Mermaid Inn

Mermaid Inn is a welcomed addition to the average slate of restaurants on the Upper West Side. If you're a fish fan, you'll love this place. A lively fish-themed atmosphere greets you right when you walk in. In the summertime, the garage-style doors are opened up to the sidewalk cafe, creating a comfortable space with cross ventilation. In the winter, you'll feel warm and cozy with the hues of black and brown on the wall. The menu is anything but boring. There's always fresh fish selection and yummy sides like French Fries w/Old Bay or grilled asparagus w/parmesan. Look out for the seasonal specials too. Hailing from Maryland, I opted for the summer special Maryland Crab Boil, complete with 5 steamed crabs, corn bread and corn on the cob. While it was a bit strange to be cracking the crabs open on a table other than a picnic table covered with newspapers, the crabs were still perfectly cooked and seasoned. The staff is very attentive and you even get your own (free) cup of Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream for dessert. While there's always a lively scene, I wouldn't take my kids here, unless, of course, they're fish lovers.