The Mermaid

Delicious drinks. Fun atmosphere. REAL MERMAIDS. We stopped by The Mermaid while visiting from out of town and Ramona and the rest of the crew at The Mermaid made us feel right at home. Luckily, we happened to catch a loosely "Madonna vs Cher"-themed karaoke party and it sounds like they frequently put on fun events. Highly recommend this place to anyone thinking about giving it a shot.

Stumbled upon this restaurant because I was curious if anything opened after the BBQ place closed. I caught it on the third day apparently! Very clean. Super friendly staff. And the food? Very tasty and just the right portions. I ordered the Bulgogi and rice with three pork dumplings. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu!

Quick, great service at the bar, clean, well designed environment, creatively themed strong drinks. Black magic woman drink tasted a little wonky though. Maybe make it more creamy, coffee, bananay.

Very very cute little bar, they had 80s music theme and we loved it. The drinks are very very good and the staff is friendly and fast.

Underrated bar in little Tokyo. Super chill vibes and loved the mermaid theme. Drinks were amazing. Each drink was so delicious. My favorite one was "The Spritz" restrooms available but parking is tight. Angel City Brewery and Bar 82 are across the street but honestly can't beat the drinks here. Only thing it's a bit small but overall a must stop. Plus the bartenders are friendly. 🙂

Female owned safe and friendly bar with the BEST staff!! Will definitely be coming back here for date night or girls night. Cute intimate atmosphere inside and they have outdoor seating too if you're so inclined. The Micheladas are bomb and their classic drink menu has some really good drinks too!

Loved the food, the drinks were nice n strong, our server was so sweet and friendly. Definitely would come back next time we come to LA!

My favorite dive bar in town that actually makes great cocktails. Best price in town as well!

LA sirena meets tiki! They have themes during different months. I visited The Mermaid during July, so you know there is Christmas in July! There were many wonderfully spooky themed drinks with a LA sirena twist on your classic tiki drinks. The atmosphere is very chill and 80’s goth beats were playing.

Arrival: 5 pm Saturday Best drink: Sea of Thieves (originally was Midnight Madness) complex taste and flavorful Bartender: she was friendly. No foods Overall, would come back

How did I never know about this bar. It's fun, it's got good tots, great cocktails. Definite must try

This is one of my favorite dive/hole in the wall bars. Friendly staff, good drinks, great atmosphere. Come alone, bring some friends I’ve never had a bad time here.

The drinks, the service, and the vibes were unmatched! Absolutely stunning place! The two tenders working that night were so fun and nice! Also every month they pick a different charity or nonprofit to donate money too this month we helped bats!

Everything you could ever want in a mermaid/tiki bar. Great decor, wonderful staff, excellent food and amazing cocktails. Easily the best tots I've ever had at a restaurant. Perfect crunch! The star though is the drinks. Excellent variety of drinks, well crafted amd well priced. 👌

Charlie K

The drinks, the service, and the vibes were unmatched! Absolutely stunning place! The two tenders working that night were so fun and nice! Also every month they pick a different charity or nonprofit to donate money too this month we helped bats!

D R E W

Everything you could ever want in a mermaid/tiki bar. Great decor, wonderful staff, excellent food and amazing cocktails. Easily the best tots I've ever had at a restaurant. Perfect crunch! The star though is the drinks. Excellent variety of drinks, well crafted amd well priced. 👌

Jasmine San Nicolas

My favorite dive bar in town that actually makes great cocktails. Best price in town as well!

Melystikal

Underrated bar in little Tokyo. Super chill vibes and loved the mermaid theme. Drinks were amazing. Each drink was so delicious. My favorite one was "The Spritz" restrooms available but parking is tight. Angel City Brewery and Bar 82 are across the street but honestly can't beat the drinks here. Only thing it's a bit small but overall a must stop. Plus the bartenders are friendly. 🙂

Carlito Peralta Jr

Loved the food, the drinks were nice n strong, our server was so sweet and friendly. Definitely would come back next time we come to LA!

Nemster B

Female owned safe and friendly bar with the BEST staff!! Will definitely be coming back here for date night or girls night. Cute intimate atmosphere inside and they have outdoor seating too if you're so inclined. The Micheladas are bomb and their classic drink menu has some really good drinks too!

