Thirsty Mermaid

Posted on by David Dlugitch

Food Menu

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