The Mermaid Inn Introduce
In the heart of the East Village, The Mermaid Inn provides a delightful escape from the city bustle, offering a slice of New England seaside charm right on 2nd Avenue. This popular seafood restaurant, with its cozy and stylish ambiance, has long been a go-to for New Yorkers seeking fresh, high-quality seafood in a relaxed yet refined setting. The Mermaid Inn is a place that strikes a perfect balance: it's upscale enough for a special night out, yet casual enough for a spontaneous happy hour with friends.
The restaurant's menu is a testament to its commitment to fresh, American seafood with a focus on seasonal and bold flavors. From classic raw bar offerings to creative small and large plates, every dish is crafted with care. The atmosphere itself is a key part of the experience. Described by customers as having a cute, nautical, and intimate vibe, it evokes the feeling of being on a mini-vacation in a small coastal village. This makes it an ideal spot for a date, a celebratory dinner, or simply a great meal with friends. The friendly and speedy service, along with a complimentary chocolate pudding at the end of every meal, are just a few of the thoughtful touches that make dining at The Mermaid Inn truly memorable. It’s a seafood destination that has garnered a loyal following for its consistent quality and enchanting atmosphere.
The Mermaid Inn is conveniently located in the vibrant East Village neighborhood of New York City, a hub of culture, food, and nightlife. The restaurant's exact address is 96 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. Situated on a bustling street, it is easy to find and is well-connected to the rest of the city.
Accessibility is a notable feature of this location. The restaurant has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that it is a welcoming space for all diners. It's also well-served by public transportation. The 2nd Avenue subway station (F train) and the 1st Avenue station (L train) are both within walking distance, as are several bus stops. This makes it simple for both locals and tourists to get to the restaurant without the need for a car. For those who prefer to dine outdoors, The Mermaid Inn also offers outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying a warm evening in the city while people-watching on 2nd Avenue.
The Mermaid Inn provides a variety of services designed to offer a flexible and satisfying dining experience, no matter the occasion.
- Outdoor Seating: The restaurant features a charming outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks on a beautiful day.
- Takeout and Dine-in: You have the option to dine in and enjoy the full restaurant experience or to order your meal to go.
- Reservations: The Mermaid Inn accepts reservations, which is highly recommended given its popularity, especially during peak dining hours and for happy hour.
- Table Service: The restaurant provides full table service, with friendly and attentive staff who contribute to the overall pleasant atmosphere.
- Bar Onsite: There is a full bar on the premises, offering a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including a great wine list, cocktails, and beer.
The Mermaid Inn is celebrated for several key features that set it apart from other seafood spots in the city.
- Happy Hour: This is a major draw for many customers. The happy hour offers a fantastic value on select food and drinks, including discounted oysters. It's a great way to sample the menu and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Full Bar and Impressive Wine List: The restaurant is a destination for drinks as much as it is for food. With a full bar, a variety of beers on tap and in bottles, and an extensive wine list with a great selection by the glass and bottle, there is a perfect pairing for every meal.
- Transgender Safe Space: The Mermaid Inn prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, including members of the transgender community.
- Good for Kids and Kids' Menu: The restaurant is family-friendly and offers a kids' menu, making it a great option for a meal out with the whole family.
- Complimentary Chocolate Pudding: A beloved tradition at The Mermaid Inn, every dinner ends with a free, delicious chocolate pudding, a small touch that makes a big impression.
To make a reservation or for any inquiries, you can reach The Mermaid Inn using the following contact details.
Phone: (212) 201-7418
Address: 96 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA
The menu at The Mermaid Inn is full of tempting options, but there are a few standout dishes that have become iconic and are highly recommended by regulars and food critics alike.
The Oysters are a must-try, especially during the renowned happy hour. Customers consistently praise their freshness and size, making the happy hour deal a truly fantastic value. The Linguini & Clams is a classic that showcases the restaurant's commitment to simple, flavorful preparations. Another highly-praised item is the Charred Portuguese Octopus, which is described as being "out of this world" by reviewers.
For a lighter but equally flavorful option, the Mermaid Wedge Salad is a popular choice, offering a refreshing and satisfying appetizer. The Blackened Yellowfin Tuna is also a great large plate option for those who enjoy a heartier meal. And while not on the main menu, the Lobster Roll and the Lobster Knuckles "Escargot Style" are often mentioned by reviewers as being exceptional.
