On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
W 4th St (A, C, E, B, D, F, V)
Christopher St (1)
9th Street (PATH)
Mon-Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mon-Fri. 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
"awesome food...really filling and always hits the spot..only negative here is that the chicken is always cut into very large pieces so it's…" read more »
Loading...
Visa/MC only.
Food: A-
Service: A+
Decor: B+
Intro:
We couldn't decide where to go for dinner on a Saturday afternoon. Although we were a bit scared to show up at Pearl on a Saturday night with a party of 5 for 8:30 everything worked out perfectly. My friend and I went at 7:30 and put our name in (then went for drinks down the street). We came back at 8:30 and were promptly seated. I was particularly impressed by the efficient hostess/server in charge of seating people.
Food:
Everything we had was solid. The lobster roll is amazing. Huge chunks of lobster. The minus in the A- is only because I felt that the lobster roll had too much mayo. Other than that, the food is pricey but worth it.
Service:
Besides what I said above about our hostess/server, the rest of the service was wonderful. We cracked jokes about how small the restaurant was with them. We were served by most of the servers running about the small space and everyone was friendly, sarcastic, and knowledgeable. A real delight.
This was my third visit to Pearl and it is consistently excellent.
Sat at the bar with my boyfriend and had the following (+grades)...
6 oysters (B)
Pearl Caesar (B)
Lobster roll (A)
Bouillabaisse (A-)
Personally, living in Boston and having oyster bars like B&G Oysters and Neptune makes one very tuned to oyster types and how you want them served. Pearl Oyster only had one choice of oyster (from Virginia) and I'm used to there being a selection of oysters from different regions so you really appreciate the taste and learn the differences. I especially like doing this with someone because its entertaining to see which type each one likes. The famous "pearl cease" was ok...nothing spectacular. However, the lobster roll was amazing. My boyfriend had the Bouillabaisse which he seems to enjoy...had to every bit of it down to using bread to get all the juices from the bottom.
Overall, worth a visit. Great service and quality food.
As I was discussing with my date while we walked out of this restaurant we agreed that the difference between a "great" and an "AMAZING" dinner is the type of service that makes you feel like you're their favorite regular even though it's your first visit. And that's exactly what The Pearl Oyster Bar served up.
As all of the other reviews say, GET THE ROLL! Tons of delicious lobster, even I couldn't finish. The corn pudding was indescribable; as a NJ native I'm a big fan of sweet corn. Even their basic salad (with a delicious hunk of blue cheese) was fantastic.
We've tried Mermaid Inn and a few other seafood places in Manhattan. Pearl Oyster Bar simply wins.
I'm not the first to review Pearl Oyster bar so I'll keep it short and sweet. I WOULD KICK MY GRANDMOTHER IN THE FACE....for their lobster roll. Amazing food, hostess is kind of rude, but it's NY rude is en vogue. Eat here my friends...eat here often!
First, credit where credit is due: the Lobster Roll was great. I wish I had the metabolism to eat four in a single sitting. Chunky, tender meat mixed into a light (but still rich) dressing - all over a soft, perfectly toasted, buttered roll; if that weren't enough, your plate also is filled with the largest serving of crispy, salty shoestring fries known to man. I left absolutely stuffed - and satisfied.
Despite this game-changing dish, I found this rest of my experience at Pearl Oyster Bar, well - ordinary. Service and atmosphere were average at best: a crowded and cramped space, and a waitstaff best described as indifferent (albeit friendly). Appetizers arrived only a few minutes before our mains; empty beers took longer than expected to be noticed and refilled; courses felt rushed at times, even though the line at the front of the restaurant had long dispersed. Non-Lobster Roll courses were nothing special and surprisingly expensive: a relatively flavorless $15 Crab Cake being the chief culprit amongst these.
If I had to do it again, I'd go right to the Lobster Roll - though at $27 (and $7.50 beers!), it's far from cheap enough to be part of the regular dinner rotation. I'll be back though - and that Lobster Roll will be worth the wait.
Julia
This review will be simple. When I come here I know exactly what I want and haven't strayed from it. Maybe I'll start with some oysters or steamed clams and definitely get a draft or two. They seem to change what's on tap so ask them to describe the flavors to you. I enjoy sitting a the bar (but not the one's facing the wall) more than the tables which are small and cramped.
