Odysseus tied himself to the mast and sailed past the sirens. I pulled into Jerry and the Mermaid and had a hot lobster roll instead. If you have to ask who made the better choice, you can stop reading. The hot lobster roll was just as excellent as it always is. I like that it is deconstructed so that a) the bun isn't soggy and b) I can put exactly the amount of butter I like on it. My kids love it here, and so do I. Service is tight, and the patio and deck areas overlooking the water are delightful in the summer. I've always liked the vibe here - great food in a casual and family-friendly atmosphere. High consistency is differentiated in a positive way. read more

The restaurant is conveniently located next to hyatt place. That's basically the only plus I can think of. I stayed at hyatt and thought this would be a good option. I had the shrimp scampi, my wife had the white clam pasta, the kids had mozerella sticks and fries, and we had some steamed clams. Those steamed clams were big and looked promising. However, it was very salty and some clams were under cooked which gave it a weird texture. Ordering so many dishes and none of them stood out in a positive way. I wouldn't return here. read more

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Came for Saturday lunch after visiting the aquarium. It was packed, had to wait 15 minutes for a small table. Service took a bit long since it was so crowded but the waitress was very friendly and nice. The fried platter and wings were pretty good, better than normal chain restaurant versions. The lobster roll was a off-putting. The roll and lobster came separately, maybe to preserve the bread's integrity. But the lobster came in a bowl and was super wet. Probably would try something else if we went back but it was a fun place to try and the wings are very good. read more

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A very nice restaurant with seating inside and outside. Great view of the water. The staff was very friendly, and accommodating to my food allergies. No doubt a reflection on the owner Jerry who came to our table to help pick out items that I could safely enjoy. The food was plated picture perfect and absolutely delicious! He even made a dessert for me that I could have. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. Thank you Jerry and Staff read more

Jerry and the Mermaid - Coconut sorbets - Seafood Near Me - Riverhead, New York

Food was good. We ordered and picked it up. We had mozzarella sticks and fries and a burger and fries. Nothing special but it was good. Service was great. Easy to walk in and pick it up from somewhere. Not really much place to park outside. read more

We randomly stopped in Long Island and this restaurant was one of the highest rated in the area. Atmosphere is very beachy/coastal and it is a family owned restaurant with a cozy vibe to it. Our waitress was so friendly and inviting. The menu was overwhelming because honestly everything sounded so good but she helped us make the right decisions. We ordered the crispy chicken wings and seriously some of the best wings I've ever had. They have more of a sweet and sour sauce but we asked for hot spiciness and it was perfection! Pro tip from our waitress was to keep the sauce from the wings and dip our fries in it. WOW SO GOOD!!! Main entrees we got the hot lobster roll and the nut crusted pangasius. The lobster roll came in it's own bowl filled with warm butter and a toasted roll + fries. The lobster was so tasty! Selfishly, I wish there was more lobster but it looked like a standard size. The pangasius was so SOFT and flavorful- it came apart just by putting my fork into it. I got it with a side of rice and it came with veggies. I usually have trouble finishing my dishes but I couldn't get enough of this one. Overall, if you are in the area, there is a reason why this place is so loved. Check it out and enjoy some good food! read more

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Few words needed. I'll go with 5. GREAT ALL ! FANTASTIC ! GO NOW ! . "Your review needs at least 85 characters. Add a few more thoughts to post review." :-) ;-) read more

I recently visited Jerry and the Mermaid after a number of years and I have to say... what an improvement! The food was fresh and tasty! I had linguine in clam sauce and it was so delicious! I also had chocolate lava cake which was decadent. The ube gin and tonic was interesting and delicious as well. The decor was just what you'd want from a seafood shack by the water The service was quick and friendly! I was pleasantly surprised and impressed read more

There is very active kitchen run by the owner, Jerry. Great communication in the kitchen. Sadly, the recipes fall short. Needs a deep cleaning from floor to ceiling. Food just ok and tailored to the tourist community. Not a place where locals go. read more

Outstanding food Happy atmosphere Fantastic service. Whitney and JoJo were superb waitresses

