Fun place on the weekend not a lot of food options but still had a good time with the music was great

Still great live music in a comfortable casual setting Enjoyed Rabi March 30. Dire Straits and other classics read more

THE best acoustic open mic anywhere near here. Second Thursdays. Starts at 7. Be there by then if you want an earlier spot. No sound system. No microphones. A small, intimate room where people actually come to LISTEN. Some excellent musicians come regularly, but open to all. Poetry and spoken word is welcome. Ongoing for over 25 years. A supportive and appreciative audience. read more

Ducked into this spot the other night. Had never heard of it, which I'm ashamed to say, but was struck by the old home that is, well, home to it. Stained glass windows. Quarry stone structure. Needs some TLC. Walked in and was immediately and warmly greeted by complete strangers. I get less enthusiastic responses at home. People were so friendly and welcoming. Great live music. Small, cozy place - perfect for a cold night. Not fancy. Just the quintessential hometown bar. Made me wish I lived right down the street. Or better yet, move the bar to my neighborhood - if not asking too much. read more

Great atmosphere. Great music. Top notch bartenders and a friendly, lively crowd. Comfortable for people of all ages.

Wow I love this place!!! It's historic and has a ton of ambiance... from the stone construction to the stained glass windows the carved antique bar and light fixtures this places is unbelievable!! It is a little dark in there and there could be some lighting on the bands It's small or is it intimate? But to me that gives it a friendly vibe The front room houses the bar and music there are a couple of back rooms They may or may not have food... apparently that's an issue but I really didn't care It is a great listening room for music people come there to listen to music and as a musician it is a pleasure not to have to compete with 25 televisions If you like music and history you will love this place read more

Many great Memories playing music at the Mermaid. Great to see the venue , Joanne, still supporting acoustic music and the musicians that play it back in Philly. The Mermaid Inn is truly a warm inviting venue with a real home town and somewhat historic feel. Great selection of brews and bar food. There is almost always something real good going on at the Mermaid. Don't worry if you have never heard of some of the names on the calendar, I am sure that a good time will be had, and you'll have an enjoyable experience. One of the few or maybe the only place still standing in Philly that offers a real great folk club feel and a great group of people to hang out with who keep coming back... Look forward to stopping by again when my travels allow me to. All the best Mermaid! read more

You don't go here for gourmet food or exciting original cocktails. You go here for some of the best music (especially blues) in a wonderful little setting where you actually can order a pretty good dinner and some reasonably priced drinks. It's one of my all time favorite venues. read more

What a great little spot completely unlike anything else on the hill; we went here last Saturday night around 9:30 and easily grabbed seats at the bar. Think of an old house that's been converted into a bar; lots of nice wood accents and a comfortable feeling. They do have food but our gracious bartender pointed out all of the items that they were out of (almost half the menu by this time of night). Fortunately we didn't come for the food; I long ago learned from surrogate Italian grandmothers that the more you eat, the more you can drink. The Mermaid doesn't have the largest selection of beer but what they do serve hits the spot; excellent smattering of belgian beers like Duvel, Piraat, Lindemans, and Gulden Draak. Feels like a spot hit up by locals mostly but after a couple of strong Belgian beers your extroverted side surfaces. According to their calendar, musicians play here six nights a week (if not seven); think of the stage as one end of a large living room, not a concert hall. The Mermaid may not have precise acoustics but when I'm twenty feet from the performer and quaffing some tasty beers I couldn't really care. Great local spot with warm character and some great beer and music. read more