VERY VERY IMPT... What I come here for is the LOBSTER ROLL. Served on a warm buttered hotdog roll, the pieces of lobster are huge and the whole thing comes together so perfectly and just melts in your mouth. Be aware that I'm not even a big fan of lobsters and never use mayo on anything. Yet this creation called the lobster roll is probably one of the greatest meals that I've ever had. They accompany it with shoe string fires. How perfect. Who doesn't like shoe string fries. I don't even know what else is on the menu and i never will. I come to Pearl's only for the lobster roll and fries.
I hear they have an outstanding blueberry pie dessert, but they're always out of it when I'm there. I guess it really is outstanding. The meal ain't cheap. Think the sandwich will cost you almost $30 bucks and the whole thing with a few drafts, apps and dessert will be about $60 or so.... There's always a line... I don't seem to be able to escape this and I hate waiting at a restaurant. Try to go late as the crowds will die down.
perhaps i wasn't born in a sufficiently sea-faring northeastern location to develop a fetish for lobster rolls, but for whatever reason, i was not blown away by this famous dish. gloppy with mayo and underseasoned. i split it with a friend, and found that half of it was plenty.
nor by the shoestring fries that came with it, which were underdone and largely flavorless.
nor by the huge but bland crabcake.
the butterscotch praline sundae was pretty good.
the vibe at the place was awesome, however- Village-y in the best sense of the term, with people at tables on either sides of us chatty and friendly in a way you don't often experience in New York anymore.
service: rushed but adequate.
I came in to Pearl Oyster Bar at 8 PM on a Thursday night, and it was packed. However, no wait, as there was a counter by the wall across from the bar with all seats empty. After waiting a couple minutes, I upgraded to the bar, to find myself sitting next to a dude looking exactly like Albert Einstein. We struck up a lively conversation, also involving the bartender, who claimed that everyone thought she looked like Jennifer Love Hewitt. I could see the resemblance... in her figure. Pearl Oyster Bar definitely gets top marks there.
Having had read all the reviews on Yelp about the lobster roll, I decided to order it. The wait wasn't bad at all, especially given the entertaining conversation on Indian food I had taken up with the great physicist to my left. And, I can't lie, I had been staring at Jennifer Love Hewitt's ass.
A plate was put in front of me that was eerily familiar. The shoe-string fries, the overflowing chunks of lobster slathered in mayo topped with some kind of leafy green flakes (parsley? it wasn't cilantro, thank God)... I had had this before. I had recalled a restaurant in Park Slope, on 5th ave, something with the word "camp" in the name. It was at that point that Albert and Jennifer recounted the drama between Pearl Oyster Bar and Mary's Fish Camp... and that Mary's had expanded to a second location in Brooklyn. This was kind of disappointing; I had been hoping for a new experience, but the lobster roll I had was EXACTLY THE SAME as the one I had had in Brooklyn.
Regardless, it was awesome, and I wouldn't mind it if such lobster rolls were served on every block throughout the five boroughs.
Believe it or not I come here for the mussels, not the Lobster Roll. Served in fantastic, rich mustard cream sauce...out of this world!
I came here on a weeknight for dinner around 7:30pm. The place wasn't quiet, but it wasn't too busy either. The wait for a table for 2 was only about 5-10 minutes. This restaurant is definitely small and wouldn't be good for groups, but for a table of 2-4, it's perfect.
The service was friendly and eager to help. One hiccup was that the wine we ordered was already out, but the waitress was ready with a reccomendation for something else that was similiar. We ordered the bouillabaisse and the lobster roll. Both were very good. The lobster roll is probably one of the best that I've had and it came with a healthy serving of skinny, crunchy, lightly-salted fries. The bouillabaisse was good, too, but I did think that this was a small serving compared other places that I've had it.
Though the restaurant was small and towards 8:00pm there seemed to be a longer wait, I never felt rushed and service stayed attentive and friendly. I'd definitely come back here again.
fantastic.
word of advice, it's always packed. show up early, put your name down and walk around the village. average wait is about 20-30 mins. WELL WORTH IT!
LOBSTER ROLL IS AMAZING. ALSO CHOCOLATE MOUSE!
I went on a Thursday night with my boyfriend for dinner. Got there around 6:15 but didn't have to wait for a table. The place was half full but by the time 7 rolled around there were people waiting to be seated. The place itself is small so I suggest on getting there early. Our waitress was really friendly and informative.
We had the fried oysters, caesar salad, crabcake, the lobster roll, and the bouillabaisse. The salad tasted light and fresh which can't be said for most caesar salads because a lot of places go heavy on the cheese. The fried oysters was one of the best that I've ever had. The lobster roll was kind of small but definitely worth it because of the chunks of lobsters inside and the heap of shoestring fries. It's definitely a must have. I loved the crabcakes and the bouillabaisse. The soup in the bouillabaisse was delish. Dunking the bread in the soup was soooo good.