Alexandria Richardson

LA sirena meets tiki! They have themes during different months. I visited The Mermaid during July, so you know there is Christmas in July! There were many wonderfully spooky themed drinks with a LA sirena twist on your classic tiki drinks. The atmosphere is very chill and 80’s goth beats were playing.

Quan

Arrival: 5 pm Saturday Best drink: Sea of Thieves (originally was Midnight Madness) complex taste and flavorful Bartender: she was friendly. No foods Overall, would come back

Henry Fang

How did I never know about this bar. It's fun, it's got good tots, great cocktails. Definite must try

Gilbert Lopez

This is one of my favorite dive/hole in the wall bars. Friendly staff, good drinks, great atmosphere. Come alone, bring some friends I’ve never had a bad time here.

One of the coolest bars in Los Angeles. Staff is friendly. They usually have a good DJ.

Really great bar with good drink offerings. Go on a Monday, there's free parking and LINDA IS THE BEST DJ!! She spins an excellent set of low-key fancy, dark, cold. She should be on a radio station somewhere or you can just come to this bar...

The mermaid really is my kind of place I usually go there with my friends on the weekends.but what truly makes it stand out is the amount of events it has my favorite is karaoke(I haven’t had the chance to sing a song but one day I’ll get there)every time I hear there’s a event I gather my posse and ride to the mermaid.I also like to watch the movies that play on tv while I drink my beer I’m hoping one day cider beer makes a comeback to the draft beer menu again but other then that the mermaid rocks

Visited for their Christmas pop up and had a few of drinks on their special menu. Our bartender made some delicious potent cocktails. Their hospitality is top notch, they greet you when you walk in and on your way out. Great bar all around.

Such a cool bar!! Cocktails are phenomenal and the atmosphere is always super rad. They change up seasonally which keeps it fresh and new. Shout out to Katie, the best of the best! Rachel was my bartender and was amazing too.

Annemarie Sagoi

Such a cool bar!! Cocktails are phenomenal and the atmosphere is always super rad. They change up seasonally which keeps it fresh and new. Shout out to Katie, the best of the best! Rachel was my bartender and was amazing too.

Stanley Aviles

Visited for their Christmas pop up and had a few of drinks on their special menu. Our bartender made some delicious potent cocktails. Their hospitality is top notch, they greet you when you walk in and on your way out. Great bar all around.

Rene Perez

One of the coolest bars in Los Angeles. Staff is friendly. They usually have a good DJ.

aesthetic guy

The mermaid really is my kind of place I usually go there with my friends on the weekends.but what truly makes it stand out is the amount of events it has my favorite is karaoke(I haven’t had the chance to sing a song but one day I’ll get there)every time I hear there’s a event I gather my posse and ride to the mermaid.I also like to watch the movies that play on tv while I drink my beer I’m hoping one day cider beer makes a comeback to the draft beer menu again but other then that the mermaid rocks

Located in a little mall strip. The decor is simple, lighting sets up the underwater theme, but it never goes overboard - which works in their favor. Punch drinks and the Mermaidan Voyage are staples. Try the guacamole (sesame seeds).

No food here but the staff is great and they have a drink menu of bear and cocktails. They make custom drinks too. Great ambience, love the mermaid theme! Small parking lot, flat fee of $6. They check IDs past 8pm. Security at the door.

I really wanted to be obsessed with this place. Upon walking in, I was sure I would be. Cool lighting and obscure decorations cover the small, cozy interior and a plethora of good music (veruca salt, misfits, garbage, distillers etc) played for several hours while i was there. (Pre-dj) The staff were exceptionally nice and professional, though the wait for drinks can be a bit long if it's busy. (Not a deal breaker though) However, the drinks were unfortunately served in small glasses and were weak in alcohol content. After consuming 4 or 5 of the same beverage clocking $15 each, I still hadn't registered a buzz. Bummer. While tasty, I wasn't thrilled with feeling like I wasn't getting any bang for the buck. Later in the evening, there's a DJ, and the music was good but the entire vibe shifted from a campy little underwater cave into just another overfilled club with no character. I was super bummed. The latter of the experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. I may return someday, but it won't be in the evening, and unfortunately won't be participating in any of the fun-sounding drinks on the menu. :(

I frequent here often. I live in the hood. I've worked in the service industry for years. I've been coming here for a couple of years. I'm only writing about tonight because.... it was..... alot. Unnecessary and unkind. It's just juice. Of course I don't want it after first having to listen to your speech girl.

