Anne S.
Yelp
So, I've been perched at 99 reviews for quite a while now, paralyzed at the thought of doing anything less than a stellar 100th review. Then I happened to wander into The Mermaid Bar the other day, and inspiration struck -- especially when I realized that no one else has Yelped it yet. (I'm not counting the misplaced reviews under Neiman Marcus itself.) A 100th review AND a first?? Ohboyohboyohboy!
I must admit that I'm amazed this Neiman's classic hasn't been properly listed on Yelp yet. It's been around since 1965, and it's a Dallas icon. In fact, this past February, The Dallas Morning News listed it as one of the "timeless classics" of Dallas. The Mermaid Bar is a great place to catch up with a friend before or after a shopping outing at Northpark. It's also a great place to treat yourself to a late lunch after taking a stroll around the mall by yourself. But be prepared to wait if you come at the peak of the lunch hour!
Everything on the menu looks so good -- and surprisingly affordable! -- that I always have a hard time deciding. Their tortilla soup is legendary, and their sandwiches are always a solid choice. I most recently stopped in for a quick mid-afternoon shopping break and ventured for the frozen yogurt, which is curiously listed under "starters." It was served in a tall cup layered with all kinds of fruit. This is your traditional-style frozen yogurt, none of that trendy tartness, but I kinda liked that. It was simple and honest and ooooh so good. I was momentarily shocked at how large it was, but women at other tables were looking at it enviously as I devoured the entire thing. Oops.
You hardly see any men here; the ladies of Dallas have claimed this as our little oasis. And as such, you'll never feel like you're being judged if you sit down to lunch by yourself. There's a sort of camaraderie among the women you see in here; they'll compliment your shoes as you sit down at a table nearby, and they'll ask you what you're eating so that they can order the exact same thing. (I saw both happen the last time I was here!) The nice thing about this "club" atmosphere, though, is that it's not exclusive. Anyone who sits down at a table here is immediately a member. Because honey, wherever you are in life, we've all been there.
Parting Note: Apparently, Visa is NOT everywhere you want to be. They only take the Neiman's card (umm right), American Express, or cash. My one complaint.