We ended up skipping dessert because we were so full from the meal itself. I would definitely go back.
Best clam chowder ever. If I'm in the area, even if I've just picked up something unrelated, I always go and get a cup of this to go. I peek around and watch them mix it fresh each time as the cream hits the pan.
The lobster roll is droolworthy.
It seems I need to order the fried oysters next time.
I've only sat in there two times and both were crowded, but did nothing to detract from the delicious food.
Self interest and lust for lobster forces me to offer misleading information about Pearl Oyster Bar so as to minimize the number of dining competitors vying for limited resources. (Darwinian struggle never tasted so good! ) Don't show up at 6pm, don't order the lobster roll and just don't bother so there will be more of the good stuff for me.
All right, I'll come clean- Pearl Oyster Bar lives up to and exceeds its reputation for quality seafood. Any one who wants to experience the goodness should arrive promptly at 6pm lest they have a lengthy wait.
They should either proceed to the bar or make their way to one of the few tables in the dining room area. Once seated, order an appetizer of fried oysters. You will receive six fried orbs of oyster that were absolutely golden. No grease, not burnt and perfect for dipping into the mayo gracing each shell. Savor the flavor and have a sip from the draught beer you ordered. Wipe face with napkin. Loosen belt in anticipation of the lobster roll. (You did order the lobster roll, right?)
The lobster roll arrives, complete with a side of shoestring fries. You reach for the fries and realize that 10 minutes have passed by without even sampling the roll-- that's how good the fries are. Regaining composure and clarity, you have your first bite of the roll and immediately experience a sensory overload. Before your eyes flash scenes of north atlantic lobster traps, benign sea salts who resemble the Gorton's fisherman, pinchy from the Simpsons and the B52's rock lobster.
This lobster roll has substance! Chunks of lobster meat as opposed to shreds, a roll overflowing with it and a mayo that puts Hellman's to shame.
You look at your by now empty plate and feel no shame or guilt at having devoured a living creature that was once frolicking about the Atlantic seabed but now resides in the depths of your stomach.
Survival of the fullest indeed!
Pearl does not accept reservations so plan accordingly. Once you've had the lobster roll you too may consider schemes and plots so as to secure your rightful spot at the bar at the expense of all others. It's just that good!
Hands down the best lobster roll I have ever had. Huge, delicious juicy chunks of lobster stuffed into a warm roll and not at all overpowered by the mayo (which is often the case with lobster rolls). The fries that came on the side were also crisp and delicious. I don't think I even looked at the menu (the two times I was here) and always went straight for the LB roll (lobster roll).
I suppose the name suggests that their oysters should be delicious as well. Must try next time!
G and I have been on a search for a new Lobster roll place.
I don't even know how we got onto this subject but I told G about Pearl Oyster Bar and how they supposedly have the best lobster roll in town.
They weren't joking - this place is sooooooooooooooo freaking good!
We both don't like Ed's Lobster Bar, since we both agree that their bun and the lobster mix tasted weird.
I also went there hoping this place didn't taste like Mary's Fish Camp, since the owners used to be in business together and lucky for me - it was totally different from Mary's.
It didn't have too much mayo or any celery bits like Mary did and the bun was buttered and toasted to perfection. I don't usually care for shoe string fries but this place made it well.
I was afraid we wouldn't get a seat since G and I got lost on the way there but it wasn't as crazy as Mary's. I don't get it, why is there such a long wait at Mary's when this place is 100x times better.
I found my new lobster roll place - wooo hoo!
I got to try that new place Luke's now to compare.
I, currently want to die since I am so full and I ate 4 hours ago!
WTF!
Here's what we had.
1 order - Fried oysters (6) - Incredible. I dream about their fried oysters.
2 orders - Clam chowder - Mostly liquid and very little clam/potato/bacon. It'll add 5lbs to you and is good (fat in liquid form always tastes good), but nothing special. I'll skip it next time.
2 orders - Lobster Rolls - Pearl's magnum opus. The mayo was surprisingly light and the lobster chunks were so fresh and plump. There definitely was more than one lobster on that roll. The shoestring fries were good but way too greasy as they soak up the oil when fried.
2 glasses of house white wine - Very good.
Total Bill - $123.45 with tip.
