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Mermaid Oyster Bar
Master Critic Review
Mermaid Oyster Bar
8.6
Mermaid Oyster Bar brings a polished coastal raw bar to MacDougal Street, with rotating oysters, lobster rolls, and seafood plates in a narrow, warmly lit space. Locals lean on it for happy hour shellfish, date-night seafood dinners, and reliable service that keeps the room humming.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Oysters, New England-Style Lobster Roll, Lobster Knuckles & Knuckles
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Greenwich Village raw bar with serious oysters, lobster rolls, and a coastal vibe.
Who should go: Oyster fans and couples wanting cozy seafood.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or early evening before peak rush.
What to order: Daily oysters, lobster roll, lobster knuckles & knuckles.
Insider tip: Time your visit around happy hour for the best value on oysters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on MacDougal; rely on nearby paid garages along West 3rd or LaGuardia Place.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sweaters are common, but many diners lean slightly polished for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still workable for conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak oyster hour.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; the room fills later into happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—seafood-focused menu with a few veg-friendly sides and salads.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect only simple sides or modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good support—many raw-bar items are naturally GF, and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy booths, polished service, and a shareable raw bar make it an easy, low-pressure date-night choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings; bar seats are your best bet during rush periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy seafood; no dedicated kids' menu and the narrow room suits adults best.
Best For
Better for: A dependable raw bar experience with warmer service and a more intimate feel than larger seafood spots nearby.
Skip if: You want expansive entrée menus, ultra-quiet dining, or extensive vegetarian/vegan choices.