Mermaid Inn
96 Second Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets
NY, NY 10003
(212) 674 5870
6 Train to Astor Place, F train to 2nd Avenue

It has now become a tradition that I spend my birthday at Mermaid Inn. It’s relatively easy to get a 2-person reservation, it’s not fussy or stuffy or all too pricey, the wine is always palatable and affordable; hence, it’s always flawless. Perhaps the tradition began three years ago when an ex-suitor made a “surprise” reservation for my birthday at Wallse. Given that I don’t eat pork, I don’t enjoy German food all that much (my only comparison to authentic Austrian fare), and it was the one restaurant my ex had wanted to go to for some time, I was fairly disappointed once I foiled his surprise and learned my birthday dinner destination. Perhaps it was my giant grimace that gave away my disapproval. Immediately, the reservation was canceled and I was brought to a restaurant which surely wasn’t as extravagant, expensive, or dessert-fancy as Wallse. Yes, that place was Mermaid Inn and it was a favorite of mine then as it still is now.

This year, I enjoyed the same old, same old on my birthday. It only makes sense in my own old age, I assume. My date and I shared 2 lobster rolls with Old Bay-seasoned fries, a dozen West coast oysters, strawberry and arugula salad with ricotta salata, and prosecco (the only one offered by the glass on the menu). As for the salad, strawberry and arugula don’t necessary sound like a match, but the balsamic vinaigrette subtly brought out the unbelievable sweetness of the strawberries. What may be most telling is that I purchased arugula and strawberries the following day to try and recreate the salad from my own home.

The oysters perfectly met my expectations – tasty and almost Kumamoto-esque. The prosecco was affordable and just right for what I was looking for to enhance the flavors of my diverse meal.

Mermaid’s lobster rolls are in no way authentic. They come on rolls, and not in hot dog buns, grilled rolls, that is. Rolls that taste more like challah than anything else. The lobster rolls are filling, just creamy enough, and delicious. Mermaid’s lobster rolls are my favorite in the City – they beat out Pearl Oyster Bar and Ditch Plains (by far). The fries are not overly seasoned and they come out crispy – you don’t have to ask for them to be crispy! And they are the ideal complement to the smooth and flaky texture of the lobster roll.

Oh, and I cannot forget the final highlight of the meal: the complimentary pot au crème. Amazing (except you want more than just the little pot full). Plus, there’s a “magic fish” (aka a red piece of cellophane shaped like a fish) that is given out to diners. You rest the fish on the palm of your hand and assess its movements: are you passionate, fickle, in love? Check for yourself.

I’m never blown away by my meals at Mermaid Inn, but I am always happy when I leave. And that’s saying a lot.