The last few times I went to Pearl's the service was an abomination. This was years ago. They rush and hustle you throughout your entire meal and the server was just unfriendly. The server made the whole dining experience unpleasant. Hence, I didn't go back for a good few years. They also didn't have much competition back then, so it just seemed like they could care less about service. People would recommend Pearl's but warn them about their horrible service. Now that they have competition and because they were forced to eat a slice of humble pie, seems like their service has improved greatly. She didn't rush us, was attentive and pleasant. I was pleasantly surprised at the difference from a few years ago.
I can't get into the whole "is this the best lobster roll in NYC" thing, because for me, the best lobster rolls are eaten on the Cape or in Nantucket while sitting outside with the ocean crashing away next to you and the smell of salt in the air...
That said, the lobster rolls at Pearl are pretty delicious. I don't like the little fries that come with it, but who comes for the fries? For the non-lobster fans (um who are you again?), try the cioppino.* I ordered that on a whim one night---I was possibly the only one in the restaurant not eating the lobster roll---and loved it.
NB: You can order a lobster roll to go, so call ahead, place an order and sit outside and people watch in Father Demo Square...or in your little apartment on Cornelia Street, if only you still had your little apartment on Cornelia Street... : (
i like Pearl Oyster Bar because it's a simple restaurant, neighborhoody, good service- they make you feel like a regular, and someone always checks up on you even when you're in the back corner. i would recommend it so people can decide whether or not it has the best lobster roll ever. (i prefer luke's little lobster rolls). Pearl's lobster rolls came with a large portion of meat, but it was just dripping with mayo and kinda soggy. But the fried oysters were UH-MAZING!! so good. Def the best thing there. Shoe string fries were very good as well. I was very full at the end of the meal so kudos on the portions. Next time I will try the mussels!
OK, if you haven't been to this place, please make sure you show up at 6 PM, because they don't take reservations, first come first served, you literary get there at 5.30 and there's already a line outside.
Another thing to keep in mind, do not jump the line intentionally or unintentionally. Went there with my sister last night, walked up at 5.45 and there were about 8 people in line waiting, there was an older lady with her husband that got there before we did, guess when we walked up we unintentionally took their spot, the old lady got funky and was PISSED. We apologized, but all she had to say was sorry ladies we were actually on the line, but the stares in her eyes, almost killed me.
Anyway, the door opened at exactly 6 PM, I loved the fact that the staff were dressed in their own chilled out attire. I felt like I was at home eating, it was not pretentious at all. My waitress was super sweet, her voice was sooooo calming and relaxing, even though we had so many questions and i am sure she wanted to kill us.
We ordered the Salt Crusted Shrimp and crab cakes, OMG it was amazing!!!!!! Sat there for about 10 minutes and did not utter a word to my sister, however we tell what we were both thinking due to our nonverbal communication. When they took the plate, I said to her we don't even have to talk about this, I know exactly how you feel. Seriously, it just melts in your mouth. There were a few times I didn't chew the food, and I was soo mad I didn't chew the food longer. I wanted to savor the moment a little longer. Lord have mercy, it was too die for.
For Main course, we ordered the Grilled Lobster with corn pudding and a Cod with probably the most amazing sauteed vegetables ( carrots, and Brussel sprouts cooked in bacon bits) WOW WOW WOW WOW. Every dish was cooked to perfection, it literary just melts in your mouth. The vegetables dish was sooo tasty, we ordered a second portion. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
The only slight disappointment was the apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. It was reallllllly good ( not AMAZING BUT REALLLYYY GOOD), but the apple crumple was cold. I love the contrast of warm apple crumble with ice cream. since they don't have 4 1/2 stars, am going to round up to 5 stars
15 hours later, and I am considering going there for lunch. Pearl, see you later on this afternoon Smooches!!!
I was really impressed with Pearl. The oysters, both fried and regular were very fresh and tasty. The fried oysters were probably the best fried oysters I have ever had. The mussels were very tasty as well and the clam chowder was very rich and creamy. The bacon added a smokiness to the chowder but then again bacon makes everything taste better. The lobster roll was also tasty albeit heavy on the mayonnaise and the fries were light and crisp.
The down side is of course the no reservation policy and the cramped inside with no decor (hence the subtraction of one star). Besides these few issues, Pearl is a great restaurant with very fresh seafood.
The wait for 2 wasn't so bad at 7:30pm on a Thursday night. The place is cute, a lot more comfortable (seating wise) than Mary's Fish Camp. We ordered the bucket of steamers, really good, but smaller than the ones at MFC, mussels that were covered in this amazing cream sauce, and split the lobster roll (which as previous reviewers mentioned was very mayo-heavy, but delicious and had generous and huge chunks of lobster). It was the perfect amount of food, especially since we ordered dessert afterwards - the apple crumble pie, which was served warm with a slab of vanilla ice cream.
