Although the food wasn't all that great, we were really disappointed in the service. Our waitress seemed to forget us. Whenever she did come around, she was trying to hurry us out. We weren't there a full hour but one would think she was losing tips. Well she certainly lost out on us because I refused to leave much at all for what little service she provided us. Might another Pearlz but never going back to that one.
(1)
Grace F.
Absolutely a wonderful experience in every way. We had to wait for about an hour for a table but it was totally worth the wait (even with our three year old in tow). The service was incredible, and the food was delicious!!!! We will definitely go back the next time we are in town.
(5)
Joe M.
Loved everything about this place! Started with a raw oyster appetizer followed by one of their small plates of Fried green tomatoes and shrimp! Off the charts! Renee my server and bartender along with his team was super attentive! This will be one of my favorite restaurants when back in Charleston.
(5)
Priscila S.
My friends and I were very exited to try this place on our recent trip. There was six of us, three plates were great and three were below par. NY strip was very chewy and although my friend ordered medium, it came raw! she had to send it back to cook. The shrimp risotto lacked flavor and my burger was really really salty. All the oyster plates were delicious, obviously their specialty in which they shine, should of stuck to ordering those only. Service was good, I mean our waitress really tried. I usually never write about this but man did she check on our table... it was really sort of bothersome. I am not sure why she did that, maybe a little too nice, but it was a bit annoying. I really liked the atmosphere, the place is really cute and nice. Maybe it was just an off day with those plates, I will give it a second try.
(3)
Taylor M.
On a recent trip to Charleston, my wife and I had some really disappointing meals. After another bad experience, we stumbled into Pearlz to have the absolute best meal in town. We sat at the bar and ordered the seafood tower. What a pleasant surprise! The bar staff were friendly and welcoming, the seafood was fresh and expertly prepared. The pale ale on tap was one of the best beers we had in Charleston. If you're in Charleston, cancel your fancy white tablecloth experience and eat here.
(5)
Patrick K.
I had dinner here with my family and we enjoyed the fresh oysters here! They have a great variety and they are decently large! They also have the best oyster shooters! For dinner I had a dozen of the South Carolina oysters and my dad did as well, my brother had shrimp and my mom had a platter that included some shrimp, fish and lobster. We were all satisfied with our dinners. I will definitely be back. It is a bit pricey though so be aware of that. It's worth it though!
(4)
Timsamstravelusa S.
Our standby restaurant for appetizers. i get the fried shrimp, really good. Sit at bar and be ready to be memorized by the oyster shucker. Check out the vibes from all of the beautiful southern women milling around the bar. It's a great place to find locals and tourists mingling together. I use to live just a few blocks down the street and walked all the time for food and drinks. This is a really popular place to eat, talk, and hangout. I give this five stars.
(5)
Sonya M.
We went for some late night eats, after a flight. Their beer selection is good, but the oyster shooters are a must! You won't find them anywhere else :-)
(5)
Frank W.
Truly brilliant. A chilled atmosphere in which we started with oysters, expertly explained by their specialist staff. The oysters were delicious. Next up was their mixed seafoof grill, again a truly brilliant dish at a very reasonable $26. Wine-wise it is not up to European standard but a decent effort nontheless.
(5)
Meghan C.
I really didn't write a review for Pearlz?! FOR SHAME! Anyway, we met some friends here for a midday snack and drink, with the kid and it was absolutely fantastic. The oyster shooters were amazing and the mimosas were indeed MEGmosas and cheap. I wish they opened a little earlier on weekends but I'll take what I can get!
(4)
Helen L.
My favorite place to go for oysters. Happy hour is M-F , 4-7PM. The beer is good, the oysters are delicious. I love the raw clams and the oyster sampler. The meals are also good. I loved the calamari as well. I haven't had anything here that I didn't like. Bloody Mary's are good with oysters as well as beer. Try their oyster shooter! When people visit, I always recommend this place and everyone has loved it.
(4)
Samuel A.
Dig this place. West Ashley location cool as well. Happy hour is the serious deal. Runs from 4-7pm M-F. Dozen oysters, raw or steamed, will run you $9.95 now, up a buck. House beers I believe are $2.50 a pint which is cool. Here's a link to the happy hour menu. hghosp.com/pdf/menu/2940… I'm all about the oysters and brew!
(4)
Scott P.
My favorite restaurant in all of Charleston! Everything from the menu, service, price and overall character of Pearlz makes it the best. I'm a huge raw oyster lover and this place does it right without the crazy prices. Truly a local gem and the restaurant is filled with locals as well as tourists. The only negative about Pearlz is that everyone flocks here - making getting a table or a spot at the bar during prime hours near impossible.
(5)
Aaron S.
For me, this is my real life show "Cheers." Listen Pearlz is awesome. Great friendly staff that is always welcoming to regular like myself. I like them so much that they catered 2 parties at my house. try the more expensive selects too. They are usually awesome, and the bartenders can give you descriptions of each. Shout out to my boy Nate, Kevin, Tim, Chad, and Michelle. Yall are the BEST!
(5)
Kyle T.
Had an epic meal on a busy night -- couldn't have asked for a better time. Well, actually we could have: we were right next to an omniscient Bro of Wall Street who hadn't mastered the art of the "inside voice" and held court for hours. Massengill Man aside we had a great time. Our terrific server took our massive order and doled it out at a sensible pace. Even though she was slammed with customers she took her time to help us with our choices, make recommendations and chat with us. As for the food, everything was top notch: peel and eat shrimp, oysters, tacos, etc. This will definitely be our first stop the next time we're in town.
(5)
R K.
Noise is unbearable. Food is so-so. Very crowded, and good reputation. Why? I can't tell you. In a city full of great restaurants, there is no reason in the world to choose this one. Fried oysters are heavily battered, paprika chips are different, but that's the best I can say.
(2)
Anna B.
This place was really tasty. They have their own brew on tap, which was really excellent. My husband had their white ale and loved it. I had the lager- very tasty! The food was really tasty. The only thing that wasn't totally awesome was their grits- kind of bland and tasteless.
(4)
Wxy Z.
They had a variety of food and it tasted good, but the restaurant wasn't a place I would rush back to. I probably would have given it a 4, except the bun my crab cake sandwich was served on was dry and not fresh.
(3)
Rachelle F.
We loved this place! We got seated at the window on a beautiful day so the window was open. The soups were great! the crab cake was delicious! and we finished our meal with the tollhouse pie, it was awesome! Great service and really happy with our experience here.
(5)
Sean W.
My mom came in for the week so I took her here for happy hour and dinner. One of the best Happy hours in Charleston. Plus, food and weekly specials are always on point. Service is also great and servers are friendly and honest and always ready with recommendations. Had Tyler as a server and the 'market special' dinner. Couldn't have asked for a better night! Thanks again Pearlz
(5)
Tajana C.
The fried shrimp I had were actually great. If that's what you're in the mood for, go here! But I was in the mood for the freshly caught fish that they pride themselves on. I am giving this place three stars because they were out of almost every fresh fish by 8pm on a Saturday. I was very disappointed after waiting two hours for a table here. I'd advise making early reservations.
(3)
Dan M.
I get to visit Charleston several times a year and one of my favorite activities is Pearlz Oyster Bar happy hour. Literally the best, enough said just go and check it out. Oysters are huge and cheap. I'm telling you these oysters are BEASTLY. Their oyster shooters are also awesome as well. I recommend slugging a few of those back as well. Only knock on this place is how crowded it can get. Arrive early, rope off a section and enjoy some great seafood.
(4)
Steve M.
I saw this online..did not disappoint!! Quality, friendly, awesome! Will miss this place
(5)
Jennifer F.
This is not a "5 star restaurant" for that fancy sit down restaurant.... but it does get 5 stars for excellent prices, service and food. I do really like the ambience of the restaurant as well. I got the seafood tower and it was AMAZING and filling. It was also a bargain. Boyfriend had a special that was very good as well. I really appreciate that this restaurant has a good menu and doesn't gauge you. I hope they continue to do so well!!
(5)
Lindsay O.
BEST Happy Hour in Charleston!!! Living in Boston where we have no happy hour, I very much appreciate an awesome happy hour and Pearlz was tops!! We visited a few other places in town, all had great food, drink and atmosphere, but when it came to Happy Hour no place compared to Pearlz. Fab drinks specials, a great menu selection and awesome oysters. The place is bustling and the staff are very friendly. We sat at the oyster bar area where we chatted with the two shuckers - Dent and Kevin - they were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the menu and took immense pride in their oysters!!! They also suggested we check out their sister restaurant for dessert (can't recall the name), but it was also delightful and worth the short walk!
(5)
Joanna I.
Great food. Excellent happy hour pricing especially for a touristy area. Service was just ok, but the food was fantastic. Oysters on the half shell and oyster shooters are a must. Ahi tuna burger was great and very flavorful. Homemade chips were fantastic. Despite Yelp saying it wasn't good for kids, they did have a kids menu with about 6 options.
(4)
Scott B.
Another great meal at Pearlz! Dinner with a large group while on vacation and everything was great. A few of us went early to get a table (expecting a long wait) and sat at the bar for drinks and appetizers. The bartender was great and quick with drink orders and suggestions for apps. It's a smaller restaurant with limited seating for 10 people and we had to wait an hour. This was told to us when we came in and the hostess kept checking in with us during the entire wait. She allowed 1/2 our party to sit at the table (long bar top type table) while we waited for the other 1/2 the table to leave. There wasn't enough room at the bar for this portion of our group, so it was nice they allowed them to be seated earlier than the entire group. The food was great and everything came out at the same time and was hot and perfectly prepared. The waiter was great and on top of everything and took care of the kids like they were paying the bill!
(5)
Mike G.
I should rate it 4 because it's hard to find a seat, but I can't because everything else was so great. Food was excellent and impressive drink specials. I had the burger which was very good, especially given this is a seafood establishment. My wife had a lobster roll which she really like and my dad had the barracuda and grits; which he said was the best he's ever had. My mom had the fish and chips, which seemed just okay. Overall, this seemed like a really great restaurant and good atmosphere.
(5)
Dawn K.
Met up with a group of friends at Pearlz for dinner while visiting Charleston. They don't have a lot of tables, so get there early or make a reservation! It was packed when we went for dinner, around 7pm on a Thursday in early October. Everyone was enjoying their oyster shooters (black pepper vodka, cocktail sauce and an oyster), but I refrained because it's not my cup of tea. I had a couple martinis, but I can't remember what kind. Then, I moved onto their Ahi tuna appetizer, which was sesame-crusted Ahi tuna with a siracha-wasabi sauce and seaweed salad. I nearly ordered seconds of this in place of an entree. I didn't, though, and chose mahi mahi tacos and corn fitters, based on some Yelp reviews. The mahi tacos were larger than I expected. I definitely didn't need the two I ordered. One would have been plenty! Besides the mahi, the tacos had cabbage, pico de gallo and a creamy sauce. Very tasty. The corn fritters were also a fairly large order. I think there were about seven fritters. Again, more than I needed, so I shared with the table. They were sweet and savory, with a bit of powdered sugar on top. If I ever stop in Charleston again, I would definitely go back to Pearlz for dinner or happy hour (everyone says it's a great time too!).
(4)
Lexie G.
This was my mothers second time to Pearlz and my first. Seeing as she knows I like oysters and rarely get the chance to have them fresh as I am a northerner, she took me here. It was after 8 pm on a Sunday and the place was already packed. We managed to secure two bar seats after standing around for a few minutes and decided we might as well just eat there too. We were seated next to the bartender who was responsible to setting up all of the oyster trays. It was a neat experience to get to watch him open the oysters and prepare them all. I had a couple of the pepper vodka oyster shooters while enjoying a beer as well. We split the peel and eat jumbo shrimp appetizer. The shrimp were jumbo, that is for sure. My mother had the friend oyster dinner while I had the lobster roll. The shrimp were fine; fried food isn't really my thing. My lobster roll tasted great; my only complaint is that when it was brought out to me I could still visibly see many piece of lobster claw shell pieces that were still on the lobster meat. I understand pieces get missed but these were huge pieces. Little off putting. Besides that, it was a great meal.
(4)
John H.
If you are in the mood for seafood, this is the place. People around me ordered the raw terrine that looked fabulous. I had oysters and they were cleaned well with a variety to choose from. Next, I had their special of grilled fish with risotto. The fish was great but the risotto lacked a creamy texture and the corn lobster bisque congealed and all I could taste was sweet corn. BUT the seafood was spot on. I can't wait to come back!
(4)
Justin H.
Long wait but it was worth it! Did a dozen oysters from the different regions. They have a great specials menu. Had the surf and turf and it was delicious. Great atmosphere too. Would highly recommend it.
(5)
Suzy H.
Best place to eat in Downton Charleston, SC. Oyster variety and freshness. Only restaurant we ate at a second time while in Charleston. My husband doesn't eat oysters and even he wanted to go again. Friendly employees and manager was accessible.
(5)
Alessandro M.
Stopped by and had dinner with family and friends while visiting Charleaton. I liked the atmosphere as it appeared to be a mix of visiting and some local folks. I particularly liked the bar setup and the dining areas. Food was good and service was great. I will go back although I would try to time it when it is not peak time as it is very popular... Oh! They got some tables outside - I think four. The raw house oysters were fresh as well as the raw cherry clams... They also have a great fish and chips... Chips made in house.
(4)
Sandy P.
Walked by this place last time we were in town because it seemed a little more upscale than what we were looking for. Not so! Comfortable place to hang out although quite crowded at the awesome happy hour. Got a spot for 3 right away at the community table. A dozen oysters on half shell for under $10??? Delicious, sweet and salty, no grit. Also had corn fritters (too sweet for happy hour fare, but tasty), homemade chips with blue cheese dip, fried shrimp...all tasty but I would order 2 dozen oysters and skip the rest next time. Drink prices are great - dirty martini for $5, bubbly for $3, good beer prices. Don't make the mistake of passing this one by!
(4)
Evgeniya V.
Charleston is a culinary heaven. But Pearlz Oyster Bar beats everyone with their oyster shooters. Amazing! Enjoy yall!
(5)
Staci A.
Def get the fresh catch w red rice & corn fritters. I'll forever dream of this meal. Hubs raved about fried oysters, not my thing. He loved his seafood grits but I preferred my meal. Basically EVERYTHING was great! Great atmosphere & service. Just go there, trust me.
(5)
Carl H.
Wife and I dropped in here for an early Sunday Dinner after a great Chamber Concert. It was rather busy, with a guitarist playing and singing on site. We sat at the community table and enjoyed the music. We ordered drinks and our dinners. Her "white sangria" was only OK. I had the bar brand marguarita and will say it was better than most. She had the local steamed oysters which she enjoyed. I had the crispy cod sliders with home made chips. Chips were good and the sliders were also good... not WOW but good. Overall it was a quick meal which is what we wanted, so were satisfied and woujld most deifnately return.
(3)
Nicholas J.
First time going here and I was impressed. Great happy hour specials on drinks and food. Harcd to beat a half pound of perfectly boiled shrimp for 8.95. I had their shrimp tacos whih came out nice and warm. Excellent food quality and service. For the price, Pearlz is hard to beat, especially with its proximity to all the high-end dining spots downtown.
(4)
Sloan S.
My boyfriend and I enjoyed eating dinner here. They have outdoor seating alongside East Bay Street, and the weather was perfect, so that kind of makes the meal, right? We started with a dozen oysters, steamed. As an oyster fiend, I thought the taste was on point (salty), but was a little disappointed in their size (kind of small). If they were larger I would have even considered ordering a dozen more. You do have to shuck them yourselves, but since we ordered them steamed, that wasn't too much work. For dinner, I had the New England lobster roll while my boyfriend ordered the signature burger. When the lobster roll arrived, I thought it was tiny! Then I ate my words. The lobster was rich and buttery, and the salad was not too mayonnaise-based; it was excellent. The roll that it was on was incredible. Seriously, toasted perfection. I was full when I finished eating so I'm guessing that you can't judge a book by its cover. Plus, the homemade chips are great (ask for blue cheese for dipping!). My boyfriend enjoyed his burger, although he said it was a little messy (this could have been a personal problem, hahah). Everything about our meal was great. The only downside (which I really hate to dock a star for) is that right by the outside tables are the trash cans, which are continuously being filled up by restaurant workers. On a breezy night, it's not quite the aroma you're hoping for. I asked one of the staff members who said that the trashcans are out every night, so I guess you can't escape it if you sit outside. If this is the kind of thing that bothers you, make sure to ask for indoor seating!
(4)
Jeremy A.
Pearlz was on the top of our list for places to try when we were visiting Charleston for the weekend. Their menu is limited which I actually like so that they can focus on serving the things they do well. I don't usually do oysters raw but I decided to try the Oysters Rockefeller which were very good and id definitely recommend as a starter. We also got the lobster roll which was awesome and their handmade chips are real good so definitely get those with your sandwich. The Ahi Tuna tacos were a bit underwhelming as they were 11 bucks and didn't come with any sides, so I wouldn't recommend them off the regular menu. I noticed they are on the happy hour menu so that's a better time to order them. Great service, I'll be back when we visit for sure.
(4)
David G.
The best happy hour you'll find anywhere, for price, selection and quality. This was our first stop in Charleston and I did not want to leave.
(5)
Liz B.
Great atmosphere and really good seafood at reasonable prices. We ordered the house oysters which were fresh and delicious. The kids were happy with their options on the kids menu, which were very reasonably priced. I thought the calamari was good but overly breaded. My fresh fish "small plate" was delicious and served over terrific grits. My husband ordered the fish and chips -- very good, huge portion (could be split between two people). Overall, great visit. We would go again if we could get in (had to wait 30 minutes for a table even though we dropped in very early at 5:00 for dinner).
(4)
Angel H.
Came back after a long hiatus and am updating my review, and I am adding a star for Pearlz's consistent good deals. I came in on a Sunday expecting to be gouged without happy hour specials and was pleasantly surprised to find awesome drink specials ($3 for a mimosa and $4 for Fleischman's vodka). Learning my lesson from last time, I didn't spring for the Va house oysters (priced at $16.95 a doz), but instead sprung for the Canada Cups at $23.95 - a great deal for some delicious oysters. My only gripe now is their mignonette- it has bits of oregano or basil in it, which is way too strong and has the effect of masking the oyster's delicate flavor. Will definitely come back when I need an oyster fix next.
(4)
Janey L.
The warm crab dip is DI-VINE. Do not leave this place without ordering the crab dip. It is the star of this restaurant. The crabcake sandwich is good but I thought it could be juicier somehow. I've tasted better crab cake in Maryland. But definitely still a solid dish. The fried shrimp dinner was also quite delicious, with the shrimp perfectly fried and a wonderful texture. Will definitely hope to come back. For the crab dip. IS IT CHEAP: no but get the crab dip it is worth every penny
(5)
Marc P.
Fantastic Happy Hour, but get there early as the wait can be an hour or so. When we got there we put our name on the 45 minute waiting list. TIP: you can give the hostess your cell number and walk up a few doors to Southend Brewery to grab a beer while you wait (you'll probably find seating at Southend while you wait, whereas it is SRO at Pearlz prior to being seated). The oysters were delicious; at $10 a dozen, my wife got two dozen (of which I managed to coax her out of four :) ). I got an order of the Grilled Mahi tacos which was really good (and was quite large), as well as the trout appetizer and fritters.... which were good, but which were overkill; the Tacos and Oysters would have been plenty filling enough.
(4)
Justin L.
Sure Dozens Of oysters Can be eaten But don't forget to try the tasty sides.
(4)
Cathleen N.
Our first stop on our most recent visit to charleston! We wanted to come back the next day for lunch but unfortunately, they only open for dinner/late night. $13/dozen for oysters?! No wonder we wanted to come back every day! We wanted to try another popular raw bar, but found that they charge over double what is charged at pearlz! The oysters were delicious and went down smoothly. They weren't the biggest, meatiest oysters, but they did the job. The corn fritters were to die for. They reminded me of savory beignets. I also love corn so that was a plus. I wanted to take an extra order back to the hotel with us, but my husband had to stop me :p I had the cod sliders and they were fantastic. The cod was nicely breaded and so flakey and moist on the inside. I love carbs so the bread that it was sandwiched in was soft and moist - the perfect complement. The kettle chips were also a nice touch and surprisingly didn't make the meal overly heavy. Overall, we had a fantastic experience here and wouldn't hesitate to return!
(5)
Amanda F.
We were looking for something less than $$$ on Yelp for dinner and found Pearlz. (Thanks Yelp!) We went on the early side hoping to beat the rush - we didn't! There was a 1.5 hour wait, but they took our name and said we could leave a phone number to wander around or wait for a spot at the bar. We opted to get a glass of wine somewhere else (bar was packed). We came back about an hour later and managed to get a spot at the bar. Moral of the story - go at least an hour before you're hungry! Apparently they're renowned for their bargain/delicious house oysters by the dozen. I overheard someone saying other places sell the same oysters for 3 times their price. Sadly I'm not a raw oyster gal, but the people around us were raving about them. We decided to go for appetizers - everything we had was absolutely delicious! And everyone's food around us looked awesome too. We started with NE clam chowder AND Gumbo (north vs. south, ya know). Well they were a delicious tie - I would have to get both next time too. Next up, Oysters Rockefeller. Felt like we had to get some oyster action and these were really good - topped with crab meat and baked. Yummm! For our "main" event we decided to get the peel & eat shrimp (there were 8 I believe and were jumbos) and an order of mussels. All the bartenders took great care of us and we were right in the action in front of the Oyster Shucking Station. They also had a reasonably priced drink menu for Charleston (my wine was 7 and house beer was 4.50). Pearlz will definitely be on the list for our next trip to Charleston, loved the vibe and food!
(5)
Jimmy K.
Love this place!!! The happy hour specials from 4-7 M-F are such a deal! 12 fresh raw oysters for $10.95! The beer is awesome and the food is fantastic! You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Carla D.
Five stars for the spectacular, flaky, crispy and hot fish and chips. The house made barbecue chips and broccoli slaw complimented the fish perfectly. Truly the BEST fried cod I've had. With that being said, 1.5 stars for the staff. The guy who brought my food was super nice, but if you sit at the bar, don't even bother to try to engage the oyster shuckers in friendly conversation. They'll just give you a "meh" and act coy. It's pretty offensive as a woman to hear their "ratings" of the other women in the restaurant, no matter how subtle they think they are being. Glad you are in your element boys, but when you ignore the customer in front of your face for the "8" that just walked out the door, it's time to grow up and put your big boy pants on. You're at work, and don't forget that. You really ruined my meal.
(3)
Glenda R.
Pearlz Oyster Bar, downtown Charleston SC Walked into this place by fluke thinking we would order some appetizers!! Boy, we were so off!! The atmosphere was great; our waitress was attentive and professional; she recommended a few of her favorites. We ordered the blue crab soup, oysters Rockefeller, salmon and the turf and surf. The food tasted amazing!!!! Chef Victoria is awesome!!!! We spent around $46 for everything!!! Great place, clean, awesome vibe, amazing food and a great price!!! Would we go again??? Yes!!!!
(5)
Kari L.
It's places like Pearlz Oyster Bar that make me long to live in the great city of Charleston. Voted best oysters in town for the last 6 years, it's not hard to see why this place is rammed from the time it opens for Happy Hour all the way through the evening. We heard about the excellent happy hour from a chef friend of ours, and decided to head on over. We got there at 3:50pm, and the chairs around the bar were already starting to fill up. We quickly positioned ourselves in the corner by the shuckers so we could watch the oyster action as well as take in the excellent view of the restaurant, filling with locals and tourists alike. It looked like lots of office folks in the area knock off early just to hit the happy hour, which features a dozen house oysters for $8.95, some beers for $2.50 and lots of other snackies and cocktails. Now I'm as wary as anyone when I hear the word "cheap" and "oysters" together. I have no particular fondness for gastrointestinal distress, nor do I feel like having one treacherous little guy put me under for the duration of my vacation. However, these are hands down some of the best oysters I had while in town. We talked to the shuckers for awhile who let us even sample some different ones just to see if we liked them. We immediately ordered up another dozen. The atmosphere is rocking, service is friendly and the people around you are always looking for a good time. In short, I frankly want to move in next door to this place and essentially eat there for the rest of my life. If you're in Charleston, be sure to put this on your happy hour list at least twice. I'll be the one at the end of the bar.
(5)
Becca R.
Go to this place for oysters & beer for happy hour. 5 stars for cool atmosphere & we were seated immediately at a community table. 3 stars for our meals - I had the shrimp n grits which was so disappointing! Very bland - do not order it! My husband had shrimp tacos, which he said were nothing special. 5 stars for cheap, good oysters! They were definitely the cheapest we came by in Charleston.
(4)
Santo C.
Great bar atmosphere. Too bad the shrimp and oysters weren't in the mood too. Spouse and I sat at a communal table. Aging yuppies on one side. Old folk drinking red wine on the other. The former were making friends. The latter not so much. Anyway, back to the food. Happy hour specials are a good deal, and while the peel and eat shrimp and oysters on half-shell were fresh, spouse says they just weren't flavorful But she has walking pneumonia. Actually I agree. Good, but "meh" The special label beer was great. I had the white ale. Light and citrus tones. Go here for the seafood but stay for the beer. We decided to leave.
(3)
Jimmy K.
I was never a fan of raw oysters but i had a Pleasant experience of raw oysters here. With the happy hour between 4-7on raw oysters and other selected menu, it's definitely a must-stop in Charleston. The lobster roll was a delightful experience however, it serves more as an appetizer than an entree regarding the portion. Over all, it's an exciting restaurant for those who are visiting as well as for those who live nearby!
(4)
Mimi N.
My favorite place to go for oysters every time I'm in Charleston. It's a must. It could get super busy here, but their service is fast and efficient.
(5)
Logan L.
My oyster craving has been satisfied--living in a landlocked state really makes a person go nuts when they can get fresh seafood. This was recommended due to their happy hour, which was really amazing! What would have been a $100++ bill was half that. Thank you Pearlz! My only suggestion is that they do not seat incomplete parties. With a happy hour as popular as theirs, I saw several seats that could have been sat left open for over 15 minutes thanks to incomplete parties. While it made sitting at the community table a bit better, the old restauranteur in me was freaking out realizing how much money was being lost with the two seats next to my husband and I being left open for 35 minutes before the final 2 members of a party arrived--in that time that could have easily been $40 revenue at minimum. Definitely recommending to others!
(4)
Stacy J.
Love the oysters. As always. =) We also ordered trout a special on the menu as well as fried oysters. Everything was great. =) But despite all that, I have to admit that the oysters is where it's at. That's what I come back to Charleston for. =)
(5)
Kathy S.
Seriously, everything here ends with a z: on their menu, there are Oysterz, Daily Specialz, and Dessertz. GAHHH. Even though that whole bit kills (killz?) me a little bit, Pearlz was still a fantastic choice for seafood during our Charleston visit! Kenzie K. and I skipped the Hyman's line and got into Pearlz right away at 7:30pm, squeezing into some spots at the counter by the front windows. Fun fact: you get a lot of great people-watching if you sit there. We decided to go all out that night and got the Raw Bar Deluxe Plateau, complete with 9 oysters, 6 shrimp, clams, 1/2 lobster, tuna tartar, scallop ceviche, lump crab, and mussels. PHEW. The tuna tartar was a little too sweet for my tastes and the ceviche was fine, but honestly, they really don't hold a candle to the fresh oysters, lobster, and crab. Add in a side of asparagus and it was close to the perfect seafood dinner. We had great service all night, especially our waitress who helped us fend off some (hilarious) drunken advances from some fellows at the bar. Not sure if that was intentional or if she just showed up at all the right times but either way, it was very handy. Thanks! My only regrets: not ordering another round of raw oysters, and the fact that I live so far away and can't be here every weekend. Try it out!
(4)
David Z.
Update: Added a star because Pearlz reached out. I appreciate that they care enough to do so. I was so pumped for this place. Read all the great reviews on yelp and was positive I was going to have an amazing meal. First night in Charleston, we hit this spot. The ladies at the door could not have been nicer. The place is not so big, so it took about 30 mins to get a table (not many tables). So we did not order Oysters, but the 4 or so dishes we did order were all not so great. Portions were not large, and in general, the food was just not remarkable. We only had a few nights in town and in retrospect wish we would have tried someplace else.
(3)
Jack H.
For the oyster bar category, this place easily receives 5 stars. My lovely bride started with the house Bloody Mary and I enjoyed a Goslings ginger beer. The fried shrimp are an absolute must starter. We shared the fish and chips, made with cod, plus their lobster roll. The food is top notch, as is the service. We love this place!
(5)
Joy W.
I had the best seafood of my life at Pearlz Oyster Bar in downtown Charleston. We came here for dinner on a Friday night, and the three of us only had to wait about 30 minutes. ATMOSPHERE: 5 Stars This bar has a fun cool vibe to it and the patrons range from young to old. But whoever it was, it looked like they were having a good time. There are a few bigger booths that could seat up to 8 people along the wall, a long table down the middle, and a row of seats at the bar. FOOD: 4 Stars We started with 1/2 a dozen raw House oysters on the half shell, and 1/2 a dozen steamed oysters. The raw ones were a bit smaller than we would have liked, but the cocktail sauce was on point. The steamed ones were a bit larger, and they provided tools for you to shuck the steamed oysters which was fun. We also got the oyster shooters which were exactly what I expected it to be, and the oyster in there was much more substantial in size than the house oysters. The crab cakes appetizer blew me away - it was literally the best crab cake I have ever eaten, even compared to the ones in Maryland. This crab cake, though not the largest I've had, was very meaty and hardly had any stuffing, and didn't taste fried. Finally, the special of the day was Blackened Mixed Seafood Grill which was absolute perfection since it allowed me to eat a lot of different types of seafood while having solid flavors. It had: scallops, monkfish, sheepshead and local amberjack, andouille sausage, and red pepper-crawfish risotto, all in sweet corn-lobster butter broth. It was also literally the most perfect risotto I've ever eaten in my life. My friend ordered the oyster potato soup special of the day, but hers didn't include oysters at first so the servers brought out another bowl that had more. The missed stars go to forgetting oysters in the soup the first time along with the smaller house oysters. Otherwise, the food was excellent! SERVICE: 4 Stars The servers were very accommodating. At first, they sat us outside, but the table next to us was smoking and we had a pregnant woman in our group, so we requested to move inside. The hostess gladly figured something out to seat us inside. Also, the waitress did a great job of splitting our check and correcting a mistake on our original checks. Only miss was that they forgot to bring out a spoon with the new bowl of soup, so we had to wait and request another spoon from a different waiter. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my experience at Pearlz Oyster Bar, and will dream about that mixed seafood risotto for years to come. I highly recommend it for anyone visiting from out of town!
(4)
Es L.
Service was great. Oysters, beer, clams and their stone crab claw special was delicious. Kids were so happy to finally eat seafood in charleston!
(4)
Jennifer S.
This is a must! It was just perfect in so many ways. The food was to superb! The whole staff was great, but our waitress Katie, was amazing. It was the perfect end to a wonderful trip, for our first time visiting Charleston. Jennifer S.
(5)
Jackclyn N.
The crab dip was delicious, though a little less crab-tasting than I'd prefer. It was closer to a crab-flavored spinach dip, but really hit the spot as an appetizer. The seafood on the entrees was all clearly fresh and well prepared. My friend had a steamed salmon on veggies, which was light and refreshing. My own seafood linguini highlighted the flavor of the clams, mussels, and shrimp very well but lacked any flavor in the sauce. A sprinkle of Old Bay fixed it up nicely. The customer service was wonderful and the bar has excellent offerings. The place is a bit small, as is usual in historic Charleston buildings, but a great experience. The wait for tables was 45 minutes but space for the bar is a free for all, so the manager jokingly advised us to look for someone at the bar paying their bill and stand near them so they know we want their seat. Great place to stop for seafood along the water!
(4)
Cyndi W.
Our first night was awesome. Our waitress was Katie and she was terrific. We told her we would be back on Sunday. So we had dinner on Friday and Sunday. I got a surprise tonight in my half of raw oysters " a small pearl" I could not believe it at first but yes a pearl. I will be posting a picture later in some good light.
(5)
Brenda H.
Great place in Charleston. Only reason I give it a 4 is because the waitress wasn't the best and was somewhat "stand-off"ish and parking was a hassle ...but it is in a downtown area. Food was awesome though!
(4)
Bobby L.
Great atmosphere and delicious food. We sat at the bar overlooking Bay Street - fun to people watch while enjoying a delicious meal. Would highly recommend.
(4)
Rick F.
Darlings, I have spent my youth on the rear deck of a Louisiana shrimper. The "BLT Seafood Tower" has some very peculiar imported crabmeat. OTOH, the lobster roll was great! Proceed with caution ! Rick
(2)
Marisa L.
Pretty sick happy hour deal, from 4-7:30 there are deals on oysters, snacks and and all kinds of drinks (wine, beer, champagne and cocktails). The oysters were from New Orleans and really fresh. Oyster shots were $2.50 (oyster, vodka, tabasco) . We arrived around 5 on a Friday and there was almost a half hour wait, but we went to a nearby bar and they called us when a spot opened up. We sat at a communal table next to other people but that was fine, it was a happening, loud, social atmosphere anyway. I had the Mahi fish tacos, they were 2 for $6 and they were fresh, and a good deal at that. Greal deal, great food and lively atmosphere, it was difficult to not want to come back the next day!
(4)
Michael K.
Pearlz has been feeding oysters on the half shell to the masses for almost 10 years in Charleston, and they sure do go through a lot of oysters. In short, this is a great place to visit. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is very good. Particularly, their price on oysters is as good as you can hope for in Charleston. Additionally, their happy hour is pretty top notch with $2.50 draft beers, and reduced price selection of plates from the raw bar and starters. The atmosphere is upbeat and friendly, and you'll always leave happy. Why 3 stars? Well, they serve a heck of a lot of oysters, but I really do not see them putting any special care in cleaning the oysters. That's a big subtraction for me. I also do not feel as though they store their oysters properly at the raw bar when they are busy. When consuming something like an oyster, the only thing a restaurant can really do to differentiate themselves is: 1) store it properly, and 2) make sure its super clean. They may have the best prices on oysters in town, but they're also pretty dirty. However, its a great restaurant with a high energy buzz and the food is good. The happy hour is pretty amazing too - just get there early or be prepared to wait for a seat!
(3)
Louise M.
Loved the lobster roll and peach belon but the oysters rockerfeller and shrimp and grits were mediocre. Didn't care for the tomato sauce and corn/black beans with the grits. Shrimp was spicy and cold. Didn't taste the bacon in the oysters but they were still good. Waitress was very attentive despite the busyness of the place. Would definitely try it again when in town and try other items.
(3)
Natalie B.
NO RESERVATION available!!!! Horrible wait time!!!!!!!! Walked in there for my 3rd year wedding anniversary to an 1.5 wait time!!! RUDE manager!!!
(1)
Erik A.
This is my favorite spot in Charleston as I can eat a s!#t load of oysters and it happen that it's 1/2 off on mon-Fri 4-7. Well located, very busy and good vibe is what I am looking for in a restaurant. Very friendly staff and I definately enjoy this little gem every time I go. Give it a shot and I bet you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Nikkita M.
Came here for the famous oyster shots. Oyster, absolut peppar, and cocktail sauce. well priced and goes down smoothly. DONT LET IT SIT IN YOUR MOUTH, a friend did that, and it was unpleasant. I did think it was weird that they sit large groups by the window and then sit two at large booths
(3)
Stephanie O.
I have only had the mussels, but they are A-1 every time! yum!
(3)
Michelle M.
Loved our first raw oyster bar experience!! Friendly fabulous service! We were even given a raw oyster shooter each courtesy of our waiter!! Great casual atmosphere! Our entree was great except one scallop way overdone but overall was excellent!
(4)
Viv G.
We came here our first night in Charleston, lured by the stellar Yelp reviews and how happening it was for a Thursday night. We were not disappointed! The bar was jam packed (note for future visits: get there right when happy hour starts) and the wait was about 40 minutes but we were lucky enough to snag one seat (my husband stood) that gave us a great view of the oyster shucking action. I tried one of the cocktails, And thought it was pretty good. We had a dozen oysters (freshly shucked in front of us and bigger than the oysters we spotted at the neighboring restaurants) the fried oysters (which were decent but a bit expensive for what you got), and the mani tacos (which were AWESOME). I would go back just for the tacos.
(5)
Tracy N.
Really good food! The corn fritters are to die for. We ordered the Thai mussels based on other Yelpers reviews, and there wasn't much Thai about them, although they were still good. The shrimp and grits were tasty as well. Raw oysters were great with their mignonette. We dined outside which was pleasant. We would recommend this restaurant!
(4)
Yuan L.
The front desk told me three times "20 minutes to wait". Feel be cheated. It is a place you have to wait 4ever.
(2)
Joy C.
I come here all the time, so I thought I should post a review. Everyone working here is so nice and knowledgeable, especially Nate. He shucked oysters at a party we hosted in our house. He is wonderful! He even took the time to teach me how to shuck! I'm definitely not as good as him it as fast! Michelle, Kevin, and Jeremiah give he best service. They have a wonderful happy hour from 4-7. My faves are raw oysters, fried oysters, and the occasional oyster shooter. Sit at the bar and get to know the people working there! All of the menu items are great. I have never been disappointed!!
(5)
Amy C.
Crazy long wait for a table but.... Worth it- 2 in our party had the lobster rolls, buttery, fresh and simple. The other 2 had a dozen oysters and soup. Simple perfect, fresh, great service, fun atmosphere. Deserving of the high praise reviews. Not sure of the reputation for "cheap" our dozen was $25
(5)
Boon K.
I know this is a seafood place but you have to order their pork rinds. They are so large and yummy with a nice cold beer. Their oyster are super fresh and perfectly shucked. Great and fun service. My co worker loved the chicken apple curry soup, not too over powering and just a great balance of favor. I had the fried shrimp and they were huge. Nicely seasoned and batter.
(5)
Liss M.
Awesome atmosphere and decor . We started with the rockerfella oysters, they were perfect. I ordered the NY strip which was amazing , cooked perfectly. My husband got the shrimp tacos , flavour was there but could have been a lot more fish inside . Over all it was a great time , we will definitely be back.
(4)
Michelle B.
Great food, ambience, and costumer service.. The fried oysters and oyster shooter were delicious!
(5)
Shaun D.
Absolutely wonderful! I've been to Pearlz half a dozen times and it continues to impress. Personally, I'm a fan of sitting at the raw bar, where you can watch the action and get "insider" info regarding the various types of fresh oysters. That's right, not only does Pearlz offer 6-8 different species of fresh oysters (from the Pacific NW, Gulf, and along the N. Atlantic coast), they're extremely knowledgable about what they serve and they're happy to explain/assist! If you couldn't tell, their delicious oysters are what keeps me coming back, but the friendly staff, warm and inviting atmosphere, and seafood-lovers dream menu may play a role too. Lol If you're in the area, stop by Pearlz...you'll be glad you did!!
(5)
Katie B.
Always a great happy hour spot! The oysters are SO GOOD.
(4)
Joe S.
Food was really good. The place was packed but the service remained strong and everyone was super friendly. Two of us had a dozen oysters and before ordering, talked about the selection with the two men shucking them. Both were very knowledgeable of the product! We also ate the fried oysters which came with the house buffalo sauce. They were great but we wished there were a few more on the plate. Both of us had the tuna tartar as well. It was fantastic. 4 1/2 on the food, 5 on the service and atmosphere.
(5)
Andrew R.
The happy hour menu is a great deal. If you're in the mood for oysters and aren't picky about where they're from, you'll do fine here. You can even get half raw and half steamed (for a different take on oysters for those of us not from these parts). Apart from that, we didn't try anything except the lager. It was actually fairly decent. I wasn't expecting much, but it was entirely drinkable, crisp, and thirst quenching; exactly what you'd want from a light-tasting lager. Oysters and beer - it doesn't get much better than that.
(4)
Lisa S.
Incredible happy hour, but prices are fair even when it's not happy hour. Friendly efficient bar staff, good local beer, and awesome raw bar. You cannot go wrong with the oysters, and the shrimp are some of the freshest around.
(5)
Brett P.
Me and my wife went for the first time last night and let me tell you, the food was AMAZING, the drinks were made perfectly, and the service was impeccable. Our waitress, Noell, was awesome, she was not to sparse, but also not too overbearing. She was very knowledgeable and very helpful to a couple that just moved to the area, looking for a nice date night. We will definitely be going back there. This place is amazing.
(5)
Miriam U.
The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered a dozen blue point and one dozen umami oysters. I had the fried shrimp and oysters and my Hubby had three tacos. Everything was simply fabulous.
(5)
Matt S.
Great fried oysters and fish tacos. Place is packed for happy hour but good service. I definitely recommend if you are in town. Tables outside make for great people watching.
(5)
Megan H.
This review is for oysters and wine only. Here's what I liked: -Pearlz has a great oyster selection from all over the states. -Large selection, good deals as far as pricing and picking your variety. -Good service; we sat at the bar and were taken care of pretty well. What I wasn't thrilled about: - My white wine tasted old and seemed to come out of the end of the bottle. - The oyster shells could have been cleaner on the outside before serving. - I saw an order of oysters sitting and waiting to be picked up from the bar for quite some time-- it's important to serve them fresh, quickly, and chilled. - The bathroom situation is pretty bad-- clean, but they only have one for each gender. I waited quite a while. I'd give this place 3.5 stars. If we had the cooked food (which looked very good both on the menu and off), perhaps I would have been more impressed.
(3)
Mary W.
Fun cocktails, great service and absolutely delicious food! We couldn't decide and ended up with an array of wonderful seafood - from stone crab to hamachi to soft shell crab and fried oysters... This was by far our favorite meal in Charleston!
(5)
Ilsa M.
Amazingly fresh oysters!! Went here for some drinks and appetizers - got some oysters and the friend shrimp and we were very happy. Staff was very friendly and helpful in suggesting some local beers to try.
(5)
Leslie B.
Loved this place. Awesome late lunch. Incredible Bloody Mary and Summertime cocktail. The peel n eat shrimp and corn fritters. Yum!!! We arrived at happy hour and after 4 cocktails and 4 appetizers, our bill was only $46. Excellent service. Excellent drinks. Delicious food. I would definitely go back! Extremely casual. Energetic atmosphere. Fantastic.
(4)
Megan F.
Great atmosphere and oysters. The happy hour pricing is wonderful! We will definitely make this our place to visit for oysters when in Charleston.
(5)
Ashley I.
Pearlz saved us when we were in a bind and are forever grateful! My boyfriend and I planned a last minute trip to SC for NYE and failed to make reservations anywhere --dumb, I know. I came across Pearlz and their amazing reviews on Yelp and with fingers crossed gave them a call. The hostess was incredibly sweet and told us to come on over and they would accommodate us the best they could. They weren't lying either! We showed up and had a 10 minute wait at the bar, which was nothing considering the place was jam packed. Once seated, we ordered the crab dip (a MUST have if you go), some oysters, fried shrimp, and a lobster roll. Everything was phenomenal! My boyfriend said the lobster roll was one of the best he's ever had. My fried shrimp and oysters were also equally good. Definitely a must try if ever in the SC area!
(4)
Michael H.
I surprised the heck out of myself by trying the grilled wolf fish at Pearlz, and I'm glad I did. My wife's shrimp-and-something meal was tasty, but the wolf fish was off-the-charts delicious. We ate outside so I don't have a lasting impression of the ambiance, but I can say that the staff were excellent and very attentive to our needs, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
(5)
Jessica G.
I have been to Pearlz on a few different occasions while in Charleston, as it comes recommended for oysters, but when I work here the days tend to run late, so this was my first Pearlz happy hour experience. A group of five of us arrived around 5:30 to find the place pretty packed. Ideally we would have liked a table outside, or our own booth inside, but when we heard an hour wait that just was not happening and settled for one of the high top longer tables closer to the bar. They sit probably 10-12 people so unless you have a very large party it is kind of community seating. We all ordered drinks and looked over the happy hour menu. Oysters are the main draw here at $9 a dozen and you can watch the staff shucking them just a few feet away at the bar. I'm not experienced enough in oysters to comment on the taste, but they did look fresh. They also offer an oyster shooter which seems to be an oyster in some sort of bloody mary type shot ($2.50). I don't think I would ever be brave enough to try this, but it was fun to watch other take the shot, then make a weird face when the oyster slid down the glass and into their mouths. It was almost always a look of surprise/disgust...I'm not sure why people do that to themselves. We also ordered the house chips which I thought were well fried and seasoned and quite delicious dipped in the blue cheese dressing. The crispy fried shrimp were a standout item to me as the shrimp were large, the coating was crunch and not greasy, and they were served with a really great sweet chili dipping sauce. I also tried the fried oysters which were great dipped in the buffalo sauce. I stuck with the happy hour bites but two members of our party got the steak and shrimp entree. It looked delicious and was served with scalloped potatoes, but both mentioned that the steak wasn't cooked quite how they had requested. The service here was ok. The waitress was friendly enough, but didn't seem very detail oriented as we had requested things come out in a certain order and those requests were pretty much totally disregarded. I was impressed with the happy hour overall, but given that the entrees left a little to be desired (I've noted that in the past as well) I am going with three stars. If I rate it only for happy hour I think I would go with four, but since happy hour hour is only a few hours a few days a week, I'll stick with three.
(3)
Kassi G.
We ordered the oyster shooters, oysters rockefeller, lobster roll and tuna burger. All were delicious. I wasn't disappointed with a single aspect of my meal or experience. The bartenders were friendly and the atmosphere was inviting and vibrant. I highly recommend Pearlz!
(5)
Chloe E.
Really one of the most fun happy hours I have been to. And I am not alone in that opinion. It gets packed quick. Had the oysters, muscles and a few tasty drinks. We were going a pre feeding before FIG. FIG is amazing but I knew that my boyfriend would need to not go there starving. And the prices are right. Especially for the location. Will be back here for dinner on the next visit. Also the people watching was amazing!
(5)
Carlos O.
Awesome. Just awesome. Had a dozen oysters, they were solid and got a blackened swordfish over chedder chorizo grits. The swordfish was moist and had a nice spice to it. The grits were great! Service was friendly and the atmosphere was lively.
(5)
Dio S.
Stopped by for the happy hour. Got in fairly early and did not have to wait, which judging from other reviews was pretty lucky, and it did start to get busy quickly. This was a classic oyster bar atmosphere, casual and fun. The selection of alcoholic beverages is not exactly large, but includes some unique house brews. House oysters are good for the price and very much hit the spot when washed down with some crisp local beers. Very good gumbo and raw clams. Fritters and crab cakes are okay. The fun atmosphere and prime location are an undeniable strength. While the food is overall good quality but fairly predictable. Then again, what kind of person finds it hard to enjoy good quality classic oyster house staples? Have the right expectations and you will come away a happy camper.
(4)
Elizabeth A.
My husband and I went with our baby, and the wait was over an hour (on a Saturday night for a booth), so we got our food to-go. It only took 15 minutes to get. Over an hour later, we ate it, and it still tasted amazing! We got shrimp and grits, hot crab dip, and fish and chips. The fried food was crispy, the fish tasted very good with a little too much breading (maybe it expanded while sitting, though), the hot crab dip was delicious, the grits were amazing, and there was a lot of yummy, juicy shrimp. We will return! Definitely go here! We almost rated it 5 stars instead of 4. If there was an option for 4.5, we would've picked that. :)
(4)
J T.
Wow. Wicked good food. Simple and to the point; a well rounded seafood eatery and bar. Had the house oysters (tempted by bluepoint), clam chowder, and house salad with green goddess dressing. Are at the bar and enjoyed attentive cocktail service and observing the shucking of dozens (and dozens, and dozens) of oysters. The foot was great and the drinks well made . Reasonably priced for the quality of food. Will certainly return.
(5)
Tim A.
Awesome old school bar with top notch shellfish. House oysters were superb. Oyster shooters were money. Scallops and asparagus were perfectly prepared. Excellent place for drinks and seafood with a group of lively friends
(5)
Josephine R.
I ate their last night, very very good. I had the Oysters and a shrimp taco. The broccoli slaw was very good.
(5)
Nicole A.
We came here twice. Once for normal dinner business hours, and my hubby said best oysters he's ever had (and he's had a lot). Crab cake app was awesome. Not too much filler just the way I like it. Came here again for happy hour, which is a great deal! We ordered fried oysters, which were freaknnnn awesome deliciousness. Ordered shrimp which were huge and yummy and good quality. Ordered oysters again and they were too big... Ouch. Too big. But it would've been a great deal if they were smaller. You can't beat $1 oysters and $2 brews!
(4)
Jenn J.
Superb service and food. We had shrimp/grits, lobster roll, calamari and for dessert we had Hawaiian coconut. All. Dishes were perfectly cooked. The staff very friendly. A must go while visiting Charleston!!!
(5)
Jenney Z.
This is a review on their happy hour. Coming from boston, a city giving no discount on liquor, we really appreciate the happy hr in the city. Nothing beats a $2 beer and $5 wine and mixed liquor. I would give their mixology a 4. It s good but not as good as High Cotton, another place offering happy hr on the same street. They also offer discount on food such as dollar oysters and fried oysters. The deal is only on local oysters from VA. The taste is subpar to blue point from ny or wellfleet ma. But hey, I ll never say no to $1 oysters. Didn't have the appetite to try their main dish but everyone around us seem to enjoy the seafood. The menu is very simple one page. Would live to go back again!
(4)
Ken K.
I was here several times and it's always good food and good atmosphere. Can't wait to be back.
(5)
Myia B.
The Atmosphere & Service We ventured into Pearlz for a late lunch and found that there was a crowd (good sign). We were lucky enough to snag the last two window seats without waiting. There is seating at the bar too where you can watch all the action and magic. The atmosphere was lively but not over the top. A mixed crowd - not flashy or super tradish, but a blend of young and old, super casual and southern refinement. There was a buzz of laughter and conversation. The host was kind and our server was great. Even the patrons were friendly as the lady next to us leaned in and gave us a welcoming grin accompanied with a good old southern greeting. The Food Oyster Shooters 4* Oysters on the Half Shell 4* Fried Shrimp 3* Seafood Cobb Salad 5* *all out of 5 possible stars The oyster shooters were strong - not a bad thing, you're paying for a shot and you're getting a shot of peppered vodka for sure. If I were a drinker this probably would've gotten 5 stars. I was talking to the host about it and he was gracious enough to suggest trying it with a beer the next time - less bite, a little more sweetness. I found myself wanting to add lemon juice, tabasco and tomato juice to the shooter with a pinch of salt and pepper. The fried shrimp were good...like they were fresh off the boat. Nothing to write home about flavor wise. Good size though...good shrimp. The oysters were darn tasty. I would have given these a perfect 5 but I had at least one popped belly and another was so deflated I wondered if it could still be called an oyster. Not sure what kind these were - he told me but I forgot. The ones that were good though, were just delicious. I wanted more of those. The cobb salad was very good. Normally I always need a little extra dressing for my tastes, plus a little salt and lots of pepper. This salad needed only the pinch of salt. It was so good...bacon, crab, shrimp...delicious. I added a little lemon and a little tabasco after finishing half the salad without. I wanted more of this too. And it was pretty to boot. I also saw what looked like a burger from afar that made my mouth water...served with a handful of house made chips (that I forgot to order but really wanted). The board menu featured crab bisque. I would definitely go back and try other menu items too.
(4)
Regina S.
What a fun place. We sat outside on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The windows were all open so we could easily hear the live music playing inside. The musician was awesome as he had an unbelievable range of songs that he sung......from Jefferson Airplane to Johnny Cash. It was kind of funny, as the neighboring table brought their German Shepherd along and his name happened to be "Cash". All in all.....good times. We planned on drinking our afternoon away as we were waiting on a train back to Washington DC, but the menu of the day's specials just kept grabbing our attention. The small plates sounded so creative and had a great eclectic list of ingredients. We decided on their version of the "baked oysters Rockefeller". The shells came perfectly stuffed with crawfish, lump crab, tiny bits of bacon and of course an oyster. Such a perfect harmony of flavors. I wish I could list the other menu items, but my memory was a bit foggy after the warm sun and the multiple glasses of pinot grigio. The restaurants main menu is pretty straightforward and may not hint at the creativity that the kitchen can deliver. Folks sitting next to us indulged in many more of the day's specials than we did and they all raved about their meals. Prices are unbelievably affordable, considering Charleston has taken full fiscal advantage of its numerous titles as "best US city/town." I would come back in a heart beat. The service was great and swift considering the tendency to be "slow as molasses" in the South. Everyone was super friendly. It was almost a shame we had to leave.......but we will be back.
(4)
Gary R.
This is only a rating for the happy hour. I cannot attest to any of the other food but let me just state this unequivocally - this is one of the best happy hours I've ever been to! And I've been to a lot. Oysters for $8.95 a dozen. Three hour happy hour? (4-7) are you kidding me? Fish tacos for $5.95?(they were great, btw). Home brewed craft beer selections for $2.50? A terrific atmosphere with tons of energy, a great people watching space, this is the place to be!!!! The guys shucking the oysters were clearly overworked. But they were so good! I sat at the bar right in front of them and by the volume of oysters they shucked it was clear I wasn't the only one enjoying this treat. And man, were those oysters good!!!! Large juicy and oh so sweet, these were the stuff dreams are made of!! If you're in the area and don't stop, shame on you. You're missing out. Next time I'm in town, you'll find me bellied up to the bar with a couple dozen empty shells in front of me. You'll know its me by my contented smile.
(5)
Rick J.
We had the large cold platter and it was amazing. Clams, oysters, lobster, muscles and shrimp. Awesome
(5)
Therese D.
Pearlz is one of the best spots in Charleston! The happy hour specials are to die for, as well as the oysters. The Corn Fritters are great from the HH menu , cooked perfectly. The speciality drinks are awesome , definitely check this delicious place out when in Charleston, a must stop !'
(4)
Tian Q.
Corn fritters were overhyped and above-average at best. That said, Pearlz' lobster was omgz freaking SO AMAZEBALLS with perfectly toasted bun, freshly marinated giant lump of lobster meat, and deliciously-baked house chips on the side. 5 stars alone for all that lobster jizz in the mouth.
(5)
Mac R.
The perfect Happy Hour can be as elusive as finding the Holy Grail. When we walked into Pearlz, both of us realized that this could be it! After 2 visits, I can clearly attest that this place does indeed have the Perfect Happy Hour!!! It's busy & bumping in there with lots of fun people & activity. There are 2 incredibly skilled oyster shuckers working it with all the gusto they can muster and they totally keep up with the demands of a super busy bar where the Happy Hour price for a dozen Gulf Oysters is $8.95 from 4-7pm weekdays. And those oysters are spectacular! Even on a super busy Friday, we had our oysters in 5 minutes! Those guys are really good at this!!!! Pearlz also has their own craft beer and during Happy Hour it's $2.50! They have other assorted goodies like Mahi Fish Tacos for $5.99, too. Yep, this is the Holy Grail of Happy Hours & we're going back tomorrow!!!!
(5)
Natalie F.
Loved this place! Went there for a late dinner on a Sunday and was pleasantly surprised with the service, especially after a long drive. Clam chowder was great, as were the house oysters, tuna burger & tuna taco. They had a great selection of beer and wine. A nice, chill atmosphere. We would go again! Ps ask for Ben, that dude rocks. He was our server and offered amazing suggestions of sites to see and restaurants to go to on our trip! A good man!
(5)
Ruth W.
