Mercer Tavern
10363 104 Street
Edmonton, AB
Mercer Tavern is quickly becoming one of Edmonton’s trendiest after work hangouts. A few weeks ago, my friend Laura and I headed there for some snacks and drinks on a Thursday evening.
We arrived at about 5:00 to find the place quite busy, as apparently it was happy hour. We were told to find some space along the bar and when we saw a table open up we could grab it. It was a hot evening, so on Laura’s suggestion we both ordered a glass of Gisselbrecht Gewurztraminer, a really nice refreshing white wine.
After about half an hour we noticed an empty table by the window and we quickly snagged it. Pretty soon after that our food came out. We had decided to share the poutine and soft pretzel trio.
Well… the food really left a lot to be desired. First of all, the food didn’t even look that good. The gravy was a weird purple grey colour and the pretzels just didn’t look that appetizing. The food was fine, but that’s about it.
The service was also just fine, there was a bit of an awkward hand off between moving us from the bar to a table. I had to go up to the front hostess and let her know we were moving… the whole thing just seemed awkward.
Overall, I would describe Mercer Tavern as a disappointment. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe because it looked trendy, being open concept with exposed brick in an old warehouse and called itself a “tavern” I was expecting more… but in the end, that doesn’t really make up for the fact that it didn’t really deliver. I think the concept is really cool and there is the potential for something pretty great, but there is a lot of room for improvement… specifically the food. I’m hoping they really focus on improving the food and the rest should fall into place. As of right now, I’d be back for a drink, but that’s about it.
Happy Tuesday!
Life is Better Red 
Really? That’s disappointing! I was really hoping for something good there. The poutine really doesn’t look that appetizing in the picture, I can see what you’re talking about. I’d still like to try it sometime though. Such a prime location, right on 104st that it is sad that it’s not really good. Excellent dining in that area will be key to downtown redevelopment.
Yes, it’s a great location, especially with the arena likely going in nearby (someday). I hope they put a little more focus on the menu… Still a cool place though!
Hey Robyn!
Caught your link on facebook. Love that your started a blog… Edmonton needs more food and restaurants bloggers 🙂 Keep up the good work because it looks great and I’ll definitely keep coming back. On another note, I’ve been hearing not very good things about the menu at Mercer.. maybe it’s better just for drinks.
-Victoria
Hey Victoria! So good to hear from you. I’m glad you are enjoying my blog, it’s great to know people are actually reading it… Reminds me to keep posting content too! I hope you are well. 🙂
Totally agree, went there with the Mrs and was disappointed. The decor is probably the best part, but service was slow and bad (asked for vinegar twice, two different people…). Food was OK, drinks were good but holy snake-on-Christmas I think one of the cocktails was $12 (a single!). It’s a neat location and the like but it’s pretty derivative of every other Etown pub (Hudon’s, The Pint, Brewster’s, etc.).
I would agree with most of this article having eaten the same things at Mercer. But in its defense I think you picked two of the weaker menu items, I had the vegan sheppards pie the other night and it was amazing – the corn fritters were good too. All in all I think the place needs time to get into a few different menus and things will improve. One thing I DO NOT agree with is the comment about being “derivative” – Chesy do you even know what that word means? Honestly, The Pint plays the worst music and has a terrible strip-mall atmosphere, ditto for Hudsons, Brewsters etc. On friday/sat night Mercer Tavern is the only large room in Edmonton that has a hip cosmopolitan feel. Get over yourselves foodies, you can have fun somewhere in yeg, dont worry we wont tell.
It seems like experiences at the Mercer Tavern differ greatly depending on when you decide to go and what you decide to order. Also I think everyone visits with different expectations. I will have to try the corn fritters next time I am there and see what they are like. I totally agree, as I stated in my post, in that I think the Mercer Tavern has a unique vibe for Edmonton, perhaps I’ll head there next time I am going out on a weekend to see what it is like.