Boutique restaurant off Duval Street serving fresh Key West seafood with inventive recipes appealing to the modern “foodie” palate

Thirsty Mermaid is a relatively new addition to Key West’s food scene, and it is a welcomed addition.  One could argue that there is a new wave of Key West chefs and restaurateurs in the island re-inventing and expanding Key West cuisine.  Thirsty Mermaid is definitely a member of the new renaissance.

Located one block off Duval Street, the small restaurant will make you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.

The decor is modern, graphic, and inviting, and the menu is a nicely curated selection of fresh seafood, local flavor, and a “foodie” sensibility.

Both times we visited we were more than impressed at the quality of the dishes and ingredients.  Bountiful salads, a near-perfect snapper fish sandwich, and mouth-watering appetizers had the table nodding in agreement that Thirsty Mermaid deserves a place in the “Our Favorites” section of Key West Travel Guide.  Congrats!

Location: 521 Fleming Street

Hours: Open every day, 11am – 11pm

Phone: (305) 204-4282

Thirsty Mermaid Menu

Raw Bar

  • Ceviche du Jour – $12
  • Markep Oysters – $Market Price
  • Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail – $15
  • 1/2 Dozen Middleneck Clams – $8
  • Caviar Service – $Market Price
  • Mermaid Platter – 6 oysters, 6 clams, ceviche – $32
  • Mermaid Royale Platter – 12 oysters, 6 clams, shrimp cocktail, ceviche – $55

Appetizers

  • Clam Chowder – Maine lobster, corn, bacon – $8
  • Green Gazpacho – Blackened shrimp, creme fraiche – $7
  • Steamed Middleneck Clams – Leeks, garlic, thyme, smoked bacon – $12
  • Mac & Cheese Croquettes – Truffle aioli – $10
  • Fried Oysters – Chipolte remoulade – $11
  • Oysters Rockefeller – $12
  • Steamed PEI Mussels – Kaffir lime, cilantro, coconut milk, lemongrass – $12
  • Shrimp & Lobster Cakes – Fennel citrus salad, tarragon aioli – $16
  • Oven Roasted Chicken Wings – Chili pineapple glaze – $12
  • Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio – Fried capers, red onioin, meyer lemon olive oil – $15
  • Hummus Platter – Grilled ciabatta – $9
  • Sauteed Bahamian Conch – Marinated artichoke salad – $14

Salads

  • Mixed Baby Greens – Cherry tomatoes, mango chipolte vinaigrette – $8
  • Mermaid Caesar – Sauteed shrimp, seared diver scallop, romaine, croutons – $17
  • Island Wedge – Iceberg lettuce, smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes, Maytag blue cheese dressing – $12
  • Crackling Calamari – Frisee, chili Key Lime miso vinaigrette – $12
  • Seared Yellowfin Tuna – Baby greens, Nappa cabbage, sesame ginger vinaigrette – $16

Sandwiches – Choice of Grandma Velma’s potato salad or house-cut seasoned fries

  • Maine Lobster BLT – Dijon aioli – $18
  • Oyster Po Boy – Lettuce, tomato, onion, chipote remoulade – $12
  • Local Snapper – Lettuce, tomato, onion, lemon caper tartar sauce – $14
  • Poached Pear & Brie – Baby arugula, caramelized onions – $12
  • Grilled Cheese – Cheddar, Montery jack, brie, smoked bacon, tomato – $11
  • Grilled Skirt Steak – Baby arugula, caramelized onions, horseradish mayo – $16

Burgers  – Certified Angus Beef, included choice of Grandma Velma’s potato salad or house-cut seasoned fries

  • Italian – Crispy prosciutto, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, arugula, sun-dried tomato ricotta spread – $16
  • Asian – Kimchi, sesame aioli – $13
  • Good Ol’ Boy – Cheddar, smoked bacon, onion & tomato – $14

Main Courses

  • Grilled Certified Angus Skirt Steak – Chimichurri, house cut seasoned fries – $25
  • Yellowfin Tuna – Togarashi spiced, jasmine rice, wok-fried vegetables, lemon ginger aioli – $28
  • Pan Sauteed Local Yellowtail Snapper – Over hand-cut fettuccine, roasted cherry tomatoes, citrus chive butter – $25
  • Homemade Gnocchi – Spicy short rib ragu – $19
  • Seared Diver Scallops – Fingerling potatoes, sweet corn relish, Yuzu vinaigrette – $29