So several years ago we tried dinner here a couple times and we were like ...meh...BUT lately I had taken notice of some changes and told my husband we should check it out again. WELL, I could not have been more pleased with Jerry's now. You all have done a phenomenal job. The servers were excellent (thanks Pam and Rachel!), the Burrata salad special was delicious, the lobster rolls (cold and hot) were heaven, and the drinks were very tasty (and strong). I'm so happy a local mainstay in Riverhead is doing so well. Keep doing what you're doing! read more

Nothing was standout and nothing was terrible. Some things could have been better though. The clam strips in the mermaid combo tasted like grilled batter, couldn't find the clams. The staff was very nice but didn't spend time walking through the menu or sharing any information. However, we also didn't ask. That being said, not a fault, but a note that if you want any information, you need to ask. It was expensive; think manhattan midtown prices, so you will need to adjust expectations as the food was not on par for that price point. read more

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We went for lunch and were greeted and seated upon arrival. They have daily specials that all sounded delicious. My husband decided to try the frog legs and said they were amazing. Our burgers were great cooked exactly as requested and our waitress was very attentive. At one point the bar tender even came over and refilled our drinks. It was def 10/10 experience and we will absolutely be back. read more

Jerry and the Mermaid - Frog Legs (was one of the specials) - Seafood Near Me - Riverhead, New York

My husband and I were on our way out east to the Wineries and wanted to stop for lunch. I remembered reading very good reviews on this restaurant along with a recommendation from my cousin. This establishment is a MUST if you are in the area. From the moment we walked in and was greeted by the hostess, we knew this place is a keeper. The staff is outstanding in every way. Our waitress, Whitney is the best. The owner, Jerry, came around several times to make sure we were enjoying our meal. We chose appetizers and sandwiches, all were perfect. I only wish I was able to have a cocktail as they all sound fantastic, but we were on our way to the wineries and wanted to stick with wine today. We will be returning, to enjoy another wonderful meal, with cocktails this time! Thank you Whitney for making our lunch so enjoyable. Thank you Jerry for being such a proud owner of this fantastic restaurant. We will see you soon! Thank you, Kathy and Gene read more

Jerry and the Mermaid was a delight! We shared the calamari, baked clams, and for my entree I had a lobster roll! Everything was fabulous and the next time we're out here we will definitely stop by because the staff was attentive and friendly in addition to the great food! read more

Jerry and the Mermaid - The Peanut Butter Pie - Seafood Near Me - Riverhead, New York

I stopped in for dinner a few days ago. I was immediately seated. The waitress was very nice and I ordered the seared tuna. It was amazing with the wasabi. Great food, great atmosphere and great service! read more

Jerry and the Mermaid - Seared tuna with wasabi, rice and vegetables. Excellent! - Seafood Near Me - Riverhead, New York

My boyfriend and I stopped in after visiting the aquarium and were curious based on the great reviews and photos. I will say we were put off a little by the interior decor so we chose to sat outside. However, our waitress was super sweet and attentive. Also the food and drinks were divine! I don't think I've ever even a beyond burger faster! My boyfriend and I were also amazed by the waffle fries. Finally, the special canoli tartufo was so good I could not stop picking at it. It was worth every single penny! read more

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THIS is THE place to be! Jerry was an amazing host who took care of my daughter's after party and the next mornings brunch. He was professional, warm, sincere and hands on for our back to back events. My favorite brunch item was the French toast casserole, which he said is his sister's recipe. It was magnificent! Cannot say enough about how well we were taken care of in his spacious back rooms. Sorry that I didn't take pictures, was enjoying myself too much! read more

Came here with family! The servers were so kind and friendly, we had an amazing time. My mother in law and I had the butternut squash bisque which was a seasonal soup served in a carved out pumpkin! Such a cute way of celebrating the season, the bisque was so delicious. Next, I had a lobster roll, it was okay. Nothing crazy. I wish there was more drawn butter and the bread was a little too fluffy so I ripped some of it off. Lastly, we finished with the pumpkin bread pudding which paired so well with vanilla ice cream! Will definitely come back when we visit again! read more

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I paid $30 for 5 medium fried shrimp, some waffle fries and a tiny tiny container of coleslaw for takeout! Are you kidding me?? At least give a customer 2 tablespoons of coleslaw and large shrimp like the menu says for that price!! read more

This was a very disappointing restaurant. The food was cold, the service was bad, all the orders were wrong.

