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- Nearest Transit:
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W 4 St (A, B, C, D, E, F, M)
Christopher St - Sheridan Sq (1, 2)
Houston St (1, 2)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sat 6 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Mon
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
453 reviews for Pearl Oyster Bar
Review Highlights
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"Then onto the absolutely mouth-watering lobster roll." In 306 reviews -
"And delicious shoestring fries on the side." In 80 reviews -
"I also sampled some clam chowder (I went with Jando S." In 78 reviews
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453 reviews in English
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Review from Kathy V.
The next best thing I ate on the list!! CHEEE HOOOO for seafood. Warning they do not take reservations so you might as well come when they open, because that's what we did. Came around 615p and the joint was semi-packed, thank goodness we were the last to be accommodated before the line started.
Pearl oyster bar is located in Greenwich Village. The restaurant has small tables tightly packed, our waiter was knowledgeable, and the food was consistently terrific.
What did we order? Enough for seven, so we can venture off to another restaurant in the next 3hrs LOL
Starters:
New England Clam Chowder w/smoked bacon- The milky broth is golden beige and dotted with chives and tiny nuggets of double-smoked bacon and chewy clams.
Two dozen of east coast market oysters-Tasty!! I love oysters
Grilled asparagus- Pretty standard
Prince Edward Island Mussels w/ Wine, Mustard, Cream (LG)-This makes your eyes roll back!! LOL juicy, plump, lacking in "fishy" taste, just fresh and warm. Cooked in a brilliant wine and mustard cream sauce, I found myself sopping every drop up with bread.
Bouillabaisse (LG) My first time eating bouillabaisse-Picture briny lobster broth packed with mussels, cod, scallops and clams, with an aioli-smothered crouton balanced on top-Excellent
Will I be back? Hell ya!!! -
Review from David H.
MIDDLE VLG, NY
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
A Haiku for Pearl Oyster Bar:
Packed in like sardines
Lobster rolls better than Maine
Chowder to kill for -
Review from Bob M.
Raleigh, NC
4/25/2012
I REALLY love this place. The lobster roll is wonderful and the ridiculous shrimp that are so crispy that you eat the entire shell. Fabulous.
It's a tiny place, but the service is so great and friendly that nothing matters.
Great food, great service. -
Review from B. K.
Los Angeles, CA
5/21/2012
This place is fantastic and unpretentious. It does seafood at a level so extraordinary you quickly realize why cooking can be an art.
There's no crazy molecular gastronomy here, and no one is inventing a national cuisine where none existed before. It may never soar into that rarefied air reserved for foreign sounding restaurants where you sit and eat minuscule portions for four hours and then pay an un-minuscule price.
All they do is take fresh seafood and make it so delicious it makes you wonder why you even wanted to go to those foreign sounding places anyway. -
Review from Bryant R.
5/14/2012
I can understand the hype around this place after having sampled the lobster roll and fried oysters. Both were pretty blew my mind despite that fact that I had spent the week prior eating some great food. While eating the lobster roll I felt almost as though time were suspended. I love fried oysters and will order them pretty much whenever I see them on the menu and these were among the best I had.
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Review from Sharon L.
Manhattan, NY
4/22/2012
The lobster rolls here are hands down the best I've had in the city. Not too much mayo and a tonnnn of lobster. The fried oysters are amazing. The batter is not too salty and perfectly crunchy without overwhelming the oysters. The tartar sauce that goes with it has just the right bit of tang.
Desserts here are definitely a MUST. The pies change seasonally and have always been my favorite. They're not too sweet and the crust is always flaky and buttery. Melt in your mouth :) I want one now. -
Review from Mike Z.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers and say that with a name like Pearl oyster bar, there would be many different types of oysters to choose from. They have 1. It is a fine oyster indeed, but a selection would make things much better.
In addition to the oysters, I had a lobster roll. I just dont' understand mixing mayo and lobster then serving it cold. I've been amazed by Neptune's in Boston and that is what I judge other lobster rolls off of since. With that being said, the few bites I got that I could taste the bun that the lobster was served on, was amazing. Now all the need to do is serve the lobster hot with butter and it would be heaven. -
Review from Luarnie B.
