Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: drinks (28) great (13) friendly (12) good (12) bartender (9) drink (9) time (9) staff (8) service (8) Mermaid (7)
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  • 3/5 Angelica L. 1 year ago on Google • 363 reviews
    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.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nemster B. 2 years ago on Google • 104 reviews
    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!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Simon P. 1 year ago on Google • 95 reviews
    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
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 A S. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    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 !
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melystikal 1 year ago on Google • 402 reviews
    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. 🙂
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Henry F. 1 year ago on Google
    How did I never know about this bar. It's fun, it's got good tots, great cocktails. Definite must try
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kori K. 8 months ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christy I. 1 year ago on Google
    Super fun place and cool decor. There was no outdoor seating, and the music was really good. Marc's a brat 😝
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 teresita r. 4 months ago on Google
    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 pepper that don’t fit the persona this Employee was expecting. What a sad excuse for service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Cheyenne V. 6 months ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mo 1 year ago on Google
    Highly Enjoyable atmosphere. Delicious drinks, and wonderful staff. I haven't tried the food yet.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabriela M. 1 year ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evan O. 1 year ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily M. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a fun place to come for a drink and some snacky food. I love the decor they have inside!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tammy R. 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed a great date night tonight and they were incredibly friendly here at Kazuki Sushi. We each ate a specialty roll and shared A salmon avocado roll, gyoza and miso soup. Bill came out to $40 which I thought was really good. Food quality was fantastic and every roll came out looking pristine! I got an Alaska roll which was much different then I expected but wow did I love it. The summer roll overall was our favorite tho and I wish we took one home lol Parking wise they do have a lot next door. They also do take out and various delivery services. Overall the price point was pretty good and I really enjoyed everything I ate. I will be back! Thanks for a great time
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jon C. 4 years ago on Google
    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).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arjun K. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool place that blurs the lines between artsy and dive bar. The bartenders were extremely friendly and the music and drinks were great. They have a pretty nice food menu too. There isn’t a lot of room inside so there are picnic tables outdoors as well, although then you’d be missing out on the under-the-sea vibes that this place is known for; try grabbing a seat indoors!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Quick W. 6 months ago on Google • 91 reviews
    Super cute dive spot with an array of cocktails and tasty bar eats. Atmosphere is fun and ethereal.

  • 5/5 Gilbert L. 2 months ago on Google • 37 reviews New
    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.

  • 5/5 Carlito Peralta J. 5 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    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!

  • 5/5 Quan 11 months ago on Google
    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

  • 5/5 Daniel d. 3 years ago on Google
    Open during pandemic. Amazing drinks and food and service....

  • 5/5 b p. 7 months ago on Google
    Small but not a hole in the wall. Great for a date night if you’re there early. The drinks are creative and the food is fantastic. I recommend the jolly rodger drink and Korean wings 🙌🏾

  • 5/5 Karine W. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place with friendly service. Felt very safe and welcomed here! Great cocktails!

  • 5/5 Micheal K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great bar. Super friendly staff and crowd. Great drinks at amazing prices. A really nice addition to the neighborhood.

  • 5/5 Karla R. 1 year ago on Google
    Super cute place. You feel like you're under water. The bar tenders were very nice and made great drinks. I had the daiquiri and it was absolutely delicious.

  • 5/5 B R. 9 months ago on Google
    First visit here and it was fun!! Tasty beer and friendly bartender! The bathrooms are so cute!

  • 5/5 Karen H. 9 months ago on Google
    Phenomenal cocktails and service. I am driving back up to LA just to experience this place again. Loved that the bar tender had horror movies on in the background and was even taking suggestions, lol. Service seriously was some of the best I've ever had. I am still dreaming about the mermaid shot.

  • 4/5 Michelle P. 2 years ago on Google
    We were looking for a fun The Mermaid Friday night. Got there for happy hour, and place was pretty empty but drinks were good and priced well, ambience was cute and service was friendly. Got the feeling things might liven up later in the evening, but we didn't last that long. ...

  • 4/5 Jack C S. 1 year ago on Google
    Giving it an extra star for its happy hour margarita. It's delicious. This is A great place to have a drink while waiting for the restaurant next door. The prices are reasonable and the place is not crowded at all.

  • 1/5 Minhee K. 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Israel V. 1 year ago on Google
    The Mermaid is a wonderful spot to grab some fantastic drinks with a super fun ambience. They have guest DJs alternate throughout the week to keep the good vibes going. Unfortunately, the spot is pretty small and I imagine the more popular it becomes the more crowded. So far it’s never been an issue for me. I do miss the outdoor seating the bar had during the covid restrictions. Bring that back please! Strongly recommend. Beautiful bathroom.

  • 4/5 Michelle B. 2 years ago on Google
    Favorite spot for Brunch. Bottomless mimosas with such a diverse menu.Karaoke all afternoon starting at 2pm. Such a great vibe! Must visit.

  • 5/5 Santos G. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun little watering hole. Solid drinks and food. Relaxed atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Avedon A. 1 year ago on Google
    A cozy little bar space sandwiched between the Arts District and Little Tokyo. With a chill vibe and cocktails and tapped beverages, there’s pretty much something for everyone. Styled as a nautical/underwater bar, it’s a great hang for couples or groups alike though the latter may have a hard time finding seating if more than 4 or 5 people. The cocktail menu is quite robust with a few standards along with seasonal drinks and the occasional charity driven guest bartender specials. There’s also a kitchen with different food pop ups which makes it worthwhile and less tiresome of the same food. Regardless of that a bar that serves quality food along with drinks is very special. Unlike a pub though it’s the cocktails you’re really there for. Great staff, great tunes and there’s tons of events happening all month long every month!

  • 5/5 David H. 1 year ago on Google
    What a strange place! Friendly bartenders, dueling pianos, karaoke if you want it, and interesting drinks. Very classy for a dive bar.

  • 5/5 Ryan I. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the better happy hours in DTLA. The Mermaid’s proximity to Little Tokyo and Arts District make it great for a stop-off before or after dinner.

  • 5/5 Felipe G. 1 year ago on Google
    The atmosphere was amazing. The DJ played good industrial music for a Monday night and drinks were well priced. I'd definitely return next time I'm in LA.

  • 5/5 Sarah S. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place! Great staff, delicious drinks and food. 💜

  • 5/5 Holly M. 1 year ago on Google
    Must visit! Perfect decor, incredible staff, and excellent drinks. Love it!


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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