The Mermaid is an historic building turned neighborhood dive. Well, it's not really a dive. No, no it IS a dive, but filled with well-off older locals and very expensive beer. Breakdown- the bar is very dark and if you're there at the wrong time, you'll never return. It will be completely empty during the day, maybe one solitary local chatting with the bartender, a local that probably works there.. It is a little dank, and can seem very cheaply put together, shower curtain bathroom doors and such. They were renovating the room next to the bar last I was there, but it is an historic building, historic fireplace in that room, so I don't imagine it looks all new and refreshed. I love historic places, so I hope they didn't change much. Okay, I know I have not built grounds for my 4 stars yet. Once it gets past nightfall, the place gets jam-packed with locals, sometimes to the annoying point. I mean, you will not be able to sit, and good luck trying to even stand in the same room the band is in some nights. I have eaten here, in the room they were renovating prior to the work being done, and it was a pleasant little sit down for a sandwich experience. If you don't need to actually see the band, this is a nice place to spend time listening to them. Why all the locals? The beer selection is phenomenal. They have only one beer on tap at a time, the rest in bottles. You WILL NOT find crap beer here, not even Yuengling Lager. I've never been to a bar with so many excellent beers to choose from. Why else all the locals? This place has the best live music scene in Philly. Sea chanties, Tennessee guitar circles, real blue grass, blues, the list goes on. Again, you may not be able to actually see the band play, but you'll enjoy it no matter. The local scene is mostly friendly. There are some who clearly do not want outsiders in "their" bar. Clearly. Old, well-to-do men who will look straight down their nose at you, but if you can weather and ignore them, most of the patrons are very friendly. If you step outside for a breather or a smoke, you'll have 5 best friends instantly. Bring your cash, because this is not a cheap bar. I'm surprised to have found beer for under $6 from time to time. And there is almost always a cover $7, $8, $10. This is not a cheap date. read more

Such a shame. I had a really great experience here a few months back. Then, this past Friday, we went in for a couple of drinks after dinner, settled in, and got halfway through our beers. Then some guy interrupted us and started harassing us about a $10 cover charge. We said no thank you, and honestly felt kind of embarrassed for them -- the place was totally dead, and the band was getting ready to start. I can't believe their preference was to have no audience...? Seriously, there were a scattering of bar stools taken, and four of us sitting elsewhere. Anyway, we told him we weren't interested and that we'd just finish our drinks. He said, "You'll finish your drinks, and then you'll leave." ...yeah. That's what we said. I think the place has great character and potential, but this interaction was just laughable. I won't be going back. read more

Great spot to check out live music and have a few drinks. Small but good selection of beer and liquor. Everything you need. The bartender is sassy but I like that (being a bartender myself). Just be nice and smile and you'll get great service! If you're rude and don't tip, you won't. Simple as that. They are servers, not servants. The atmosphere is really cozy and fun. However some of the people that come out to see the bands can be a bit pretentious, because they are expecting a different kind of venue, so they think they're better than than the place and the people in it. This really is a cool place. Don't go here expecting a 5 star menu and service. Go here to relax, have a few drinks and enjoy the music. Simple as that. The people on here that bitch about it don't realize how unique and amazing this spot is. We have enough cookie-cutter bars and restaurants around here. Stop trying to make it into something it isn't supposed to be! Go somewhere else. Thanks. read more

Been here many times to see friends perform. It's a great little venue, people are always friendly. Not a lot in the way of food. But reasonable on their drinks. Great variety of local musicians. Small intimate and friendly place. read more

If you want to feel like you aren't wanted this is a great place to go. The bartender is incompetent and completely rude. Not sassy as a review said: out right rude. I'm surprised they are even in business considering the only people getting service are the bartender's friends in the corner. When we asked for a certain beer she snapped at us saying they didn't carry it, and after asking for a menu we were tossed a list of six food items including grilled cheese and potato chips. The menu is cheaply priced and I assume the eye-rolls are complimentary. I went to play at the open mic and discovered it too is an exclusive group of people that come in to hear each other talk about themselves. Not friendly. Not good. Not worth your time. read more

Although the staff can seem somewhat coarse at first, in reality this place drips of authenticity in a neighborhood that is going the way of the chain stores. I appreciate that this place still thrives, and that the proprietress actually has improved the joint without ruining the essential character. I have met some interesting folks, and had some great conversations. When a drunk biker explains metallurgy and why guitars go sharp when they sit rather than flat that's bliss. As a musician, it has been a place to play in front of friends and welcoming strangers who become friends without my resorting to playing Sweet Caroline or other banal ear candy. Consistently clean men's room, but don't bang your head on the sloped ceiling while taking a whizz! read more

Great spot to see live music, have some beers, relax. They may or may not really have food. I don't think they know the answer to that question. The beer options are fairly typical for Philadelphia... Lager, Yards, etc. The staff is friendly, and the musicians are talented. If I'm ever in town when "Rev Chris" and any of his bands are playing, I always try to get there. read more

Mermaid Inn - Guest musicians always jump in... - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Read the other cautionary reviews, they are accurate. Wish I had prior to going to this establishment. I gave three stars because of the extreme oddity of my entire experience and the very friendly young bartender who seemed to genuinely not belong, maybe he was a relative. Their method of operation is extremely off-putting to newcomers. It should be made more clear that they are looking to operate this as a concert venue, not a bar. Beware. read more

