Eat at Merrill & Co. Tonight

Merrill & Co. officially opens at 5:30 p.m. tonight in the former 28 Degrees space in the South End; it's the latest member of BiNA Family Hospitality, which includes jm Curley, Bogie's Place, Bin 26 Enoteca, and Lala Rokh. KO Prime alum Jason Cheek is executive chef, and jm Curley's Kevin Mabry, Eater Boston's 2013 bartender of the year, is beverage director.

The ambiance is energy-packed thanks to multiple dimensions of seating in the long, narrow space. Diners will find everything from bar seats and raw bar seats to counter seats looking into the kitchen, as well as plenty of standard low tables and a long, high table with views of the whole place.

Like many recent openings, the menu focuses on shareable small plates for family-style feasting. Seafood is the star, and there's a good deal of Southern influence — think hush puppies and sweet tea fried chicken. Make sure to ask about Cheek's homemade hot sauce. And 28 Degrees' pizza oven remains, but don't expect to eat pizza; instead, it's used for toasting bread, baking whole fish, and such. On the beverage side, lovers of sherry will find a wide selection, in addition to beer and cocktails.
· All coverage of Merrill & Co. on Eater [~EBOS~]