Please don't get me wrong the views are unparalleled and worth a visit. And the views are best if you are able to secure a seat/table on the south terrace. The north terrace is obstructed by the building that houses the restaurant and a few inside tables.
I take no issue with drinks I’ve had here, and I generally come a few times a season over the past couple of years since they have taken over the space. I think the drinks are fairly priced for NYC and what you are getting. The food is nothing special. Pub grub inconsistently served, or it is cold. Or they give you these really tiny tables and if you order appetizers, drinks and entrees it is not unusual for them to bring your entrees before your appetizers are even half completed. You know some NYC restaurants do this annoying thing of cooking and serving everything ordered within moments of the first course; such great pressure to turn the table and get someone else in your seat.
The other frustration I have had with Merchants River House is that they will eagerly take a large group reservation, and end up moving all the other dinner reservations to the north terrace because the south terrace has been given to a large group; they will do this without calling you to tell you of the change they have made. As long as you don’t come here expecting a very very good meal, you are in for a happy treat.

I just spent a few days in New York City on business, and stumbled across Merchants during a walk along the Hudson River promenade. There was outdoor seating facing the river. I enjoyed a glass of wine and an ahi burger while watching the sun set over New Jersey, the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The wine was under $10, and delish. I was thrilled to discover this gem.

Despite the good reviews, I had a disappointing dinner at Merchants River House. My main was brought before I'd finished my starter but despite the haste, the tuna burger was stone cold. They were perfectly polite in changing it but even the piping hot version was disappointing and felt more like a limp tuna fishcake. I wouldn't discourage anyone in the area from visiting... but stay away from the tuna burger.

What a nice place to eat on a lazy sunday afternoon walking by the Hudson River down in Battery Park City, Manhattan. This location is unique down the promenade, it is children friendly, the kid menu inclusive drink costs only 8 bucks...the parents and their friends can share a bottle of beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, along with the classic Fish and Ships ...once you are there, you just do not feel like leaving , good selection of beers, and the coffee is delicious,..

The view of Jersey City, Ellis Island and statute of liberty was really wonderful. Everyone absolutely loved the mussels. Son loved the pepperoni pizza, I loved LOVED the Beet salad, and husband said the Rotisserie Chicken was okay. Would return in warmer weather to sit outside.