New York, NY
4/27/2012
Read all the hype, and couldn't resist!!!! I got a call from a friend wanting to try out Pearl's and I had to say yes. I was absolutely starving. I had the lobster roll...and yes it was legit. Really really good, I mean it should be no where short of amazing (it got Best Dish of the Year Award or something). We also managed to devour every single oyster on their menu. The place is so cute, a little gem. Eatting here really makes you feel like you're in Maine, but your not, so snap out of it! I'm still drooling over the lobster roll!
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Review from John C.
New York, NY
4/18/2012
The best lobster roll there is! Better than any I've had in Maine, Cape Cod, etc...
But all they have is fish/seafood. If you're a meat-only person, go elsewhere. Also, be prepared to wait as place is small and they don't take reservations. But it is worth the wait! -
Review from Stephanie Q.
New York, NY
4/3/2012
I came here for some appetizers. The oysters were delicious!! So fresh, so good, and you won't get diarrhea. The wine list was not great because they didn't have quite a lot of the wines on the list... just some of them. I also had the Caesar salad which was ok, a bit too lettucy for me, they should have put more cheese!
Since I was here for appetizers, I didn't try the lobster roll which everyone talks about. I will be back next time to try it! -
Review from Valery C.
4/1/2012
It seems everywhere you look these days in food media, there are best-of lists: best donuts, best meatballs, best fried chicken, best cheap eats, and so on. Highly subjective but useful for the food obsessed, who need ever more ways to categorize food into sound bites. Claiming no immunity myself, I've often wondered how the legendary lobster rolls at classic seafood bars like Pearl stack up against the newer and strictly take-out sorts like Red Hook Lobster Pound and Luke's, my current favorites. I was to discover that there's more to it than just a roll.
Pearl is the grande dame of Maine-style seafood bars in NYC, from which spawned similar joints when its personnel left to replicate the concept (Mary's Fish Camp, Ed's Lobster Bar). Pearl's original chef-owner Rebecca Charles is still very much a hands-on presence. Having heard that her visit to Swan's Oyster Depot inspired its style, I was pleased to see the same convivial spirit, even if no other resemblance was evident.
A tiny place with only a row of seats by the bar and another row against the opposite wall, it later expanded next door to include a small dining room. No food prep happens at the bar, unfortunately, just dispensing of condiments and drinks by the cheery, incredibly friendly staff. Rows of wines, on constant rotation for by-the-glass offerings, and beers, three on tap plus an interesting bottled line-up that includes the lovely La Chouffe, Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen, and Gouden Carolus Classic, served appropriately in good glassware.
The bustling kitchen in the back turns out the food on the small menu, listed on the small laminated sheet when you sit or highlighted on the chalkboard on the back wall. A classic menu, featuring a bit of raw bar, fried, grilled, soups, and that famed lobster roll that could be spotted everywhere.
I've delayed a visit here for years on account of the legendary lines. And true to the reputation, I joined a line already 5-6 parties deep 15 minutes before the opening hour. As I settled into my bar seat, the hostess was already signing people up for the second seating an hour away.
With a refreshing cold glass of Sierra Nevada pale ale, I enjoyed the succulent, breezy market oysters, 6 to the order served with a tart cocktail sauce and vinaigrette; yes, just one variety. The wide, shallow bowl of New England clam chowder came steaming, rich and satisfying, a nice balanced version neither thick nor brothy, dotted sparingly but with just enough clams, tender potatoes and vegetables. With a turn of fresh cracked pepper, it was quite simply delicious.
By this point in the meal, I've had plenty of time to people watch, and there's no shortage of that. The staff are energetic and efficient, ever engaging and fun. It develops that my bar mates are long time regulars, and hearing their thoughts, its clear their love for Pearl runs far deeper than just appreciation for the food, their easy camaraderie with the staff almost a coming home.