New bar just opened in Little Tokyo. Don’t come expecting strong cocktails, me and a friend got sugar water. They’re going for a Life Aquatic vibe, decor seems a bit try hard eclectic but above average. Avoid trivia night. Come for the service, they are attentive and kind.

It was bingo night when i went. The crowd was lively the bar tenders kind and attentive. My fave part was the lights in the restroom!

$18 for 5 jumbo wings (including tip and tax)😭 plating did not look like the pictures on google…

Overall: 3.3/5 (dine in) The Mermaid is a themed bar with interesting decor. I don't think the execution was great but the best decor there was the window where you see a mermaid swimming up to you. The bartender was nice but the drinks weren't that great. You can taste the low shelf alcohol too. Smokey Eye ($13) & Seawater Pearl ($14): You don't really taste the ingredients listed. The amount of liquid is very little too as they fill the cup with too much ice. Hasta La Vista Baby ($15): We got this frozen cocktail after our 2 drinks because the Soseji food was too salty so we were thirsty. This drink ended up being stronger than the 2 regular cocktails for some reason. It was the best of the 3 drinks.

The bar decor really goes with its name. You actually fill you are under the sea. It’s a cozy place. Very unique names for drinks to go with the theme, tasty as well. My only problem was the bartender wasn’t friendly. Didn’t have the bartender vibe, wasn’t open, didn’t want to engage in Convo even though wasn’t busy. Had a problem with me filming him make my drink. First time a bartender ever had a problem. They have black lights inside so where colors that are enhance for those cool photos

Simon Perkins

The bar decor really goes with its name. You actually fill you are under the sea. It’s a cozy place. Very unique names for drinks to go with the theme, tasty as well. My only problem was the bartender wasn’t friendly. Didn’t have the bartender vibe, wasn’t open, didn’t want to engage in Convo even though wasn’t busy. Had a problem with me filming him make my drink. First time a bartender ever had a problem. They have black lights inside so where colors that are enhance for those cool photos

Angelica Le

Overall: 3.3/5 (dine in) The Mermaid is a themed bar with interesting decor. I don't think the execution was great but the best decor there was the window where you see a mermaid swimming up to you. The bartender was nice but the drinks weren't that great. You can taste the low shelf alcohol too. Smokey Eye ($13) & Seawater Pearl ($14): You don't really taste the ingredients listed. The amount of liquid is very little too as they fill the cup with too much ice. Hasta La Vista Baby ($15): We got this frozen cocktail after our 2 drinks because the Soseji food was too salty so we were thirsty. This drink ended up being stronger than the 2 regular cocktails for some reason. It was the best of the 3 drinks.

Vibes were good, bartenders were attentive and quick. I came here around 11 pm. Ordered 2 rounds of 2 mer mai tai s, and was charged different prices. First round was paid in cash and second time to close out a tab, there was a 7 dollar difference, i felt weird paying a different price for the same drink

Francisco Butron

Vibes were good, bartenders were attentive and quick. I came here around 11 pm. Ordered 2 rounds of 2 mer mai tai s, and was charged different prices. First round was paid in cash and second time to close out a tab, there was a 7 dollar difference, i felt weird paying a different price for the same drink

I've visited briefly in the past and was really excited to check the place out on a friday night!! loved the decor I tried to give the owner/operators the benefit of the doubt for their past but the treatment received was definitely racist 😭😭 really unfortunate would recommend if you enjoy diluted, sleepy, exclusionary white-centric "going out" vibes!! if you're trying to party or have a good time.. I'd try literally anywhere else rip the vibes are atrocious

Super disappointed. I went here with my best friend for their birthday, with a group of about 8-9 people. We were asked to immediately step outside, and then demanded we stand in the corner and sit in no chairs-although there were about 3 tables open and half the bar open. It was about 5 pm on a Saturday, and we told the woman we were there to eat and drink. She demanded we use no chairs and stand in the corner. We did so for about an hour until half our party left from discomfort. So we took the tables available, and all 6 sat down while our friends went to other restaurants. We were then ASKED AGAIN to go stand in the corner and stop mingling at the tables and bar: it was honestly INSANE to me that such a large group of queer people were asked to leave multiple times. This bar is clearly holding itself to standards and will not allow you to sit down if you aren’t a straight white American. I will NEVER return to this BULLsh*+ bar. Let me say the bartender (short male with a beard) was so kind and very welcoming and made it clear he didn’t want us to leave. Not sure why this manager lady wanted us out DO desperately when we bought 4 plus drinks each and each bought food/apps within half an hour.

