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Il Mercante

Il Mercante - Complete Review

4.8

If you're in Venice and enjoy a good cocktail, Il Mercante is a place you won't want to miss. Located at Fondamenta Frari, this bar has made quite a name for itself with its creative and expertly crafted drinks. The atmosphere is something special, with a unique Venetian feel that makes it stand out from other bars. You'll find a full bar here, so there's plenty of variety beyond just cocktails. It's a cozy spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxed evening or a casual drink by the canal. The staff is knowledgeable, adding to the overall experience with their friendly service.

Il Mercante is a great spot in Venice for a night out, whether you're going solo or with friends.

Location

Fondamenta Frari, 2564, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Contact

Opening Hours

Monday: 6:00 PM - 12:30 AM
Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 12:30 AM
Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 12:30 AM
Thursday: 6:00 PM - 12:30 AM
Friday: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Saturday: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Price Range

$$$$

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

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Why We Recommend It

  • The cocktails at Il Mercante are not only creative but also come with detailed explanations from the staff, which enhances the overall drinking experience.
  • The bar has a charming old-school vibe that makes it stand out, offering a unique and atmospheric setting that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
  • Il Mercante offers a selection of "vintage" cocktails made with rare headstock bottles, providing a special experience for those interested in unique drink options.
  • The staff at Il Mercante are praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring that guests have an enjoyable and informative visit.

Downsides

  • While the cocktails and atmosphere at Il Mercante are outstanding, some visitors have noted that the staff can occasionally come across as dismissive, which might dampen the experience for larger groups trying to accommodate seating preferences.

Il Mercante Rating Breakdown

Il Mercante's 4.8-star rating is well-deserved due to its exceptional cocktail offerings and distinctive ambiance. The drinks are not just beverages but a crafted experience, with staff who explain each cocktail in detail, enhancing your visit. While the place has a cozy vibe, perfect for enjoying a drink by the canal, some visitors have noted that the staff can come across as a bit dismissive, especially towards larger groups. Despite this, the unique cocktails and overall atmosphere make it a must-visit in Venice.

Our Review of Il Mercante

Il Mercante offers an outstanding cocktail experience in Venice, combining expert mixology with a charming setting. The bar's focus is on providing a wide array of drinks that are both innovative and meticulously crafted. It's a place where each cocktail is explained in detail by the knowledgeable staff, enhancing the whole experience.

The atmosphere inside Il Mercante is top-notch, with its sultry, old-school look that makes it stand out. Sitting inside or by the canal makes the drinks even more enjoyable. " The bar is accessible, catering to both small groups and solo visitors, which makes it versatile for different occasions.

While the cocktails and ambiance are excellent, the service can sometimes be a bit hit-or-miss. Some visitors have noted that larger groups might encounter a less welcoming attitude from the staff. It looks like this isn't usually the case because most people talk about how friendly and helpful the service is.

Overall, Il Mercante is highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the cocktail scene in Venice. The unique drink options, coupled with the beautiful surroundings, make it a must-visit spot. Prices are reasonable for the quality offered, and the bar's Venetian influence adds a special touch to the experience.

Services Offered by Il Mercante

  • Wide range of expertly crafted cocktails
  • Unique Venetian-inspired atmosphere
  • Full bar with wines and spirits
  • Indoor and outdoor seating options
  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff

Experiences to check out in Venice

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When to Visit

Il Mercante is open every evening, which makes it a great spot for a night out in Venice. The weekends are a bit busier, so visiting on a weekday might mean a shorter wait for a table. If you're in the mood for a relaxed Sunday morning, they open at 10:00 AM, offering a different vibe from the usual evening crowd.

Who It's Best For

Il Mercante is perfect if you love trying unique drinks and enjoy a bit of luxury without breaking the bank. It's a good spot for people who appreciate carefully crafted cocktails and a cozy, old-school vibe. It's also great if you prefer a more intimate setting, as the place isn't too large and has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Il Mercante Review Wrap Up

To wrap up, Il Mercante offers an exceptional cocktail experience that stands out in Venice. The bar's unique atmosphere, with its Venetian charm and sultry old-school look, adds to the appeal. The cocktails are expertly crafted, and the staff's knowledge enhances the overall visit. While there may be occasional service hiccups, especially for larger groups, most guests find the service friendly and helpful. With a reasonable price range and a cozy setting, it's easy to see why Il Mercante is highly rated.

If you're in Venice and looking to enjoy some of the best cocktails in the city, Il Mercante should definitely be on your list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the cocktail prices at Il Mercante are quite reasonable for Venice. Considering the quality and creativity of the drinks, they offer good value for what you get. It's not just about the drinks themselves but the whole experience, which makes the pricing feel justified.

Il Mercante generally attracts a crowd that appreciates good cocktails and a unique atmosphere. There will be a mix of locals and tourists who enjoy trying something different and are interested in the art of mixology. It's a spot for those who love a cozy, intimate setting, although it might not be the best choice for large groups given the occasional service hiccups.

For a quieter experience at Il Mercante, visiting on a weekday evening is a good idea. Arriving soon after they open at 6:00 PM can help you avoid the later crowd. Sundays could also be a good option since they open at 10:00 AM, offering a different, more relaxed vibe compared to the busier evenings.

Il Mercante is definitely a spot for those who love a touch of nostalgia in their drinks. The vintage cocktails made with rare headstock bottles are a real treat for anyone interested in unique, historical flavors. It's the perfect place if you're into exploring old-school cocktail recipes with a modern twist.

Finding seating at Il Mercante during peak hours can be a bit tricky. The bar isn't very large, and it does get quite popular, especially in the evenings. While you might be able to snag a spot, it's a good idea to arrive early if you want to avoid waiting too long for a table.

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