Mermaid has a lot of things going for it. Both the interior & exterior are super cute & cozy, there's ample seating and wifi, a truly unprecedented menu for a coffee shop--bahn mi and indonesian rice bowls?!? yaaaaas!--, locally sourced ingredients, and great cold brew. But it's really lacking in the service department.
In all the times I've been to Mermaid, I've never gotten so much as a "Hello" from the barista. I walk in, they stare at me until I approach the counter and place my order, they tell me the price--that's the only time they say anything--then make my drink and place it wordlessly on the counter. On a good day I'm asked if I would like room for cream.
I work in the customer service industry too. I know full well how hard it can be to muster up a smile in the face of crazy customers and a low hourly wage. But not getting a "hi" or "what can I get for you?" or a "thanks" is just bad vibes and leaves me feeling kinda bummed. Good thing their coffee usually picks me right back up!