The Mermaid Inn officially opened on Monday, October 21 at its new Upper West Side location: 335 Columbus Avenue at 76th Street. The popular seafood restaurant had previously operated at 570 Amsterdam Avenue (between 87th and 88th streets) for 15 years before closing in October 2022. ILTUWS was there as the admired eatery set sail at its new address.
Advertisement
Upper West Side News, Delivered To Your Inbox
The Mermaid Inn’s aesthetic didn’t miss a beat from its old spot, with framed pictures of fishing vessels, women swimming, and beautiful coastlines. The white brick walls played well with the painted black trim, and music from artists including Carole King, Sade, and Billie Eilish filled the air at a relaxing level as the fans kept the room cool.
To the kitchen
Walkway to bathroom
ALSO READ: Luxury Developer Plans High-Rise at Old Mermaid Inn Space
You’re going to need a bigger boat? Probably not. With seating for roughly 150 to 160 in the dining area (including the back room) and room for 15 more at the bar, the 6,500-square-foot space is ample. They also plan to eventually add more seating outside.
View of dining room from bar
Advertisement
The back room
The bar
The Mermaid Inn’s happy hour is from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Choose from a chef’s selection of oysters and littleneck clams for $1.75 each (minimum of six) or mini clam chowder for $3.25. Mini fish tacos are $3.50 each, while spinach and artichoke dip is available for $10. Crispy calamari costs $12, and grilled shrimp and avocado sliders are priced at $8.50, rounding out the options.
ALSO READ: The Upper West Side’s New Board Game Cafe: Chaotic Good
Much of the menu is the same as before, but there are a few updates to look out for. Most of our favorites made the trip over, including lobster knuckles “escargot style” with parsley garlic butter and grilled country bread for $20, which makes a great appetizer. Their whole Mediterranean branzino with lemon caper aioli and watercress did not make the move, though their midtown location still offers it. Their “nearly famous” lobster roll comes on a griddled brioche bun, and old bay fries are at market price. A whole lobster from the raw bar is $36.
Enjoying a Mojito at the bar
They make a wonderful mojito for $16; we substituted the rum for tequila. While there are no dark beers like Guinness on the menu, the bartender recommended we try the pumpkin ale from Southern Tier in Buffalo, New York, for $12. ‘Tis the season, and the drink was a treat.
Advertisement
There are sparkling, red, white, and rosé wines as well, available by the glass or bottle. The specialty cocktail list features some creative concoctions, including their High Tea on the Veranda, which is gin, prosecco, chamomile, and Lillet Blanc for $16.
The Mermaid Inn is open from Sunday to Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Have a news tip? Send it to us here!
“They make a wonderful mojito for $16; we substituted the rum for tequila.”
So, you didn’t have a mojito at all, you had a Margarita.
Incorrect. The key difference is that the mojito uses fresh mint leaves. A Margarita doesn’t. It typically uses triple sec or orange liqueur, sometimes agave.
They failed to mention that reservations are available on RESY (NOT opentable)
I love you guys but The Mermaid Inn had better be paying you for all of the advertising you’ve been giving them…
Mermaid did a beautiful job on the restaurant design and I like the way they had all the windows open tonight. The opening of the restaurant brings to life a pretty dead area of Columbus. UWS has some great new restaurants – the best I have seen in 20+ years.
Close at 9:30? Come on guys