I wrote a review a week ago. I wasn't clear. But I went with a friend and was asked to come outside for. Sec. And the question is " what happened last week?" 1.)Before I continue there are cameras there that can show body language so the truth can be shown. -I went in on Sunday for a double ( Margarita) once or twice a month I treat myself to a cocktail at mermaid bar for the past two years. I order a tropical Margarita in a pint glass. I like the pint glass I'm a light weight and with more juice or ice I'm able to pace myself. -I asked the guy for a double in a pint glass and he made the drink in a Collins- I'm confused because that's not what I asked for but let me see. I was treating the drink and closing out my tab and it didn't taste like it had a double shot but I paid a double price- still holding the toast machine about to finish and I ask the you lady "how many ounces is it in a drink 1.5 or 2" her response 1.5 and she continued- I know Ken does that for you but we aren't supposed to do that and if I do it for you I would have to do it for everybody and we are not supposed to, she continues on I'll bring it up in our next meeting" (FULL DISCLOSURE EVEN THE MEAN LOOKING MANAGER LADY AND THE GUY WHO CUT HIS HAIR HAVE ALL GAVE ME A PINT GLASS)I responded I'll leave a review because I'm not at the meeting and that wouldn't be fair. Then she continues would you like a side of extra juice. I'm still holding the toast because I'm flabbergasted I asked for a pint glass and I was repremanded as if I worked there me and her had beef. So I take my final sip and say " no thank you" I went and chopped it up with security and asked about the pint glass he didn't know how but also said I'll tell the owner we talked some more girl comes outside sees me says something to him and I left. Fast foward tonight. I walk with a friend whose never been. And Ken asks what happened doing his best to kindly tell me I'm banned. I asked why A pint glass. He really didn't have an answer. But I figured someone lacked integrity and felt the need to be dishonest about our interaction. The real kicker- I was charged for a double and never got my double because it's a rule I should've been aware of ( WILD).So instead of communicating like a kind human being Im chastised for wanting a pint glass, charged for a double I never got and chaperoned out because of the review ( I decided a detailed one we'll DO!) or maybe the owner watched and heard the tapes and decided this behavior is UNACCEPTABLE!!!!🤔 🫢😌.

This used to be an amazing bar, but in the past few months there's been a major vibe shift. The bartenders are rude, there are posters in the bathroom telling people not to make a mess because they're not "the man" and providing addresses of govt buildings to deface instead... but if you manage to get a table, you'll be met with what looks like a menu, but is actually a rule card. They have a list of rules on the table. Rules that include not being at the bar for more than two hours. Also, they'll send security to talk to you for any reason and give you attitude if you don't get alcohol (even when you're in a large party who does!) This is a weird, gross, fascist situation. Hope it changes because before that this was a 5 star fave !

I usually love this place, but super disappointed to look at my receipt and was charged an automatic “large party” 18% tip gratuity. Why you ask? No clue since it’s a dive bar and we ordered tequila shots AT the bar! No food or sit down service. It wasn’t even mixed drinks. This wouldn’t be a problem except that I tipped on top of that because who charges automatic gratuities at a DIVE bar?! For pouring some shots?! Such a shady and shameful practice. Not cool.

Shady business practices. We were a group of 4. The bartender automatically charged us a 20% gratuity because our bill was over $100. I have never heard of this type of fee. So you want customers to spend less? Not going back.

So if you're going here expecting the "mermaids" you'll be disappointed. It was a video and not necessarily realistic. The lady working at the bar immediately made a rude comment to my boyfriend before we even sat down. We then watched a group of 3 clean their own table off to sit down because they were tired of waiting for her to clean it up. She was on her phone a majority of the time we were in there. We decided to leave. The tables were sticky and smelled like alcohol, and the menus were paper--and also drenched in alcohol. I was super excited to go for my birthday and drove 2 hours to come here just to have her immediately be rude and ruin the experience. We ended up leaving and going to Angel's brewery across the street where we were treated with much better customer service.