If you love seafood, than you should make a stop here. Oysters shucked in front of you & very fresh! I had the blt tower salad & it was the best salad I've ever had, more seafood than salad! Busy little place but so worth it!
(4)
Adam O.
We ended our day in Charleston here and I couldn't be happier with the choice. The fresh oysters were fresh and delicious but honestly I'm a little disappointed that I didn't just go with a larger serving of the New England Clam Chowder, which was utterly amazing. The service was quick and friendly, though as we didn't make a reservation we got put up on a counter with another party, so we were a little crowded, but that's on us. Highly recommended.
(5)
Dick D.
Don't miss Happy Hour at Pearlz - 4 to 7 M-F a dozen fresh, succulent oysters for $9.95 and excellent Bloody Marys for $5. We ate oysters until we thought we were growing shells. The wait staff was attentive, busy, and pleasant. Get there early, because the room fills up quickly.
(5)
Darly S.
YES I LOVED THE OYSTERS!!!! DELICIOUS and SURELY IS FRESH! right in downtown Charleston! I went here with my boyfriend mainly for oysters. He enjoyed the warm crab dip. The shriimp and gritz were okay, I believe you can get somewhere else better. It was a bit tooooo thick and cheesey.
(4)
Katie L.
Well, this place is great! Don't be dissuaded by the "z" at the end of "Pearlz." I recently met up with a high school friend I hadn't seen in about a decade, a Charleston local, and we caught up with drinks at a Friday happy hour. With incredible luck, I was able to snag two adjacent seats at the bar. My friend and I ordered a few cocktails, oyster shooters, and a dozen raw oysters. All were outstanding, and especially so at happy hour prices ($5 cocktails, $2.50 oyster shooters, and $9 for a dozen raw oysters). Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. weekdays. The bartender, who was extremely friendly, brought me the wrong drink when I asked for a second, hence the one star deduction. Other than this, it was a fantastic experience. The place has an upscale casual vibe, moderately trendy decor, and a few small tables available outside on East Bay Street. Will definitely return!
(4)
Andy D.
Great, Great, Great! We were actually told not to come here, the Charlestonite, said it wasn't that good. either he's an idiot, or he doesn't want the tourists there. Alas, I to like in a tourist town so he was disregarded. Pearlz is superb, the owner actually was acting as the host and sat us, and yes the wait was long, but worth it. He's a good guy, very informative, and still appears to enjoy the life of a restauranteur! Oysters, they were great, not as pricy as Miami's River House Restaurant, but, they were still up there. The fish dishes were very fresh, and service excellent. This is a time I was glad not listening to a local. Oh, by the way he works at Charleston Beer Works, shame on you dude, we tipped you well!
(5)
Andre B.
We had heard great things about this place, but overall the wife and I were underwhelmed. If yelp allowed half stars, I could bump it to 3.5 stars. I really felt our visit on this day was closer to 3 stars. First, we sat at the community table in the middle of the restaurant and that can always be hit or miss. Anyway, this was a miss as the couple on my right were slurring their words and it was an awkward scene. The people on my left were fine, but I would likely skip the community table here. The wife and I had a perfectly fine community table experience at Butcher and Bee earlier in the day. We really just wanted oysters and the wife got a bloody mary. Our server was a little weird as well and looked like she wasn't having the best day and just wanted to leave already. All in all, the oysters were good, not great. It was happy hour, so a lot of drunk people around. At least the couple next to us left as awkwardly as they probably walked in. If the bar at Husk had oysters, we probably wouldn't have come here at all. If we do return, I would get a booth or try to sit at the bar. I will say that their whole menu looked good. They are very popular and I am sure that they will be around for us to try them again.
(3)
Mark P.
You can actually choose the region that your oysters came from, based on what they have in. That is something I have never seen in any restaurant before. That alone makes this a must go to restaurant.
(5)
C F.
Happy Hour is the best! Great waiters, great atmosphere, great food and reasonably priced. Best place in Charleston.
(5)
Pei L.
It was sooooooo great. We 've been waiting for 30mins coz there were so many people there. But it worth it!
(5)
Alexandra S.
I was in raw oyster heaven here and could barely wait for the doors to open at 2pm on a recent Saturday. We got 12 cold, briny and succulent Gulf oysters for $11.95. Where I come from, this is considered a steal. The Gulf oysters are favorites of mine being big and meaty but delicately flavored and creamy. Husband had a beer while I sipped a fairly good prosecco. To me, nothing like raw oysters and something bubbly to drink. The place is in one of downtown Charleston's old and gorgeous buildings filled with loads of charm, kind of like the city itself.. I loved the tin ceiling and the long wooden bar at which we sat. Because my ability to consume raw oysters knows no bounds, we found ourselves ordering a second dozen. And this is where this place loses a star. This is a popular place and it fills up quickly. The day we visited, there was simply not enough help. There were only two guys shucking and although we could see they were working hard and fast, there needed to be at least two other shuckers to keep up with the demand. It was a ridiculously long wait for our second dozen. As well, the women tending bar were constantly running, so much so they really couldn't pay good enough attention to any of us so it seemed like all of us were always trying to get their attention. That said, I'd still go back if for no other reasons than to slurp down more raw Gulf oysters.
(4)
Gary W.
This place where is so good great staff greAt beers and interesting menu and specials Gad the. Mixed oysters and the seafood mixed platter and both were great food with great presentation and excellent helpful staff that with so hard to ensure a good night A great place to enjoy in Charleston
(5)
ashley g.
I've been down here for a few months for work and have been to pearlz at least 5 times during my stay. The happy hour can't be beat! The bloody Mary's are some of the best I've (and most of my family and friends) have had, especially at $5! It does get very packed very quickly, but that just means you have to get there early, even a few mins before it opens. The peel n eat and fried shrimp are wonderful and the oyster shooters are a must! I normally see oyster shooters with beer and at pearlz they do em w pepper vodka. Staff is friendly and its a fun atmosphere.
(5)
Kate C.
Loved Pearlz. Came here by recommendation of friends. Arrived around 8:00 on a Friday night. Was told there was an hour wait for 2 but got seated only 10 minutes later. We had the calamari as an app and it was surprisingly very good. Not your regular fried tentacle and ring dish but rather full pieces of squid, battered and fried in a light cream sauce plus peppers onions and bits of sausage, and fried lemon wedges. Very different but tasty. I also had a cup of the gumbo which was decent with lots of big pieces of fish and seafood and also had a dozen raw oysters. I couldn't finish them all. They were large oysters and fresh tasting. Husband had the fish and chips which were also delicious. Great meal, great atmosphere and great service. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Belle D.
Come here for the oysters! Place - nice place to get fresh oysters! Loved the look of the outside. I like the hanging picture of the lady and a platter of oysters. Food - OYSTERS / They have various selection of oysters by the dozen or half a dozen. It is always nice to see you have different kinds to choose from. My husband finished his in less than 1.5 minute. SOUP / it is alright.. Something was missing in the blue crab bisque in old bay oil. APPZ / fried oyster wasn't bad (maybe I liked mine a little more fried), the mussels was a little bland (some were a little too fishy for my taste), corn fritters were huge and just wished it had more flavor (I tasted something burnt). Service - I guess it varies on the time of day. We had to wait 40 minutes on a Friday night (no problem, we just ordered a drink at the bar while we waited for a call when our seat was ready next door). The waitress was attentive and nice, deserved over 20% tip. The manager was also friendly and we felt welcomed. So the bottom line, you are in for a treat if you just order a dozen or so of oysters.
(4)
Ravyn P.
GREAT place if you are an oyster connoisseur !!! Or if you just like to eat oysters periodically. The food was good! The portions were on the smaller side, so order more than less! Overall a chill place to get some good apps and def get the oyster shooters!
(3)
Jessica C.
I had a great time! The food was very good and the servers/bartenders were nice... despite my obnoxious family. I will definitely recommend this place and go back!
(5)
Reezle W.
This place blew us away! We originally stopped by just for their incredible happy hour oyster prices, but wound up coming back for dinner too. They had a curry crab corn soup that was creamy, and delightful with the mango chutney on top. For dinner, I tried their gumbo which wasn't bad, just nothing special. Their fish small plates specials were anything but small. The tile fish with the cheddar bacon grits was delicious with a roasted tomato shellfish sauce. I don't think people in SC know what it means to advertise jalapeno though, but that can also be that my own expectation when I see jalapeno on a menu is that the dish packs a lot more heat. The seafood grill plate had scallops, Wahoo, colbia and an amazing goat cheese risotto. So gorgeous. The place was a bit loud, but the atmosphere was great. A must-stop by on East Bay St.!
(5)
Laurie S.
Delicious, great atmosphere and great prices. We went for happy hour. Ate 3 dozen raw oysters, fried oysters, an oyster shooter, and some corn fritters. The corn fritters were the only disappointment. They had no flavor. All in all, loved it!
(5)
Kevin M.
This is a must for your travels to Charleston. Best time to go is late afternoon or late evening after a fine meal. Pearls is filled with locals and those in the know. Great oysters, wines by the glass and talking with those sitting next to you. Late night is mostly locals. Great news, Pearlz is coming to South Park in July.
(4)
Sarah F.
YUMMMM!!! GO HERE! Pros? -Awesome service! Friendly, fast, and fun. -Happy hour prices are AMAZING -Delicious oyster shooters! And that's coming from someone who usually goes for fried oysters... which were also delicious! -Open seating area, plenty of room to mingle Cons? -Ummm... it's on the other side of the country for me... so that's too bad
(5)
JH M.
Loved this place! My husband and I tried this spot on our first night in Charleston and absolutely loved everything we ordered. There is a bar and a "community table" which is great for groups or couples. We started with crab cakes which were delicious. He ordered the crab cake sandwich and I got the shrimp and grits. All were tasty and left us wanting more. I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal with great ambiance.
(5)
Monica M.
Oh! Pearlz is great! They have a super huge bar a really nice stand-up bar where you can either drink with your friends or eat with them! The hostess and staff are extremely professional. Mon-Fri after work you'll find your local attorneys and business men in suits clamoring to get their drinks. The Food is amazing! For such a hip place to hang the prices are super reasonable. Just an awesome experience! We LOVE Pearlz!!!!
(5)
Terry G.
We had a long wait hour or so, but food was great raw oysters, fresh seafood highly recommend.
(5)
Greg G.
Yum. I'll put the full review out later. To tired and going to take in some live music.
(4)
MJ H.
What an outstanding restaurant. Food was outstanding, waitress awesome and the bartenders were all great as well. The only reason this is not getting 5 stars is because the hostess was incredibly rude and unfriendly. In fact, she is the only person in Charleston I've met with a negative disposition.
(4)
Alana Y.
Visited this place on a Sunday night and ended up sitting at a bar stool facing the windows. Not the best place to sit but it was the only thing available. Had a dozen oysters which were shucked nicely. Also had the fried shrimp appetizer and the cod sliders. The shrimp were surprisingly large and the cod sliders were tasty! Other than the less than desirable seating it was a hit!
(4)
Mike And Tracy T.
This place was great. Stopped in for happy hour. Had a couple of drinks and some eats and got out for under $30! We arrived about 5 pm and had to wait for a spot at the bar - but it was well worth it. The Red Ale was tasty but the food was even better. The fried oysters were juicy and sweet and the fish tacos were very good as well. And if you are a fan of home made chips be sure to try them here - excellent! We will be back again before we go back home for sure.
(5)
Heng G.
We were traveling in Charelston and found this place through yelp as we were longing for some oysters. It was apparently a popular spot as it was fully packed at 6. We ordered a dozen and half house oysters (fried, steamed and raw) from the happy hour menu. The raw and steamed oysters were good., the fried were overdone. We ordered jumbo shrimps too, which was also good. However, the side dishes (which include some spinach and rice) and pasta we ordered were way too salty. I am not sure if that was supposed to be the style of the restaurant or the chef. We would have given it a four-star if only the cooked dishes were more satisfying.
(3)
Red B.
Dont know why it took me so long to visit. Happy hour was a winner. Both price and quality of oysters were great. I was not alone as the place was packed. I shall return.
(4)
R Douglas D.
Stopped in for light lunch while strolling and shopping. Pearlz was recommended by several locals including our carriage driver Jess. Very friendly staff and great selection of food for my wife who is gluten-free. Started with mussles and they were large and meaty. White wine sauce w garlic and herbs was nice and light. I had raw oyster sampler platter and my wife had the peel and eat shrimp. Oysters were so fresh and shucked perfectly. Peel and eat shrimp were large and plentiful. Cocktail sauce is awesome...lots of horseradish. Mmmmm Definitely a place to stop and eat and remember for the next trip.
(5)
Kathy M.
This place had a fun atmosphere and decor. We got here at 5 and there was hardly a seat left. I should probably mention that Happy Hour is from 4 - 7pm. We stuck to the happy hour menu and had oysters, steamed shrimp, mahi mahi tacos and the homemade chips. The oysters, shrimp and chips were very good! We ordered a couple of beers and a specialty cocktail and had no complaints with the drinks. We were seated at one of their two community tables and we met some very nice ladies from Delaware during our stay there. We would definitely go back if we were in Charleston again.
(5)
Brian M.
Mixed reviews here. Their Lobster roll was the best I've ever had. I read a few other reviews from Yelpers and had to try it. The lobster was sweet and the sauce perfect but not overly clammy and full of mayo. The toasted and buttered roll added to the perfection. I could have eeaten three. The shrimp and grits were good, but only good. They could have done better. We made a bit mistake on the oysters and I fault the bar for this which is why they only received three stars in stead of 4. We had excellent Gulf oysters the night before at Bernie's in Savannah - both sweet and succulent which I didn't think you could find in an oyster the size of your fist. So we ordered them here at Pearlz. What a bit mistake. No flavor at all. Wish I had paid twice as much for the MA or ME oysters on the menu. Cold water definitely does make a difference when it comes to oysters. But the fact that we had great ones in Savannah means they're simply buying them from the wrong supplier here. There are good oysters to be had in the gulf. An oyster bar should have them..
(3)
Arnaud B.
Best dinner we had in charleston hands-up! On all accounts.... Service was awesome and our server provided really good advice on wine & fish selection. Food was awesome... Nice location & nice restaurant. And price was the most reasonnable of all places we went to. Kind of place that could become our cantina if we lived here....
(5)
Scott M.
We just got back from a long weekend in Beaufort, and we took a day trip to Charleston while we were down there. This was hands down the best meal we had during the trip. We sat at the bar and ordered a dozen local oysters on the half shell and a batch of their buffalo fried oysters. Both were so good, we ordered another round of both in lieu of anything else. The atmosphere was great -- the restaurant is modern and trendy. The staff was extremely warm and friendly -- they let us in (out of the rain) and brought us drinks 15 minutes before they officially opened at 2 pm. And we really enjoyed chatting with the shuckers and bartenders. Our only complaint is that the oysters were a bit more expensive than we're used to paying down on the Gulf coast. But the food was great!
(4)
Jimmy M.
Oysters were excellent. Tasted very fresh which amazingly isn't always easy to find in Oyster Bars these days. Wasn't a huge fan when we were seated at a communal table at first, but did have some nice conversations with a few of the people around us. I had a mixed grilled seafood dish which was very good, but my wife ordered a steak and she was very disappointed. I tried hers and agreed that it was poorly cooked. My only other issue with the restaurant was the price. However, pretty much everything in downtown Charleston is overpriced. I guess I missed out on the happy hour pricing I see others raving about in their reviews. I really give it 3 1/2 stars, but ok with marking it as 4 just because the oysters were exactly why we went and they were great.
(4)
Megan L.
Truly delicious food, great atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff. No touristy feel whatsoever.
(5)
Phil G.
This place rocks! It was super busy, but an amazing atmosphere. Had a long wait, but so totally worth every minute. Had oysters on the half shell - a definite 10. Then had blue crab bisque, it was perfect. Next I had the fried shrimp. I chose it when I saw it served at a near by table. A cold beer. Great friends. Celebrated my birthday here. You have to check it out! Awesome place!
(5)
Stephanie P.
We had a great time at Pearlz! Great service and wonderful food. The oysters are obviously the main attraction and the Blue Point's are my personal favorite. It's a small place, so there is likely going to be a wait. Do not fret, sitting at the bar, ordering drinks and oysters, and watching the staff shuck oysters was so fun! Perfect way to begin your meal, I highly recommend it. Since the wait can be fun, don't let them try to seat you at the tiny window seats with no wait- take the wait, its worth it.
(5)
jim m.
Food and service were tremendous. Oysters and corn fritters are AWESOME. Their prices are decent.
(5)
Nancy H.
Loved our dinner at Pearlz. Crowded, but only took a couple of minutes to be seated thanks to our wonderful hostess, Kaitlyn . Oysters were excellent.
(5)
J Y.
Great place! Live music is the best! Fried shrimp was excellent...it was a little crowded, but not a big deal...would definitely come back....
(4)
Chad W.
Wish this place was where I lived. Gulf osters are $10.95/dozen, and are freshly shucked by a guy near the bar. They're not mystery oysters outta the back somewhere. They also have different varieties for those of you with finer tastes, at fluctuating price points. Their gulfs were tasty, though. They had a grilled fish special for lunch; it came with 4 different types of fish & a side of fries. The fish fillets were all perfectly cooked. Holy crap, the fries. They are cooked with....deep-fried roasted garlic & dusted with old bay. Awesome. I saw a few tacos go past; they look great and well worth the $5.95 price point...there's a very hearty filet of fish in those guys. Solid place, I highly recommend visiting this joint, I don't see how you can be disappointed.
(5)
Kristin D.
Great drink prices, fun atmosphere, and such gracious service! It is not typical for a woman dining alone to receive impeccable service, as there is the perception of a smaller tip. But I bellied up to the bar for dinner on a busy early Saturday, and was treated like a favorite regular! Service is everything to me, so I would wholeheartedly recommend this place even if I didn't love the swordfish gyro special! (Which I did; it's so good...)
(5)
G L R.
Pearlz is a great oyster bar with a good selection available on their menu. I enjoyed the atmosphere as well. Our Oysters were very fresh. We ordered a sampler. My only remark would be that the wait staff tell you which oysters are which when getting a sampler. I had a lobster roll as my entree. I compare all lobster rolls to the many I have had in Maine. Theirs was the best I have ever had outside of Maine. It was comparable to my favorites. The meat was fresh. There was just a touch of mayo. No fillers. And it was on a butter toasted bun. They had a good wine list. We had a long wait for a table, but they took down my cell number so we were able to go elsewhere for a drink to kill time without having to just stand there waiting the whole time. They do have a bar, but it was crowded the night we went. I would recommend Pearlz to anyone visiting Charleston.
(5)
Lynne R.
First trip to Charleston. Yelp reviews don't disappoint. Short wait on a Thursday night mid August. Food was wonderful! Family friendly. Attentive and friendly wait staff. We will be back and I will recommend!
(4)
Victor A.
In just a few blocks, Charleston's E Bay Street serves up some of the best food on the east coast. Pearlz is a prime example. No reservations so, yes, there is a wait on Friday night even if you don't get there till 9:30 but as other reviewers have said, it's worth it. The booth we finally landed was a bit crowded with 7 of us but not too bad and the place is noisy so don't go expecting an intimate evening out, but for god's sake let me stop carping. The food was marvelous! I had a dozen oysters on the half shell. This sampler had examples from as far north as Massachusetts and down as far as the gulf. The range of flavors and textures was amazing and I loved it. We shared the Tuna Tatar and the Mussels around the table and they were, well, appetizing! The kitchen does an excellent job with fish as you might expect. I had pan seared Wolf Fish, never had it before and learned too late that it is a species of concern but it was delicious. Glad I didn't know its status while I was eating it. Around the table there were fish and chips, linguine with clams, a blackened Wolf Fish a couple of big sloppy burgers and not much talking while we scarfed down this delicious meal. I am not a big fan of the savory red rice that gets served with fish everywhere in this part off the world. Too spicy for delicately flavored fish but other than that the meal was a delight. Great place to go and get a little bit rowdy. Our waitress was very good, well versed in all the dishes, quick, efficient and friendly.
(4)
Steve G.
This review is written for the happy hour only. What a fantastic place!! Pints of craft ale/beer at $2.50. Oysters on the half shell for $8.95 a dozen. Cosmopolitan for my wife, $3.50. Homemade chips with special sauce, $2.50. The service was friendly and fast. It was, by far, the best place we found in Charleston. HIGHLY recommended.
(5)
Kristi S.
Delicious food and decent service. Lots of locals which always tells you it's good. Mixed seafood special was amazing!
(4)
Anvesh R.
Great happy hour, but the word is out so get there early if you have a larger group. They open for happy hour at 4pm and by 4:15 it's getting full. By 4:30 there's a line. All those people are there for a reason: great oysters, great food, 4 house beers on draft, and knowledgable and friendly staff. They seem to carry a good variety of local and regional oysters which are all very fresh. If you're looking for a consistent selection of west coast oysters you may need to look elsewhere, but seeing as the focus is on local and regional products I don't consider this a flaw. Would definitely go back the next time I'm in Charleston.
(5)
Junior R.
Awesome staff. Great food. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. We ate at Pearlz twice for dinner and we loved the place! The peel and eat shrimp is amazing with the cocktail and horseradish sauce mixed! great appetizer dish. Their ny strip and potato gratin is awesome also and better than the steak and potatoes I had tried at other well known spots in Charleston. Asparagus was also great tender but snappy at the same time and flavored well. Their crab dip is great as well as the steamed oysters. Also the corn fritters were fnatastic! As you can see, we tried a little bit of everything and Pearlz delivered! Great food without the snooty reputations and alot of hype. We were treated great and as welcomed guests the whole time. a couple of places we dined at treated you almost as if you should be grateful to be eating at their establishment. Where Pearlz showed they were grateful you chose their spot to dine at and made it clear with every dish!
(5)
Ross M.
Great place. Service was on point, decor has great character and a real southern taste, food is outstanding. Drink selections are fine and a good selection of wine with dinner. Oysters are by far the winner here. shooters or platters, enjoy! Great crowd and atmosphere for a romantic night out or a get together with some friends. Great!
(4)
Katie S.
Loved it! We had small plates to save room for drinks :) The house chips, crab dip & mahi small plates were awesome. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Raiza F.
Everything here was delicious! And the service? superb! Definitely a place to have great lunch and drinks!
(5)
Kepa P.
My husband and I loved this restaurant, after eating seafood for three days he wanted a nice steak and we ended at Pearlz, when we got there a musician was playing guitar which added a nice touch to the ambiance, the waiters were quick and friendly and suggested a yummy appetizer and then I had the lobster roll that was delicious! My husband's steak was superb! Great place to visit :-)
(5)
Christine C.
As a local, this is one of my favorite happy hour places in town. The happy hour drink specials are great. I love wine, and to be able to get a glass of good oak-y chardonnay for $3 is fantastic. If you are able to go during the Oyster months, (any month with R in the name) you will be pleased with the quality of oysters. The happy hour oysters in late October were excellent.
(4)
Tim G.
Favorite place in Charleston. Great atmosphere balances a pub/restaurant where the food is simple but excellent. Great staff and the owner is often working there and greeting customers. very crowded and you may have a wait, but we think it is well worth it . Excellent oysters!!!
(5)
Melissa R.
We went for dinner around 6:00pm on a Friday. It was fairly packed. No room at the bar and about a 30 min. wait. We were seated at a shared table. I'm not really a fan of that. That's the only reason I knocked a star off. I don't want to share a table with strangers. Luckily we were seated on the end, so it wasn't as bad. I had the lobster roll- AMAZING. Truly great. I seriously considered coming back for another one for lunch the next day. My husband had oysters, and he said they were also great. Nice place, and great food. I would definitely return.
(4)
Ginny L.
One of my favorite happy hour spots. I've never had anything bad here but have recently been ordering the Farmers Market Salad. It changes often and is a pleasant surprise each time!
(5)
George T.
As far as the best places in Charleston for good oysters and a good time - this is it. Had a number of meals here and dozens of oysters in late December and was never disapointed. Bistro style food is excellent but the oysters are what kept bringing us back. Pearlz literally goes through thousands of dozens of oysters a week - yep that's thousands of dozens not just thousands of oysters - so the stock is always fresh. The volume they handle is so great that the logistics involved in receiving, storing, and then disposing of all the shells is remarkable - we're talking tons here not bushels. Just-in-time delivery and a huge walk-in refridgerated space is how they pull it off. From conversations with their oyster sommelier (if there is such a thing the fellow in charge of the oyster operation at Pearlz is just that) they source from all over the US and Canada and are such a large buyer that they are a preferred customer of just about every supplier out there. If you have not tried oysters on the half-shell or are not sure if you like them, ask for help picking out a briny variety from what they have available on the day you visit and give it a go. The shuckers are good about letting you try a variety before you place your order. You will not be disapointed. The pricing is reasonable and the daily special oyster is a great deal and always worth investigating. Because they do such volume, the oyster variety of the day is a legitimate selection and not stock they are trying to get rid of - have no reservations ordering it. The place gets crowded as there is a huge local following as well as out-of-towners among the clientele However, the wait is worth it and the two groups mix and interact well.
(5)
Ida C.
Great oysters as everyone has stated. Their fish was good too. My bf had the grilled mahi mahi with a tomato based andouille sausage sauce. The corn fritters were meh. Too much dough and not enough corn. My bf liked them though. Overall very yummy food. Relax and chill atmosphere. Recommended by the locals. =)
(4)
Wendy G.
Stopped in Pearlz Oyster Bar for happy hour on a Friday, so glad we happened upon it! Great deal - a dozen Gulf oysters on the half shell for $7.95, and $2.50 draft beer and oyster shooters. Happy hour is only Mon-Fri. Place was a great local bar and the oysters were tasty and fresh. Their house brewed beer was light and refreshing, like a Hefeweizen or Belgium White style and went great with the seafood. Packed scene, glad we were able to score seats at the window bar! Definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Sasha B.
Very rarely do I give a place 5 stars but Pearlz deserves it. My sis and I got into town and late and were surprised to find this little gem open late night. We plopped at the bar and proceeded to order a feast: - corn fritters (perfectly fried - just enough sweetness) - steamed mussels (delicious) - chilled seafood salad (very lovely, full of crab and flavor) - mahi mahi tacos (these are not your normal small tacos - they are in a large tortilla and very filling) We also enjoyed a bottle of champagne and 2 oyster shooters (yumz!). While the food was delicious the service was also fantastic. Our bartender (Katie) was super sweet so our entire experience was awesome. I recommend it.
(5)
Amanda H.
FIVE STAR Oyster Bar!!!! Large, fresh tasting and fast service. We made it for happy hour, got four seats at the bar and loved this experience! I personally ordered mahi-mahi with veggies and chimmichurri. What an excellent dish. Cooked to perfection! Our friends ordered New York strip with mashed potatoes and crab cake. This restaurant could not make a bad dish! We were all very satisfied with our meals, and impressed with the fast service!
(5)
Whoopie G.
New favorite place in charleston. Small restaurant and always busy so be prepared to wait a bit or jump quickly on an available bar stool. Well worth the wait! Best Oysters in town!
(5)
Linden C.
Wonderful meal at Pearlz during an all-too-brief visit to Charleston. My husband started with a dozen of the local oysters, and as soon as he finished he ordered a dozen more. I had the Caesar salad and grilled pink snapper. Fantastic. He had the mixed grill seafood combo and ate every bite. Highly recommended. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the oyster shucking. House lager was reportedly excellent.
(5)
Debra H.
Great Happy Hour menu.... Amazing fried oysters--some of the best I've had! Don't miss stopping here if you are passing through Charleston!
(5)
Monica A.
We had oysters, mussels, a scallop with zucchini spaghetti dish, and a salmon salad. Everything was delicious. The one slight negative was that the food came out so fast we weren't finished with our apps before the entrees came out, but it didn't really bother us. Would highly recommend to others.
(4)
Phil Y.
Oyster shooters, great fish tacos, a phenomenal crab cake sandwich and stellar service across multiple visits. This is a very busy place but they work to get you in and take great care of you once you are in a seat. The food is artfully presented and tastes great too. I am of the opinion that their oyster shooters are the best anywhere.
(5)
Kevin B.
Fresh! Fresh! Fresh! Great place. Awesome shrimp, and oysters shucked right in front of you! A must stop when in Charlston!
(5)
Kristan H.
3.5 stars, really. We had planned to go somewhere else for dinner, but my boyfriend got an oyster craving, so I quickly Yelped and Googled to find a good place to satisfy him. Pearlz fit what I needed - not too expensive, with a decent variety on the menu, good reviews, and a convenient location. I would say that all those things proved to be true - the only thing we weren't prepared for was the atmosphere. My mom thought it was too noisy and young and almost wanted to leave; luckily my dad thought it was "authentic" and charming in its way, so we stayed. There are a handful of tables in front, a couple outside, a few booths, and then a standard bar on the side and a high-top bar running down the middle. Guess where we were seated? The high-top bar. Personally I like high-tops, but I do think they could (a) fit more people, and (b) make more people comfortable, if there were more regular tables. Anyway, onto the food. We got a sampler platter of oysters, then ordered another dozen of the gulf because those were our faves. My parents did think the oysters (especially the non-gulf ones) were a bit small, because in Houston they are enormous (everything's bigger in Texas, eh?), but both my boyfriend and I thought they were perfectly normal sized oysters, with the gulf ones being fairly large. We all agreed they were VERY tasty. In addition to the oysters, we got calamari and corn fritters to share. The calamari was small, but served with a sweet sesame sauce that was really... different. I REALLY liked the corn fritters - they were like beignets with corn and bell pepper bits - but my parents thought they were just okay. For our meals, my boyfriend and I both ordered the clam chowder, which was excellent. My dad got fish and chips, which was good, and my mom had seafood gumbo, which she usually loves but thought was "too strong" here. I don't usually eat seafood gumbo, so I wasn't sure what she meant by that. I took a bite of hers and thought it was fine, but my dad ended up trading with her and couldn't quite finish the whole bowl. So our opinions were mixed. Overall I liked the place, but I'd have to try some of the other oyster bars in the area to make a final judgment. I will say that the service was great - friendly and knowledgeable, "always smiling" as my mother observed - and the bathrooms were clean. Always a plus!
(3)
Kevin W.
We came to this place on a Friday during happy hour and it was packed. I mean no seats and no spots at the bar. This is not a bad thing but a general consensus that they have a very good happy hour. My friend had the fried oysters. I had two fish tacos and some funnel cake balls filled with corn and peppers and topped with powdered sugar. This was the bomb. So freaking tasty. The drink specials are pretty nice also. This is all around a great place.
(4)
Britt N.
I was in Charleston for 2 nights. Got in on Saturday evening, we went here for dinner, then came back for lunch on Sunday. We spent a few hours here on Sunday sitting at the bar drinking fantastic sangria and eating oysters, clams, shrimp, fried oysters, and crab cakes. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! I would come back again and again and plan to when I return to Charleston. You must go if you are in the area.
(5)
Adrienne W.
We had a date night here to try something new. It was amazing! We shared the Tuna Tartar that was absolutely delicious as an appetizer. I had the steamed clams appetizer as my main course which was just enough and so yummy! My husband had a "small plate" special that was equally as delicious. It was also just enough to fill him up. I highly recommend this restaurant. Only issue I saw was that there wasn't too much seating. We ended up eating at the bar since the wait for 2 was 30+ min.
(5)
Damon T.
Nice place. Enjoyed it alot. If there is a chance to sit outside do it, it got really hot inside. The only reason I'm giving this 3 stars instead of 4 is because there are so many other places in Charleston that are delicious and not nearly as expensive per delicious treat. Oyster shooter really impressed me. Food was good but not great. I guess I would call this 5-star ambience with three star food. It's a really good place but there's a lot of competition in a town as great as Charleston.
(3)
Earl C.
Not until just before writing this review did I read about Pearls happy hour, so I mistakenly visited Pearlz for a late dinner. Their oysters, clams, lobster, and muscles were amongst the best I've had. However, at the quantity I felt as though the place was way overpriced. The atmosphere was nice, but the waitstaff didn't go out of their way to be very social or friendly. If you're feeling extravagant and are looking for a nice meal out downtown, Pearlz will do the job. However, I'd rather eat at some of the other local seafood restaurants which offer better quality/quantity ratios for dinner in my opinion.
(3)
Big Baby Jesus C.
OK Yelp masses..... "$$" my ass. I dropped a Benjamin. I got a dozen oysters, and a mixed seafood grill on special. The oysters were called something slump and they were from NC. Nice and fresh but too salty for my preferences. Everything on the mixed grill seafood dish was cooked properly, but the very earthy pea and mushroom rice did not mesh well with the seafood. They needed more acidity to balance the dish. All in all a nice place that I would return to, but keep in mind, "$$" my ass.
(4)
Brett B.
Absolutely amazing! We had fantastic service at the bar. The oysters were fresh and tasty, the swordfish was perfectly cooked, and the scallop ceviche was way better than I expected. Excellent night all around!
(5)
Elizabeth T.
I knew when I was in Charleston I had to eat fish. This place got great reviews and it was close to where I was staying. It did not disappoint. The food was yummy and it wasn't expensive. I got the New England Clam Chowder and it was to die for. By far the best clam chowder I have ever had! I'm still thinking about it and wish I could have a bowl right now. For my meal I had the fish and chips. It came with two huge pieces of fried fish. It was the right amount of crispy on the outside. The tartar sauce they served it with was great. The chips were a little bland but just dip them in the sauce and you'll be fine.
(4)
Jeana N.
Best oysters I have ever had! The atmosphere is amazing, the staff was very friendly! My husband and I were lucky enough to walk right in and get a seat at the bar in the window. This place makes me want to move to Charleston! Such a wonderful experience!
(5)
K W.
We found ourselves here for happy hour every night during our stay. Be warned, though, if you aren't there early it is almost impossible to get in. They have a great happy hour menu with plenty of inexpensive small plates (we usually got the Gulf oysters) and the drinks were good. I will say that their crab bisque is just average.
(4)
Michael H.
I eat oysters often and these were the Best oysters I've ever had. Swordfish tacos also topped it off. Two thumbs up.
(5)
Simon P.
Usually I steer away from seafood so my agreeing to dine in an oyster bar was as a concession to two of my good friends who enjoy seafood. I decided I'd settle for a burger or something. Being a Monday night, the place was pretty empty-- a few college kids and some elderly couples were finishing off their dinners. Pearlz was busier than other places on the street though, which I usually take to be a good sign. We were seated promptly and began, what turned out to be a long, slow process of deciding what to eat. Our waitress was very friendly, patient and helpful. She took our drink orders and came back to check on us three times while we weighed our choices. Initially, I decided on a cheeseburger but then thought to myself how lame it would be to have come all the way to beautiful Charleston, SC to get a no-frills burger. I decided I'd order one of the specials instead and ordered a fried cod, club sandwich. I've very rarely in my life ordered fish at a restaurant and even more rarely has it been fried cod which I generally find very lacking in flavor. My friends suggested we split an appetizer as well and they decided on fried shrimp. For the most part I don't touch shrimp save for when my mother makes curried shrimp, but I figured why not-- it's fried so it'll taste half decent. I've been told the enjoyment of seafood derives mostly from the fresh, "oceany" taste it should have. My first bite of that fried shrimp was the first time I experienced that taste. It was fried perfectly and juicy and seasoned to the point where it imparted tons of flavor without masking the oceany brine. My fried cod club was even better. It had one of the best cooked pieces of bacon I've ever had. Perfectly thick and fried enough where the edges had a nice crisp while the rest of it stayed nice and juicy. And the fish-- so fresh. It was thickly breaded to provide a nice crunch while remaining buttery on the inside. Even my side of cole slaw, something I usually find to be too heavy on mayo, was delicious. Cabbage and broccoli florets with a dash of salt and light use of mayo provided a good contrast to the saltiness of the fish. We got a dessert as well. Blondie a la mode with cinnamon ice cream. Rightly portioned so as not to be too filling and very tasty. After my meal, I tried to find something I was unhappy with and nothing came to mind. It was about as good an experience at a restaurant as I could hope for. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking this place out if you're in Charleston, SC.
(5)
Wayne G.
This was great, fresh local oysters and oyster Rockefeller. The daily special was softshell crab and it was excellent. Even the desert was delicious and original.
(4)
Renee R.
Best meal in Charleston yet! Raw oysters (12 for $12; a steal), lobster roll (so many big chunks of lobster they were barely contained by the roll, $16), mixed grill special (scallops, monkfish, grouper, and mahi on tomato and feta risotto with local lima beans and the most delicious sauce, $23) all incredible and good value for the price. Excellent service as well. We will be back!
(5)
Anna H.
Great spot to stop and get some good raw oysters! The only thing that I didn't like about Pearlz was that the wait times were ridiculously long. The first day we tried to stop in on our vacation, we were told the wait would be about two hours. The next day, we learned our lesson and came much earlier, and were able to snag two of the four remaining seats in the restaurant. If I lived in Charleston, I'd still brave the wait times for the great food and friendly service. Not to mention, loved the beer selection!
(4)
Casey B.
Loved this place! The wait was pretty long (45min) at 8:30, so be prepared to wait. I took this as a good sign though. I got the clam chowder which was excellent. Some of the best I ever had. I also got the low country boil and I loved that too. Perfect seafood coastal southern dinner. My boyfriend got a wedge salad and the lobster roll. He asked the waitress he was thinking about getting the lobster roll and she basically gushed because it's her favorite thing on the menu. It didn't disappoint! Very fair prices. Cool atmosphere. Would definitely go back!
(5)
Strphanie S.
This place is a gem! From New Orleans and I know fresh seafood this was wonderful. Going back tomorrow for another round of oysters
(4)
Samantha S.
I always feel like such a tool when I find myself saying "I've lived in such-and-such a place, so I know good ________." Now I'm going to go ahead and be a tool. I spent ten years living in New England, and I go back often to visit family, and I can honestly say that Pearlz makes one damn good lobster roll. They don't worry too much with fillers, and just let the big, meaty chunks of lobster shine. Also, their house-made chips are amazing. I will say that the New England clam chowder was good, but not great. I think it would have been better if it had larger pieces of clams; the meat in this chowder seemed to be minced into pretty small pieces. When we went, one of their two single-toilet bathrooms was out of order, so it made for a pretty long line. Also, if you ended up getting to the front of the line at the wrong end of the cleaning schedule, it could be pretty scary. Hopefully they rectify this soon. All in all though, Pearlz made for a great night out with friends. P.S. Try the oyster shooter! It's like a bloody Mary/cocktail sauce shot (made with pepper vodka), and it has a raw oyster in it. Bottoms up!
(4)
Matt F.
Neat atmosphere - great food - great service!!!!
(4)
Susasn v.
I would give this 6 stars if I could. Oysters were impeccably fresh, calamari spicy and tender (fried lemon was amazing) , seafood ceviche was perfect. My husband had the crab soup that was creamy and flavorful. Manager Chad was the consummate host, even apologizing that our lunch 'took longer than expected' a fact that escaped us. Vibe is local, very friendly and would repeat visits as often as we are in town.
(5)
Anne A.
Had dinner here one night of our visit to Charleston and stopped in for a late night snack and drinks the next night. Great place! And the cookie pie is wonderful!
(4)
Olesya M.
Happy hours, great appetizers + oysters!!! Live music, nice atmosphere and service!
(4)
Brian H.
One of Charleston's best restaurants! Obviously the oysters are amazing, but don't overlook the fresh catch options. Mahi mahi is fantastic with the asparagus and rice. Local beers, great food and fun atmosphere. Advice is to get there at a reasonable time because they get busy fast!
(5)
Harry P.
Damn good Lobsta Roll. Lots of lobster on a beautifully buttered piece of toast. Super simple presentation, but just done so right it takes it to another level. Homemade chips were crazy good too. Raw oysters were good too. A few chips in there, but overall okay job shucking. They don't do Happy Hours on Sundays, which was sad since I ate there on a Sunday. Kids got fish sticks and they really scarfed em down. Kudos to having some kid options that were really well done. We sat outside and it was beautiful. They had live cover music inside and it was a really cool meal.
(4)
Franklin M.
This place is really nice inside but it was crowded so we went for the sidewalk seating. I tried the Heat Seekers oyster shooter, which wasn't really that hot. It was okay so I will give them 5 stars for the beer, atmosphere and friendly service.
(5)
Deb S.
Thank you Yelp for helping us find this gem! Sitting right on Bay Street with a dog-friendly patio out front and the ocean breezes blowing through the front windows - wow wow wow. Our lightly sugared sweet and savory corn fritters were knock-your-socks-off good and the raw oysters were amazing. The beer was frosty and tasty too. Our seats at the window were perfect as we savored the mixed seafood grill (YUM) and the deep fried fish and chips. The seafood here is as fresh as it gets. I bet it's crowded later in the evening, we were there early and happy as could be. The service was exceptional as well. Perfect, actually.
(5)
Frank H.
The Oysters were incredible. This place was so packed that it took us three times walking by to get a seat. The reason must be how fresh the Seafood is! Lauren was our server she was incredible, nice, knew the menu perfectly and also gave us some great hints on where else to go in Charleston. The staff here was all on dead spot on, Shucked the food right in front of you. Loved it, YOU Must Go!
(5)
Cathy K.
Pearlz is my absolute favorite happy hour/seafood and oyster joint in Charleston + really good entrees as well. It's the kind of place you arrive at 5pm for happy hour and then find yourself still there at 830pm ordering dinner, and then maybe more appetizers again at 1030pm! I have probably been here a hundred times in the 5 years I lived in Charleston and when I go back to visit is my first stop. I'm going to start with my favorite: HAPPY HOUR! M-F 5-7pm. Beers, house wines, well drinks, martinis from $3-$6. They have their own local brew of a blonde and an ale. Try the blond, it goes amazingly well with the oysters. Oysters are $7.95/dozen (maybe up to $8.95 now?) served raw on the half shell with cocktail sauce (tons fresh grated horseradish on the top) and an amazing mignonette sauce that I haven't found anywhere else and bumped my like for oysters into a full blown love affair. The happy hour oysters are usually gulf oysters and vary in size depending on the time of year. Months with an "R" in them - big and juicy. Summer months a little smaller but still salty sweet and tasty. Pearlz also offers many different oysters from different regions for tasting by the dozen but not at happy hour prices. You will also find peel and eat shrimp, crispy fried shrimp with thai chili sauce (lightly breaded with Panko - amazing!!), fish tacos (not my favorite), etc. on the happy hour menu for a little less then half off. The peel and eat shrimp are huge. Entrees are really good as well. Reminiscent of the quality of pub food found in Ireland (Ireland pub food is better then restaurant food) gastropubish if you will. Even though Pearlz is a restaurant, once you go in you'll see that it really is more of a pub/bar atmosphere which is the reason for my comparison. There is fresh fish, always a list of amazing specials. In the spring and fall, Pearlz gets in fresh soft shell blue crab and does amazing things with it. This is no comparison to the soft shell crab that you get from restaurants all year long, fresh soft shell crab is only available for a couple weeks in the spring and a couple weeks in the fall and is an entirely different ball game: sweet, succulent, meaty so if you see it on the special menu - get it because I assure you that it will be worth it. Burgers are good and their made in house kettle cooked chips are a perfect accompaniment. Really, everything on the menu is good - except the fish tacos - steer clear of those. Oh an even if it doesn't go with your meal or you're only there for oysters, get the red rice - best in Charleston. My personal favorite haunt is little pearlz in the west Ashley Avondale area (this is the downtown location) because its closer to my house and is basically filled with neighborhood locals - but little pearlz will do an oyster roast with the local SC oysters in the winter months on their back patio charleston style - steamed oyster clusters thrown down on communal tables for shared shucking. I can literally rave about every single thing about Pearlz - the oysters, beer, entrees, ambience - but when you walk in I hope you'll be able to experience what I couldn't capture with words - the feeling of walking into a locals favorite and really getting to know Charleston.
(5)
Chelsea G.
This is probably the best restaurant I have eaten at in Charleston! I would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the area! The happy hour specials on oysters are out of this world and they will not disappoint! Service is quick and friendly and the food is definitely commendable! I would eat here all the time if only I lived closer!
(5)
Kel S.
Wow. Oysters, peel and eat shrimp, martinis all on happy hour! Also wedge salad and more yumminess I can't even recall. Naturally, my canine dining companion also enjoyed the sliders. The service and food were amazing. The prices were reasonable. The outdoor seating was lovely. Only complaint was the fact that were only 2 tables on the sidewalk. They could do with more outdoor seating.
(4)
Ashby O.
Went there last night and it was phenomenal! From the atmosphere, to the server to the food everything was great. Started with a dozen raw oysters which were so fresh, briny and delicious. I had the lobster roll--HOLY YUM. Huge chunks of lobster meat on buttery toast (could stand a little less butter, but nonetheless so so good). House chips are great w green goddess dressing. My boyfriend had the swordfish gyro and it was great!! Fish cooked correctly with a great blend of tzatziki and crisp lettuce. Overall cant go wrong!
(5)
Scott D.
Oysters here were great and I ended up ordering a second dozen! They had all the fixings including; mignonette, cocktail sauce, horseradish (ask for extra), lemons, and the guy sitting next to us ordered a side of Sriracha for which they had. I almost went here two night is a row!
(5)
Dan L.
I was all about oysters the other night so I stopped by Pearlz around 4:30 pm. I sat at the bar (the place was not crowed at all nor empty) and ordered the happy hour special of 1/2 a dozen gulf oysters for $5 and 3 from Nova Scotia. The gulf oysters were good but the Nova Scotias were really good. I also tried the oyster shooter which looked pretty nasty but tasted good. The bartender who served me was a sweetheart and a half, the place had a cool atmosphere and had lots of other interesting things very close by (Waterfront Park, King St., East Bay...) My favorite gelato place in Charleston is literally right around the corner, too.
(5)
Ryan M.
I'm a novice oyster eater, but our waitress was great at explaining the different kinds (we went with the Prince Edward Island ones). Great way to start the meal. I had the pan seared local pink snapper with citrus chile. The fish was awesome, glaze was on the side, barely felt I could put it on such a beautiful fish, though it was very good. My wife had the small plate dill poached salmon and it was also excellent. For $50 a person (with cocktails) you're getting much higher quality food without the fine dining pretentiousness.
(5)
Corey A.
The Happy Hour here is definitely good. A friend and I split some oysters and fish tacos, but I'm not sure I would devote an entire meal here due to the other incredible options in Charleston.
(3)
Chris V.
This review is strictly about Happy Hour, can't speak for other times. Happy Hour at Pearlz was honestly one of the culinary highlights of our trip to charleston. That's saying a ton, because we ate like kings while there. We were lucky to get seated right in front of the shucking station. Those two guys are mad men. Much respect to the work ethic they showed. Just plowing through oysters, too many to count. My wife and I had a beer (house red) and a glass of wine, w/ a dozen oysters and 2 oysters shots. All were delicious and served with a smile. Total bill w/ tip was something like $25. Reasonable beyond belieft. Place was mobbed and the scene was fun. Name of the place using the "Z" makes me think of some place in Disney, but trust me the plaec is legit. Tons of charm. Go here!
(5)
Kori E.
My boyfriend and I were visiting Charleston and came across Pearlz! What a GREAT spot! We sat at the bar and ordered a dozen oysters, it was the happy hour special for $6.95, and two of their house beers. The oysters were a pretty good size and quite tasty! I also ordered the New England Clam Chowder and WHOA was that amazing! My boyfriend had to get a spoon and eat half of it, it was so good ;) This spot seems very chill, we chatted up with some of the locals sitting around us and if I lived in Charleston I could see this being my go to spot! I just loved the place!
(5)
Yukihiro Y.
Strong 4 if not 4.5, especially for holding their own after a post fireworks rush on July 4th. Oysters were slightly high-priced but reasonably so. Gumbo was phenom though crab soup needed improvement on execution. Service was great!
(4)
Y C.
3 1/2 stars Family vacation in Charleston during Labor Day weekend meant lots and lots of seafood. Pearlz was a great place to start. Food - 4 stars: Raw oysters - 4 stars, not as big as others claim but delicious Fried oysters - 4 stars Steamed mussels - 5 stars New england clam chowder - 5 stars, delish!!! The grill special (various pieces of grilled fish, scallop, shrimp and veggies) - 4 stars, juicy and flavorful Clam bake - 4 stars 1/2 star off for the ridiculous crowd even though we got there way early. We had to wait for almost an hour for 3 seats at a community table (the long ones in the middle of the room), latter half of which was spent at the bar after some hovering and half-aggressive posturing. Overall, food was delicious but the wait (and trying to squeeze to the bar) was stressful (and freakin' loud as we were right next to the guitar player in the front entrance area).
(3)
Allison E.
O.M.G. Roasted garlic. Fried. Served with Old Bay seasoned, twice-fried french fries. Un-be-freaking-lievable. Everyone in that restaurant should be lucky that I didn't lick the plate, because it would've been creepy and delicious. Seriously though - great meal. Started with crab legs and a few oysters, and an oyster shooter (strong, but good - and we watched the guy shuck the oyster and pop it right on in the glass). The fries came with the grilled fish plate (although it's advertised in reverse) - the fish was perfect, though. I often hold seafood places solely to their ability to cook a scallop, and this was in the top 3 scallops I've ever had. It was served with a romesco sauce and chimichurri on the plate (not drowning the fish) that were equally delectable. We sat at the bar and had attentive, personable service from the bartenders. They timed everything perfectly. If I lived in Charleston, I would be here every day.
(5)
Dana C.
Love love love this place! When vacationing in charleston from Chicago we found this place on yelp and decided to try it out. We were so impressed!! The raw oysters were absolutely amazing. We also had the crab cake sandwich and the fried shrimp platter. Each were delicious! They also have broccoli slaw which I'm still craving! My only complaint is that they are not open for lunch during the week. We tried to go back before we caught our flight out and unfortunately they were closed. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Leeanne M.
Had just finished a Saturday day of downtowning in Charleston with an out-of-town chef friend. We had walked, shopped, and hopped around a few places for drinks and small bites in between. Was yenning ( yes, yenning, not yearning - look it up) for oysters and happened to be in front of Pearlz and thought - what the hey - I had been to the West Ash location for drinks and liked the vibe there. Sat at the granite-topped raw bar ( do this if you are a regular bar-sitter when eating like me) and we ordered a a couple of drinks. Bustling atmosphere. The Clemson game was on the small corner TV and there was a gaggle of fans watching in the back, but I'm a college ball girl ( GATOR NATION), so it didn't bother me a bit. First bartender was a little non-plussed and made a Bloody Mary with zero love in it, but whatever, we came for oysters. And oysters we got. 3 dozen fresh, salty-delicious, ice-cold oysters. Yen completely satisfied. But the real star of the show was the entertaining shucker on deck apparently known as 'Chief'. Just a whole bunch of hilariousness, singing, and general awesomeness that made our stopover memorable. His sense of humor may not be for everyone - but we enjoyed him to the hilt. Go for the Oysters, stay for Chief!
(4)
A G.
This was a fun place with great food. We had stone crab and oysters for appetizers, fish combo platter and swordfish gyro. All very good and perfectly cooked. House beer very tasty, house white wine just ok. Special white wine very good. Wait staff extremely helpful and professional. We liked that the manager took the time to make sure everything was ok. You don't see enough of this, it shows they care.
(5)
Alice M.
Aside from having to wait a long time, there was nothing negative about our experience! The guys behind the bar were beyond hospitable. I will go here every time I visit. Great oysters and fritters. Worth the wait
(5)
illy o.
We ended eating here as it was one of the few restaurants opened late on a Tuesday night though we were kinda dubious of the name as "z" in Pearlz kinda screams cheese. But, what a great surprise! Great atmosphere... Dark and loud. The service was fine... Mannered words but a little disingenuous. The star of the night were the raw oysters... Huge, salty, and oh so fresh!!! Oyster shooter was a bit too spiced for my personal taste. The fried shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked. And the crab cakes were meaty and good. Oysters, pleaz!!
(4)
Alex K.
We had an oyster sampler as an appetizer that was delicious, and the entire table ordered varying fish tacos. I had the mahi and shrimp tacos. The mahi mahi taco was fabulous. Next time if get 2 of those! Definitely would recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Tony K.
What a great discovery! After a day of touring arts, history and culture, we stumbled upon a very pleasant surprise. Good food and ambiance. Definitely would return if for nothing else the fish tacos. As I said, it was a great discovery and one worth a return visit.
(5)
Sally G.
Great crab bisque, raw shrimp and oysters. Heavenly food for snow birds heading south! Staff friendly, fun to watch oyster shucking at the bar.
(4)
Denis S.
busy and for a good reason. exceptional local catch. a good selection of beers on tap.
(5)
Reed W.
My wife and I enjoyed this to the point that we visited several times during our recent visit to Charleston. A great selection of oysters, that were fresh and delicious, either raw or Southern Fried. I had the low country shrimp and grits, which had a nice sauce on the grits. This was very good, and I am, in general, not a grits fan. And don't forget to try their craft beers, my favorite was the Red Ale....
(5)
Erika S.
Oysters were great and well priced. Cocktails were a bit weak but tasty. Hardest part was getting service. This is one happening place so the service does suffer. Plan ahead and you'll be fine. I think we'll try it again on a less crowed night, but Pearlz is definitely worth a second visit.
(3)
Evan H.
While on vacation i checked out Pearlz on a suggestion from a local. They had a great Happy Hour. They had $4 house wines and beers and specials on oyster shooters. So good. They also had delicious oysters. At Happy hour you could get a dozen for about $10. Even at $20 regular prices, its a good deal. I really liked the bartenders and the service was great. I went 3 times, 3 nights in a row. I would go back if i am in town.
(5)
A X.
Stanley and I came across this restaurant by touring the area. We made it just in time for the happy hour :-) We both got fried shrimps, a dozen of raw oysters, clam chowder soup, and lobster roll. We fell in love with their oysters because it was ice cold and it was so so freaking DELICIOUS! We also love their lobster roll! I mean it is mouth-watering lobster roll! The lobster was so soft, tender, and the cream made it to be perfection! I got their pomegrante martini and Stanley got beer. Mine tasted awesome! I would come here again if I ever come to town again.
(4)
Charles F.
Ignore the terribly corny name with the superfluous 'z', ignore the bovine herds of popped collar bros and brave the cacophonous din that blasts the ears off your head when you open the door - this shitshow is worth it. You'll almost surely have to wait, don't worry - head down the road to The Gin Joint and wait for the call. I can't describe what happened after we battled our way to our booth and sat down but I'll try my best. Firstly, our waitress, who was so deep in the weeds she looked like she was going to have a seizure, flawlessly took down our order which was longer than the US constitution. What looked at first glance to be chaotic pandemonium, turned out to be highly regimented and choreographed pandemonium. Men in aprons behind the counter gleefully plunge their arms into bottomless barrels of fresh oysters, lost in some lunatic shucking dance revelry. Perfectly staggered platter after platter of fresh and steamed oysters crash down on your table carried by busboys who expertly weave through the madness like ninjas. Some of the oysters will have random limpets or barnacles clinging to the halfshell for dear life, others may have a shred of seaweed hanging off them, none of them will contain a grain of sand. As you slam and slurp your way through shots and shells, a steady layer of debris piling up on the table comprised of cracker crumbs, mignonette, beer and shells, it may dawn on you that all of this decadent insanity is costing you next to nothing during happy hour. If you know of a better happy hour in America, contact me. Word to the wise - the nut brown ale pairs perfectly with oysters, the $5 martini menu is best avoided unless you want the one that's a straight up bathtub of vodka.
(5)
Evan D.