When the food moment I'd been waiting for arrives, it is almost anticlimactic. You see, I've already been convinced of the magic in this place. If I had any reservations, the lobster roll took care of that. Looking diminutive besides a mountain of excellent shoestring fries, it's a sizeable roll larger than Red Hook's or Luke's, a bit smaller than the monster at Ed's. Big chunks of lobster, generously and simply dressed in Hellman's mayo, celery, lemon, salt and pepper, on a toasted hot dog bun. I thought I'd prefer the mayo light versions I've had elsewhere. I discovered that this well-made version made the mayo issue irrelevant. Each bite was sweet and cold and creamy, with the perfect foil in the warm, buttery, and crispy bun. The sweet notes of the Gouden Carolus beer paired wonderfully with sweet lobster, possibly the best unintentional beer pairing I've had yet.
On recommendation of a regular (who touted the blueberry crumble pie when summer arrives), I ordered the butterscotch praline parfait, not normally a first choice for me, but after the first magnificent bite, I can't thank her enough. Served in an old-fashioned sundae glass, plain classic vanilla ice cream sandwiched and topped with the praline's light-as-air sugar crisps and earthy nuts, gently bound by the rich butterscotch flavor. Is it possible for butterscotch praline to have a light hand? I found it here.
A superb seafood bar, heads and shoulders above Ed's as a dining experience, with a lobster roll that easily ranks up among the city's best (besides being the original), what more could be said of Pearl? The profusion of regulars speaks for itself, the warmth of the staff another reason to go. I'll be back, soon. -
Review from Diana S.
3/26/2012 3 photos
Potentially one of the best meals I've had in NYC. Everything was perfect, except perhaps the 45min wait.
We were between Fish and POB for our weekly Friday night dinner date but POB had a shorter estimated wait time, so POB it was! We put our name down and then walked around the area to kill some time. There was a group of adorable old men singing the likes of My Girl outside Murray Cheese which was very entertaining. We also browsed through some shops along the way.
Came back and was seated almost immediately, granted we had to walk through the kitchen into the little area in the back. It was definitely quieter though and had more of a homey feel to it than the front area. We started with 6 oysters and a small bucket of steamers. Apparently I am a noob @ eating steamers (clams) and had to be thought (open clam, pull of black covering on penis looking thing, wash in broth, dip in butter and pop in mouth). The clams were meaty and sweet and the oysters fresh! A great way to start off our dinner.
We shared a lobster roll and the cod special of the day. The lobster roll is AMAZING. My boyfriend was chewing and said he didn't want to swallow it because it was that good. My cod was a huge serving of buttery silky fish, on top of BACON and brussel sprouts. It was heavenly!!
We were too stuffed for dessert (plus I gave up dessert for Lent) but left feeling very very very satisfied. -
Review from JennyKayt C.
New York, NY
3/8/2012
8:00pm: omfg, I'm starving. I want to eat everything on this menu!
8:15pm: Hi, we're going to share a lobster roll, mussels, and two clam chowders. What kind of oysters do you have today? You only have one type of oyster? (what kind of oyster bar only serves one type of oyster?) Um, okay well.. we'll get three orders, please..
8:30pm: *oysters arrive* *oysters are eaten* these are the most amazing oysters I've ever eaten. *continued nomming* I'm sad my oysters are almost gone. Maybe we can get another order, and then each have two...
8:35pm: *induced oyster high*
8:40pm: *rest of food arrives* *indulgence*
9:00pm: *food coma*
9:30pm: I am so happy. this place is amazing. i love oysters. i love you. i love you too. i love you three. -
Review from tanty d.
Forest Hills, NY
2/24/2012
A group of my tourist friends who were visiting NY for 2 nights planned to go to Blue Ribbon for dinner. I didn't say much because I have been to Blue Ribbon before and am not the biggest fan- so I let them to decide. When we arrived at Blue Ribbon w/o any prior reservation, we were sadly told to wait b/w 45 - 1 hour. One of my cousin's friend suggested Pearl Oyster. I must say, this was THE best suggestion.
