Pearlz Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Columbia

Pearlz Oyster Bar of Columbia South Carolina gave me a decent dine in restaurant experience, and met most of my expectations. Here's why I liked and disliked Pearlz Oyster Bar: Even if you aren't familiar with the Vista of Columbia South Carolina, finding Pearlz Oyster Bar is no challenge. However, with the ease of finding Pearlz Oyster Bar also comes the difficulty of finding parking. Every time I've been to Pearlz Oyster Bar, I usually park two to three blocks away, and sometimes further depending on the crowd. I always go right before peak times around 4pm, or after peaks times around 7:30pm to avoid having to park so far away. After finding parking, you begin your Pearlz Oyster Bar dine in restaurant experience by being greeted by a professional, courteous, and tactful stewardess. Thankfully, every time I've eaten at Pearlz Oyster Bar for dinner I haven't had to wait long, and if I do have to wait it's within a reasonable amount of time. As a matter of fact, it's even safe to say that all of the employees that I have been greeted by, or interacted with at Pearlz Oyster Bar have all been professional, courteous, helpful, tactful, and knowledgable. Pearlz Oyster Bar has great customer service when it comes to professionalism, courtesy, and tact. However, Pearlz Oyster Bar lacks promptness, and there is no urgency when it comes to speed of service. During my last dine in at Pearlz Oyster Bar the delivery of food was prompt, however after the food was delivered the speed of service rapidly decreased for the remainder of my time there. The menu at Pearlz Oyster Bar is extremely healthy to moderately healthy, and there is also something for the whole family. However, another thing that I don't like about Pearlz Oyster Bar is the lack of variety their menu has to offer. With the lack of variety there are also small portion sizes on their main course entrees at Pearlz Oyster Bar. My usual dinner entree at Pearlz Oyster Bar consists of the whole steamed oysters (not shucked) or the shrimp and grits. The steamed oysters come in a half dozen or dozen, and I always get at least two dozen. As for the shrimp and grits, I only get one plate, however I could eat three of the shrimp and grits entrees at Pearlz Oyster Bar and still not be full due to the small portion. There just aren't enough shrimp on this plate, it's the size of an appetizer, and also overpriced (too small and overpriced). Pearlz Oyster bar can be unreasonably priced on certain menu items they have to offer. Before I order, I always ask for the origin of catch and date of catch to be sure I'm getting my moneys worth at Pearlz Oyster Bar. Pearlz Oyster Bar is above average when it comes to freshness to that of other seafood restaurants I have been to. I would even say that Pearlz Oyster Bars freshness makes up for some of the lack of menu variety and small entrees. The Whole Steamed Oysters and shrimp and grits plate are always fresh at Pearlz Oyster Bar; and gets fresher and better every time. Every time I dine in at Pearlz Oyster Bar there is quality food, fresh food, great climate control, and courteous waiters. The overall atmosphere at Pearlz Oyster Bar is inviting and comfortable, and the customer feels welcomed back time and time again. Seating on the other hand can be uncomfortable and awkward. I personally recommend sitting at the booths due to the small sizes of all the floor tables, and their awkward layout. I've never been to the bar upstairs or the music area, so I can't speak for them. However, the bars downstairs are nice, and seem to have a unique variety. The downstairs bars are also convenient for couples, or anyone interested in watching sports. As for the overall cleanliness at Pearlz Oyster Bar it is average to above average, and that's bathrooms included. Finally, not many other restaurants can compete with Pearlz Oyster Bars quality of food, freshness, and courtesy. I only wish, and would like to see Pearlz Oyster Bar add a house appetizer while waiting for your main course meal,...

Starting your food journey downtown at 6:30pm local you either need a lot of luck or some cash to pay for a spot near your destination. I got lucky and found a spot about a block from the restaurant. Walking down the sidewalk towards the establishment i passed a few mentionables like The Blue Marlin, and Columbia's famous Motor Supply Co.

Making my aproach, the sign was unlit but dully gleaming under street light. 'Pearlz' Oyster Bar felt more like a local brewhouse atmosphere. Upon entering, i saw a large bar, stretching almost the length of the place, and a small podium set to the side attended by a hostess. Suprisingly, i was offered a choice of seating, and elected for a booth situated center on a wall opposite of the bar.

Almost simultaneously as i got situated in my extra large seat, despite the crowd that filled the place, my server Christina welcomed me and asked if id like anything to drink, i ordered a sprite and waited while she retrieved it as well as a menu. This evening they had a few dishes not offered on the menu, but those werent what i was after. I took a minute to collect my order and once Christina returned, i played out my request for her. I wanted to begin with a bowl of New England Clam Chowder, accompanied with a plate of Fried Oysters, then a dozen of the house raw (or steamed) oysters and 2 fried oyster tacos.