Terrific everything. We shared corn fritters (very fresh and fresh veg in them), oyster shooters (spicy), a dozen raw oysters (with a lagniappe 13th) and then apps of crab cakes and mussels for our dinners. The steamed mussels app was definitely more than app size, easily a dinner portion or an app that could feed 2-3 people. Can't recommend it enough.
(5)
Frank E.
I came here for dinner on a Wednesday evening and this place was packed. I had to wait a bit and finally was able to sit by the bar. I ordered blackened grouper with teriyaki glazed sauce and a glass of Chardonnay wine. Everything was delicious. I would definitely come back here on my next tour in Charleston.
(3)
Tastybeverages T.
Hit this place up for a quick dinner on a Friday night. I had been wanting to check the place out since I moved to Charleston about 6 months ago, especially with all the great reviews on Yelp. I have to say that I was disappointed on many levels. 1) Watered down cocktails. This is one of those places that acts like anyone can make their own beer, and they had 3 of their own on tap. Being a seasoned veteran in the game of the restaurant that makes their own beer and acts like they are good, I decided to go with a Hendrick's and tonic. I asked the bartender for Hendrick's with a 'splash' of tonic. What I received was a gin and tonic that I am not sure had Hendrick's at all, as it tasted like stale, flat tonic. My wife got a Captain and Coke, which was also barely recognizable. 2) So-so food. The best thing that we got for dinner was the crab bisque appetizer, and it was actually very delicious. It went downhill from there. I got the Ahi tuna appetizer, which was sesame-crusted Ahi tuna with a siracha-wasabi sauce and seaweed salad. It was average at best, with somewhat bland wasabi, and a seaweed salad that was pointless. My wife thought the crab cakes were OK, and my tacos were also just OK. The tuna taco had one big 'log' of tuna in it, that was not cooked evenly (should have been just seared), but was instead well done on one end and medium at the other end. It was not even the length of the taco shell, so there were several bites of empty taco on both ends. The other taco I tried, the shrimp taco, was actually pretty good from a flavor standpoint, but was delivered in a burnt taco shell so I had to peel off the black pieces of overcooked shell. Is it not too much to ask to perhaps provide another shell if you burn the first, what are they $0.15? 3) Not very classy. This sounds stupid I know, but it was just not that interesting in the dining room. The music was too low, the lights were too bright, and the overall ambience was lacking. I am aware that this an oyster house, but this is also charleston, where you can get oysters in much more inventive surroundings.
(2)
MJ S.
The shrimp tacos were pretty incredible. The other fish tacos were good but not mind blowing. The oysters were okay.
(4)
Terry M.
Outstanding food. Great craft beers. The freshest tasting oysters we had all weekend. My wife and I went with her cousin and his wife on a Friday evening and even though happy hour was VERY busy, everything we had tasted awesome and was reasonably priced. I HIGHLY recommend Pearlz!
(4)
Christian R.
Great food and great atmosphere. Sat at the bar and enjoyed some crystal sea oysters from Prince Edward Island and also had some littleneck clams steamed in white wine and garlic. I really enjoyed my food, but I did hear a couple next to me complaining about their oysters Rockefeller, saying that they didn't taste good at all. I also can't comment on entrees because we didn't have any at all. Pearlz offers their own beers and I had their honey brown ale. It was delicious!
(4)
Eric W.
Great food but not the best place for a date. More of a groups kind of place. Excellent oysters and fresh seafood. Gotta try their red rice.
Happy hour specials are awesome. Oysters were fresh and flavorful. The corn fritters are savory with a dusting of powdered sugar - excellent. Our server recommended the small plate special - corn breaded cod sliders with bacon onion marmalade. Great recommendation and awesome service. The mixed seafood grill is a cost effective way to try a few different fish choices - all were fresh and cooked perfectly. The place fill up quickly so get there early.
(5)
Jeannine P.
The Happy Hour is bustling but worth it. I LOVE the oyster shooters and they are better than anywhere else I have tried to date! If you like fresh oysters and homemade chips this is the place to be. The food is good, the dessert was limited to one choice, a Blondie with caramel drizzle and cinnamon ice cream but even that was great. We have been 5 or 6 times and love it every time.
(4)
Gordon L.
Not to be missed. Go during Happy Hour for great deals on raw oysters.
(5)
Katie K.
Our all-time favorite spot for happy hour in Charleston. Get there early, snag a spot at the bar and stay for 3 hours. I love the homemade chips and bleu cheese, my husband is obsessed with the Oysters Rockefeller and we are both quite enamored by the great drink specials.
(5)
Dave M.
Great place for drinks and food. Good atmosphere and crowd.
(5)
Steve B.
Pearlz has character as well as GREAT service and Outstanding seafood. The local raw oysters are great. I had the grilled sea scallops which were cooked perfectly. Grilled asparagus and Spanish style rice with bits of sausage mixed in was outrageous (I think they called I Charleston style). Who cares what they call it. They have acoustic entertainment and just a great vibe. I'll be back!
(4)
Matthew C.
OMG, best and biggest oysters known to human beings
(5)
Iris W.
Went to Pearlz with a group of friends for a celebratory promotional dinner, and absolutely loved it. The wait staff was extremely friendly and very attentive with the manager coming around to check on our status frequently and making sure we were satisfied with our food. It happened to be restaurant week so I ordered off the prix fixe menu. The lobster bisque was solid but nothing fantastic. Also sampled some of my friends' dishes including the raw oysters (great!), shrimp gumbo (pretty good but not great), and clam chowder (pretty good but not great). I was, however, extremely pleased with my bistro steak and risotto dish. The risotto was well cooked, creamy, and so tasty that I'm still craving it. I always order rare steak, and only get rare steak about 30% of the time. At Pearlz, I got a perfectly cooked rare steak. I was so happy, it was the first time I complimented the chef! The other entrees at the table were pretty standard seafood fare--portions were decently sized and while everything was tasty, nothing particularly stood out. Dessert was a chocolate bread pudding, which was to die for. Absolutely delicious. Our desserts came out slightly late (apparently due to a mess up with the orders), but I was incredibly impressed as the manager came out, apologized profusely, and gave us a small discount to make up for the mistake. We left feeling incredibly well taken care of with our bellies and minds perfectly content. I would recommend this place to anyone who visits Charleston.
(4)
King L.
Holy Moses, I've found nirvanna. This happy hour is in my top 5 in the country. You have three fair beer choices for $2.50 a pint, I actually thought the stoudt was the best but it was served with one of the best happy hour menus I've ever tasted. The peel and eat shrimp made me believe I had never previously eaten shrimp that had not been flash frozen. Each one was like eating a steak. The cocktaill sauce with lemon and horseradish was first rate. The fried oysters were huge and not greasy with a perfect tasting batter. the hot sauce and blue cheese (although watery) were perfect compliments. The oysters on the half shell were tasty and good sized. I scored two orders of the fried oysters, 4 beers, two orders of peel and eat shrimp and a dozen oysters for $53 dollars. I would be hard pressed to not hit this weekly if I lived in Charleston. Great atmosphere with friendly knowledgable servers.
(5)
Laurence M.
My wife and I visited Pearlz this evening. We shared a dozen delicious oysters and we each had one the small plates (I had the grilled salmon and my wife had the swordfish)...very fresh, very tasty and just the right amount of food. Nice atmosphere and staff that aims to please.
(4)
Keith B.
Pearlz is one of my favorite places in Charleston. The oysters are the best around, and when you go for happy hour its BY FAR the best price. I highly suggest going during happy hour, they have great drink specials and really good food specials. When I lived in Charleston I visited Pearlz a few times a week.
(5)
Stephen W.
Our first dinner in Charleston and we loved it, a great experience and it really set the tone for the rest of the trip. We started with the Baked Oyster Rockafeller, which was excellent, great flavor. We also got crab brushetta that was also excellent. I got the seafood salad which was full of salmon, shrimp, scallops, and some other fish along with ingredients that resembled a cobb salad. The wife also got a salad (goat cheese?) but I don't remember exactly, and she loved it. My Liberty Red Ale was perfect, and the wife loved the house merlot, I think it was Liberty Creek. Overall, it was a great place to start a wonderful trip, and the cost was very reasonable, about $60 for the food described above. We would return in a heartbeat, and if there weren't so many other great places to eat we probably would have returned this trip.
(4)
Nick Q.
Also get the Crab avocado cake. Good vibes hard to be disappointed with this place.
(4)
Michael C.
Fun and tasty! This joint is a local favorite and I highly recommend that if you are in Charleston, you have to go here. The local flavor, great bartenders and the tastiest oysters I have had in the longest time. The prices were great, and service was prompt. This place gets packed at happy hour, but the staff members are all lighthearted and friendly and make the experience a great one.
(4)
Notso C.
I love this local restaurant even if it is chain-like. Very busy, great oysters (however may not be local), great bar vibe.
(5)
Mark L.
I will not lie, it is loud. It is a place to bring a group. I can't complain, there were four of us. This is one dedicated staff. My friends ordered a shot that they didn't know so they Googled it find out how to make it right. The seafood cobb salad was fresh and amazing. the oysters are well prepared and served with all the proper additions. It was overall an excellent experience.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
I came here for their famous Oyster Shooters - a mixture of cocktail/horseradish sauce, raw oyster, and pepper vodka - definitely a great way to start the night! The space is kind of small, but the service is friendly ~ I look forward to going back for dinner!
(4)
James R.
Found Pearlz on E. Bay St. after a Ghost Walking Tour. It was the best end to a great evening in Charleston we could have hoped for. We were going to be seated at the window but a booth opened just as we sat down. Service was great, food was great too. I had a bowl of the Seafood Gumbo (a really good choice if you have never tried it), and stole a little off my wife's plate. She had a drink of some kind which she loved.
(5)
Carl C.
I don't have any complaints best clam chowder I've ever had! Main meal outta this world, little pricey but well worth it in my book. We had about a 45 minute wait but again it was well worth it.
(5)
Eric E.
I had the massive two layer seafood deluxe appetizer. It was great. Each item was well prepared and the oysters were fantastic. The Scallop Ceviche was really off the charts!!!! Friendly service staff too.
(5)
Aberdo G.
Being on vacation always helps but I saw this place online and wanted to hit it up. We went for happy hour. $5 Martinis and $8 dozen oysters on the half shell. I could have stayed here all night for sure the service was great, the martini and oysters were very good. First time for Texas gulf oysters. Taste about the same as the PEI or Tomalas Bay ones - a bit larger. We got a seat on the sidewalk and it was a beautiful 75 out...Life is good!
(5)
Lindsay C.
I'm not a huge fan of the waitstaff with the exception of WELVIN, who is awesome. In my experience the rest are not very accomodating or friendly. Aside from that, this is usually a good happy hour spot, although it gets really crowded. I prefer to snag an outdoor spot, order the Crispy Ahi Tuna Roll, and sip "Reebok" champagne ($3/glass HH)!
(3)
Ashley M.
After trying out many other seafood restaurants in Charleston Pearlz is the family favorite. Awesome shrimp, oysters, and mussels. Good wine list and full bar. Attentive wait staff. Great for a casual week night dinner and lots of fun on weekends! Always a crowd pleaser.
(5)
Tisha R.
When in Charleston, you've got to do Happy Hour 4-7 M-F for oysters, raw or steamed, and Happy Hour Bar and Food menu. Excellent service, they're all on their toes. Sit at the bar and start talking to strangers . . . you won't regret your trip to Pearlz
(4)
Sumner B.
How can you beat $9 happy hour local oysters. Plus they have other quality varieties. We also had wonderful local Clams and Canadian mussels. Owner was nice and spent time with us discussion where they get their seafood products and the quality they provided. Very causal but nice at the bar or at a table. Not a fancy place but patrons seemed to locals and "in the know". I would give it a 5 for oysters and clams, but the mussels were fresh but sauce wasnt the best i have ever had.
(4)
Xeekster d.
Ate here two times. The oyster (raw and fried) were wonderful. Salad and taco were only ok. Then again, it's all about the oysters.
(4)
Blake H.
omg! *Baked Oysters Rockefeller Crawfish, lumpcrab, bacon our twist on the classic recipe *southern FRIED OYSTERS Bleu cheese, celery, buffalo sauce *Blackened Tuna Taco crispy cabbage, grilled pineapple salsa, wasabi cream *Homemade Potato Chips with Bleu Cheese Dressing *Corn Fritters *and my mom had some fried fish sandwich she loved. the buffalo oysters were amazing, as were the rockefellers you know how tacos have become these tiny little things and you need like four just to feel full? well this taco was a beast! i didn't like the corn fritters because they were dusted in powdered sugar, but my sister ate them all and we killed the homemade chips. reallllly good! plus i MISS YUENGLING SO HARD. so slamming them all over chucktown made me very happpppy
(4)
Jan W.
We had late afternoon snacks here. We were waiting for a night tour to start and thought we we would stop in and have a quick bite. We had several kinds of raw oysters, steamed mussels, clam chowder and a few items off of the kids menu. Everything was great. I just wish we were not so rushed and had more time to enjoy!
(4)
Susan C.
My husband and I were strolling Charleston looking for a place to grab a light dinner. We were reading many of the menus close by but when we read the menu at Pearlz and saw the place was hopping we decided to stop in. We sat at the bar and ordered a few drinks. I had a glass of wine and my husband had a craft drink named Rocky Shore which included bourbon, Luxardo, Cointreau, simple syrup and lemon juice. Quite tasty. We only ordered appetizers to eat. My husband had the she crab soup which he said was good and the Ahi Tuna taco was very good. I had a delicious salad but the name escapes me. The vibe was quite fun. Bartenders were very friendly and chatty and our neighbors on both sides were great fun. A great experience overall!
(4)
Hula B.
practically a requirement if you are visiting Charleston. this place is fantastic. great food, great atmosphere, great prices. we love the energy and communal seating!
(4)
Jenny R.
Went at lunch time and got a table immediately. I had the Low Country Fish & Chips and was sooooo good! Really liked the cajun tartar sauce and the loved the chips!
(5)
Bryan W.
Really liked this place. Imagine a bar where they take their food seriously. . . And the food happens to be seafood. Great spot if you like bars and good seafood.
(5)
Ashley B.
Amazing! During our recent trip to Charleston, we dined at this fabulous oyster bar twice...and wanted to go again! Great value with an awesome atmosphere and staff. Go with the fried oysters! Even if you're not a "fried" type of person...just DO IT! They are amazing and are served with an a delicious blue cheese and buffalo sauce. SO GOOD!!!
(5)
Joni J.
Always looking for a great happy hour....found another one! Heard about Pearlz on the shuttle to the hotel. We're not 'all about the oysters', but do love seafood in general. We came here for happy hour and ordered a couple cheap drinks, but decided to go with the regular menu for dinner...it was $21, but the seafood grill sounded too good to pass up, and it was an excellent choice! Scallops and 3 kinds of grilled white fish over spicy, creamy sweet potatoes with a side of grilled Brussel sprouts. (I believe this was my hubby's first encounter with Brussel sprouts... and he was pleasantly surprised :)). The oysters we're obviously the draw to this place, as we watched dozen after dozen go by with their crackers, pepper sauce, lemons--anything to help make the whole raw slime sensation more palatable, I suppose. (Yes,we've tried them, but just don't get it...and we even like sushi!) Those around us slurping them down seemed to be enjoying them immensely though, so I'll venture to say that if you're looking for decent oysters at a good price, this is your place at 4 p.m.
(4)
Greg G.
Solid selection of oysters from around the country. Not suuuper cheap but if you want great oysters then you have to be willing to pay, I suppose. Happy hour drink prices were solid (around $3 for house wines) and the place was packed when we went. Service was decent. Seemed to be a pretty popular spot.
(3)
Suzanne M.
Really fresh and high quality oysters. Great happy hour menu. Try mote than just the dozen on special, try some of the specialized oysters on the board. It is really interesting to taste the difference between oysters from Prince Edward Island vs. The Gulf, etc.
(4)
Bill G.
Pearlz was great! We went for happy hour and enjoyed everything we had. Fresh oysters, delicious foo-foo martinis for my wife and GREAT beers that were only $2.50. We also had the calamari and salad wedge with blue cheese and bacon. All was outstanding and the service was great too. The calamari had a fantastic sesame sauce on them, holy smokes! I could have eaten another plate of them but we wanted to taste more of the city. One thing I did not like was that inside it was LOUD. Thankfully we were seated outside so it did not bother us that much. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Hyong Y.
Very friendly establishment. Oysters were very fresh and bartender was very attentive. I also had their mixed grill entree and the sauce was absolutely delicious. I wanted to use the straw and drink up all the sauce. The risotto was done almost perfect, and very good. Overall experience was very nice. The food was good, service was good, and environment was very nice. This casual attire place but the food can be bit pricey. I definitely recommend this place for oysters and their seafood.
(4)
Zachary S.
I wouldn't really go there for anything but the happy hour, as the beer is cheap and the drinks are cheap and the oysters are pretty cheap. That and the waitress gave me a bandaid for my blistery heel. That and it could be a little touristy. Not as bad as the Market area, certainly, but it could get that way, I guess. Hell, I was a tourist and I was there, right?!
(3)
Mike S.
What a great place for a night out on the town! My wife were looking for something casual and fun, with good oysters and a decent bar. The hotel concierge recommended Pearlz above several others on East Bay, and we're glad she did. To start, the bar and wait staff at Pearlz are top-notch - very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful with suggestions (more on that later). We took their advice on wine and dug into the oysters, which were very fresh. Everything on the menu looked so good, both my wife and I had trouble deciding what to order. The bartender recommended the lobster roll for me and some fried flounder tacos for my wife. Perfect suggestions! The lobster roll was delicious - cooked perfectly, with huge chunks of lobster and without too much mayo in the lobster salad. The tacos were also cooked to perfection. The place wasn't too crowded - we got there about 7:45 and by 10 the bar crowd had started to filter in. Seemed like a lot of locals who frequent the place, as many of them were on a first-name basis with the bar staff - but we never felt left out or like outsiders. All in all, we will definitely plan to return, and I recommend thsi to anyone in the mood for a good raw bar, great food, and an overall fun atmosphere.
(5)
Robin K.
Love this place. Giving it four stars for the noise and lack of space. Waitress was great. Food is always fresh and delicious. Never come to Charleston without visiting Pearlz!!!
(4)
Chinmaya S.
Great Happy Hour menu. Will comeback here again. Excellent food, great service, nice atmosphere.
(5)
Kevin H.
5 stars for the quality of the food, service and creativity with the menu selections. I honestly want to give them 4 stars only because the wait can be frustratingly long. I have to say whenever I am in Charleston for business, I'm here! I have tried numerous items from the menu and have never been disappointed in the least! The Happy Hour Specials are a great hit! Because I'm here on business and eating by myself, I always take the first available at the bar. Got to say that Kevin is always on top of the service and taking care of the drink orders. Fabulous place, food, service and atmosphere!
(5)
Meghan O.
Our last hotel recommended this place. I had high hopes based on all of our other meals in Charleston and the amount of people that were eating there, but it really wasn't great. They were sold out of many of the oysters and had no local oysters. Got the crab dip as well and glad we stopped there. It tasted like one that you can buy frozen at the grocery store. Overall, not impressed with this place.
(2)
Melissa W.
Highly recommend the gulf oysters, southern fried oysters served with blue cheese and hot buffalo sauce, and don't forget to wash it down with a martini!
(5)
Gary C.
Fish taco 4stars Peeled shrimp 5 stars Raw oysters 4 stars Long kneck clams wine garlic 4 stars Homemade chips 3 stars Seafood Cobb salad 4 stars Service 3 stars
(4)
Anthony C.
Awesome service and food. Try the oyster shooters!
(5)
Stuart M.
My stepmother, a longtime Charleston lover, recommended that my girlfriend and I check this spot for dinner. It being out first night in Charleston, the location was great (right off East Bay) and it allowed us a chance to walk around while we waited for our table. We decided we wanted to sit at one of the five tables outside since the weather was so gorgeous that night. The hostess said we'd be waiting about 40 minutes (and she was spot on) and took out phone number to call us when it was ready. She was prompt and friendly--everything you'd want in a hostess. To start, we got the buffalo oysters and they were wonderful. Putting the sauce on the side so we could dip it ourselves was a great choice. For our entrees, I order the Seafood Sliders (Yum!) and she ordered the fish tacos. While I've had better fish tacos, these were fairly good. I don't think I'd order them if we went back, but that's mainly because there were so many other things on the menu I wanted to try. My Seafood Sliders were delish. Three mini burgers (one crab, one tuna, and one shrimp) and a side of homemade potato chips. The table next to us even commented on how good it looked. While the atmosphere inside seemed to be loud, I can't vouch for that one way or the other because we were outside. Overall, the server was on point--not too bothersome, but there when you needed her. I think our bill came to about $40 with no dessert or drinks, so I found it pretty reasonably priced as well. I would absolutely go back and recommend others do as well. (I really wanted to try some oysters next time!)
(5)
Angelo G.
Had an amazing experience at Pearlz while on vacation in SC. I sat at the oyster bar consuming all different types of oysters. There wasn't one type that dissapointed. But the BEST was their Oysters Rockefeller. It's a huge stuffed osyter with crawfish, bacon, breading, obvisouly oyster, and other delicious ingredients. I was there in June last year and still think about that dish!
(5)
Heather A.
GREAT happy hour as everyone else suggests and I love the atmosphere, very cool spot, really like the long "community table." Oysters are good, reasonably priced and they offer a nice selection. I find the crowd here a little yuppy for my taste, but it can make for good people watching. Service is... ok. I've never been impressed, but also never been appalled! Tip: OYSTER SHOOTERS! It's like a shot with a snack at the end!
(3)
Charity M.
Delicious blackened salmon, jalapeño grits and mango salsa! Yum- I enjoyed the experience here!
(4)
Ursula K.
Ate here last night while visiting Charleston on business. Got there at 640 and was told there'd be about an hour wait. The bar was packed and it didn't look like anyone was leaving any time soon. We were pleasantly surprised when the hostess came back to us about 15 minutes later and seated us! Had two dozen oysters - delicious. Then swordfish and triggerfish for our dinners. Service was pleasant and efficient. I appreciated the helpful advice from our waitress.
(5)
Ka T.
i wasn't able to take advantage of the happy hour specials. But none the less the food was excellent. Service was friendly. I was able to try a combo raw oyster platter as well as a steamed clams which we had to order twice cause it was so good!
(4)
Nick T.
Cool freaking place! Nice and Low-Key, good oyster shooters, good oysters period! Nice beer selection and great happy hour deal. Read my other reviews and you will notice a trend, I really liked the beers they had on tap. I really just can't say enough about the atmosphere in this place and how laid back and Charleston-y it is!
(4)
Jim N.
My wife and I stopped in to Pearlz for happy hour on Friday Night. We ordered a dozen local oyesters and a martini and when it was delivered, we knew we were not an any old raw bar. The oysters were chilled perfectly, the cocktail sauce was perfect and the drinks were perfect! Then we ordered the peel and eat shrimp. You picture a small-medium shrimp and out they bring extra large peferectly steamed meaty shrimps!!! This restaurant prides itself on providing premium fresh fish/shellfish at an affordable price (nothing over $21). They also only have sustainable seafood on their menu! Anyway we went back the next day for lunch and had a chance to have the oyster sampler. They have fresh oysters from Rhode Island, Prince Edwards Island, Washington State and Virginia! They were all fresh and deicious. Then the manager gave us an oyster shooter and some more samplers of menu items for our 25th anniversary!!! We love this place and recommend anyone who appreciates fresh seafood needs to go here and give it a try...
(5)
Dee F.
A Local recommended this place to me. What a deal. Oysters and Champagne for $6!!!! What a steal. Touristy? Who cares. Great vibe and great food at a great price.
(4)
Stephen B.
Wow!!!! I read the reviews and thought I have got to try this place.....I was not disappointed. I went at the end of happy hour, but the waitress still let us get the happy hour menu until well after 7pm. You have got to try the Oyster Shooter. Great seafood at a very reasonable price.
(5)
Harry H.
This place is fun on a Friday night. Seems like there are a lot of locals in the house after work. The food is a little pricey for what you get but the drink specials make up for it. We will be back for happy hour next time we visit Charleston.
(4)
Morgan S.
Pearlz isn't my favorite bar by any means but I'll never protest or throw a fit if someone wants to go. I haven't eaten here before so I can't comment on the food but can comment on the drinks. Good selection, strong drinks, and good service sum it up. You've got to try the oyster shooters - they're really one of the only reasons to go! I myself don't love them but plenty of my friends do. Be warned that this is a pretty small space so don't expect to go anytime of night and get a seat. As it gets later, it gets more crowded, and soon you won't have any elbow room. If that's your bag - head on over!
(3)
Blake F.
I wrote this review for the DT Pearlz last year and just realized that I accidentally posted it to the West Ashley location. So Charleston Pearlz, I am sorry for this late review because I love this place and location! Came here for my birthday this year and totally forgot to review it. We had a group of 6 and didn't really get there at an appropriate time to be guaranteed a table. The place was packed and people were waiting ahead of us. My buddy made one mention of my birthday and the very next table that opened was given to us. Brownie Points already! We sat down and were immediately attended too. Water and drinks already on the way. The waiter was fantastic. I wish I remembered his name. We ordered 3 different types of oysters and some typical apps. The oysters were very clean and fresh! Delish! Then to the main course. I got trigger fish which was melt in your mouth tasty! I can't really remember what everyone else ordered but I do remember everyone oohing and ahhhing. Great location downtown, great atmosphere, great server, great food! Yup 5 stars my friends!
(5)
Jackie N.
We came here for the oyster happy hour and drinks - oysters on the half shell, $10.95 for a dozen. We were quickly seated in the bar area between two groups and were able to have great conversation with a couple next to us. The oysters were fresh and service was great! No complaints here! We probably would have eaten dinner here if we were seated at our own table, but it gave us a chance to meet some nice people and we also got to try this spot before our real dinner!
(3)
Alex M.
Had oysters and crab cakes, both of which tasted great and were reasonably priced (oysters were $14 / dozen). The staff was also very nice; I will definitely come back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Helen K.
Need a seafood fix, no problem! But make sure you come early and put your name on the waiting list and they will call you on your mobile to tell you that your table is ready. For us it was an hour wait and we spent that time browsing around the surrounding art galleries on the same street. Not sure on the exact # of max sitting capacity, but inside was smaller than I had expected, which sort of explains the long wait. For our meal, we ordered a dozen blue point raw oysters, bowl of clam chowder, and lobster roll. Oysters were delicious as it's their speciality, especially the east coast oysters are my favorites. Clam chowder was very hearty with abundant of clams and the bowl was a lot bigger than your typical bowls at other seafood places. As for the lobster roll, I might just be hard to please, but I just have not found a better lobster roll than from the one in DC. I might possibly need to plan a trip to Maine for their lobster fest, but that's beside the point. My friend did recommend the seafood platter, which I will have to try on our next visit. In the end, this place is a must in Charleston!
(5)
Stephanie S.
Amazing happy hour deals. Uber fresh oysters! During happy hour, 4-7, you can order one dozen oysters for just $10. They were serving up some good looking chilled shrimp and other seafood assortments for a great price. The Mahi Mahi tacos were delicious. I had a few oyster shots too ($3.50). An oyster shot is an oyster tossed into a shot glass topped with cocktail sauce, horseradish and pepper vodka, then shaken up and put back into the shot glass. So good, but you need to be a fan of all the above. Man...the pepper vodka rocks! And its only sold locally. The bartender was a cool dude and he let us taste the vodka on it's own and it was divine. It has a pepper taste, but like the vegetable not the spice. Yum. Lovely atmopshere too.
(5)
Cat L.
My friends & I enjoyed dinner here last weekend while in town for the Hootie & The Blowfish concert. We couldn't make reservations on a Saturday night but the :40 min wait flew by. We started with the pita fries with a very unique dipping sauce. The oysters were great! They didn't look as appetizing as they tasted. We could've sat there all night throwing back oysters. The most impressive part of the experience was watching the shuckers work their magic. We also tried the fish tacos and a signature tuna burger. Our waiter Ben was very thoughtful, helpful, & entertaining. He made a great mixed drink for us with ginger beer & sprite. The place is in a great location to kill time and the strip of restaurants have beautiful outdoor seating as well as easy access inside too. The place wasn't too big but the bar kept the place busy.
(4)
Kevin C.
A fresh seafood spot somewhat of the beaten path. Exactly the lunch we were in search of. Cool spot near a short walk from the water. Great way place to duck into while enjoying the city among the crowd of old dudes rocking the knee high white socks and fresh new balances. House raw oysters, oysters Rockefeller, and fresh fish. Checked everything off the list. Plus drinks specials made everyone happy. My parents went with the whole blackened seas bass and the mixed grilled fish for my partner and I. All prepared perfectly. The mixed grill came with sea bass, mahi-mahi, swordfish, and scallops on a bed of risotto with a mushroom sauce. We all had happy plates in the end. Our server was sweet, seemed to lack confidence, but ended up being very helpful. No long waits and the staff all had a pleasant attitudes. Since we were having a birthday lunch they provided a free dessert for the table. Nice gesture and it's the little things that add up for the overall experience. Local feel and fare. A for-sure recommendation.
(5)
Kristin B.
Our meal was divine! Started with a dozen raw, for $13.00!!! That right there is amazing! Went on to a featured small plate of golden bass over cheddar grits & succotash, a farmers market salad & fried shrimp & oysters entree. It's difficult to find nicely done fried seafood in Florida, so having it on vacation is fabulous...both shrimp & oysters were succulent and perfectly fried. Honestly, the salad might have been the favorite though. It was light, generously dressed with a gorgeous preserved lemon vinagrette & chocked full of crispy fresh veggies. Ambiance was fabulous, service was slightly disconnected, but not a deterrent. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed.
(5)
Rosa J.
Chi-town "Foodie on Foot" Rosa J. was hanging out in downtown Charleston, SC for the weekend! I saw a fantastic photo of dozen oysters on Yelp when I was doing my "pre-trip Yelp preps." Based on their stellar Yelp rating, Pearlz Oyster Bar was the chosen one for our seafood feast. We walked in right at 1200 hour, the opening time on the weekends, and were warmly greeted by a spunky young man, who bore a resemblance to Hunter Pence, an outfielder for SF Giants. Of course we wanted something that could feed an entire baseball team. Oh well...maybe not...because when you were hungry, I bet your eyes would stretch way larger than what your stomach could actually house. As we were browsing through the menu, I noticed the "raw bar seafood deluxe plateau" had a variety of items featured on a two (2)-tier fountain plate. For $65 (as of 07/11/2015), should be plenty for four (4) seafood junkies. Here's a breakdown of the contents in the "raw bar seafood deluxe plateau:" 1) nine (9) varietal oysters: they had very, very fresh oysters. However, I wasn't so crazy about their cocktail sauce with garlic. I thought it was a bit bland. 2) six (6) peel & eat shrimps: the shrimps were large and flavored appropriately. I actually liked dipping the shrimps with the chive & dill sauce that came with. 3) six (6) local clams: they weren't that memorable and had no distinct taste. 4) half (1/2) lobster: a baby lobster had a seasonable amount of meat. I wasn't very skilled to dig out the meat in the "head" area. Nevertheless, Daddy J. did the honor to "decapitate" this bad boy. 5) calico scallop ceviche: that was a nice, light salad to cleanse the palate after all the primary raw sea creatures were consumed. 6) tuna tartar: that was similar to "poke," yet it was much more sweeter and much less tarter than what a typical "poke" tuna would taste like. 7) smoked pastrami salmon: that was my favorite, which was too bad that there only had three (3) thin pieces. I wish I could indulge more of these because they were sent to my dining companions' stomaches rather swiftly. 8) chilled mussels: these mussels were delicious. You would never be able to go back to the frozen ones because the fresh ones had much firmer meat, as supposed to the shrunk, soggy meat found in the frozen mussels. I had to say that this place was slightly commercial to my liking. Coming from Chicago, I guess I've always been looking for the "neighborhood vibe." Nevertheless, the quantity and quality of seafood for the price we paid were quite reasonable. We parked our rental car at the lot adjacent to the restaurant. It cost us $10 without an in/out privilege. I've seen some ridiculous parking rating ($1 for every 30 minutes), but it's safe and fun to walk around the historic downtown if you want to leave your vehicle to the valet at the hotel.
(4)
Valerie S.
Very friendly staff & excellent food. We had the mussels, oysters, and oysters Rockefeller...all of them were delicious! We sat at the bar, which I was a little apprehensive about, but it was actually very nice and fun to watch them shuck the oysters.
(5)
Rachel W.
First visit to Charleston, SC and we wanted to finish the day of exploring the historic mansions with a good seafood meal. Thanks once again to Yelp we found Pearls Oyster Bar. This isn't a place you come to expecting to get seated right away, there is a definite wait list and the bar has a trendy edge to it that keeps it hopping, but the staff, including the manager are friendly and are Hands on. The prices are reasonable, the fish and chips are amazing and I was shocked at how much fish was packed into the two pieces I got, amazing and for only $12.95! I had a Belon Cocktail that consisted of peach schnapps , champagne, orange juice for $5 of sparking citrus heaven! My friend had the NE clam chowder and I snuck a bite, creamy goodness and rich flavor. If you want a good meal and a hopping ambiance ,you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Robert S.
I almost wish I could say bad about this restaurant; but I can't. This is our 40+ visit and we have literally ordered every meal on the menu. Food great, service, better than great! Go to Pearlz!
(5)
Robert G.
Food was awesome service was fantastic. The gumbo was by far the best I have ever had. We had the bass special. Perfectly cooked in every way. Come to this place to eat !
(5)
Dan P.
We went here for dinner because it was recommended by every guide ever and because we saw the chef on "Chopped." I note that the charleston dinner rush is strange. We arrived at 18:00 and there was a 20-30 minute wait. We waited at a bar nearby (see review for Southend Brewery) and the hostess at Pearlz was nice enough to call us. She seated us at a communal table. I thought that would be annoying (it is in Chicago), but it wasn't. Here is what's weird: the dinner rush ended by 19:00 and the place started to clear. By the time we left at approx. 21:30, the place was dead. Of course we drank a lot of beer so I can't be sure of the time we left. The Pearlz brand lager was good. We ordered fried oysters and 6 raw oysters as apps. They were delicious. For entrees we ordered small plates, which were not what I would call small. The wife ordered branzini and I had the local swordfish. Again, both were delicious. Service was excellent and friendly.
(5)
Scotty C.
I haven't been in a while but, the excessively warm January climate a few days ago had me longing for one of my all time favorite happy hour spots. Here I will give you exact instructions on how to properly slay a Pearlz happy hour. Step 1: Cut a hole in a box... oh wait, wrong instructions. Let's start over... Step 1: Pick a day that's comfortable for sitting outside. Cool ones are fine because we are eating oysters here but, avoid the stagnantly hot days of the summer months. Step 2: Gather 1-3 people... Max! We're going for oysters al fresco not a bachelor party! Step 3: Arrive early because there's only a handful of outdoor seats and they go fast! Step 4: Order everything off the happy hour menu! Raw Oysters, Fried Oysters, Blue Cheese Chips, Tacos, Fritters... whatever you can get your hands on. Step 5: Sip on some economy priced beers and cocktails while you do so. Step 6: Enjoy good company, great conversation, and all the excellent food an drink you can manage for an excellent price! Pro Tip - Don't have your back to the sidewalk... you'll miss all the good people watching!
(4)
Tricia O.
Excellent food and service. Would definitely come here again. Get here for 4:00 PM and take advantage of happy hour. I'm so glad we came here. We found this place because of the Yelp reviews.
(5)
Gui Bin Z.
The happy hour deal is definitely something you want to stop by for. The oysters are fresh and worth the wait. Overall the rest of the meal was good but the oysters made the meal. My friend ordered the soft shell crab sandwich and she said it was very fresh. Definitely a place to stop by if you're in Charleston.
(4)
Connie S.
Long wait. Great food. Sat at bar Amazing service. Amazing food. Packed house. Friendly staff. Will come again.
(5)
Mark H.
Really impressed with the food and service here. Walked in with a group of seven on a somewhat busy night. We were told it'd be an hour wait so we wandered over to a rooftop bar a block or so away. About 20 minutes later we got a call saying our table was ready... We tabbed out and headed back across the street. Halfway there we got a call from a very apologetic hostess - they'd made a mistake and our table was actually meant for a group that put their names in ahead of us. We hung out outside for another 20-30 minutes then got sat. Needless to say it was annoying to leave a great rooftop bar on a false alarm... but we still got sat sooner than the original hour quote. Despite this wrinkle the food and service was real good. Not that we needed it but pretty much every employee we interacted with apologized for the snafu with getting sat - I mean everyone... The manager, multiple hosts/hostesses, our server, the busser, and so on. They threw in a couple free apps for our troubles, which was nice and shows how much they take care of people. The food was awesome - pretty much all of it. The crab cakes, the corn fritters, the lobster roll, the mussels, the oysters... All super fresh, all tasty, all amazing. Some of us also got the crab bisque, that was the only so-so thing that came to the table. It was almost a squash-based bisque rather than a typical tomato-based bisque... Not bad just slightly bland - a slight quibble in light of how good the service and all the other food was. Long story short Pearlz gets a well-deserved 5 stars despite the seating snafu based on a can't miss combo of prompt, friendly, superb service and generally phenomenal food.
(5)
Rosalina F.
I would definitely visit here again because the food was delicious. Many other restaurants offer mostly fried seafood but at Pearlz a wide variety is offered of fresh, delicious seafood. The mixed seafood grill was probably one of the best seafood plates I've ever had. The asparagus risotto that accompanied this dish was amazing. Our party included young children and they offer a kid's menu as well which includes grilled cheese, hot dog, hamburger, fried shrimp and fish fingers. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Geoffrey W.
Absolutely amazing, we had the deluxe plateau. It was heavenly, the salmon pastrami and tuna tartar were amazing. Even the scallops, which I normally dislike, were good. Ron the server was perfect and had an awesome beard. He was extremely knowledgeable on all the wine selections, the same level as you'd expect at a vinyard. All the waiters were extremely professional and attentive. The owners' checked in on us and we're extremely kice. Dinner was the catch of the day, Monkfish, with red rice and asperagus. It was pan seared perfectly and tasty.
(5)
Natalie M.
So glad we took the advice of our friends and went here while in Charleston! They don't take reservations and I imagine the wait may get long, but when we showed up around 8 on a Saturday we were seated right away. We enjoyed house oysters and two small plates: tuna tartar and blackened mahi mahi over cheddar grits, which was one of their specials. For dessert we shared the pound cake with praline sauce. Everything was superb, but the dish that really stood out was the sauce poured over the grits; it was incredibly flavorful with black eyed peas and spices. Service was also great. We really enjoyed this restaurant and if we lived in the area, we would definitely visit again!
(5)
Tricia W.
Ate here twice while in Charleston. Had the fried shrimp, the peel and eat shrimp and the fried oysters. The sauces that came with all of them were really good. Everything was delicious. First time had the Rocky Shore cocktail and the next night had the white sangria. Servers here are really good the food well prepared. We were here on the weekend so no Happy Hour. We will be back for sure. Give them a try if you are in the neighborhood.
(4)
Judi H.
Great happy hour. Fantastic oysters and corn fritters. They are like crunchy donuts filled with corn and delicious dough. $10 for a dozen good size raw oysters
(5)
Bob B.
Happy hour is happy hours. The fried corn fritters were to die for and the shrimp cocktail was so delicious I had to order a second helping. The oysters were on point as well. With cheap local beer specials you can't go wrong. This is as must visit for anyone visiting Charleston. A great spot to take a break while walking the city.
(5)
Suzanne B.
Good! But not amazing like the reviews led me to believe. Definitely get the house chips and blue cheese dressing :)
(3)
Brandon C.
Pearlz is the place to go for oysters. Here's how to do it... 1. The space is not huge, so come early for dinner or in mid-afternoon for oysters prior to a late night dinner. 2. They have the coldest beer anywhere. The draught specialty is based out of Myrtle Beach and comes in five varieties. 3. The oysters are from up and down the east coast. Sit at the bar and ask the shucker about the different tastes of each one. The Carolina ones are saltier. 4. The house oysters (at 13.95 a dozen) are an absolute bargain. 5. Service here, while not off the charts, is good enough for a relaxed afternoon with a beer and oysters. 6. They have drink specials. For 4$ they make a mean red or white sangria.
(5)
Megan M.
Anyone who gives this restaurant anything under 5 stars is kidding themselves because it deserves every star... Though there was a wait (about 25 minutes) we were able to go across the street to get drinks so it didn't seem too long or unbearable. When we got back to the restaurant though, the first thing we noticed was how amazing the service was. Our waiter, Ben, was so nice and helpful the entire meal and made the whole night so enjoyable. Not to mention the amazing staff, the food was really really good. Especially the clam chowder and sea food tower. Im not normally really into seafood but tonight I made an exception because it was honestly amazing! I can't think of one thing that could've made mine, or my families experience any better.
(5)
Kris L.
Absolutely loved Pearlz! Tip: There was a 45 min wait at 6pm on a weekday, so head over and put your name in soon! Then, walk along the water and enjoy the gorgeous view. The food: JUST GET THE CORN FRITTERS. EAT THESE AMAZINGLY SAVORY AND SWEET PILLOWS FROM HEAVEN. Also loved the wahoo entree and the old bay shrimp! Service was fine but not amazing..but the food spoke for itself.
(4)
Katie Z.
Came here for drinks and appetizers. Great oysters and crab cakes! Outdoor seating available. I would visit again. They have a great happy hour with $3.00 champagne every weekday from 4-7!
(4)
Candace S.
Worth every penny!! Very fair prices for high quality seafood. Oysters are amazing, cocktails are great, service is attentive and I would recommend this place to anyone I know!
(5)
Federico P.
Great gastro pub/ restaurant! My girlfriend and I shared the steamed mussels. She then had the New England lobster roll while I had the Lowcountry fish and chips. Everything was great as it was the service.
(5)
Alan C.
Fantastic and fresh seafood, the ambiance chill too. I ordered a small/grazing of the tuna and local oysters, both sublime. I also had the tap lager ($4 for maybe 15 oz, a bargain) and found it exceptional in quality.
(5)
Josh G.
Holy moly. Great raw oysters, but the fried are amazing with buffalo sauce. And I mean silly good.
(5)
Christina H.
Love it every time we go! We were visiting Hilton Head, but flew in and out of Charleston (an hour further away than Savannah) just so we could go to Pearlz's happy hour. Great oysters, chips and beer!
(5)
Lindsay W.
The atmosphere is a hair above a dive bar. They had candles on the table but the lights were up too bright for them to add to the ambience. They had a cabinet which opened to a desk with computer & there was a ladder stored behind it but in view. They must be tight on space but not something I want to see when I'm dinning out. Our waitress recommended the lobster roll, crab cake, clam chowder & fried shrimp platter. Id say the average dish was $10-16. I'm a pretty healthy eater so I was looking for something light. I tried the clam chowder cup & the potatoes were fresh & i liked the scallions added on top. I did have two spoonfuls that were dumpling consistency like the rue wasn't mixed well. I got the fresh caught scallops with asparagus with red beans & rice as that is what comes with each fresh catch plate. $26 was too much for this dish. It was heavy on the rice with 5 asparagus & 4 good size blackened scallops. My husband had a chef choice salad which came with green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, feta, pecans over very fresh spring mix. It had a nice vinegar based dressing. The waitress was nice and attentive but didn't have alot of personality.
(3)
Philly P.
The best oysters ever n the best bang for your buck, such fabulous n fresh tasting oysters, if nothing else just visit this place for their oysters. My husband who is not a big fan of them had nearly half a dozen, so go have your fill. I had two dozen of them yum yum yum. He also ordered the BLT seafood salad which was fantastic n it had a wonderful presentation. It came with finely shredded lettuce, crab, shrimps, bacon n asparagus, absolutely amazing. This place also has a good selection of drinks from wine, beets to cocktails. If in Charleston, do have at least a small bite if not a meal n try their oysters which they get from Virginia.
(5)
Mansan H.
Really do not need to say anything more. Awesome raw oysters. The mixed seafood gill and NY steak were fantastic! Swordfish, sheepshead, snipper, scallops!!! Go for lobster roll if u are not looking for a big meal.
(5)
Food C.
Portion was small for the price. Taste was good though. Service was good as well. The clam chowder was loaded with clam but the blue crab bisque didn't have much of crab meat. Oysters were plum but so far the best price was the one we had in Panama City Beach, FL.
(4)
Lynn C.
Fresh shucked oysters for $10.99 during happy hour and several other happy hour specials. Great staff, fresh and delicious oysters. Limited seating so get there b4 they open up.
(5)
Erica D.
Best oysters in Charleston. We went during happy hour (Monday-Friday 4-7).. Around $10 a dozen. Great Bloody Mary too!
(5)
Kerry L.
I went here for their happy hour, sat at the bar--great service. We got 2 dozen oysters and 2 mahi tacos that were delicious (ask for a side of wasabi mayo to spice it up a bit). This place gets packed, we were lucky to get a seat at the bar. They were 3 rows deep by the time we left. This place was exactly what we were looking for, loved it!!
(5)
Joy S.
Don't go here for happy hour. They have a fantastic happy hour but you still shouldn't go here. The menu consists of great inexpensive snacks and amazing deals on drinks (hello $2.50 homegrown draft beer and $3 liquor drinks!). As far as the food, I'm not a huge fan of oysters (I know, I know, blasphemy), so I've gone with the mahi tacos, the fried shrimp and the homemade chips with bleu cheese dressing. All of which are pretty good. I've also had the lobster roll that's on the main menu and it's awesome. They even have $2.50 oyster shooters for happy hour. Awhile back, I got coericed into doing one and I'm still traumatized by it but I'd imagine they're good if you're down with raw oysters. All in all, I think Pearlz seriously has one of the best happy hours downtown. So again, don't go here for happy hour. I don't need people crowding up the place and making me wait for a table.
(4)
Jennifer H.
I took a weekend trip to Charleston with one thought in my mind...oysters. We had my daughter with us so we decided an early dinner would be best. Good thing we went at 5. It was packed, but we managed to get the last 3 seats at the communal table. Not my favorite way to dine, but there was enough space that we didn't feel like we were eating with strangers. I ordered a dozen house oysters, which even when it's not happy hour, the $12.95 per dozen is hard to beat. I also ordered the lobster bisque soup and corn fritters. My friend ordered the mussels. My daughter ordered a hot dog off the kids menu and was able to substitute grilled asparagus for the chips. The bisque was not the best I've ever had, but a quick shot of tabasco livened the flavors up. The oysters were superb. A good size and gave a nice pop. After my dozen, I wanted to order another dozen. I could have gone without the corn fritters. I little too bready for my liking, but really, I was here for the oysters and they delivered.
(5)
Kevin C.
Came here last night for dinner. I think our only option was to sit at the bar or high top, we chose the bar and that was a great choice. My guy liked being able to see the action of the shuckers right in front of us. The bar staff was attentive, quick, and friendly. The place was clean and I enjoyed the decor. Being from Boston, I miss the feel of the independently owned bar. We were there about 6 and it never felt crowded.
(4)
Clint D.
My girlfriend and I were in Charleston for 3 nights and we ended up going to Pearlz twice. The happy hour is fantastic which is what drew us in the first time. Several drinks, 2 dozen oysters, and 4 oyster shooters later.. we went to dinner at another establishment and we wished we would have stayed. The second night we started at happy hour as well. I'd recommend getting there before 4:30 PM if you can, it gets packed by 5:00 on any weeknight. Many more drinks were had including my favorite, the Heat Seeker oyster shooter! If you like spicy, DO THIS. The crab bisque is phenomenal and the seafood plateau was a towering silo of amazing chilled seafood. We loved the food and had so much fun with the staff. It's a high energy social experience in tastes and fun.
(5)
Christian M.
Excellent seafood menu. Had the blue crab bisque soup, very good, not to thick. Along with the Golden Grilled Bass. The Cookie and the Coconut cream pies were to die for. Great service provided by Katie.
(5)
Lisa M.
It is as great as the stars indicate. Great food, cocktails and service. Didn't disappoint and the unexpected surprise was the amazingly affordable happy hour which lets you sample some great things. A must do!
(4)
Carlie N.
The grammar geek in me is wary of establishments that use "z" instead of "s" or "k" instead of "c" (I'm looking at you, Krispy Kreme). But Pearlz Oyster Bar has completely won me over. The food was fresh and amazing. Highly recommend the fresh (and affordable!) oysters on the half shell. The Southern fried oysters were deep fried perfection paired with bleu cheese and a spicy buffalo sauce. We split the mixed seafood special - scallops and a few fish varietals on top of a lobster-broth infused risotto. The service was superb. The place was jam-packed but our server remained friendly, agile, and efficient. I was also impressed with the manager / owner, who clearly cared about his patrons' experiences and worked hard (checking in on the hostess, running food to tables, etc) to make sure everything was running smoothly. Pearlz doesn't take reservations - the wait for a table was up to 1.5 hours by the time we left - but it is absolutely worth the wait.
(5)
Mike F.
Best oyster bar I've ever been to. Their selection and variety gives the customer great options. The staff is amazing and they shuck the oysters right in front of you. I also had the shrimp tacos, which were awesome. The alcohol menu was superb. Lots of options and outside if the box ideas. Make sure you get there 10 minutes before they open. Within 2 minutes the place was packed, not a single seat open. Sit at the bar, you won't regret it.
(5)
Brannon J.
Came in during Happy Hour on a Monday, sat at the bar and I could not have been happier. The dozens raw oysters from Va were great, fried oysters fantastic ( 3 orders) and the corn fritters to die for. Not mention the 2 beers a piece at HH, and the bill was $47. Absolutely amazing! 4 days in Charleston best value for sure.
(5)
Annie R.
I love the atmosphere in Pearlz! I think it's a great spot to meet friends for happy hour and oysters. When I last dined there, I had the soft shell crab sandwich which was a special of the night... I ate every bite!
(5)
Ainsley E.
This place is the BOMB. We were in town for 4-5 days and ended up here 3 times. It gets really busy at night but if you show up for lunch or happy hour you are in for a treat. AWESOME oysters and great drinks, service was great. Can't recommend enough.
(5)
Williamson R.
Just happened by this spot and had pearlz nut brown ale and a dozen steamed oysters. Then the clam chowder based on recommendations here and corn fritters. Clam chowder was best we've ever had. Corn fritters were good but dusted with powdered sugar which was strange. We were lucky to get a table on the sidewalk. Great start to our trip!
(4)
Suzanne P.
We had a late night dinner here. Excellent! This is the second time here. Food is wonderful, staff is very accommodating! Would definitely recommend!
(5)
L L.
The food here was excellent, as was the service. I had the seafood boil, which was great. My husband had grilled scallops, which melted in your mouth. We had a bit of a wait, but we were waiting for a booth. Had we chosen communal sitting the wait would have been shorter. Be aware this is a LOUD restaurant. Not really rowdy patrons, just acoustically speaking. Would definitely go again.
(5)
Mari H.
Pearlz was recommended to us by a local as a must see and we are not disappointment! Driving up there were a lot of people standing outside but the cool thing is they don't give you one of those annoying pagers that you're restricted on far away you go.... No they take your cell number and call you when your table is ready. So we went down and got a drink somewhere else. On to the Oyster..... Brian ordered 12 half and half oysters and well as the Rockefeller and when the first dozen came out they were all raw....shortly afterwards our waitress Angela notice the order was wrong so promptly brought out the six oysters that were suppose to be steamed. THANK YOU!!! I ordered the Mahi tacos which were amazing but I should have only ordered one. Brian had the mixed seafood grill with risotto which he said was good but that over did it with the truffle oil. All and all, we enjoyed our meal, the sangria was great and loved at we were seated outside where we were able to give other tourist advice and where to go.
(5)
V B.
O, Pearlz, how I love thee. This may be my favorite spot in Charleston for a combination of food, atmosphere, service and drinks. Very Hungry Husband is always very hungry for oysters. Make of that what you will. Thus, when we are seaside, we are always on the hunt for good oysters. Pearlz not only provided that fresh from the ocean experience - it was so good that the second night we were in Charleston we canceled our other swanky, expensive restaurant reservations and went back to Pearlz for a second round of goodness on the half shell. The service was impeccable. The place starts hopping in the evening and the waitstaff knows their drinks, the menu, timing and makes wonderful suggestions. Our waitress was the bomb; busy but on top of everything. Very Hungry Husband gets teary eyed when confronted with an empty pint glass and she managed to keep his eyes dry all night. The manager was regularly touring the floor and spoke to us for a bit on our second visit. The place ran in a very well-oiled fashion. Some stand outs, not to be missed: Oyster shooters: yummy, spicy, alcohol-laden fun Tuna Tartare: tremendous. If you are a sushi, raw fish or ceviche fan, you will be glad you ordered it. Crispy Calamari: a great calamari. Not the best I've ever had, but among the best. Corn Fritters: best corn fritters I've ever had. Fluffy balls of goodness - and I am not making a South Park reference here. Oysters/Seafood tower: We ate a ton of oysters here, maybe more like a couple of buckets. We tried at least one each of every type of oyster they had. On our first visit we had the special, which was a giant tower of shrimp, clams, oysters, ceviche, tartare - just the freshest, most lovely seafood we'd had in a long, long while. Their signature cocktails are fantastic. There was one, in particular, that was made with grapefruit juice and champagne and complimented the seafood beautifully. The bartenders know how to mix and pour a drink and there is a decent beer selection, too. The happy hour menu is a great deal and has great little offerings. We'd make the drive to Charleston every weekend for Pearlz if we could.
(5)
Kathy H.
Went here on St. Patrick's day weekend for a snack mid-afternoon. We ordered draft beers (really good) and their famous bloody mary. Sat outside and the service was great. We had a dozen raw house oysters that were amazing. We also had the calamari and I we really didn't care for it. They deep fried sausage and lemon rinds which was a really odd taste. Great atmosphere and location. Would go back.
(3)
Tim O.
Lobster roll was was a little disappointing but everything else was delicious. Service wasn't perfect but was good enough.
(4)
J M.
Perfect fish tacos. Opt for the mahi mahi and the tuna. Add a few Yuenglings and you have a perfect summer meal to cap off a hot day of fun and sight seeing. Not too heavy, and definitely hit the spot.
(5)
Kevin M.
Tacos are a great choice for a light dish. We also did the blue crab cheese dip, excellent
(5)
Alison L.
First time for raw oysters= amazing Pearlz white ale = better than blue moon just like the waitress said Cod sliders = best sliders I have ever had, with awesome home made bbq chips Highly recommend, great for late night as kitchen stays open late!
(5)
P.D. N.
My wife and I visited Pearlz this evening after arriving in Charleston. We go out of our way to visit this wonderful establishment. Everything we had tonight was great. The service provided by Kevin Sirhal was top notch, as always! If I lived near by I would be here 3-4 nights a week. Great food and reasonable prices, a real recipe for success.
(5)
Lydia B.
I give Pearlz the highest rating because what they do they do best. We go for Happy Hour which is M-F from 4-7, and during that sweet window one can order a dozen oysters on the half shell for less than $10. The cocktails are $5 and tasty and the corn fritters are a perfect complement to the oysters at $3. If you go, go before 5:00 and during the week as it is impossible to get in later and on the weekend. The oysters are consistently fresh, served properly, and the service is quick and attentive. We never miss coming on our yearly visits.
(5)
C K.
Great place to eat oysters and other seafood dishes. They do not take reservation and the place gets busy especially during happy hour (4PM-7PM daily). They allow people to sit at the bar (free seating) when it becomes available, but for the large community table or a booth, you most likely have to wait a bit. The food was worth the wait though and the service was good. It's a restaurant/bar type athmosphere with food that exceeds bar food at almost any place. Defenately would recommend this place when you visit Charleston!