This place is comparable to MFC, and a good place to go if you love seafood and lobster rolls. I still prefer my lobster rolls with a little less mayo, which can be found at Lure in Soho, but would be more than happy to make this place one of my favorite dinner spots.
Now radically expanded to like 6-7 tables. Yes, the lobster roll is the real deal that keeps me coming back over and over. Want me to leave a bar with you? Tell me your going to Pearl. I 'll go with you.
The best lobster rolls, oysters, and clam chowder ever! There is a long wait to get a table at this restaurant, but it's worth it!!! I wish there was a Pearl Oyster Bar here on the West Coast!
Waited in line 15 minutes before it opened at 5pm, since they don't take reservations. The wait isn't so bad, even on Fridays. However, the only gripe I have is that I was holding a spot for 2 other people, who I was expecting within a 15 minutes; they refuse to seat anyone whose party is not full. Luckily we all came in time before the tables ran out.
Food came almost before we ordered it. They must have everything semi-prepared in the kitchen!
I shared the lobster roll with my friend; market price was $27 (sadder than Maine, but better than the $30 I had expected based on other reviews). The lobster is heavily mayonnaised, but I like mine flavorful and nonpurist like that. The shoestring fries were great. I would say, if you've never tried lobster rolls, this is a treat -- get your own. But if you have tried them before, share it and share another plate as well.
The clam chowder was clamless. Were they pureed in or something? Is it is it clam juice you put in there? It tasted alright though, although it was about $8 a bowl.
The blueberry pie was a la mode, it came within 1 minute of us ordering (we saw the pies all ready to serve on their counter table). It was surreal.
It's expensive here, but I totally think the taste and the source of ingredients are respectable. I read the book that the owner wrote of her life/family/restaurant, and I liked how the POB is rooted from a family business in Maine.
Why haven't I reviewed this before? It's located around the corner of one of my fave pastry places and the cheese place where I'd get those rare cheese that makes you want to say "CHEESES! how much did you say this was?"
I'm a big sea food fan, this place is up there when it comes to their lobster, I like mussels/clams etc and this had it, but I wish they can give more. It's pricey but the service is good, It's pretty small and parking may be as far as the parking garage near Caliente. The last time I was here was in '04, I hope to visit it again.
Its been 4 weeks since I had that lobster roll and I am like a broke down crackhead needing a fix.
If you haven't had the roll, go now. Get it. It will change your life.
I don't know about anything else they have and I don't care. That roll is a gift from god.
I liked the lobster roll, but the fries didn't have enough oomph. They felt too fragile or something. I like gripping onto a slightly thicker fry. It's also more satisfying to eat.
We also tried out the skate sandwich they featured on the menu that day and shared some littlenecks to start things off.
Get there before they open at noon since the people pile in quickly!
The 5 star meal today I can give thanks to my predecessors who graciously paved the way for my perfect decisions on what to order.
for lunch today I took a cab to the block of Cornelia Street which is strewn with tons of lovely options to chose from. The block is pretty, nice shade from tall trees, yet bright sunlight streaming through. It was a perfect day outside, quiet, as a gelato truck rolled up in front delivering several gallon tubs to many of the surrounding restaurants. I awaited outside just before noon, and had no trouble getting immediate seating. The small intimate restaurant has two rooms, a dining room with tables, and a bar room with plenty of bar stool and railing seating. The both rooms filled up within an hour.
Just a note, the single block contains: Palma, Cornelia Street Cafe, LeGigoT, Little Havana, and Home Restaurant. A reviewers delight of many options if you wanted to do just a Cornelia Street Blog or List.
I ordered on tap a Hof Brau beer, light and unusual but delicious tasting.
They have only three beers on tap but others by the bottle. My barrtender/waitress brought ice water immediately also. I ordered the fried oysters appetizer, the lobster roll with comes with shoe string fries, and later coffee with the butterscotch/vanilla sundae.
The oysters were the best fried ones I'd ever tried, including the best tartar sauce too. The tartar sauce was chock full of little tiny veggies which gave it a fresh "zing," to the flavor. I think it had relish or pickle, and other secret ingredients. Each oyster is seated in it's own ceramic shell with the sauce beneath it. I got extra Tatar in 30 seconds via my super bartender while I sat at the bar enjoying my meal.
