Now open for weekend brunch, doors open at noon
Nestled downtown, Bar Mercer blends John McDonald’s renowned hospitality with Chef Preston Clark’s culinary artistry in an intimate setting accented by deep red walls, rich woods, and vintage fixtures.
Our gastro-pub-inspired menu features a concise selection of exceptional dishes, including an expertly curated raw bar, skillfully prepared small plates, and hearty mains. Signature offerings range from East and West Coast oysters and hamachi crudo to perfectly seared branzino and grass-fed filet au poivre. Nightly blackboard specials further highlight seasonal creativity.
Complementing the cuisine is an extensive wine list featuring acclaimed global regions, alongside premium spirits such as rare single malts, small-batch bourbons, artisanal mezcals, and vintage-dated rums.
Tuesday through Sunday from 5PM for dinner + Weekend Brunch we open at noon, both Sat & Sunday.
About the chef
Chef Preston Clark is the Executive Chef of Lure Fishbar and Bar Mercer, both part of Mercer Street Hospitality. At Lure Fishbar, a Soho institution since 2004, Clark has led the kitchen for over a decade, In 2025, he launched Bar Mercer, an elevated gastropub.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Clark honed his skills under renowned chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Charlie Trotter, and Marcus Samuelsson. He gained national recognition as a Rising Star Chef at El Paseo in California and was nominated for the James Beard Rising Star Award. In 2019, The New York Times named him one of 16 Black chefs changing food in America.
The son of the late Patrick Clark—the first Black chef in the U.S. to win a James Beard Award—Preston carries forward a legacy of excellence while forging his own path. His cuisine emphasizes bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a balance between creativity and approachability, making him a defining voice in modern American dining.
Private Events
Mercer Street Hospitality offers a wide range of private event options -from intimate dinners to full venue buyouts. At Bar Mercer, we accommodate large groups or full buyouts. Smyth Tavern features a flexible private room for up to 75 guests and large tables for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Bowery Meat Company offers two private rooms, and Cha Cha Tang includes semi-private and fully private spaces for up to 35. Lure Fishbar hosts private events for up to 30 guests and large table bookings for lunch and dinner up to 20. We work across all venues to build creative, customized buyout solutions for any occasion.
Mercer Street Hospitality A collection of unique restaurants.
Lure Fishbar (coastal seafood, raw bar) • Bowery Meat Company (upscale steak and wine) • Cha Cha Tang (Chinese, Cantonese, New York) • Smyth Tavern (neighborhood American, craft beer) • Bar Mercer (gastropub, wine bar) • Galerie Bar (craft cocktails, intimate lounge) • Seahorse (opening W Union Square) • Lure Chicago
We craft destinations where moments become memories—different concepts, same DNA.