(5)
Julie O.
What a great place! Caught happy hour here and left more than satisfied. Their $2.50 house drafts, fresh tasting oysters, and mahi tacos were amazing. Thank you for a delightful Charleston visit!
(4)
Vitto V.
Happy hour a dozen Oysters, ohh maaa gaaa it rocks! Soo fresh and tasty. I ordered two dozens, really wanted three but I got shy to order another one :-) I also had one of their delish whiskey cocktails with my Oysters, nomnom!
(5)
Wendy R.
We were in Charleston for a wedding and decided to try Pearlz (mainly because I wanted a New England Lobster Roll). We were not disappointed. We started with Oysters on the half shell, they were really fresh and served with a wonderful mignonette. My husband had the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich and I had the New England Lobster Roll. So Yummy!!
(5)
Crawford D.
Awesome! The mussels from Prince Edward Island were delicious! Service was great, too!
(5)
Darin U.
All places are a rip for drinks. Had a great time. Go to the bar and have a great time w James and Season.
(5)
Audrey H.
On valentines day this year we stumbled into Pearlz (they don't take reservations). It was very busy but we were seated at the bar by the window. The oysters are so fresh & big! They were without a doubt the best oysters I've ever had. & surprisingly it was the cheapest meal we had during our stay in Charleston.
(5)
Chris B.
Pretty good oysters and and okay lobster roll. Very busy atmosphere. Nothing particularly special. I would recommend going to Raw 167 before here.
(3)
Robin C.
Wow! Was this place ever crowded! We got lucky though, landing seats on barstools facing the window. It was happy hour, and we ordered the fried buffalo oysters and the corn fritters. The oysters came with a spicy red sauce, blue cheese dressing and celery. They were fried to crispy perfection and not at all greasy. The fritters came in a cone shaped serving dish. Again, no greasiness, just a delightful, sort of spicy tenderness. And, at $1.95 for six, who can beat that price. We felt like we were the only people that our waitress was serving; she was that prompt with drinks, food and tab. I enjoy writing about great experiences like the one we had at Pearlz!
(5)
David H.
Food was great, had the Oyster Rockefeller. . And gumbo. Went on a Thursday night, medium size crowd.
(3)
Kevin L.
One of the best Oyster bars we have visited. My family has always loved Pearlz and this most recent visit certainly didn't disappoint. It's plenty busy and quite loud but provides for a very fun atmosphere. We went on a Friday night so I'm sure not all dining hours are like that. We had some amazing Oysters Rockefellar, Raw Oysters, and a bottle of wine. From previous visits I can highly recommend the Fried Oysters, Corn Fritters, Seafood Gumbo, and the Tuna Sandwich (if you like thick tuna steak).
(5)
Greg C.
Oysters were incredible, service was impeccable, staff friendly and cheerful. You have to try the bloody Mary drink Bloody Shrimp. Enough garnish for a small meal. Would highly recommend, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Kimber C.
I like the set up in the West Ashley location better. The one downtown feels a little too fast paced because of all the open seating. (I know, not an easy fix). The oysters are awesome, the beer is good, and I haven't had anything off the menu that I didn't like.
(3)
Wei W.
Their fish and fries are awesome! Love it so much!! Can't wait to visit again. Just hard to find parking :(
(5)
Joseph W.
Absolutely phenomenal!! Came right as happy hour started and had 2 dozen fresh oysters with my family. So fresh and amazingly delicious! Not to mention the incredible price. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits..... To die for! And it's central location to everything in Charleston is perfect. Don't miss out on this amazing dining experience
(5)
Brendan O.
Great oyster selection! We had some of the house oysters raw on the half shell and they were great. The Buffalo-style fried oysters were a perfect flavor with a beer, very light fry kept them very tender. Good Bloody Mary, great atmosphere, and if you sit at the bar you get to watch them shuck endless amounts of raw snacks.
(5)
Kate C.
Yeah. This place is awesome. We went here on a Saturday as soon as they opened (by chance) and it was already bustling. Visiting from Charlotte I wanted to find a place with some good seafood....we found it at Pearlz. My husband had the crab cake sandwich and I ordered the fried shrimp dinner. I'm not big on corn fritter anything, but these were cooked just right. The shrimp were fried to perfection and the cocktail sauce had just the right amount of spicyness. You can't go wrong with the seafood here, but it fills up quick so get there soon after opening....
(5)
Simon V.
Awesome place. Great vibe. Staff was super cool. Oysters were good and cheap. Clams too.
(5)
Margaret J.
My boyfriend and I went here during restaurant week and it was great! The best part was the French toast bread pudding. Never had it before and boy will I get it again:) Cant wait to go back.
(5)
Regan W.
Great food. I had the oysters on the half shell and we had the fried ship and oyster which were AWESOME!! great drinks and great service. We sat at the window so some top quality people watching!
(5)
Gordon K.
Just what we were looking for. Fresh oysters, great local fish cooked right and a lively and friendly bar scene. We enjoyed the meal. Note: the place is loud and you will probably wait a while for a table. If you can get past that, go for it.
(4)
Deb W.
I'm glad I tried it, but not sure I'd go back unless company really wanted to. There was nothing wrong with our meal, it just wasn't as amazing as we expected. The bloody Mary's and Oyster Shooters were fantastic as were the raw oysters. The asparagus crab soup was very bland. I had the seafood BLT tower salad, everything was fresh but I just wasn't impressed with it. 2 of us had the grilled whole snapper - cooked nicely but would have been better if it was cooked with some type of seasoning. There was a sauce on the side but neither was impressed with the sauce. My father had the fried oysters, which he enjoyed enough. The service was fantastic. Overall, nothing bad, but not special. The place is small and VERY loud. It's not that we were looking for quiet, but the place wasn't even full and we had trouble hearing each other speak it was so loud. I would definitely go back for Happy Hour drinks and oysters.
(3)
Jeremy F.
Overrated and overpriced.
(2)
Phi N.
So we went to Amen the day before, then to Pearlz for another happy hr. Pearls is more crowded and the place to go apparently for HH. Well-we didn't like it as much-we felt rushed and ppl were eyeing your seat down to see when you were going to move. I mean this guy sat right next to me half way thru then when we left he quickly grabbed the bar stool! Little did he know the hostess will seat you even for HH. The oysters for happy hr were not great. Good? Yes. We got the soup, and some apps. Not much on the happy hour menu either so our bill was still expensive. Our visit was not that relaxing-if you want a more chilled back atmosphere and more options for munchies and drinks, try elsewhere.
(3)
Han C.
We visited Pearlz recently, attracted by the cheap oyster HH (a dozen for $9!) and the stellar reviews, but we probably ordered wrong. The house oysters were extremely gritty and tasted off and the peel-yourself shrimp were bland little buggers. We did order a platter of assorted oysters without the house, and these were more flavorful, clean and fun. The fried food everyone else had around us seemed better. I guess everything fried is better. I wish this visit was better.
(2)
Christy B.
Great Happy Hour prices but always busy! The bar area is pretty noisy, small and crowded. The cod sliders were incredible!
(4)
Dan F.
I can't begin to tell you how solid of a place this is. You NEED to come here as soon as happy hour starts so you can get a seat at the bar. They fill up fast. The oysters were the stars of the show. They were solid, big, fresh and extremely flavorful. Would recommend putting a little less cocktail sauce in the oyster shooters but overall the place was great in pretty much every aspect, food quality, service, price point and location.
(5)
Mattie C.
This may now be my favorite place in Charleston. The boyfriend and I stopped here for lunch the other day, very excited to try some fresh oysters and seafood dishes. We were NOT disappointed. We decided to get a sampler of a dozen oysters - it wasn't cheap, probably around $27 but it came with four different types of oysters, all from Canada, plump and delicious. I am kicking myself for not remembering most of their names - one though was called Komo Gway and it had this amazing cucumbery finish - I had never tasted an oyster like that before and it was really unique. For both of us, the favorite was a PEI oyster that was like this creamy lump in briny water - maybe that doesn't sound appetizing, as I am not very good at describing tastes but it was really smooth and just incredible. We were debating getting another dozen of just that. Then the main course came - I got 3 fish tacos - two shrimp and one fish. Delicious! Boyfriend got the clam linguine and raved about the sauce. I had a bite of it - I am not a big clam person, but it was pretty good. It turns out the clams were incredibly fresh - they were delivered from Foley Beach to the restaurant while we were sitting there eating our oyster appetizer! Many of the cocktails sounded good, but we ended up getting the sangria. It wasn't bad, but I would say I've had better. I think they should put more soaking fruit in there - all that was in there was a marachino cherry and an orange slice. One of my favorite parts about getting sangria is slurping up the fruit slices at the bottom, so wish they could have done that. Oh, and they also appear to offer their own beers? I wish we had tried those. We were sitting at the window and there was a guy having a meal directly in front of us. We were drooling looking at his meal as well - he had a bloody mary cocktail with a giant shrimp in it and this seared scallop dish that looked amazing. Clearly, there are lots of menu items here that any seafood lover should try and we definitely want to come back next time we are in Charleston. Lastly, the service was great. Our waitress was friendly and helpful and seemed excited to talk about the oysters and the seafood. A guy who I presume to be the manager came up in the middle of the meal and brought us some bread so we could sop up the creamy clam juice in boyfriend's linguine dish. Yum! They went together very well. The restaurant wasn't cheap, but didn't break the bank either - it was certainly cheaper than some of my favorite seafood options in DC. I'm a big fan!
(5)
Imelda M.
As usual awesome. What wonderful food drinks, service & the best Happy Hour ever. Thank you Pearlz
(5)
Ashley M.
My boyfriend and I decided to pick Pearlz on a night we wanted some good Charleston seafood, and it did not disappoint. Not thinking ahead, walked in around 8pm on a Saturday night and was told the wait for a table of two would be 45-60 minutes. We did not mind since the restaurant is at a prime location and we had several options to entertain us, including the short walk to the shore and beautiful homes of Battery Row and Waterfront Park. In just 30 minutes, the hostess called and offered us immediate seating by the window. My boyfriend ordered a half dozen oysters to start and I had a small house salad. Both appetizers came out very quickly. For our mains, my boyfriend had the mixed grill platter and I ordered a small salmon plate. Both were specials and not available on their regular menu. The dishes had very similar styles (seafood on risotto or grits) and also had the same tomato broth finish. The food here is good, service is great, but I think they could step it up a notch on the creativity scale. Not a big deal, I'm sure, since they are incredibly busy regardless!
(4)
Neil B.
Bold flavors!
(5)
Alex C.
This was my second time been here. Food is still amazing. The staff are very friendly. The music is awesome. We had 4 appetizers. Tuna Tartare is great!
(5)
Bryan M.
Best Happy Hour we found during our holiday in Charleston. 'Homegrown' beers are only $2,50 and cocktails are $5 instead of $8-9! Oysters and other select appetisers are a steal at this time. It's worth having an early supper of beers and munchies. We ordered almost every select appetiser: oysters, corn fritters, and chips, each was tasty and delicious. The Mahi Mahi tacos were yummy as well! Great location and nice staff.
(5)
Kate F.
Living in landlocked Atlanta, we don't get too many opportunities for really fresh seafood, so we made sure to make that a priority on a quick trip to Charleston. Pearlz was crowded on a Wednesday night, but we snagged two seats at the bar, which worked out great. We split raw and steamed oysters along with mussels and one of the fish specials. It was all really, really tasty. The service was great (which can sometimes be an issue when sitting at a bar and eating). We were offered multiple rounds of bread to sop up that delicious broth once the mussels were eaten. Our tab was pretty reasonable, considering all the drinks and food.
(4)
Mike S.
I had a nightmare experience at a so called "amazing oyster bar" in New Orleans the week before, and this place helped me have a fantasy DREAM moment to recover my love for the oyster. The oysters here were so perfect tasting, I don't really know what to say, other than I ordered a second dozen the second I finished the first. Happy hour is awesome, place is awesomer....
(5)
Loretta J.
Happy hour! 4 glasses of champagne, delectable basket of homemade chips and a lot of gossip with my girls. $15 price tag. The bar was buzzing and the community table suited us just fine. Lots of pretty locals and tourists on good behavior. Service is attentive.
(5)
Rhonda F.
Fantastic experience. I ordered the tuna tartar and would be stopping short of the truth if I did not admit it was one of the best I have ever enjoyed. Served over a bed of seaweed salad and dressed with black sesame seeds. The sauce that accompanied on the side was siracha and a wasabi cream aioli. Perfect. Enjoyed also a bottle of Vueve Yellow Label that was extremely fair priced. Lunch entree was rare seared tuna tacos dressed with lemon basil aioli. Another winner. All others in our party were quite pleased with their selections. Burger, swordfish and mahi. Will definitely visit again......don't forget the oyster shooter(s).
(4)
Tammy H.
Great service, awesome food. Totally recommend!! Stopped at Blossom first to rude service. Glad, because it brought us here to super friendly, happy people.
(5)
Meeko P.
I Found this place passing through town for just one night, It was nice to find this place still serving great quality food, at fair prices late into the evening. What I got where some of the best oysters, for the price I have had in awhile, they where perfectly shucked, medium size, plump Virginia oyster served icy cold, with all the accompaniments you would need. I also tried the Shrimp and Grits, not traditional but, Oh so good. The shrimp where seasoned and cooked perfectly served on top of some of the best creamy jalapeño grits I've ever tasted, garnished with black beans. The service was friendly and efficient. Can't wait to go back my next time through town.
(5)
Ashley H.
Fantastic happy hour and fresh fresh Oysters! Great drinks and the wait staff was attentive and great with recommendations. Go early...it fills up quick and then people feel the need to crowd the door.
(5)
Inna B.
Happy hour here rocks. We went almost every day of our vacation to take advantage of the oyster deal and the cheap beers and wines. Although locals told us it was not oyster season, the oysters we got were still quite delicious. The atmosphere here is very lively and we were usually able to snag a seat at the bar after a short wait.
(5)
Kelly K.
Our table of 3 was able to sit in the big long table in the middle of the restaurant even on a crowded night with minimal waiting. I found the waitress and staff to be very courteous and friendly. The restaurant, though small, had a cool, welcoming vibe and I enjoyed being there. We ordered a variety of appetizers including the Oyster Shooter. While I am a big fan of oysters, I didn't love the shooter. Overall, the food was excellent and I look forward to returning!
(4)
Danielle B.
I've been to Pearlz twice now and I am in love with both the service and the food. The "Bloody Shrimp" (Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail) is always perfection and my favorite Bloody Mary in Charleston so far and I am usually a huge critic. The first time I went I had the oysters Rockefeller for an appetizer and the linguine with garlic and oil and added shrimp for my main course. Both were insanely delicious. The second time I went for Valentine's Day with my husband and we shared the deluxe seafood tower which was a feature on their special holiday menu and included three different types of raw oysters on the half shell, raw clams, 6 peel and eat shrimp, half a lobster, mussels, scallop ceviche, blue crab, and tuna tartare along with a cocktail horseradish sauce, a mignonette sauce, and a tartar sauce. This entire seafood tower was valued at $175 but they priced it at $65. The owner came and talked to us about the seafood tower and explained that he and his chef traveled to New York specifically to research seafood towers so they could come up with a reasonably priced yet luxurious version of their own. That's how you know you're at a restaurant that cares about it's customers. Overall I love this restaurant and my husband and I will continue to be loyal customers.
(5)
MaryBeth W.
Best Happy Hour in Charleston! AWESOME oysters & AWESOME prices!! Fun atmosphere, friendly staff! This is a must go place in Charleston!
(5)
Harry S.
We sat outside on a cloudy yet warm day. We order payers on a half shell and thought they were clean and tasty. The fresh Market salad was very good. It had lentils and an assortment of greens. The dressing was simple with lemon juice and oil. We order the fish of the day which was Cordova and we ordered it pan fried. It came on top of sausage jambalaya with asparagus and chimichurri sauce. This was excellent. The shrimp and grits was a little bland and needed Tabasco sauce to balance it out. It also had a gamey taste which was odd because it was seafood. Maybe the sausage? Not sure but not recommended. Service was good.
(4)
Marketplace W.
Fantastic happy hour. Very friendly service. Nice sparkling wine for 3 bucks a glass, Oyster shooter with a shot of Absolut for 3.50, and a dozen tasty house oysters at 9 bucks. How can you go wrong? Only by living too far away to enjoy this on a regular basis. Cheers!
(5)
Austin W.
My wife and I were visiting Charleston and started our evening at the Pearlz happy hour. We had a fantastic experience. We sat at the bar and enjoyed oysters on the half shell, $2.50 draughts, and a delicious oyster shooter. The oysters were fresh shucked behind the bar! Great atmosphere and friendly staff. This was our first visit to Pearlz but we will definitely be back.
(5)
Skye C.
Hands down best happy hour scene we've discovered in Charleston. We come here at least twice every visit. Oysters are fresh, and clean. Shucked right then and there by guys who know what they are doing. Ahi tuna delicious. My bf loves their handmade potato chips and dip. Bartenders are attentive and the manager is professional as well as personable. (plus I am always interested to see what shirt he will be wearing next). See you next visit! p.s. my profile pic was taken there at the bar.
(4)
Charles K.
With so many good restaurants in Charleston it is difficult to pick just a couple to enjoy during a short stay; we chose Pearlz on the 4th of July and our expectations were exceeded. Expect a bit of a wait on busy nights (as with most places worth eating at) and be ok with a communal table but prepare to enjoy delicious seafood and great service thereafter. Our server Ben was truly a standout. Prompt, attentive, great sense of humor, just the right amount of interaction and helpful in every way, Ben (along with the great food of course) helped make this a meal we won't soon forget. Started with the Southern Fried Oysters, served with housemade buffalo sauce and blue cheese. Crispy and well seasoned, the buffalo sauce was a great accompaniment. Lump crab cakes and corn fritters followed; cakes were solid with mostly crab meat and a fresh taste, fritters were great - crunchy and chewy though a bit on the sweet side. We then had a caesar salad and a bowl of the blue crab bisque. Caesar was spot on with crispy lettuce and tangy dressing, but the bisque was not quite what we were expecting; incredibly generous portion but tasted a bit too earthy for our palates, almost like molasses even. After stirring aimlessly a few times, Ben stopped by and asked if it just wasn't working. He promptly and cheerfully exchanged the bisque for the clam chowder which was amongst the better seafood soups I've had - rich and creamy with big chunks of clam interspersed. He even brought a sample of their other soup, seafood gumbo which was also delicious. We finished with the pan seared golden bass, with horseradish mashed potatoes, green beans and mushroom demi glaze, with sides of grilled asparagus and broccoli slaw. Phenomenal, all of it. The bass dish was perfectly executed, the asparagus well cooked and seasoned and the broccoli slaw was strangely maybe our favorite part. We ate 'til we could not. Everything we saw go out looked great too, oysters, big mixed platters of chilled seafood, blondie brownies, etc. We loved the service, the food and the tapas style ordering for two, and after stuffing ourselves plus two cocktails and a bottle of wine we were pleased to clock out at a reasonable $120. Highly recommend Pearlz for great food and great service (one more shout out to Ben!) in downtown Charleston.
(5)
Mike C.
Great staff, great food, and great beers. Everything we ordered (most of the happy hour menu) was superb. The happy hour oysters weren't the best I've ever had, but were huge and cheap. All the local beers were outstanding, but my favorite was the red. We're not a "bar-y" couple, but had an absolute blast here.
(5)
Tony M.
What s GREAT raw bar! Oysters and shrimp and $5 cocktails for dinner. Sit at the bar and you cant go wrong..
(5)
Amy J.
Unfortunately I didn't have dinner here, but if I had the chance it would be the top of my list. We stopped in prior to dinner for oysters as an appetizer, and drinks. I heard nothing but rave reviews about the drinks - and the bloody mary looked like something i just have to have before I die. Every seat at the bar was taken. Fresh. Upbeat. Friendly.
(5)
Laura C.
Oysters= amazing. Cute seats outside so you can find with your pup and people watch in one of my favorite neighborhoods.
(4)
Craig N.
Waited about 25 min to get a booth...worth the wait!!! Every minute!! Party of six...happy hour...dozen of steamed oysters and dozen of raw house oysters along with corn fritters....to get things going.....delish! So much so I ordered another dozen raw and pretty much ate that myself they were THAT good. They were smaller, which made them that much better - sometimes a mouthful of oyster is undesirable and too fishy, but I would recommend the house oysters and save yourself a few bucks (esp. at happy hour) and spend your extra dough on the main dish. I read on a previous review that the Pearlz White Ale is as good as Blue Moon - and I'd agree - smooooth - an orange included too. I had the fresh fish - Mahi-Mahi blackened...on top of red rice with steamed asparagus....very nice sized portion....just enough spice in the red rice with sausage....I would suggest the chipotle-lime sauce..lots of choices...but it was a great combo. Others in my party had the linguine & shrimp or mussels....cod sliders and the BLT tower (salad)...the linguine got higher ratings than the cod sliders- 5's vs 4's for the sliders..... Overall great place to be eat and partake in some adult beverages. Upon entering one can quickly tell that it is a hangout for local business people to catch a few eats and drinks before they head home...not a lot of room...but I'd suggest getting your spot soon after it opens (4pm)....you won't be disappointed. Prices weren't outrageous either...beers were $2.50 during happy hour (4-7pm) and wine was $5 for house wines. Mai. Dishes ranged from $14.95 (sliders) to the Mahi-Mahi ($22)... I'd definitely go back when I get back to Charleston - our server Tyler gave us several options for a dessert place and an after dinner drink and sunset viewing on our way back to the market too...great hospitality..the manager stopped over to our table twice to check on our dishes and the bus boy cleared our table continuously of empty dishes... Kudos Pearlz AND Yelp! Only downer was that I got a $25 parking fine...didn't see a sign that was marked "residential 1 hour parking"...oh well....parking is a downfall to the area...
(5)
David C.
The oysters are very good and fresh (even if mostly not local), and some varieties are excellent. Winners for us were the from Mass. The fresh fish we tried (grouper) was fine but not standout. Served with asparagus that was properly prepared (not overcooked) and flavorful southern rice. The soup special was mediocre. They put crab meat in a mushroom soup, but the mushroom flavor was too strong to be able to taste the crab and it was oversalted. The seafood salad is gross. Basically an explosion of a mayo-based salad dressing covering iceberg lettuce, shrimp and crab. Not delicate at all -- the salad dressing overpowers everything else and makes it into a gooey mess.
(3)
Cindi W.
We sat at a shared table. A big wood bloc with bench seats so we all share. Nice. (share the table I mean) Bring it on. I lovely cocktail for $5! So did hubby. great wait staff and oysters? yeah. I kind of like those. Hubby LOVES them. He ordered 6 (only $9!) BIG fabulous oysters. However, one escaped. the shell was empty...so the waitress said she would bring him one. She brought 3 hot steamy oysters. WOW. nice. Ok, that was so much fun. Lets go back!
(4)
michelle l.
Good oysters. VERY crowded in the evenings. It took us 3 attempts to have some oysters and drinks. You can only have a drink if you can find a seat at the bar, not while you wait the hour and a half for a table, and the host/hostesses were not very friendly. There are a lot of other oyster places, so we'll probably skip this one next time.
(3)
Clint W.
we were after something non fancy pants and here we came. the gods were with us because we actually managed to get a booth, rather than eat in the window or the communal table. we shared a burger (pretty good and not an overpowering blue cheese attack) and shrimp and grits. i was surprised at how filling it all ended up being and the shrimp had some fire to it. pretty tasty. this is a pretty sweet place to land. it's a bit dark, with lots of wood inside. even though there were quite a few people, it wasn't hard to have a conversation and we weren't rushed out of the place. definitely come back again.
(4)
Katie O.
I went to Pearlz last night with my family for the first time for dinner. The atmosphere was nice as well as the decor. My sister and I weren't starving so we chose to split an appetizer and entree. She ordered the lobster roll which was much smaller than expected and not as creamy as I had hoped. It was mediocre. I ordered the calamari which was also disappointing. The calamari itself was cooked well but that batter was soggy and not crispy at all. My mom and dad ordered the shrimp and grits and salmon. They were both very pleased and enjoyed their meals. They also only had one men's bathroom and one women's bathroom. There was constantly a line for the men's bathroom.
(3)
April K.
dahhhhh. one of my favorite spots in charleston. the oysters during happy hour are 9.95$? don't quote me on that, but pretty darn cheap for a dozen of oysters. I loved them steamed or raw. the mahi fish tacos were flavorful and the fried shrimp ;) so big and juicy! def. a place to go if you're in the area.
(5)
Ron N.
The Bluegreen Desk at Lodge Alley Inn recommended this place just down the street so we thought we would give it a shot. Passing up Magnolias and some other fine restaurants we arrived with no reservation. They seated us at the bar and we had 2 appetizers : Peal n eat shrimp and mussels. When we sat down at our table we brought half of the mussels and ordered Crab Cakes. The Crab Cakes and Mussels were out of this world. This place is known for their oysters and we were sure we would return in the next day or two to try those. There are so many good restaurants nearby that we never did return but will on the next trip to Charleston. Prices were very reasonable.
(5)
Jill B.
Stopped in for a late dinner. The wait was an hour and a half but they took my cellphone number so they could call when our table was ready and even suggested some local bars where we could get a drink while we waited. We weren't starving so we put our name in and we're so glad we did. We got a call and were shown right to our table. We ordered a dozen house oysters, New England Clam Chowder, and the Mixed seafood grill with Risotto. The oysters were sweet and delicious, served with the traditional cocktail sauce, Tabasco, and lemon wedges but also with a mignonette ( vinegar flavored with herbs) and it was all great. The chowder was next and was, hands down, it was the best chowder I've had outside of New England ( I'm from RI so I'm pretty discerning when it comes to chowder). Last was the mixed grill, came with two seared scallops, red snapper, monkfish, and sheepshead on top of risotto. All the seafood was cooked perfectly and the risotto was was perfectly seasoned and al dente. If you have the chance to go here and grab food, DO IT! Totally worth it.
We went to this establishment because of the ratings. The customer service was absolutely terrible and we left. We were disappointed and calmly expressed that to the manager who did to his initial credit come over. But he basically said he if we didn't like it we should just leave. We were shocked and did leave.
(1)
Scott W.
We allowed ourselves one nice meal in Charleston on our second visit to the city, and this one was picked. And fine picking it was, indeed. Taking a page from the classic Old Man Handbook, we arrived a little shy of 5pm on a Saturday and was seated almost immediately. We are a family of 4, with two elementary-school age kids, so if this place was going to be a social scene a little later on best for everyone involved that we get in soon. Our waitress was almost certainly the best to kids we've ever experienced, like EVAH. She even brought water and a cup of lettuce for my kid's plastic pony, which I never would've expected. What I did expect was good seafood, and that's what I got. I was drawn to the place because I love raw oysters, but the lobster roll also looked good and then they had some local stone crab claws on the specials list. I hate deciding when it comes to this, so I ended up getting them all. And sometimes, not making a decision is the best decision of all, because they were all outstanding, but perhaps I give the final nod to the lobster roll, which was bursting out, the cool interior contrasting against the hot buttered bun. My wife loved the butternut squash bisque with a side of green beans sauteed in garlic & olive oil, and my kids ate their fish & chips (American-wise, at least on the kids menu) which was not the dumbed-down version that we all develop lifelong aversions to. We walked out of the restaurant in the dying sunlight of the dusk, viewing a multi-colored sky due west at the intersection Pearlz is located at, and thought "this is a pretty good life after all." But y'know, even if it isn't, Pearlz would have you fooled. They're THAT good.
(5)
Elena M.
Best oyster shooters! Great place to enjoy a night out with friends. Oysters were fresh and service was great.. long wait for a table.
(4)
Jennifer O.
Once my friend and I arrived at Pearlz for pre-dinner drinks on NYE, we regretted having dinner reservations at Blossom! The menu looked awesome and the vibe of the bar was great. We ordered drinks. I loved my egg nog cocktail ($3 special!) and sparkling wine, and my friend enjoyed her cider and wine. Attentive service by the bar staff. The shuckers were working hard making tasty-looking oyster shooters.
(5)
Chris D.
How very disappointing. Given all the reviews here, including one from a friend, I really thought Pearlz was going to knock it out of the park. They didn't, and I think it might be partly our fault. The reason? We went there for dinner, instead of the famed happy hour that everyone is talking about. The oysters were decent, in a gulf oyster sorta way. Big, meaty and far less briney than the PacNW versions we're used to... but good. We had them raw, steamed AND fried; the fried were outstanding and the best by far. I think large meaty oysters really lend themselves to frying and Pearlz figured out how do them right. The steamed were okay and the raw were solid. While I love steamed oysters, I would probably skip them next time. For mains, the wife and I shared the lobster roll and a shrimp taco. The shrimp taco was clearly the better of the two, which is a hard thing to admit. I'm a big fan of lobster rolls and unfortunately, the one at Pearlz was just way too small. They're supposed to be overstuffed versions of smallish hoagie/sub/grinder/sandwich rolls and the lobster roll at Pearlz was about the size of a hot dog bun. It appeared to be made in house, or at least freshly baked, but it was relatively small and definitely not stuffed... let alone overstuffed. Everyone at our table was surprised by the size... including those who never had the pleasure of chowing on an overstuffed one before. Given the price, I felt somewhat cheated. Looking at the prices and offerings of the happy hour menu, I can see how people would like it. I think you're much better off going there during HH, getting one of everything on the menu (including great prices on oysters - 75 cents each? awesome!) and making a dinner of it. As a side note, the placing of the bathrooms is weird. I get that it's a small place, but given they're unprotected in the back corner by a couple tables and the kitchen, you get lines of people (three deep, at times) waiting for the bathroom a few feet from where people are eating. I don't know what they could have done differently, so I'm mentioning it as something to consider if you're offered a table at the back.
(3)
Jessica S.
My husband and I were looking for some good seafood while on vacation, and we weren't disappointed. We were put on a wait (the place was packed!) but we were able to put our phone number down with our name so we could go across the street to get a drink since their bar was packed as well. When they called, they gave us enough time to get back to the restaurant so that they wouldn't give up our seat. We sat at the community table but it didn't feel cramped. I had the fried shrimp plate and my husband ordered the pasta with shrimp and they were both excellent. If we come back, we will visit again.
(5)
Troy S.
A bit overrated in my book. I had read great things but I didn't quite get it. We went for Happy hour as the deals were decent and I read read rave reviews. $2.50 for draughts sound great but I am not a fan of their white ale or lager. They were ehh in my book which means better than a Miller but not a beer to buy without the happy hour price. I had my first oyster shooter which was tasty and worth $2.50 for the experience. The fried oysters were also pretty tasty but again I would never buy it without the Happy hour price around $7. They were very good and the 2nd best part of the meal. We only received 5 so it seemed a little skimpy. I ordered the Grilled Mari tacos which seemed to be more bread than fish, coleslaw, or anything else. I had take a large bite before I even touched the inside. Disappointed with these tacos as they were a little devoid of flavor. My wifer ate 1/2 and let me finish hers as well as mine. I was hungry so I was complaining right then. The hush puppies were decent but not the best I have had in Charleston. The wifer ordered a $5 cocktail and rum and coke. She was glad she tried the cocktail but happy to switch back to rum and coke. Service was pretty good until we were day for the check and had to sit and wait for awhile. We walked in right at 4 and by the time we left 45 minutes later there was a wait at the front. A note to those who eat here, if there is only two of you then you shouldn't sit in the booth. I noticed a booth with only two sitting and canoodling. We thought about a booth but decided to let groups have it. I did notice that our crowd at 4 seemed to be older and touristy. I am glad I tried it but I wouldn't place in on recommendation list.
(3)
Mis C.
The food was great, but above all that was Ben. Very likely the best server we've had in a very long time.
(5)
Pattie M.
This place is not to be missed when you visit Charleston. My friend and I went during happy hour on a Tuesday. If you like a good Bloody Mary. Get one here. You won't be disappointed. We had 2 each. Fantastic is an understatement. The mahi tacos, ridiculously tasty. I even loved the fried oysters, and that's saying a lot. The manager ( didn't get his name) was attentive and interesting but not overly chatty. If you miss this place you've missed a lot.
(5)
Cyndi L.
I have eaten at the Columbia Pearlz many times and was expecting similar, excellent service in Charleston. The food was so so and the service was terrible. We sat at the bar, and it was very difficult to get the bartenders attention for food or drinks. They were not busy at all and the staff seem to be hanging out and chatting at the end of the bar, ignoring customers. When I said, "excuse me can please get some service?", our server became even ruder than before.
(3)
Tom F.
Hands down the best bang for your buck for great seafood in town. Staff is top notch and have yet to disappoint. Go for the Oysters on happy hour stay for the oyster shots.
(5)
Lana S.
Pearlz is awesome! I have never done Oyster shooters before, and I was completely hooked on this little crafty invention. The place is always packed - I actually prefer the West Ashley location to avoid the crowds somewhat. Even the WA location is packed all the time. My second favorite after oyster shooters is raw house oyster appetizer.
(5)
Luke A.
Stopped here on a whim for an early dinner. The place was packed. I found a place at the bar and started with fresh oysters. They shuck the oysters right at the bar. I also had the new york steak and fried oysters. The steak was cooked perfectly and they oysters were crispy yet tender. Staff was friendly. ..but busy. I would stop here again.
(4)
Ashley C.
WOW! I'm visiting from Chicago and that's all I can say about this place. Ambiance, service, and food are all amazing, hence the 5 star rating. The blue crab pomegranate bisque was great. The scallops are to die for and cheap. All around great place.
Mahi tacos unbelieveable! Real hearty and meaty! Happy hour menu is awesome! Oyster shooters for 2 bucks? Is that a trick question? The fried jumbo r delightful! Summertime and Belon martinis are both great says the ole lady and I had the 2 buck house beer lager... Christ just come here Pearlz=Smilez
(5)
Jody M.
My husband and I came to Charleston for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary so it was a great surprise to have such a great start to our trip enjoying the Happy Hour at Pearlz. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the Bloody Mary's. We shared the 1/2 pound of peel and eat shrimp, the BLT seafood tower and for dessert the coconut creme pie. Despite being told we would have at least a 20 minute wait we were seated in 5 minutes. Our waitress was super attentive and got our food delivered very quickly after we ordered. A must visit place for Happy Hour if you want great drinks and food for reasonable prices. Even with it being a noisy place we managed to still have an intimate dinner together to kick off our celebration!
(4)
Olesya Z.
Addictive. If you love oysters, you'll love this place especially for happy hour. But what's even better is how they prepare their tuna tartar. Or their deserts. Just don't mix them together. We went back almost three times in one weekend. My mom has another weekend trip booked just because of this place (and maybe the plantations and other things). It's a great atmosphere and a well stocked wine list. If you are afraid of becoming a regular, check out their West Ashley location which I've heard even better things about.
(5)
Shelley L.
Fantastic! Definitely worth the wait....highly recommend the tuna tartar, the raw oysters and the oyster Rockerfeller! My compliments to the chef. Definitely will go again.
(5)
K B.
They have good deals and is a solid choice.
(4)
Gina S.
Last Saturday was my first time at Perlz: wonderful service, average shellfish, mediocre seafood. We ordered the fish and scallop risotto, the fish were wonderful, scallops had stp in them. Maybe the chef(s) didn't taste/check the scallop, they were definitely low quality stp infused frozen scallops.
(3)
Ryan G.
Well, I'll just roll with the band wagon and throw another 5-star review up on Pearlz wall. And well deserved, too. This place was so good that of all the places to eat in Charleston, my wife and I went here two nights in a row for happy hour and dinner while on vacation. We're not creatures of habit by any means, but we were so amazed with the quality and flavors of the dishes they throw out, we had to go back for more. The first night we did oysters and hush puppies as appetizers, the tuna sandwich and blackened mahi mahi for our entrees. As I write this, they don't sound all that magical but I'm just not doing the plates much justice... trust me. The house-made beers were also amazing. I had a red IPA and another I can't remember (because I had too many red IPA's). My wife did a cocktail with champagne and St. Germain which was done very, very well. The next night we went back we did oysters again and a few more cocktails. If you ball up your fist, that should give you a sense of the size. The quality was a whole 'nother thing! SOLID, SOLID, SOLID place! P.S. - Oyster shooters...
(5)
Deb M.
The Calimari was amazing- it is a must to order !!,We did not have one thing that we disliked at our meal. Don't leave Charleston without stopping at Pearls!
(5)
Donna C.
Fantastic atmosphere, loved the community table. Had raw oysters and while the horseradish can't compare to Florida, the oysters were the right size and without the "fishy" taste. Cocktails were really good and sweet with a touch different flair. Mushroom, asparagus blue crab soup was acceptable, but not seasoned very well. Overall, it was a great experience! Loved it!
(5)
Dan O.
Don't eat here, but it can be a fun place to drink..... as long as it doesn't get too crowded.
(3)
Robert G.
Went there Wednesday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. We ate outside as the weather was perfect. Our waitress Michele did a great job serving us our food and drinks, she's very cute too! The oysters on the half shell were great along with an oyster shooter. The crab and avocado salad and the Titos Vodka martinis were excellent as well.
(5)
Briana B.
Grabbed some pre-dinner drinks here and what a great choice! They had some live music and a great crowd. We had to try their oyster shooters and were not disappointed. I definitely would recommend this place, especially if oysters are your thing.
(4)
Jennifer I.
This place was fantastic. Eat: Oysters Rockefeller and raw oysters, and the thai burger. Everything was delicious. We sat at a table outside to avoid the noise/crowds. The kitchen was open very late.
(5)
Robert S.
Great food. Oysters were outstanding and fried shrimp were not too heavy. Staff was very friendly.
(5)
Emily B.
Open late night, great calamari but the house oysters (LA) were a bit small and disappointing. Cool building and would still recommend a visit.
(3)
Tommy P.
Was in the Charleston area for business and since seafood is the choice food around here I figured "when in Rome!" I had been craving some oysters all week, as they are a natural aphrodisiac [thanks "White Chicks" - great movie], but opted to drink the night prior for the Bruins playoff game. Had a couple of very good India Pale Ales and, after getting a good "buzz", asked the waitress for some good oyster recommendations [could have been a bartender - I was eating at the bar]. She gave me a mixed dozen from several oyster "hot-spots" around North America - they were fantastic! Loved every single one of them. Followed those up with 7 or 8 oyster shooters, which are shot glasses filled with oysters, cocktail sauce, and [unbeknownst to me] vodka. May have been a little overconfident and made some "cracks" to the waitress/bartender [asked her if she wanted a "pearl necklace" from all the oysters]. Really didn't receive much service afterwards but my few bites of seafood gumbo were just OK - accidentally threw up in my mouth from all of the alcohol and had to run out of the restaurant to relieve myself immediately. Great food, might have to lay off the shooters next time though!
(4)
Mitch P.
This place be bangin'. Everything is good on the happy hour menu.
(5)
Ashley H.
My fiance wanted to stop in here to get some oysters because they had them for a great deal during happy hour. I ordered the fish and chips. The atmosphere is that of a bar/pub. I wasn't too impressed with their version of fish and chips; I thought the fish was cooked well, but the breading was flavorless and was a total letdown. Everyone's meal seemed to be really good but mine, so I will probably come back to try something else.
(3)
Tom G.
To quote Yogi Berra - it's so crowded nobody goes there any more. I stopped coming here for a while because it was always pretty crowded. But it's a good, lively, fun place. The service is generally good and the menu is good as well. The Happy Hour specials are very good and incredibly inexpensive. Th only real negative is they only have 4 non-descript beers on tap - a lager, nut brown ale, wheat and a red. They're from the brewery down the block and are OK, just OK. Many other places nearby will have a dozen or more neat craft beers on tap.
(4)
Devonshire B.
Oh. My. Lord. Have you guys seen the size of the Louisiana oysters???? Have you eaten them?!?! I'm a Baltimorean, so I have experience in the oyster eating department...but these blew my mind! The size, the juiciness, the flavour, the beauty! Oh, how I miss them already *le sigh* Also, their cocktails are tasty and delicious and you should drink some now. While you're at it, send some of those oysters back my way! Seriously.
(5)
Jesse T.
Came here for drinks, and also ordered blue crab soup, oysters, and clams. Drinks were as expected, nothing special. Seafood was fresh and flavorful. Would recommend.
(4)
Jennie L.
Our first meal in Charleston and it did not disappoint! I'm not a raw oyster fan, but I absolutely loved the baked oyster Rockefeller! Yum!! Hubby loved the oyster shooter! I had the tuna tacos...yum! And hubby had the special of shrimp and grits...some of the best we've ever tasted! All in all a great, great place! Great atmosphere, loved our bartender! Lovely start to a mini weekend getaway!
(4)
P J.
Best oysters around! Had oysters all over but I think Pearlz may have the freshest and best ever! The southern fried oysters are not to be missed as are the Cod sliders and White Ale! Great environment, energy and the service is top notch! Get it in ya!
(5)
Ivy T.
The service here is extraordinarily speedy but not rude in any way. They are on top of seating availability and your ordering needs. Ever feel like the waitstaff is more into discussing the who's who in People Magazine than doing their job? No need to worry about that here. For reviewers who said this is a tourist trap, it's not so. We came here for happy hour and it was filled with locals. In fact, the customers were either downtown employees or high society type folks. Many people seem to recognize each other so I think it was safe to say they were locals. Food was good. Oysters at happy hour were super cheap-less than $10 per dozen. Drinks were ridiculously cheap but I also just came from Boston where there is no happy hour. My vodka soda was $3 and my bf's beer was $2.50 (house brew). Beat that Boston :)
(5)
H. R.
Delicious shrimp & grits a corn flavor. Yummy corn fritters. Delicious She-crab soup. Oysters were completely devoured!
(4)
Joanne L.
Dropped by here for their happy hour after an exhausting tour of some historic homes in the neighborhood. I could not be happier to see a dozen oysters for $8.95 and draft beer for $2.50. Oysters varied in size but most were medium to large, very briny however. We also tried the corn fritters for $1.95, which are little dough balls with kernels of corn, lightly fried and dusted with powdered sugar. It's okay, if you like that sweet-n-salty kind of thing. My friend got the half pound of shrimp, which were very large and succulent. Definitely a good spot to drop by for happy hour & oysters - Monday through Friday, 4-7 pm!
(4)
Emily M.
Fresh oysters? Check. Great drink selection? Check. Fun outdoor seating? Check. Friday night we were dead set on trying Pearlz and it met all of our expectations. Although we had to wait we ended up with a sidewalk table and we had fun sitting and enjoying the liveliness of Charleston, plus the inside seemed a little on the loud side. Our server was very attentive and brought our drinks quickly. Our drinks were great! Coming from inland NC, we do not get the opportunity to eat fresh seafood often and immediately fell in love with the half dozen fresh oysters. They were absolutely delicious and seemed very fresh. They also seemed high quality. As far as meals go, since we ate the oysters we each settled on a small plate off of their daily menu. Between the two of us we had Jack and Mako shark. Both were great but the Jack really takes the cake. It was prepared perfectly with sweet potatoes. I would absolutely stop by Pearlz again- next time I want to check out Happy Hour!
(5)
Lauren G.
She crab soup is amazing. Oysters were great. Definitely will come back next time we're in charleston!
(5)
Gimmy K.
If you enjoy seafood, this place is the best Happy Hour you'll find in downtown. The oysters are huge and spectacular. The champagne and other drinks are inexpensive, and the lobster bisque and Mahi Mahi tacos (very filling) are delicious! The atmosphere is in between casual and classy.
(5)
Dennis F.
I usually try to go a different place every night i am in Charleston, which is usually twice a year, but this place was worth more than one trip. The first night we got there at Happy Hour and there were three of us. We started with raw oysters and peel and eat shrimp. The oysters were very good, average in size and priced reasonably. The shrimp were quite large and cooked perfectly. We then had steamed clams, steamed mussels and more peel and eat shrimp mahi tacos and fried shrimp. The clams were tasty but a tad rubbery but everything else was superb. Two nights later we were back there for gumbo, peel and eat shrimp, crab cake sandwich and more oysters. On both nights we had the most friendly waitress you could imagine and service was quick after about 20 minute waits dor seats both nights. I have been lots of places in Charleston but this one is a keeper!
(5)
Kevin V.
What a great restaurant! Have been to both the dt charleston and cola locations a bunch of times and it never disappoints. Think it is terribly underrated for seafood restaurants in Charleston. Oysters are on point, the shuckers know their shit and the staff is fantastic! Get a table at the bar and get ready to enjoy your night! Might be my fave dt..oh yeah the blt sald tower is beyond anything you will ever eat anywhere! Wow delish..hate New Yorkers bad mouth this place and even come here period..stay home
(5)
Scott S.
Typical bar feel but good oysters served at a reasonable price ($8.95 happy hour and $12.95 per dozen after.) It's the beer that makes this a great oyster and beer venue. Pearlz makes it own and both the White Ale and the Brown Ale were exceptional. I don't like hoppy (bitter) beer and these were smooth, crisp and tasty... especially the white. 3 dozen local oysters (no need to go for other varieties although they have them if you want to pay more) and four crisp beers later and I was in Oysta Heaven! Headed back at 4PM when they reopen!!
(5)
Matt S.
Any place that spells their name with a Z where an S should be has a zpecial place in my heart. Pearlz was a great casual spot. I don't like oysters, but my pop had a half dozen and he was thrilled by them. I had some local beer on tap and crushed a couple cones of fries and generally had a great time. They have outdoor seating along a busy corridor of Charleston - a perfect place to spend the afternoon soaking in a great town.
(5)
Casey F.
This restaurant was the highlight of my boyfriend and I's trip to Charleston. We came during happy hour and started off with 2 oyster shooters (black pepper vodka, oyster, tobasco) for only $2.50 each, and a salmon tartar appetizer which was a feature that day. They were both awesome! The salmon tartar was just out of this world good. Their craft beers were only $2.50 also, and the Nut Brown one that I got was really tasty. We then moved on to an order of fried oysters, which I had never had before. They came with a spicy buffalo-type sauce, bleu cheese, and celery. They weren't overly fried, so you could still really enjoy the oyster itself. SO good. We proceeded to get some steamed and then some raw oysters. I'm new to oysters, but I ended up liking all 3 kinds! We had fun watching the passerby's from our window seats, and discovering all the delicious ways oysters can be enjoyed! See you next time we're in Charleston!
(5)
Chad M.
Had the blackened seafood grill (special), local oysters, and a oyster shooter. Everything was amazing! Will definitely come back and recommend to friends and family .
(5)
Amanda A.
Been here twice now. Both times been very happy from service to food. Great salads, amazing oysters and awesome tacos. Can't go wrong with anything you order. Very unique flavors and decent prices for the quality of food. Great atmosphere as well
(5)
Roger W.
Caught Happy Hour by shear luck 4-7 certain days. Met charming Charleston-ians. Oysters, corn fritters and homemade fries special s for HHr were fresh and delicious.
(5)
Brooke T.
Pearlz is my favorite place to get oysters in Charleston. The happy hour prices our knock out great, the service is good and the oysters are divine. What else could one ask for?
(5)
Lee Lee T.
If you want some really fresh oysters go to happy hour at Pearlz! This is possibly the best happy hour in all of downtown. The oysters are so inexpensive at happy hour and the champagne (sparkling wine) by the glass also happy hour price goes so well with them! There are a bunch of apps that are a few dollars off during happy hour and they are all solid and the drinks are really good and inexpensive too! I wouldn't do it for dinner but this is really the place to be at 4pm and the next time im in Charleston this is where I will be at 4pm on weeknights!
(4)
Jo D.
Just left PearlzTues at 5:30. The oysters were great considering this is July. House martinis were not the best choice. Service was great. Oyster shooters good. First visit there. Will go back ASAP
(5)
Brooke K.
My friend loved the Fat Tire Red Ale. We all loved the Seafood Gumbo....however....once the entrees FINALLY arrived, the chips were stale, the featured Pearlz Rockefeller was a small portion, and nothing special. Overall. Service=Average. Food=Overpriced.
(2)
Casey B.
Amazing happy hour. Fantastic oysters on the half shell even out of season-- and we're picky oyster eaters. Housemade chips were perfection.
(5)
R B.
Happy hour drinks and oysters. Outstanding. Order a cold beer and an oyster shooter. The fried oysters came with 2 kinds of sauces. Excellent all around. I'd go back.
(5)
Luke C.
Visited this little place on East Bay street. It has open air seating and windows that allow in cool breezes. The patrons are generally middle aged crowd and flood in here for a quick drink and snacks. The food was generally good. The oyster platter was good. Wines and beers were reasonable. A nice stop without the over the top touristy feel.
(3)
Nancy C.
WOW - what a great Happy Hour place for oysters, appetizers and drinks! Terrific prices, fast and friendly service made us very happy during our first visit to PEARLZ. So many choices--we decided this would be our dinner! Everything was fresh, very tasty and pleasantly appealing. We were disappointed when our schedule precluded us from returning one more time before leaving Charleston. IF YOU LOVE OYSTERS - DON'T MISS PEARLZ!!
(5)
Annie R.
Pearlz is the best place for oysters in downtown Charleston. They also have great prices and you do have to try an oyster shooter. The food is actually pretty good here too. They have the best fish and chips in Charleston, which is ok a random food there, but they do it well. They also have a seafood cobb salad which is delicious. My parents are obsessed with this place because its good food for a good price (and within walking distance of their office) and I always seem to end up there with them when I visit. It is totally worth checking out.
(3)
Alexandra F.
My favorite happy hour spot: Downtown and West Ashley. Of course, I always eat oysters there. I also like the iceberg wedge salad (the portion is huge). Don't go there without having an oyster shooter!
(3)
Sherri W.
The oysters were slightly salty and delicious. Clearly, they were local, very fresh. The shrimp were ginormous and seasoned very well. Staff were very friendly but took a while to get check. Overall rating? Enjoyable
(3)
Rob J.
I love Charleston and this is a great place. The oysters are good and cheap (for pretty good gulf style, the BC oysters are a bit pricey but why buy them in SC?). I like the ambiance for a pre-game or an afternoon drink. I went with a local and the bartender had me (the yankee) trying all the local charleston drinks on the house. There was also a jazz band one of the days I was there which took our requests. Can't beat that.
(4)
Georgia E.
I went to Pearlz while on a weekend trip to Charleston with my boyfriend. He's moving there so we were trying to get a feel for the town and wanted some seafood since we were at the beach! Pearlz is right in downtown and has a neat little space, but it is little and it was crowded, so keep that in mind. We only had to wait a few minutes for one of the few booths, but we went pretty early. It was here that I introduced him to oysters - he wasn't ready for raw so we had the Oysters Rockefeller and they were incredible! The crab won tons we got for a starter were also amazing. Just went downhill from there, is the problem. He enjoyed his steak but my fish didn't taste fresh, which might be why it was covered in salt and pepper. And it wasn't cheap. Then, they didn't have anything chocolate for dessert! Not OK with me, I have to have chocolate. Overall, I would still recommend going here, but stick to the oysters.
(3)
Joe K.
Oyster selection was great albeit a tad pricey. Service was outstanding and the atmosphere was fun. Didn't get a chance to try any of the other 'cooked food'.
(4)
Heidi S.
As a visitor to Charleston, I love the prices and the oysters!
(4)
Christine K.
Great food. Great beer. Great oysters. Great service. Good prices in a nice atmosphere. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Kimi S.
If you love Oysters on the half shell and don't mind paying a little bit more for different varieties besides Gulf Oysters....you are in for a real treat. This place is not very big. Eat at the bar where they shuck 'em right in front of you. My husband and I went to CHarleston for a quick weekend trip and Pearlz was recommended by a friend. Every place we went, we would ask, where is the best seafood, and Pearlz was alway on the short list. The place was full when we walked in about 8 on a Sat night. We were lucky to get a seat at the bar within 10 minutes and passed on our table(45 min wait). The service was great. You are waited on my a server right at the bar who makes your drinks and tends to your needs. You are also waited on my the Oyster Shucker. They were friendly and took care of us quickly and efficiently, despite that the place was packed. We ordered the dozen canadian oysters on the half shell....which were 20.95. I thought it was a bit pricey....but have paid this for oysters before that were not more local. They had selections from PEI, Canada, and Washington, as well as Gulf. ( 9.95 a dozen). Hands down the best oysters I have ever had. No need for anything on them. They truly didn't need crackers or horseradish, just briny and delicious. We also Shared a bowl of their bisque. Fantastic. I normally don't order bisque because everyone always says theirs is the best, and I try it and it never is. This was a winner. We finished out our meal with the Monkfish. We first had Monkfish in Greece and loved it.....being the poor man's lobster. I bought it at the farmer's market and it was dreadful. We decided to try again here and it was amazing. the price was right at 20 dollars and it came with fresh asparagus. I don't know when I will be back to Charleston, but this was a great meal from start to finish. Thanks Pearlz. :)
(5)
Jane B.
Great oysters! Great ambiance! Great prices! Everything an oyster bar should be.
(5)
Wendy W.
4-7 PM Happy Hour is the way to go. Grab snacks and $3 wine or champagne. This is a great way to start your evening.
(4)
K S.
we were visiting and tried out this place. we had a late lunch and there was no wait. we ordered quite a bit of food because we were starving and wanted to try different things. we ordered oysters and it was fresh, quite small and just ok. our kids had clam chowder and thought it was good, but not great. they have had much better. we had a local fish and had it served blackened i thought it was good, but again, not great. my husband had some shrimp and we all thought the food was good. but, based on the price and hype behind the place, we all thought it was not worthy of the high praise. the service was good but not exceptional and thought the overall staff did not make enough effort to service us or nearby tables. there seemed to be plenty of staff, but not many seemed to utilized their time wisely and servicing customers. when we received our bill, i was surprised by the total based on the food we ordered. the math was correct but the quality was not worthy of the money we spent. we had 2 adults and 2 kids and our bill was over $100, not including tip. we have no major complaints about this restaurant but no major praises either.
(3)
Bob K.
cool bar....lots of variety of people, atmosphere great...close to the water....oysters...to die for....entre...so, so, had the tuna and was not a fan....but what the heck...still worth the trip
(3)
Ashley A.
Stopped in when they opened at 4:00 on Friday and there was a line! Luckily we were seated right away. We ordered drinks and a dozen raw oysters. I'm disappointed in their beer selection. Tried three of their home brews which were pretty bad. Ended up with a Bell's Two Hearted. Others had a red ale and a Bloody Mary. The oysters were good. Mignonette sauce was good. I ordered the Caesar salad with grilled shrimp. Came with 4 big well seasoned shrimp. Others in my party had fish n chips, and the lobster roll. Overall, enjoyed the meal!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Hattie H.
Although the food wasn't all that great, we were really disappointed in the service. Our waitress seemed to forget us. Whenever she did come around, she was trying to hurry us out. We weren't there a full hour but one would think she was losing tips. Well she certainly lost out on us because I refused to leave much at all for what little service she provided us. Might another Pearlz but never going back to that one.
(1)Grace F.
Absolutely a wonderful experience in every way. We had to wait for about an hour for a table but it was totally worth the wait (even with our three year old in tow). The service was incredible, and the food was delicious!!!! We will definitely go back the next time we are in town.
(5)Joe M.
Loved everything about this place! Started with a raw oyster appetizer followed by one of their small plates of Fried green tomatoes and shrimp! Off the charts! Renee my server and bartender along with his team was super attentive! This will be one of my favorite restaurants when back in Charleston.
