crispy tater tots. Staff was fun and attentive. That cappuccino saved my life after a night of drinking after a wedding. Highly recommend. Ambiance is old and rustic but in a good way. Loved the lighting.

Excellent service and delicious food. Got the BLT which was crispy, juicy, and savory all at the same time. Make sure to make reservations as they get busy.

Perfection! Great dinner at The Merc. Great drinks! Beautiful setting and superb service! Great for lunch too!

We had brunch on a Monday and it was great. I got the BLT with fried egg and my friends got the Eggs Benedict.

Can't beat the flavors of brunch at The Merc! Started with mimosas, and then got the No Huevos, a vegan take on Huevos Rancheros. The mix of sweet potatoes, soy chorizo, avocado, and pico de gallo made the perfect blend of flavors. We sat at the cutest outdoor table on the small patio, and we could not have asked for a better experience!

Good service and seating outdoors to watch people! it was during the 'No Kings' protest and we had the best seats!

First time, my girlfriend and I have ever came here. We're from out of town and this will definitely be a staple next time. We are back in Saratoga Springs. The little bartender Deb was fantastic, friendly and very helpful with the menu and the drink menu. We will definitely be back.

My husband and I loved The Merc when it opened about four years ago. Cool albeit limited menu and very good service. Not only did we frequently patronize this charming restaurant on our own, we often brought visiting family and friends here. I have been giving The Merc high ratings. We hadn't been there in awhile so it was my top pick yesterday for brunch, and I recommended this restaurant to our friends who were visiting from Lake Placid. The restaurant was telling people who didn't have a reservation like we did that there was a one hour wait. About four tables were empty when we arrived. Our server and drinks were fine but the food was not. I ordered a Special, Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. The accompanying fries, which I had requested "crisp to almost burnt" came as cold (yes, COLD), wilted and inedible. The Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese (a sandwich) was an indescribable mess that had to be eaten with a fork. My husband's meal (a breakfast Bennie) was barely warm. He did not eat his potatoes, either. We believe our food had been sitting out in the kitchen way too long. If my husband and I had been there alone, I would have sent back my meal. But our new friends were also business associates in the hospitality industry and I didn't want to make a scene. So, I am dropping my review from four to three stars. And with so many new places in town, we may not return for awhile.

Came here for a farewell brunch on the last morning of our girls trip to Saratoga Springs. 7 very tired and exhausted girls asked for all the coffee and/or Bloody Marys and got a pretty even split of breakfast and lunch food. Before I get to the food, I have to mention how cute this spot is. It's right on the main ave with some outdoor seating and lots of indoor space. Our big group was not cramped in or smushed right next to other tables. There are plants everywhere and it's got a great cozy feel, especially for how large the space is. I got the oat milk latte and loved that it came with a little sprinkling of cinnamon on top. It was exactly what I needed before the 3 hour drive that followed brunch. And because I love a good skillet, I got the no huevos rancheros but actually ended up adding the huevo on top. I'm not a vegetarian but loveeee a big breakfast filled with veggies and eggs. The soy chorizo was actually delicious and the portion was gigantic. All on a bed of quinoa, it was a very good start to the day (and also end since I took the leftovers home and had them for dinner). A great spot for breakfast or lunch with a big menu of options. Service was very kind and as fast as could be expected on a busy weekend morning. Definitley recommend making a res here.

For the high price, this place does not skimp on the food, so we have no complaints about the quantity or quality of the food. We went for brunch. I ordered an avocado toast with two eggs. What came to me was a tower of food. See the photo. My hubby ordered the chicken sandwich which was quite tasty. We had to pause and consider how one should eat it without looking like a hot mess. In the end he lowered his tower by removing one of the chicken thighs. The staff were very attentive and kind. If you are thinking about going, make a reservation. Also it is loud - a happy loud, but something to consider. We had a lovely time there.

Excellent service and great food. We were there on a Saturday night and it was quite loud. So not a place to go for a quiet romantic dinner, but excellent overall!

