The Mermaid Inn — Restaurant in New York

Came here on Sunday with a group of friends. The food was amazing. Absolutely love the lobster roll! BUT we were sat at one of the square tables against the wall opposite the bar area. They had a giant window open and it was so incredibly hot outside like 90 degrees and hot inside the restaurant. We walked all the way from Hudson Yards and were starving and tired so we didnt want to leave once we realised how hot it was inside the restaurant. I wanted to move tables but it didnt look like there were any tables in the back because it was so busy. Trust me when I say it was so insanely hot inside. I noticed the poor hostess standing in the corner fanning her self with a piece of paper because she looked like she was feeling really hot too. I heard the table next to us also complain about how hot it was inside. It seemed like the restaurant didn't care that it was so hot inside because they didn't even have the air conditioning on in the front of the restaurant but when I went to go to the bathroom I felt cold air coming from the back of the restaurant. There is no way that they didn't notice people were really hot in the front. Why wouldn't they just ask the people sitting at the tables by the window if they could stand up for a moment so they can close the window and turn on the air conditioning in the front of the restaurant? Im sure those people at those tables were dying from the heat too! If the air conditioning was broken in the front (i dont know if it was i didnt ask) maybe the back air conditioner could have cooled it off a bit and given people like us sitting in the front part some relief from the crazy heat outside. The wind was very hot too so every time the wind blew into the restaurant it was terrible. I loved the food but i am taking away two stars because of how obviously hot it was inside the restaurant and they didnt care at all to do anything about it so we had to sweat in our seats and drink lots of water and cold drinks to feel any sort of relief. Such good food and drinks but so terrible to make people sit in the heat inside...

My boyfriend found this restaurant for me for my birthday and also a grief outing because of my recent fathers passing. The first time was amazing, we went kind of late (due to my grief and being too sad to go in the first place) but we still receive great service from a young white man, wish I remembered his name but he was amazing. We even received complimentary desserts from the kitchen. Also down to the sweet Hispanic man that served us our water and some food. We went another time and the vibe was kind of different but food was still spectacular hence why I went back (get the lobster escargot omg)

This time, recently two days ago, we waited 15 minutes which wasn’t an issue, we walked around and ended up getting in umbrella and started walking back just as the host called us. We sat, and my boyfriend didn’t notice at first but I realized no one came to us right away, in fact, someone was seated next to us right after and was served first, down to the water. I was calm, still waited. If I had put a timer on, I’m sure we waited about 20 minutes for someone to take our order, only because he stopped the waitress. Who in fact was the same one we had last time, and I’ve worked in restaurants to know how things function. There’s no way she didn’t realize every time she came to the other person next to us, that we were not taken care of yet. And if anything, she/someone was supposed to tell us that we’d be taken care of shortly. Nothing. People kept passing us as if we were just seated there for a show. And Her vibe was definitely off, don’t remember her name but she is a redhead/brunette. At that point I was looking at a menu for the other restaurant we ended up going to because I wasn’t even craving what I came for anymore. Lost my appetite. And I’m pregnant so a simple lobster appetizer and a virgin cocktail was all I craved but the service was such a turn off that we left because I’m not sure of their integrity to our food if this was the case. Never coming here again nor will I bring my cousins/mother like I promised them...

The Mermaid Inn is a beloved seafood-focused restaurant group in New York City, known for its fresh offerings, coastal charm, and popular happy hour. With multiple locations—including the Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Times Square—each venue offers a slightly different ambiance while maintaining a consistent quality of food and service.

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🐟 Food & Drinks

The Mermaid Inn is celebrated for its fresh seafood and approachable menu. Signature dishes include the buttery lobster roll, crispy skate sandwich, and shrimp sliders. The restaurant’s happy hour is a major draw, featuring $1.50 oysters and $10 cocktails, making it a go-to spot for seafood enthusiasts.  

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🌊 Atmosphere & Experience

Each location offers a unique setting:  • Chelsea: Features a bright, open space with a front dining room that opens to the street, creating a lively atmosphere during happy hour.  • Upper West Side: Provides a cozy, family-friendly environment. A local parent noted their 5-year-old daughter loved it so much she requested to celebrate her birthday there.  • Times Square: Offers a more polished experience with a spacious layout, making it suitable for both casual meals and pre-theater dining. 

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💬 What Diners Are Saying • “The food at the Mermaid Inn is always fresh… I love their lobster roll, watermelon salad, and Island Creek oysters.”  • “The happy hour menu is my favorite: cute mini versions, exquisitely well done.”  • “The fish is always fresh and fantastic, and their lobster roll is solid.” 

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📍 Locations & Info • Upper West Side: 570 Amsterdam Ave  • Chelsea: 227 10th Ave  • Times Square: 127 W 43rd St 

For reservations, menus, and more details, visit themermaidnyc.com. 

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Whether you’re in the mood for a casual happy hour or a full seafood dinner, The Mermaid Inn offers a consistently enjoyable experience across...