The service and the food were both amazing. One of the best fish and chips I've had in my life. WILL be going back! read more

Jerry and the Mermaid - Fish & Chips - Seafood Near Me - Riverhead, New York

Came here for dinner with a group of about 16 people on a bus trip. Everything was very good... I had the grouper, fresh veggies and baked potato. I thought they did a pretty good job at serving us all pretty quickly and food was nice and hot. Dessert was a crepe filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate ganache and topped with whipped cream. read more

Been here countless times and never ever disappointed. The blackened fish sandwich is my usual choice but everything is always good - even something as simple as the wings are that but next level. The service is wonderful - Whitney is just the best and Jerry always comes around to make sure we're happy. One of the best dining experiences in eastern Long Island! read more

First time visiting Jerry and the mermaid, drawn by its location right next to the aquarium. Figured it was worth a shot during my aquarium visit. Food 4/5 Went with the blackened fish sandwich and was pleased with the execution. The fish was prepared well - not greasy despite the blackening technique, which can often go wrong. Clearly fresh ingredients throughout. The cole slaw that came with it was fresh and flavorful, a nice complement to the sandwich. Solid preparation overall that hit the mark for what I was hoping for. No digestion issues. Service 5/5 Staff was genuinely friendly and attentive throughout the meal. Everything moved quickly - from ordering to food delivery to check handling. Really can't ask for much more in terms of efficiency and friendliness. Ambiance 4/5 Comfy, relaxed atmosphere that's perfectly casual. The kind of place where you can settle in and enjoy your meal without any pretense. Our table was a tad uneven, but it didn't really affect the dining experience. Cleanliness 4/5 The place was in good shape overall. Bathroom was clean and well-maintained. All the visible areas were clean, though it didn't pass an inconspicuous area swipe test. Nothing that would concern me about food safety or overall standards. Parking 3/5 The aquarium location is both a blessing and a curse. Having two lots available helps, including an overflow area, but the aquarium traffic definitely makes parking more cumbersome than it should be. Value 4/5 Moderate pricing that felt fair for what I received. The food was tasty and the portions were reasonable. Good value for the location and quality. Overall 4/5 Excellent lunch spot that delivered on what I was looking for. The easy walk from the aquarium makes it a natural stop, but the food and service quality make it worth seeking out on its own. I'll definitely be back to see what else they're doing well. read more

My boyfriend and I stopped here for lunch before heading to the aquarium next door! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with excellent service from the host/gentleman at the door. He pulled out our chairs for us which was so sweet. After being sat, we were greeted by Whitney who was the brightest, and bubbliest server. She carefully explained everything with detail, from the cocktails, specials, even down to the dessert! We went with her recommendations, which were a Peach muddled Mule, and a Bloody Mary! Both were amazing. The Bloody Mary has the perfect amount of Horseradish in it! To eat, we had the Seared Ahi Tuna special served over rice and veggies with wasabi aioli, and the Tuscan Chicken Sandwich served with fries and slaw! Both were so delicious. We will definitely be back not only because of the food, but most definitely because of the service. read more

Delicious food served quickly. Exceptional onion soup and tasty mussels. Great service and ambience. read more

We stopped by for dinner one night during our North Fork getaway. Lively vibe, and food were not bad. We start off with a dozen raw clams, for entree we got the Fried Shrimp and Broiled Norwegian Salmon. Everything was good and the salmon was cooked just right. read more

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Very good food, fresh and prepared well. Very much enjoyed the bloody Marys as well. Staff was very attentive and pleasant.

Just had a fabulous birthday lunch at Jerry & Mermaid. Greeted by two energetic lovely waitresses and I shared that it was my birthday - couldn't help myself. The oysters were massive and delicious and I had the hot lobster with sweet potato fries. Hubby had manhattan clam chowder and crab cake- everything disappeared quickly. I was pleasantly surprised with an ice cream stuffed crepe - delicious treat!! Truly a great welcoming place to enjoy the afternoon. read more

Jerry and the Mermaid - Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Riverhead, New York

