A lively upscale-casual seafood haven with a Cape Cod charm, famed for $1 oysters and delicious lobster rolls, perfect for a fun outing.
"At this point, The Mermaid Inn is pretty much synonymous with solid, not trying-too-hard first date spot. There are lots of small plate options, plenty of drinks to choose from, and a happy hour deal that means you can afford to get a few of both. But take our word for it: you probably don’t look as good eating an oyster as you think you do." - Marisa Dunn
"The Mermaid Inn is shutting down its 15-year-old Upper West Side location on October 16, according to the New York Post. The owners 'mutually agreed' to part ways with the building's new landlord, but they say that the seafood hangout may relocate to another spot in the same neighborhood." - Erika Adams
"A lot of Maine lobster rolls just have meat, mayo, and not much else. We appreciate simplicity, but those versions can come off as bland. That's not an issue at The Mermaid Inn. Here, fresh and tender lobster meat is mixed with minimal mayo, relatively big slices of celery, and a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. All of that is stuffed in a heavily buttered and toasted brioche bun (which is like a big, semi-soft crouton.) The fries on the side are the best ones on this list—like slightly well-done McDonald's fries, but with Old Bay seasoning." - Bryan Kim, Kenny Yang
"The fact that The Mermaid Inn’s UWS location is just a seven-minute walk from the northwest tip of Central Park feels like divine intervention. If restaurants were deities, Mermaid Inn would be some kind of all-knowing, all-loving, being that could make all your wildest seafood and alcohol dreams come true. In addition to oysters, lobster rolls, and crab cakes, this seafood spot offers to-go drinks like margaritas to martinis every day." - Nikko Duren
"Certain things are non-negotiable. It might be the side of the bed you sleep on, or the side of the family you spend holidays with. Or most importantly, it could be the incontrovertible fact that you and your dog are a package deal. Mermaid Inn understands that. They let your dog (or your date) be a third-wheel anytime, including during their daily oyster Happy Hour from 4:30-6:30pm." - Matt Tervooren
Milorad Vukovich
G Frye
HJC
Aria Ni
Mahima Srivastava
Mike Eye
Christina
Chris X. C.