This is a follow up entry to our earlier post on The Mermaid Oyster Bar.
Since my last visit to the Mermaid Oyster Bar, I’ve spread the word among friends and colleagues about the truly fun and exciting restaurant to have some seafood. Like I mentioned in the last article, good seafood places in New York City are not too easy to find. They’re either overly upscale, or resemble little more than a tourist trap. Shortly after sharing my review on Facebook, many friends asked to go experience another grand platter together. How can i say no to that? However, I suggested that instead of the oyster bar, we go to the Inn this time.
So a reservation was made, and off we went to the East Village of Manhattan. I came armed with my camera, a healthy appetite, and a special code I received on Twitter to get a discount off my tab.
Located in the East Village, not too far from the bustling area of St. Marks, I felt ashamed how I’ve driven by this place so many times without paying attention to it. Better late than never. The restaurant felt more rustic and warm than the trendy Oyster Bar, but had the same casual upbeat vibe. A stack of fresh oysters submersed in ice by the bar assured us that this was going to be just as fun and delicious.
The menu was similar, but with more cooked options. There was also blue plate special that is an amazing value. $20 for a entree and a beer. I went with the grilled whole fish blue plate special, and ordered another towering platter of seafood to share.
Another beautiful platter.
The raw platter was once again impeccable, fresh and flavorful. Instead of the cherry-stone clams and mussels at the Oyster Bar, the Inn served crab meat and craw fish.
The entrees were equally impressive. My grilled fish was cooked and seasoned beautifully. All the bones were removed so cleanly that I wonder if they “tweezered” it. My friend also ordered a lobster sandwich after I gushed about it all last week, it was as good as I remembered it.
A whole grilled fish, stuffed with lemon.
Lobster roll, delicious.
I’m not too sure whether I’ll venture to the upper west side restaurant, until the day when my seafood craving hits again. In the meantime, I’m thrilled to know that I now have 2 options for seafood in the lower part of the city. East side or the west, they’re equally fabulous.
CS
Rating: 
The Mermaid Inn (Make a Reservation)
96 2nd Avenue, New York
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