Bars & Saloons
Mermaid Bar
22 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL
Mermaid Bar operates as the dining and cocktail venue within the Florida House Inn at 22 South 3rd Street in Fernandina Beach, a historic property built in 1857 as a railroad boarding house. The bar occupies the same dining room where Union General Ulysses S. Grant was entertained during the Civil War, and the space features the whimsical mermaid theme that originated in the early 1900s when a mermaid statue was placed atop the inn's chimney. Expert bartenders craft classic and contemporary cocktails including the establishment's signature Old Fashioned, alongside beer and wine selections paired with pub fare.
The venue draws on 165+ years of inn hospitality and maintains original period architectural details throughout the historic property. The Mermaid Bar serves as both a gathering space for inn guests and a destination bar within downtown Fernandina, with décor and theme elements reflecting the maritime heritage of Amelia Island's railroad and shipping era.
Common Questions
When was the Florida House Inn built and what was its original purpose?
The Florida House Inn was built in 1857 as a boarding house for railroad workers constructing the Fernandina to Cedar Key railroad line, which was completed just before the Civil War.
What historical significance does the Mermaid Bar hold?
The bar operates in the same room where Union General Ulysses S. Grant was entertained during the Civil War era. The mermaid theme dates to the early 1900s when a statue was placed on the chimney gazing toward the sea.
What does Mermaid Bar specialize in?
Mermaid Bar features craft cocktails including signature Old Fashioned preparations, beer and wine selections, and pub fare, with expert bartenders trained in classic and contemporary cocktail techniques.