Just past its third anniversary, Marina Mercantile in Des Moines is a very different place than it was when it started. It still has the homey, welcoming vibes of a community gathering place, and the gorgeous bar remains … but now you’ll find an Afternoon (and Brunch) Tea House, restaurant and bar, and event space.
“We started the change about a year and a half ago,” says proprietor Brenda Sutherland, “because the retail stuff just wasn’t working. And it turned out that people love Afternoon Tea … and cocktails! So, we’ve taken it from there.”
And so they have. The Afternoon Tea offerings range from Traditional to a PNW version with smoked salmon … even vegan and gluten-free options. Coming in September will be expanded options for walk-ins (making the Merc the only “Walk-ins Welcome” tea spot in the region) and a dinner-time “Scottish High Tea.”
Speaking of dinner, the Mercantile dinner menu has continued to expand, offering Des Moines’ Best Burger™ and a $29.99 Grass-fed Hanger Steak Dinner, along with a range of lighter fare. And there are dinner, burger, and other specials. (Plus … their Happy Hour features $2 Rosemary Truffle Popcorn and $10 flatbreads made with delicious ingredients like Italian speck, Mama Lil’s peppers, and more, including a Vegan Vespa option.)
The bar and craft cocktail options are also evolving. Now helmed by veteran Seattle (now Des Moines resident!) bartender Katy Harrison, the Mercantile beverage menu offers everything from the classics to inspired inventions (have you heard of the “Tequila Mockingbird”?), as well as non-alcoholic cocktails prepared with the same craft and sophistication as the rest of the menu.
They’re open on Sunday now, too. Sunday bookings are available for Afternoon Tea or the special Brunch Tea, and there’s a full Sunday Brunch menu. That grass-fed Washington Hanger Steak appears as a Steak and Eggs breakfast; the breakfast sandwiches come on homemade bread (lately homemade English Muffins!); and the avocado toast features sustainably sourced avocadoes and all the trimmings.
Now An Event Space
Along with the expanded food, the Merc now offer an even wider range of options for events like bridal and baby showers, office parties, graduation and birthday celebrations, and more.
“We even had a wedding here last year!” Sutherland notes. “We love the events so much: a chance to be a part of some special moment or great gathering. I get the chance to work with people to plan something that will work just for them – some want Afternoon Tea, but we’ve done everything: a Mimosa Bar, all-you-can-eat Uli’s Bratwurst, a mini-sandwich and salad spread, giant charcuterie boards … that’s the fun of it. “
The Merc has changed physically, too, with an expanded seating area, the elimination of nearly all its retail offerings, and soon even space to sit outside and enjoy a cocktail.
“We’ll still have our wine shop, and a few items that people really love, like our locally made candles and cards and of course the tinned fish,” according to Sutherland, “but it will be very clear that we are now here to serve the community as a Tea House, Restaurant, and Bar, w/room for your special events.
About Marina Mercantile
Marina Mercantile is open Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10-3. Afternoon Tea and special events require reservations (for now), but walk-ins are always welcome for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Offerings include sandwiches and salads, meals to go, craft beer and a wine bar and tapas menu with a PNW-Meets-Iberia focus.
Hours:
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For more info, visit https://marinamercantile.com, “Like” them on Facebook here, Instagram here, call (206) 651-7526, or email info@marinamercantile.com.
Marina Mercantile, Life Gets Better.™
Marina Mercantile is located at 22341 Marine View Drive South in Des Moines:
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses and organizations improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. South King Media also underwrites fundraisers from local nonprofits. To learn more about how your business or organization can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at vtheresa@comcast.net.
