Merchants River House has a stunning view of the Hudson River.  My temptation is just to stop with that statement.  This was formerly Steamer’s Landing, a restaurant that had mediocre food and never did too well.  We liked it for steamed clams and beer at sunset.  When the Merchants chain bought it out and remodeled, we were somewhat optimistic that we’d have a regular spot where we could get descent food.  Too bad for us, that did not happen.

We’ve got two iPhone Hipstamatic shots from last summer at ‘Steamer’s….

We went two times just because of location and on the off-chance that the first time was just bad luck.  The first visit I ordered the ahi tuna burger, which when it arrived was steamed to a nice shade of grey and black in the center.  I was expecting a tuna steak, but instead got pressed tuna parts.  It may have been delicious if fresh and seared on the outside, pink on the inside.  But it wasn’t.  Steve got the Eggs Benedict on this visit.  The worst he’s had.  Bland.  Ick.  Since I had to return my grey tuna, I ordered a burger to replace it.  It was OK.  It was a descent size hunk of meat, but nothing outstanding.  However, I am fast thinking this is the standby meal there.  During wait for the second meal, we decided to have a few (3) Sunday brunch bloody marys  which sort of made up for the bad food!

The second visit was on Saturday night 6/18.  I ordered the house salad and steamed mussels. Safe!  Steve had the Fish ‘n Chips.  Safe.  The service this time was absolutely horrendous.  We asked THREE times for water.  We waited 1/2 an hour for our check.

Just as an FYI, for inexplicable reasons Open Table has recently added this to the Top 10 Outdoor Dining restaurants in New York City.  To repeat the opening statement, Merchants River House has a stunning view of the Hudson River.  Don’t expect much from the food.  Stick with basic items that are difficult to mess up.  Be relaxed, enjoy the view…

http://merchantsriverhouse.com/
375 South End Avenue – Battery Park