Beyond the food, what is truly worth choosing is the overall experience. The combination of a cozy, Cape Cod-like atmosphere, a lively happy hour scene, friendly and efficient service, and, of course, that complimentary chocolate pudding at the end, makes The Mermaid Inn a complete package. It is an ideal spot for a great meal that feels both like an escape and a quintessential New York experience.
The Mermaid Inn Vibe
By The Glass - Sparkling
- Prosecco $12.00
"Cuvee beatrice" ca' furlan nu (veneto, italy)
- Cava $13.00
La vida al camp nu (catalonia, spain)
By The Glass - White
- Muscadet Sevre-Et-Maine $13.00
"Les roches blanches" vignerons du pallet 2015 (loire, fance)
- Sauvignon Blanc $14.00
Arona 2016 (marlborough, new zealand)
- Chardonnay $13.00
Domaine antugnac 2016 (languedoc-roussillon, france)
By The Glass - Rosé
- Provencal Blend $13.00
"Cuvee sabine" bieler pere et fils 2017 (provence, france)
- Rioja $13.00
Bodegas ostatu 2017 (rioja, spain)
By The Glass - Red
- Malbec $12.00
Argentina
- Bordeaux $13.00
Chateau loumelat 2014 (bordeaux, france)
- Pinot Noir $14.00
Karine lauverjat, sancerre rouge 2015 (loire, france)
White Wine
Bottle
- Riesling Halbtrocken $42.00
Selbach-oster 2015 (mosel, germany)
- Sauvignon Blanc $40.00
Chasing venus 2016 (marlborough, nd)
- Sancerre $60.00
"Cave de la bouquette" thierry veron 2016 (loire, france)
- Malvasia $50.00
Ronco dei tassi 2016 (friuli, italy)
- Albariño $38.00
Bodegas la caña 2016 (galacia, spain)
- Grüner Veltliner $38.00
"Gobelsburger" gobelsburg 2016 (kamptal, austria)
- Chablis $50.00
Domaine nathalie & gilles fèvre 2015 (burgundy, france)
- Verdejo $36.00
Nisia 2016 (rueda, spain)
- Pinot Grigio $36.00
Alois lageder 2016 (alto adige, italy)
- Chardonnay $38.00
Bourcier-martinot 2015 (burgundy, france)
- Pinot Gris $40.00
Spindrift cellars 2015 (willamette valley, oregon)
- Chardonnay $40.00
Stephen ross 2014 (edna valley, california)
- Viognier $72.00
Jaffurs wine cellars 2016 (santa barbara, ca)
- Txakolina $34.00
Antriola 2016 (basques county, spain)
- Vermentino $44.00
Terenzuola coli diluari 2015 duguia.italy)
- Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc $82.00
Domaine bader mimeur 2013 (burgundy, france)
Red Wine
Bottle
- Cabernet Blend $50.00
Marietta cellars "arme" 2014 (north coast, california)
- Barbera D' Asti $50.00
Vietti 2015 (peidmont, italy)
- Chinon $40.00
Pierre et bertrand couly 2015 (loire, france)
- Côtes De Rhône $50.00
Domaine de font-sane, gigondas tradition 2014 (rhone, france)
- Malbec $46.00
Tikal, "natural" 2014 (mendoza, argentina)
- Rioja $57.00
Lopez de heredia, cubillo crianza 2008 (rioja, spain)
- Pinot Noir $60.00
King estate 2014 coregon, usa)
- Monastrell $38.00
La tremenda 2014 (valencia, spain)
- Syrah $44.00
Klinker brick “farrah" 2014 (lodi, california)
- Bourgogne Pinot Noir $44.00
"Clos de la combe" domaine jean chartron 2015 (burgundy, france)
- Bourgogne Pinot Fin $76.00
Arnowr-lachaux 2014 (burgundy, france)
- Bordeaux $68.00
Saint-estephe, chateau de come 2012 (bordeaux, france)
Cocktails
- Granny's Tea $13.00
Earl grey infused tito's vodka, honey, lemon & cardamon bitters
- Summer In Smoke $14.00
Mezcal, pimm's, cucumber & lime
- Forget-Me-Not $13.00
Greenhook dry gin, st. germain, lavender & lemon
- Gangplank $13.00
Mount gay black barrel, passionfruit, amaretto & lime
- Hot Blooded 'Rita $13.00
Jalapeño-infused herradura tequila, blood orange & lime
- Porch Swing $14.00
George dickel rye, ginger, lemon & rhubarb
Beer
- Narragansett Lager $5.00
(12 oz. can) a refreshingly sweet, mild lager (providence, ri)
- Greenport Harbor Beehave Summer Ale $8.00
