TLDR
Top-tier happy hour featuring $1 oysters and addictive Old Bay fries. A go-to, unpretentious seafood staple for a reliably great meal.
Details
Known for a bustling atmosphere and an exceptional happy hour, this popular spot offers high-quality seafood in a relaxed, approachable setting [1]. It is widely celebrated for its $1 oysters, flavorful shrimp cocktail, and iconic Old Bay fries [2], [3]. Guests frequently praise the efficient service, even during busy peak hours, making it a reliable choice for solo diners and groups alike [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on fresh seafood, with diners specifically recommending the oysters, shrimp cocktail, and clam chowder [2], [14]. The Old Bay fries and various happy hour bites like fish tacos and sliders are also highly regarded, while the martinis are frequently singled out for praise [3], [10], [14].
Caveats
Groups of 20 or more guests are required to submit an event form for their visit [15].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About THE MERMAID INN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Solo Dining Recommendations In Upper West Side
"Considered a common "nice" meal choice nearby the Natural History museum."
PositiveFrom post: Any Suggestions For A Manhattan Seafood Lunch
"Amazing happy hour with a variety of seafood options."
PositiveFrom post: Any Suggestions For A Manhattan Seafood Lunch
"Recommended seafood spot."
PositiveFrom post: Hosting An Oysterforward Birthday Party In
"Briefly mentioned as an option for the party."
PositiveFrom post: Hosting An Oysterforward Birthday Party In
"Recommended as a location that just reopened near the American Museum of Natural History and could fit 20 people."
PositiveFrom post: Hosting An Oysterforward Birthday Party In
"Noted that they have 4 locations below 96th St and require an event form for a group of 20."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"The user thanked for the recommendation of Mermaid Inn, calling it a great find."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"This comment provided details about Mermaid Inn's happy hour, noting it runs until 6 PM for food and drinks, and is all day on Mondays."
NeutralFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"The user expressed interest in checking out Mermaid Inn after it was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"Mermaid Inn was suggested as a dining option, described as an oyster bar and noted as being less fancy than Minetta Tavern."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"The martinis at Mermaid Inn were highlighted as being great."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"Mermaid Inn was suggested as a dining option."
NeutralFrom post: Dinner Spots For Taking Out Visiting Parents In
"The Mermaid Inn is suggested as a good dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Spots For Taking Out Visiting Parents In
"This user had a great happy hour at The Mermaid Inn, enjoying oysters and sliders, and suggests it as part of a larger evening plan."
PositiveFrom post: Great Happy Hours In Manhattan After 5pm
"Regarding a specific location below Washington Square Park, the commenter found it bustling but was seated quickly as a solo diner and was able to have a full meal within 20 minutes."
PositiveFrom post: Great Happy Hours In Manhattan After 5pm
"The commenter praised the happy hour offerings, specifically highlighting the $1 oysters and well-prepared shrimp cocktail with ice and lemon. They also mentioned the drinks were amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Great Happy Hours In Manhattan After 5pm
"A commenter expressed their love for the Old Bay fries offered at Mermaid Inn."
PositiveFrom post: Great Happy Hours In Manhattan After 5pm
"A commenter recommended Mermaid Inn for its happy hour food options, mentioning they have several items available on their happy hour menu."
Positive