(5)Priscila S.
My friends and I were very exited to try this place on our recent trip. There was six of us, three plates were great and three were below par. NY strip was very chewy and although my friend ordered medium, it came raw! she had to send it back to cook. The shrimp risotto lacked flavor and my burger was really really salty. All the oyster plates were delicious, obviously their specialty in which they shine, should of stuck to ordering those only. Service was good, I mean our waitress really tried. I usually never write about this but man did she check on our table... it was really sort of bothersome. I am not sure why she did that, maybe a little too nice, but it was a bit annoying. I really liked the atmosphere, the place is really cute and nice. Maybe it was just an off day with those plates, I will give it a second try.
(3)Taylor M.
On a recent trip to Charleston, my wife and I had some really disappointing meals. After another bad experience, we stumbled into Pearlz to have the absolute best meal in town. We sat at the bar and ordered the seafood tower. What a pleasant surprise! The bar staff were friendly and welcoming, the seafood was fresh and expertly prepared. The pale ale on tap was one of the best beers we had in Charleston. If you're in Charleston, cancel your fancy white tablecloth experience and eat here.
(5)Patrick K.
I had dinner here with my family and we enjoyed the fresh oysters here! They have a great variety and they are decently large! They also have the best oyster shooters! For dinner I had a dozen of the South Carolina oysters and my dad did as well, my brother had shrimp and my mom had a platter that included some shrimp, fish and lobster. We were all satisfied with our dinners. I will definitely be back. It is a bit pricey though so be aware of that. It's worth it though!
(4)Timsamstravelusa S.
Our standby restaurant for appetizers. i get the fried shrimp, really good. Sit at bar and be ready to be memorized by the oyster shucker. Check out the vibes from all of the beautiful southern women milling around the bar. It's a great place to find locals and tourists mingling together. I use to live just a few blocks down the street and walked all the time for food and drinks. This is a really popular place to eat, talk, and hangout. I give this five stars.
(5)Sonya M.
We went for some late night eats, after a flight. Their beer selection is good, but the oyster shooters are a must! You won't find them anywhere else :-)
(5)Frank W.
Truly brilliant. A chilled atmosphere in which we started with oysters, expertly explained by their specialist staff. The oysters were delicious. Next up was their mixed seafoof grill, again a truly brilliant dish at a very reasonable $26. Wine-wise it is not up to European standard but a decent effort nontheless.
(5)Meghan C.
I really didn't write a review for Pearlz?! FOR SHAME! Anyway, we met some friends here for a midday snack and drink, with the kid and it was absolutely fantastic. The oyster shooters were amazing and the mimosas were indeed MEGmosas and cheap. I wish they opened a little earlier on weekends but I'll take what I can get!
(4)Helen L.
My favorite place to go for oysters. Happy hour is M-F , 4-7PM. The beer is good, the oysters are delicious. I love the raw clams and the oyster sampler. The meals are also good. I loved the calamari as well. I haven't had anything here that I didn't like. Bloody Mary's are good with oysters as well as beer. Try their oyster shooter! When people visit, I always recommend this place and everyone has loved it.
(4)Samuel A.
Dig this place. West Ashley location cool as well. Happy hour is the serious deal. Runs from 4-7pm M-F. Dozen oysters, raw or steamed, will run you $9.95 now, up a buck. House beers I believe are $2.50 a pint which is cool. Here's a link to the happy hour menu. hghosp.com/pdf/menu/2940… I'm all about the oysters and brew!
(4)Scott P.
My favorite restaurant in all of Charleston! Everything from the menu, service, price and overall character of Pearlz makes it the best. I'm a huge raw oyster lover and this place does it right without the crazy prices. Truly a local gem and the restaurant is filled with locals as well as tourists. The only negative about Pearlz is that everyone flocks here - making getting a table or a spot at the bar during prime hours near impossible.
(5)Aaron S.
For me, this is my real life show "Cheers." Listen Pearlz is awesome. Great friendly staff that is always welcoming to regular like myself. I like them so much that they catered 2 parties at my house. try the more expensive selects too. They are usually awesome, and the bartenders can give you descriptions of each. Shout out to my boy Nate, Kevin, Tim, Chad, and Michelle. Yall are the BEST!
(5)Kyle T.
Had an epic meal on a busy night -- couldn't have asked for a better time. Well, actually we could have: we were right next to an omniscient Bro of Wall Street who hadn't mastered the art of the "inside voice" and held court for hours. Massengill Man aside we had a great time. Our terrific server took our massive order and doled it out at a sensible pace. Even though she was slammed with customers she took her time to help us with our choices, make recommendations and chat with us. As for the food, everything was top notch: peel and eat shrimp, oysters, tacos, etc. This will definitely be our first stop the next time we're in town.
(5)R K.
Noise is unbearable. Food is so-so. Very crowded, and good reputation. Why? I can't tell you. In a city full of great restaurants, there is no reason in the world to choose this one. Fried oysters are heavily battered, paprika chips are different, but that's the best I can say.
(2)Anna B.
This place was really tasty. They have their own brew on tap, which was really excellent. My husband had their white ale and loved it. I had the lager- very tasty! The food was really tasty. The only thing that wasn't totally awesome was their grits- kind of bland and tasteless.
(4)Wxy Z.
They had a variety of food and it tasted good, but the restaurant wasn't a place I would rush back to. I probably would have given it a 4, except the bun my crab cake sandwich was served on was dry and not fresh.
(3)Rachelle F.
We loved this place! We got seated at the window on a beautiful day so the window was open. The soups were great! the crab cake was delicious! and we finished our meal with the tollhouse pie, it was awesome! Great service and really happy with our experience here.
(5)Sean W.
My mom came in for the week so I took her here for happy hour and dinner. One of the best Happy hours in Charleston. Plus, food and weekly specials are always on point. Service is also great and servers are friendly and honest and always ready with recommendations. Had Tyler as a server and the 'market special' dinner. Couldn't have asked for a better night! Thanks again Pearlz
(5)Tajana C.
The fried shrimp I had were actually great. If that's what you're in the mood for, go here! But I was in the mood for the freshly caught fish that they pride themselves on. I am giving this place three stars because they were out of almost every fresh fish by 8pm on a Saturday. I was very disappointed after waiting two hours for a table here. I'd advise making early reservations.
(3)Dan M.
I get to visit Charleston several times a year and one of my favorite activities is Pearlz Oyster Bar happy hour. Literally the best, enough said just go and check it out. Oysters are huge and cheap. I'm telling you these oysters are BEASTLY. Their oyster shooters are also awesome as well. I recommend slugging a few of those back as well. Only knock on this place is how crowded it can get. Arrive early, rope off a section and enjoy some great seafood.
(4)Steve M.
I saw this online..did not disappoint!! Quality, friendly, awesome! Will miss this place
(5)Jennifer F.
This is not a "5 star restaurant" for that fancy sit down restaurant.... but it does get 5 stars for excellent prices, service and food. I do really like the ambience of the restaurant as well. I got the seafood tower and it was AMAZING and filling. It was also a bargain. Boyfriend had a special that was very good as well. I really appreciate that this restaurant has a good menu and doesn't gauge you. I hope they continue to do so well!!
(5)Lindsay O.
BEST Happy Hour in Charleston!!! Living in Boston where we have no happy hour, I very much appreciate an awesome happy hour and Pearlz was tops!! We visited a few other places in town, all had great food, drink and atmosphere, but when it came to Happy Hour no place compared to Pearlz. Fab drinks specials, a great menu selection and awesome oysters. The place is bustling and the staff are very friendly. We sat at the oyster bar area where we chatted with the two shuckers - Dent and Kevin - they were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the menu and took immense pride in their oysters!!! They also suggested we check out their sister restaurant for dessert (can't recall the name), but it was also delightful and worth the short walk!
(5)Joanna I.
Great food. Excellent happy hour pricing especially for a touristy area. Service was just ok, but the food was fantastic. Oysters on the half shell and oyster shooters are a must. Ahi tuna burger was great and very flavorful. Homemade chips were fantastic. Despite Yelp saying it wasn't good for kids, they did have a kids menu with about 6 options.
(4)Scott B.
Another great meal at Pearlz! Dinner with a large group while on vacation and everything was great. A few of us went early to get a table (expecting a long wait) and sat at the bar for drinks and appetizers. The bartender was great and quick with drink orders and suggestions for apps. It's a smaller restaurant with limited seating for 10 people and we had to wait an hour. This was told to us when we came in and the hostess kept checking in with us during the entire wait. She allowed 1/2 our party to sit at the table (long bar top type table) while we waited for the other 1/2 the table to leave. There wasn't enough room at the bar for this portion of our group, so it was nice they allowed them to be seated earlier than the entire group. The food was great and everything came out at the same time and was hot and perfectly prepared. The waiter was great and on top of everything and took care of the kids like they were paying the bill!
(5)Mike G.
I should rate it 4 because it's hard to find a seat, but I can't because everything else was so great. Food was excellent and impressive drink specials. I had the burger which was very good, especially given this is a seafood establishment. My wife had a lobster roll which she really like and my dad had the barracuda and grits; which he said was the best he's ever had. My mom had the fish and chips, which seemed just okay. Overall, this seemed like a really great restaurant and good atmosphere.
(5)Dawn K.
Met up with a group of friends at Pearlz for dinner while visiting Charleston. They don't have a lot of tables, so get there early or make a reservation! It was packed when we went for dinner, around 7pm on a Thursday in early October. Everyone was enjoying their oyster shooters (black pepper vodka, cocktail sauce and an oyster), but I refrained because it's not my cup of tea. I had a couple martinis, but I can't remember what kind. Then, I moved onto their Ahi tuna appetizer, which was sesame-crusted Ahi tuna with a siracha-wasabi sauce and seaweed salad. I nearly ordered seconds of this in place of an entree. I didn't, though, and chose mahi mahi tacos and corn fitters, based on some Yelp reviews. The mahi tacos were larger than I expected. I definitely didn't need the two I ordered. One would have been plenty! Besides the mahi, the tacos had cabbage, pico de gallo and a creamy sauce. Very tasty. The corn fritters were also a fairly large order. I think there were about seven fritters. Again, more than I needed, so I shared with the table. They were sweet and savory, with a bit of powdered sugar on top. If I ever stop in Charleston again, I would definitely go back to Pearlz for dinner or happy hour (everyone says it's a great time too!).
(4)Lexie G.
This was my mothers second time to Pearlz and my first. Seeing as she knows I like oysters and rarely get the chance to have them fresh as I am a northerner, she took me here. It was after 8 pm on a Sunday and the place was already packed. We managed to secure two bar seats after standing around for a few minutes and decided we might as well just eat there too. We were seated next to the bartender who was responsible to setting up all of the oyster trays. It was a neat experience to get to watch him open the oysters and prepare them all. I had a couple of the pepper vodka oyster shooters while enjoying a beer as well. We split the peel and eat jumbo shrimp appetizer. The shrimp were jumbo, that is for sure. My mother had the friend oyster dinner while I had the lobster roll. The shrimp were fine; fried food isn't really my thing. My lobster roll tasted great; my only complaint is that when it was brought out to me I could still visibly see many piece of lobster claw shell pieces that were still on the lobster meat. I understand pieces get missed but these were huge pieces. Little off putting. Besides that, it was a great meal.
(4)John H.
If you are in the mood for seafood, this is the place. People around me ordered the raw terrine that looked fabulous. I had oysters and they were cleaned well with a variety to choose from. Next, I had their special of grilled fish with risotto. The fish was great but the risotto lacked a creamy texture and the corn lobster bisque congealed and all I could taste was sweet corn. BUT the seafood was spot on. I can't wait to come back!
(4)Justin H.
Long wait but it was worth it! Did a dozen oysters from the different regions. They have a great specials menu. Had the surf and turf and it was delicious. Great atmosphere too. Would highly recommend it.
(5)Suzy H.
Best place to eat in Downton Charleston, SC. Oyster variety and freshness. Only restaurant we ate at a second time while in Charleston. My husband doesn't eat oysters and even he wanted to go again. Friendly employees and manager was accessible.
(5)Alessandro M.
Stopped by and had dinner with family and friends while visiting Charleaton. I liked the atmosphere as it appeared to be a mix of visiting and some local folks. I particularly liked the bar setup and the dining areas. Food was good and service was great. I will go back although I would try to time it when it is not peak time as it is very popular... Oh! They got some tables outside - I think four. The raw house oysters were fresh as well as the raw cherry clams... They also have a great fish and chips... Chips made in house.
(4)Sandy P.
Walked by this place last time we were in town because it seemed a little more upscale than what we were looking for. Not so! Comfortable place to hang out although quite crowded at the awesome happy hour. Got a spot for 3 right away at the community table. A dozen oysters on half shell for under $10??? Delicious, sweet and salty, no grit. Also had corn fritters (too sweet for happy hour fare, but tasty), homemade chips with blue cheese dip, fried shrimp...all tasty but I would order 2 dozen oysters and skip the rest next time. Drink prices are great - dirty martini for $5, bubbly for $3, good beer prices. Don't make the mistake of passing this one by!
(4)Evgeniya V.
Charleston is a culinary heaven. But Pearlz Oyster Bar beats everyone with their oyster shooters. Amazing! Enjoy yall!
(5)Staci A.
Def get the fresh catch w red rice & corn fritters. I'll forever dream of this meal. Hubs raved about fried oysters, not my thing. He loved his seafood grits but I preferred my meal. Basically EVERYTHING was great! Great atmosphere & service. Just go there, trust me.
(5)Carl H.
Wife and I dropped in here for an early Sunday Dinner after a great Chamber Concert. It was rather busy, with a guitarist playing and singing on site. We sat at the community table and enjoyed the music. We ordered drinks and our dinners. Her "white sangria" was only OK. I had the bar brand marguarita and will say it was better than most. She had the local steamed oysters which she enjoyed. I had the crispy cod sliders with home made chips. Chips were good and the sliders were also good... not WOW but good. Overall it was a quick meal which is what we wanted, so were satisfied and woujld most deifnately return.
(3)Nicholas J.
First time going here and I was impressed. Great happy hour specials on drinks and food. Harcd to beat a half pound of perfectly boiled shrimp for 8.95. I had their shrimp tacos whih came out nice and warm. Excellent food quality and service. For the price, Pearlz is hard to beat, especially with its proximity to all the high-end dining spots downtown.
(4)Sloan S.
My boyfriend and I enjoyed eating dinner here. They have outdoor seating alongside East Bay Street, and the weather was perfect, so that kind of makes the meal, right? We started with a dozen oysters, steamed. As an oyster fiend, I thought the taste was on point (salty), but was a little disappointed in their size (kind of small). If they were larger I would have even considered ordering a dozen more. You do have to shuck them yourselves, but since we ordered them steamed, that wasn't too much work. For dinner, I had the New England lobster roll while my boyfriend ordered the signature burger. When the lobster roll arrived, I thought it was tiny! Then I ate my words. The lobster was rich and buttery, and the salad was not too mayonnaise-based; it was excellent. The roll that it was on was incredible. Seriously, toasted perfection. I was full when I finished eating so I'm guessing that you can't judge a book by its cover. Plus, the homemade chips are great (ask for blue cheese for dipping!). My boyfriend enjoyed his burger, although he said it was a little messy (this could have been a personal problem, hahah). Everything about our meal was great. The only downside (which I really hate to dock a star for) is that right by the outside tables are the trash cans, which are continuously being filled up by restaurant workers. On a breezy night, it's not quite the aroma you're hoping for. I asked one of the staff members who said that the trashcans are out every night, so I guess you can't escape it if you sit outside. If this is the kind of thing that bothers you, make sure to ask for indoor seating!
(4)Jeremy A.
Pearlz was on the top of our list for places to try when we were visiting Charleston for the weekend. Their menu is limited which I actually like so that they can focus on serving the things they do well. I don't usually do oysters raw but I decided to try the Oysters Rockefeller which were very good and id definitely recommend as a starter. We also got the lobster roll which was awesome and their handmade chips are real good so definitely get those with your sandwich. The Ahi Tuna tacos were a bit underwhelming as they were 11 bucks and didn't come with any sides, so I wouldn't recommend them off the regular menu. I noticed they are on the happy hour menu so that's a better time to order them. Great service, I'll be back when we visit for sure.
(4)David G.
The best happy hour you'll find anywhere, for price, selection and quality. This was our first stop in Charleston and I did not want to leave.
(5)Liz B.
Great atmosphere and really good seafood at reasonable prices. We ordered the house oysters which were fresh and delicious. The kids were happy with their options on the kids menu, which were very reasonably priced. I thought the calamari was good but overly breaded. My fresh fish "small plate" was delicious and served over terrific grits. My husband ordered the fish and chips -- very good, huge portion (could be split between two people). Overall, great visit. We would go again if we could get in (had to wait 30 minutes for a table even though we dropped in very early at 5:00 for dinner).
(4)Angel H.
Came back after a long hiatus and am updating my review, and I am adding a star for Pearlz's consistent good deals. I came in on a Sunday expecting to be gouged without happy hour specials and was pleasantly surprised to find awesome drink specials ($3 for a mimosa and $4 for Fleischman's vodka). Learning my lesson from last time, I didn't spring for the Va house oysters (priced at $16.95 a doz), but instead sprung for the Canada Cups at $23.95 - a great deal for some delicious oysters. My only gripe now is their mignonette- it has bits of oregano or basil in it, which is way too strong and has the effect of masking the oyster's delicate flavor. Will definitely come back when I need an oyster fix next.
(4)Janey L.
The warm crab dip is DI-VINE. Do not leave this place without ordering the crab dip. It is the star of this restaurant. The crabcake sandwich is good but I thought it could be juicier somehow. I've tasted better crab cake in Maryland. But definitely still a solid dish. The fried shrimp dinner was also quite delicious, with the shrimp perfectly fried and a wonderful texture. Will definitely hope to come back. For the crab dip. IS IT CHEAP: no but get the crab dip it is worth every penny
(5)Marc P.
Fantastic Happy Hour, but get there early as the wait can be an hour or so. When we got there we put our name on the 45 minute waiting list. TIP: you can give the hostess your cell number and walk up a few doors to Southend Brewery to grab a beer while you wait (you'll probably find seating at Southend while you wait, whereas it is SRO at Pearlz prior to being seated). The oysters were delicious; at $10 a dozen, my wife got two dozen (of which I managed to coax her out of four :) ). I got an order of the Grilled Mahi tacos which was really good (and was quite large), as well as the trout appetizer and fritters.... which were good, but which were overkill; the Tacos and Oysters would have been plenty filling enough.
(4)Justin L.
Sure Dozens Of oysters Can be eaten But don't forget to try the tasty sides.
(4)Cathleen N.
Our first stop on our most recent visit to charleston! We wanted to come back the next day for lunch but unfortunately, they only open for dinner/late night. $13/dozen for oysters?! No wonder we wanted to come back every day! We wanted to try another popular raw bar, but found that they charge over double what is charged at pearlz! The oysters were delicious and went down smoothly. They weren't the biggest, meatiest oysters, but they did the job. The corn fritters were to die for. They reminded me of savory beignets. I also love corn so that was a plus. I wanted to take an extra order back to the hotel with us, but my husband had to stop me :p I had the cod sliders and they were fantastic. The cod was nicely breaded and so flakey and moist on the inside. I love carbs so the bread that it was sandwiched in was soft and moist - the perfect complement. The kettle chips were also a nice touch and surprisingly didn't make the meal overly heavy. Overall, we had a fantastic experience here and wouldn't hesitate to return!
(5)Amanda F.
We were looking for something less than $$$ on Yelp for dinner and found Pearlz. (Thanks Yelp!) We went on the early side hoping to beat the rush - we didn't! There was a 1.5 hour wait, but they took our name and said we could leave a phone number to wander around or wait for a spot at the bar. We opted to get a glass of wine somewhere else (bar was packed). We came back about an hour later and managed to get a spot at the bar. Moral of the story - go at least an hour before you're hungry! Apparently they're renowned for their bargain/delicious house oysters by the dozen. I overheard someone saying other places sell the same oysters for 3 times their price. Sadly I'm not a raw oyster gal, but the people around us were raving about them. We decided to go for appetizers - everything we had was absolutely delicious! And everyone's food around us looked awesome too. We started with NE clam chowder AND Gumbo (north vs. south, ya know). Well they were a delicious tie - I would have to get both next time too. Next up, Oysters Rockefeller. Felt like we had to get some oyster action and these were really good - topped with crab meat and baked. Yummm! For our "main" event we decided to get the peel & eat shrimp (there were 8 I believe and were jumbos) and an order of mussels. All the bartenders took great care of us and we were right in the action in front of the Oyster Shucking Station. They also had a reasonably priced drink menu for Charleston (my wine was 7 and house beer was 4.50). Pearlz will definitely be on the list for our next trip to Charleston, loved the vibe and food!
(5)Jimmy K.
Love this place!!! The happy hour specials from 4-7 M-F are such a deal! 12 fresh raw oysters for $10.95! The beer is awesome and the food is fantastic! You will not be disappointed.
(5)Carla D.
Five stars for the spectacular, flaky, crispy and hot fish and chips. The house made barbecue chips and broccoli slaw complimented the fish perfectly. Truly the BEST fried cod I've had. With that being said, 1.5 stars for the staff. The guy who brought my food was super nice, but if you sit at the bar, don't even bother to try to engage the oyster shuckers in friendly conversation. They'll just give you a "meh" and act coy. It's pretty offensive as a woman to hear their "ratings" of the other women in the restaurant, no matter how subtle they think they are being. Glad you are in your element boys, but when you ignore the customer in front of your face for the "8" that just walked out the door, it's time to grow up and put your big boy pants on. You're at work, and don't forget that. You really ruined my meal.
(3)Glenda R.
Pearlz Oyster Bar, downtown Charleston SC Walked into this place by fluke thinking we would order some appetizers!! Boy, we were so off!! The atmosphere was great; our waitress was attentive and professional; she recommended a few of her favorites. We ordered the blue crab soup, oysters Rockefeller, salmon and the turf and surf. The food tasted amazing!!!! Chef Victoria is awesome!!!! We spent around $46 for everything!!! Great place, clean, awesome vibe, amazing food and a great price!!! Would we go again??? Yes!!!!
(5)Kari L.
It's places like Pearlz Oyster Bar that make me long to live in the great city of Charleston. Voted best oysters in town for the last 6 years, it's not hard to see why this place is rammed from the time it opens for Happy Hour all the way through the evening. We heard about the excellent happy hour from a chef friend of ours, and decided to head on over. We got there at 3:50pm, and the chairs around the bar were already starting to fill up. We quickly positioned ourselves in the corner by the shuckers so we could watch the oyster action as well as take in the excellent view of the restaurant, filling with locals and tourists alike. It looked like lots of office folks in the area knock off early just to hit the happy hour, which features a dozen house oysters for $8.95, some beers for $2.50 and lots of other snackies and cocktails. Now I'm as wary as anyone when I hear the word "cheap" and "oysters" together. I have no particular fondness for gastrointestinal distress, nor do I feel like having one treacherous little guy put me under for the duration of my vacation. However, these are hands down some of the best oysters I had while in town. We talked to the shuckers for awhile who let us even sample some different ones just to see if we liked them. We immediately ordered up another dozen. The atmosphere is rocking, service is friendly and the people around you are always looking for a good time. In short, I frankly want to move in next door to this place and essentially eat there for the rest of my life. If you're in Charleston, be sure to put this on your happy hour list at least twice. I'll be the one at the end of the bar.
(5)Becca R.
Go to this place for oysters & beer for happy hour. 5 stars for cool atmosphere & we were seated immediately at a community table. 3 stars for our meals - I had the shrimp n grits which was so disappointing! Very bland - do not order it! My husband had shrimp tacos, which he said were nothing special. 5 stars for cheap, good oysters! They were definitely the cheapest we came by in Charleston.
(4)Santo C.
Great bar atmosphere. Too bad the shrimp and oysters weren't in the mood too. Spouse and I sat at a communal table. Aging yuppies on one side. Old folk drinking red wine on the other. The former were making friends. The latter not so much. Anyway, back to the food. Happy hour specials are a good deal, and while the peel and eat shrimp and oysters on half-shell were fresh, spouse says they just weren't flavorful But she has walking pneumonia. Actually I agree. Good, but "meh" The special label beer was great. I had the white ale. Light and citrus tones. Go here for the seafood but stay for the beer. We decided to leave.
(3)Jimmy K.
I was never a fan of raw oysters but i had a Pleasant experience of raw oysters here. With the happy hour between 4-7on raw oysters and other selected menu, it's definitely a must-stop in Charleston. The lobster roll was a delightful experience however, it serves more as an appetizer than an entree regarding the portion. Over all, it's an exciting restaurant for those who are visiting as well as for those who live nearby!
(4)Mimi N.
My favorite place to go for oysters every time I'm in Charleston. It's a must. It could get super busy here, but their service is fast and efficient.
(5)Logan L.
My oyster craving has been satisfied--living in a landlocked state really makes a person go nuts when they can get fresh seafood. This was recommended due to their happy hour, which was really amazing! What would have been a $100++ bill was half that. Thank you Pearlz! My only suggestion is that they do not seat incomplete parties. With a happy hour as popular as theirs, I saw several seats that could have been sat left open for over 15 minutes thanks to incomplete parties. While it made sitting at the community table a bit better, the old restauranteur in me was freaking out realizing how much money was being lost with the two seats next to my husband and I being left open for 35 minutes before the final 2 members of a party arrived--in that time that could have easily been $40 revenue at minimum. Definitely recommending to others!
(4)Stacy J.
Love the oysters. As always. =) We also ordered trout a special on the menu as well as fried oysters. Everything was great. =) But despite all that, I have to admit that the oysters is where it's at. That's what I come back to Charleston for. =)
(5)Kathy S.
Seriously, everything here ends with a z: on their menu, there are Oysterz, Daily Specialz, and Dessertz. GAHHH. Even though that whole bit kills (killz?) me a little bit, Pearlz was still a fantastic choice for seafood during our Charleston visit! Kenzie K. and I skipped the Hyman's line and got into Pearlz right away at 7:30pm, squeezing into some spots at the counter by the front windows. Fun fact: you get a lot of great people-watching if you sit there. We decided to go all out that night and got the Raw Bar Deluxe Plateau, complete with 9 oysters, 6 shrimp, clams, 1/2 lobster, tuna tartar, scallop ceviche, lump crab, and mussels. PHEW. The tuna tartar was a little too sweet for my tastes and the ceviche was fine, but honestly, they really don't hold a candle to the fresh oysters, lobster, and crab. Add in a side of asparagus and it was close to the perfect seafood dinner. We had great service all night, especially our waitress who helped us fend off some (hilarious) drunken advances from some fellows at the bar. Not sure if that was intentional or if she just showed up at all the right times but either way, it was very handy. Thanks! My only regrets: not ordering another round of raw oysters, and the fact that I live so far away and can't be here every weekend. Try it out!
(4)David Z.
Update: Added a star because Pearlz reached out. I appreciate that they care enough to do so. I was so pumped for this place. Read all the great reviews on yelp and was positive I was going to have an amazing meal. First night in Charleston, we hit this spot. The ladies at the door could not have been nicer. The place is not so big, so it took about 30 mins to get a table (not many tables). So we did not order Oysters, but the 4 or so dishes we did order were all not so great. Portions were not large, and in general, the food was just not remarkable. We only had a few nights in town and in retrospect wish we would have tried someplace else.
(3)Jack H.
For the oyster bar category, this place easily receives 5 stars. My lovely bride started with the house Bloody Mary and I enjoyed a Goslings ginger beer. The fried shrimp are an absolute must starter. We shared the fish and chips, made with cod, plus their lobster roll. The food is top notch, as is the service. We love this place!
(5)Joy W.
I had the best seafood of my life at Pearlz Oyster Bar in downtown Charleston. We came here for dinner on a Friday night, and the three of us only had to wait about 30 minutes. ATMOSPHERE: 5 Stars This bar has a fun cool vibe to it and the patrons range from young to old. But whoever it was, it looked like they were having a good time. There are a few bigger booths that could seat up to 8 people along the wall, a long table down the middle, and a row of seats at the bar. FOOD: 4 Stars We started with 1/2 a dozen raw House oysters on the half shell, and 1/2 a dozen steamed oysters. The raw ones were a bit smaller than we would have liked, but the cocktail sauce was on point. The steamed ones were a bit larger, and they provided tools for you to shuck the steamed oysters which was fun. We also got the oyster shooters which were exactly what I expected it to be, and the oyster in there was much more substantial in size than the house oysters. The crab cakes appetizer blew me away - it was literally the best crab cake I have ever eaten, even compared to the ones in Maryland. This crab cake, though not the largest I've had, was very meaty and hardly had any stuffing, and didn't taste fried. Finally, the special of the day was Blackened Mixed Seafood Grill which was absolute perfection since it allowed me to eat a lot of different types of seafood while having solid flavors. It had: scallops, monkfish, sheepshead and local amberjack, andouille sausage, and red pepper-crawfish risotto, all in sweet corn-lobster butter broth. It was also literally the most perfect risotto I've ever eaten in my life. My friend ordered the oyster potato soup special of the day, but hers didn't include oysters at first so the servers brought out another bowl that had more. The missed stars go to forgetting oysters in the soup the first time along with the smaller house oysters. Otherwise, the food was excellent! SERVICE: 4 Stars The servers were very accommodating. At first, they sat us outside, but the table next to us was smoking and we had a pregnant woman in our group, so we requested to move inside. The hostess gladly figured something out to seat us inside. Also, the waitress did a great job of splitting our check and correcting a mistake on our original checks. Only miss was that they forgot to bring out a spoon with the new bowl of soup, so we had to wait and request another spoon from a different waiter. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my experience at Pearlz Oyster Bar, and will dream about that mixed seafood risotto for years to come. I highly recommend it for anyone visiting from out of town!
(4)Es L.
Service was great. Oysters, beer, clams and their stone crab claw special was delicious. Kids were so happy to finally eat seafood in charleston!
(4)Jennifer S.
This is a must! It was just perfect in so many ways. The food was to superb! The whole staff was great, but our waitress Katie, was amazing. It was the perfect end to a wonderful trip, for our first time visiting Charleston. Jennifer S.
(5)Jackclyn N.
The crab dip was delicious, though a little less crab-tasting than I'd prefer. It was closer to a crab-flavored spinach dip, but really hit the spot as an appetizer. The seafood on the entrees was all clearly fresh and well prepared. My friend had a steamed salmon on veggies, which was light and refreshing. My own seafood linguini highlighted the flavor of the clams, mussels, and shrimp very well but lacked any flavor in the sauce. A sprinkle of Old Bay fixed it up nicely. The customer service was wonderful and the bar has excellent offerings. The place is a bit small, as is usual in historic Charleston buildings, but a great experience. The wait for tables was 45 minutes but space for the bar is a free for all, so the manager jokingly advised us to look for someone at the bar paying their bill and stand near them so they know we want their seat. Great place to stop for seafood along the water!
(4)Cyndi W.
Our first night was awesome. Our waitress was Katie and she was terrific. We told her we would be back on Sunday. So we had dinner on Friday and Sunday. I got a surprise tonight in my half of raw oysters " a small pearl" I could not believe it at first but yes a pearl. I will be posting a picture later in some good light.
(5)Brenda H.
Great place in Charleston. Only reason I give it a 4 is because the waitress wasn't the best and was somewhat "stand-off"ish and parking was a hassle ...but it is in a downtown area. Food was awesome though!
(4)Bobby L.
Great atmosphere and delicious food. We sat at the bar overlooking Bay Street - fun to people watch while enjoying a delicious meal. Would highly recommend.
(4)Rick F.
Darlings, I have spent my youth on the rear deck of a Louisiana shrimper. The "BLT Seafood Tower" has some very peculiar imported crabmeat. OTOH, the lobster roll was great! Proceed with caution ! Rick
(2)Marisa L.
Pretty sick happy hour deal, from 4-7:30 there are deals on oysters, snacks and and all kinds of drinks (wine, beer, champagne and cocktails). The oysters were from New Orleans and really fresh. Oyster shots were $2.50 (oyster, vodka, tabasco) . We arrived around 5 on a Friday and there was almost a half hour wait, but we went to a nearby bar and they called us when a spot opened up. We sat at a communal table next to other people but that was fine, it was a happening, loud, social atmosphere anyway. I had the Mahi fish tacos, they were 2 for $6 and they were fresh, and a good deal at that. Greal deal, great food and lively atmosphere, it was difficult to not want to come back the next day!
(4)Michael K.
Pearlz has been feeding oysters on the half shell to the masses for almost 10 years in Charleston, and they sure do go through a lot of oysters. In short, this is a great place to visit. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is very good. Particularly, their price on oysters is as good as you can hope for in Charleston. Additionally, their happy hour is pretty top notch with $2.50 draft beers, and reduced price selection of plates from the raw bar and starters. The atmosphere is upbeat and friendly, and you'll always leave happy. Why 3 stars? Well, they serve a heck of a lot of oysters, but I really do not see them putting any special care in cleaning the oysters. That's a big subtraction for me. I also do not feel as though they store their oysters properly at the raw bar when they are busy. When consuming something like an oyster, the only thing a restaurant can really do to differentiate themselves is: 1) store it properly, and 2) make sure its super clean. They may have the best prices on oysters in town, but they're also pretty dirty. However, its a great restaurant with a high energy buzz and the food is good. The happy hour is pretty amazing too - just get there early or be prepared to wait for a seat!
(3)Louise M.
Loved the lobster roll and peach belon but the oysters rockerfeller and shrimp and grits were mediocre. Didn't care for the tomato sauce and corn/black beans with the grits. Shrimp was spicy and cold. Didn't taste the bacon in the oysters but they were still good. Waitress was very attentive despite the busyness of the place. Would definitely try it again when in town and try other items.
(3)Natalie B.
NO RESERVATION available!!!! Horrible wait time!!!!!!!! Walked in there for my 3rd year wedding anniversary to an 1.5 wait time!!! RUDE manager!!!
(1)Erik A.
This is my favorite spot in Charleston as I can eat a s!#t load of oysters and it happen that it's 1/2 off on mon-Fri 4-7. Well located, very busy and good vibe is what I am looking for in a restaurant. Very friendly staff and I definately enjoy this little gem every time I go. Give it a shot and I bet you will not be disappointed!
(5)Nikkita M.
Came here for the famous oyster shots. Oyster, absolut peppar, and cocktail sauce. well priced and goes down smoothly. DONT LET IT SIT IN YOUR MOUTH, a friend did that, and it was unpleasant. I did think it was weird that they sit large groups by the window and then sit two at large booths
(3)Stephanie O.
I have only had the mussels, but they are A-1 every time! yum!
(3)Michelle M.
Loved our first raw oyster bar experience!! Friendly fabulous service! We were even given a raw oyster shooter each courtesy of our waiter!! Great casual atmosphere! Our entree was great except one scallop way overdone but overall was excellent!
(4)Viv G.
We came here our first night in Charleston, lured by the stellar Yelp reviews and how happening it was for a Thursday night. We were not disappointed! The bar was jam packed (note for future visits: get there right when happy hour starts) and the wait was about 40 minutes but we were lucky enough to snag one seat (my husband stood) that gave us a great view of the oyster shucking action. I tried one of the cocktails, And thought it was pretty good. We had a dozen oysters (freshly shucked in front of us and bigger than the oysters we spotted at the neighboring restaurants) the fried oysters (which were decent but a bit expensive for what you got), and the mani tacos (which were AWESOME). I would go back just for the tacos.
(5)Tracy N.
Really good food! The corn fritters are to die for. We ordered the Thai mussels based on other Yelpers reviews, and there wasn't much Thai about them, although they were still good. The shrimp and grits were tasty as well. Raw oysters were great with their mignonette. We dined outside which was pleasant. We would recommend this restaurant!
(4)Yuan L.
The front desk told me three times "20 minutes to wait". Feel be cheated. It is a place you have to wait 4ever.
(2)Joy C.
I come here all the time, so I thought I should post a review. Everyone working here is so nice and knowledgeable, especially Nate. He shucked oysters at a party we hosted in our house. He is wonderful! He even took the time to teach me how to shuck! I'm definitely not as good as him it as fast! Michelle, Kevin, and Jeremiah give he best service. They have a wonderful happy hour from 4-7. My faves are raw oysters, fried oysters, and the occasional oyster shooter. Sit at the bar and get to know the people working there! All of the menu items are great. I have never been disappointed!!
(5)Amy C.
Crazy long wait for a table but.... Worth it- 2 in our party had the lobster rolls, buttery, fresh and simple. The other 2 had a dozen oysters and soup. Simple perfect, fresh, great service, fun atmosphere. Deserving of the high praise reviews. Not sure of the reputation for "cheap" our dozen was $25
(5)Boon K.
I know this is a seafood place but you have to order their pork rinds. They are so large and yummy with a nice cold beer. Their oyster are super fresh and perfectly shucked. Great and fun service. My co worker loved the chicken apple curry soup, not too over powering and just a great balance of favor. I had the fried shrimp and they were huge. Nicely seasoned and batter.
(5)Liss M.
Awesome atmosphere and decor . We started with the rockerfella oysters, they were perfect. I ordered the NY strip which was amazing , cooked perfectly. My husband got the shrimp tacos , flavour was there but could have been a lot more fish inside . Over all it was a great time , we will definitely be back.
(4)Michelle B.
Great food, ambience, and costumer service.. The fried oysters and oyster shooter were delicious!
(5)Shaun D.
Absolutely wonderful! I've been to Pearlz half a dozen times and it continues to impress. Personally, I'm a fan of sitting at the raw bar, where you can watch the action and get "insider" info regarding the various types of fresh oysters. That's right, not only does Pearlz offer 6-8 different species of fresh oysters (from the Pacific NW, Gulf, and along the N. Atlantic coast), they're extremely knowledgable about what they serve and they're happy to explain/assist! If you couldn't tell, their delicious oysters are what keeps me coming back, but the friendly staff, warm and inviting atmosphere, and seafood-lovers dream menu may play a role too. Lol If you're in the area, stop by Pearlz...you'll be glad you did!!
(5)Katie B.
Always a great happy hour spot! The oysters are SO GOOD.
(4)Joe S.
Food was really good. The place was packed but the service remained strong and everyone was super friendly. Two of us had a dozen oysters and before ordering, talked about the selection with the two men shucking them. Both were very knowledgeable of the product! We also ate the fried oysters which came with the house buffalo sauce. They were great but we wished there were a few more on the plate. Both of us had the tuna tartar as well. It was fantastic. 4 1/2 on the food, 5 on the service and atmosphere.
(5)Andrew R.
The happy hour menu is a great deal. If you're in the mood for oysters and aren't picky about where they're from, you'll do fine here. You can even get half raw and half steamed (for a different take on oysters for those of us not from these parts). Apart from that, we didn't try anything except the lager. It was actually fairly decent. I wasn't expecting much, but it was entirely drinkable, crisp, and thirst quenching; exactly what you'd want from a light-tasting lager. Oysters and beer - it doesn't get much better than that.
(4)Lisa S.
Incredible happy hour, but prices are fair even when it's not happy hour. Friendly efficient bar staff, good local beer, and awesome raw bar. You cannot go wrong with the oysters, and the shrimp are some of the freshest around.
(5)Brett P.
Me and my wife went for the first time last night and let me tell you, the food was AMAZING, the drinks were made perfectly, and the service was impeccable. Our waitress, Noell, was awesome, she was not to sparse, but also not too overbearing. She was very knowledgeable and very helpful to a couple that just moved to the area, looking for a nice date night. We will definitely be going back there. This place is amazing.
(5)Miriam U.
The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered a dozen blue point and one dozen umami oysters. I had the fried shrimp and oysters and my Hubby had three tacos. Everything was simply fabulous.
(5)Matt S.
Great fried oysters and fish tacos. Place is packed for happy hour but good service. I definitely recommend if you are in town. Tables outside make for great people watching.
(5)Megan H.
This review is for oysters and wine only. Here's what I liked: -Pearlz has a great oyster selection from all over the states. -Large selection, good deals as far as pricing and picking your variety. -Good service; we sat at the bar and were taken care of pretty well. What I wasn't thrilled about: - My white wine tasted old and seemed to come out of the end of the bottle. - The oyster shells could have been cleaner on the outside before serving. - I saw an order of oysters sitting and waiting to be picked up from the bar for quite some time-- it's important to serve them fresh, quickly, and chilled. - The bathroom situation is pretty bad-- clean, but they only have one for each gender. I waited quite a while. I'd give this place 3.5 stars. If we had the cooked food (which looked very good both on the menu and off), perhaps I would have been more impressed.
(3)Mary W.
Fun cocktails, great service and absolutely delicious food! We couldn't decide and ended up with an array of wonderful seafood - from stone crab to hamachi to soft shell crab and fried oysters... This was by far our favorite meal in Charleston!
(5)Ilsa M.
Amazingly fresh oysters!! Went here for some drinks and appetizers - got some oysters and the friend shrimp and we were very happy. Staff was very friendly and helpful in suggesting some local beers to try.
(5)Leslie B.
Loved this place. Awesome late lunch. Incredible Bloody Mary and Summertime cocktail. The peel n eat shrimp and corn fritters. Yum!!! We arrived at happy hour and after 4 cocktails and 4 appetizers, our bill was only $46. Excellent service. Excellent drinks. Delicious food. I would definitely go back! Extremely casual. Energetic atmosphere. Fantastic.
(4)Megan F.
Great atmosphere and oysters. The happy hour pricing is wonderful! We will definitely make this our place to visit for oysters when in Charleston.
(5)Ashley I.
Pearlz saved us when we were in a bind and are forever grateful! My boyfriend and I planned a last minute trip to SC for NYE and failed to make reservations anywhere --dumb, I know. I came across Pearlz and their amazing reviews on Yelp and with fingers crossed gave them a call. The hostess was incredibly sweet and told us to come on over and they would accommodate us the best they could. They weren't lying either! We showed up and had a 10 minute wait at the bar, which was nothing considering the place was jam packed. Once seated, we ordered the crab dip (a MUST have if you go), some oysters, fried shrimp, and a lobster roll. Everything was phenomenal! My boyfriend said the lobster roll was one of the best he's ever had. My fried shrimp and oysters were also equally good. Definitely a must try if ever in the SC area!
(4)Michael H.
I surprised the heck out of myself by trying the grilled wolf fish at Pearlz, and I'm glad I did. My wife's shrimp-and-something meal was tasty, but the wolf fish was off-the-charts delicious. We ate outside so I don't have a lasting impression of the ambiance, but I can say that the staff were excellent and very attentive to our needs, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
(5)Jessica G.
I have been to Pearlz on a few different occasions while in Charleston, as it comes recommended for oysters, but when I work here the days tend to run late, so this was my first Pearlz happy hour experience. A group of five of us arrived around 5:30 to find the place pretty packed. Ideally we would have liked a table outside, or our own booth inside, but when we heard an hour wait that just was not happening and settled for one of the high top longer tables closer to the bar. They sit probably 10-12 people so unless you have a very large party it is kind of community seating. We all ordered drinks and looked over the happy hour menu. Oysters are the main draw here at $9 a dozen and you can watch the staff shucking them just a few feet away at the bar. I'm not experienced enough in oysters to comment on the taste, but they did look fresh. They also offer an oyster shooter which seems to be an oyster in some sort of bloody mary type shot ($2.50). I don't think I would ever be brave enough to try this, but it was fun to watch other take the shot, then make a weird face when the oyster slid down the glass and into their mouths. It was almost always a look of surprise/disgust...I'm not sure why people do that to themselves. We also ordered the house chips which I thought were well fried and seasoned and quite delicious dipped in the blue cheese dressing. The crispy fried shrimp were a standout item to me as the shrimp were large, the coating was crunch and not greasy, and they were served with a really great sweet chili dipping sauce. I also tried the fried oysters which were great dipped in the buffalo sauce. I stuck with the happy hour bites but two members of our party got the steak and shrimp entree. It looked delicious and was served with scalloped potatoes, but both mentioned that the steak wasn't cooked quite how they had requested. The service here was ok. The waitress was friendly enough, but didn't seem very detail oriented as we had requested things come out in a certain order and those requests were pretty much totally disregarded. I was impressed with the happy hour overall, but given that the entrees left a little to be desired (I've noted that in the past as well) I am going with three stars. If I rate it only for happy hour I think I would go with four, but since happy hour hour is only a few hours a few days a week, I'll stick with three.
(3)Kassi G.
We ordered the oyster shooters, oysters rockefeller, lobster roll and tuna burger. All were delicious. I wasn't disappointed with a single aspect of my meal or experience. The bartenders were friendly and the atmosphere was inviting and vibrant. I highly recommend Pearlz!
(5)Chloe E.
Really one of the most fun happy hours I have been to. And I am not alone in that opinion. It gets packed quick. Had the oysters, muscles and a few tasty drinks. We were going a pre feeding before FIG. FIG is amazing but I knew that my boyfriend would need to not go there starving. And the prices are right. Especially for the location. Will be back here for dinner on the next visit. Also the people watching was amazing!
(5)Carlos O.
Awesome. Just awesome. Had a dozen oysters, they were solid and got a blackened swordfish over chedder chorizo grits. The swordfish was moist and had a nice spice to it. The grits were great! Service was friendly and the atmosphere was lively.
(5)Dio S.
Stopped by for the happy hour. Got in fairly early and did not have to wait, which judging from other reviews was pretty lucky, and it did start to get busy quickly. This was a classic oyster bar atmosphere, casual and fun. The selection of alcoholic beverages is not exactly large, but includes some unique house brews. House oysters are good for the price and very much hit the spot when washed down with some crisp local beers. Very good gumbo and raw clams. Fritters and crab cakes are okay. The fun atmosphere and prime location are an undeniable strength. While the food is overall good quality but fairly predictable. Then again, what kind of person finds it hard to enjoy good quality classic oyster house staples? Have the right expectations and you will come away a happy camper.
(4)Elizabeth A.
My husband and I went with our baby, and the wait was over an hour (on a Saturday night for a booth), so we got our food to-go. It only took 15 minutes to get. Over an hour later, we ate it, and it still tasted amazing! We got shrimp and grits, hot crab dip, and fish and chips. The fried food was crispy, the fish tasted very good with a little too much breading (maybe it expanded while sitting, though), the hot crab dip was delicious, the grits were amazing, and there was a lot of yummy, juicy shrimp. We will return! Definitely go here! We almost rated it 5 stars instead of 4. If there was an option for 4.5, we would've picked that. :)
(4)J T.
Wow. Wicked good food. Simple and to the point; a well rounded seafood eatery and bar. Had the house oysters (tempted by bluepoint), clam chowder, and house salad with green goddess dressing. Are at the bar and enjoyed attentive cocktail service and observing the shucking of dozens (and dozens, and dozens) of oysters. The foot was great and the drinks well made . Reasonably priced for the quality of food. Will certainly return.
(5)Tim A.
Awesome old school bar with top notch shellfish. House oysters were superb. Oyster shooters were money. Scallops and asparagus were perfectly prepared. Excellent place for drinks and seafood with a group of lively friends
(5)Josephine R.
I ate their last night, very very good. I had the Oysters and a shrimp taco. The broccoli slaw was very good.
(5)Nicole A.
We came here twice. Once for normal dinner business hours, and my hubby said best oysters he's ever had (and he's had a lot). Crab cake app was awesome. Not too much filler just the way I like it. Came here again for happy hour, which is a great deal! We ordered fried oysters, which were freaknnnn awesome deliciousness. Ordered shrimp which were huge and yummy and good quality. Ordered oysters again and they were too big... Ouch. Too big. But it would've been a great deal if they were smaller. You can't beat $1 oysters and $2 brews!
(4)Jenn J.
Superb service and food. We had shrimp/grits, lobster roll, calamari and for dessert we had Hawaiian coconut. All. Dishes were perfectly cooked. The staff very friendly. A must go while visiting Charleston!!!
(5)Jenney Z.
This is a review on their happy hour. Coming from boston, a city giving no discount on liquor, we really appreciate the happy hr in the city. Nothing beats a $2 beer and $5 wine and mixed liquor. I would give their mixology a 4. It s good but not as good as High Cotton, another place offering happy hr on the same street. They also offer discount on food such as dollar oysters and fried oysters. The deal is only on local oysters from VA. The taste is subpar to blue point from ny or wellfleet ma. But hey, I ll never say no to $1 oysters. Didn't have the appetite to try their main dish but everyone around us seem to enjoy the seafood. The menu is very simple one page. Would live to go back again!
(4)Ken K.
I was here several times and it's always good food and good atmosphere. Can't wait to be back.
(5)Myia B.
The Atmosphere & Service We ventured into Pearlz for a late lunch and found that there was a crowd (good sign). We were lucky enough to snag the last two window seats without waiting. There is seating at the bar too where you can watch all the action and magic. The atmosphere was lively but not over the top. A mixed crowd - not flashy or super tradish, but a blend of young and old, super casual and southern refinement. There was a buzz of laughter and conversation. The host was kind and our server was great. Even the patrons were friendly as the lady next to us leaned in and gave us a welcoming grin accompanied with a good old southern greeting. The Food Oyster Shooters 4* Oysters on the Half Shell 4* Fried Shrimp 3* Seafood Cobb Salad 5* *all out of 5 possible stars The oyster shooters were strong - not a bad thing, you're paying for a shot and you're getting a shot of peppered vodka for sure. If I were a drinker this probably would've gotten 5 stars. I was talking to the host about it and he was gracious enough to suggest trying it with a beer the next time - less bite, a little more sweetness. I found myself wanting to add lemon juice, tabasco and tomato juice to the shooter with a pinch of salt and pepper. The fried shrimp were good...like they were fresh off the boat. Nothing to write home about flavor wise. Good size though...good shrimp. The oysters were darn tasty. I would have given these a perfect 5 but I had at least one popped belly and another was so deflated I wondered if it could still be called an oyster. Not sure what kind these were - he told me but I forgot. The ones that were good though, were just delicious. I wanted more of those. The cobb salad was very good. Normally I always need a little extra dressing for my tastes, plus a little salt and lots of pepper. This salad needed only the pinch of salt. It was so good...bacon, crab, shrimp...delicious. I added a little lemon and a little tabasco after finishing half the salad without. I wanted more of this too. And it was pretty to boot. I also saw what looked like a burger from afar that made my mouth water...served with a handful of house made chips (that I forgot to order but really wanted). The board menu featured crab bisque. I would definitely go back and try other menu items too.
(4)Regina S.
What a fun place. We sat outside on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The windows were all open so we could easily hear the live music playing inside. The musician was awesome as he had an unbelievable range of songs that he sung......from Jefferson Airplane to Johnny Cash. It was kind of funny, as the neighboring table brought their German Shepherd along and his name happened to be "Cash". All in all.....good times. We planned on drinking our afternoon away as we were waiting on a train back to Washington DC, but the menu of the day's specials just kept grabbing our attention. The small plates sounded so creative and had a great eclectic list of ingredients. We decided on their version of the "baked oysters Rockefeller". The shells came perfectly stuffed with crawfish, lump crab, tiny bits of bacon and of course an oyster. Such a perfect harmony of flavors. I wish I could list the other menu items, but my memory was a bit foggy after the warm sun and the multiple glasses of pinot grigio. The restaurants main menu is pretty straightforward and may not hint at the creativity that the kitchen can deliver. Folks sitting next to us indulged in many more of the day's specials than we did and they all raved about their meals. Prices are unbelievably affordable, considering Charleston has taken full fiscal advantage of its numerous titles as "best US city/town." I would come back in a heart beat. The service was great and swift considering the tendency to be "slow as molasses" in the South. Everyone was super friendly. It was almost a shame we had to leave.......but we will be back.
(4)Gary R.
This is only a rating for the happy hour. I cannot attest to any of the other food but let me just state this unequivocally - this is one of the best happy hours I've ever been to! And I've been to a lot. Oysters for $8.95 a dozen. Three hour happy hour? (4-7) are you kidding me? Fish tacos for $5.95?(they were great, btw). Home brewed craft beer selections for $2.50? A terrific atmosphere with tons of energy, a great people watching space, this is the place to be!!!! The guys shucking the oysters were clearly overworked. But they were so good! I sat at the bar right in front of them and by the volume of oysters they shucked it was clear I wasn't the only one enjoying this treat. And man, were those oysters good!!!! Large juicy and oh so sweet, these were the stuff dreams are made of!! If you're in the area and don't stop, shame on you. You're missing out. Next time I'm in town, you'll find me bellied up to the bar with a couple dozen empty shells in front of me. You'll know its me by my contented smile.
(5)Rick J.
We had the large cold platter and it was amazing. Clams, oysters, lobster, muscles and shrimp. Awesome
(5)Therese D.
Pearlz is one of the best spots in Charleston! The happy hour specials are to die for, as well as the oysters. The Corn Fritters are great from the HH menu , cooked perfectly. The speciality drinks are awesome , definitely check this delicious place out when in Charleston, a must stop !'
(4)Tian Q.
Corn fritters were overhyped and above-average at best. That said, Pearlz' lobster was omgz freaking SO AMAZEBALLS with perfectly toasted bun, freshly marinated giant lump of lobster meat, and deliciously-baked house chips on the side. 5 stars alone for all that lobster jizz in the mouth.
(5)Mac R.
The perfect Happy Hour can be as elusive as finding the Holy Grail. When we walked into Pearlz, both of us realized that this could be it! After 2 visits, I can clearly attest that this place does indeed have the Perfect Happy Hour!!! It's busy & bumping in there with lots of fun people & activity. There are 2 incredibly skilled oyster shuckers working it with all the gusto they can muster and they totally keep up with the demands of a super busy bar where the Happy Hour price for a dozen Gulf Oysters is $8.95 from 4-7pm weekdays. And those oysters are spectacular! Even on a super busy Friday, we had our oysters in 5 minutes! Those guys are really good at this!!!! Pearlz also has their own craft beer and during Happy Hour it's $2.50! They have other assorted goodies like Mahi Fish Tacos for $5.99, too. Yep, this is the Holy Grail of Happy Hours & we're going back tomorrow!!!!
(5)Natalie F.
Loved this place! Went there for a late dinner on a Sunday and was pleasantly surprised with the service, especially after a long drive. Clam chowder was great, as were the house oysters, tuna burger & tuna taco. They had a great selection of beer and wine. A nice, chill atmosphere. We would go again! Ps ask for Ben, that dude rocks. He was our server and offered amazing suggestions of sites to see and restaurants to go to on our trip! A good man!
(5)Ruth W.
If you love seafood, than you should make a stop here. Oysters shucked in front of you & very fresh! I had the blt tower salad & it was the best salad I've ever had, more seafood than salad! Busy little place but so worth it!
(4)Adam O.
We ended our day in Charleston here and I couldn't be happier with the choice. The fresh oysters were fresh and delicious but honestly I'm a little disappointed that I didn't just go with a larger serving of the New England Clam Chowder, which was utterly amazing. The service was quick and friendly, though as we didn't make a reservation we got put up on a counter with another party, so we were a little crowded, but that's on us. Highly recommended.
(5)Dick D.
Don't miss Happy Hour at Pearlz - 4 to 7 M-F a dozen fresh, succulent oysters for $9.95 and excellent Bloody Marys for $5. We ate oysters until we thought we were growing shells. The wait staff was attentive, busy, and pleasant. Get there early, because the room fills up quickly.
(5)Darly S.
YES I LOVED THE OYSTERS!!!! DELICIOUS and SURELY IS FRESH! right in downtown Charleston! I went here with my boyfriend mainly for oysters. He enjoyed the warm crab dip. The shriimp and gritz were okay, I believe you can get somewhere else better. It was a bit tooooo thick and cheesey.
