4. Twice the Space: The Mermaid Inn

New incarnation of the Mermaid Inn on Amsterdam Ave
New incarnation of the Mermaid Inn on Amsterdam Ave

So popular on the UWS that it needed twice as much space as its generous store front provided on Amsterdam, the Mermaid Inn (570 Amsterdam; 212.799.7400) moved next store and renovated its old restaurant into a pizza parlor. Upscale but reasonably priced, Mermaid runs great special (dollar oysters, shrimp dogs, tiny tostados), especially during Happy Hour. But the specials change, so check the web site. Lobster rolls worthy of the Cape. Really nice wait staff.