Very intimate place, where music is respected and the beer is cold and good. Not much food to be had. Lots of nice people and a few kitties, although the kitties I could do without. The Mermaid Inn is one of a kind. Beautiful woodwork and lovely surroundings. read more

A very quaint, intimate place to see a band. I love it. And the food has definitely improved, and there are more options. I highly recommend. Try to go when the Philadelphia Blues Messengers are playing, they're awesome. read more

OK, this is one of the oddest spots around. The good news is that there's live music almost every night. Sometimes it's really good. The bad news is that it's a horrible venue for live music. The sound sucks, the lighting is awful, the stage crammed. Beyond that, the so-called "service" is indifferent at best. Oh how I wish somebody with taste and some money would buy this place who actually respected the musicians. read more

**This review is mainly about the service** First let me say I was really excited to come here. Never been before and my girlfriend and I were coming to see a band. We both don't drink and were planning on getting some sodas and food. As we walked in all of the tables were taken and we decided to sit at the bar. Immediately the bar tender which is a lady who has dark hair and round glasses walked up to us and abruptly asked us what we wanted to drink and we said we needed a minute. So exactly a minute later she walked up and asked again what we wanted once. Before I had a chance to answer she said "If your not going to buy any drinks leave the bar!" My girlfriend and I were shocked by her rudeness and didn't know what to say. She then precedes to say the WE were being rude. She had the worst attitude and we didn't even want to stay. Then I tried telling her we didn't drinking and we just wanted some sodas and food and she kept giving me dirty looks and her body language made us both very uncomfortable. We then got our sodas and asked for a $7 grilled cheese that was burnt and was not that appetizing. The whole time all I can think about is how rude and uninviting the bar tender was and how if it wasn't for the music I would have walked out. Good music horrible service. I won't be coming back. The reason I gave this review one star is because service is everything. read more

Love it. I like the vibe the front room where you can chill and be by the fireplace but still hear the music, the outdoor porch, and the main room with its vintage amazing bar and great live music band called Detiny of something. Amazed that in a residential area they don't get shit for this love it read more

Awesomely weirdo townie bar. We go there every once in a blue moon to see our friend's band (Randy Lippincott Band) and have some drinks. Super divey, and ancient and awesome! Sort of a hunting lodge/men's club/local cozy bar type vibe with a dance floor. The townies stare at you because they don't know you and it's all fun. Old drunk men hit on me. People dancing, strange people in hats, all good. I always have a good time with the weirdness! A hidden gem if you have an open mind. read more

Love being in an Inn where the food is good (order the smoked fish, it is a perfect lite bite) and the music is better. Being with lots of grey haired folks was an evening of delight and took me back to early days in the 70"s going to hear folk music and hang out. Can't wait to visit again. read more

I come up here, to this venue, just a handful of times a year, to hear one of my favorite group of musicians. I am never disappointed. It is a very small bar. (Good Thing!). The bartenders, S. and J., are very good, very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating, even though they are extremely swamped a good bit of the time! The key to a good time here is to simply relax, enjoy the intimacy of the surroundings, and most of all.... listen to the music! Get up and dance!! Even when I'm here by myself, someone ALWAYS recognizes my enthusiasm, and asks if I want to dance! Or I ask someone, a stranger often, to dance... We dance, and all is well with this world! Check this place out! www.themermaidinn.net It's a great experience!! read more

What a huge let down. I've lived in Mt. Airy for a few years now and had never been to this spot. A lot of people have recommended the Mermaid Inn and so finally we went. The building looks *much* larger than it is. The inside is, in fact, small, dark, and cramped. The drinks are overpriced, and when I ordered a cocktail "up" (meaning in a martini glass) the bartender gave it to me in a port glass. It's not a huge deal, but it tells you a lot about the caliber of the bar. They had a band there when I went there and they were palatable but nothing special. The edibles menu is seriously lacking (as was the beer on tap selection) and also overpriced. They're cash only, and there was a cat walking around. I guess this place has a townie charm to it, but nothing more alluring than that. Not going there again!! read more

This has become my go-to bar. I think the atmosphere is terrific, and reminds me so much of pubs I have been to in Ireland: same scale/size, same look, music all the time, good beers. It has a timeless quality about it. No big scene, no big deal, just a great neighborhood bar. I know of no place like it in Philly. read more

