Mermaid Inn

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!!

Very cool, relaxed bar.  Staff is very friendly. Small tap list, but at least one unique selection.

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.