'The Merc' is a refined restaurant on the main drag in Saratoga Springs. In my opinion the early dinner menu is the best. I came for a burger on an early lunch day and The Merc just wasn't yet running on all cylinders. The chef walked out of the kitchen, the bartenders were arguing in the middle of the dining room and a guy was still setting out the Prix fixe signs outside.. Waitress was polite but only 'half aware': continually tripped up (and slow) due to ongoing talking with bartenders, random people meander into the kitchen, talking on phones etc. My burger and thin fries were good. The Merc has wifi so I got work done. It's a hip and not too bright (mostly evening) restaurant with all sorts of clientele: young couples, odd 3 groups of elderly folks, parents. The Merc's prices are about $8 - $10 higher than other dinner and restaurants in the area - but the views are pretty. Good food made to order. Very good bar-hopping spot. Wait staff needs a few months training as it did not have a clue about food or wines. Upscale elegant: I enjoyed it and will be back another time for some meat or wings and a brew! The Merc Review: 5+

The food is great - always try to eat here when we are in town. Food is always interesting along with good people watching

We had brunch here because it was a large place that would accommodate a family with 3 young children. They have a kids menu but they take very long to serve us. Food was OK, staff was friendly. This place can accommodate groups but service might be slower.

Such a fantastic brunch today. We started with an Irish coffee and red sangria, both fantastic. For food we ordered the chicken and waffles and the carnitas Benedict. They were both excellent, but the seasoning and cook on the chicken stole the show! The atmosphere is relaxed, but well decorated with beautiful plants and table set up. Our server was awesome answering questions we had and checking in at the perfect times. Definitely recommend getting a reservation if possible, the word is clearly out about this one!

Amazing food! Highly recommend stopping if for a boozy brunch. I had the breakfast BLT and it was fantastic and very filling! The home fires were good too. A few people I was with raved about the bloody Mary's so I suggest giving one a try! Large portions and a pretty atmosphere! Only downside was the winter was very angry when our group of 6 asked for separate bills, I would have been more understanding to his frustration if it was busy

The Merc is quite popular during peak brunch time on the weekends. Recommend putting your name in at the host stand and expecting to return in 45 min to 1 hour. I enjoyed my meal but not giving a full 5 star review because I was served dirty silverware and a used discolored tablecloth material napkin that was unacceptable in my eyes. But after getting it changed, I enjoyed my omelette, coffee, and also the biscuit basket. Just some feedback to provide that the cutlery/napkin shouldn't be overlooked when serving other customers. Other than that, I enjoyed sitting outside in the alleyway next to the bookstore and again I did enjoy my food.

The Merc! Saratoga Springs great breakfast spot! We had breakfast there on Saturday. They never disappoint ! Was seated quickly even thought the restaurant was busy. Great service and excellent food. Ambiance is great too. I had the pancakes which were so fluffy and light the best pancakes ever!

Just finished our late lunch,, Our Server Jessica recommended some dishes and we loved each one,, Food was perfect and fresh , Next time we visit Saratoga we'll definitely come back, Ask for Jessica she went above and beyond for our needs ,,

Great meal at The Merc! The star is very friendly, welcoming and helpful. We have been there twice in one week for dinner and brunch and both were excellent. Lots of vegetarian options which we appreciate . Food is delicious and I highly recommend the roasted Brussel sprouts appetizer, it's amazing! There is a small outdoor seating up front and more tables on the side in the alleyway. A great niche on Broadway!

This place was a perfect spot for a late breakfast after a lot of holiday festivities! Chill, great ambience & excellent staff! Can't wait to come back again when we're in town! Oh, and the breakfast burrito was awesome!

Great brunch spot right in the heart of downtown Saratoga! Trendy and fun atmosphere. It was very busy and I can see why. The mixed drinks are very well balanced. You're getting your money's worth here. I ordered the BLT with home fries and it was great! My wife absolutely loved her French toast with strawberries and blueberries. Prices are fair. She said the fruit was real, fresh, and delicious. Shout out to our waitress Jess for taking great care of us! 10/10 would highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area.

Overall food was pretty bad . Two ceased salads both were terrible. Also very loud , not a great experience.

I almost never do reviews and if I do it's usually because the restaurant is good but this was truly awful food! I ordered the Nicoise salad which came with partially composting greens drowning in a syrupy sweet dressing and served with "roasted potatoes" that had the texture and taste of shoe leather. It was pretty much inedible! And at the height of the growing season! Surely they could do better. Shame on this restaurant for serving something like this! EPIC FOOD FAIL.