I ordered the Oysters and the pan seared scallops. oh WOW! I was in heaven for an hour. The seafood were so fresh, it is unbelievable! I could not stop talking about it for weeks, it's incredible. The restaurant is cozy and I would not have dinner in here with the largest group and/or my loudest group of friends. I am totally planning a date night dinner here. -
Review from Meghan K.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 2/29/2012
It's with a heavy heart that I dock a star from Pearl. The competition has gotten stiffer, what can I say? I brought my intern here, who had never experienced the joy of a lobster roll (I know, it had to be fixed), and it... wasn't that great. She said her favorite part was the bun, and as much as I wanted to yell at her, she wasn't really wrong - the sauce had an overt lemony flavor I don't remember noticing in the past, and it overpowered the lobster, which was a tiny bit tough. Also, let's be honest: it's a really good bun.
The restaurant is still great; other menu items are top-notch. But for my lobster roll fix I'll probably go to a place that's a little less expensive and lets the seafood shine through.Listed in: My Definitive Lobster Roll…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2007
I'm not sure I have anything new to add about the food, except to say that the fried oysters are… Read more »
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Review from Sydney B.
2/11/2012
On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, Pearl Oyster Bar was the busiest restaurant on the block, and now I know why.
We opened the door to see a large bar seating area and a room full of tables in a tidy, airy restaurant . To start, dad had a few oysters, and I had a salad--both very good.
The entrees were superb. My dad thoroughly enjoyed his lobster roll (and he's a lobster roll fan). I had the skate sandwich which was enormous with crispy and delicate fish, a nice fresh relish, lettuce and magic on ciabatta. It came with a huge pile of shoestring fries.
This is probably the best sandwich I've had in recent memory. Yup.
We were too full for dessert, but after seeing other reviews raving about it, I'm intrigued. I'll keep an eye out for it in the future.
As a bonus, an Elvis Costello song showed up on the playlist. With bellies and ears sated, I would love to return here. -
Review from Ana B.
New York, NY
3/24/2012
My ex-fiance and I wanted oysters and grilled whole fish; with a name such as Pearl 'Oyster' Bar one would assume that this place has a selection of oysters. Wrong. They had one. They were mild, and went down easily, but this restaurant is hardly an 'oyster bar'. The oysters, Long Island Blue Points, were middle-sized, tender and plain. I'd maybe have one and call it a night for that variety; they got boring very quick.
We ordered the mussels, which came in a thick cream broth, and were of middling quality. I've had far better elsewhere; they were slightly over-cooked and stringy.
As our main course, we shared a grilled Black Bass, which came with excellent grilled vegetables. Well, it was far too small to share, and even for one it was a ridiculous size. It may be the smallest Bass I have ever seen in my life. Seeing as its price was close to $40, I don't understand why it was so small.
At the very least, the wine list was surprisingly nice. The whites were generally under $50, and the waiter recommended a perfect wine per our description.
The lobster rolls, which everyone around us were having, looked like disgusting globs of mayonnaise over-saturating the lobster. What the hell? If you like your lobster rolls only lightly dressed in mayonnaise....this isn't your place.
Want good oysters? Go to Aquagrill. Great grilled fish? Wild Edibles. -
Review from Sandee L.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
My trip to Pearl Oyster Bar was like finding a pearl in my oyster. Unexpected and most welcomed! I may have found one of the best seafood places in NYC.
Must haves: Fried oysters and lobster roll. My oh my! At first, we were going to go with the raw oysters in an attempt to be healthy. Then the fried oysters appeared in front of this couple across the bar and my eyes almost popped out of my head and I was sold! And so glad I was...the fried oysters were phenomenal! Deep fried to perfection, nestled on a bed of chunky tartar-ish sauce and presented in an oyster shell. So delicious! This was my favorite of everything ordered and I fought for my fair share of the oysters when normally I would easily give them up. The lobster roll was by far the best I've had in NYC. Succulent, sweet lobster perfectly tossed with just the right amount of mayo, sprinkled with chives and nestled in a buttery roll. Mmmm mmm good!
You won't be missing much if you pass on the mussels and salad. The mussels were tasty, but I expected the sauce to be more wine-y and less creamy. It was so chunky it resembled cream of something-or-other soup. I'd pass on this next time. The salad was standard, but just what I needed to round out the meal and feel a bit healthy about it.
Can't wait to come here again!Listed in: Top Eats in NYC!
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Review from Ashley C.
