A group of us took another AIANY (American Institute of Architects New York) Boat Tour on the Classic Harbor Line from Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers around Manhattan Island, which is always an excellent and informative experience. After the tour, one couple suggested we go to the Mermaid Inn in Chelsea, as they had just started their happy hour. It’s a casual seafood bistro with outdoor seating.

Some of us started with the happy hour $10 cocktails ($10, Hugo Spritz, Margarita, Old Fashioned), and one indulged in the zero-proof Mojito ($12).

Some indulged in most of the happy hour offerings, including their mini clam chowder ($3.75), oysters (minimum 6, at $1.50 each), and salmon tartare ($10).  We each had one happy hour fish taco ($4) and a shrimp and avocado slider ($9). Hands down, the best of the bunch is the slider with a large shrimp and some avocado on a mini brioche bun.

One tried their lobster roll with fries ($36) and felt as I did when I had it the last time. Okay, yet not the freshest. I found their lobster knuckles ($18) — the menu described them as “escargot style” with parsley, garlic butter, and grilled country bread — way overcooked, with more topping than lobster.

 The Mermaid Inn is an okay option for happy hour.

 

**Happy Hour details as of 07/06/2025

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 4 pm-5:30 pm

What’s happy? $10 specific cocktails, $8 draft beer, $10 wine & bubbly, plus 6 small plates ($4 for fish taco to $12 for fried calamari) and $1.50 oysters and clams, with a minimum of six.

How happy? ** (two out of three stars)

 

The Mermaid Inn
Chelsea
227 10th Ave,
New York, NY 10011
(212) 999-5939
themermaidnyc.com/location/the-mermaid-inn-chelsea/