The bartender knew tons of regulars who kept coming in, and I listened to some of their banter regarding celebrities they bumped into and other great restaurants.
If you hate mayo, don't get the lobster roll.. it was superbly delicious with a tad bit too much mayo, but still probably some of the best just cooked fresh lobster and slightly chilled I've ever had. It has a big mayo base to it.. but trust me -- the mix is 99 percent LOBSTER and all thick pieces lathered with the mayo. The roll it rests on has been saturated with lobster butter (not just regular butter flavoring). The roll's portion of lobster is very generous!
The shoe string fries are the thinnest and most tender perfectly cooked fries you'll ever have. Salted lightly, and despite being tiny thin.. still moist but crisp, simply amazing!
The Sundae, the vanilla ice cream itself is not remarkable, but the nutty and candied praline and butterscotch topping are to die for. And tons of butterscotch was added on top and 1 inch on the bottom as many before me have cited. I love EXTRA BUTTERSCOTCH topping!!! So it made up for the standard vanilla ice cream.
All in all, perfect service - and delicious food. They only have wine and beer and the menu is not long with many options, but sometimes simplicity helps not to ruin a good thing.
Slightly expensive, total with 20 percent tip was 75 bucks.
After wanting to try this place for a long time, it finally happened this weekend!
We got on line at 5:30 and i'm so glad we did, because at about 5:45, the line was half a block long. We got in for the first seating.
My husband and I split the clam chowder. It was the best part of the meal for me! You couldn't taste chunks of clams, which led me wondering, but the waitress explained that they were minced down to very very tiny pieces. It was delicious!
Then, we also had a crab-cake. It was pretty good. A little dry and I think needed more flavor. My husband then had the mussels. He liked them and counted about 26 of them :)
Then for the real test. The Lobster Roll. I couldn't take a bite out of it and hold it, so I ate it with a fork mostly. The first bite of the lobster was a little tough. Disappointing. Then as the eating went on, I started to get really sick of all the mayo. It was too much, like all you've said. Once I got a bite of the roll, it tasted pretty greasy. The shoestring fries were pretty good. I should have taken pics.
We were seated by the window, and the people waiting to eat were right in front of us, perched on the ledge, watching us and staring at us eat and our food. I didn't like that. Keep people outside if you don't have an area for people waiting.
I have had better lobster rolls....and will maybe try Mary's or Ed's like I keep hearing about.
I never bothered to save my virginity for anyone special, so I like to covet my reviews that end in 00 for special places. And so, ladies and gents, I bring you:
REVIEW NUMBER 400!
My visit to Pearl Oyster Bar was a birthday treat from the gorgeous, talented, and amazing Maria M. She proposed a lobster roll for my birthday dinner. You know what? The girl's got excellent taste.
I know that Pearl Oyster Bar is going to be fantastic because Maria is early for dinner. I love Maria to death, but on a list of her top 5 lovable traits, "early" or "timely" is not one of them. I love her nonetheless.
Pearl Oyster Bar opens at 6pm and there was a line of about 40 people waiting outside by 5:45. At 5:55 the hostess popped her head out and informed us that they'd be opening shortly. She asked how many tables of 3 there would be and in a moment, the doors opened with a mild stampede towards the front door, like the Barneys Warehouse Sale on sedatives.
We were promptly seated at a table that was really meant for 2, but sat for 3 (moi, Miz Maria M and Mr Dana G). I was weary of this seating arrangement, especially since we were semi on top of the table adjacent to ours, but it was cozy. We placed an order for oysters, the smoked salmon w/creme fraiche, and three lobster rolls.
The oysters were fresh and flavorful, and most importantly, served in their own brine. I hate it when they're shucked and their natural juice goes by the wayside.
The smoked salmon w/creme fraiche was gorgeous. The johnnycake (tastes like a buttermilk pancake) was warm and toasty. The creme fraiche was a little sparse, but made it all the more delicious when you got a bite. And the salmon was so smooth and buttery that I was wondering if they would sell me some to-go.
The lobster rolls were in a word: exquisite
These lobster rolls are not for the faint of heart or for those who dislike mayo. I am usually anti-mayo, but made an exception for this occasion. The chunks of lobster meat were fresh and sweet and perfectly cooked. The bun the lobster is served on is undoubtedly drenched in butter and worth every bite of artery-clogging goodness. The shoestring fries were icing on the proverbial cake.
And then there was dessert.....
