Pearl and Fin Oyster Bar by 1618 — Restaurant in Austin

Valentine’s Day menu was an unfortunate rip off—one of the most expensive and worst dining experiences of my life. I was really disappointed. Food, service, and atmosphere all missed the mark …didn’t even touch the paper. There was chaos behind the scenes and it showed.

I chose Pearl & Fin for oysters. The day before the reservation they texted asking me to confirm the res and agree to a 5 course pre-set menu with a 2h table limit. No details on what the menu would be, but fine—there were no other choices the day before Valentine’s. I let it be.

Despite the 2h limit, we left after 2h30m with our entree and dessert (not yet served) in to-go bags.

Champagne was included with every reservation, but they ran out out, then found more and brought it to our table warm.

We waited 20+ minutes for silverware despite asking at least 2 people.

Portions were minuscule. Lobster roll was stale. Salad wasn’t dressed. Caviar tasted like it was fished out of the bay, very bottom shelf. Almost everything was under or over cooked.

Runners brought the wrong orders past our table at least three times until we got the attention of our server to clarify when the next (correct) course would arrive. At that point we ordered the rest to go and went home. Even without re-heating, the short ribs were dry and the mashed potatoes were like instant grits. We didn’t want to touch the branzino.

The lights were bright white fluorescent—not romantic at all. I had to slide sideways into my chair because the tables were packed so close together. Music & other tables were way too loud. Staff in the kitchen were whooping & hollering. Our server was sweet, but exhausted and scattered. The whole thing gave me mall food court vibes.

The two oysters included in our appetizer (under the pre-set menu) were delicious. That’s the only good thing I can say.

I spent $130 pp on the pre-set menu + $85 for a bottle of wine. $345 total before tax and tip.

We had a nice night because we always have nice nights together, but Pearl & Fin added nothing. We could have had the same or better fun ordering pizza at home for a tenth of the cost. What should have been a special splurge felt like a complete waste.

Other reviews are strong so if someone else invited me, I’d consider returning for happy hour or their regular menu. I am not looking to return, and definitely not for a special event. They really failed to execute on the expectations they created.

🏳️‍🌈 A note on inclusivity:

Their business model assumed all straight couples. We are a lesbian couple. When we walked in, there was an awkward moment where the host wasn’t sure who to give a rose to. We breezed past it and they kindly gave us an extra on the way out.

Once you’ve been out for years, you get used to these micro-awkwards, but you never stop noticing them. They are unwelcome reminders of backwards thinking. Considering this is the business of hospitality (making people welcome and comfortable) + a holiday for love, I’m surprised no one gave thought to who might be participating in the holiday: people in love, all kinds of people. Why give gendered favors at all? Men can like flowers too. Austin taught me to expect better.

They weren’t rude in the slightest, but it was not an inclusive plan. Inclusion goes beyond not...

Good oyster menu, strong drinks, great service from the servers but put off by host and front of house manager. Food is fresh but pricey.

I was very excited to have a new oyster bar in town. We had reservations and even did a little homework on the menu before arriving. Unfortunately, we were put off by the initial interaction at the host stand. We showed up an hour early because we saw that there were still reservations available for earlier times and figured we could be accommodated. I called twice advise but no one answered.

The host was able to accommodate us as we mad our way to the table, what looked like the manager, asked me to take off my hat. He did not welcome us, did not say why I should take my hat off, just "can you take your hat off". I did not see anything on their website or door that stated there was a fine dining dress code and that caught me off guard, not to mention he didn't even introduce himself or give me a reason why. I later saw another guest walk in with a cowboy hat that didn't have to take off his hat. I don't want to pull out any type of cards but I, very much, felt profiled.

After we had some oysters, the host came up and she asked if we would like a glass of Prosecco. My wife and I both said yes and she looks at me and says "Not for you, it's for her". I was not expecting a second glass because I saw the glass, that was in her hand, sitting at the bar well for several minutes. I knew we were only going to be offered one. She later came by and said "I'm glad you got yourself a drink". I hope they didn't mean anything by this but tonality and choice of words can really paint a nasty picture.

The servers and bar staff were great, nothing against them. The food was average. We enjoyed the Kanpachi Aguachiles and a few of the West Coast oysters but there are better oyster bars in Austin.

Never coming back and if this place considers itself fine dining to warrant a dress code, I wouldn't play Chicken Fried by The Zack Brown band while showing sports and expect me to show up with a black tie tux. Very poor guest interaction and not a good look when you're the new restaurant...

To preface this review, I am someone that’s been in the food and beverage industry for many years and this is in no way attacking or speaking negatively on the restaurant itself, the food, quality or the service there are a few things that I will mention in this review that were negative.

I dined here this past week for a friends birthday party. There was a large group of us, and we overall had a nice dinner, celebrating our friend. However, I do need to note a few things.

The vibe was cool. The place settings were lovely. Food is amazing! The server was informative and attentive, and he overall did a good job and only was doing his job to the best of his ability. However, I did feel like we were wheeled and dealed a little too much, and because of the lack of parties in the restaurant that evening, I do feel like the server you know, was just trying to have a abundant night for himself, which makes complete sense!

However, it was not appropriate to fell like we were being upsold often and then when the bill came, we did notice a few charges were way more than expected, such as $24 for two shrimp that were suggested by our server to be put on top of a crabcake, that’s ridiculous, and should have been told to us upfront we also had an instance where we were offered birthday shots thinking that maybe they were complementary turns out they were $72 for three shots again should have been told to us. I don’t like feeling a sneaky air to a dining experience when the experience overall was lovely it’s just not cool to be hit with bunch of charges for tiny little recommendations, or things that might have brightened the occasion (normally would be on the house if you dine out often for occasions)

I’m only giving four stars for feeling that we had been ripped off and wheeled and dealed throughout the meal, which I did not like it felt like a resort or somewhere where you travel and people try to upsell you because it’s a tourist destination.

I will and would go back to this place again and if you’re reading this I encourage you to...