(4)Katie L.
Well, this place is great! Don't be dissuaded by the "z" at the end of "Pearlz." I recently met up with a high school friend I hadn't seen in about a decade, a Charleston local, and we caught up with drinks at a Friday happy hour. With incredible luck, I was able to snag two adjacent seats at the bar. My friend and I ordered a few cocktails, oyster shooters, and a dozen raw oysters. All were outstanding, and especially so at happy hour prices ($5 cocktails, $2.50 oyster shooters, and $9 for a dozen raw oysters). Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. weekdays. The bartender, who was extremely friendly, brought me the wrong drink when I asked for a second, hence the one star deduction. Other than this, it was a fantastic experience. The place has an upscale casual vibe, moderately trendy decor, and a few small tables available outside on East Bay Street. Will definitely return!
(4)Andy D.
Great, Great, Great! We were actually told not to come here, the Charlestonite, said it wasn't that good. either he's an idiot, or he doesn't want the tourists there. Alas, I to like in a tourist town so he was disregarded. Pearlz is superb, the owner actually was acting as the host and sat us, and yes the wait was long, but worth it. He's a good guy, very informative, and still appears to enjoy the life of a restauranteur! Oysters, they were great, not as pricy as Miami's River House Restaurant, but, they were still up there. The fish dishes were very fresh, and service excellent. This is a time I was glad not listening to a local. Oh, by the way he works at Charleston Beer Works, shame on you dude, we tipped you well!
(5)Andre B.
We had heard great things about this place, but overall the wife and I were underwhelmed. If yelp allowed half stars, I could bump it to 3.5 stars. I really felt our visit on this day was closer to 3 stars. First, we sat at the community table in the middle of the restaurant and that can always be hit or miss. Anyway, this was a miss as the couple on my right were slurring their words and it was an awkward scene. The people on my left were fine, but I would likely skip the community table here. The wife and I had a perfectly fine community table experience at Butcher and Bee earlier in the day. We really just wanted oysters and the wife got a bloody mary. Our server was a little weird as well and looked like she wasn't having the best day and just wanted to leave already. All in all, the oysters were good, not great. It was happy hour, so a lot of drunk people around. At least the couple next to us left as awkwardly as they probably walked in. If the bar at Husk had oysters, we probably wouldn't have come here at all. If we do return, I would get a booth or try to sit at the bar. I will say that their whole menu looked good. They are very popular and I am sure that they will be around for us to try them again.
(3)Mark P.
You can actually choose the region that your oysters came from, based on what they have in. That is something I have never seen in any restaurant before. That alone makes this a must go to restaurant.
(5)C F.
Happy Hour is the best! Great waiters, great atmosphere, great food and reasonably priced. Best place in Charleston.
(5)Pei L.
It was sooooooo great. We 've been waiting for 30mins coz there were so many people there. But it worth it!
(5)Alexandra S.
I was in raw oyster heaven here and could barely wait for the doors to open at 2pm on a recent Saturday. We got 12 cold, briny and succulent Gulf oysters for $11.95. Where I come from, this is considered a steal. The Gulf oysters are favorites of mine being big and meaty but delicately flavored and creamy. Husband had a beer while I sipped a fairly good prosecco. To me, nothing like raw oysters and something bubbly to drink. The place is in one of downtown Charleston's old and gorgeous buildings filled with loads of charm, kind of like the city itself.. I loved the tin ceiling and the long wooden bar at which we sat. Because my ability to consume raw oysters knows no bounds, we found ourselves ordering a second dozen. And this is where this place loses a star. This is a popular place and it fills up quickly. The day we visited, there was simply not enough help. There were only two guys shucking and although we could see they were working hard and fast, there needed to be at least two other shuckers to keep up with the demand. It was a ridiculously long wait for our second dozen. As well, the women tending bar were constantly running, so much so they really couldn't pay good enough attention to any of us so it seemed like all of us were always trying to get their attention. That said, I'd still go back if for no other reasons than to slurp down more raw Gulf oysters.
(4)Gary W.
This place where is so good great staff greAt beers and interesting menu and specials Gad the. Mixed oysters and the seafood mixed platter and both were great food with great presentation and excellent helpful staff that with so hard to ensure a good night A great place to enjoy in Charleston
(5)ashley g.
I've been down here for a few months for work and have been to pearlz at least 5 times during my stay. The happy hour can't be beat! The bloody Mary's are some of the best I've (and most of my family and friends) have had, especially at $5! It does get very packed very quickly, but that just means you have to get there early, even a few mins before it opens. The peel n eat and fried shrimp are wonderful and the oyster shooters are a must! I normally see oyster shooters with beer and at pearlz they do em w pepper vodka. Staff is friendly and its a fun atmosphere.
(5)Kate C.
Loved Pearlz. Came here by recommendation of friends. Arrived around 8:00 on a Friday night. Was told there was an hour wait for 2 but got seated only 10 minutes later. We had the calamari as an app and it was surprisingly very good. Not your regular fried tentacle and ring dish but rather full pieces of squid, battered and fried in a light cream sauce plus peppers onions and bits of sausage, and fried lemon wedges. Very different but tasty. I also had a cup of the gumbo which was decent with lots of big pieces of fish and seafood and also had a dozen raw oysters. I couldn't finish them all. They were large oysters and fresh tasting. Husband had the fish and chips which were also delicious. Great meal, great atmosphere and great service. Will definitely be back.
(5)Belle D.
Come here for the oysters! Place - nice place to get fresh oysters! Loved the look of the outside. I like the hanging picture of the lady and a platter of oysters. Food - OYSTERS / They have various selection of oysters by the dozen or half a dozen. It is always nice to see you have different kinds to choose from. My husband finished his in less than 1.5 minute. SOUP / it is alright.. Something was missing in the blue crab bisque in old bay oil. APPZ / fried oyster wasn't bad (maybe I liked mine a little more fried), the mussels was a little bland (some were a little too fishy for my taste), corn fritters were huge and just wished it had more flavor (I tasted something burnt). Service - I guess it varies on the time of day. We had to wait 40 minutes on a Friday night (no problem, we just ordered a drink at the bar while we waited for a call when our seat was ready next door). The waitress was attentive and nice, deserved over 20% tip. The manager was also friendly and we felt welcomed. So the bottom line, you are in for a treat if you just order a dozen or so of oysters.
(4)Ravyn P.
GREAT place if you are an oyster connoisseur !!! Or if you just like to eat oysters periodically. The food was good! The portions were on the smaller side, so order more than less! Overall a chill place to get some good apps and def get the oyster shooters!
(3)Jessica C.
I had a great time! The food was very good and the servers/bartenders were nice... despite my obnoxious family. I will definitely recommend this place and go back!
(5)Reezle W.
This place blew us away! We originally stopped by just for their incredible happy hour oyster prices, but wound up coming back for dinner too. They had a curry crab corn soup that was creamy, and delightful with the mango chutney on top. For dinner, I tried their gumbo which wasn't bad, just nothing special. Their fish small plates specials were anything but small. The tile fish with the cheddar bacon grits was delicious with a roasted tomato shellfish sauce. I don't think people in SC know what it means to advertise jalapeno though, but that can also be that my own expectation when I see jalapeno on a menu is that the dish packs a lot more heat. The seafood grill plate had scallops, Wahoo, colbia and an amazing goat cheese risotto. So gorgeous. The place was a bit loud, but the atmosphere was great. A must-stop by on East Bay St.!
(5)Laurie S.
Delicious, great atmosphere and great prices. We went for happy hour. Ate 3 dozen raw oysters, fried oysters, an oyster shooter, and some corn fritters. The corn fritters were the only disappointment. They had no flavor. All in all, loved it!
(5)Kevin M.
This is a must for your travels to Charleston. Best time to go is late afternoon or late evening after a fine meal. Pearls is filled with locals and those in the know. Great oysters, wines by the glass and talking with those sitting next to you. Late night is mostly locals. Great news, Pearlz is coming to South Park in July.
(4)Sarah F.
YUMMMM!!! GO HERE! Pros? -Awesome service! Friendly, fast, and fun. -Happy hour prices are AMAZING -Delicious oyster shooters! And that's coming from someone who usually goes for fried oysters... which were also delicious! -Open seating area, plenty of room to mingle Cons? -Ummm... it's on the other side of the country for me... so that's too bad
(5)JH M.
Loved this place! My husband and I tried this spot on our first night in Charleston and absolutely loved everything we ordered. There is a bar and a "community table" which is great for groups or couples. We started with crab cakes which were delicious. He ordered the crab cake sandwich and I got the shrimp and grits. All were tasty and left us wanting more. I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal with great ambiance.
(5)Monica M.
Oh! Pearlz is great! They have a super huge bar a really nice stand-up bar where you can either drink with your friends or eat with them! The hostess and staff are extremely professional. Mon-Fri after work you'll find your local attorneys and business men in suits clamoring to get their drinks. The Food is amazing! For such a hip place to hang the prices are super reasonable. Just an awesome experience! We LOVE Pearlz!!!!
(5)Terry G.
We had a long wait hour or so, but food was great raw oysters, fresh seafood highly recommend.
(5)Greg G.
Yum. I'll put the full review out later. To tired and going to take in some live music.
(4)MJ H.
What an outstanding restaurant. Food was outstanding, waitress awesome and the bartenders were all great as well. The only reason this is not getting 5 stars is because the hostess was incredibly rude and unfriendly. In fact, she is the only person in Charleston I've met with a negative disposition.
(4)Alana Y.
Visited this place on a Sunday night and ended up sitting at a bar stool facing the windows. Not the best place to sit but it was the only thing available. Had a dozen oysters which were shucked nicely. Also had the fried shrimp appetizer and the cod sliders. The shrimp were surprisingly large and the cod sliders were tasty! Other than the less than desirable seating it was a hit!
(4)Mike And Tracy T.
This place was great. Stopped in for happy hour. Had a couple of drinks and some eats and got out for under $30! We arrived about 5 pm and had to wait for a spot at the bar - but it was well worth it. The Red Ale was tasty but the food was even better. The fried oysters were juicy and sweet and the fish tacos were very good as well. And if you are a fan of home made chips be sure to try them here - excellent! We will be back again before we go back home for sure.
(5)Heng G.
We were traveling in Charelston and found this place through yelp as we were longing for some oysters. It was apparently a popular spot as it was fully packed at 6. We ordered a dozen and half house oysters (fried, steamed and raw) from the happy hour menu. The raw and steamed oysters were good., the fried were overdone. We ordered jumbo shrimps too, which was also good. However, the side dishes (which include some spinach and rice) and pasta we ordered were way too salty. I am not sure if that was supposed to be the style of the restaurant or the chef. We would have given it a four-star if only the cooked dishes were more satisfying.
(3)Red B.
Dont know why it took me so long to visit. Happy hour was a winner. Both price and quality of oysters were great. I was not alone as the place was packed. I shall return.
(4)R Douglas D.
Stopped in for light lunch while strolling and shopping. Pearlz was recommended by several locals including our carriage driver Jess. Very friendly staff and great selection of food for my wife who is gluten-free. Started with mussles and they were large and meaty. White wine sauce w garlic and herbs was nice and light. I had raw oyster sampler platter and my wife had the peel and eat shrimp. Oysters were so fresh and shucked perfectly. Peel and eat shrimp were large and plentiful. Cocktail sauce is awesome...lots of horseradish. Mmmmm Definitely a place to stop and eat and remember for the next trip.
(5)Kathy M.
This place had a fun atmosphere and decor. We got here at 5 and there was hardly a seat left. I should probably mention that Happy Hour is from 4 - 7pm. We stuck to the happy hour menu and had oysters, steamed shrimp, mahi mahi tacos and the homemade chips. The oysters, shrimp and chips were very good! We ordered a couple of beers and a specialty cocktail and had no complaints with the drinks. We were seated at one of their two community tables and we met some very nice ladies from Delaware during our stay there. We would definitely go back if we were in Charleston again.
(5)Brian M.
Mixed reviews here. Their Lobster roll was the best I've ever had. I read a few other reviews from Yelpers and had to try it. The lobster was sweet and the sauce perfect but not overly clammy and full of mayo. The toasted and buttered roll added to the perfection. I could have eeaten three. The shrimp and grits were good, but only good. They could have done better. We made a bit mistake on the oysters and I fault the bar for this which is why they only received three stars in stead of 4. We had excellent Gulf oysters the night before at Bernie's in Savannah - both sweet and succulent which I didn't think you could find in an oyster the size of your fist. So we ordered them here at Pearlz. What a bit mistake. No flavor at all. Wish I had paid twice as much for the MA or ME oysters on the menu. Cold water definitely does make a difference when it comes to oysters. But the fact that we had great ones in Savannah means they're simply buying them from the wrong supplier here. There are good oysters to be had in the gulf. An oyster bar should have them..
(3)Arnaud B.
Best dinner we had in charleston hands-up! On all accounts.... Service was awesome and our server provided really good advice on wine & fish selection. Food was awesome... Nice location & nice restaurant. And price was the most reasonnable of all places we went to. Kind of place that could become our cantina if we lived here....
(5)Scott M.
We just got back from a long weekend in Beaufort, and we took a day trip to Charleston while we were down there. This was hands down the best meal we had during the trip. We sat at the bar and ordered a dozen local oysters on the half shell and a batch of their buffalo fried oysters. Both were so good, we ordered another round of both in lieu of anything else. The atmosphere was great -- the restaurant is modern and trendy. The staff was extremely warm and friendly -- they let us in (out of the rain) and brought us drinks 15 minutes before they officially opened at 2 pm. And we really enjoyed chatting with the shuckers and bartenders. Our only complaint is that the oysters were a bit more expensive than we're used to paying down on the Gulf coast. But the food was great!
(4)Jimmy M.
Oysters were excellent. Tasted very fresh which amazingly isn't always easy to find in Oyster Bars these days. Wasn't a huge fan when we were seated at a communal table at first, but did have some nice conversations with a few of the people around us. I had a mixed grilled seafood dish which was very good, but my wife ordered a steak and she was very disappointed. I tried hers and agreed that it was poorly cooked. My only other issue with the restaurant was the price. However, pretty much everything in downtown Charleston is overpriced. I guess I missed out on the happy hour pricing I see others raving about in their reviews. I really give it 3 1/2 stars, but ok with marking it as 4 just because the oysters were exactly why we went and they were great.
(4)Megan L.
Truly delicious food, great atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff. No touristy feel whatsoever.
(5)Phil G.
This place rocks! It was super busy, but an amazing atmosphere. Had a long wait, but so totally worth every minute. Had oysters on the half shell - a definite 10. Then had blue crab bisque, it was perfect. Next I had the fried shrimp. I chose it when I saw it served at a near by table. A cold beer. Great friends. Celebrated my birthday here. You have to check it out! Awesome place!
(5)Stephanie P.
We had a great time at Pearlz! Great service and wonderful food. The oysters are obviously the main attraction and the Blue Point's are my personal favorite. It's a small place, so there is likely going to be a wait. Do not fret, sitting at the bar, ordering drinks and oysters, and watching the staff shuck oysters was so fun! Perfect way to begin your meal, I highly recommend it. Since the wait can be fun, don't let them try to seat you at the tiny window seats with no wait- take the wait, its worth it.
(5)jim m.
Food and service were tremendous. Oysters and corn fritters are AWESOME. Their prices are decent.
(5)Nancy H.
Loved our dinner at Pearlz. Crowded, but only took a couple of minutes to be seated thanks to our wonderful hostess, Kaitlyn . Oysters were excellent.
(5)J Y.
Great place! Live music is the best! Fried shrimp was excellent...it was a little crowded, but not a big deal...would definitely come back....
(4)Chad W.
Wish this place was where I lived. Gulf osters are $10.95/dozen, and are freshly shucked by a guy near the bar. They're not mystery oysters outta the back somewhere. They also have different varieties for those of you with finer tastes, at fluctuating price points. Their gulfs were tasty, though. They had a grilled fish special for lunch; it came with 4 different types of fish & a side of fries. The fish fillets were all perfectly cooked. Holy crap, the fries. They are cooked with....deep-fried roasted garlic & dusted with old bay. Awesome. I saw a few tacos go past; they look great and well worth the $5.95 price point...there's a very hearty filet of fish in those guys. Solid place, I highly recommend visiting this joint, I don't see how you can be disappointed.
(5)Kristin D.
Great drink prices, fun atmosphere, and such gracious service! It is not typical for a woman dining alone to receive impeccable service, as there is the perception of a smaller tip. But I bellied up to the bar for dinner on a busy early Saturday, and was treated like a favorite regular! Service is everything to me, so I would wholeheartedly recommend this place even if I didn't love the swordfish gyro special! (Which I did; it's so good...)
(5)G L R.
Pearlz is a great oyster bar with a good selection available on their menu. I enjoyed the atmosphere as well. Our Oysters were very fresh. We ordered a sampler. My only remark would be that the wait staff tell you which oysters are which when getting a sampler. I had a lobster roll as my entree. I compare all lobster rolls to the many I have had in Maine. Theirs was the best I have ever had outside of Maine. It was comparable to my favorites. The meat was fresh. There was just a touch of mayo. No fillers. And it was on a butter toasted bun. They had a good wine list. We had a long wait for a table, but they took down my cell number so we were able to go elsewhere for a drink to kill time without having to just stand there waiting the whole time. They do have a bar, but it was crowded the night we went. I would recommend Pearlz to anyone visiting Charleston.
(5)Lynne R.
First trip to Charleston. Yelp reviews don't disappoint. Short wait on a Thursday night mid August. Food was wonderful! Family friendly. Attentive and friendly wait staff. We will be back and I will recommend!
(4)Victor A.
In just a few blocks, Charleston's E Bay Street serves up some of the best food on the east coast. Pearlz is a prime example. No reservations so, yes, there is a wait on Friday night even if you don't get there till 9:30 but as other reviewers have said, it's worth it. The booth we finally landed was a bit crowded with 7 of us but not too bad and the place is noisy so don't go expecting an intimate evening out, but for god's sake let me stop carping. The food was marvelous! I had a dozen oysters on the half shell. This sampler had examples from as far north as Massachusetts and down as far as the gulf. The range of flavors and textures was amazing and I loved it. We shared the Tuna Tatar and the Mussels around the table and they were, well, appetizing! The kitchen does an excellent job with fish as you might expect. I had pan seared Wolf Fish, never had it before and learned too late that it is a species of concern but it was delicious. Glad I didn't know its status while I was eating it. Around the table there were fish and chips, linguine with clams, a blackened Wolf Fish a couple of big sloppy burgers and not much talking while we scarfed down this delicious meal. I am not a big fan of the savory red rice that gets served with fish everywhere in this part off the world. Too spicy for delicately flavored fish but other than that the meal was a delight. Great place to go and get a little bit rowdy. Our waitress was very good, well versed in all the dishes, quick, efficient and friendly.
(4)Steve G.
This review is written for the happy hour only. What a fantastic place!! Pints of craft ale/beer at $2.50. Oysters on the half shell for $8.95 a dozen. Cosmopolitan for my wife, $3.50. Homemade chips with special sauce, $2.50. The service was friendly and fast. It was, by far, the best place we found in Charleston. HIGHLY recommended.
(5)Kristi S.
Delicious food and decent service. Lots of locals which always tells you it's good. Mixed seafood special was amazing!
(4)Anvesh R.
Great happy hour, but the word is out so get there early if you have a larger group. They open for happy hour at 4pm and by 4:15 it's getting full. By 4:30 there's a line. All those people are there for a reason: great oysters, great food, 4 house beers on draft, and knowledgable and friendly staff. They seem to carry a good variety of local and regional oysters which are all very fresh. If you're looking for a consistent selection of west coast oysters you may need to look elsewhere, but seeing as the focus is on local and regional products I don't consider this a flaw. Would definitely go back the next time I'm in Charleston.
(5)Junior R.
Awesome staff. Great food. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. We ate at Pearlz twice for dinner and we loved the place! The peel and eat shrimp is amazing with the cocktail and horseradish sauce mixed! great appetizer dish. Their ny strip and potato gratin is awesome also and better than the steak and potatoes I had tried at other well known spots in Charleston. Asparagus was also great tender but snappy at the same time and flavored well. Their crab dip is great as well as the steamed oysters. Also the corn fritters were fnatastic! As you can see, we tried a little bit of everything and Pearlz delivered! Great food without the snooty reputations and alot of hype. We were treated great and as welcomed guests the whole time. a couple of places we dined at treated you almost as if you should be grateful to be eating at their establishment. Where Pearlz showed they were grateful you chose their spot to dine at and made it clear with every dish!
(5)Ross M.
Great place. Service was on point, decor has great character and a real southern taste, food is outstanding. Drink selections are fine and a good selection of wine with dinner. Oysters are by far the winner here. shooters or platters, enjoy! Great crowd and atmosphere for a romantic night out or a get together with some friends. Great!
(4)Katie S.
Loved it! We had small plates to save room for drinks :) The house chips, crab dip & mahi small plates were awesome. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Raiza F.
Everything here was delicious! And the service? superb! Definitely a place to have great lunch and drinks!
(5)Kepa P.
My husband and I loved this restaurant, after eating seafood for three days he wanted a nice steak and we ended at Pearlz, when we got there a musician was playing guitar which added a nice touch to the ambiance, the waiters were quick and friendly and suggested a yummy appetizer and then I had the lobster roll that was delicious! My husband's steak was superb! Great place to visit :-)
(5)Christine C.
As a local, this is one of my favorite happy hour places in town. The happy hour drink specials are great. I love wine, and to be able to get a glass of good oak-y chardonnay for $3 is fantastic. If you are able to go during the Oyster months, (any month with R in the name) you will be pleased with the quality of oysters. The happy hour oysters in late October were excellent.
(4)Tim G.
Favorite place in Charleston. Great atmosphere balances a pub/restaurant where the food is simple but excellent. Great staff and the owner is often working there and greeting customers. very crowded and you may have a wait, but we think it is well worth it . Excellent oysters!!!
(5)Melissa R.
We went for dinner around 6:00pm on a Friday. It was fairly packed. No room at the bar and about a 30 min. wait. We were seated at a shared table. I'm not really a fan of that. That's the only reason I knocked a star off. I don't want to share a table with strangers. Luckily we were seated on the end, so it wasn't as bad. I had the lobster roll- AMAZING. Truly great. I seriously considered coming back for another one for lunch the next day. My husband had oysters, and he said they were also great. Nice place, and great food. I would definitely return.
(4)Ginny L.
One of my favorite happy hour spots. I've never had anything bad here but have recently been ordering the Farmers Market Salad. It changes often and is a pleasant surprise each time!
(5)George T.
As far as the best places in Charleston for good oysters and a good time - this is it. Had a number of meals here and dozens of oysters in late December and was never disapointed. Bistro style food is excellent but the oysters are what kept bringing us back. Pearlz literally goes through thousands of dozens of oysters a week - yep that's thousands of dozens not just thousands of oysters - so the stock is always fresh. The volume they handle is so great that the logistics involved in receiving, storing, and then disposing of all the shells is remarkable - we're talking tons here not bushels. Just-in-time delivery and a huge walk-in refridgerated space is how they pull it off. From conversations with their oyster sommelier (if there is such a thing the fellow in charge of the oyster operation at Pearlz is just that) they source from all over the US and Canada and are such a large buyer that they are a preferred customer of just about every supplier out there. If you have not tried oysters on the half-shell or are not sure if you like them, ask for help picking out a briny variety from what they have available on the day you visit and give it a go. The shuckers are good about letting you try a variety before you place your order. You will not be disapointed. The pricing is reasonable and the daily special oyster is a great deal and always worth investigating. Because they do such volume, the oyster variety of the day is a legitimate selection and not stock they are trying to get rid of - have no reservations ordering it. The place gets crowded as there is a huge local following as well as out-of-towners among the clientele However, the wait is worth it and the two groups mix and interact well.
(5)Ida C.
Great oysters as everyone has stated. Their fish was good too. My bf had the grilled mahi mahi with a tomato based andouille sausage sauce. The corn fritters were meh. Too much dough and not enough corn. My bf liked them though. Overall very yummy food. Relax and chill atmosphere. Recommended by the locals. =)
(4)Wendy G.
Stopped in Pearlz Oyster Bar for happy hour on a Friday, so glad we happened upon it! Great deal - a dozen Gulf oysters on the half shell for $7.95, and $2.50 draft beer and oyster shooters. Happy hour is only Mon-Fri. Place was a great local bar and the oysters were tasty and fresh. Their house brewed beer was light and refreshing, like a Hefeweizen or Belgium White style and went great with the seafood. Packed scene, glad we were able to score seats at the window bar! Definitely worth checking out.
(4)Sasha B.
Very rarely do I give a place 5 stars but Pearlz deserves it. My sis and I got into town and late and were surprised to find this little gem open late night. We plopped at the bar and proceeded to order a feast: - corn fritters (perfectly fried - just enough sweetness) - steamed mussels (delicious) - chilled seafood salad (very lovely, full of crab and flavor) - mahi mahi tacos (these are not your normal small tacos - they are in a large tortilla and very filling) We also enjoyed a bottle of champagne and 2 oyster shooters (yumz!). While the food was delicious the service was also fantastic. Our bartender (Katie) was super sweet so our entire experience was awesome. I recommend it.
(5)Amanda H.
FIVE STAR Oyster Bar!!!! Large, fresh tasting and fast service. We made it for happy hour, got four seats at the bar and loved this experience! I personally ordered mahi-mahi with veggies and chimmichurri. What an excellent dish. Cooked to perfection! Our friends ordered New York strip with mashed potatoes and crab cake. This restaurant could not make a bad dish! We were all very satisfied with our meals, and impressed with the fast service!
(5)Whoopie G.
New favorite place in charleston. Small restaurant and always busy so be prepared to wait a bit or jump quickly on an available bar stool. Well worth the wait! Best Oysters in town!
(5)Linden C.
Wonderful meal at Pearlz during an all-too-brief visit to Charleston. My husband started with a dozen of the local oysters, and as soon as he finished he ordered a dozen more. I had the Caesar salad and grilled pink snapper. Fantastic. He had the mixed grill seafood combo and ate every bite. Highly recommended. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the oyster shucking. House lager was reportedly excellent.
(5)Debra H.
Great Happy Hour menu.... Amazing fried oysters--some of the best I've had! Don't miss stopping here if you are passing through Charleston!
(5)Monica A.
We had oysters, mussels, a scallop with zucchini spaghetti dish, and a salmon salad. Everything was delicious. The one slight negative was that the food came out so fast we weren't finished with our apps before the entrees came out, but it didn't really bother us. Would highly recommend to others.
(4)Phil Y.
Oyster shooters, great fish tacos, a phenomenal crab cake sandwich and stellar service across multiple visits. This is a very busy place but they work to get you in and take great care of you once you are in a seat. The food is artfully presented and tastes great too. I am of the opinion that their oyster shooters are the best anywhere.
(5)Kevin B.
Fresh! Fresh! Fresh! Great place. Awesome shrimp, and oysters shucked right in front of you! A must stop when in Charlston!
(5)Kristan H.
3.5 stars, really. We had planned to go somewhere else for dinner, but my boyfriend got an oyster craving, so I quickly Yelped and Googled to find a good place to satisfy him. Pearlz fit what I needed - not too expensive, with a decent variety on the menu, good reviews, and a convenient location. I would say that all those things proved to be true - the only thing we weren't prepared for was the atmosphere. My mom thought it was too noisy and young and almost wanted to leave; luckily my dad thought it was "authentic" and charming in its way, so we stayed. There are a handful of tables in front, a couple outside, a few booths, and then a standard bar on the side and a high-top bar running down the middle. Guess where we were seated? The high-top bar. Personally I like high-tops, but I do think they could (a) fit more people, and (b) make more people comfortable, if there were more regular tables. Anyway, onto the food. We got a sampler platter of oysters, then ordered another dozen of the gulf because those were our faves. My parents did think the oysters (especially the non-gulf ones) were a bit small, because in Houston they are enormous (everything's bigger in Texas, eh?), but both my boyfriend and I thought they were perfectly normal sized oysters, with the gulf ones being fairly large. We all agreed they were VERY tasty. In addition to the oysters, we got calamari and corn fritters to share. The calamari was small, but served with a sweet sesame sauce that was really... different. I REALLY liked the corn fritters - they were like beignets with corn and bell pepper bits - but my parents thought they were just okay. For our meals, my boyfriend and I both ordered the clam chowder, which was excellent. My dad got fish and chips, which was good, and my mom had seafood gumbo, which she usually loves but thought was "too strong" here. I don't usually eat seafood gumbo, so I wasn't sure what she meant by that. I took a bite of hers and thought it was fine, but my dad ended up trading with her and couldn't quite finish the whole bowl. So our opinions were mixed. Overall I liked the place, but I'd have to try some of the other oyster bars in the area to make a final judgment. I will say that the service was great - friendly and knowledgeable, "always smiling" as my mother observed - and the bathrooms were clean. Always a plus!
(3)Kevin W.
We came to this place on a Friday during happy hour and it was packed. I mean no seats and no spots at the bar. This is not a bad thing but a general consensus that they have a very good happy hour. My friend had the fried oysters. I had two fish tacos and some funnel cake balls filled with corn and peppers and topped with powdered sugar. This was the bomb. So freaking tasty. The drink specials are pretty nice also. This is all around a great place.
(4)Britt N.
I was in Charleston for 2 nights. Got in on Saturday evening, we went here for dinner, then came back for lunch on Sunday. We spent a few hours here on Sunday sitting at the bar drinking fantastic sangria and eating oysters, clams, shrimp, fried oysters, and crab cakes. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! I would come back again and again and plan to when I return to Charleston. You must go if you are in the area.
(5)Adrienne W.
We had a date night here to try something new. It was amazing! We shared the Tuna Tartar that was absolutely delicious as an appetizer. I had the steamed clams appetizer as my main course which was just enough and so yummy! My husband had a "small plate" special that was equally as delicious. It was also just enough to fill him up. I highly recommend this restaurant. Only issue I saw was that there wasn't too much seating. We ended up eating at the bar since the wait for 2 was 30+ min.
(5)Damon T.
Nice place. Enjoyed it alot. If there is a chance to sit outside do it, it got really hot inside. The only reason I'm giving this 3 stars instead of 4 is because there are so many other places in Charleston that are delicious and not nearly as expensive per delicious treat. Oyster shooter really impressed me. Food was good but not great. I guess I would call this 5-star ambience with three star food. It's a really good place but there's a lot of competition in a town as great as Charleston.
(3)Earl C.
Not until just before writing this review did I read about Pearls happy hour, so I mistakenly visited Pearlz for a late dinner. Their oysters, clams, lobster, and muscles were amongst the best I've had. However, at the quantity I felt as though the place was way overpriced. The atmosphere was nice, but the waitstaff didn't go out of their way to be very social or friendly. If you're feeling extravagant and are looking for a nice meal out downtown, Pearlz will do the job. However, I'd rather eat at some of the other local seafood restaurants which offer better quality/quantity ratios for dinner in my opinion.
(3)Big Baby Jesus C.
OK Yelp masses..... "$$" my ass. I dropped a Benjamin. I got a dozen oysters, and a mixed seafood grill on special. The oysters were called something slump and they were from NC. Nice and fresh but too salty for my preferences. Everything on the mixed grill seafood dish was cooked properly, but the very earthy pea and mushroom rice did not mesh well with the seafood. They needed more acidity to balance the dish. All in all a nice place that I would return to, but keep in mind, "$$" my ass.
(4)Brett B.
Absolutely amazing! We had fantastic service at the bar. The oysters were fresh and tasty, the swordfish was perfectly cooked, and the scallop ceviche was way better than I expected. Excellent night all around!
(5)Elizabeth T.
I knew when I was in Charleston I had to eat fish. This place got great reviews and it was close to where I was staying. It did not disappoint. The food was yummy and it wasn't expensive. I got the New England Clam Chowder and it was to die for. By far the best clam chowder I have ever had! I'm still thinking about it and wish I could have a bowl right now. For my meal I had the fish and chips. It came with two huge pieces of fried fish. It was the right amount of crispy on the outside. The tartar sauce they served it with was great. The chips were a little bland but just dip them in the sauce and you'll be fine.
(4)Jeana N.
Best oysters I have ever had! The atmosphere is amazing, the staff was very friendly! My husband and I were lucky enough to walk right in and get a seat at the bar in the window. This place makes me want to move to Charleston! Such a wonderful experience!
(5)K W.
We found ourselves here for happy hour every night during our stay. Be warned, though, if you aren't there early it is almost impossible to get in. They have a great happy hour menu with plenty of inexpensive small plates (we usually got the Gulf oysters) and the drinks were good. I will say that their crab bisque is just average.
(4)Michael H.
I eat oysters often and these were the Best oysters I've ever had. Swordfish tacos also topped it off. Two thumbs up.
(5)Simon P.
Usually I steer away from seafood so my agreeing to dine in an oyster bar was as a concession to two of my good friends who enjoy seafood. I decided I'd settle for a burger or something. Being a Monday night, the place was pretty empty-- a few college kids and some elderly couples were finishing off their dinners. Pearlz was busier than other places on the street though, which I usually take to be a good sign. We were seated promptly and began, what turned out to be a long, slow process of deciding what to eat. Our waitress was very friendly, patient and helpful. She took our drink orders and came back to check on us three times while we weighed our choices. Initially, I decided on a cheeseburger but then thought to myself how lame it would be to have come all the way to beautiful Charleston, SC to get a no-frills burger. I decided I'd order one of the specials instead and ordered a fried cod, club sandwich. I've very rarely in my life ordered fish at a restaurant and even more rarely has it been fried cod which I generally find very lacking in flavor. My friends suggested we split an appetizer as well and they decided on fried shrimp. For the most part I don't touch shrimp save for when my mother makes curried shrimp, but I figured why not-- it's fried so it'll taste half decent. I've been told the enjoyment of seafood derives mostly from the fresh, "oceany" taste it should have. My first bite of that fried shrimp was the first time I experienced that taste. It was fried perfectly and juicy and seasoned to the point where it imparted tons of flavor without masking the oceany brine. My fried cod club was even better. It had one of the best cooked pieces of bacon I've ever had. Perfectly thick and fried enough where the edges had a nice crisp while the rest of it stayed nice and juicy. And the fish-- so fresh. It was thickly breaded to provide a nice crunch while remaining buttery on the inside. Even my side of cole slaw, something I usually find to be too heavy on mayo, was delicious. Cabbage and broccoli florets with a dash of salt and light use of mayo provided a good contrast to the saltiness of the fish. We got a dessert as well. Blondie a la mode with cinnamon ice cream. Rightly portioned so as not to be too filling and very tasty. After my meal, I tried to find something I was unhappy with and nothing came to mind. It was about as good an experience at a restaurant as I could hope for. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking this place out if you're in Charleston, SC.
(5)Wayne G.
This was great, fresh local oysters and oyster Rockefeller. The daily special was softshell crab and it was excellent. Even the desert was delicious and original.
(4)Renee R.
Best meal in Charleston yet! Raw oysters (12 for $12; a steal), lobster roll (so many big chunks of lobster they were barely contained by the roll, $16), mixed grill special (scallops, monkfish, grouper, and mahi on tomato and feta risotto with local lima beans and the most delicious sauce, $23) all incredible and good value for the price. Excellent service as well. We will be back!
(5)Anna H.
Great spot to stop and get some good raw oysters! The only thing that I didn't like about Pearlz was that the wait times were ridiculously long. The first day we tried to stop in on our vacation, we were told the wait would be about two hours. The next day, we learned our lesson and came much earlier, and were able to snag two of the four remaining seats in the restaurant. If I lived in Charleston, I'd still brave the wait times for the great food and friendly service. Not to mention, loved the beer selection!
(4)Casey B.
Loved this place! The wait was pretty long (45min) at 8:30, so be prepared to wait. I took this as a good sign though. I got the clam chowder which was excellent. Some of the best I ever had. I also got the low country boil and I loved that too. Perfect seafood coastal southern dinner. My boyfriend got a wedge salad and the lobster roll. He asked the waitress he was thinking about getting the lobster roll and she basically gushed because it's her favorite thing on the menu. It didn't disappoint! Very fair prices. Cool atmosphere. Would definitely go back!
(5)Strphanie S.
This place is a gem! From New Orleans and I know fresh seafood this was wonderful. Going back tomorrow for another round of oysters
(4)Samantha S.
I always feel like such a tool when I find myself saying "I've lived in such-and-such a place, so I know good ________." Now I'm going to go ahead and be a tool. I spent ten years living in New England, and I go back often to visit family, and I can honestly say that Pearlz makes one damn good lobster roll. They don't worry too much with fillers, and just let the big, meaty chunks of lobster shine. Also, their house-made chips are amazing. I will say that the New England clam chowder was good, but not great. I think it would have been better if it had larger pieces of clams; the meat in this chowder seemed to be minced into pretty small pieces. When we went, one of their two single-toilet bathrooms was out of order, so it made for a pretty long line. Also, if you ended up getting to the front of the line at the wrong end of the cleaning schedule, it could be pretty scary. Hopefully they rectify this soon. All in all though, Pearlz made for a great night out with friends. P.S. Try the oyster shooter! It's like a bloody Mary/cocktail sauce shot (made with pepper vodka), and it has a raw oyster in it. Bottoms up!
(4)Matt F.
Neat atmosphere - great food - great service!!!!
(4)Susasn v.
I would give this 6 stars if I could. Oysters were impeccably fresh, calamari spicy and tender (fried lemon was amazing) , seafood ceviche was perfect. My husband had the crab soup that was creamy and flavorful. Manager Chad was the consummate host, even apologizing that our lunch 'took longer than expected' a fact that escaped us. Vibe is local, very friendly and would repeat visits as often as we are in town.
(5)Anne A.
Had dinner here one night of our visit to Charleston and stopped in for a late night snack and drinks the next night. Great place! And the cookie pie is wonderful!
(4)Olesya M.
Happy hours, great appetizers + oysters!!! Live music, nice atmosphere and service!
(4)Brian H.
One of Charleston's best restaurants! Obviously the oysters are amazing, but don't overlook the fresh catch options. Mahi mahi is fantastic with the asparagus and rice. Local beers, great food and fun atmosphere. Advice is to get there at a reasonable time because they get busy fast!
(5)Harry P.
Damn good Lobsta Roll. Lots of lobster on a beautifully buttered piece of toast. Super simple presentation, but just done so right it takes it to another level. Homemade chips were crazy good too. Raw oysters were good too. A few chips in there, but overall okay job shucking. They don't do Happy Hours on Sundays, which was sad since I ate there on a Sunday. Kids got fish sticks and they really scarfed em down. Kudos to having some kid options that were really well done. We sat outside and it was beautiful. They had live cover music inside and it was a really cool meal.
(4)Franklin M.
This place is really nice inside but it was crowded so we went for the sidewalk seating. I tried the Heat Seekers oyster shooter, which wasn't really that hot. It was okay so I will give them 5 stars for the beer, atmosphere and friendly service.
(5)Deb S.
Thank you Yelp for helping us find this gem! Sitting right on Bay Street with a dog-friendly patio out front and the ocean breezes blowing through the front windows - wow wow wow. Our lightly sugared sweet and savory corn fritters were knock-your-socks-off good and the raw oysters were amazing. The beer was frosty and tasty too. Our seats at the window were perfect as we savored the mixed seafood grill (YUM) and the deep fried fish and chips. The seafood here is as fresh as it gets. I bet it's crowded later in the evening, we were there early and happy as could be. The service was exceptional as well. Perfect, actually.
(5)Frank H.
The Oysters were incredible. This place was so packed that it took us three times walking by to get a seat. The reason must be how fresh the Seafood is! Lauren was our server she was incredible, nice, knew the menu perfectly and also gave us some great hints on where else to go in Charleston. The staff here was all on dead spot on, Shucked the food right in front of you. Loved it, YOU Must Go!
(5)Cathy K.
Pearlz is my absolute favorite happy hour/seafood and oyster joint in Charleston + really good entrees as well. It's the kind of place you arrive at 5pm for happy hour and then find yourself still there at 830pm ordering dinner, and then maybe more appetizers again at 1030pm! I have probably been here a hundred times in the 5 years I lived in Charleston and when I go back to visit is my first stop. I'm going to start with my favorite: HAPPY HOUR! M-F 5-7pm. Beers, house wines, well drinks, martinis from $3-$6. They have their own local brew of a blonde and an ale. Try the blond, it goes amazingly well with the oysters. Oysters are $7.95/dozen (maybe up to $8.95 now?) served raw on the half shell with cocktail sauce (tons fresh grated horseradish on the top) and an amazing mignonette sauce that I haven't found anywhere else and bumped my like for oysters into a full blown love affair. The happy hour oysters are usually gulf oysters and vary in size depending on the time of year. Months with an "R" in them - big and juicy. Summer months a little smaller but still salty sweet and tasty. Pearlz also offers many different oysters from different regions for tasting by the dozen but not at happy hour prices. You will also find peel and eat shrimp, crispy fried shrimp with thai chili sauce (lightly breaded with Panko - amazing!!), fish tacos (not my favorite), etc. on the happy hour menu for a little less then half off. The peel and eat shrimp are huge. Entrees are really good as well. Reminiscent of the quality of pub food found in Ireland (Ireland pub food is better then restaurant food) gastropubish if you will. Even though Pearlz is a restaurant, once you go in you'll see that it really is more of a pub/bar atmosphere which is the reason for my comparison. There is fresh fish, always a list of amazing specials. In the spring and fall, Pearlz gets in fresh soft shell blue crab and does amazing things with it. This is no comparison to the soft shell crab that you get from restaurants all year long, fresh soft shell crab is only available for a couple weeks in the spring and a couple weeks in the fall and is an entirely different ball game: sweet, succulent, meaty so if you see it on the special menu - get it because I assure you that it will be worth it. Burgers are good and their made in house kettle cooked chips are a perfect accompaniment. Really, everything on the menu is good - except the fish tacos - steer clear of those. Oh an even if it doesn't go with your meal or you're only there for oysters, get the red rice - best in Charleston. My personal favorite haunt is little pearlz in the west Ashley Avondale area (this is the downtown location) because its closer to my house and is basically filled with neighborhood locals - but little pearlz will do an oyster roast with the local SC oysters in the winter months on their back patio charleston style - steamed oyster clusters thrown down on communal tables for shared shucking. I can literally rave about every single thing about Pearlz - the oysters, beer, entrees, ambience - but when you walk in I hope you'll be able to experience what I couldn't capture with words - the feeling of walking into a locals favorite and really getting to know Charleston.
(5)Chelsea G.
This is probably the best restaurant I have eaten at in Charleston! I would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the area! The happy hour specials on oysters are out of this world and they will not disappoint! Service is quick and friendly and the food is definitely commendable! I would eat here all the time if only I lived closer!
(5)Kel S.
Wow. Oysters, peel and eat shrimp, martinis all on happy hour! Also wedge salad and more yumminess I can't even recall. Naturally, my canine dining companion also enjoyed the sliders. The service and food were amazing. The prices were reasonable. The outdoor seating was lovely. Only complaint was the fact that were only 2 tables on the sidewalk. They could do with more outdoor seating.
(4)Ashby O.
Went there last night and it was phenomenal! From the atmosphere, to the server to the food everything was great. Started with a dozen raw oysters which were so fresh, briny and delicious. I had the lobster roll--HOLY YUM. Huge chunks of lobster meat on buttery toast (could stand a little less butter, but nonetheless so so good). House chips are great w green goddess dressing. My boyfriend had the swordfish gyro and it was great!! Fish cooked correctly with a great blend of tzatziki and crisp lettuce. Overall cant go wrong!
(5)Scott D.
Oysters here were great and I ended up ordering a second dozen! They had all the fixings including; mignonette, cocktail sauce, horseradish (ask for extra), lemons, and the guy sitting next to us ordered a side of Sriracha for which they had. I almost went here two night is a row!
(5)Dan L.
I was all about oysters the other night so I stopped by Pearlz around 4:30 pm. I sat at the bar (the place was not crowed at all nor empty) and ordered the happy hour special of 1/2 a dozen gulf oysters for $5 and 3 from Nova Scotia. The gulf oysters were good but the Nova Scotias were really good. I also tried the oyster shooter which looked pretty nasty but tasted good. The bartender who served me was a sweetheart and a half, the place had a cool atmosphere and had lots of other interesting things very close by (Waterfront Park, King St., East Bay...) My favorite gelato place in Charleston is literally right around the corner, too.
(5)Ryan M.
I'm a novice oyster eater, but our waitress was great at explaining the different kinds (we went with the Prince Edward Island ones). Great way to start the meal. I had the pan seared local pink snapper with citrus chile. The fish was awesome, glaze was on the side, barely felt I could put it on such a beautiful fish, though it was very good. My wife had the small plate dill poached salmon and it was also excellent. For $50 a person (with cocktails) you're getting much higher quality food without the fine dining pretentiousness.
(5)Corey A.
The Happy Hour here is definitely good. A friend and I split some oysters and fish tacos, but I'm not sure I would devote an entire meal here due to the other incredible options in Charleston.
(3)Chris V.
This review is strictly about Happy Hour, can't speak for other times. Happy Hour at Pearlz was honestly one of the culinary highlights of our trip to charleston. That's saying a ton, because we ate like kings while there. We were lucky to get seated right in front of the shucking station. Those two guys are mad men. Much respect to the work ethic they showed. Just plowing through oysters, too many to count. My wife and I had a beer (house red) and a glass of wine, w/ a dozen oysters and 2 oysters shots. All were delicious and served with a smile. Total bill w/ tip was something like $25. Reasonable beyond belieft. Place was mobbed and the scene was fun. Name of the place using the "Z" makes me think of some place in Disney, but trust me the plaec is legit. Tons of charm. Go here!
(5)Kori E.
My boyfriend and I were visiting Charleston and came across Pearlz! What a GREAT spot! We sat at the bar and ordered a dozen oysters, it was the happy hour special for $6.95, and two of their house beers. The oysters were a pretty good size and quite tasty! I also ordered the New England Clam Chowder and WHOA was that amazing! My boyfriend had to get a spoon and eat half of it, it was so good ;) This spot seems very chill, we chatted up with some of the locals sitting around us and if I lived in Charleston I could see this being my go to spot! I just loved the place!
(5)Yukihiro Y.
Strong 4 if not 4.5, especially for holding their own after a post fireworks rush on July 4th. Oysters were slightly high-priced but reasonably so. Gumbo was phenom though crab soup needed improvement on execution. Service was great!
(4)Y C.
3 1/2 stars Family vacation in Charleston during Labor Day weekend meant lots and lots of seafood. Pearlz was a great place to start. Food - 4 stars: Raw oysters - 4 stars, not as big as others claim but delicious Fried oysters - 4 stars Steamed mussels - 5 stars New england clam chowder - 5 stars, delish!!! The grill special (various pieces of grilled fish, scallop, shrimp and veggies) - 4 stars, juicy and flavorful Clam bake - 4 stars 1/2 star off for the ridiculous crowd even though we got there way early. We had to wait for almost an hour for 3 seats at a community table (the long ones in the middle of the room), latter half of which was spent at the bar after some hovering and half-aggressive posturing. Overall, food was delicious but the wait (and trying to squeeze to the bar) was stressful (and freakin' loud as we were right next to the guitar player in the front entrance area).
(3)Allison E.
O.M.G. Roasted garlic. Fried. Served with Old Bay seasoned, twice-fried french fries. Un-be-freaking-lievable. Everyone in that restaurant should be lucky that I didn't lick the plate, because it would've been creepy and delicious. Seriously though - great meal. Started with crab legs and a few oysters, and an oyster shooter (strong, but good - and we watched the guy shuck the oyster and pop it right on in the glass). The fries came with the grilled fish plate (although it's advertised in reverse) - the fish was perfect, though. I often hold seafood places solely to their ability to cook a scallop, and this was in the top 3 scallops I've ever had. It was served with a romesco sauce and chimichurri on the plate (not drowning the fish) that were equally delectable. We sat at the bar and had attentive, personable service from the bartenders. They timed everything perfectly. If I lived in Charleston, I would be here every day.
(5)Dana C.
Love love love this place! When vacationing in charleston from Chicago we found this place on yelp and decided to try it out. We were so impressed!! The raw oysters were absolutely amazing. We also had the crab cake sandwich and the fried shrimp platter. Each were delicious! They also have broccoli slaw which I'm still craving! My only complaint is that they are not open for lunch during the week. We tried to go back before we caught our flight out and unfortunately they were closed. We will definitely be back!
(5)Leeanne M.
Had just finished a Saturday day of downtowning in Charleston with an out-of-town chef friend. We had walked, shopped, and hopped around a few places for drinks and small bites in between. Was yenning ( yes, yenning, not yearning - look it up) for oysters and happened to be in front of Pearlz and thought - what the hey - I had been to the West Ash location for drinks and liked the vibe there. Sat at the granite-topped raw bar ( do this if you are a regular bar-sitter when eating like me) and we ordered a a couple of drinks. Bustling atmosphere. The Clemson game was on the small corner TV and there was a gaggle of fans watching in the back, but I'm a college ball girl ( GATOR NATION), so it didn't bother me a bit. First bartender was a little non-plussed and made a Bloody Mary with zero love in it, but whatever, we came for oysters. And oysters we got. 3 dozen fresh, salty-delicious, ice-cold oysters. Yen completely satisfied. But the real star of the show was the entertaining shucker on deck apparently known as 'Chief'. Just a whole bunch of hilariousness, singing, and general awesomeness that made our stopover memorable. His sense of humor may not be for everyone - but we enjoyed him to the hilt. Go for the Oysters, stay for Chief!
(4)A G.
This was a fun place with great food. We had stone crab and oysters for appetizers, fish combo platter and swordfish gyro. All very good and perfectly cooked. House beer very tasty, house white wine just ok. Special white wine very good. Wait staff extremely helpful and professional. We liked that the manager took the time to make sure everything was ok. You don't see enough of this, it shows they care.
(5)Alice M.
Aside from having to wait a long time, there was nothing negative about our experience! The guys behind the bar were beyond hospitable. I will go here every time I visit. Great oysters and fritters. Worth the wait
(5)illy o.
We ended eating here as it was one of the few restaurants opened late on a Tuesday night though we were kinda dubious of the name as "z" in Pearlz kinda screams cheese. But, what a great surprise! Great atmosphere... Dark and loud. The service was fine... Mannered words but a little disingenuous. The star of the night were the raw oysters... Huge, salty, and oh so fresh!!! Oyster shooter was a bit too spiced for my personal taste. The fried shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked. And the crab cakes were meaty and good. Oysters, pleaz!!
(4)Alex K.
We had an oyster sampler as an appetizer that was delicious, and the entire table ordered varying fish tacos. I had the mahi and shrimp tacos. The mahi mahi taco was fabulous. Next time if get 2 of those! Definitely would recommend this restaurant!
(5)Tony K.
What a great discovery! After a day of touring arts, history and culture, we stumbled upon a very pleasant surprise. Good food and ambiance. Definitely would return if for nothing else the fish tacos. As I said, it was a great discovery and one worth a return visit.
(5)Sally G.
Great crab bisque, raw shrimp and oysters. Heavenly food for snow birds heading south! Staff friendly, fun to watch oyster shucking at the bar.
(4)Denis S.
busy and for a good reason. exceptional local catch. a good selection of beers on tap.
(5)Reed W.
My wife and I enjoyed this to the point that we visited several times during our recent visit to Charleston. A great selection of oysters, that were fresh and delicious, either raw or Southern Fried. I had the low country shrimp and grits, which had a nice sauce on the grits. This was very good, and I am, in general, not a grits fan. And don't forget to try their craft beers, my favorite was the Red Ale....
(5)Erika S.
Oysters were great and well priced. Cocktails were a bit weak but tasty. Hardest part was getting service. This is one happening place so the service does suffer. Plan ahead and you'll be fine. I think we'll try it again on a less crowed night, but Pearlz is definitely worth a second visit.
(3)Evan H.
While on vacation i checked out Pearlz on a suggestion from a local. They had a great Happy Hour. They had $4 house wines and beers and specials on oyster shooters. So good. They also had delicious oysters. At Happy hour you could get a dozen for about $10. Even at $20 regular prices, its a good deal. I really liked the bartenders and the service was great. I went 3 times, 3 nights in a row. I would go back if i am in town.
(5)A X.
Stanley and I came across this restaurant by touring the area. We made it just in time for the happy hour :-) We both got fried shrimps, a dozen of raw oysters, clam chowder soup, and lobster roll. We fell in love with their oysters because it was ice cold and it was so so freaking DELICIOUS! We also love their lobster roll! I mean it is mouth-watering lobster roll! The lobster was so soft, tender, and the cream made it to be perfection! I got their pomegrante martini and Stanley got beer. Mine tasted awesome! I would come here again if I ever come to town again.
(4)Charles F.
Ignore the terribly corny name with the superfluous 'z', ignore the bovine herds of popped collar bros and brave the cacophonous din that blasts the ears off your head when you open the door - this shitshow is worth it. You'll almost surely have to wait, don't worry - head down the road to The Gin Joint and wait for the call. I can't describe what happened after we battled our way to our booth and sat down but I'll try my best. Firstly, our waitress, who was so deep in the weeds she looked like she was going to have a seizure, flawlessly took down our order which was longer than the US constitution. What looked at first glance to be chaotic pandemonium, turned out to be highly regimented and choreographed pandemonium. Men in aprons behind the counter gleefully plunge their arms into bottomless barrels of fresh oysters, lost in some lunatic shucking dance revelry. Perfectly staggered platter after platter of fresh and steamed oysters crash down on your table carried by busboys who expertly weave through the madness like ninjas. Some of the oysters will have random limpets or barnacles clinging to the halfshell for dear life, others may have a shred of seaweed hanging off them, none of them will contain a grain of sand. As you slam and slurp your way through shots and shells, a steady layer of debris piling up on the table comprised of cracker crumbs, mignonette, beer and shells, it may dawn on you that all of this decadent insanity is costing you next to nothing during happy hour. If you know of a better happy hour in America, contact me. Word to the wise - the nut brown ale pairs perfectly with oysters, the $5 martini menu is best avoided unless you want the one that's a straight up bathtub of vodka.
(5)Evan D.
Terrific everything. We shared corn fritters (very fresh and fresh veg in them), oyster shooters (spicy), a dozen raw oysters (with a lagniappe 13th) and then apps of crab cakes and mussels for our dinners. The steamed mussels app was definitely more than app size, easily a dinner portion or an app that could feed 2-3 people. Can't recommend it enough.
(5)Frank E.
I came here for dinner on a Wednesday evening and this place was packed. I had to wait a bit and finally was able to sit by the bar. I ordered blackened grouper with teriyaki glazed sauce and a glass of Chardonnay wine. Everything was delicious. I would definitely come back here on my next tour in Charleston.
(3)Tastybeverages T.