If I could give 0 stars I would. Today we came to the Mermaid Bar after stopping by the Arts District as we were showing our cousins from Mexico a good time in LA. We try to enter the bar and because they had Mexican ID’s it took a while to get inside the bar. Understandable, maybe they haven’t seen a different type of ID. As soon as we got inside the bartender (blonde in her 30s) come to get my order and when I was asking questions she left to attend idk what because the bar was empty. Our cousin comes inside and unfortunately as a confusión steps down to where the bar tender area was, she tells him to get out and understandably so let’s him know he’s not allowed down there. He doesn’t understand English so we let him know. She goes on to make snide comments to her bartender friends in our earshot. She then goes to security to tell him something. Security comes and tells him he needs to leave. As soon as my brother comes to translate to him, security tells him to leave because he’s not talking to him. After my brother let’s him know he doesn’t know English, security goes on to tell him we’re kicked out. This situation was unfortunate due to the fact that she clearly was profiling my cousins because they were Hispanic. Before i went ahead and made it a big deal we left because we had such a good time, this bad encounter was not going to ruin our night. I just want people to understand the kind of service this place gives to other people that don’t fit the persona this Employee was expecting. What a sad excuse for service.

I was just there and was denied entry. The security said I was intoxicated... I had no drinks prior to my arrival and was judged based on his knowledge... I usually go here and the bartender knows me but I couldn't speak to her ... since he said I was drunk... I think the security needs more training on his judgment skills.

Worst drink I ever had in my life. It’s probably cause I didn’t have crazy blue hair or piercings. I specifically told the bar tender I wanted a drink that doesn’t taste strongly of alcohol that also looks pretty. She literally gave me a drink with straight whiskey. This makes me hate bars even more she gave me attitude when I told her about the issue. Rather make my own cocktail with a cheap Spotify playlist at home

The bartender, an older lady with glasses, made me and my friends so uncomfortable. When we first walked in, I immediately grabbed a table for us while my friend waited at the bar. She came over to clear the table and even though she didn't say hello or acknowledge me at all I thanked her which she responded with barking at me to show my ID at the bar. Not an issue at all just the delivery seemed harsh like she was angry at me lol. Throughout the night she had issues with small things we did like I placed my water bottle on the table instead of my lap. Vibes are everything at bars and there's plenty in LA that don't feel like you're being watched by a tyrannical cop looking for a reason to kick you out. I had been excited to show my friend this cool bar he'd never been to and it's a shame this was his first impression. We left to the Whiskey bar down the street where I placed my water bottle on the counter and had a pleasant conversation with the bartender.

Jacqueline Chavez

The bartender, an older lady with glasses, made me and my friends so uncomfortable. When we first walked in, I immediately grabbed a table for us while my friend waited at the bar. She came over to clear the table and even though she didn't say hello or acknowledge me at all I thanked her which she responded with barking at me to show my ID at the bar. Not an issue at all just the delivery seemed harsh like she was angry at me lol. Throughout the night she had issues with small things we did like I placed my water bottle on the table instead of my lap. Vibes are everything at bars and there's plenty in LA that don't feel like you're being watched by a tyrannical cop looking for a reason to kick you out. I had been excited to show my friend this cool bar he'd never been to and it's a shame this was his first impression. We left to the Whiskey bar down the street where I placed my water bottle on the counter and had a pleasant conversation with the bartender.

Susan Atkins

Worst drink I ever had in my life. It’s probably cause I didn’t have crazy blue hair or piercings. I specifically told the bar tender I wanted a drink that doesn’t taste strongly of alcohol that also looks pretty. She literally gave me a drink with straight whiskey. This makes me hate bars even more she gave me attitude when I told her about the issue. Rather make my own cocktail with a cheap Spotify playlist at home

Noe Garcia

I was just there and was denied entry. The security said I was intoxicated... I had no drinks prior to my arrival and was judged based on his knowledge... I usually go here and the bartender knows me but I couldn't speak to her ... since he said I was drunk... I think the security needs more training on his judgment skills.