New York’s favorite fish house serves up classic seafood specialties in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Danny Abrams’ flagship Mermaid Inn, dubbed an inexpensive version of Le Bernardin by New York Magazine -- features a cozy, secluded garden in back, sidewalk café in the front and a dining room that’s always buzzing. The cuisine and the décor are sure to bring back your favorite memories of New England. Belly up to the bar and wash down some ice cold oysters with expertly crafted cocktails, or drop by between 5:30 – 7:00pm for Happy Hour & a Half - dollar oysters, drink specials, and a snack menu in the entire restaurant. And if you love wine, The Mermaid’s well selected wine list means you’ll find some gems and some splurges that won’t break the bank.
"My two friends and I went to celebrate my birthday at the Mermaid Inn in the East Village. A few minutes later, we ran into three more friends, and the staff was friendly and helpful in accommodating them and allowing them to join us. I had one of the best crab cakes I've ever had, and my friends also made some great choices -- the lobster sandwich and catfish were particularly good. The cocktails are also delicious (and strong!). The setting is lovely and we really enjoyed the first officially warm night of 2013."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic
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"The appetizers were good but they mains were horrible. They did not even ask why we din't eat our food. We had two friends join half-way and they sat at a table adjacent to ours. Even though the restaurant was not busy, the staff said they could not sit there but did not offer to reseat us so our friends had to sit at the bar. Overpriced and not wroth going."
Dined on 5/09/2013
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"Our second visit to the Mermaid Inn did not disappoint. Their menu hasn't changed in over a year, and as we recalled so well what we had last time, we made great pains to choose something different, and we were still pleased. The skate, catfish, octopus, lobster, mini clam bake, and fish tacos therefore all come highly recommended! High-quality fresh ingredients are always used well here. No dessert menu, but cute chocolate cups are served free of charge to everyone after their meal. We still haven't tried the oysters, though, so we'll have to come back :)"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I have been here a few times now and I have to say its always a solid choice. They have great food, great service and lovely outdoor seating. it is just very well run and always a solid choice."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"This is one of my favorite places in the East Village and our latest visit didn't disappoint. We were a part of five and the setting was a bit cramped in the barroom near the front. (I do prefer to sit in the country room in the back.)
We started with a nice variety of East coast oysters. I enjoyed the Skate and my wife sampled the Branzino. Other members of our party enjoyed lobster salad and various other seafood treats. As always, the food was perfectly prepared and delicious. And the cocktails were brilliant. The service staff here are extremely helpful and well informed."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Unfortunately I usually work until 6:30-7pm every night so I very rarely get to this place in time to enjoy their tremendous happy hour. Consistently fresh oysters for only $1 is pretty much the primary reason to come here. I've had several items on the menu, the Lobster roll is decent, but Luke's lobster crushes it for only half the price. The Skate was good, though not expertly cooked. I ate all of it nonetheless. Stick with the Oysters and appetizers and just eat a bunch of them Tapas style and you and your fellow diners will be very happy."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"The oysters on a friday nite (same day fisherman delivery) were out of this world. The spinach dip was disappointing though. Outdoor dining is small but charming and can be a little romantic at nite."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"The Mermaid Inn was good but far from great. Four of us dined for lunch. The Shrimp Cocktail was four limp shrimp. They were out of two listed beer choices. Shrimp salad was nothing extra. The shrimp were sliced in half lengthwise. Im not a fan of this. I guess its to make it appear there are more shrimp than there actually were. Catfish was pretty good, but nothing left one's palate feel like they had a great dish. Chocolate pudding at the end of the meal (complimntary) was a nice touch and it was quite good and smooth. Hadnt had choc pudding in years and it really satidfied. Coffee was served cold! You can do better for a lunch choice and they should do better. Eh."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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"The hostess was so nice and understanding when I made the reservation for the wrong time. The staff was helpful and polite, and the food was amazing. I am definitely going back."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"I have been here a few times now. The menu never disappoints. It's a cute place in the east village and the seating in the rear of the restaurant is great if you can get it. The catches are fresh and so far all of the dishes I have tried are excellent"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The Mermaid Inn in the East Village has become a classic. A wonderful combination of good food and atmosphere, the Mermaid Inn is a place one is excited to take friends who've never been before."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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"Wonderful oysters and clams at $1 each during happy hour. Skate was marvelous. After that I had room only for the 'mini clam bake' appetizer, which was fun - one lobster claw, a couple of clams, a couple of shrimp, a bit of corn on the cob, all imbued with old bay seasoning and nicely served in a miniature clam bake bucket. Our friends had trout, which they said was "ok". Complimentary chocolate pudding rounded of the meal nicely -- we were not offered dessert menus but didn't need dessert after all that food. Very convenient to the New York Theater Workshop."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
