The River Merchant, Kent OH

What a gem of a place! Outstanding service, great atmosphere, and the food was simply delicious! Give it a try you won’t be sorry

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.

A gem in the Kent area. Never had a bad meal. Smaller, so usually a short wait on a weekend. Outstanding cocktails. Great liquor selection. Highly recommend

Amazing find! Out in Kent looking to try something new. Loved this place. We will be back!

I was in town for my daughter’s graduation from KENT STATE and the experience was excellent. Service was outstanding and the ambiance was warm and inviting. We had to wait a bit for our table but it was a special occasion weekend for the whole town.

Great service by the bartender, but the lighting was so bright we had to leave to enjoy the rest of our evening elsewhere. Nice place to take the family, but not a "date night" place. Bartender respectfully informed us that the staff is not allowed to adjust lighting.

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

Stopped in for dinner on the way home from a long meeting. Sat at the bar for nearly 10 minutes completely ignored. One bartender walked past me several times and one bartender stood 3 feet from me polishing glassware and never even took a drink order. Husband and I stop in for dinner 2 or 3 times a month and have brought friends in, but I guess I'm not welcome by myself.

Another great restaurant to add to the Kent/Stow area. Sadly, this opened right after we moved out of the area, but we meet friends here for dinner often. Great food and even better cocktail/beverage options. Amazing patio during the season as well. I cannot recommend the French Onion soup enough!

Pleasantly shocked at how GOOD the food and flavors were!
Meatloaf was amazing!
The corn was amazing!
And the Mashed potatoes was BOMB!
The French onion soup was pretty good as well, however there is only one size and seemed rather pricey for the size. Also I would not recommend if you don't like BIG cut onions. They were huge, but filling!
We waited almost 30min for a table, I would say thats probably normal for a Friday! However service was a little slow, but food came out fairly fast.
The atmosphere is probably a better vibe when its warmer out, but not a vibe this night.
I will definitely eat here again tho!

Beautiful place on the river. Service is always great and atmosphere to match. The menu is smaller but doesn't lack on flavor. Clean, fast, efficient and well ran. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't before. Plenty of to go beer and wine options available aswell.

Really great food and sweet bar. Extremely inconvenient that they refuse to take reservation and only seat on a first come first serve basis. Makes going to dinner with a group of people difficult with a long wait. Take out is solid just double check your order before you drive off.

Excellent atmosphere, service and music. The taste profiles are creative and delicious! Recommended highly.

Excellent service, excellent food, excellent atmosphere. Not noisy and very friendly staff. This is on my “return”to list for dining adventure.

Street side, city hustle bustle. Pass thru to the patio, another world. Good food. Decent service. Overlooks the river - with a down bound boat from time to time. The passing trains are a plus for us. Prices reasonable.

I ordered a salad that had sour goat cheese so I asked to exchange it for another salad. The waitress would not take the original salad back and charged me for the new salad and the one with sour goat cheese. The tomato soup tasted like warm milk and we were hesitant to return it it. The owner was there and made the decision to charge for both. My family owned a restaurant and the customer should be able to return unsatisfactory food. Just awful management. I spent 25 dollars and ate a small salad. Management needs to treat customers better.

The River Merchant is always a good time. Fabulous food, service and people. Shout out to our server Mckayla (sp? Sorry!) For being so attentive, kind and on top of things - you rock girl! Per usual we will be returning!