Too noisy to enjoy our meal. My husband and I texted each other because we couldn't hear what the other was saying. Avocado toast was excellent and enjoyable. Loved the wheat berry bread. Heirloom Cherry tomatoes were delicious. Black bean quinoa burger is a really bad recipe. I sent it back to the kitchen and wouldn't eat it. Greasy, hard quinoa pellets. Bad consistency. I order veggie burgers to eat healthy, so I don't appreciate greasy over-fried or refried food. Excellent service by Amanda. She is responsible for most of my 3 stars. Husband did love the salmon Nicoise. But he hated the noisy ambiance. Neither of us wishes to return. We wish we had sat outside where it's quieter.

There on a busy Saturday in June, staff very friendly and attentive, nice atmosphere, apps, dinner and drinks all very good. Will definitely go back.

Absolutely AMAZING!! I had the Adult Grilled Cheese, which isn't something I normal go for... but the rosemary butter sounded delicious, and IT WAS!!! My fiancé got the salmon salad and it was a great mix of flavors and textures. We started with the crispy Brussels sprouts that were perfection!! The atmosphere was a great start to our Saratoga trip!

Beautifully appointed restaurant on the main drag in Saratoga Springs. Old Merchant Building that still has that old classic 1920s vibe. The wait staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and very nice. They have kind of a smaller entree menu but it covered everything someone could want. The Merc Burger was excellent, Risotto was right on, and the Hummus plate tasted better than the picture made it look. The Naan bread was incredible. It's a must when hanging around Saratoga for the summer.

What an amazing brunch my husband and I had. We were actually able to get out of our house sans kids and seeked out the perfect bloody mary and we found it!! We were seated right away in the best spot in the house; tucked away by a front window and no one seated near us. The Christmas decor at the time was classy and festive. Just the environment we were looking for. We both got bloody mary's which had a chili powder and salt rim which really upped the game. I had to have 2! I had the special of the carnitas benedict. SO yummy, as were the potatoes that accompanied it. The eggs were perfectly poached and runny, just how I like them. My husband had the biscuits with sausage gravy and eggs over-hard and he was equally as happy with his meal. I am a big proponent of the mask and appreciated that the hostess tactfully asked a guest to put theirs on when they came in before being seated. Can't wait to return!

Nice place, busy, friendly staff, food was just ok, nothing amazing, but also nothing you would send back. Steak was chewy

Pretty cool spot on a busy street with a healthy amount of food options. Had the brussel sprouts and veggie burger and mousse. The brussel sprouts werent my favorite a little too salty and overcooked. The veggie burger was tasty and paired with their house made hot sauce was a hit. The dark chocolate mousse was a 10/10.

I got the grilled cheese and I think I'm like a grilled cheese snob. They hit it out of the park! Best grilled cheese I e ever had!! Bartender was super friendly too.

Stopped in for brunch on the weekend. Secured a reservation the day before via their online open table platform. I recommend doing this because after we were seated I heard the hostess telling walk-in patrons it was a 45 minute wait for a table. Our waitress was lovely and drinks/food all came out quickly which was great considering how busy it was. We split the deviled egg appetizer. It was cutely presented on toast and had good flavor and texture. We opted for sandwiches and you have your choice of fries, tots, or pots. I had the pots and glad I did as they were done nicely with the peppers and onions. The chicken sandwich was flavorful, juicy and presented nicely. The burger was also done well. Overall, comfortable brunch spot in the heart of downtown Saratoga with friendly service and good food!

Last minute trip to Saratoga. Had brunch on the way out here. Food was amazing. Huge portions. Well presented. Tasted great. I had breakfast burrito which was huge, took half home. I opted for the bottomless mimosa option which made sense - got about 4 drinks out of the carafe for $25 as opposed to $10 a pop. Our waiter was super attentive and checked in to make sure we were all good. Looks like inside they preserved a lot of the way the property looked in years past while modernizing it enough to keep up. I would absolutely go back next time in Saratoga.