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"Great oyster selection. The whites on offer by the glass were a bit dull, but the beers were adventurous enough. The fish tacos were finger-lickin' good. And my branzino was perfectly prepared. Yes, I'd go back - and probably will."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
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"Went to the mermaid inn with family in town for a visit - absolutely terrific! Friendly and attentive service, delicious food (we had spaghetti with salad on top, fish tacos and skate - each one better than the next), and very reasonable wine list - go for the NY state Riesling! Thanks for a great night out."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Excellent place that I'll be happy to return to. Food as fresh and tasty as you can possibly imagine. Service was definitely 5*. Can't wait to return and try another delicacy !"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Oysters are fresh and good! But get those for happy hour since they are $1~$1.75 during HH. Lobster escargot and mussels were standouts. Simply delicious. I still dream about the chunks of lobster doused in garlic butter. Fish taco was good, but its small for the price. Trout---only get it if you like bland, unseasoned fish Lobster roll is good, but a bit too much bread. The house rolls are buttery, hot, yummy! Def get them. Calamari was good but nothing out of this world. Complementary dessert and really at attentive wait staff!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2012
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"One of my all-time favorite NYC restaurants! I've been to all the locations and every time it's delicious. I've brought many guests here, most from out of town, and everyone is always impressed and satisfied."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Very pleasant dinner. Busy, noisy place. Interesting menu, particularly the appetizers. Loved the shrimp corn dogs. Service was spotty and tentative."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"It's all about the Happy Hour (5pm - 7pm, 7 days a week). Lower prices on select apps and mini-portions of classic seafood dishes like clam chowder, lobster roll sliders and fried oysters. Plus, a special cocktail and house wine list provides a tasty sample to hit the seafood spot. The only problem is the tight space means you might get jostled now and then by passing customers (especially in the front room), but it's worth it."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"a very enjoyable dinner experience with wonderful fresh seafood and excellent service. Dont miss happy hour prices - a real great deal on the oysters etc."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Why, oh, why did they change their lobster sandwich?
I've been going to Mermaid Inn for years just to have that irresistible masterpiece, but now they've ruined it. Gone is the round, buttery brioche bun and generous helping of lobster, replaced by a hard and tasteless split-top roll and less lobster.
One thing that could use a change are their fries: they could dial back the Old Bay seasoning by about half. It's overpowering.
Finally, while not a huge deal, we weren't offered their signature chocolate pudding and floppy fish fortune teller thingy after the meal.
Mermaid Inn is really off their game."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"My wife and I love the Mermaid Inn and make the trek down from Washington Heights whenever there's a special occasion to serve as an excuse. The food, everything we've ever ordered, is always delicious and the staff, in our experience, is invariably warm and personable. We always leave tipsy, full and happy."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"My girlfriend and I wanted to celebrate Valentine's Day (after the rush) as it is one of our favorite restaurants. We enjoy our dining visit every time.
We were treated to a special bonus when the artist Chuck Close was seated next to us. We are big fans of his work and were so grateful to be able to chat with him while we all dined. A great evening!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"I've eaten here twice and had good experiences both times. Even on the second time when our food was poorly timed (mine came out 15 minutes before my girlfriend's), the manager was nice enough to voluntarily send out a complimentary appetizer for my girlfriend while she waited. I would recommend this place to friends and will frequent again."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Lively and energetic. Happy hour specials and food selection was good. There's no choice for dessert, but the chocolate pudding they give everyone is delicious. Staff is friendly and helpful."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Fantastic seafood, but a somewhat limited menu if you're not going for the raw bar. The E Village spot has a vibrant bar scene as well, tho the space is narrow and long, so you can't stand more than two people deep."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"We absolutely loved our dining experience here. The food was delicious, the drinks were good. Loved the ambiance of the back room nd the service was warm and genuine. Woud come back again in a heartbeat."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The food was great and service was very attentive. We weren't rushed, which was also nice since we had time to kill and a bottle of wine. The skate was better than the trout. The oysters were delicious."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2006
Special Features: romantic
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