Mermaid Inn
New York, NY 10003-8317
Phone: (212) 674-5870
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between 5th Street and 6th Street
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave; 6 at Astor Pl
- Hours:
- Mon-Thurs 5:30pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-12am , Sun 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Mermaid Inn – by Allison Austin
The Scene
Mismatched maritime photos and framed maps decorate white walls; wine-sippers and diners who'd rather stay put and dig in than wait for a table pack the bar nightly. Despite the casual, come-as-you-are air, there's an easy refinement to the place. In fact, it feels so much like a misplaced West Village restaurant that diners could easily mistake the place for Mary's or Pearl.
The Food
Whatever you do, don't miss the fried oysters; barely cooked and paired with a simple tomato butter, they're perfection. Dip lovers won't be disappointed with the blue crab version, and the clam fritters aren't too shabby, either. Entrees, though, are the high point. Catalan seafood stew, packed with lobster, scallops and cod, is spicy and excellent, as are the scallops in a bacon-butter sauce. Dinner ends with a demitasse cup of pudding--a sweet and appropriately simple ending.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkBottles (marked up from $22) are the best option. Whites stand out; most, like summery Tokay pinot gris, are from Alsace, a few are from the Northwest.
User Reviews for Mermaid Inn
09/23/2008 Posted by kvvj80c
yeah, it gets packed early and consistently. but the menu is great. simple and exactly as it should be. The drink menu is also great. our server was really great and attentive when she could be, but it was busy. you reader, should totally go.
04/14/2008 Posted by jimbos1015
Went to this gem of a restaurant in the east village on a Monday night at 6:30 and had our choice of tables, by the time we left the room was filled! The atmosphere was pleasant and quiet enough for conversation and noisy enough to ensure you weren't being listened to! Wine list is short and to the point and very reasonable. Service was friendly, helpful and never pushy. The Golden Gazpacho w/blue crab was really to die for! Can't wait to return just for this! Calamari w/chipotle aioli was good, but be warned it's all about the breading, crunchy and tasty they also included breaded and fried lemon slices and fried parsley...a nice touch! Grilled Mahi-mahi set over perfectly crunchy veggies was devoured as was Spaghetti with shrimp and scallops! The menu has few choices but seemingly all were well prepared and can't wait to go back to try other items! Examples from the raw bar looked amazingly fresh.
Pros: Great food, great setting, perfect service
Cons: can't
