394219 Sun Apr 22 06:59:44 -0700 2007 7 18 Manhattan 0 2503608 Experiences at the mermaid inn? I'm mostly wanting to know what the atmosphere is like.. ....I'm looking for a fun, celebratory place to take a party of 8......thoughts? Sun Apr 22 06:59:44 -0700 2007 91448 ld2186 1 2503642 great place, been there a few times, nice atmosphere, a good non-urban refuge - try and get the back garden and you would pretty much have it to yourself... the skate is lovely here too Sun Apr 22 07:18:20 -0700 2007 2503608 89727 londonPaul 1 2503693 The atmosphere is casual and, on most nights, full and somewhat boisterous (but not in an obnoxious way). It's not an overly "special" place because it is so casual, but I think the vibe is fun and would have fun celebrating there. Sun Apr 22 07:53:37 -0700 2007 2503608 10216 Lucia 1 2503699 I cant say enough good things about the mermaid inn. The raw bar items are very fresh. Free desert in little coupes. Very nice waitstaff. I have several excellent meals there. Sun Apr 22 07:56:55 -0700 2007 2503608 19291 frankiii 1 2503726 H Id2186, I agree with other hounds on the quality of food. The meals I have there are usually quite delicious and fresh. However, service is not quite consistent, sometimes excellent and sometimes spotty. It is very causal and relaxing, without loud music and people (the diners) always appear to enjoy the meals with friends or family and have good time. It is a good neighbourhood joint for some good, causal seafood dining, but I won't go all the way to there if I am not nearby. Sun Apr 22 08:10:57 -0700 2007 2503608 54254 kobetobiko 2 2504115 thanks so much. is it hard to get a reservation there? Sun Apr 22 11:46:51 -0700 2007 2503726 91448 ld2186 2 2504124 oh - and should i request the back garden when i call? is it really that much nicer? thanks again Sun Apr 22 11:51:58 -0700 2007 2503726 91448 ld2186 3 2504145 Hi Id2186, I don't think it is hard to get a reservation at all. You can do it on OPENTABLE.com. Better yet, here is a link to their offiicial website, so you can see the restaurant's decor and the back garden in the photo gallery. I like the back garden when the weather is nice, and with a party of eight, you can take up most of the back garden, meaning you enjoy the entire area almost exclusively (almost...) http://www.themermaidnyc.com/mermaid.html (you can view the restaurant in the photo gallery) When you reserve on Opentable.com, make sure you specify that you want the back garden. I will suggest you call as well just to confirm. With this nice weather, everyone will want to sit outdoor! Hope you have a wonderful meal! Sun Apr 22 12:05:19 -0700 2007 2504124 54254 kobetobiko