Do you think it would be appropriate to take my daughter (age 5) to an early dinner at the Mermaid Inn in the East Village? I'm not sure of the other diners would be irritated to dine in the company of a well-behaved, yet chatty, child.

Sure, on a weekday, before 6pm.

and the lobster roll is excellent ... as is the skate and, for an app, the crispy oysters ...

I'm not sure there's anything on the menu for a 5 year old, however

Mermaid Inn is a laid back restaurant & as long as your child is well behaved, I don't see a problem with you oing there at any time of the day. That being said, there may not be many options for you daughter, but I know I love their fries that some with the lobster roll.

THe Mermaid Inn is a casual neighborhood place, and I've frequently seen children dining there. I wouldn't hesitate to bring a well behaved kid their at any point during dinner hours, even after 6 PM.

On the great lobster roll debate, I firmly side with Pearl Oyster Bar, but Mermaid Inn's is pretty close!

Isn't that Graydon Carter's place?

No Go, you're thinking of The Waverly Inn, the uber-trendy reincarnation of Ye Waverly Inn.

Mermaid Inn is in the east village - perfectly appropriate for a well behaved 5 year old - I think there's some fried seafood on the menu for picky eaters and they will surely make some plain fish - very friendly place. Check out the menu at www.menupages.com

Thank you all! I can't wait to go. Thanks for the menu link, too, that will be a good resource to prepare my dd for the fact this is a seafood destination, not her typical mac&cheese fare.