Journey under the sea at Little Tokyo’s newest bar, The Mermaid LA. Tucked among Japanese restaurants and next door to a cleaners in the Honda Plaza in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, The Mermaid is a tropical themed bar serving cocktails and food in a sort of underwater oasis.

The long rectangular space is outfitted with dark wood and rich leather banquets. The sunken bar runs along one parallel wall. Overall, there is a somewhat old-school feel to the space. And, at the far end of the bar is a portal window with a mermaid swimming and smiling at you.

Owners Arelene Roldan and Katie Kildow opened the female-owned and female-fronted Mermaid as a cozy bar that is perfect for meeting up with friends or co-workers or for late night fun. The bar seats 50 guests and, if you are sitting at the bar, you will be eye to eye with your bartenders who looks like they might be under the sea.

The cocktails are made with with housemade mixers and infused syrups and play upon the tropical theme with drinks such as The Mermaiden Voyage made with two types of rum, housemade lime cordial and hibiscus syrup, served over ice with coconut salt rim.

Or have fun with Boozy Snow Cones with flavors like Tequila Watermelon, Vodka Cherry Limeade or Rum with Pineapple Coconut. These are definitely refreshing on a hot summer night.

To accompany the drinks, The Mermaid offers a playful menu with foods such as Braised Brisket and Pulled Pork served on Hawaiian rolls, Hearts of Palm Ceviche, house-made Nori Guacamole n’ Chips and more.

The Mermaid LA
Honda Plaza in Little Tokyo
428 E. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.