Hit this place up for a quick dinner on a Friday night. I had been wanting to check the place out since I moved to Charleston about 6 months ago, especially with all the great reviews on Yelp. I have to say that I was disappointed on many levels. 1) Watered down cocktails. This is one of those places that acts like anyone can make their own beer, and they had 3 of their own on tap. Being a seasoned veteran in the game of the restaurant that makes their own beer and acts like they are good, I decided to go with a Hendrick's and tonic. I asked the bartender for Hendrick's with a 'splash' of tonic. What I received was a gin and tonic that I am not sure had Hendrick's at all, as it tasted like stale, flat tonic. My wife got a Captain and Coke, which was also barely recognizable. 2) So-so food. The best thing that we got for dinner was the crab bisque appetizer, and it was actually very delicious. It went downhill from there. I got the Ahi tuna appetizer, which was sesame-crusted Ahi tuna with a siracha-wasabi sauce and seaweed salad. It was average at best, with somewhat bland wasabi, and a seaweed salad that was pointless. My wife thought the crab cakes were OK, and my tacos were also just OK. The tuna taco had one big 'log' of tuna in it, that was not cooked evenly (should have been just seared), but was instead well done on one end and medium at the other end. It was not even the length of the taco shell, so there were several bites of empty taco on both ends. The other taco I tried, the shrimp taco, was actually pretty good from a flavor standpoint, but was delivered in a burnt taco shell so I had to peel off the black pieces of overcooked shell. Is it not too much to ask to perhaps provide another shell if you burn the first, what are they $0.15? 3) Not very classy. This sounds stupid I know, but it was just not that interesting in the dining room. The music was too low, the lights were too bright, and the overall ambience was lacking. I am aware that this an oyster house, but this is also charleston, where you can get oysters in much more inventive surroundings.
(2)MJ S.
The shrimp tacos were pretty incredible. The other fish tacos were good but not mind blowing. The oysters were okay.
(4)Terry M.
Outstanding food. Great craft beers. The freshest tasting oysters we had all weekend. My wife and I went with her cousin and his wife on a Friday evening and even though happy hour was VERY busy, everything we had tasted awesome and was reasonably priced. I HIGHLY recommend Pearlz!
(4)Christian R.
Great food and great atmosphere. Sat at the bar and enjoyed some crystal sea oysters from Prince Edward Island and also had some littleneck clams steamed in white wine and garlic. I really enjoyed my food, but I did hear a couple next to me complaining about their oysters Rockefeller, saying that they didn't taste good at all. I also can't comment on entrees because we didn't have any at all. Pearlz offers their own beers and I had their honey brown ale. It was delicious!
(4)Eric W.
Great food but not the best place for a date. More of a groups kind of place. Excellent oysters and fresh seafood. Gotta try their red rice.
(4)jessica h.
Gave it 2 stars because I enjoyed my tacos and the southern fried oysters was excellent. Unfortunately, cannot say the same for the corn fritters or my fiancés fried fish dinner. The fritters were burnt to the point where they had chunks of burnt batter all around them. I thought no big deal it happens sometimes when you dont have the oil temp right or cooked them too long so I sent them back and requested another batch. The second batch came out the same way. This time I just sent them back and did not order another batch. I have ordered them from this place a few weeks earlier or maybe a month ago, they came out perfect so I think its just this particular cook. Although, the corn fritters I originally had were good they are more like hushpuppies not corn fritters. I am giving 2 stars because of how the situation was handled. The second batch should have never been brought out.The manager stated she saw that the first batch was burnt so she watched him cook the second batch and they did not look burnt. I was surprised she defended the kitchen because there were black burnt chunks all over them. She did take them off our bill but it seemed they were full of excuses. I think if they were to make them a little smaller they would not burn. There is just no excuse for bringing out two batches of burnt fritters. My fiancés fish was not burnt but was overcooked. The batter was dark brown instead of golden brown as fried fish should be. They also brought out the wrong dish to me at first but they were fast to correct it and apologized. It is also very loud so its hard to carry a conversation.
(2)Jeff D.
Happy hour specials are awesome. Oysters were fresh and flavorful. The corn fritters are savory with a dusting of powdered sugar - excellent. Our server recommended the small plate special - corn breaded cod sliders with bacon onion marmalade. Great recommendation and awesome service. The mixed seafood grill is a cost effective way to try a few different fish choices - all were fresh and cooked perfectly. The place fill up quickly so get there early.
(5)Jeannine P.
The Happy Hour is bustling but worth it. I LOVE the oyster shooters and they are better than anywhere else I have tried to date! If you like fresh oysters and homemade chips this is the place to be. The food is good, the dessert was limited to one choice, a Blondie with caramel drizzle and cinnamon ice cream but even that was great. We have been 5 or 6 times and love it every time.
(4)Gordon L.
Not to be missed. Go during Happy Hour for great deals on raw oysters.
(5)Katie K.
Our all-time favorite spot for happy hour in Charleston. Get there early, snag a spot at the bar and stay for 3 hours. I love the homemade chips and bleu cheese, my husband is obsessed with the Oysters Rockefeller and we are both quite enamored by the great drink specials.
(5)Dave M.
Great place for drinks and food. Good atmosphere and crowd.
(5)Steve B.
Pearlz has character as well as GREAT service and Outstanding seafood. The local raw oysters are great. I had the grilled sea scallops which were cooked perfectly. Grilled asparagus and Spanish style rice with bits of sausage mixed in was outrageous (I think they called I Charleston style). Who cares what they call it. They have acoustic entertainment and just a great vibe. I'll be back!
(4)Matthew C.
OMG, best and biggest oysters known to human beings
(5)Iris W.
Went to Pearlz with a group of friends for a celebratory promotional dinner, and absolutely loved it. The wait staff was extremely friendly and very attentive with the manager coming around to check on our status frequently and making sure we were satisfied with our food. It happened to be restaurant week so I ordered off the prix fixe menu. The lobster bisque was solid but nothing fantastic. Also sampled some of my friends' dishes including the raw oysters (great!), shrimp gumbo (pretty good but not great), and clam chowder (pretty good but not great). I was, however, extremely pleased with my bistro steak and risotto dish. The risotto was well cooked, creamy, and so tasty that I'm still craving it. I always order rare steak, and only get rare steak about 30% of the time. At Pearlz, I got a perfectly cooked rare steak. I was so happy, it was the first time I complimented the chef! The other entrees at the table were pretty standard seafood fare--portions were decently sized and while everything was tasty, nothing particularly stood out. Dessert was a chocolate bread pudding, which was to die for. Absolutely delicious. Our desserts came out slightly late (apparently due to a mess up with the orders), but I was incredibly impressed as the manager came out, apologized profusely, and gave us a small discount to make up for the mistake. We left feeling incredibly well taken care of with our bellies and minds perfectly content. I would recommend this place to anyone who visits Charleston.
(4)King L.
Holy Moses, I've found nirvanna. This happy hour is in my top 5 in the country. You have three fair beer choices for $2.50 a pint, I actually thought the stoudt was the best but it was served with one of the best happy hour menus I've ever tasted. The peel and eat shrimp made me believe I had never previously eaten shrimp that had not been flash frozen. Each one was like eating a steak. The cocktaill sauce with lemon and horseradish was first rate. The fried oysters were huge and not greasy with a perfect tasting batter. the hot sauce and blue cheese (although watery) were perfect compliments. The oysters on the half shell were tasty and good sized. I scored two orders of the fried oysters, 4 beers, two orders of peel and eat shrimp and a dozen oysters for $53 dollars. I would be hard pressed to not hit this weekly if I lived in Charleston. Great atmosphere with friendly knowledgable servers.
(5)Laurence M.
My wife and I visited Pearlz this evening. We shared a dozen delicious oysters and we each had one the small plates (I had the grilled salmon and my wife had the swordfish)...very fresh, very tasty and just the right amount of food. Nice atmosphere and staff that aims to please.
(4)Keith B.
Pearlz is one of my favorite places in Charleston. The oysters are the best around, and when you go for happy hour its BY FAR the best price. I highly suggest going during happy hour, they have great drink specials and really good food specials. When I lived in Charleston I visited Pearlz a few times a week.
(5)Stephen W.
Our first dinner in Charleston and we loved it, a great experience and it really set the tone for the rest of the trip. We started with the Baked Oyster Rockafeller, which was excellent, great flavor. We also got crab brushetta that was also excellent. I got the seafood salad which was full of salmon, shrimp, scallops, and some other fish along with ingredients that resembled a cobb salad. The wife also got a salad (goat cheese?) but I don't remember exactly, and she loved it. My Liberty Red Ale was perfect, and the wife loved the house merlot, I think it was Liberty Creek. Overall, it was a great place to start a wonderful trip, and the cost was very reasonable, about $60 for the food described above. We would return in a heartbeat, and if there weren't so many other great places to eat we probably would have returned this trip.
(4)Nick Q.
Also get the Crab avocado cake. Good vibes hard to be disappointed with this place.
(4)Michael C.
Fun and tasty! This joint is a local favorite and I highly recommend that if you are in Charleston, you have to go here. The local flavor, great bartenders and the tastiest oysters I have had in the longest time. The prices were great, and service was prompt. This place gets packed at happy hour, but the staff members are all lighthearted and friendly and make the experience a great one.
(4)Notso C.
I love this local restaurant even if it is chain-like. Very busy, great oysters (however may not be local), great bar vibe.
(5)Mark L.
I will not lie, it is loud. It is a place to bring a group. I can't complain, there were four of us. This is one dedicated staff. My friends ordered a shot that they didn't know so they Googled it find out how to make it right. The seafood cobb salad was fresh and amazing. the oysters are well prepared and served with all the proper additions. It was overall an excellent experience.
(4)Elizabeth H.
I came here for their famous Oyster Shooters - a mixture of cocktail/horseradish sauce, raw oyster, and pepper vodka - definitely a great way to start the night! The space is kind of small, but the service is friendly ~ I look forward to going back for dinner!
(4)James R.
Found Pearlz on E. Bay St. after a Ghost Walking Tour. It was the best end to a great evening in Charleston we could have hoped for. We were going to be seated at the window but a booth opened just as we sat down. Service was great, food was great too. I had a bowl of the Seafood Gumbo (a really good choice if you have never tried it), and stole a little off my wife's plate. She had a drink of some kind which she loved.
(5)Carl C.
I don't have any complaints best clam chowder I've ever had! Main meal outta this world, little pricey but well worth it in my book. We had about a 45 minute wait but again it was well worth it.
(5)Eric E.
I had the massive two layer seafood deluxe appetizer. It was great. Each item was well prepared and the oysters were fantastic. The Scallop Ceviche was really off the charts!!!! Friendly service staff too.
(5)Aberdo G.
Being on vacation always helps but I saw this place online and wanted to hit it up. We went for happy hour. $5 Martinis and $8 dozen oysters on the half shell. I could have stayed here all night for sure the service was great, the martini and oysters were very good. First time for Texas gulf oysters. Taste about the same as the PEI or Tomalas Bay ones - a bit larger. We got a seat on the sidewalk and it was a beautiful 75 out...Life is good!
(5)Lindsay C.
I'm not a huge fan of the waitstaff with the exception of WELVIN, who is awesome. In my experience the rest are not very accomodating or friendly. Aside from that, this is usually a good happy hour spot, although it gets really crowded. I prefer to snag an outdoor spot, order the Crispy Ahi Tuna Roll, and sip "Reebok" champagne ($3/glass HH)!
(3)Ashley M.
After trying out many other seafood restaurants in Charleston Pearlz is the family favorite. Awesome shrimp, oysters, and mussels. Good wine list and full bar. Attentive wait staff. Great for a casual week night dinner and lots of fun on weekends! Always a crowd pleaser.
(5)Tisha R.
When in Charleston, you've got to do Happy Hour 4-7 M-F for oysters, raw or steamed, and Happy Hour Bar and Food menu. Excellent service, they're all on their toes. Sit at the bar and start talking to strangers . . . you won't regret your trip to Pearlz
(4)Sumner B.
How can you beat $9 happy hour local oysters. Plus they have other quality varieties. We also had wonderful local Clams and Canadian mussels. Owner was nice and spent time with us discussion where they get their seafood products and the quality they provided. Very causal but nice at the bar or at a table. Not a fancy place but patrons seemed to locals and "in the know". I would give it a 5 for oysters and clams, but the mussels were fresh but sauce wasnt the best i have ever had.
(4)Xeekster d.
Ate here two times. The oyster (raw and fried) were wonderful. Salad and taco were only ok. Then again, it's all about the oysters.
(4)Blake H.
omg! *Baked Oysters Rockefeller Crawfish, lumpcrab, bacon our twist on the classic recipe *southern FRIED OYSTERS Bleu cheese, celery, buffalo sauce *Blackened Tuna Taco crispy cabbage, grilled pineapple salsa, wasabi cream *Homemade Potato Chips with Bleu Cheese Dressing *Corn Fritters *and my mom had some fried fish sandwich she loved. the buffalo oysters were amazing, as were the rockefellers you know how tacos have become these tiny little things and you need like four just to feel full? well this taco was a beast! i didn't like the corn fritters because they were dusted in powdered sugar, but my sister ate them all and we killed the homemade chips. reallllly good! plus i MISS YUENGLING SO HARD. so slamming them all over chucktown made me very happpppy
(4)Jan W.
We had late afternoon snacks here. We were waiting for a night tour to start and thought we we would stop in and have a quick bite. We had several kinds of raw oysters, steamed mussels, clam chowder and a few items off of the kids menu. Everything was great. I just wish we were not so rushed and had more time to enjoy!
(4)Susan C.
My husband and I were strolling Charleston looking for a place to grab a light dinner. We were reading many of the menus close by but when we read the menu at Pearlz and saw the place was hopping we decided to stop in. We sat at the bar and ordered a few drinks. I had a glass of wine and my husband had a craft drink named Rocky Shore which included bourbon, Luxardo, Cointreau, simple syrup and lemon juice. Quite tasty. We only ordered appetizers to eat. My husband had the she crab soup which he said was good and the Ahi Tuna taco was very good. I had a delicious salad but the name escapes me. The vibe was quite fun. Bartenders were very friendly and chatty and our neighbors on both sides were great fun. A great experience overall!
(4)Hula B.
practically a requirement if you are visiting Charleston. this place is fantastic. great food, great atmosphere, great prices. we love the energy and communal seating!
(4)Jenny R.
Went at lunch time and got a table immediately. I had the Low Country Fish & Chips and was sooooo good! Really liked the cajun tartar sauce and the loved the chips!
(5)Bryan W.
Really liked this place. Imagine a bar where they take their food seriously. . . And the food happens to be seafood. Great spot if you like bars and good seafood.
(5)Ashley B.
Amazing! During our recent trip to Charleston, we dined at this fabulous oyster bar twice...and wanted to go again! Great value with an awesome atmosphere and staff. Go with the fried oysters! Even if you're not a "fried" type of person...just DO IT! They are amazing and are served with an a delicious blue cheese and buffalo sauce. SO GOOD!!!
(5)Joni J.
Always looking for a great happy hour....found another one! Heard about Pearlz on the shuttle to the hotel. We're not 'all about the oysters', but do love seafood in general. We came here for happy hour and ordered a couple cheap drinks, but decided to go with the regular menu for dinner...it was $21, but the seafood grill sounded too good to pass up, and it was an excellent choice! Scallops and 3 kinds of grilled white fish over spicy, creamy sweet potatoes with a side of grilled Brussel sprouts. (I believe this was my hubby's first encounter with Brussel sprouts... and he was pleasantly surprised :)). The oysters we're obviously the draw to this place, as we watched dozen after dozen go by with their crackers, pepper sauce, lemons--anything to help make the whole raw slime sensation more palatable, I suppose. (Yes,we've tried them, but just don't get it...and we even like sushi!) Those around us slurping them down seemed to be enjoying them immensely though, so I'll venture to say that if you're looking for decent oysters at a good price, this is your place at 4 p.m.
(4)Greg G.
Solid selection of oysters from around the country. Not suuuper cheap but if you want great oysters then you have to be willing to pay, I suppose. Happy hour drink prices were solid (around $3 for house wines) and the place was packed when we went. Service was decent. Seemed to be a pretty popular spot.
(3)Suzanne M.
Really fresh and high quality oysters. Great happy hour menu. Try mote than just the dozen on special, try some of the specialized oysters on the board. It is really interesting to taste the difference between oysters from Prince Edward Island vs. The Gulf, etc.
(4)Bill G.
Pearlz was great! We went for happy hour and enjoyed everything we had. Fresh oysters, delicious foo-foo martinis for my wife and GREAT beers that were only $2.50. We also had the calamari and salad wedge with blue cheese and bacon. All was outstanding and the service was great too. The calamari had a fantastic sesame sauce on them, holy smokes! I could have eaten another plate of them but we wanted to taste more of the city. One thing I did not like was that inside it was LOUD. Thankfully we were seated outside so it did not bother us that much. I would definitely go back.
(4)Hyong Y.
Very friendly establishment. Oysters were very fresh and bartender was very attentive. I also had their mixed grill entree and the sauce was absolutely delicious. I wanted to use the straw and drink up all the sauce. The risotto was done almost perfect, and very good. Overall experience was very nice. The food was good, service was good, and environment was very nice. This casual attire place but the food can be bit pricey. I definitely recommend this place for oysters and their seafood.
(4)Zachary S.
I wouldn't really go there for anything but the happy hour, as the beer is cheap and the drinks are cheap and the oysters are pretty cheap. That and the waitress gave me a bandaid for my blistery heel. That and it could be a little touristy. Not as bad as the Market area, certainly, but it could get that way, I guess. Hell, I was a tourist and I was there, right?!
(3)Mike S.
What a great place for a night out on the town! My wife were looking for something casual and fun, with good oysters and a decent bar. The hotel concierge recommended Pearlz above several others on East Bay, and we're glad she did. To start, the bar and wait staff at Pearlz are top-notch - very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful with suggestions (more on that later). We took their advice on wine and dug into the oysters, which were very fresh. Everything on the menu looked so good, both my wife and I had trouble deciding what to order. The bartender recommended the lobster roll for me and some fried flounder tacos for my wife. Perfect suggestions! The lobster roll was delicious - cooked perfectly, with huge chunks of lobster and without too much mayo in the lobster salad. The tacos were also cooked to perfection. The place wasn't too crowded - we got there about 7:45 and by 10 the bar crowd had started to filter in. Seemed like a lot of locals who frequent the place, as many of them were on a first-name basis with the bar staff - but we never felt left out or like outsiders. All in all, we will definitely plan to return, and I recommend thsi to anyone in the mood for a good raw bar, great food, and an overall fun atmosphere.
(5)Robin K.
Love this place. Giving it four stars for the noise and lack of space. Waitress was great. Food is always fresh and delicious. Never come to Charleston without visiting Pearlz!!!
(4)Chinmaya S.
Great Happy Hour menu. Will comeback here again. Excellent food, great service, nice atmosphere.
(5)Kevin H.
5 stars for the quality of the food, service and creativity with the menu selections. I honestly want to give them 4 stars only because the wait can be frustratingly long. I have to say whenever I am in Charleston for business, I'm here! I have tried numerous items from the menu and have never been disappointed in the least! The Happy Hour Specials are a great hit! Because I'm here on business and eating by myself, I always take the first available at the bar. Got to say that Kevin is always on top of the service and taking care of the drink orders. Fabulous place, food, service and atmosphere!
(5)Meghan O.
Our last hotel recommended this place. I had high hopes based on all of our other meals in Charleston and the amount of people that were eating there, but it really wasn't great. They were sold out of many of the oysters and had no local oysters. Got the crab dip as well and glad we stopped there. It tasted like one that you can buy frozen at the grocery store. Overall, not impressed with this place.
(2)Melissa W.
Highly recommend the gulf oysters, southern fried oysters served with blue cheese and hot buffalo sauce, and don't forget to wash it down with a martini!
(5)Gary C.
Fish taco 4stars Peeled shrimp 5 stars Raw oysters 4 stars Long kneck clams wine garlic 4 stars Homemade chips 3 stars Seafood Cobb salad 4 stars Service 3 stars
(4)Anthony C.
Awesome service and food. Try the oyster shooters!
(5)Stuart M.
My stepmother, a longtime Charleston lover, recommended that my girlfriend and I check this spot for dinner. It being out first night in Charleston, the location was great (right off East Bay) and it allowed us a chance to walk around while we waited for our table. We decided we wanted to sit at one of the five tables outside since the weather was so gorgeous that night. The hostess said we'd be waiting about 40 minutes (and she was spot on) and took out phone number to call us when it was ready. She was prompt and friendly--everything you'd want in a hostess. To start, we got the buffalo oysters and they were wonderful. Putting the sauce on the side so we could dip it ourselves was a great choice. For our entrees, I order the Seafood Sliders (Yum!) and she ordered the fish tacos. While I've had better fish tacos, these were fairly good. I don't think I'd order them if we went back, but that's mainly because there were so many other things on the menu I wanted to try. My Seafood Sliders were delish. Three mini burgers (one crab, one tuna, and one shrimp) and a side of homemade potato chips. The table next to us even commented on how good it looked. While the atmosphere inside seemed to be loud, I can't vouch for that one way or the other because we were outside. Overall, the server was on point--not too bothersome, but there when you needed her. I think our bill came to about $40 with no dessert or drinks, so I found it pretty reasonably priced as well. I would absolutely go back and recommend others do as well. (I really wanted to try some oysters next time!)
(5)Angelo G.
Had an amazing experience at Pearlz while on vacation in SC. I sat at the oyster bar consuming all different types of oysters. There wasn't one type that dissapointed. But the BEST was their Oysters Rockefeller. It's a huge stuffed osyter with crawfish, bacon, breading, obvisouly oyster, and other delicious ingredients. I was there in June last year and still think about that dish!
(5)Heather A.
GREAT happy hour as everyone else suggests and I love the atmosphere, very cool spot, really like the long "community table." Oysters are good, reasonably priced and they offer a nice selection. I find the crowd here a little yuppy for my taste, but it can make for good people watching. Service is... ok. I've never been impressed, but also never been appalled! Tip: OYSTER SHOOTERS! It's like a shot with a snack at the end!
(3)Charity M.
Delicious blackened salmon, jalapeño grits and mango salsa! Yum- I enjoyed the experience here!
(4)Ursula K.
Ate here last night while visiting Charleston on business. Got there at 640 and was told there'd be about an hour wait. The bar was packed and it didn't look like anyone was leaving any time soon. We were pleasantly surprised when the hostess came back to us about 15 minutes later and seated us! Had two dozen oysters - delicious. Then swordfish and triggerfish for our dinners. Service was pleasant and efficient. I appreciated the helpful advice from our waitress.
(5)Ka T.
i wasn't able to take advantage of the happy hour specials. But none the less the food was excellent. Service was friendly. I was able to try a combo raw oyster platter as well as a steamed clams which we had to order twice cause it was so good!
(4)Nick T.
Cool freaking place! Nice and Low-Key, good oyster shooters, good oysters period! Nice beer selection and great happy hour deal. Read my other reviews and you will notice a trend, I really liked the beers they had on tap. I really just can't say enough about the atmosphere in this place and how laid back and Charleston-y it is!
(4)Jim N.
My wife and I stopped in to Pearlz for happy hour on Friday Night. We ordered a dozen local oyesters and a martini and when it was delivered, we knew we were not an any old raw bar. The oysters were chilled perfectly, the cocktail sauce was perfect and the drinks were perfect! Then we ordered the peel and eat shrimp. You picture a small-medium shrimp and out they bring extra large peferectly steamed meaty shrimps!!! This restaurant prides itself on providing premium fresh fish/shellfish at an affordable price (nothing over $21). They also only have sustainable seafood on their menu! Anyway we went back the next day for lunch and had a chance to have the oyster sampler. They have fresh oysters from Rhode Island, Prince Edwards Island, Washington State and Virginia! They were all fresh and deicious. Then the manager gave us an oyster shooter and some more samplers of menu items for our 25th anniversary!!! We love this place and recommend anyone who appreciates fresh seafood needs to go here and give it a try...
(5)Dee F.
A Local recommended this place to me. What a deal. Oysters and Champagne for $6!!!! What a steal. Touristy? Who cares. Great vibe and great food at a great price.
(4)Stephen B.
Wow!!!! I read the reviews and thought I have got to try this place.....I was not disappointed. I went at the end of happy hour, but the waitress still let us get the happy hour menu until well after 7pm. You have got to try the Oyster Shooter. Great seafood at a very reasonable price.
(5)Harry H.
This place is fun on a Friday night. Seems like there are a lot of locals in the house after work. The food is a little pricey for what you get but the drink specials make up for it. We will be back for happy hour next time we visit Charleston.
(4)Morgan S.
Pearlz isn't my favorite bar by any means but I'll never protest or throw a fit if someone wants to go. I haven't eaten here before so I can't comment on the food but can comment on the drinks. Good selection, strong drinks, and good service sum it up. You've got to try the oyster shooters - they're really one of the only reasons to go! I myself don't love them but plenty of my friends do. Be warned that this is a pretty small space so don't expect to go anytime of night and get a seat. As it gets later, it gets more crowded, and soon you won't have any elbow room. If that's your bag - head on over!
(3)Blake F.
I wrote this review for the DT Pearlz last year and just realized that I accidentally posted it to the West Ashley location. So Charleston Pearlz, I am sorry for this late review because I love this place and location! Came here for my birthday this year and totally forgot to review it. We had a group of 6 and didn't really get there at an appropriate time to be guaranteed a table. The place was packed and people were waiting ahead of us. My buddy made one mention of my birthday and the very next table that opened was given to us. Brownie Points already! We sat down and were immediately attended too. Water and drinks already on the way. The waiter was fantastic. I wish I remembered his name. We ordered 3 different types of oysters and some typical apps. The oysters were very clean and fresh! Delish! Then to the main course. I got trigger fish which was melt in your mouth tasty! I can't really remember what everyone else ordered but I do remember everyone oohing and ahhhing. Great location downtown, great atmosphere, great server, great food! Yup 5 stars my friends!
(5)Jackie N.
We came here for the oyster happy hour and drinks - oysters on the half shell, $10.95 for a dozen. We were quickly seated in the bar area between two groups and were able to have great conversation with a couple next to us. The oysters were fresh and service was great! No complaints here! We probably would have eaten dinner here if we were seated at our own table, but it gave us a chance to meet some nice people and we also got to try this spot before our real dinner!
(3)Alex M.
Had oysters and crab cakes, both of which tasted great and were reasonably priced (oysters were $14 / dozen). The staff was also very nice; I will definitely come back next time I'm in town!
(5)Helen K.
Need a seafood fix, no problem! But make sure you come early and put your name on the waiting list and they will call you on your mobile to tell you that your table is ready. For us it was an hour wait and we spent that time browsing around the surrounding art galleries on the same street. Not sure on the exact # of max sitting capacity, but inside was smaller than I had expected, which sort of explains the long wait. For our meal, we ordered a dozen blue point raw oysters, bowl of clam chowder, and lobster roll. Oysters were delicious as it's their speciality, especially the east coast oysters are my favorites. Clam chowder was very hearty with abundant of clams and the bowl was a lot bigger than your typical bowls at other seafood places. As for the lobster roll, I might just be hard to please, but I just have not found a better lobster roll than from the one in DC. I might possibly need to plan a trip to Maine for their lobster fest, but that's beside the point. My friend did recommend the seafood platter, which I will have to try on our next visit. In the end, this place is a must in Charleston!
(5)Stephanie S.
Amazing happy hour deals. Uber fresh oysters! During happy hour, 4-7, you can order one dozen oysters for just $10. They were serving up some good looking chilled shrimp and other seafood assortments for a great price. The Mahi Mahi tacos were delicious. I had a few oyster shots too ($3.50). An oyster shot is an oyster tossed into a shot glass topped with cocktail sauce, horseradish and pepper vodka, then shaken up and put back into the shot glass. So good, but you need to be a fan of all the above. Man...the pepper vodka rocks! And its only sold locally. The bartender was a cool dude and he let us taste the vodka on it's own and it was divine. It has a pepper taste, but like the vegetable not the spice. Yum. Lovely atmopshere too.
(5)Cat L.
My friends & I enjoyed dinner here last weekend while in town for the Hootie & The Blowfish concert. We couldn't make reservations on a Saturday night but the :40 min wait flew by. We started with the pita fries with a very unique dipping sauce. The oysters were great! They didn't look as appetizing as they tasted. We could've sat there all night throwing back oysters. The most impressive part of the experience was watching the shuckers work their magic. We also tried the fish tacos and a signature tuna burger. Our waiter Ben was very thoughtful, helpful, & entertaining. He made a great mixed drink for us with ginger beer & sprite. The place is in a great location to kill time and the strip of restaurants have beautiful outdoor seating as well as easy access inside too. The place wasn't too big but the bar kept the place busy.
(4)Kevin C.
A fresh seafood spot somewhat of the beaten path. Exactly the lunch we were in search of. Cool spot near a short walk from the water. Great way place to duck into while enjoying the city among the crowd of old dudes rocking the knee high white socks and fresh new balances. House raw oysters, oysters Rockefeller, and fresh fish. Checked everything off the list. Plus drinks specials made everyone happy. My parents went with the whole blackened seas bass and the mixed grilled fish for my partner and I. All prepared perfectly. The mixed grill came with sea bass, mahi-mahi, swordfish, and scallops on a bed of risotto with a mushroom sauce. We all had happy plates in the end. Our server was sweet, seemed to lack confidence, but ended up being very helpful. No long waits and the staff all had a pleasant attitudes. Since we were having a birthday lunch they provided a free dessert for the table. Nice gesture and it's the little things that add up for the overall experience. Local feel and fare. A for-sure recommendation.
(5)Kristin B.
Our meal was divine! Started with a dozen raw, for $13.00!!! That right there is amazing! Went on to a featured small plate of golden bass over cheddar grits & succotash, a farmers market salad & fried shrimp & oysters entree. It's difficult to find nicely done fried seafood in Florida, so having it on vacation is fabulous...both shrimp & oysters were succulent and perfectly fried. Honestly, the salad might have been the favorite though. It was light, generously dressed with a gorgeous preserved lemon vinagrette & chocked full of crispy fresh veggies. Ambiance was fabulous, service was slightly disconnected, but not a deterrent. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed.
(5)Rosa J.
Chi-town "Foodie on Foot" Rosa J. was hanging out in downtown Charleston, SC for the weekend! I saw a fantastic photo of dozen oysters on Yelp when I was doing my "pre-trip Yelp preps." Based on their stellar Yelp rating, Pearlz Oyster Bar was the chosen one for our seafood feast. We walked in right at 1200 hour, the opening time on the weekends, and were warmly greeted by a spunky young man, who bore a resemblance to Hunter Pence, an outfielder for SF Giants. Of course we wanted something that could feed an entire baseball team. Oh well...maybe not...because when you were hungry, I bet your eyes would stretch way larger than what your stomach could actually house. As we were browsing through the menu, I noticed the "raw bar seafood deluxe plateau" had a variety of items featured on a two (2)-tier fountain plate. For $65 (as of 07/11/2015), should be plenty for four (4) seafood junkies. Here's a breakdown of the contents in the "raw bar seafood deluxe plateau:" 1) nine (9) varietal oysters: they had very, very fresh oysters. However, I wasn't so crazy about their cocktail sauce with garlic. I thought it was a bit bland. 2) six (6) peel & eat shrimps: the shrimps were large and flavored appropriately. I actually liked dipping the shrimps with the chive & dill sauce that came with. 3) six (6) local clams: they weren't that memorable and had no distinct taste. 4) half (1/2) lobster: a baby lobster had a seasonable amount of meat. I wasn't very skilled to dig out the meat in the "head" area. Nevertheless, Daddy J. did the honor to "decapitate" this bad boy. 5) calico scallop ceviche: that was a nice, light salad to cleanse the palate after all the primary raw sea creatures were consumed. 6) tuna tartar: that was similar to "poke," yet it was much more sweeter and much less tarter than what a typical "poke" tuna would taste like. 7) smoked pastrami salmon: that was my favorite, which was too bad that there only had three (3) thin pieces. I wish I could indulge more of these because they were sent to my dining companions' stomaches rather swiftly. 8) chilled mussels: these mussels were delicious. You would never be able to go back to the frozen ones because the fresh ones had much firmer meat, as supposed to the shrunk, soggy meat found in the frozen mussels. I had to say that this place was slightly commercial to my liking. Coming from Chicago, I guess I've always been looking for the "neighborhood vibe." Nevertheless, the quantity and quality of seafood for the price we paid were quite reasonable. We parked our rental car at the lot adjacent to the restaurant. It cost us $10 without an in/out privilege. I've seen some ridiculous parking rating ($1 for every 30 minutes), but it's safe and fun to walk around the historic downtown if you want to leave your vehicle to the valet at the hotel.
(4)Valerie S.
Very friendly staff & excellent food. We had the mussels, oysters, and oysters Rockefeller...all of them were delicious! We sat at the bar, which I was a little apprehensive about, but it was actually very nice and fun to watch them shuck the oysters.
(5)Rachel W.
First visit to Charleston, SC and we wanted to finish the day of exploring the historic mansions with a good seafood meal. Thanks once again to Yelp we found Pearls Oyster Bar. This isn't a place you come to expecting to get seated right away, there is a definite wait list and the bar has a trendy edge to it that keeps it hopping, but the staff, including the manager are friendly and are Hands on. The prices are reasonable, the fish and chips are amazing and I was shocked at how much fish was packed into the two pieces I got, amazing and for only $12.95! I had a Belon Cocktail that consisted of peach schnapps , champagne, orange juice for $5 of sparking citrus heaven! My friend had the NE clam chowder and I snuck a bite, creamy goodness and rich flavor. If you want a good meal and a hopping ambiance ,you won't be disappointed.
(5)Robert S.
I almost wish I could say bad about this restaurant; but I can't. This is our 40+ visit and we have literally ordered every meal on the menu. Food great, service, better than great! Go to Pearlz!
(5)Robert G.
Food was awesome service was fantastic. The gumbo was by far the best I have ever had. We had the bass special. Perfectly cooked in every way. Come to this place to eat !
(5)Dan P.
We went here for dinner because it was recommended by every guide ever and because we saw the chef on "Chopped." I note that the charleston dinner rush is strange. We arrived at 18:00 and there was a 20-30 minute wait. We waited at a bar nearby (see review for Southend Brewery) and the hostess at Pearlz was nice enough to call us. She seated us at a communal table. I thought that would be annoying (it is in Chicago), but it wasn't. Here is what's weird: the dinner rush ended by 19:00 and the place started to clear. By the time we left at approx. 21:30, the place was dead. Of course we drank a lot of beer so I can't be sure of the time we left. The Pearlz brand lager was good. We ordered fried oysters and 6 raw oysters as apps. They were delicious. For entrees we ordered small plates, which were not what I would call small. The wife ordered branzini and I had the local swordfish. Again, both were delicious. Service was excellent and friendly.
(5)Scotty C.
I haven't been in a while but, the excessively warm January climate a few days ago had me longing for one of my all time favorite happy hour spots. Here I will give you exact instructions on how to properly slay a Pearlz happy hour. Step 1: Cut a hole in a box... oh wait, wrong instructions. Let's start over... Step 1: Pick a day that's comfortable for sitting outside. Cool ones are fine because we are eating oysters here but, avoid the stagnantly hot days of the summer months. Step 2: Gather 1-3 people... Max! We're going for oysters al fresco not a bachelor party! Step 3: Arrive early because there's only a handful of outdoor seats and they go fast! Step 4: Order everything off the happy hour menu! Raw Oysters, Fried Oysters, Blue Cheese Chips, Tacos, Fritters... whatever you can get your hands on. Step 5: Sip on some economy priced beers and cocktails while you do so. Step 6: Enjoy good company, great conversation, and all the excellent food an drink you can manage for an excellent price! Pro Tip - Don't have your back to the sidewalk... you'll miss all the good people watching!
(4)Tricia O.
Excellent food and service. Would definitely come here again. Get here for 4:00 PM and take advantage of happy hour. I'm so glad we came here. We found this place because of the Yelp reviews.
(5)Gui Bin Z.
The happy hour deal is definitely something you want to stop by for. The oysters are fresh and worth the wait. Overall the rest of the meal was good but the oysters made the meal. My friend ordered the soft shell crab sandwich and she said it was very fresh. Definitely a place to stop by if you're in Charleston.
(4)Connie S.
Long wait. Great food. Sat at bar Amazing service. Amazing food. Packed house. Friendly staff. Will come again.
(5)Mark H.
Really impressed with the food and service here. Walked in with a group of seven on a somewhat busy night. We were told it'd be an hour wait so we wandered over to a rooftop bar a block or so away. About 20 minutes later we got a call saying our table was ready... We tabbed out and headed back across the street. Halfway there we got a call from a very apologetic hostess - they'd made a mistake and our table was actually meant for a group that put their names in ahead of us. We hung out outside for another 20-30 minutes then got sat. Needless to say it was annoying to leave a great rooftop bar on a false alarm... but we still got sat sooner than the original hour quote. Despite this wrinkle the food and service was real good. Not that we needed it but pretty much every employee we interacted with apologized for the snafu with getting sat - I mean everyone... The manager, multiple hosts/hostesses, our server, the busser, and so on. They threw in a couple free apps for our troubles, which was nice and shows how much they take care of people. The food was awesome - pretty much all of it. The crab cakes, the corn fritters, the lobster roll, the mussels, the oysters... All super fresh, all tasty, all amazing. Some of us also got the crab bisque, that was the only so-so thing that came to the table. It was almost a squash-based bisque rather than a typical tomato-based bisque... Not bad just slightly bland - a slight quibble in light of how good the service and all the other food was. Long story short Pearlz gets a well-deserved 5 stars despite the seating snafu based on a can't miss combo of prompt, friendly, superb service and generally phenomenal food.
(5)Rosalina F.
I would definitely visit here again because the food was delicious. Many other restaurants offer mostly fried seafood but at Pearlz a wide variety is offered of fresh, delicious seafood. The mixed seafood grill was probably one of the best seafood plates I've ever had. The asparagus risotto that accompanied this dish was amazing. Our party included young children and they offer a kid's menu as well which includes grilled cheese, hot dog, hamburger, fried shrimp and fish fingers. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)Geoffrey W.
Absolutely amazing, we had the deluxe plateau. It was heavenly, the salmon pastrami and tuna tartar were amazing. Even the scallops, which I normally dislike, were good. Ron the server was perfect and had an awesome beard. He was extremely knowledgeable on all the wine selections, the same level as you'd expect at a vinyard. All the waiters were extremely professional and attentive. The owners' checked in on us and we're extremely kice. Dinner was the catch of the day, Monkfish, with red rice and asperagus. It was pan seared perfectly and tasty.
(5)Natalie M.
So glad we took the advice of our friends and went here while in Charleston! They don't take reservations and I imagine the wait may get long, but when we showed up around 8 on a Saturday we were seated right away. We enjoyed house oysters and two small plates: tuna tartar and blackened mahi mahi over cheddar grits, which was one of their specials. For dessert we shared the pound cake with praline sauce. Everything was superb, but the dish that really stood out was the sauce poured over the grits; it was incredibly flavorful with black eyed peas and spices. Service was also great. We really enjoyed this restaurant and if we lived in the area, we would definitely visit again!
(5)Tricia W.
Ate here twice while in Charleston. Had the fried shrimp, the peel and eat shrimp and the fried oysters. The sauces that came with all of them were really good. Everything was delicious. First time had the Rocky Shore cocktail and the next night had the white sangria. Servers here are really good the food well prepared. We were here on the weekend so no Happy Hour. We will be back for sure. Give them a try if you are in the neighborhood.
(4)Judi H.
Great happy hour. Fantastic oysters and corn fritters. They are like crunchy donuts filled with corn and delicious dough. $10 for a dozen good size raw oysters
(5)Bob B.
Happy hour is happy hours. The fried corn fritters were to die for and the shrimp cocktail was so delicious I had to order a second helping. The oysters were on point as well. With cheap local beer specials you can't go wrong. This is as must visit for anyone visiting Charleston. A great spot to take a break while walking the city.
(5)Suzanne B.
Good! But not amazing like the reviews led me to believe. Definitely get the house chips and blue cheese dressing :)
(3)Brandon C.
Pearlz is the place to go for oysters. Here's how to do it... 1. The space is not huge, so come early for dinner or in mid-afternoon for oysters prior to a late night dinner. 2. They have the coldest beer anywhere. The draught specialty is based out of Myrtle Beach and comes in five varieties. 3. The oysters are from up and down the east coast. Sit at the bar and ask the shucker about the different tastes of each one. The Carolina ones are saltier. 4. The house oysters (at 13.95 a dozen) are an absolute bargain. 5. Service here, while not off the charts, is good enough for a relaxed afternoon with a beer and oysters. 6. They have drink specials. For 4$ they make a mean red or white sangria.
(5)Megan M.
Anyone who gives this restaurant anything under 5 stars is kidding themselves because it deserves every star... Though there was a wait (about 25 minutes) we were able to go across the street to get drinks so it didn't seem too long or unbearable. When we got back to the restaurant though, the first thing we noticed was how amazing the service was. Our waiter, Ben, was so nice and helpful the entire meal and made the whole night so enjoyable. Not to mention the amazing staff, the food was really really good. Especially the clam chowder and sea food tower. Im not normally really into seafood but tonight I made an exception because it was honestly amazing! I can't think of one thing that could've made mine, or my families experience any better.
(5)Kris L.
Absolutely loved Pearlz! Tip: There was a 45 min wait at 6pm on a weekday, so head over and put your name in soon! Then, walk along the water and enjoy the gorgeous view. The food: JUST GET THE CORN FRITTERS. EAT THESE AMAZINGLY SAVORY AND SWEET PILLOWS FROM HEAVEN. Also loved the wahoo entree and the old bay shrimp! Service was fine but not amazing..but the food spoke for itself.
(4)Katie Z.
Came here for drinks and appetizers. Great oysters and crab cakes! Outdoor seating available. I would visit again. They have a great happy hour with $3.00 champagne every weekday from 4-7!
(4)Candace S.
Worth every penny!! Very fair prices for high quality seafood. Oysters are amazing, cocktails are great, service is attentive and I would recommend this place to anyone I know!
(5)Federico P.
Great gastro pub/ restaurant! My girlfriend and I shared the steamed mussels. She then had the New England lobster roll while I had the Lowcountry fish and chips. Everything was great as it was the service.
(5)Alan C.
Fantastic and fresh seafood, the ambiance chill too. I ordered a small/grazing of the tuna and local oysters, both sublime. I also had the tap lager ($4 for maybe 15 oz, a bargain) and found it exceptional in quality.
(5)Josh G.
Holy moly. Great raw oysters, but the fried are amazing with buffalo sauce. And I mean silly good.
(5)Christina H.
Love it every time we go! We were visiting Hilton Head, but flew in and out of Charleston (an hour further away than Savannah) just so we could go to Pearlz's happy hour. Great oysters, chips and beer!
(5)Lindsay W.
The atmosphere is a hair above a dive bar. They had candles on the table but the lights were up too bright for them to add to the ambience. They had a cabinet which opened to a desk with computer & there was a ladder stored behind it but in view. They must be tight on space but not something I want to see when I'm dinning out. Our waitress recommended the lobster roll, crab cake, clam chowder & fried shrimp platter. Id say the average dish was $10-16. I'm a pretty healthy eater so I was looking for something light. I tried the clam chowder cup & the potatoes were fresh & i liked the scallions added on top. I did have two spoonfuls that were dumpling consistency like the rue wasn't mixed well. I got the fresh caught scallops with asparagus with red beans & rice as that is what comes with each fresh catch plate. $26 was too much for this dish. It was heavy on the rice with 5 asparagus & 4 good size blackened scallops. My husband had a chef choice salad which came with green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, feta, pecans over very fresh spring mix. It had a nice vinegar based dressing. The waitress was nice and attentive but didn't have alot of personality.
(3)Philly P.
The best oysters ever n the best bang for your buck, such fabulous n fresh tasting oysters, if nothing else just visit this place for their oysters. My husband who is not a big fan of them had nearly half a dozen, so go have your fill. I had two dozen of them yum yum yum. He also ordered the BLT seafood salad which was fantastic n it had a wonderful presentation. It came with finely shredded lettuce, crab, shrimps, bacon n asparagus, absolutely amazing. This place also has a good selection of drinks from wine, beets to cocktails. If in Charleston, do have at least a small bite if not a meal n try their oysters which they get from Virginia.
(5)Mansan H.
Really do not need to say anything more. Awesome raw oysters. The mixed seafood gill and NY steak were fantastic! Swordfish, sheepshead, snipper, scallops!!! Go for lobster roll if u are not looking for a big meal.
(5)Food C.
Portion was small for the price. Taste was good though. Service was good as well. The clam chowder was loaded with clam but the blue crab bisque didn't have much of crab meat. Oysters were plum but so far the best price was the one we had in Panama City Beach, FL.
(4)Lynn C.
Fresh shucked oysters for $10.99 during happy hour and several other happy hour specials. Great staff, fresh and delicious oysters. Limited seating so get there b4 they open up.
(5)Erica D.
Best oysters in Charleston. We went during happy hour (Monday-Friday 4-7).. Around $10 a dozen. Great Bloody Mary too!
(5)Kerry L.
I went here for their happy hour, sat at the bar--great service. We got 2 dozen oysters and 2 mahi tacos that were delicious (ask for a side of wasabi mayo to spice it up a bit). This place gets packed, we were lucky to get a seat at the bar. They were 3 rows deep by the time we left. This place was exactly what we were looking for, loved it!!
(5)Joy S.
Don't go here for happy hour. They have a fantastic happy hour but you still shouldn't go here. The menu consists of great inexpensive snacks and amazing deals on drinks (hello $2.50 homegrown draft beer and $3 liquor drinks!). As far as the food, I'm not a huge fan of oysters (I know, I know, blasphemy), so I've gone with the mahi tacos, the fried shrimp and the homemade chips with bleu cheese dressing. All of which are pretty good. I've also had the lobster roll that's on the main menu and it's awesome. They even have $2.50 oyster shooters for happy hour. Awhile back, I got coericed into doing one and I'm still traumatized by it but I'd imagine they're good if you're down with raw oysters. All in all, I think Pearlz seriously has one of the best happy hours downtown. So again, don't go here for happy hour. I don't need people crowding up the place and making me wait for a table.
(4)Jennifer H.
I took a weekend trip to Charleston with one thought in my mind...oysters. We had my daughter with us so we decided an early dinner would be best. Good thing we went at 5. It was packed, but we managed to get the last 3 seats at the communal table. Not my favorite way to dine, but there was enough space that we didn't feel like we were eating with strangers. I ordered a dozen house oysters, which even when it's not happy hour, the $12.95 per dozen is hard to beat. I also ordered the lobster bisque soup and corn fritters. My friend ordered the mussels. My daughter ordered a hot dog off the kids menu and was able to substitute grilled asparagus for the chips. The bisque was not the best I've ever had, but a quick shot of tabasco livened the flavors up. The oysters were superb. A good size and gave a nice pop. After my dozen, I wanted to order another dozen. I could have gone without the corn fritters. I little too bready for my liking, but really, I was here for the oysters and they delivered.
(5)Kevin C.
Came here last night for dinner. I think our only option was to sit at the bar or high top, we chose the bar and that was a great choice. My guy liked being able to see the action of the shuckers right in front of us. The bar staff was attentive, quick, and friendly. The place was clean and I enjoyed the decor. Being from Boston, I miss the feel of the independently owned bar. We were there about 6 and it never felt crowded.
(4)Clint D.
My girlfriend and I were in Charleston for 3 nights and we ended up going to Pearlz twice. The happy hour is fantastic which is what drew us in the first time. Several drinks, 2 dozen oysters, and 4 oyster shooters later.. we went to dinner at another establishment and we wished we would have stayed. The second night we started at happy hour as well. I'd recommend getting there before 4:30 PM if you can, it gets packed by 5:00 on any weeknight. Many more drinks were had including my favorite, the Heat Seeker oyster shooter! If you like spicy, DO THIS. The crab bisque is phenomenal and the seafood plateau was a towering silo of amazing chilled seafood. We loved the food and had so much fun with the staff. It's a high energy social experience in tastes and fun.
(5)Christian M.
Excellent seafood menu. Had the blue crab bisque soup, very good, not to thick. Along with the Golden Grilled Bass. The Cookie and the Coconut cream pies were to die for. Great service provided by Katie.
(5)Lisa M.
It is as great as the stars indicate. Great food, cocktails and service. Didn't disappoint and the unexpected surprise was the amazingly affordable happy hour which lets you sample some great things. A must do!
(4)Carlie N.
The grammar geek in me is wary of establishments that use "z" instead of "s" or "k" instead of "c" (I'm looking at you, Krispy Kreme). But Pearlz Oyster Bar has completely won me over. The food was fresh and amazing. Highly recommend the fresh (and affordable!) oysters on the half shell. The Southern fried oysters were deep fried perfection paired with bleu cheese and a spicy buffalo sauce. We split the mixed seafood special - scallops and a few fish varietals on top of a lobster-broth infused risotto. The service was superb. The place was jam-packed but our server remained friendly, agile, and efficient. I was also impressed with the manager / owner, who clearly cared about his patrons' experiences and worked hard (checking in on the hostess, running food to tables, etc) to make sure everything was running smoothly. Pearlz doesn't take reservations - the wait for a table was up to 1.5 hours by the time we left - but it is absolutely worth the wait.
(5)Mike F.
Best oyster bar I've ever been to. Their selection and variety gives the customer great options. The staff is amazing and they shuck the oysters right in front of you. I also had the shrimp tacos, which were awesome. The alcohol menu was superb. Lots of options and outside if the box ideas. Make sure you get there 10 minutes before they open. Within 2 minutes the place was packed, not a single seat open. Sit at the bar, you won't regret it.
(5)Brannon J.
Came in during Happy Hour on a Monday, sat at the bar and I could not have been happier. The dozens raw oysters from Va were great, fried oysters fantastic ( 3 orders) and the corn fritters to die for. Not mention the 2 beers a piece at HH, and the bill was $47. Absolutely amazing! 4 days in Charleston best value for sure.
(5)Annie R.
I love the atmosphere in Pearlz! I think it's a great spot to meet friends for happy hour and oysters. When I last dined there, I had the soft shell crab sandwich which was a special of the night... I ate every bite!
(5)Ainsley E.
This place is the BOMB. We were in town for 4-5 days and ended up here 3 times. It gets really busy at night but if you show up for lunch or happy hour you are in for a treat. AWESOME oysters and great drinks, service was great. Can't recommend enough.
(5)Williamson R.
Just happened by this spot and had pearlz nut brown ale and a dozen steamed oysters. Then the clam chowder based on recommendations here and corn fritters. Clam chowder was best we've ever had. Corn fritters were good but dusted with powdered sugar which was strange. We were lucky to get a table on the sidewalk. Great start to our trip!
(4)Suzanne P.
We had a late night dinner here. Excellent! This is the second time here. Food is wonderful, staff is very accommodating! Would definitely recommend!
(5)L L.
The food here was excellent, as was the service. I had the seafood boil, which was great. My husband had grilled scallops, which melted in your mouth. We had a bit of a wait, but we were waiting for a booth. Had we chosen communal sitting the wait would have been shorter. Be aware this is a LOUD restaurant. Not really rowdy patrons, just acoustically speaking. Would definitely go again.
(5)Mari H.
Pearlz was recommended to us by a local as a must see and we are not disappointment! Driving up there were a lot of people standing outside but the cool thing is they don't give you one of those annoying pagers that you're restricted on far away you go.... No they take your cell number and call you when your table is ready. So we went down and got a drink somewhere else. On to the Oyster..... Brian ordered 12 half and half oysters and well as the Rockefeller and when the first dozen came out they were all raw....shortly afterwards our waitress Angela notice the order was wrong so promptly brought out the six oysters that were suppose to be steamed. THANK YOU!!! I ordered the Mahi tacos which were amazing but I should have only ordered one. Brian had the mixed seafood grill with risotto which he said was good but that over did it with the truffle oil. All and all, we enjoyed our meal, the sangria was great and loved at we were seated outside where we were able to give other tourist advice and where to go.
(5)V B.
O, Pearlz, how I love thee. This may be my favorite spot in Charleston for a combination of food, atmosphere, service and drinks. Very Hungry Husband is always very hungry for oysters. Make of that what you will. Thus, when we are seaside, we are always on the hunt for good oysters. Pearlz not only provided that fresh from the ocean experience - it was so good that the second night we were in Charleston we canceled our other swanky, expensive restaurant reservations and went back to Pearlz for a second round of goodness on the half shell. The service was impeccable. The place starts hopping in the evening and the waitstaff knows their drinks, the menu, timing and makes wonderful suggestions. Our waitress was the bomb; busy but on top of everything. Very Hungry Husband gets teary eyed when confronted with an empty pint glass and she managed to keep his eyes dry all night. The manager was regularly touring the floor and spoke to us for a bit on our second visit. The place ran in a very well-oiled fashion. Some stand outs, not to be missed: Oyster shooters: yummy, spicy, alcohol-laden fun Tuna Tartare: tremendous. If you are a sushi, raw fish or ceviche fan, you will be glad you ordered it. Crispy Calamari: a great calamari. Not the best I've ever had, but among the best. Corn Fritters: best corn fritters I've ever had. Fluffy balls of goodness - and I am not making a South Park reference here. Oysters/Seafood tower: We ate a ton of oysters here, maybe more like a couple of buckets. We tried at least one each of every type of oyster they had. On our first visit we had the special, which was a giant tower of shrimp, clams, oysters, ceviche, tartare - just the freshest, most lovely seafood we'd had in a long, long while. Their signature cocktails are fantastic. There was one, in particular, that was made with grapefruit juice and champagne and complimented the seafood beautifully. The bartenders know how to mix and pour a drink and there is a decent beer selection, too. The happy hour menu is a great deal and has great little offerings. We'd make the drive to Charleston every weekend for Pearlz if we could.
(5)Kathy H.
Went here on St. Patrick's day weekend for a snack mid-afternoon. We ordered draft beers (really good) and their famous bloody mary. Sat outside and the service was great. We had a dozen raw house oysters that were amazing. We also had the calamari and I we really didn't care for it. They deep fried sausage and lemon rinds which was a really odd taste. Great atmosphere and location. Would go back.
(3)Tim O.
Lobster roll was was a little disappointing but everything else was delicious. Service wasn't perfect but was good enough.
(4)J M.
Perfect fish tacos. Opt for the mahi mahi and the tuna. Add a few Yuenglings and you have a perfect summer meal to cap off a hot day of fun and sight seeing. Not too heavy, and definitely hit the spot.
(5)Kevin M.
Tacos are a great choice for a light dish. We also did the blue crab cheese dip, excellent
(5)Alison L.
First time for raw oysters= amazing Pearlz white ale = better than blue moon just like the waitress said Cod sliders = best sliders I have ever had, with awesome home made bbq chips Highly recommend, great for late night as kitchen stays open late!
(5)P.D. N.
My wife and I visited Pearlz this evening after arriving in Charleston. We go out of our way to visit this wonderful establishment. Everything we had tonight was great. The service provided by Kevin Sirhal was top notch, as always! If I lived near by I would be here 3-4 nights a week. Great food and reasonable prices, a real recipe for success.
(5)Lydia B.
I give Pearlz the highest rating because what they do they do best. We go for Happy Hour which is M-F from 4-7, and during that sweet window one can order a dozen oysters on the half shell for less than $10. The cocktails are $5 and tasty and the corn fritters are a perfect complement to the oysters at $3. If you go, go before 5:00 and during the week as it is impossible to get in later and on the weekend. The oysters are consistently fresh, served properly, and the service is quick and attentive. We never miss coming on our yearly visits.
(5)C K.
Great place to eat oysters and other seafood dishes. They do not take reservation and the place gets busy especially during happy hour (4PM-7PM daily). They allow people to sit at the bar (free seating) when it becomes available, but for the large community table or a booth, you most likely have to wait a bit. The food was worth the wait though and the service was good. It's a restaurant/bar type athmosphere with food that exceeds bar food at almost any place. Defenately would recommend this place when you visit Charleston!
