Great pub! Always such a good atmosphere. Proper pub, good food, drinks and music. Cannot go wrong.

Might be Australia's longest running Irish pub, but it's nothing special and can't see all the hype people give it. It was a bit grubby and could do with an overhaul. Toilets quite grubby. Tables sticky, probably because no beer mats provided. Food was average. Positives: location right near Sydney Harbour Bridge, pleasant Irish staff. Been and done, don't think I'll be back.

Location was great that's as far as it goes.. our room was terrible wallpaper coming off the walls also in all the shared bathrooms wallpaper coming off the wall, mould in the corners of the ceiling in our room and in bathrooms.. horrible smell in the room.. I'm surprised that they haven't been shut down by health inspectors I understand that it's an old pub though you need to have cleanliness for people you stay in.. The air con wasn't a proper one it had a duct coming out of the window and didn't work properly. Me and my daughter had to climb 3 flights of stairs with one heavy suitcase she's two other bags with no help at all .. It's not even worth the $165 a night we stayed ..

On arrival after 4pm the hotel was packed inside and outside. The bar staff were so busy, when I mention the accommodation booking a staff member took the time to escort us to a quiet area offered to carry our overnight bags to our room, he was so lovely and accommodating.
The room was big & clean. Shared bathrooms were nice and clean.
It's not a 5 star but I rate it 4 1/2 star for the excellent pricing, location, clean, lovely clean linen and towels offered, friendly welcoming service.
Thank-you Mercantile Hotel will definitely book another stay.

Stayed with family before our cruise aboard the Disney wonder. Service was impeccable, staff super friendly and food amazing pub grub at great prices. Also had Breakfast at there sister cafe 4 Doors Down again great food great prices and amazingly friendly staff.

Stayed one night in triple room with ensuite with daughter and granddaughter in room 18. I understand it's an old heritage style pub but is only basic.. There a tv, a/c tea/coffee facilities.
Stains on carpet, black mould in shower. Peeling paint and exposed wires out of the wall behind single bed. Single bed very hard and uncomfortable. Be aware that there are quite a few stairs to go up. I guess you get what you pay for. Was not expecting luxury but a bit more attention to detail would have been expected. Location good but would not stay there again.

Really great old Irish pub in the Rocks. First time I've stayed here though. Room with en suite was really nice and had everything. Staff where great as well. Dinner was nice. Only thing though, they could do with some softer pillows. 5 minutes to Circular Quay and light rail

Friendlinest pub in The Rocks! The staff are all so chill, helpful and friendly. Food was quick and great. Irish accents everywhere. Love this place, really is one of The Rocks go to places

Had Christmas in July dinner here last weekend with a big group (20 ish)! Food was absolutely delicious, fresh, came out all at the same time, and was great value! Very impressed and couldn't recommend more if you are looking for a team or friends function! Lovely location for a nice drink in the rocks!

The longest running Irish pub in Australia did not disappoint! A total locals place, we were able to make a reservation on a Friday night an hour before we arrived.

Asparagus & eggplant parm was great, not huge but filling! The vegan loved the quiona salad, and the carnivores enjoyed both the bangers and champ (garlic mash) and burger (not the best, but good, a 3.5/5).

Friendly staff and quick service, you order from a QR code or get drinks at the bar. Happy hour schooners are $6, which sealed the deal. Live music was excellent and not too loud. We'll be back!

We are interstate visitors spending a few days in Sydney. Not knowing The Rocks area, we stopped in for a weekday lunch with family, but as an opportunistic walk-in, we had no booking. There were no tables available that could seat six, yet a senior staff member overheard us speaking with a junior member, arranged two tables to be put together, and had us seated in minutes. Nothing was a problem.

We ordered from the lunch specials (all meals under $20) and I'll be honest - the food had no right to be as good as it was. The Rump steak was genuinely exceptional ($19, cooked to utter perfection by obviously skilled chefs), chicken schnitzel ($15) was excellent, fish and chips ($17) were also superb (three large battered fillets) and the roast vegetable and black quinoa salad ($15) for the group's vegetarian was very good. Everyone was extremely full with more than adequate portions. Pints of tap Kilkenny also quenched a well-earned thirst.

The Mercantile Hotel is an historic Irish pub (opened 1916) in an equally historic area of The Rocks. I could not fault my experience, the food or the staff (all serving staff seemed to be Irish nationals). After trekking around the Opera House and then walking the Harbour Bridge, lunch at this venue was perfect. We all walked out with huge smiles from a fantastic lunch.

Absolutely recommended.

First night over. Slept well. Construction starts outside the window at 0630,, but that got me up and sightseeing. The Hotel is classic traditional. Bathrooms are excellent and showers hot. Management just need to oil the squeaky doors! Good value considering the excellent location. Looking forward to happy hour and trying the fish and chips. The stairs other reviewers have commented on are not to bad. Steps are small/ not high. Excellent cable tv a bonus!

The Mercantile hotel (Pub) at the Rocks had a really good vibe inside with live music being performed which was very good.
Menu choices are broad and from what came out to my table all look very nice.
I had the beef burger which looked a bit small on the board but did actually fill me up. The beef patty was top quality, thick and perfectly cooked and the ingredients included were well appointed plus included chips.
I also tasted the cheesy garlic bread which was very yummy.
I would recommend eating here.

