Pearlz Oyster Bar - Columbia

“Pearlz was pretty good and not too expensive. We went during happy hour which was 4-7 PM only on weekdays. We primarily went for the oysters which was $20 for a dozen. I’ve had cheaper in other states, but that was the best deal we could find. We also got the ceviche (but it wasn’t very citrusy) and crab dip. The food was overall very good. The space was pretty cute and had a good environment. We went on Valentine’s day so every table was filled. We made a reservation, but I’m not sure if you need to. There were tons of times available day of a couple hours before our time. Our entire meal plus two drinks and tip was a little over $100.”

“I'm in Columbia SC for the first time, so of course, I need to find a lobster roll 😋 Google leads my here, a 15 minute walk from my hotel. Before I take a seat, I confirm with the hostess that they do indeed have them, because at times, Google is mistaken 🤷‍♂️. Not this time. After checking at the bar, she returns with a triumphant "Yes!" & recommends the bar so I can be served promptly. Mariela was my server and bartender, and after asking how I like my lobster roll - cold, with mayo - got my food and drink order in quickly. After what seemed like just a few sips of my drink, I'm served a lobster roll with my choice of a side. Asparagus this time. They both look great. But it's the smell that got to me. Instantly, the aromas from the perfectly buttered and toasted roll drew me in. My first bite had me nodding. Yes! It's as delicious as it smells and looks. The roll makes or breaks a lobster roll. This one was top-notch. Light, fluffy, not thick or too "bready." Warm, and just the right amount of crispy 👌 But that's just the vessel. It's the cargo that matters. And at Pearlz Oyster Bar, they care about lobster as well. It was excellent- cool, not too cold; mixed with mayo and seasoning in a perfect balance of meat and more. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite. The asparagus was also cooked & seasoned nicely, making this a Top 5 plate among the many I've had across the world👏🙏🏻 Oh yeah. The Tollhouse pecan pie I got to-go, from their bakery next store, was devoured happily back at the hotel. Wonderful as well!”

“First...place was really nice. I loved the oyster mural inside. Our waitress was attentive and oyster knowledgeable. Which was great! However the fact that there wasn't Apalachicola oysters on the menu ( florida folks favorite) people are missing out! 😉 the fish was a bit over cooked and fell straight out of the batter it was cooked in. The lobster dip was good but a the horse radish over powered all the other flavors. The corn fritters were like eating a funnel cake, they were great but I was expecting a actual legitimate corn fritter. The shrimp and grits had mushrooms which was ok, but I should have read the description and asked for none. Good experience, only thing was is that the waitstaff looked as if they we're leaving or going to the gym in\Spandex and basically halter tops , which in my very un important opinion, is very unprofessional looking.”

“Pearlz was a fun time, and definitely exceeded my expectations! I loved the overall ambiance of the restaurant; it felt old-school yet modernized at the same time, and I absolutely loved the oyster-themed artwork on the walls. I sat at the bar and got a well-made whiskey sour. I was pleasantly surprised when I received my bill, as I expected it to cost much more than it actually did. I also went on one of the nights where they had a live DJ in the Upstairz Lounge, which was kind of cool. It wasn’t exactly “jumping”, but I did go early in the evening, so it may have picked up later. All-in-all, Pearlz was a fun stop; I’ll probably be back in the future, and I’d recommend that anyone stop in to at least grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere!”

“Stopped in while in town on a work trip. The oysters were great and they provided great fixings for them with crackers. Cocktail sauce with extra fresh horseradish to the hot sauces and mignonette sauce. I had also ordered some corn fritters those were just ok. But I definitely recommend the oysters. This place was a nice short walk from my hotel that was on Lady St.”