Blue Mermaid Island Grill

Miss the old Portsmouth location, but Blue Mermaid still has some of the most unique dishes in the area. The restaurant seemed empty for a Saturday and not as comforting as the old location. However, the service was great - our waiter made us feel right at home. Our favorite dish, the paella, no longer exists. The lobster quesadilla is the last man standing and still hits the spot! Try it as an appetizer as the portion is quite large. The exotic-themed menu has mouth-tingling spices throughout most of its dishes. Their homemade fire-roasted salsa and jalapeno pesto sauces were excellent; and highlighted their respective dishes. I will say that the stars of the show are their cocktail menu and desserts. Be sure to try their Key Lime Pie - it's awesome.

Four of us had lunch. Parking is easy. We were seated immediately. Menus selection came across as more limited than I was expecting. Service was ok. Portions are modest. They are trying to be fresh and hip but not yet there. Live music during our visit was poor and too loud. A better menu and improving food quality would make this better.

For this area, it's definitely one of the better places to eat. My experience is only from brunch. Great service, full bar, and easy menu. Portions are good. Got the brisket Benedict. The hollandaise sauce was actually good, a pleasant surprise to me. The brisket flavor was ok. I do wish the bacon came a little more crisp but I'm sure you can ask for it. Recommend.

Besides having a large beautiful open space with nice bathrooms and a big bar things didn’t go well. We arrived and were greeted warmly but the waitress didn’t communicate well about anything leading to my friend and I leaving disappointed after she didn’t ask about salt or no to the margarita. Then forgetting to put in our appetizer order. When the entrees arrived they were lukewarm and the salad didn’t have dressing and the Rasta pasta was bland even though it was supposed to be spicy 🌶️. I think they need to do some training for both kitchen and waitstaff before I would go back or recommend anyone to try this place.

Have always loved the BM! And the music at a normal time for us in our late 40s and up! 7-9 is perfect to still get home and to bed at a reasonable time. Let's hope other places around the seacoast pay attention!!