We had a friend from England visiting us one weekend and we decided to take him to the Mermaid Inn for a drink. It looked like it had all the right components to a nice pub experience: beer, a nice bar with mermaid butresses and decent lighting. We sat down at the bar and ordered a few pints. The food selection seemed dubious and NO ONE in this place was eating, so we decided to just stick to the liquids. We weren't even there 5 minutes, or even halfway done with our drinks, when someone came around asking us for a $10 door fee. What?!?! There was no sign at the entrance about this, but apparently there was some kind of dad-jam-band coming in and he said we either needed to pay or leave. We told him that was pretty ridiculous to take our money for drinks first then try to suck us for an entry fee. We refused to pay and said we would finish our drinks and leave. I'm glad we did, because the music SUCKED!!! This place has potential to be a great hang-out due to the space and location, but it seems like it currently only caters to a small selection of older regulars I always see smoking outside the main entrance under the seedy red light. In order to be a booming bar, the staff really needs to step up their game to provide more professional service, better food, and a better selection of drinks. Sorry Mermaid, but I had to say it. read more

Great music, great people! It is a funky little place, like something you would see in Europe. There is no wait staff, so if you sit at a table do not expect to be waited on. People that want to change this place just don't get it, please stay away. The menu is not what you come for. Musicians love playing this place, and I am sure take a pay cut as it does not hold that many people. Very good selection of beer for a small place. I hope it never changes, the world does not need another "trendy" bar. read more

I went to see a friend play in a band, the Inn is quiant and historic and very cozy. Beer selection is VERY limited and VERY expensive. But I could accept all of that for the atmosphere if the Bartender was not the rudest person I have ever encountered in a customer service position. She was confrontational and got into a verbal fight with the woman sitting next to me. I was shocked when she told the lady (who was having trouble deciding on a beer choice) if you dont pay for something you cant sit at the bar, then the woman replied "well, I would like to buy something but you dont have anything that I drink", she was then asked by the bartender..."Do you always get what you want...?" The answer to that is Yes, when it is $8 a beer! They need to get a bartender who understands that she is working with the public, and if you dont like people you are clearly in the wrong profession! read more

Went to see a magic show. The bar area was cozy. Prices for food and drinks were reasonable. There is a 2 item minimum.Cash Only. The bartender was pleasant. It was a nice experience, and we plan to return when they have live music. read more

Ok, so we went here tonight with some friends because there was some blues fest thing going on for some woman who apparently died a couple of years ago. We couldn't tell if it was supossed to be a fundraiser, or not, and, if so, what for? Anyway, the place has menus printed on plain white paper, like they just decided a minute ago what to make for dinner. The acoustics were horrible. I don't know anything about the men's room except that my boyfriend hit his head on the sloped ceiling, but the women's bathroom was disgusting. No stalls, just shower curtains to separate the two toilets and watered down soap. I know the building is suppossed to be old and historic, but the whole place had a nasty smell to it. It looked like they just thought at the last minute that people might want to dance, so there were not enough tables for those who wanted to sit and eat the parsimoneous offerings, and not nearly enough room for what appeared to be many who wanted to dance. There's a side room with more tables, but no view of the band and very dim. Plus, the service sucked. Did I mention parsimoneous? Yeah, well, the staff defines it. We had to wait while they yucked it up with the regulars and the drinks were never the same size,and very pricey for such a dive.We were really disappointed, because we were up for a great night out of blues and dance and drink and nothing was up to even the minimum standards that we have. Given all of this, plus the fact that we were titially unable to have a conversation over the noise, even in the tacky as shit side room, we left after only about an hour and had a much better time elsewhere. We couldn't even believe that this event was listed in the paper as somthing to do on Saturday night. A total waste of time and money. read more

The service is truly atrocious. Mindful that bartending can be stressful, we gave the bartender smiles, patience, and big tips. Despite our best efforts, our requests of the bartender were met first with passive-aggression and then with blatant hostility. The cheeseburger was raw. When we asked for the check, we were told 'You can wait for your tab" while she chatted with friends at the bar. Please please don't take out of town guests to the Mermaid Inn as I did unless you want them to sour on Chestnut Hill. Go to Manyunk instead. read more

Great music on weekends, open mic every other Tuesday. Good beer selection, 5 or 6 on tap and many bottles. They are over priced on the cheap beers (coors for example $5) but you can get a good beer for $6, and a Belgian for $7-$10. Friendly warm place. read more