New York, NY
2/13/2012
OMG THE SALT CRUSTED SHRIMP. OMG THE STEAMERS. OMG THE APPLE CHERRY CRUMBLE.
The lobster roll was aight with its nice, big and succulent chunks. BUT THE SALT CRUSTED SHRIMP.... WOW!
Pearl Oyster Bar has been the best dining experience I have had in Manhattan. Comfortable decor, friendly service, and fantastic and fresh sea critters!
I am in love. -
Review from Ro N.
New York, NY
Updated - 1/17/2012
Came here with A and we got the crabcake and lobster roll.
I raved to A about this place as being my most favourite place for a traditional lobster roll.
A loved it, but I told A the lobster roll usually tastes better than this - I don't know if it was an off night.
There wasn't even any greenery in our lobster roll.
The crabcake - we both didn't like this at all. No lumps and too much breading. I expected a better crabcake from Pearl's, but this definitely did not cut it at all.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/5/2009
G and I have been on a search for a new Lobster roll place.
I don't even know how we got onto this… Read more »
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Review from Diane Z.
1/12/2012
Overrated.
The lobster roll was $28 and they price it at market price, so it can always go up! Lobsters are about $5-7 per pound right now and if they are charging $28 for a lobster roll, I don't want to know what it costs when lobster prices go back up.
The roll was not as mayo-y as some others described it. I thought it was fine, but the gripe I have is that they put TAIL meat in the roll! Maybe they think it's fancy or something to do that, but it really takes away from the taste and texture. The tail meat was chewy and made it hard to eat the roll because you can't get a clean bite. You're always pulling back to the roll in case a piece of the tail meat might fall out. Not pleasant.
The clam chowder was good though. We also ordered one of the whole grilled fish. It was one the waitress said the texture was indescribable, but it was just regular fish. The host and waitress were pleasant otherwise. -
Review from Amy L.
Brooklyn, NY
1/28/2012
My second visit. And it gets better. At a Friday night, thirty minute wait while we sip on Chardonnay. Full house and many hungry mouths but I didn't mind, surprisingly. The feel of Pearl is not pretentious nor haute. The casual and delighting decor fills the air with warmth. Did I say that? It's true and the food is just as nice.
A dozen fresh Blue Point oysters, for starters, sets the mood right. Followed by the Salt crusted shrimp, fried with the shell in light batter. The initial bite is a crunch, and halfway through the bite, you get the tenderness and soft center of the prawn.
All three of us, ordered the same entree. Usually its frowned upon, in my book, but it was the right choice to do. So what was it? "Lobster Roll with Shoestring Fries." As straightforward as it sounds, its definitely leaving out a lot of detail. A premium lobster roll in every way It really is. Generous chunks of lobster toppling over a buttery brioche roll. The mayo dressing compliments this juicy and succulent Maine prize.
The menu has no frills. It's not trying to impress you by throwing adjectives at you. Just like the decor, its classy and clean, and gets to the point (with a premium). That explains why it's a neighborhood charm and people always come back. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Manhattan, NY
1/17/2012
Came here on a Friday night and naturally it was WAY too crowded. We sat at the side bar, which was OK, but would not have been if me and my date were even slightly overweight. So, before I dive into the food review, let me just say, they need that winter front door thing in there place or a hanging curtain, bc every single time that door opened I was FREEZING. Not ok, esp not for the cost of their food.
The food itself was awesome. I got the scallops, which were delish. Also had the butterscotch ice cream type desert (can't remember the name). Might have been the best desert I've ever had.
Anyway, it's a good place to come to, but, I suggest reservations! -
Review from Paul M.
12/30/2011
This was our last stop on our recent trip to NY before we pointed the SUV to the Holland Tunnel and headed back to the DC Burbs.
It was our most expensive meal - even just for lunch - and the best.
Oysters so perfectly sweet and tasty they made me want to weep.
A lobster roll about 10 times better ( and almost twice as expensive) as any other we have had.
Washed down with a couple of decent beers and served excellently in a tiny little spot. The Honey bought the recipe book so hopefully we can eat like this at home ! -
Review from Madison C.
New York, NY
1/23/2012 6 photos
Hubby was craving for good fried oysters. So, we stopped by for lunch one afternoon. AMAZING....