Moderately hopped golden ale, orange blossom (greenport harbor, ny)
- Flagship American Wit $8.00
Light-bodied wheat beer, citrus & coriander (staten island, ny)
- Whale's Tale Pale Ale $8.00
English style, rich honey & fruity hops (nantucket, ma)
- Avery Brewing Co. El Gose $7.00
(12 oz. can) german style sour ale with lime & sea salt (boulder, co)
- New Belgium Citradelic Ipa $8.00
Bright golden color, tangerine peel & piney hops (fort collins, co)
- Austin Cast Ciders Original Dry Cider $6.00
(12 oz. can) crisp, smooth and dry hard apple cider (austin, tr)
- New Belgium Glutiny $9.00
Gluten-free pale ale (fort collins, co)
On Tap
- Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner $8.00
Light-bodied & crisp, nicely hopped lager (brooklyn, ny)
Small Plates
- Vine Ripe Tomato Gazpacho $11.00
Lobster, avocado & basil
- Prince Edward Island Mussels $13.00
Coconut, bok choy, red fresno chili & orange segments
- Mermaid Wedge Salad $13.00
Cherry tomato, red onions, blue cheese, apple-smoked bean & buttermilk dressing
- Blue Crab Tostada $14.00
Black bean, avocado, radish, queso fresco & smoked jalapeno tartar sauce
- Charred Portuguese Octopus $16.00
Garbanzo puree, hot peppers, parsley, kalamato olives & za
- Red Kale Caesar Salad $13.00
White anchoives, capers, shaved percarino & lemon dressing
- Lobster Knuckles "Escargot Style" $14.00
Parsley garlic butter & grilled country bread
- Seared Calamari Salad $15.00
Shiitake, cremini, frisee & feta
Large Plates
- Blackened Yellowfin Tuna $26.00
Edamame, watermelon, radish, daikon, mustard greens & ponzu
- Linguini & Clams $25.00
Manila clams, pancetta, chili & basil bread crumbs
The Mermaid Inn Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Kids' menu
The Mermaid Inn Photos










The Mermaid Inn Location
The Mermaid Inn Reviews
happy houroysterstacoslobster rollpatiofortune tellersliderschocolate puddingold baycorn dogs
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1One of my favorite happy hour places in NYC! A bit pricey and the portions are a bit small but still yummy! I also love the cute ambiance of the restaurant. It’s always a great time here. They even give you a complimentary chocolate pudding after your meal!
October 10 · Fiona ShoreWent there Saturday evening for my birthday with friends. Everything was great, the oysters were a good size for the price, octopus and lobster roll was out of this world!! Great friendly and speedy service, will definitely be back!
August 27 · Daniel CornejoThis place was exceptional. Celine was our waitress and her service was impeccable. Guy the manager was checking on everyone and it give that I'm here to serve you and make it your best experience ever. As for the food, I'm still dreaming about it, It was delicious. This place is in my top 5 restaurants. Thank you The Mermaid Inn for such an amazing time.
September 25 · P FrancoisVery yummy seafood! Love the vibe here. They have a great variety of selections. The lobster dip was delicious! It was hard to make a decision as everything looked amazing.
September 28 · Debbie LuA lovely fish restaurant in the East side of Manhattan, where multiple choice of fish will delight either your lunch, dinner or even better happy hour. The quality is outstanding as well as the staff, always able to help and accommodate any request. Oyster, shrimps, calamari and many other will make your decision time very difficult. You can sit outside on a warm sunny day, the atmosphere inside is even warmer, where you will be able to see your food being prepared. An excellent fish restaurant highly recommended.
May 20 · Andrea Monaco
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