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    The Mermaid Cafe

    4.9 (59 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    The Mermaid Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    THE MERMAID CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Mermaid Cafe

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    Half of the grilled cheese sandwich.
    Christina T.

    We've been to the Mermaid Cafe a few times, but usually just get cake pops or a piece of cake. We stopped by for their one year anniversary today and oh my goodness!! The grilled cheese is the BEST grilled cheese we've ever had! My son and I both loved it. I'm not a coffee drinker, but they do offer other drinks like tea and lemonade. Deli The service is always amazing. They have a wonderful staff and everyone is always friendly and personable. I hope my son can work there someday! The decor is so classy and elegant. Love the colors and it's always very clean - even when packed like they were today! We will absolutely be back! I already want another grilled cheese!

    Matcha...
    Emily A.

    I'm always happy to support, so count me in. I took my niece out for a matcha, and it was our first visit to Mermaid Cafe.

    Baked Goods
    Roxy W.

    This is a cute cafe off Blanco Road. Parking is plentiful in this shopping center. There is only indoor seating and a lot of seating. They sell mugs, shirts, hats, etc. I love the colors of their merchandise. They also sell coffee, teas, sodas, baked goods, quiche and sandwiches. They offer gluten free goodies! The staff are friendly. I tried the La La Latte which is a vanilla latte. It was good! I will be back again in the future.

    Another shot of the front of the house.
    Kassie B.

    What delightful place to stop for a Matcha, Latte & or Lemonade & pastry. My Matcha was Exactly what I ordered Iced Americano Style with Honey! And as mentioned in photo's the Mermaid Splash a Sweet Surprise! You won't regret this Stop!

    Grilled cheese and tomato soup
    Cristina B.

    The cutest little gem of a cafe! Loved! Loved! Loved! All the mermaid details! Beautiful little coffee shop! I wish they had more food options. They offer mostly drinks and sweets. For food options, they only have quiches and grilled cheese. Since my daughter has an egg allergy, I ordered the grilled cheese with tomato soup. It was delicious. Portion of the grilled cheese was small but delicious nonetheless. I absolutely love the inclusivity aspect of their business. It's beautiful to witness! Oh and they have fiesta medals for sale fyi! I snagged one for my growing collection :) Definitely recommend! Overall good experience and good service!

    La La latte
    Noel A.

    The mermaid cafe is a little gem in San Antonio that is dedicated gluten free. For a GF girl, this is amazing. And it makes me feel normal. As I can order anything I want. And also not worry about cross contamination. Today I met Ainsley behind the counter and then a gentleman whom I did not get his name but he is the PROUD Papa of the young lady in all the pictures. Not only was my service great, I was surrounded with genuine joy. The mermaid cafe is a definite leap of faith as they serve such a niche market in the GF world, but as the team serves Cinnamon rolls and coffee with hearts in the crema they are a must try!

    Andrea B.

    Met my bestie here for a coffee date, and we loved everything. From the moment I walked in, the owner and her team greeted me with genuine warmth -- you can tell they really care about this place. My latte was delicious and made with care, and I took a slice of strawberry cake and a cake pop to go. Both were great -- the cake was light and fresh, and the cake pop was fun and flavorful. The café itself is super cute and welcoming with beautiful finishes and Mermaid vibes, and learning that it's an inclusive space where everyone belongs made the visit even more special. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by The Mermaid Café. I can't wait to go back and try more goodies!

    Chai
    Stefany V.

    As a special education teacher, I love supporting businesses that offer employment and training opportunities for the disabled. I heard about this spot through social media and made a point of taking in my mother and daughter. The vibe is laid back and cute, with branded merch up front and blue tile behind the bar to add to the "mermaid" motif. Service was efficient, their pricing is fair ($2.50 cookies, I'll have three!), and the menu has a good variety - we each got drinks and they were made correctly, my mom especially enjoyed hers but I don't remember which one she got. Apparently they also have a selection of gluten free treats, which is a nice offering. It was heartwarming to see a few customers who were clearly regulars, some even wearing Mermaid Cafe shirts, who clearly felt so welcome and at home here. It really seems to be a gathering place for the community. Come here to support a great cause AND get your caffeine or sugar fix.

    Cinnamon roll & unsweet tea
    Imtiaz K.

    Super cute place. The service is great, the staff are very friendly and helpful. I tried the cinnamon roll & it was good for a gluten free girly. The unsweet tea was so fresh & yummy. My daughter got a cookie and enjoyed it!

    Goodies!
    Steve G.

    A great cup of coffee to support a great cause! Really love that they're giving so many people an opportunity to contribute here. This place has a very nice atmosphere and is very welcoming. We really enjoyed the coffee that we ordered and my wife had a piece of coffee can pumpkin bread that was delicious! Recommended!

    I hart this visual!
    Daniel C.

