Jimmy Bradley and Danny Abrams (of The Red Cat and The Harrison—see both) have opened another easy-to-love restaurant with The Mermaid Inn, located in the East Village. The restaurant will take you away to the bluffs of a windswept seashore with its dark wainscoting, hurricane lamps, vintage nautical maps, and big, icy raw bar. The menu here is all seafood, all the time. The signature lobster sandwich—a sort of lobster roll gone burger—is a mess of sweet, fat, juicy lobster meat, held together by just the right bit of mayo, that is served on a wide, puffy, golden brioche bun with a mountain of skinny, crispy fries dusted with Old Bay seasoning. A more more global take on seafood is also offered, like a flaky, moist skate, sautéed until golden and set in a nutty puddle of white gazpacho sauce made from almonds. Mermaid has a great neighborhood vibe that makes it perfect for a first date, a last date, or dinner with the girls, the guys, your parents, or heck, even your enemies. 

Mermaid Inn Information:

• Seafood menu. Dinner. Closed Thanksgiving. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended. Outdoor seating.