Pearl Oyster Bar

Even though the restaurant was slammed and about to close in 45 min, we still got a table. It was so worth it. I had the fried oyster sandwich and it was probably the best I've ever had. So many restaurants put zero care into their tartar sauce, but this was chunky and you could tell homemade. My friend got the half lobster, which was plump and delicious and my fiance got the salt shrimp. Our meal made for the perfect Friday afternoon playing hooky from work. Thank you, Pearl!

Had lunch and the oyster rolls were fantastic...only disappointment...Caesar salad TOO much garlic. Overpowered the whole meal.

Went to Pearl last evening w/o reservation. Had a 5 min wait then got seated. Very small place so the tables are extremely close together. The food was excellent! Had oysters on the half, lobster roll, grilled vegs, all excellent. Everything was fresh, seasoned to perfection and well prepared. Service was also very good. It's pricey, but it's seafood and it's NYC so not too surprising. Would recommend & would go back.

Have to wonder if some of these reviewers really went to Pearl? Last night, which was packed (and no, we weren't rushed) we waited for 40 minutes, got a table for 4 and spent $240 + tip for: a very nice bottle of wine plus another 2 glasses, 1 huge lobster with corn pudding, 2 over-stuffed lobster rolls with mounds of delicious fries, and I had the best scallops I have ever had on a yummy veg mix. We started with a Caesar (amazing), a chowder with the perfect balance of bacon, clam and cream, a bucket of steamers and ended with an incredibly delicious chocolate mousse and butterscotch praline parfait. We also got packets of oyster crackers to start and a bowl of bread. How much cheaper are you going to eat at a restaurant so famous for it's food and consistent quality? We've been eating there once a month for a decade and have never been disappointed. You want perfect, fresh fish at a fair price, you are not going to do better than Pearl. I promise.

While the food was good, the place is incredibly up itself. 1) Not allowed to sit at the bar while waiting for people to arrive despite the fact it was empty?. 2) They feel the need to expressly state on the menu that cell phones are not permitted - seriously? get over yourselves - this is not fine dining. 3) very expensive for what it is - $30+ entrees and extra sides required; 4) small tables tightly packed; 5) while our waitress was knowledgeable, it was clear that she would rather be doing something else and serving is all rather an effort. Bottom line - while the food is good, it does not come close to outweighing the shoddy attitude - not only will i never return, but i recommend others to avoid it (hence writing this review...) - particularly as there are so many high class alternatives nearby without the pretense

i'm from new england and i will say that nyc has the poorest seafood. I am shocked to see the positive reviews here. the lobster roll was the poorest i had in my life and was probably the most expensive at $28. it was flavorless and had way too much mayo. the fried oysters were all batter. the oyster was barely there and dry and flavorless. i've had much better at japanese restaurants. i've also had better lobsterrolls from trucks around the city. this place is all atmosphere - not quality food.

Went for the first time on a Saturday. Heard about the lines so we arrived 5:30 for the 6PM opening. Only four in front of us. By 5:50 there were about 20 in line. Sat at the counter, all service people were very friendly and welcoming. Had the famous Lobster Roll (Fantastic!), oysters (small but tasty), clam chowder (very good and only $8!) and mussels (also very good and plenty served for $11). We enjoyed everything and would return sooner than later. The owner and staff were great. We never felt rushed or pushed even though there were people waiting for our seats.