I was in Saratoga Springs and decided to give, "The Merc, " a try. Their food is good, if a bit on the pricey side. I was hesitant to pay $27 for 6oz's of salmon. So instead, I ordered their $22 Shoyu Tofu dish with a side of polenta. And I enjoyed it. The Shoyu was a lightly scorched brick of tofu with a nice glaze. The rice was cooked perfectly, it's hard to mess up rice, and the polenta was a nice side, and it had good flavor. I just wish the portions sizes were a bit bigger, but this place is more for the atmosphere and wine/cocktail selection. Also it might have just been the dish I ordered that was small. It's a shame I quit alcohol so I can't give you a review of their drink menu. I'm docking a point for portion sizes because a meal should be decently filling. I'm not an overweight gentleman and these small portions just weren't enough to satiate me. Aside from that, I couldn't find any real other faults with the restaurant. Just one nitpick, perhaps in the future, instead of pouring from a pitcher of water with ice cubes in it, put ice in the glass first so the water doesn't hit room temperature. Again it's a nitpick. I enjoyed the restaurant and would come back to try more of their menu. TLDR Notes : * Restaurant is clean * Food has good flavor and presentation * Portion sizes are a bit small * A bit pricey, expect $30 - $50 per head * The staff was nice * No ice in water, but the water is chilled

A decent meal here, good vibe, great desserts. Not sure I'd go back, but it wasn't a mistake to stop in for dinner on a January night.

Our visit dining experience at The Merc was on Valentines Day. The food was tasty, the service was amazing. Our server, also the bartender, was so outgoing and uplifting it made our day. The roses on each table was also a sweet touch.

The good was the food ! The bad is basically having to cash myself out! Which made it impossible to pay cash. More restaurants are doing this and less tip will be the result.

Wonderful spot for lunch , nice waitstaff, visiting between Buffalo and New Hampshirite, midway about 4 hours each way, this place is on broadway, easy to find

Went strictly off of reviews and so glad we did! Walked in and place was packed. If we wanted to eat indoors the wait was 20-30 minutes. . They gave us the option of eating outdoors in the nice clean alley with cute tables and flowers. It was bright and great quaint. Our waitress was so nice and very prompt in getting us what we ordered, also very quick to get us drinks. The menu isn't huge but it had options. We started with the avocado toast which came with heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers on top ,so fresh and delicious. It's enough for two people to share. The Bloody Mary came and it had peppers, pickles, olives it's was a cup of yummyness! She brought out the breakfast blt which was a decent size sandwich with a perfectly cooked egg and delicious bacon, got a side of avocado because who doesn't love that on their sandwich! It was also served with a side of cubes potato, very tasty. Hubs got the Merc burger, holy cow! It's double smash patties full of juice and flavor and the tater tots omg... perfectly crispy I wish I had those! Definitely a must stop while in town. It's in the perfect area with all the shops to pop in and grab a bite. We'll be back.

Good dinner at the Merc! We had the hummus plate, which had really good pita.. a burger, roasted carrots, and smothered green beans (amazing!). Giving 4 stars more for service... we said we can't have sesame seeds and asked if it came on hummus, she said no.. but it arrived with sesame seeds on it. Also asked for the margarita to be a classic, no grapefruit juice but received one with grapefruit juice. She didn't pay attention

the chicken and waffles are my favorite food served at any restaurant i've ever been to. seriously, i keep coming back to the merc just for them. service is decent, and the interior of the restaurant is really cute and comfortable. i come here with friends, dates, family, whoever i can get to go with me. the brunch foods other than the chicken and waffles are also excellent, but the chicken and waffles is really a standout for me.

Mercantile definitely has the aesthetics and service, but the food is a bit expensive for what you get. I went to Mercantile with some friends, and we were able to make a reservation the day before. The service was great and we were able to get situated earlier than our reservation. We started off with the mimosas, and we eventually were able to order our food. The service was great, but the food was a bit pricey for what you got. The eggs benedict was good, especially the Hollandaise sauce. However, compared to other brunch places I've tried in the Albany area, Mercantile didn't stand out that much. Home fries were also not bad, but I think that there could have been more. Overall, the food here is decent. The service is great, and the staff are friendly. However, I feel that prices could be lowered for what you're getting. It's a nice place to gather with friends if you're looking for a nice aesthetic.