Butterscotch/toffee ice cream sundae. I am a schtickler for details and also a fiend for caramel-like substances. The bottom of the ice cream sundae had a two-finger-width amount of butterscotch. The chunks of toffee and yummyness atop the sundae make me drool just thinking about it.
A slice of strawberry rhubarb pie w/vanilla ice cream made an appearance as well. Having popped my rhubarb cherry at the table, I can't really compare it to any other pie of its kind, but the crumble on top was absolutely delicious-just a hint of brown sugar and butter. And by hint of butter, I mean.....I've scheduled my quadruple bypass for next Thursday to clear things up after this meal.
Happy Birthday to ME! Thanks, Maria :D
FAN-FUCKIN-TASTIC! It's a little bit obscene how delicious Pearl Oyster Bar is. I went here for my birthday with my momma, and it was the best birthday meal I've ever had.
First off, sit at the counter! It's way more fun. You can see the cooks in the kitchen, and it's a much better experience if you're with one or two other people. The waitress/bartender is an absolute sweetheart. Super knowledgeable about the food, wine and beer. Momma and I shared their Oktoberfest brew, which was really tasty. We would have had more if it hadn't been 11:30 am on a Monday...
We started off with the clam chowder. Best I've ever had! Maybe it's because I'm a California native, and we don't get that kind of seafood out there, but the soup was creamy and really flavorful. Bonus points for the BACON in the soup (bonus points for bacon on anything, actually). NOM NOM NOM. Then we shared an order of the fried oysters. The oysters themselves were a little small, but the batter was light, tasty, and super crunchy. AND THE SAUCE. UGH I would bathe in that sauce. Next we shared the lobster roll. This is the most godly sandwich to have ever graced my belly. We definitely don't get lobster in California, so I inhale it whenever I can. I love mayonnaise (love me some cholesterol!), and this lobster was drenched in it. The lobster meat itself was also lovely--fresh, plump, and flavorful. The brioche bun was perfectly toasted and buttered, which was a nice pairing with the creamy lobster salad. The fries were also amazing! Super skinny and crunchy, with just the right amount of sauce. After some debate with the waitress about whether we were too full for dessert, we said fuck it, and got the apple crumble. The waitress even put a candle in it, which was really sweet. The crumble was good, but sort of in a standard good kind of way. It was homey feeling, but it didn't blow my mind. The ice cream was really creamy and not too sweet, which was nice, since you know...I'm obviously on a diet...
So overall: NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM
I wanted to take my other half to a great seafood place for his birthday. He didn't know where we were going but he kinda knew it was seafood because we'd both been craving it. I was a little hesitant because since you can't make reservations I was afraid we would have to wait 6 hours to be seated (we were three in total) but it wasn't THAT bad; we only waited for 30 minutes, holding our drinks tightly and standing up. The hostess wouldn't let us sit at the bar because she didn't want occupying space. We were asked if we wanted to eat there like 3 times and we refused on every single attempt. I had asked in advance if we could bring a cake for the b-day boy and they had no problem with that, in fact, there were other birthday celebrations in the premises and our neighbors were kind enough to take us pictures.
I ordered the oysters to start and they took forever to get them. When I finally got them, they disappeared in seconds. SO DELICIOUS THAT I HAD TO ORDER A SECOND PLATE. No, I'm not a monster, I just happen to like real fresh oysters. My bf and his brother ordered the mixed cocktail and said it was really good. Then i ordered the famous lobster roll. Oh. My. God. (Janice-like). This thing is to die for. I could not have asked for a better meal. The string fries were a bit hard to eat, not my style, but they complemented the dish well. The boys ordered the salmon and they thought the pancake didn't have anything special. I agreed. We had our own cake, so we didn't have dessert. I guess we'll have to try that next time.
The server was super nice and the food unbelievable.
Try the house white wine with citrus touches, excellent.
It was a bit pricey but we were celebrating, so didn't care. I will be dreaming about that lobster roll and probably drool myself to death.
jesus lord all mighty the lobster roll with shoestring potatoes is divine! though we waited longer than the host said we'd have to and it cost nearly $35 for a roll and some fries, it was well worth it. so buttery rich and full of ginormous chunks of lobster, i decided to savor rather than inhale it, as i don't know when i'll return to NY for this heavenly creation. so. damn. good.
Like every other person I came for the lobster roll. Yes it was very good. They weren't stingy on the lobster and the bread is soft and sweet. A bit too much mayo. Shoestring fries were fantastic; very thin but still soft. Also tried the smoked atlantic salmon with johnnycakes; this was a pretty mediocre dish; could be greatly improved by adding caviar and perhaps chopped onion and tomatos.
