Mermaid Inn
(212) 674-5870
96 2nd Ave
New York,
NY
10003
40.7271
-73.9886
Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Mermaid Inn
The Editor
Allison Austin
Citysearch
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.
User Reviews
lovingrubbin
April 02, 2009
This was a great experience. I went for my birthday and the service and food was great. Definately reasonable priced for the quality of fish you get. Substitutions were not a problem with also made our dining experience a good one. The only two negative things were the noise level (really loud that the waitress could even hear our order) and the LOBSTER ROLL. My boy friend ordered it and was highly disappointed. We were expecting a hardy amount of made with large lumps of lobester and ended up with a meager serving spread thing of what was more like a lobster spread :( I would definately go back but just to order the fish. Salmon and risotto was delicious as well as the roasted muscles appitizer!
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kvvj80c
September 23, 2008
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.
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jimbos1015
April 14, 2008
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.
read full reviewThe Details on Mermaid Inn
What to Drink:
Bottles (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.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