(5)Julie O.
What a great place! Caught happy hour here and left more than satisfied. Their $2.50 house drafts, fresh tasting oysters, and mahi tacos were amazing. Thank you for a delightful Charleston visit!
(4)Vitto V.
Happy hour a dozen Oysters, ohh maaa gaaa it rocks! Soo fresh and tasty. I ordered two dozens, really wanted three but I got shy to order another one :-) I also had one of their delish whiskey cocktails with my Oysters, nomnom!
(5)Wendy R.
We were in Charleston for a wedding and decided to try Pearlz (mainly because I wanted a New England Lobster Roll). We were not disappointed. We started with Oysters on the half shell, they were really fresh and served with a wonderful mignonette. My husband had the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich and I had the New England Lobster Roll. So Yummy!!
(5)Crawford D.
Awesome! The mussels from Prince Edward Island were delicious! Service was great, too!
(5)Darin U.
All places are a rip for drinks. Had a great time. Go to the bar and have a great time w James and Season.
(5)Audrey H.
On valentines day this year we stumbled into Pearlz (they don't take reservations). It was very busy but we were seated at the bar by the window. The oysters are so fresh & big! They were without a doubt the best oysters I've ever had. & surprisingly it was the cheapest meal we had during our stay in Charleston.
(5)Chris B.
Pretty good oysters and and okay lobster roll. Very busy atmosphere. Nothing particularly special. I would recommend going to Raw 167 before here.
(3)Robin C.
Wow! Was this place ever crowded! We got lucky though, landing seats on barstools facing the window. It was happy hour, and we ordered the fried buffalo oysters and the corn fritters. The oysters came with a spicy red sauce, blue cheese dressing and celery. They were fried to crispy perfection and not at all greasy. The fritters came in a cone shaped serving dish. Again, no greasiness, just a delightful, sort of spicy tenderness. And, at $1.95 for six, who can beat that price. We felt like we were the only people that our waitress was serving; she was that prompt with drinks, food and tab. I enjoy writing about great experiences like the one we had at Pearlz!
(5)David H.
Food was great, had the Oyster Rockefeller. . And gumbo. Went on a Thursday night, medium size crowd.
(3)Kevin L.
One of the best Oyster bars we have visited. My family has always loved Pearlz and this most recent visit certainly didn't disappoint. It's plenty busy and quite loud but provides for a very fun atmosphere. We went on a Friday night so I'm sure not all dining hours are like that. We had some amazing Oysters Rockefellar, Raw Oysters, and a bottle of wine. From previous visits I can highly recommend the Fried Oysters, Corn Fritters, Seafood Gumbo, and the Tuna Sandwich (if you like thick tuna steak).
(5)Greg C.
Oysters were incredible, service was impeccable, staff friendly and cheerful. You have to try the bloody Mary drink Bloody Shrimp. Enough garnish for a small meal. Would highly recommend, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Kimber C.
I like the set up in the West Ashley location better. The one downtown feels a little too fast paced because of all the open seating. (I know, not an easy fix). The oysters are awesome, the beer is good, and I haven't had anything off the menu that I didn't like.
(3)Wei W.
Their fish and fries are awesome! Love it so much!! Can't wait to visit again. Just hard to find parking :(
(5)Joseph W.
Absolutely phenomenal!! Came right as happy hour started and had 2 dozen fresh oysters with my family. So fresh and amazingly delicious! Not to mention the incredible price. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits..... To die for! And it's central location to everything in Charleston is perfect. Don't miss out on this amazing dining experience
(5)Brendan O.
Great oyster selection! We had some of the house oysters raw on the half shell and they were great. The Buffalo-style fried oysters were a perfect flavor with a beer, very light fry kept them very tender. Good Bloody Mary, great atmosphere, and if you sit at the bar you get to watch them shuck endless amounts of raw snacks.
(5)Kate C.
Yeah. This place is awesome. We went here on a Saturday as soon as they opened (by chance) and it was already bustling. Visiting from Charlotte I wanted to find a place with some good seafood....we found it at Pearlz. My husband had the crab cake sandwich and I ordered the fried shrimp dinner. I'm not big on corn fritter anything, but these were cooked just right. The shrimp were fried to perfection and the cocktail sauce had just the right amount of spicyness. You can't go wrong with the seafood here, but it fills up quick so get there soon after opening....
(5)Simon V.
Awesome place. Great vibe. Staff was super cool. Oysters were good and cheap. Clams too.
(5)Margaret J.
My boyfriend and I went here during restaurant week and it was great! The best part was the French toast bread pudding. Never had it before and boy will I get it again:) Cant wait to go back.
(5)Regan W.
Great food. I had the oysters on the half shell and we had the fried ship and oyster which were AWESOME!! great drinks and great service. We sat at the window so some top quality people watching!
(5)Gordon K.
Just what we were looking for. Fresh oysters, great local fish cooked right and a lively and friendly bar scene. We enjoyed the meal. Note: the place is loud and you will probably wait a while for a table. If you can get past that, go for it.
(4)Deb W.
I'm glad I tried it, but not sure I'd go back unless company really wanted to. There was nothing wrong with our meal, it just wasn't as amazing as we expected. The bloody Mary's and Oyster Shooters were fantastic as were the raw oysters. The asparagus crab soup was very bland. I had the seafood BLT tower salad, everything was fresh but I just wasn't impressed with it. 2 of us had the grilled whole snapper - cooked nicely but would have been better if it was cooked with some type of seasoning. There was a sauce on the side but neither was impressed with the sauce. My father had the fried oysters, which he enjoyed enough. The service was fantastic. Overall, nothing bad, but not special. The place is small and VERY loud. It's not that we were looking for quiet, but the place wasn't even full and we had trouble hearing each other speak it was so loud. I would definitely go back for Happy Hour drinks and oysters.
(3)Jeremy F.
Overrated and overpriced.
(2)Phi N.
So we went to Amen the day before, then to Pearlz for another happy hr. Pearls is more crowded and the place to go apparently for HH. Well-we didn't like it as much-we felt rushed and ppl were eyeing your seat down to see when you were going to move. I mean this guy sat right next to me half way thru then when we left he quickly grabbed the bar stool! Little did he know the hostess will seat you even for HH. The oysters for happy hr were not great. Good? Yes. We got the soup, and some apps. Not much on the happy hour menu either so our bill was still expensive. Our visit was not that relaxing-if you want a more chilled back atmosphere and more options for munchies and drinks, try elsewhere.
(3)Han C.
We visited Pearlz recently, attracted by the cheap oyster HH (a dozen for $9!) and the stellar reviews, but we probably ordered wrong. The house oysters were extremely gritty and tasted off and the peel-yourself shrimp were bland little buggers. We did order a platter of assorted oysters without the house, and these were more flavorful, clean and fun. The fried food everyone else had around us seemed better. I guess everything fried is better. I wish this visit was better.
(2)Christy B.
Great Happy Hour prices but always busy! The bar area is pretty noisy, small and crowded. The cod sliders were incredible!
(4)Dan F.
I can't begin to tell you how solid of a place this is. You NEED to come here as soon as happy hour starts so you can get a seat at the bar. They fill up fast. The oysters were the stars of the show. They were solid, big, fresh and extremely flavorful. Would recommend putting a little less cocktail sauce in the oyster shooters but overall the place was great in pretty much every aspect, food quality, service, price point and location.
(5)Mattie C.
This may now be my favorite place in Charleston. The boyfriend and I stopped here for lunch the other day, very excited to try some fresh oysters and seafood dishes. We were NOT disappointed. We decided to get a sampler of a dozen oysters - it wasn't cheap, probably around $27 but it came with four different types of oysters, all from Canada, plump and delicious. I am kicking myself for not remembering most of their names - one though was called Komo Gway and it had this amazing cucumbery finish - I had never tasted an oyster like that before and it was really unique. For both of us, the favorite was a PEI oyster that was like this creamy lump in briny water - maybe that doesn't sound appetizing, as I am not very good at describing tastes but it was really smooth and just incredible. We were debating getting another dozen of just that. Then the main course came - I got 3 fish tacos - two shrimp and one fish. Delicious! Boyfriend got the clam linguine and raved about the sauce. I had a bite of it - I am not a big clam person, but it was pretty good. It turns out the clams were incredibly fresh - they were delivered from Foley Beach to the restaurant while we were sitting there eating our oyster appetizer! Many of the cocktails sounded good, but we ended up getting the sangria. It wasn't bad, but I would say I've had better. I think they should put more soaking fruit in there - all that was in there was a marachino cherry and an orange slice. One of my favorite parts about getting sangria is slurping up the fruit slices at the bottom, so wish they could have done that. Oh, and they also appear to offer their own beers? I wish we had tried those. We were sitting at the window and there was a guy having a meal directly in front of us. We were drooling looking at his meal as well - he had a bloody mary cocktail with a giant shrimp in it and this seared scallop dish that looked amazing. Clearly, there are lots of menu items here that any seafood lover should try and we definitely want to come back next time we are in Charleston. Lastly, the service was great. Our waitress was friendly and helpful and seemed excited to talk about the oysters and the seafood. A guy who I presume to be the manager came up in the middle of the meal and brought us some bread so we could sop up the creamy clam juice in boyfriend's linguine dish. Yum! They went together very well. The restaurant wasn't cheap, but didn't break the bank either - it was certainly cheaper than some of my favorite seafood options in DC. I'm a big fan!
(5)Imelda M.
As usual awesome. What wonderful food drinks, service & the best Happy Hour ever. Thank you Pearlz
(5)Ashley M.
My boyfriend and I decided to pick Pearlz on a night we wanted some good Charleston seafood, and it did not disappoint. Not thinking ahead, walked in around 8pm on a Saturday night and was told the wait for a table of two would be 45-60 minutes. We did not mind since the restaurant is at a prime location and we had several options to entertain us, including the short walk to the shore and beautiful homes of Battery Row and Waterfront Park. In just 30 minutes, the hostess called and offered us immediate seating by the window. My boyfriend ordered a half dozen oysters to start and I had a small house salad. Both appetizers came out very quickly. For our mains, my boyfriend had the mixed grill platter and I ordered a small salmon plate. Both were specials and not available on their regular menu. The dishes had very similar styles (seafood on risotto or grits) and also had the same tomato broth finish. The food here is good, service is great, but I think they could step it up a notch on the creativity scale. Not a big deal, I'm sure, since they are incredibly busy regardless!
(4)Neil B.
Bold flavors!
(5)Alex C.
This was my second time been here. Food is still amazing. The staff are very friendly. The music is awesome. We had 4 appetizers. Tuna Tartare is great!
(5)Bryan M.
Best Happy Hour we found during our holiday in Charleston. 'Homegrown' beers are only $2,50 and cocktails are $5 instead of $8-9! Oysters and other select appetisers are a steal at this time. It's worth having an early supper of beers and munchies. We ordered almost every select appetiser: oysters, corn fritters, and chips, each was tasty and delicious. The Mahi Mahi tacos were yummy as well! Great location and nice staff.
(5)Kate F.
Living in landlocked Atlanta, we don't get too many opportunities for really fresh seafood, so we made sure to make that a priority on a quick trip to Charleston. Pearlz was crowded on a Wednesday night, but we snagged two seats at the bar, which worked out great. We split raw and steamed oysters along with mussels and one of the fish specials. It was all really, really tasty. The service was great (which can sometimes be an issue when sitting at a bar and eating). We were offered multiple rounds of bread to sop up that delicious broth once the mussels were eaten. Our tab was pretty reasonable, considering all the drinks and food.
(4)Mike S.
I had a nightmare experience at a so called "amazing oyster bar" in New Orleans the week before, and this place helped me have a fantasy DREAM moment to recover my love for the oyster. The oysters here were so perfect tasting, I don't really know what to say, other than I ordered a second dozen the second I finished the first. Happy hour is awesome, place is awesomer....
(5)Loretta J.
Happy hour! 4 glasses of champagne, delectable basket of homemade chips and a lot of gossip with my girls. $15 price tag. The bar was buzzing and the community table suited us just fine. Lots of pretty locals and tourists on good behavior. Service is attentive.
(5)Rhonda F.
Fantastic experience. I ordered the tuna tartar and would be stopping short of the truth if I did not admit it was one of the best I have ever enjoyed. Served over a bed of seaweed salad and dressed with black sesame seeds. The sauce that accompanied on the side was siracha and a wasabi cream aioli. Perfect. Enjoyed also a bottle of Vueve Yellow Label that was extremely fair priced. Lunch entree was rare seared tuna tacos dressed with lemon basil aioli. Another winner. All others in our party were quite pleased with their selections. Burger, swordfish and mahi. Will definitely visit again......don't forget the oyster shooter(s).
(4)Tammy H.
Great service, awesome food. Totally recommend!! Stopped at Blossom first to rude service. Glad, because it brought us here to super friendly, happy people.
(5)Meeko P.
I Found this place passing through town for just one night, It was nice to find this place still serving great quality food, at fair prices late into the evening. What I got where some of the best oysters, for the price I have had in awhile, they where perfectly shucked, medium size, plump Virginia oyster served icy cold, with all the accompaniments you would need. I also tried the Shrimp and Grits, not traditional but, Oh so good. The shrimp where seasoned and cooked perfectly served on top of some of the best creamy jalapeño grits I've ever tasted, garnished with black beans. The service was friendly and efficient. Can't wait to go back my next time through town.
(5)Ashley H.
Fantastic happy hour and fresh fresh Oysters! Great drinks and the wait staff was attentive and great with recommendations. Go early...it fills up quick and then people feel the need to crowd the door.
(5)Inna B.
Happy hour here rocks. We went almost every day of our vacation to take advantage of the oyster deal and the cheap beers and wines. Although locals told us it was not oyster season, the oysters we got were still quite delicious. The atmosphere here is very lively and we were usually able to snag a seat at the bar after a short wait.
(5)Kelly K.
Our table of 3 was able to sit in the big long table in the middle of the restaurant even on a crowded night with minimal waiting. I found the waitress and staff to be very courteous and friendly. The restaurant, though small, had a cool, welcoming vibe and I enjoyed being there. We ordered a variety of appetizers including the Oyster Shooter. While I am a big fan of oysters, I didn't love the shooter. Overall, the food was excellent and I look forward to returning!
(4)Danielle B.
I've been to Pearlz twice now and I am in love with both the service and the food. The "Bloody Shrimp" (Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail) is always perfection and my favorite Bloody Mary in Charleston so far and I am usually a huge critic. The first time I went I had the oysters Rockefeller for an appetizer and the linguine with garlic and oil and added shrimp for my main course. Both were insanely delicious. The second time I went for Valentine's Day with my husband and we shared the deluxe seafood tower which was a feature on their special holiday menu and included three different types of raw oysters on the half shell, raw clams, 6 peel and eat shrimp, half a lobster, mussels, scallop ceviche, blue crab, and tuna tartare along with a cocktail horseradish sauce, a mignonette sauce, and a tartar sauce. This entire seafood tower was valued at $175 but they priced it at $65. The owner came and talked to us about the seafood tower and explained that he and his chef traveled to New York specifically to research seafood towers so they could come up with a reasonably priced yet luxurious version of their own. That's how you know you're at a restaurant that cares about it's customers. Overall I love this restaurant and my husband and I will continue to be loyal customers.
(5)MaryBeth W.
Best Happy Hour in Charleston! AWESOME oysters & AWESOME prices!! Fun atmosphere, friendly staff! This is a must go place in Charleston!
(5)Harry S.
We sat outside on a cloudy yet warm day. We order payers on a half shell and thought they were clean and tasty. The fresh Market salad was very good. It had lentils and an assortment of greens. The dressing was simple with lemon juice and oil. We order the fish of the day which was Cordova and we ordered it pan fried. It came on top of sausage jambalaya with asparagus and chimichurri sauce. This was excellent. The shrimp and grits was a little bland and needed Tabasco sauce to balance it out. It also had a gamey taste which was odd because it was seafood. Maybe the sausage? Not sure but not recommended. Service was good.
(4)Marketplace W.
Fantastic happy hour. Very friendly service. Nice sparkling wine for 3 bucks a glass, Oyster shooter with a shot of Absolut for 3.50, and a dozen tasty house oysters at 9 bucks. How can you go wrong? Only by living too far away to enjoy this on a regular basis. Cheers!
(5)Austin W.
My wife and I were visiting Charleston and started our evening at the Pearlz happy hour. We had a fantastic experience. We sat at the bar and enjoyed oysters on the half shell, $2.50 draughts, and a delicious oyster shooter. The oysters were fresh shucked behind the bar! Great atmosphere and friendly staff. This was our first visit to Pearlz but we will definitely be back.
(5)Skye C.
Hands down best happy hour scene we've discovered in Charleston. We come here at least twice every visit. Oysters are fresh, and clean. Shucked right then and there by guys who know what they are doing. Ahi tuna delicious. My bf loves their handmade potato chips and dip. Bartenders are attentive and the manager is professional as well as personable. (plus I am always interested to see what shirt he will be wearing next). See you next visit! p.s. my profile pic was taken there at the bar.
(4)Charles K.
With so many good restaurants in Charleston it is difficult to pick just a couple to enjoy during a short stay; we chose Pearlz on the 4th of July and our expectations were exceeded. Expect a bit of a wait on busy nights (as with most places worth eating at) and be ok with a communal table but prepare to enjoy delicious seafood and great service thereafter. Our server Ben was truly a standout. Prompt, attentive, great sense of humor, just the right amount of interaction and helpful in every way, Ben (along with the great food of course) helped make this a meal we won't soon forget. Started with the Southern Fried Oysters, served with housemade buffalo sauce and blue cheese. Crispy and well seasoned, the buffalo sauce was a great accompaniment. Lump crab cakes and corn fritters followed; cakes were solid with mostly crab meat and a fresh taste, fritters were great - crunchy and chewy though a bit on the sweet side. We then had a caesar salad and a bowl of the blue crab bisque. Caesar was spot on with crispy lettuce and tangy dressing, but the bisque was not quite what we were expecting; incredibly generous portion but tasted a bit too earthy for our palates, almost like molasses even. After stirring aimlessly a few times, Ben stopped by and asked if it just wasn't working. He promptly and cheerfully exchanged the bisque for the clam chowder which was amongst the better seafood soups I've had - rich and creamy with big chunks of clam interspersed. He even brought a sample of their other soup, seafood gumbo which was also delicious. We finished with the pan seared golden bass, with horseradish mashed potatoes, green beans and mushroom demi glaze, with sides of grilled asparagus and broccoli slaw. Phenomenal, all of it. The bass dish was perfectly executed, the asparagus well cooked and seasoned and the broccoli slaw was strangely maybe our favorite part. We ate 'til we could not. Everything we saw go out looked great too, oysters, big mixed platters of chilled seafood, blondie brownies, etc. We loved the service, the food and the tapas style ordering for two, and after stuffing ourselves plus two cocktails and a bottle of wine we were pleased to clock out at a reasonable $120. Highly recommend Pearlz for great food and great service (one more shout out to Ben!) in downtown Charleston.
(5)Mike C.
Great staff, great food, and great beers. Everything we ordered (most of the happy hour menu) was superb. The happy hour oysters weren't the best I've ever had, but were huge and cheap. All the local beers were outstanding, but my favorite was the red. We're not a "bar-y" couple, but had an absolute blast here.
(5)Tony M.
What s GREAT raw bar! Oysters and shrimp and $5 cocktails for dinner. Sit at the bar and you cant go wrong..
(5)Amy J.
Unfortunately I didn't have dinner here, but if I had the chance it would be the top of my list. We stopped in prior to dinner for oysters as an appetizer, and drinks. I heard nothing but rave reviews about the drinks - and the bloody mary looked like something i just have to have before I die. Every seat at the bar was taken. Fresh. Upbeat. Friendly.
(5)Laura C.
Oysters= amazing. Cute seats outside so you can find with your pup and people watch in one of my favorite neighborhoods.
(4)Craig N.
Waited about 25 min to get a booth...worth the wait!!! Every minute!! Party of six...happy hour...dozen of steamed oysters and dozen of raw house oysters along with corn fritters....to get things going.....delish! So much so I ordered another dozen raw and pretty much ate that myself they were THAT good. They were smaller, which made them that much better - sometimes a mouthful of oyster is undesirable and too fishy, but I would recommend the house oysters and save yourself a few bucks (esp. at happy hour) and spend your extra dough on the main dish. I read on a previous review that the Pearlz White Ale is as good as Blue Moon - and I'd agree - smooooth - an orange included too. I had the fresh fish - Mahi-Mahi blackened...on top of red rice with steamed asparagus....very nice sized portion....just enough spice in the red rice with sausage....I would suggest the chipotle-lime sauce..lots of choices...but it was a great combo. Others in my party had the linguine & shrimp or mussels....cod sliders and the BLT tower (salad)...the linguine got higher ratings than the cod sliders- 5's vs 4's for the sliders..... Overall great place to be eat and partake in some adult beverages. Upon entering one can quickly tell that it is a hangout for local business people to catch a few eats and drinks before they head home...not a lot of room...but I'd suggest getting your spot soon after it opens (4pm)....you won't be disappointed. Prices weren't outrageous either...beers were $2.50 during happy hour (4-7pm) and wine was $5 for house wines. Mai. Dishes ranged from $14.95 (sliders) to the Mahi-Mahi ($22)... I'd definitely go back when I get back to Charleston - our server Tyler gave us several options for a dessert place and an after dinner drink and sunset viewing on our way back to the market too...great hospitality..the manager stopped over to our table twice to check on our dishes and the bus boy cleared our table continuously of empty dishes... Kudos Pearlz AND Yelp! Only downer was that I got a $25 parking fine...didn't see a sign that was marked "residential 1 hour parking"...oh well....parking is a downfall to the area...
(5)David C.
The oysters are very good and fresh (even if mostly not local), and some varieties are excellent. Winners for us were the from Mass. The fresh fish we tried (grouper) was fine but not standout. Served with asparagus that was properly prepared (not overcooked) and flavorful southern rice. The soup special was mediocre. They put crab meat in a mushroom soup, but the mushroom flavor was too strong to be able to taste the crab and it was oversalted. The seafood salad is gross. Basically an explosion of a mayo-based salad dressing covering iceberg lettuce, shrimp and crab. Not delicate at all -- the salad dressing overpowers everything else and makes it into a gooey mess.
(3)Cindi W.
We sat at a shared table. A big wood bloc with bench seats so we all share. Nice. (share the table I mean) Bring it on. I lovely cocktail for $5! So did hubby. great wait staff and oysters? yeah. I kind of like those. Hubby LOVES them. He ordered 6 (only $9!) BIG fabulous oysters. However, one escaped. the shell was empty...so the waitress said she would bring him one. She brought 3 hot steamy oysters. WOW. nice. Ok, that was so much fun. Lets go back!
(4)michelle l.
Good oysters. VERY crowded in the evenings. It took us 3 attempts to have some oysters and drinks. You can only have a drink if you can find a seat at the bar, not while you wait the hour and a half for a table, and the host/hostesses were not very friendly. There are a lot of other oyster places, so we'll probably skip this one next time.
(3)Clint W.
we were after something non fancy pants and here we came. the gods were with us because we actually managed to get a booth, rather than eat in the window or the communal table. we shared a burger (pretty good and not an overpowering blue cheese attack) and shrimp and grits. i was surprised at how filling it all ended up being and the shrimp had some fire to it. pretty tasty. this is a pretty sweet place to land. it's a bit dark, with lots of wood inside. even though there were quite a few people, it wasn't hard to have a conversation and we weren't rushed out of the place. definitely come back again.
(4)Katie O.
I went to Pearlz last night with my family for the first time for dinner. The atmosphere was nice as well as the decor. My sister and I weren't starving so we chose to split an appetizer and entree. She ordered the lobster roll which was much smaller than expected and not as creamy as I had hoped. It was mediocre. I ordered the calamari which was also disappointing. The calamari itself was cooked well but that batter was soggy and not crispy at all. My mom and dad ordered the shrimp and grits and salmon. They were both very pleased and enjoyed their meals. They also only had one men's bathroom and one women's bathroom. There was constantly a line for the men's bathroom.
(3)April K.
dahhhhh. one of my favorite spots in charleston. the oysters during happy hour are 9.95$? don't quote me on that, but pretty darn cheap for a dozen of oysters. I loved them steamed or raw. the mahi fish tacos were flavorful and the fried shrimp ;) so big and juicy! def. a place to go if you're in the area.
(5)Ron N.
The Bluegreen Desk at Lodge Alley Inn recommended this place just down the street so we thought we would give it a shot. Passing up Magnolias and some other fine restaurants we arrived with no reservation. They seated us at the bar and we had 2 appetizers : Peal n eat shrimp and mussels. When we sat down at our table we brought half of the mussels and ordered Crab Cakes. The Crab Cakes and Mussels were out of this world. This place is known for their oysters and we were sure we would return in the next day or two to try those. There are so many good restaurants nearby that we never did return but will on the next trip to Charleston. Prices were very reasonable.
(5)Jill B.
Stopped in for a late dinner. The wait was an hour and a half but they took my cellphone number so they could call when our table was ready and even suggested some local bars where we could get a drink while we waited. We weren't starving so we put our name in and we're so glad we did. We got a call and were shown right to our table. We ordered a dozen house oysters, New England Clam Chowder, and the Mixed seafood grill with Risotto. The oysters were sweet and delicious, served with the traditional cocktail sauce, Tabasco, and lemon wedges but also with a mignonette ( vinegar flavored with herbs) and it was all great. The chowder was next and was, hands down, it was the best chowder I've had outside of New England ( I'm from RI so I'm pretty discerning when it comes to chowder). Last was the mixed grill, came with two seared scallops, red snapper, monkfish, and sheepshead on top of risotto. All the seafood was cooked perfectly and the risotto was was perfectly seasoned and al dente. If you have the chance to go here and grab food, DO IT! Totally worth it.
(5)Helen S.
We stopped here for happy hour on a Thursday night. The cocktails were amazing! I ordered the summertime and my fiancé had the rocky shore. Both hit the spot. We also tried the house chips, which were some of the best chips I have ever had!! Finally we had the peel and eat shrimp which were fresh and delicious. I wish we lived in Charleston so we could come here regularly!
(5)Jim A.
We went to this establishment because of the ratings. The customer service was absolutely terrible and we left. We were disappointed and calmly expressed that to the manager who did to his initial credit come over. But he basically said he if we didn't like it we should just leave. We were shocked and did leave.
(1)Scott W.
We allowed ourselves one nice meal in Charleston on our second visit to the city, and this one was picked. And fine picking it was, indeed. Taking a page from the classic Old Man Handbook, we arrived a little shy of 5pm on a Saturday and was seated almost immediately. We are a family of 4, with two elementary-school age kids, so if this place was going to be a social scene a little later on best for everyone involved that we get in soon. Our waitress was almost certainly the best to kids we've ever experienced, like EVAH. She even brought water and a cup of lettuce for my kid's plastic pony, which I never would've expected. What I did expect was good seafood, and that's what I got. I was drawn to the place because I love raw oysters, but the lobster roll also looked good and then they had some local stone crab claws on the specials list. I hate deciding when it comes to this, so I ended up getting them all. And sometimes, not making a decision is the best decision of all, because they were all outstanding, but perhaps I give the final nod to the lobster roll, which was bursting out, the cool interior contrasting against the hot buttered bun. My wife loved the butternut squash bisque with a side of green beans sauteed in garlic & olive oil, and my kids ate their fish & chips (American-wise, at least on the kids menu) which was not the dumbed-down version that we all develop lifelong aversions to. We walked out of the restaurant in the dying sunlight of the dusk, viewing a multi-colored sky due west at the intersection Pearlz is located at, and thought "this is a pretty good life after all." But y'know, even if it isn't, Pearlz would have you fooled. They're THAT good.
(5)Elena M.
Best oyster shooters! Great place to enjoy a night out with friends. Oysters were fresh and service was great.. long wait for a table.
(4)Jennifer O.
Once my friend and I arrived at Pearlz for pre-dinner drinks on NYE, we regretted having dinner reservations at Blossom! The menu looked awesome and the vibe of the bar was great. We ordered drinks. I loved my egg nog cocktail ($3 special!) and sparkling wine, and my friend enjoyed her cider and wine. Attentive service by the bar staff. The shuckers were working hard making tasty-looking oyster shooters.
(5)Chris D.
How very disappointing. Given all the reviews here, including one from a friend, I really thought Pearlz was going to knock it out of the park. They didn't, and I think it might be partly our fault. The reason? We went there for dinner, instead of the famed happy hour that everyone is talking about. The oysters were decent, in a gulf oyster sorta way. Big, meaty and far less briney than the PacNW versions we're used to... but good. We had them raw, steamed AND fried; the fried were outstanding and the best by far. I think large meaty oysters really lend themselves to frying and Pearlz figured out how do them right. The steamed were okay and the raw were solid. While I love steamed oysters, I would probably skip them next time. For mains, the wife and I shared the lobster roll and a shrimp taco. The shrimp taco was clearly the better of the two, which is a hard thing to admit. I'm a big fan of lobster rolls and unfortunately, the one at Pearlz was just way too small. They're supposed to be overstuffed versions of smallish hoagie/sub/grinder/sandwich rolls and the lobster roll at Pearlz was about the size of a hot dog bun. It appeared to be made in house, or at least freshly baked, but it was relatively small and definitely not stuffed... let alone overstuffed. Everyone at our table was surprised by the size... including those who never had the pleasure of chowing on an overstuffed one before. Given the price, I felt somewhat cheated. Looking at the prices and offerings of the happy hour menu, I can see how people would like it. I think you're much better off going there during HH, getting one of everything on the menu (including great prices on oysters - 75 cents each? awesome!) and making a dinner of it. As a side note, the placing of the bathrooms is weird. I get that it's a small place, but given they're unprotected in the back corner by a couple tables and the kitchen, you get lines of people (three deep, at times) waiting for the bathroom a few feet from where people are eating. I don't know what they could have done differently, so I'm mentioning it as something to consider if you're offered a table at the back.
(3)Jessica S.
My husband and I were looking for some good seafood while on vacation, and we weren't disappointed. We were put on a wait (the place was packed!) but we were able to put our phone number down with our name so we could go across the street to get a drink since their bar was packed as well. When they called, they gave us enough time to get back to the restaurant so that they wouldn't give up our seat. We sat at the community table but it didn't feel cramped. I had the fried shrimp plate and my husband ordered the pasta with shrimp and they were both excellent. If we come back, we will visit again.
(5)Troy S.
A bit overrated in my book. I had read great things but I didn't quite get it. We went for Happy hour as the deals were decent and I read read rave reviews. $2.50 for draughts sound great but I am not a fan of their white ale or lager. They were ehh in my book which means better than a Miller but not a beer to buy without the happy hour price. I had my first oyster shooter which was tasty and worth $2.50 for the experience. The fried oysters were also pretty tasty but again I would never buy it without the Happy hour price around $7. They were very good and the 2nd best part of the meal. We only received 5 so it seemed a little skimpy. I ordered the Grilled Mari tacos which seemed to be more bread than fish, coleslaw, or anything else. I had take a large bite before I even touched the inside. Disappointed with these tacos as they were a little devoid of flavor. My wifer ate 1/2 and let me finish hers as well as mine. I was hungry so I was complaining right then. The hush puppies were decent but not the best I have had in Charleston. The wifer ordered a $5 cocktail and rum and coke. She was glad she tried the cocktail but happy to switch back to rum and coke. Service was pretty good until we were day for the check and had to sit and wait for awhile. We walked in right at 4 and by the time we left 45 minutes later there was a wait at the front. A note to those who eat here, if there is only two of you then you shouldn't sit in the booth. I noticed a booth with only two sitting and canoodling. We thought about a booth but decided to let groups have it. I did notice that our crowd at 4 seemed to be older and touristy. I am glad I tried it but I wouldn't place in on recommendation list.
(3)Mis C.
The food was great, but above all that was Ben. Very likely the best server we've had in a very long time.
(5)Pattie M.
This place is not to be missed when you visit Charleston. My friend and I went during happy hour on a Tuesday. If you like a good Bloody Mary. Get one here. You won't be disappointed. We had 2 each. Fantastic is an understatement. The mahi tacos, ridiculously tasty. I even loved the fried oysters, and that's saying a lot. The manager ( didn't get his name) was attentive and interesting but not overly chatty. If you miss this place you've missed a lot.
(5)Cyndi L.
I have eaten at the Columbia Pearlz many times and was expecting similar, excellent service in Charleston. The food was so so and the service was terrible. We sat at the bar, and it was very difficult to get the bartenders attention for food or drinks. They were not busy at all and the staff seem to be hanging out and chatting at the end of the bar, ignoring customers. When I said, "excuse me can please get some service?", our server became even ruder than before.
(3)Tom F.
Hands down the best bang for your buck for great seafood in town. Staff is top notch and have yet to disappoint. Go for the Oysters on happy hour stay for the oyster shots.
(5)Lana S.
Pearlz is awesome! I have never done Oyster shooters before, and I was completely hooked on this little crafty invention. The place is always packed - I actually prefer the West Ashley location to avoid the crowds somewhat. Even the WA location is packed all the time. My second favorite after oyster shooters is raw house oyster appetizer.
(5)Luke A.
Stopped here on a whim for an early dinner. The place was packed. I found a place at the bar and started with fresh oysters. They shuck the oysters right at the bar. I also had the new york steak and fried oysters. The steak was cooked perfectly and they oysters were crispy yet tender. Staff was friendly. ..but busy. I would stop here again.
(4)Ashley C.
WOW! I'm visiting from Chicago and that's all I can say about this place. Ambiance, service, and food are all amazing, hence the 5 star rating. The blue crab pomegranate bisque was great. The scallops are to die for and cheap. All around great place.
(5)AaronErin D.
When visiting Charleston you are often told to visit such places as Husk or Fig leading you to often bypass many other great spots to eat. We were told from friends to check out Pearlz Oyster Bar, very glad we listened to them. The atmosphere alone is worth the experience. The staff was extremely polite and attentive. Great drink menu which offered more unique twists other than the "average Cosmo". My fiancé and I ordered the calamari to start which was very good, I also started out with some fresh oysters which were delicious. We then ordered the hot crab dip and the steamed little neck clams, both were very good. We would have liked to see more "lump crab pieces" in the dip but it was still excellent. For dinner we still managed to have room for a fish taco and their house burger. The taco was a very generous portion, one was just enough. As far as the burger goes it was absolutely delicious, the house made chips were great as well. We will definitely be stopping here again during our next visit. Looking forward to Happy Hour.
(5)Matt W.
Mahi tacos unbelieveable! Real hearty and meaty! Happy hour menu is awesome! Oyster shooters for 2 bucks? Is that a trick question? The fried jumbo r delightful! Summertime and Belon martinis are both great says the ole lady and I had the 2 buck house beer lager... Christ just come here Pearlz=Smilez
(5)Jody M.
My husband and I came to Charleston for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary so it was a great surprise to have such a great start to our trip enjoying the Happy Hour at Pearlz. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the Bloody Mary's. We shared the 1/2 pound of peel and eat shrimp, the BLT seafood tower and for dessert the coconut creme pie. Despite being told we would have at least a 20 minute wait we were seated in 5 minutes. Our waitress was super attentive and got our food delivered very quickly after we ordered. A must visit place for Happy Hour if you want great drinks and food for reasonable prices. Even with it being a noisy place we managed to still have an intimate dinner together to kick off our celebration!
(4)Olesya Z.
Addictive. If you love oysters, you'll love this place especially for happy hour. But what's even better is how they prepare their tuna tartar. Or their deserts. Just don't mix them together. We went back almost three times in one weekend. My mom has another weekend trip booked just because of this place (and maybe the plantations and other things). It's a great atmosphere and a well stocked wine list. If you are afraid of becoming a regular, check out their West Ashley location which I've heard even better things about.
(5)Shelley L.
Fantastic! Definitely worth the wait....highly recommend the tuna tartar, the raw oysters and the oyster Rockerfeller! My compliments to the chef. Definitely will go again.
(5)K B.
They have good deals and is a solid choice.
(4)Gina S.
Last Saturday was my first time at Perlz: wonderful service, average shellfish, mediocre seafood. We ordered the fish and scallop risotto, the fish were wonderful, scallops had stp in them. Maybe the chef(s) didn't taste/check the scallop, they were definitely low quality stp infused frozen scallops.
(3)Ryan G.
Well, I'll just roll with the band wagon and throw another 5-star review up on Pearlz wall. And well deserved, too. This place was so good that of all the places to eat in Charleston, my wife and I went here two nights in a row for happy hour and dinner while on vacation. We're not creatures of habit by any means, but we were so amazed with the quality and flavors of the dishes they throw out, we had to go back for more. The first night we did oysters and hush puppies as appetizers, the tuna sandwich and blackened mahi mahi for our entrees. As I write this, they don't sound all that magical but I'm just not doing the plates much justice... trust me. The house-made beers were also amazing. I had a red IPA and another I can't remember (because I had too many red IPA's). My wife did a cocktail with champagne and St. Germain which was done very, very well. The next night we went back we did oysters again and a few more cocktails. If you ball up your fist, that should give you a sense of the size. The quality was a whole 'nother thing! SOLID, SOLID, SOLID place! P.S. - Oyster shooters...
(5)Deb M.
The Calimari was amazing- it is a must to order !!,We did not have one thing that we disliked at our meal. Don't leave Charleston without stopping at Pearls!
(5)Donna C.
Fantastic atmosphere, loved the community table. Had raw oysters and while the horseradish can't compare to Florida, the oysters were the right size and without the "fishy" taste. Cocktails were really good and sweet with a touch different flair. Mushroom, asparagus blue crab soup was acceptable, but not seasoned very well. Overall, it was a great experience! Loved it!
(5)Dan O.
Don't eat here, but it can be a fun place to drink..... as long as it doesn't get too crowded.
(3)Robert G.
Went there Wednesday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. We ate outside as the weather was perfect. Our waitress Michele did a great job serving us our food and drinks, she's very cute too! The oysters on the half shell were great along with an oyster shooter. The crab and avocado salad and the Titos Vodka martinis were excellent as well.
(5)Briana B.
Grabbed some pre-dinner drinks here and what a great choice! They had some live music and a great crowd. We had to try their oyster shooters and were not disappointed. I definitely would recommend this place, especially if oysters are your thing.
(4)Jennifer I.
This place was fantastic. Eat: Oysters Rockefeller and raw oysters, and the thai burger. Everything was delicious. We sat at a table outside to avoid the noise/crowds. The kitchen was open very late.
(5)Robert S.
Great food. Oysters were outstanding and fried shrimp were not too heavy. Staff was very friendly.
(5)Emily B.
Open late night, great calamari but the house oysters (LA) were a bit small and disappointing. Cool building and would still recommend a visit.
(3)Tommy P.
Was in the Charleston area for business and since seafood is the choice food around here I figured "when in Rome!" I had been craving some oysters all week, as they are a natural aphrodisiac [thanks "White Chicks" - great movie], but opted to drink the night prior for the Bruins playoff game. Had a couple of very good India Pale Ales and, after getting a good "buzz", asked the waitress for some good oyster recommendations [could have been a bartender - I was eating at the bar]. She gave me a mixed dozen from several oyster "hot-spots" around North America - they were fantastic! Loved every single one of them. Followed those up with 7 or 8 oyster shooters, which are shot glasses filled with oysters, cocktail sauce, and [unbeknownst to me] vodka. May have been a little overconfident and made some "cracks" to the waitress/bartender [asked her if she wanted a "pearl necklace" from all the oysters]. Really didn't receive much service afterwards but my few bites of seafood gumbo were just OK - accidentally threw up in my mouth from all of the alcohol and had to run out of the restaurant to relieve myself immediately. Great food, might have to lay off the shooters next time though!
(4)Mitch P.
This place be bangin'. Everything is good on the happy hour menu.
(5)Ashley H.
My fiance wanted to stop in here to get some oysters because they had them for a great deal during happy hour. I ordered the fish and chips. The atmosphere is that of a bar/pub. I wasn't too impressed with their version of fish and chips; I thought the fish was cooked well, but the breading was flavorless and was a total letdown. Everyone's meal seemed to be really good but mine, so I will probably come back to try something else.
(3)Tom G.
To quote Yogi Berra - it's so crowded nobody goes there any more. I stopped coming here for a while because it was always pretty crowded. But it's a good, lively, fun place. The service is generally good and the menu is good as well. The Happy Hour specials are very good and incredibly inexpensive. Th only real negative is they only have 4 non-descript beers on tap - a lager, nut brown ale, wheat and a red. They're from the brewery down the block and are OK, just OK. Many other places nearby will have a dozen or more neat craft beers on tap.
(4)Devonshire B.
Oh. My. Lord. Have you guys seen the size of the Louisiana oysters???? Have you eaten them?!?! I'm a Baltimorean, so I have experience in the oyster eating department...but these blew my mind! The size, the juiciness, the flavour, the beauty! Oh, how I miss them already *le sigh* Also, their cocktails are tasty and delicious and you should drink some now. While you're at it, send some of those oysters back my way! Seriously.
(5)Jesse T.
Came here for drinks, and also ordered blue crab soup, oysters, and clams. Drinks were as expected, nothing special. Seafood was fresh and flavorful. Would recommend.
(4)Jennie L.
Our first meal in Charleston and it did not disappoint! I'm not a raw oyster fan, but I absolutely loved the baked oyster Rockefeller! Yum!! Hubby loved the oyster shooter! I had the tuna tacos...yum! And hubby had the special of shrimp and grits...some of the best we've ever tasted! All in all a great, great place! Great atmosphere, loved our bartender! Lovely start to a mini weekend getaway!
(4)P J.
Best oysters around! Had oysters all over but I think Pearlz may have the freshest and best ever! The southern fried oysters are not to be missed as are the Cod sliders and White Ale! Great environment, energy and the service is top notch! Get it in ya!
(5)Ivy T.
The service here is extraordinarily speedy but not rude in any way. They are on top of seating availability and your ordering needs. Ever feel like the waitstaff is more into discussing the who's who in People Magazine than doing their job? No need to worry about that here. For reviewers who said this is a tourist trap, it's not so. We came here for happy hour and it was filled with locals. In fact, the customers were either downtown employees or high society type folks. Many people seem to recognize each other so I think it was safe to say they were locals. Food was good. Oysters at happy hour were super cheap-less than $10 per dozen. Drinks were ridiculously cheap but I also just came from Boston where there is no happy hour. My vodka soda was $3 and my bf's beer was $2.50 (house brew). Beat that Boston :)
(5)H. R.
Delicious shrimp & grits a corn flavor. Yummy corn fritters. Delicious She-crab soup. Oysters were completely devoured!
(4)Joanne L.
Dropped by here for their happy hour after an exhausting tour of some historic homes in the neighborhood. I could not be happier to see a dozen oysters for $8.95 and draft beer for $2.50. Oysters varied in size but most were medium to large, very briny however. We also tried the corn fritters for $1.95, which are little dough balls with kernels of corn, lightly fried and dusted with powdered sugar. It's okay, if you like that sweet-n-salty kind of thing. My friend got the half pound of shrimp, which were very large and succulent. Definitely a good spot to drop by for happy hour & oysters - Monday through Friday, 4-7 pm!
(4)Emily M.
Fresh oysters? Check. Great drink selection? Check. Fun outdoor seating? Check. Friday night we were dead set on trying Pearlz and it met all of our expectations. Although we had to wait we ended up with a sidewalk table and we had fun sitting and enjoying the liveliness of Charleston, plus the inside seemed a little on the loud side. Our server was very attentive and brought our drinks quickly. Our drinks were great! Coming from inland NC, we do not get the opportunity to eat fresh seafood often and immediately fell in love with the half dozen fresh oysters. They were absolutely delicious and seemed very fresh. They also seemed high quality. As far as meals go, since we ate the oysters we each settled on a small plate off of their daily menu. Between the two of us we had Jack and Mako shark. Both were great but the Jack really takes the cake. It was prepared perfectly with sweet potatoes. I would absolutely stop by Pearlz again- next time I want to check out Happy Hour!
(5)Lauren G.
She crab soup is amazing. Oysters were great. Definitely will come back next time we're in charleston!
(5)Gimmy K.
If you enjoy seafood, this place is the best Happy Hour you'll find in downtown. The oysters are huge and spectacular. The champagne and other drinks are inexpensive, and the lobster bisque and Mahi Mahi tacos (very filling) are delicious! The atmosphere is in between casual and classy.
(5)Dennis F.
I usually try to go a different place every night i am in Charleston, which is usually twice a year, but this place was worth more than one trip. The first night we got there at Happy Hour and there were three of us. We started with raw oysters and peel and eat shrimp. The oysters were very good, average in size and priced reasonably. The shrimp were quite large and cooked perfectly. We then had steamed clams, steamed mussels and more peel and eat shrimp mahi tacos and fried shrimp. The clams were tasty but a tad rubbery but everything else was superb. Two nights later we were back there for gumbo, peel and eat shrimp, crab cake sandwich and more oysters. On both nights we had the most friendly waitress you could imagine and service was quick after about 20 minute waits dor seats both nights. I have been lots of places in Charleston but this one is a keeper!
(5)Kevin V.
What a great restaurant! Have been to both the dt charleston and cola locations a bunch of times and it never disappoints. Think it is terribly underrated for seafood restaurants in Charleston. Oysters are on point, the shuckers know their shit and the staff is fantastic! Get a table at the bar and get ready to enjoy your night! Might be my fave dt..oh yeah the blt sald tower is beyond anything you will ever eat anywhere! Wow delish..hate New Yorkers bad mouth this place and even come here period..stay home
(5)Scott S.
Typical bar feel but good oysters served at a reasonable price ($8.95 happy hour and $12.95 per dozen after.) It's the beer that makes this a great oyster and beer venue. Pearlz makes it own and both the White Ale and the Brown Ale were exceptional. I don't like hoppy (bitter) beer and these were smooth, crisp and tasty... especially the white. 3 dozen local oysters (no need to go for other varieties although they have them if you want to pay more) and four crisp beers later and I was in Oysta Heaven! Headed back at 4PM when they reopen!!
(5)Matt S.
Any place that spells their name with a Z where an S should be has a zpecial place in my heart. Pearlz was a great casual spot. I don't like oysters, but my pop had a half dozen and he was thrilled by them. I had some local beer on tap and crushed a couple cones of fries and generally had a great time. They have outdoor seating along a busy corridor of Charleston - a perfect place to spend the afternoon soaking in a great town.
(5)Casey F.
This restaurant was the highlight of my boyfriend and I's trip to Charleston. We came during happy hour and started off with 2 oyster shooters (black pepper vodka, oyster, tobasco) for only $2.50 each, and a salmon tartar appetizer which was a feature that day. They were both awesome! The salmon tartar was just out of this world good. Their craft beers were only $2.50 also, and the Nut Brown one that I got was really tasty. We then moved on to an order of fried oysters, which I had never had before. They came with a spicy buffalo-type sauce, bleu cheese, and celery. They weren't overly fried, so you could still really enjoy the oyster itself. SO good. We proceeded to get some steamed and then some raw oysters. I'm new to oysters, but I ended up liking all 3 kinds! We had fun watching the passerby's from our window seats, and discovering all the delicious ways oysters can be enjoyed! See you next time we're in Charleston!
(5)Chad M.
Had the blackened seafood grill (special), local oysters, and a oyster shooter. Everything was amazing! Will definitely come back and recommend to friends and family .
(5)Amanda A.
Been here twice now. Both times been very happy from service to food. Great salads, amazing oysters and awesome tacos. Can't go wrong with anything you order. Very unique flavors and decent prices for the quality of food. Great atmosphere as well
(5)Roger W.
Caught Happy Hour by shear luck 4-7 certain days. Met charming Charleston-ians. Oysters, corn fritters and homemade fries special s for HHr were fresh and delicious.
(5)Brooke T.
Pearlz is my favorite place to get oysters in Charleston. The happy hour prices our knock out great, the service is good and the oysters are divine. What else could one ask for?
(5)Lee Lee T.
If you want some really fresh oysters go to happy hour at Pearlz! This is possibly the best happy hour in all of downtown. The oysters are so inexpensive at happy hour and the champagne (sparkling wine) by the glass also happy hour price goes so well with them! There are a bunch of apps that are a few dollars off during happy hour and they are all solid and the drinks are really good and inexpensive too! I wouldn't do it for dinner but this is really the place to be at 4pm and the next time im in Charleston this is where I will be at 4pm on weeknights!
(4)Jo D.
Just left PearlzTues at 5:30. The oysters were great considering this is July. House martinis were not the best choice. Service was great. Oyster shooters good. First visit there. Will go back ASAP
(5)Brooke K.
My friend loved the Fat Tire Red Ale. We all loved the Seafood Gumbo....however....once the entrees FINALLY arrived, the chips were stale, the featured Pearlz Rockefeller was a small portion, and nothing special. Overall. Service=Average. Food=Overpriced.
(2)Casey B.
Amazing happy hour. Fantastic oysters on the half shell even out of season-- and we're picky oyster eaters. Housemade chips were perfection.
(5)R B.
Happy hour drinks and oysters. Outstanding. Order a cold beer and an oyster shooter. The fried oysters came with 2 kinds of sauces. Excellent all around. I'd go back.
(5)Luke C.
Visited this little place on East Bay street. It has open air seating and windows that allow in cool breezes. The patrons are generally middle aged crowd and flood in here for a quick drink and snacks. The food was generally good. The oyster platter was good. Wines and beers were reasonable. A nice stop without the over the top touristy feel.
(3)Nancy C.
WOW - what a great Happy Hour place for oysters, appetizers and drinks! Terrific prices, fast and friendly service made us very happy during our first visit to PEARLZ. So many choices--we decided this would be our dinner! Everything was fresh, very tasty and pleasantly appealing. We were disappointed when our schedule precluded us from returning one more time before leaving Charleston. IF YOU LOVE OYSTERS - DON'T MISS PEARLZ!!
(5)Annie R.
Pearlz is the best place for oysters in downtown Charleston. They also have great prices and you do have to try an oyster shooter. The food is actually pretty good here too. They have the best fish and chips in Charleston, which is ok a random food there, but they do it well. They also have a seafood cobb salad which is delicious. My parents are obsessed with this place because its good food for a good price (and within walking distance of their office) and I always seem to end up there with them when I visit. It is totally worth checking out.
(3)Alexandra F.
My favorite happy hour spot: Downtown and West Ashley. Of course, I always eat oysters there. I also like the iceberg wedge salad (the portion is huge). Don't go there without having an oyster shooter!
(3)Sherri W.
The oysters were slightly salty and delicious. Clearly, they were local, very fresh. The shrimp were ginormous and seasoned very well. Staff were very friendly but took a while to get check. Overall rating? Enjoyable
(3)Rob J.
I love Charleston and this is a great place. The oysters are good and cheap (for pretty good gulf style, the BC oysters are a bit pricey but why buy them in SC?). I like the ambiance for a pre-game or an afternoon drink. I went with a local and the bartender had me (the yankee) trying all the local charleston drinks on the house. There was also a jazz band one of the days I was there which took our requests. Can't beat that.
(4)Georgia E.
I went to Pearlz while on a weekend trip to Charleston with my boyfriend. He's moving there so we were trying to get a feel for the town and wanted some seafood since we were at the beach! Pearlz is right in downtown and has a neat little space, but it is little and it was crowded, so keep that in mind. We only had to wait a few minutes for one of the few booths, but we went pretty early. It was here that I introduced him to oysters - he wasn't ready for raw so we had the Oysters Rockefeller and they were incredible! The crab won tons we got for a starter were also amazing. Just went downhill from there, is the problem. He enjoyed his steak but my fish didn't taste fresh, which might be why it was covered in salt and pepper. And it wasn't cheap. Then, they didn't have anything chocolate for dessert! Not OK with me, I have to have chocolate. Overall, I would still recommend going here, but stick to the oysters.
(3)Joe K.
Oyster selection was great albeit a tad pricey. Service was outstanding and the atmosphere was fun. Didn't get a chance to try any of the other 'cooked food'.
(4)Heidi S.
As a visitor to Charleston, I love the prices and the oysters!
(4)Christine K.
Great food. Great beer. Great oysters. Great service. Good prices in a nice atmosphere. We will definitely be back.
(5)Kimi S.
If you love Oysters on the half shell and don't mind paying a little bit more for different varieties besides Gulf Oysters....you are in for a real treat. This place is not very big. Eat at the bar where they shuck 'em right in front of you. My husband and I went to CHarleston for a quick weekend trip and Pearlz was recommended by a friend. Every place we went, we would ask, where is the best seafood, and Pearlz was alway on the short list. The place was full when we walked in about 8 on a Sat night. We were lucky to get a seat at the bar within 10 minutes and passed on our table(45 min wait). The service was great. You are waited on my a server right at the bar who makes your drinks and tends to your needs. You are also waited on my the Oyster Shucker. They were friendly and took care of us quickly and efficiently, despite that the place was packed. We ordered the dozen canadian oysters on the half shell....which were 20.95. I thought it was a bit pricey....but have paid this for oysters before that were not more local. They had selections from PEI, Canada, and Washington, as well as Gulf. ( 9.95 a dozen). Hands down the best oysters I have ever had. No need for anything on them. They truly didn't need crackers or horseradish, just briny and delicious. We also Shared a bowl of their bisque. Fantastic. I normally don't order bisque because everyone always says theirs is the best, and I try it and it never is. This was a winner. We finished out our meal with the Monkfish. We first had Monkfish in Greece and loved it.....being the poor man's lobster. I bought it at the farmer's market and it was dreadful. We decided to try again here and it was amazing. the price was right at 20 dollars and it came with fresh asparagus. I don't know when I will be back to Charleston, but this was a great meal from start to finish. Thanks Pearlz. :)
(5)Jane B.
Great oysters! Great ambiance! Great prices! Everything an oyster bar should be.
(5)Wendy W.
4-7 PM Happy Hour is the way to go. Grab snacks and $3 wine or champagne. This is a great way to start your evening.
(4)K S.
we were visiting and tried out this place. we had a late lunch and there was no wait. we ordered quite a bit of food because we were starving and wanted to try different things. we ordered oysters and it was fresh, quite small and just ok. our kids had clam chowder and thought it was good, but not great. they have had much better. we had a local fish and had it served blackened i thought it was good, but again, not great. my husband had some shrimp and we all thought the food was good. but, based on the price and hype behind the place, we all thought it was not worthy of the high praise. the service was good but not exceptional and thought the overall staff did not make enough effort to service us or nearby tables. there seemed to be plenty of staff, but not many seemed to utilized their time wisely and servicing customers. when we received our bill, i was surprised by the total based on the food we ordered. the math was correct but the quality was not worthy of the money we spent. we had 2 adults and 2 kids and our bill was over $100, not including tip. we have no major complaints about this restaurant but no major praises either.
(3)Bob K.
cool bar....lots of variety of people, atmosphere great...close to the water....oysters...to die for....entre...so, so, had the tuna and was not a fan....but what the heck...still worth the trip
(3)Ashley A.
Stopped in when they opened at 4:00 on Friday and there was a line! Luckily we were seated right away. We ordered drinks and a dozen raw oysters. I'm disappointed in their beer selection. Tried three of their home brews which were pretty bad. Ended up with a Bell's Two Hearted. Others had a red ale and a Bloody Mary. The oysters were good. Mignonette sauce was good. I ordered the Caesar salad with grilled shrimp. Came with 4 big well seasoned shrimp. Others in my party had fish n chips, and the lobster roll. Overall, enjoyed the meal!
(4)