The Merchant Kitchen and Drinks

The Merchant on Franklin Street has a large menu for a group with very different ideas about dinner. You can start with oysters or clam chowder, then choose fish and chips, steak frites or a burger. Spicy mushroom-miso ramen and Thai red curry offer another direction, with tofu available among the additions.

Smaller plates include ricotta gnocchi, fried shishito peppers and fish tacos, so sharing a few dishes works too. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner and takes reservations, including requests for private rooms. Cocktails and a substantial beer selection make it an option for an after-work drink. It’s close to Downtown Crossing, convenient for meeting before everyone heads home.