Zero ambiance, boring waitress, generic clientele... but if you're craving a lobster roll in the area this would be the place!
This place gets high marks for their bright and relaxed, easy-breezy, completely unpretentious decor and atmosphere. I loved sitting up at the bar, chowing down on the lobster roll and chatting it up with a friend.
I heard massive great reviews concerning their lobster roll, but when I had it, I couldn't really understand why. It was great, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel it was worthy of all the effusive praise it had garnered. In all honestly, I think a (much) better lobster roll can be found at Mermaid Inn.
I want to love POB but it falls a bit short. I like it though, and I'd certainly come back but it's not a priority on my list as is evident from the fact that it has almost been one year since the first and last time I came here. I'm not sure what that says other than I wasn't truly that excited with my experience.
That's right. I am not the timeliest of the timely. But the idea of lobster rolls does strange things to me. It makes things happen. My feet move faster. And I'm glad they did this past Saturday, because apparently, there is a line outside Pearl Oyster Bar's door even before the place opens, akin to a Black Friday sale at Wal-Mart. I don't like this concept, and as I always say, should you choose to run your business in this manner, NYC would be the place to do it. I was a little scared at first, but there was no stampede. Admission into the restaurant turned out to be pretty orderly, and they actually WANTED threesies. Nice. Other places shun.
In the case of Pearl Oyster Bar, I can understand the purpose for such a line. On the menu are such glorious options as clam chowder with bacon, oysters served in their own brine (my first time eating oysters - I'm told briney is the way to go), salmon atop a johnnycake with creme fraiche, and the ever-popular lobster roll. I didn't get to try the chowder, because after ordering oysters, the salmon app., and the roll, I thought it would be overkill.
The tastes of the salmon, the creme and the johnnycake melded together beautifully. Kudos to whoever invented such a concoction. The almighty lobster roll was delicious, with huge chunks of lobster and a bun soaked in buttery goodness and toasted to perfection. Lord only knows how Karen resisted eating her bun. I almost volunteered to eat her bun for her. I'm going to say that the lobster roll beats Ed's Lobster Bar. Yeah. I'm going that far.
For dessert, I ordered the butterscotch praline sundae. Here's why I love these people: in addition to a generous amount of butterscotch on top of the ice cream, there was an inch-thick layer of the stuff beneath the ice cream. THIS, my dear co-Yelpers, is how a sundae is supposed to be. Take heed.
Teeny restaurant, slippery floors, but great music and a very cozy atmosphere. Cozy in the warm and hospitable sense, and cozy in the NYC studio sense as well.
I love seafood and this place is terrible. Pearl Oyster Bar wouldn't be such a disgrace if the price tag actually matched the quality of the food. I don't understand how people gave this place 4/5 stars. The seafood is hardly ever fresh and yes I've been here several times, at different hours on different days. For an oyster bar, serving 1-2 types of oyster is just completely misleading. The shrimp cocktail was awful. The shrimp was actually completely stale last time. As for the lobster roll...it's just absolutely horrible. It's too greasy with too much mayo. Why am i paying so much to taste mayo? Way overpriced for what it is. It also doesn't help that the service always seems to be lacking or non-existent. Bad food + Bad service = Bad review. If you want good fresh oysters and seafood go somewhere else like Aquagrill.
It's the battle of the lobster roll...hm...so I've tried it at Mary's Fish Camp and most recently, I ventured with 2 out of towners to Pearl Oyster Bar - the supposed birthplace of the infamous "lobster roll." So my verdict...hard to say! I actually feel like the taste for both places are similar...both were good and I would definitely come back here again, but next time I would also try their oysters. So it's definitely worth a try! :o)
I'm playing catch up on some restaurants that I've needed to review for quite awhile. Went to New York last summer and went to Pearl's for dinner one night. One year later, I am still craving the delicious lobster roll. This place was in a cool neighborhood so we got a couple drinks before showing up. We had to wait a bit as the place was small but ended up being seated at the bar.
The atmosphere was casual and very laid back and all of our food was delicious. I will definitely be stopping here next time we are in New York.
Neighborhood: West Village
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: West Village
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: SoHo
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: SoHo
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Seafood
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Some of my favorite "nice" restaurants in the…
Hint: I've provided a list of date places. Now…
If you're into decor & ambiance...try these…
My top 10 favorite places to eat. Eat and get fat…
I still believe I can find a good lobster roll…
I love seafood and must have it regularly. If…
My favorite memories of seafood restaurants, which…
