NYCReview

The Mermaid Inn is permanently closed

The Mermaid Inn review image

The Mermaid Inn

$$$$

96 2nd Ave, New York
View WebsiteEarn 3X Points

The Mermaid Inn...this place has been a staple in the Infatuation playbook since back in 2003 when we were standing in line outside of terrible Manhattan night clubs and listening to nothing but Brand New and 50 Cent. Fortunately, we’ve matured (a little) since then, and The Mermaid Inn is not only still hanging around, it’s thriving (they have since opened an Upper West Side location, and one in the Village).

The secret to this upscale clam shack’s longevity is nothing more than consistency. The fish is always fresh and fantastic, and their lobster roll is solid. It’s all reasonably priced considering the seafood is top rate, and service is always good. These days they have even stepped it up and frequently throw down fish frys, clam bakes, and all other manner of seafood-centric specials that you can get in on. Also worth noting, they are currently running a “Blue Plate Special”: lobster roll, Old Bay fries, and a Blue Point beer for twenty dollars from 5:30 to 7:00 every evening. You can find me in the club...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox.


By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Food Rundown

Anything From The Raw Bar

It’s all fresh, and it’s all good. Enough said.

Fluke Ceviche

This interesting white fish ceviche has little bits of corn nuts in it to add crunch. I personally love fluke, and this is a great appetizer to share.

Clam Chowder

This is a solid clam chowder that benefits from the addition of bacon.

Sautéed Skate Wing

Since day one, my favorite thing on the menu at Mermaid Inn has been the skate wing. They will change the rest of the plate with the seasons, but the fish is always incredible.

Grilled Mahi Mahi

This is another go-to, and some version pretty much always appears on the menu. If mahi is your thing, you can’t go wrong.

Lobster Sandwich

We’re lobster roll connoisseurs, and I’ve never been disappointed by this one. There is some stiff competition out there, so I won’t say its one of the top lobster sandwiches in the city, but I’m never mad after I eat it. Also, Old Bay seasoning makes fries taste good.

Suggested Reading

Mermaid Oyster Bar review image
Review
Mermaid Oyster Bar

We love the Mermaid restaurants, but an oyster bar? I guess fifteen or so varieties qualify you, but we were hoping for a deeper raw bar and a little more excitement. Where's the oyster inspiration?

Pearl Oyster Bar review image
Review

Almost everything on Pearl Oyster Bar menu is fantastic, but what really keeps us coming back though is the fried oyster sandwich.

Ed's Lobster Bar review image
Review

We’ve put this one off long enough and it’s time to come right out and say it – we don’t love Ed’s Lobster Bar. It’s all reasonable ocean fare, but none of it leaves us anxiously awaiting next time.

St Tropez review image
Review

St Tropez is a casual French spot in the West Village with affordable small plates.

Infatuation Logo
2023 © The Infatuation Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FIND PLACES ON OUR APP

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store