It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Cost$1.25 oysters
- Address89 MacDougal St, New York
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Seafood served with a side of Cape Cod vibes, the Mermaid Oyster Bar dishes out one of the most generous oyster happy hours in the city, headlined by $1.25 oysters (minimum order of 6).
If you’re not into oysters, opt for the salmon tartar ($10) or mini fish tacos ($4) instead, assuming the fried calamari ($12) is already at the table, of course. Pair your bounty with $6 beer or $10 cocktails and wine. The $3 clam chowder can be skipped, it’s good but tiny, you’ll get more bang for your buck with other bites.
Warm and inviting, the Mermaid Oyster Bar is a top choice for happy hour in West Village, especially for seafood lovers, you won’t want to miss it.
Zach Braff partnered with a childhood friend-turned-chef to open Mermaid Oyster Bar, one of NYC’s top happy hour spots. Braff gained fame through his role on “Scrubs,” but he’s also known for being a writer and director.
The celebrity-owned restaurant focuses on fresh seafood dishes. Located in the West Village, the joint is seldom empty. The headliner is the $1.25 oyster special on happy hour (minimum order of 6). Pair the $6 happy hour beer with the salmon tartare and you’ll see why locals consider this one of the best celebrity-owned restaurants in NYC.
Budget-savvy seafood lovers need to make a beeline for Mermaid Oyster Bar like it’s their job. Dishing out the most generous oyster happy hour in New York City, the menu is headlined by $1.25 oysters (minimum order of 6).
If you’re not into oysters, opt for the salmon tartar ($10) or mini fish tacos ($4) instead, assuming the fried calamari ($12) is already at the table, of course. Pair your bounty with $6 beer or $10 cocktails and wine. The $3 clam chowder can be skipped because it’s laughably small, you’ll get more bang for your buck with other bites.