    10 Stars! I must confess as a Yelper I never do two things: Listen to Nickleback and cry. I must admit I did feel some precipitation surrounding my eyes, on my recent visit to The Mermaid Cafe. It is a very, very special place. My concern is that as this place gains more popularity will it be able to handle the pressure of the crowds? Similarly, a place like the Morgan's Wonderland and the Comfort Cafe both have amazing missions. But to have a coffee shop run primarily by special needs servers is a unique concept whose time has come. I remember seeing a story about The Mermaid Cafe awhile ago. Hearing about the dreams of the owners to create an inclusive coffee shop. And now seeing it realized into fruition is stark. When I got here the place is unassuming, hidden in a small business village. The minute I stepped inside I knew this place was special. When I entered the counter person, who had Down Syndrome greeted me. I saw him navigating on the register, pushing every button intently and with a purpose. The interior is simply decorated with mermaid imagery, lightly painted walls and tables resting low. I think this is to accommodate wheelbound patrons but it is also to support its staff. Me, ever so observant looked around the small coffee shop and saw workers in all levels of disabilities. The baristas, with autism. The server who brings you coffee, wheelbound. Seeing this business really warmed my heart. And my heart is black as coal. For the past 20 years I have worked with the Special Needs population in some form or fashion. To see all the workers in action was to see accomplishments as huge as the deepest oceans. The goal for this population is to exercise independence. Everywhere it is on display. I ordered the drip coffee and a cookie that had a Reese's Peanut Butter in the center. A server, who was wheel bound brought me all items. The coffee, the cookie and service were all excellent. By the time I sipped on my coffee the place was in full swing. The line slowly inched out the front door. I could sense some of the workers were becoming overwhelmed. One thing I appreciated about this place was seeing a manager, who was neurotypical. She oversaw all employees. For example I noticed there was some confusion in patron's order. She patiently helped them sort out items. Sitting here I saw teachers, parents with special needs children and patrons who want to support this mission. No one will judge you here. The mother whose son was having a meltdown. And took him outside to calm him down. Or the patron in front me with an intellectual disability trying to order. I implore you to try this place. They aren't just serving great drinks and pastries here. They are serving hope. ps. I must confess I rarely smile. I went Saturday morning and it's Monday. And I'm still smiling!

    Menu Board
    Christine L.

    My daughter and I were driving by and saw that this, much anticipated, cafe had finally opened. We we walked in the environment was so inviting and the color scheme was perfect. The colors were earthy tones and watery tones, not so overwhelming or obnoxious. I ordered a cold brew with vanilla and milk and purchased a cute Mermaid glass w/ lid. We did not any goodies but they are all gluten free! The young lady at the register was very helpful and sweet. I was pleased that she took her time and get my order correct. We will be stopping by again!

    Americano and cinnamon roll
    Katya C.

    My family and I went to The Mermaid Cafe this morning and it was AMAZING! I had a vanilla latte and it was delicious and my husband had the Americano. My daughter had chocolate milk and we all shared the cinnamon roll! One of the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. All of their pastries are gluten free and they tasted so good and this is coming from someone who eats gluten. The decor is beautiful as well. They have snacks for babies and toddlers which is also really nice (pouches). The staff were the best part! They had big smiles on their faceses and were so kind and helpful. The Mermaid Cafes mission is to employ people with disabilities to serve in all capacities while serving up elevated coffee, sweet treats and eats with a smile!

    Absolutely amazing! Go and visit!

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    5 months ago

    A sweet local place serving gluten free treats that were a bit dry on my review. Everyone's nice and the coffee was great.

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    This is a duplicate review. This is a duplicate review. This is a duplicate review. This is a duplicate review. This is a duplicate review

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    4 months ago

    The cookies tested gourmet and the lemon bars were yummy. All of the staff were very friendly.

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    6 months ago

    Amazing food, they had great biscuits and we'll definitely come again! Thank you Mermaid cafe. Visiting from California.

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    Ask the Community - The Mermaid Cafe

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    Thai Bird

    Thai Bird

    4.4
    (42 reviews)
    6.7 mi
    $$

    Wow, this place was amazing. First off, the staff were so friendly and welcoming. They had good…read moresuggestions and helped navigate the menu for a first-timer. We got the roasted chicken and it was the perfect balance of toasty on the outside and moist on the inside. It came with rice and a selection of sauces (ginger cilantro and sriracha ). This was so delicious. We also got the fries and they were tasty, crispy and unique. Not your typical fry. Looked like a mini sculpture, almost too pretty to eat. There is ample seating and they have a cool little bookshelf with books and board games. Love the concept! They also have a wine dispenser. Didn't try it this time, but up for the challenge next time. Also don't skip the pickles, they are magical in every way. Homemade with lots of love and flavor! Then they brought a sample of the donuts and I think I'm hooked! They were fresh, delicious and still warm. I ended up ordering a large order to go! Highly recommend!