One of my favorite and must go places in Sydney, The rocks is a wonderfully area but on a week day take a bit of time out nip round to the Mercantile and have a couple of excellent pints of Guinness sat in the sun before continuing on through the busy Sydney scene. It may not look much but it's cosy and welcoming. Weekends are busy due to the markets but in some ways a double win (low score on rooms as I didn't stay)

An approachable inner-city pub in the Rocks - the service is decent but the beer is awful, as it is in most Rocks pubs.
However, the lunch specials are easily the best value that I can find anywhere in the Rocks area. It's not flash grub but is miles ahead of it's competitors, if you don't want to extend the mortgage.

What a great accidental find. This Irish pub was such a great place to stumble on, even at 7 o'clock on a Friday, feeding my 6yr old was great.

The selection of food great, portions were huge, it was delicious and fast and the prices were very reasonable.

I wish I were a Sydneysider, id make this my local. Five Stars ?????

Hotel Review - 4/5

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During my recent stay at this antique hotel situated above a pub, I encountered several issues that made my experience less than ideal. Despite this, there were also some positives to my stay that are worth mentioning.

Firstly, one of the most frustrating aspects of my stay was the inability to check-in early. Unfortunately, the hotel does not offer early check-in, which made it challenging for me as I arrived much earlier than anticipated. Furthermore, when I attempted to call the hotel, no one ever picked up the phone, which added to my frustration.

However, I was able to get assistance from the pub staff, who also worked for the hotel. They were incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to assist me with my needs, including providing clean towels and ice for my room.

If you happen to arrive early, I would recommend going to the back door of the pub and storing your luggage there. There should be someone in the pub who can assist you, but be aware that they may not always answer you. I had to search for someone who could help me, but once I found them, they were more than happy to store my luggage.

Unfortunately, the hotel's location near the ongoing construction site made it impossible to open the windows or blinds in my room, which made my stay less comfortable. Additionally, a cockroach made an unwelcome appearance in my room, which was unsettling. I also noticed some strange guests on my floor walking around in only a towel or their underwear, which added to the overall strange ambiance of the hotel.

Despite these issues, the female staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating. They were always willing to assist me with any requests and were a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster stay. Overall, I would rate my experience a 4 out of 5 due to the affordable price and the kindness of the staff, but the hotel's shortcomings in terms of cleanliness and communication could use some improvement.

Nice overall but the atmosphere really made this place ( I didn't try the food so can't comment). Inside there was a lovely buzz going round but outside, the sun was shining, it was Australia day and overall the vibe was just great. The pub provided someone (an Irishman no doubt) who was great with the public, played requests and overall helped to create a great atmosphere. For a drink in the sunshine, I haven't come across anywhere better. Would suggest they get more umbrellas.

A nice little Irish spot, with a pinch of live music. I went there a Thursday night and there was an amusing music on, not Irish though...
Enjoyed a couple of cold Guinnesses, priced almost like other places.
They do pretty good fries as well.

Dropped in here for a quick dinner and a few drinks before a show in The Rocks area and wow, what a find. The Irish Chicken Curry was so good I want to go back for more. The Mrs enjoyed her pie which looked as great as it tasted. The best looking pie I've seen at any pub. We were lucky enough to turn up while live music was on, and he was great. He had the whole place singing with him. It's the pub that's the furthest away from all the action in The Rocks but considering how packed the place was, the word is out that this is the place to come for a good feed and a cold beer.

An old favourite this one. Always worth sticking your head in for a feed and a couple of pints whilst at the markets. The food is always fresh. Service great and the atmosphere awesome. Usually have live bands singing outside to make the atmosphere just that but more special. Highly recommend this old favourite ??'?

We had such a great time here, didn't realise there was a little cocktail bar up stairs which was so perfect for our stop on a hens bar crawl. The bar tender was so lovely and makes a mean espresso martini as well. Highly recommended!

Great spot in the rocks for a beer and some Irish food. We stopped in on a Sunday and sat outside and enjoyed the Irish music and people watching everyone that was down for the markets. Food was delicious, had a Shamrock pie and bangers and mash. Kids had a small burger and nuggets which came with icecream. The lady who sat us was super friendly and made us and the kids feel welcome. Guinness was great, Furpheys was delicious and redbreast whisky was perfect.

Took the family here during Vivid. Was packed, service was fast and the food and drink were both great value for money. All of us enjoyed listening to the live music and soaking up the great vibe and buzz. Will definitely come back!

Beer always cold, food always delicious and music always great. Best Irish pub in Sydney by far!

Always a great pub, brilliant atmosphere and location. Great selection of beverages and the food is delicious.

Really happy polite staff. Good hotel to stay at. Great food and markets outside on some weekends.

What is there not to love about an Irish pub?! Good food, Guinness on tap. If you want to eat on the street on a Saturday you need to book a table. We walked in and sat inside. Live music. Nice to stroll through the Rocks markets too.

Really welcoming great old style hotel in the heart of the rocks. Food plentiful with service fast. Best time to come without the crowds is during the week.

A great Irish Pub in the Rocks of Sydney!

Staff are friendly and attentive, the food is good quality fare and a great wine list!

The Irish guy that was singing was great and catered for all.