The oysters were really fresh. The fried batter was light and crispy. Shoestrings fries were thin, light, and crispy. Non greasy or heavy.
Lobster Roll with shoestring fries: generous portion of lobster meat. The lobster was fresh. It was sweet and succulent.
New England Clam Chowder with smoked bacon: Creamy. Big chunks of potato.
THE BEST PART: Butterscotch Parfait. Vanilla ice cream layered with silky smooth buttercotch. Topped with toasted pecans with crunchy praline bites.
Cheers! -
Review from Patrick N.
PECK SLIP, NY
2/18/2012 3 Check-ins Here
The best lobster roll I've had anywhere, including any places I've gone to in Maine or Massachusetts. The buns were not over-buttered and the lobster itself had just the right amount of dressing. The shoestring fries on the side were also the perfect thickness and crispness. I've had the clam chowder and grilled vegetables here as well and both were excellent.
The service here has been amazing every time I've gone. The waitstaff is always friendly and attentive. -
Review from Jean L.
Updated - 12/15/2011 1 photo
Their lobster rolls have a cult following with great taste. At $28 a pop, the grilled buns arrive with a volcanic flush of creamy, dilled, knobbly hunks of lobster spilling out from the top and both ends. It's worth every penny and more.
The shoestring fries are hard to beat anywhere. A half dozen oysters on the rocks to start is as refreshing as they are fresh - good for both wintery and hot summer days.
I do not recommend you miss desserts. Any dessert. Particularly pies, sundaes and wait for it...toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. Decadent, caramelized and swimming in sugary satisfaction for a wonderful end to a wonderful meal. You'll want to fight for that last piece. ;)
Tip: They do not take reservations and wait time is very long with little, cramped space. I've waited in the cold upwards of 1+hr. So, I suggest you get there at 6 o'clock. Even then, you may have to wait for a table. When we got there on Saturday, several couples ahead of us decided to wait for tables, so we took the last two bar stools. Can you imagine their yearning looks as we launched into our food? We could feel their eyes bearing down on us from both sides and the back of our heads. Their loss! So, grab the first seats at the bar - who cares if there's a draft when the door opens? Wear a jacket in your party dress as I did and eat your d*mn lobster roll.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/13/2010
You pay for more than a few pearls here for some of the best lobster rolls in this part of the… Read more »
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Review from K S.
Manhattan, NY
4/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I live in the neighborhood and have walked by or tried to go to Pearl a few times but it seems like I always catch them at a bad time as either they are closed or there is a long wait.
Last night I was finally able to try it out. The space seems cool and we grabbed a table in the side dining room. We tried the blue point oysters, fried oysters, steamers, and the whole grilled fish (It was black bass). I enjoyed everything except the grilled fish was a little less flavorful than I thought it would be. All in all, for a quick seafood fish I would definitely go back.
I took off the 2 stars as they really don't have a selection of oysters to choose from and the fish was just "ok". -
Review from d d.
Manhattan, NY
11/13/2011
If you love mayonnaise, come to Pearl.
If you love lobster, go to Luke's. -
Review from Arben S.
Manhattan, NY
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Been coming here for years.
I am sorry to say that this time I would like to give it 3 & 1/2 stars.
I really didn't enjoy as much as the previous times in the past years.
At least, I spent some time with my baby mama :) -
Review from Cheryl K.
12/20/2011
3.5 stars but unfortunately, I just can't bring myself to round up!
However, I am proud to say that I am no longer a lobster-roll virgin.
I will ashamedly admit that, for the longest time, I thought a "lobster roll" was a type of sushi roll. There, I said it. Whew.
Manfriend and I had dinner for his birthday here. He wanted something different and a bit casual/light in the downtown area (he had a soccer game afterwards) so I thought POB might be the perfect thing.
We started with half a dozen raw oysters as well as half a dozen fried oysters. Oysters were fresh and perfect as a start but the fried oysters didn't impress. Then we had the lobster roll and the bouillabaisse for entrees. I absolutely LOVE bouillabaisse so even if it'd mediocre bouillabaisse, I'll still proclaim love. This particularly seafood soup was delicious. The seafood in the bouillabaisse itself was a perfect portion and the soup was as rich as any broth should be, but as light as a seafood dish should be.