The Chowder was light, sprinkled with green onion and full of flavor. It was a whole different soup than im used to, and it was amazing. No need for salt or pepper here, this soup was an excellent start. Next was the fried Oysters, and i have to say, even with the breading getting a tad soggy on some pieces, these things were cooked nicely, paired with a buffalo sauce that had a peppery zing to it, i wasnt at all mad, and i finished every single bite.

Next up, of course was my raw oysters on the half shell. I got a dozen, because why not! Each bite felt fresh and clean on my palate. They offer red and green Tabasco sauce, lemom, as well as an oil like sauce and some typical cocktail sauce. I tried it all and i loved it all.

Finally my "main course" arrived, and i thought to myself... "Well im glad i ordered so much food beforehand." Two fried oyster tacos sat on their sides decorated with what i assume was a mix of smokey spices. It didnt matter much because i was enthralled with what i just ate. Anywho, not totally impressed with these tacos, they came as a stand alone, no sides, no leafy garnish. One notable detail about the tacos tho, is the dressing. Its a blue cheese that wasnt overpowering, a nice light pairing with the fried goodness of the oyster. Keep your buffalo sauce from the fried oyster starter if you havent finished it tho because this also pairs nicely as a dipping element for your tacos. Concluding, there just seemed to be a lack of substance, and presentation. Not a deal breaker, but unexpected coming from a restaurant that just wooed me with the previous dishes.

Finally, i opted for dessert. Now ill preface this part by saying Pearlz does not have thier own desert menu, and that doesnt stop them. Partnered with the business next door, Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe offers the finishing sweets and beverages you want after a fine meal.

Authors Note My server Christina was outstanding. From memorizing my order, to suggestions from the menu and a consistent smile on her face, she was one of the best waitresses i have ever experienced. She didnt hesitate to accommodate my needs, specifically when it came to dessert. Returning, voluntarily with a hot cup of cappuccino to pair with a slice of their Tollhouse pie. Not to mention the countless times she came to check on me.

To wrap it all up, honestly Pearlz seems underated. It deserves accolades, and it deserves the public. If you want to check out Motor Supply Co. Go right ahead, but make time to dine at Pearlz Oyster Bar, i promise you wont regret it, (unless you just...

A friend and I were in Columbia, SC last night and decided to eat here for the first time after we decided we wanted seafood. Sadly, we were met with more disappointment than delight. The atmosphere is that of a sports bar meets upper end restaurant with its dim mood lighting, sleek wooden finishings, and college football playing on the monitors above the bar. I did appreciate the socially distanced seating and plexiglass to separate the booths as well as the masks worn by most of the serving staff.

Upon ordering drinks, my partner requested 4 shots of Don Julio Añejo. When the drinks arrived, he pointed out to the server that the shots seemed light in color. Normally a light amber color, the shots presented in the glass were a much lighter shade of pale, even in the dim light. Against the white plate the limes were served on, it seemed almost completely clear. My guy is an avid tequila drinker and he made note almost as soon as the drinks hit the table. The server admitted she questioned the color as well and took the shots away to double check that we received the correct drink. After a moment, she returned confirming that she saw the bartender pour a shot straight from the bottle and the color was consistent. In an attempt to salvage the night, we ignored our better judgement and waited on our food.

The shrimp tacos were delicious. The calamari appetizer was not. The fried calamari rings were thin with the batter hardly attached to them and sat atop a bed of marinara with capers in it. The soggy texture and strange concoction of flavors were just added insult to injury. My guy ordered the fried oyster platter (delicious with the house tarter sauce) and I had the shrimp and grits (lackluster at best, shrimp was great, needed a sauce or gravy or SOMETHING more). I will say the girl serving us was extremely polite and courteous the entire time, keeping our waters filled and checking in often - I really appreciate that bit.

Afterwards, we ended up buying a bottle of Don Julio ourselves and upon pouring the first shot, we realized that the shots served to us prior were DEFINITELY NOT as dark in color. It's a shame to doubt the integrity of the business at hand, but it's not unknown that in order to make a few extra bucks, owners (or bartenders, or whomever) will cut the top shelf liquor with the lower quality stuff to make it stretch a bit. I'd never seen a proper shot of the Añejo before, but once I did from our own bottle, there was no doubt that there were some questionable practices underway at the Pearlz Oyster Bar. It's just unfortunate we didn't realize it until after we departed for the night.

My rating reflects the overall experience, atmosphere, our service, and the quality of the GOOD food choices made. (He won this round.) Take what you will from the review, but be wary of the ultra-light colored Don Julio Añejo and do NOT get...