    The gf donuts brought me here, they will force my return!…read moreSmall but mighty Corner little cafe this place is order and take out but also eat in after you order. There are a couple seats outside the door too. Best after the donuts, is the rotisserie chicken. Better if you eat the skin! The tenders came bigger than expected but also dry. Didn't care much for the sauces, don't tell the chef but we went home and used the good old honey mustard You get rice and a couple of sauces. Wish they let us try their chili sauce they sell separately Not cheap, $12 for 2 tenders 1.5 rotisserie chicken $16.50 They charge extra for credit cards even debit so beware, wish we were told. Join club, one is for rewards and other is for wine

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    Thai Bird
    Thai Bird
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    Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar

    Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar

    4.3
    (320 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Found this gem on my last night in San Antonio serving up seasonal modern dishes with Southern…read moreflair! Enjoyed their fresh and flavorful takes on Southern comfort food and this will definitely be a go-to spot when I return : Chef's special fried chicken paired with Green salad with green beans, crispy/pickled shallots and creamy mustard dressing; Corn Fritters w/Nduja Marmalade; Spiced pork rinds with lime herb dip

    Was searching for a great and tasty place to take a long time girlfriend of mine to celebrate her…read moreupcoming baby that's coming soon! She doesnt really have many friends in the SA area so my MIL and I wanted to treat her out to make her feel special! They were so nice to hold our table for us with the nutty traffic off bitters because of the construction! We had such an amazing experience with our server who gave thoughtful recommendations and suggestions. Everything that we had was amazing and you can tell that it was well made to order and fresh!! We ordered their Shawarma Spiced Wrap, kids Fried Chicken with fries and the The fried Chicken Plate with 3 sides, picked the salad, roasted veggies and their candy bar dessert! Chicken was just so perfectly cooked and flavorful!! Veggies were delicious and seasoned just right! Their Candy Bar dessert was just WOW! do yourself a favor and order that as a dessert, you won't be disappointed!! It's pretty rich but can definitely share if your heart desires (we got both the shared version and what's included in my plate) haha lunch menu overall was well priced and he'd good variety of options for all! Parking is shared with other businesses so it can be hard but depending on when you go, lunch wasn't too bad time frame wise! Also as you're driving towards it, it can be difficult if you're not familiar with going to that area.

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    Men's bathroom
    Men's bathroom
    White chocolate wild berry bread pudding
    White chocolate wild berry bread pudding
    Restaurant

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    Pam's Patio Kitchen

    Pam's Patio Kitchen

    4.3
    (472 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    I have been a regular visitor here for several years . I…read moreenjoy the food and love to sit outdoors . My visit today was awkward and I actually considered leaving. Upon arrival I crossed paths with a very familiar server and asked if I could have a table outdoors on the patio which was practically empty. Like always, she was very friendly and asked me which table I wanted . I chose a table that was out of direct sunlight, but that had not yet been 100% cleared which was not an issue of concern for me. Within 5 minutes of sitting at the table the server appeared and asked me if I was dining in. I said yes and was told that next time I need to check in with the hostess before sitting down . I attempted to explain that I was greeted by one of her fellow servers who told me to have a seat wherever I desired . I was then approached by the hostess who also reprimanded me for not "checking in" with her first. The only other guests on the patio were clearly uncomfortable with the petty and completely unnecessary lecture about seating protocol on a practically empty patio. The food as expected ,was delicious. However, a refresher course in hospitality is much needed. I can choose to spend my lunch hour and my money anywhere. Being made to feel as if I am an inconvenience to staff or being made to feel unwelcome was not a positive experience. More than enough said.

    Great place to meet friends for lunch! The 1/2 kale salad was delicious!…read more We sat out on the patio on this particular day. The waitress kindly brought a little fan to help keep the bugs away.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Tortilla soup was tasty
    Tortilla soup was tasty
    Loved the tomato soup

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    Loved the tomato soup
    Julian's Italian Pizzeria & Kitchen

    Julian's Italian Pizzeria & Kitchen

    4.0
    (366 reviews)
    1.7 mi
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    I tried Julian's with a coworker for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. I had a $10.95 lunch…read morespecial that came with a slice of pizza, salad and a drink. We got our salads really quick and when the slice of pizza came out I was like OMG!!!! It was huge. In fact I cut it in half and took the rest home. I was a little apprehensive about the huge slice because the last time I had a slice that big it was very tough and chewy. ( That was at a different pizza joint) The pizza tasted great and that includes the crust. The service was friendly and I will come back again. I think I will get the spaghetti and meatballs next time because it looked great.

    The decor is cute. The girl at the front who took our order was friendly and knowledgeable…read more The two other people who brought food out didn't say much to us. The calamari was okay...it had an aftertaste like the oil is burned and I hated the breading (it's a very hard breading)...but again, it was fine. The pizza was tasteless. It's NY style (which is not a compliment from me). The sauce is almost non existent and lacks flavor...both my wife and I tossed extra sauce from the calamari on the pizza... The crust is nice, but the rest was very floppy and again, tasteless. My wife said she would have rather had Papa John's and then we debated this or little Caesars (obviously this pizza was better but also 3 times the price so that was the debate). We also ordered the hughey dessert and it too FOREVER to come out...35+ minutes and it's still not out when there are about 8 groups in here. I will say the dessert was very good! It's like a lava cake without the lava...worth the 35 minutes but only if you go eat somewhere else and then just get the dessert here.

    Photos
    Dining space - gotta love the checked table cloths
    Dining space - gotta love the checked table cloths
    Vegeterian Pizza
    Vegeterian Pizza
    Almost 2" of crust

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    Almost 2" of crust

    The Mermaid Cafe - bakeries - Updated June 2026

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