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We decided to take our daughter to the aquarium and quickly discovered that she was absolutely terrified to even step foot in there. We had to quickly pivot and make a new plan so I got to googling what else was around there. She was absolutely delighted to hear that instead of going to the aquarium, we were now going to go to a cute little restaurant called Jerry and the Mermaid. From the moment we walked in we absolutely loved this place. It's so charming and the staff was so friendly and welcoming. My husband glanced at me wondering if this place would be any good and I reassured him- the pics online looked amazing. And boy was I right. We shared a lobster roll and a big green salad and both were so fresh and delicious. The cold lobster roll was so tender and perfectly dressed and the lettuces seemed like they were local and definitely not your typical uninspired plate of greens. This place is so legit and we will now make trips to Riverhead just to come here even if our daughter hasn't conquered her fear of fish yet. We even got a visit from Jerry Jr. who told us about his family restaurant and checked in to make sure that we were doing well there. Ooh and our server- we just loved her! It was such a great experience and we can't wait to come back! read more

Fun place with great drinks and friendly staff. Only minor downside is the wait for a table during busy hours.

MPIGNY hosted its board retreat dinner at Jerry and the Mermaid. What a terrific decision it was! The food was delicious and the service excellent. It was a fantastic dining experience. Highly recommend!!! read more

I have no words to describe how good the food in this place is. WOW JUST WOW. The best food I've ever had in a restaurant. The waitress Whitney was amazing she treated my family so good. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

The lobster roll!! You build yourself and was delicious. Best waffle fries in town. Great selection of local wines and beer.

What a gem! The food at Jerry and the Mermaid was absolutely delicious, the spot itself was super cute, and the service was kind and amazing from start to finish. My fiancé had Jerry's Marinated Angus Cheeseburger Platter, and I ordered the linguine in white clam sauce, both dishes were flavorful, perfectly cooked, and truly hit the spot. I tried some of his burger and it was so yummy, we both cleaned our plates! We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back! We've officially found our new favorite stop in Riverhead after shopping at Tanger, and we can't wait to come back! read more

Been here a few times over the past month and I definitely will return again if I am back in this area. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The staff are all very friendly and the food is freshly prepared at the restaurant and so delicious. Over my past few visits I have had the crab cakes (not the best I have ever had) but still good. Have had the lobster roll cold, very good. And ate the Lobster roll hot. My favorite! Ate the Oyster Rockafeller which was also delicious. Tonight I had the Mermaid Fried Combo with sweet potato fries. Sorry forgot to take a picture. All very good. I saw someone order the special tonight - 14 oz New York Strip. It looked amazing, I just wasn't wanting steak. There is a full bar to sit at and the bartender, Tom is on it! He is also very friendly and welcoming to all. This place is family friendly and is bigger than it looks from the outside. I witnessed regulars being treated with great respect and gratitude. This is the place to be. FYI to out of towners, the Hyatt House is right next door. Very convenient. read more

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Love it. Great food, location and atmosphere. Bartender is awesome. Seafood centric with lots of other options.

Aways great spot for dinner or lunch, the food is tasty and they do have take out. The service is always friendly, the place gets a bit crowded because it's so good. Ive been going there for years and I never had a bad meal. This past Friday we ordered takeout the food came on time and was tasty. I had one of my favorites, linguine and clam sauce. I do like a bit of fresh parsley on top this time of year. When ordering on line we did not see bread, gotta have bread with it, maybe next time ;-) read more

For 30 years, Jerry's has consistently produced amazing food and friendly service. Casual dining with nautical decor. Perfect for any occasion: date night, group of friends, family gatherings, large parties, or drinks at the bar. Kid friendly too! When the warm weather arrives, they also feature outdoor dining with a view of the water & boats. I cannot say enough about this place. The menu truly has something for everyone. Seafood, steaks, pastas, amazing burgers, appetizers & desserts to die for (mussels Luciano & Jerry's famous wings continue to be my favorites), some vegan choices, and a kids menu. Their specials are always uniquely crafted and delicious. The service is ALWAYS on point. I have dined here since it opened 30 years ago. All the staff are friendly, attentive and professional. I have never, ever experienced an "off night" here. Never. Jerry Jr who is head chef and owner continues to impress. Always welcoming and always thankful for your business. I could have gone anywhere to celebrate my birthday with my family. Jerry and the Mermaid is an easy choice, because I know the food and service are going to be excellent every time. If you have never been here, you need to rectify that! Please read my previous reviews. Everything I mentioned still holds true. But I noticed today that I had not done an updated review, so here it is. Love this place so much! read more