Skip to content, or skip to search.
Skip to content, or skip to search.
Home > Restaurants >
All Reader Reviews of...
Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia St., New York, NY, 10014
nr. Bleecker St.
212-691-8211
| 8.1 | "Recommended" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10 |  |
authentic homemade taste
ellen5181 from 10024 | Posted on 8/2/08
|
|
Was warned that a line forms. Got there at 5:55 pm and a line already down the sidewalk for a 6pm open. Steamers were OK, have had better (think it is the broth) Lobster roll is great. Just like how they serve it in Maine. You need to eat it with a knife and fork. Blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream is a must. Perfect balance of tart and sweet, and the ice cream...to die for. Perfect contrast in temperatures. Crust was awesome. Real homemade feel.
Did you find this review helpful? 
We all got sick!
mfitzger from 10010 | Posted on 3/20/08
|
|
I was really excited to try Pearl after hearing about the lobster roll, which was great. The problem was the steamer appetizer. There was sand and grit in them, and about 4 hours after our meal, both of us got violently ill, likely with a case of food poisoning. And what was worse, was that when I called the next day to tell the restaurant about it, they were beyond rude, and insinuated it was my own fault. Needless to say, I will never return, and if you care about your health, you won't go either.
Did you find this review helpful?
Wonderful food, great service
kalston from 10015 | Posted on 7/18/07
|
|
What else can I say? Try the lobster roll and oyster roll here. It's expensive, but absolutely worth it.
Did you find this review helpful?
Still dreaming of the Lobster Roll
Choconut76 from 07030 | Posted on 6/12/07
|
|
As the first time for both dining at Pearl Oyster Bar & having a lobster roll, it was a wonderful experience. Provided we went at 6:30 on a Thursday, and didn't have a wait, the server was fairly attentive (though rushed us through ordering and the appetizer). From the minute you walk through the door, you feel as though you're transported to a charming & cozy New England eatery. We started with the combination cocktail, which had 2 jumbo shrimp, several huge chunks of lobster & oysters- all very fresh. The mussels with cream (ordered from recommendation) - were amazing - the broth goes great with the crusty bread. And the lobster roll - as a devout lobster fan - I don't know why I haven't had one sooner! The huge tender chunks of lobster meat were lightly mixed with the sauce- which did not overpower the roll-making for a mouthwatering meal. Too stuffed for dessert, though next time its a must (judging by the table next to ours). When we left, the place was packed, with a crowd waiting to get in. Can't wait to go back!
Did you find this review helpful?
pretencious
nasuccha from 10014 | Posted on 5/4/07
|
|
It was a very bad experience of being served. It was not even served. The waitress kicked us within an hour, she kept everybody make hurry and saying "everybody was waiting outside, i have already assigned next customer at your table, so you have to be hurry up". The party who was sitting next to us was upset about the waitress also, they were leaving with just an appetizer with the word "it is so pretencious!" that everybody at the restaurant would hear.
Did you find this review helpful?
Pearl is a Gem
focaccia9 | Posted on 12/16/05
|
|
I have been frequenting Pearl for the past year, ever since I moved to NY from the Midwest and read its review in Zagat's. LOVE this place! The seafood is so heavenly fresh. You absolutely cannot go wrong with their signature lobster rolls and oyster rolls, cooked to perfection and smothered in a tangy mayonnaise spread. Shoestring potatoes with malt vinegar are the perfect accompaniment. The steamers are plump and juicy and mussels with wine mustard sauce excellent. However, salmon johnnycakes were just 'okay,' and the desserts fair slightly better. Service at times is tight and frantic but not offputting. Some of the bartenders are snobby. But I go for, and am enamored of, the rolls. And the decor is simple and homey--you walk inside and instantly you're whisked away to a cozy little New England fish shack. Can't say the same for Mary's. Pearl's is the best seafood boite in the area; can't rave enough about it.
Did you find this review helpful?
Take a cab to Cape Cod
2nyfoodies | Posted on 7/4/05
|
|
Pearl is certainly worth the 30min wait. The food is always fresh and delicious - from the crab cakes to the lobster rolls to the blueberry pie - you just can't go wrong. We always leave having totally satisfied our Cape Cod cravings and looking forward to our next visit.
Did you find this review helpful?
Fantastic first time
luv2eat from 10016 | Posted on 8/20/03
|
|
After a 10 min. wait we were seated. Very friendly staff, great service and the most delicious melt-in-your-mouth fried oysters. Great chowder. We enhaled our lobster rolls. Despite a waiting crowd, we were never rushed. Liked sitting at the bar as you talk to those on either side. Wonderful experience, will definitely return, especially now that I know where Cornelia St. is.
Did you find this review helpful?
What a Catch!
NYC14 | Posted on 5/8/03
|
|
Great seafood and desserts! I have never been disappointed with the food and service. Lunch too!
Did you find this review helpful?
What's the BEEF!
gastro212 | Posted on 5/8/03
|
|
There should be NONE! It is the BEST SEAFOOD in town. Worth the wait for the fresh, delectable dishes from the bouillabaisse, fried oysters, whole fresh fish and the yummy desserts too! No wonder GOURMET 2002 chose Pearl Oyster Bar as One of America's Best Restaurants.
Did you find this review helpful?
Advertising
Latest News
Latest News Near
Popular Restaurant Guides
-
Where to Eat
Adam Platt picks 2009’s top dining destinations,
including Dovetail, Momofuku Ko, and Corton. -
Best of New York Food
The best that the city’s restaurants have to offer:
paella, coffee, grilled cheese, ramen, and more. -
The Cheap List
We live in a city full of small cheap-eats miracles,
including $1 foods, Korean fried chicken, and burgers.
Eight Year-End Films Vie for Oscar Contention
Sondheim and Lansbury on a Lifetime in Theater
The Black Keys Release Their Hip-hop Debut 
How the BQE Became an Artistic Muse
On Great Jones Street, Shopping Is Art 
Classic Fare, Old-world Charm at Le Caprice
Buy a Brownstone for Less Than $1 Million
Fifty of the City's Tastiest Soups
Reasons to Love New York 2009
New York Politicians Refuse to Quit
A-Rod Has Babe Ruth in His Sights
McCain Yields to the Party's Pressure