Moving onto the lobster roll. I wasn't BLOWN away, but it was definitely PACKED with lobster. Too bad I don't have any other lobster roll experiences to compare it with :( I think it was just a tad too creamy and mayo-y for me. Delicious, yes, but not entirely to my liking. I much prefer my lobster fresh with a touch of melted garlic butter as opposed to a lobster-mayo-salad any day.
Overall, a pleasant experience. Bartender was nice and my boyfriend loved my choice so thumbs up!
I'll be checking out Luke's Lobster next! -
Review from Erika M.
Montclair, NJ
3/29/2012
Really good lobster roll. And good atmosphere. I liked it a lot!
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Review from Hanna K.
2/16/2012
I love this place and will try and go whenever I'm in the Village area.The only way to eat fish whole with no sauces. We had the fried oysters, caesar salad, crab cake, 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. I absolutely love it.
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Review from John Y.
Manhattan, NY
3/27/2012
Absolutely, positivey amazing.
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Review from Nomad M.
New York, NY
12/10/2011
This is my new go-to oyster place!
I stopped by here completely aimlessly as Mermaid Inn told me the wait would be 30 mins. So I Yelp and found this place near by. It turned out to be pleasant surprise! Oysters and lobster are very fresh, extensive wine list compared to some other oyster bar. The price is reasonable.
Best of all, the service. I came here by myself and sat at the bar. The host was very engaging and attentive the whole night. I was not feeling awkward sitting alone. Def will come back again. -
Review from Julia G.
12/20/2011
This popular seafood restaurant is very charming. Decor is very Maine-meets-West-Village.. quaint; crisp; understated; refined. The large bar lends itself to casual bar dining that's great for a pair or solo. They have a nice wine list, serving some great whites by the glass at $9 a pop. The bartender was accommodating and attentive.
The oysters here are fantastic and they know how to prepare a piece of fish just about perfectly. However contrary to popular opinion, I am not a huge fan of their lobster roll. The portion is extremely generous - the roll is teeming with huge chunks of lobster (tail and claw), but there is just way, way, way too much mayo and not enough seasoning. The mayo overwhelms the natural flavor of the lobster, leaving it tasting bland and heavy. The roll itself is really nice. If actually found the shoestrings slightly difficult to eat (one at a time? with a fork?) but taste great with some malt vinegar. -
Review from Katie E.
La Jolla, CA
3/27/2012
Two Words: Lobster Roll. Incredible. We sat at the bar and had a wonderful time! It's a tiny spot and very, very busy since they don't take reservations but this place is legit! Yum with a Capital Y!
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Review from Lonita E.
Manhattan, NY
The lobster roll here was amazing! Well worth the price for service and quality of food.
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Review from Tyler T.
12/11/2011
I was here with my girlfriend for lunch in December '10. I was told by a co-worker (chef) that they have the best lobster roll in the city. Damn, was he right! The lobster roll was STUFFED full of the most succulent and flavorful lobster I have ever eaten. The hot dog bun was a perfect vessel for delivery of lobster meat to the mouth.
We also got a dozen oysters which were very tasty to start the meal. We split the clam chowder and it was also one of the better chowders I have ever had. The next time I'm in NYC, I will surely be stopping at Pearl Oyster. -
Review from Roberto Z.
Oceanside, CA
1/5/2012
This review is for the fried oysters and the lobster roll.
the oysters were delicious, better was light and the oyster itself was very fresh, sweet and yummy. The only issue I have is that they could give you 2 more and a side tor the price, the homemade Tartar was amazing, I hate Tartar sauce and I loooooved this one.
The lobster roll, oh my the lobster roll, they could have a real winner here, the lobster meat is great, sweet and fresh not fishy at all but why so much Mayo sauce???!!! The sauce is not bad but it isn't great either, it's overflowing and overpowering the whole roll, they could have gone a little lighter with the sauce and maybe keep it simpler, it tasted like too many things other than Mayo.
The fries were forgettable, thin and crispy but a little bland.
