Pearl's Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Mixed Experience with Fish and Chips at Reading Terminal Market

During my recent visit to Reading Terminal Market, I decided to try the fish and chips at one of the seafood vendors. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the location offered a unique dining experience with a view of the bustling street outside.

The server was attentive and friendly, managing the busy environment with a genuine smile and prompt service. Her professionalism added a positive touch to our meal.

As for the food, the fries were decent but lacked the crispiness that I typically enjoy in a classic fish and chips dish.They were acceptable but didn't stand out.

The fish portion was notably small considering the price point. Moreover, it was quite greasy, suggesting it hadn't been drained properly after frying. The batter lacked seasoning, making the overall flavor rather bland. It seemed as though the fish had been fried without much attention to enhancing its taste.

In summary, while the service and ambiance were commendable, the fish and chips fell short of expectations. With some adjustments to portion size, oil management, and seasoning, this dish could be...

Kind of an odd combination between a breakfast counter and a raw bar. It's located within the reading market and I walked all around it trying to locate this place. I somehow managed to go in the wrong entrance and missed it the 1st time, but it's located along one of the 12th st egresses. I came for the seafood and got a small raw bar sampler. The oysters were tiny compared to what I normally get on the Gulf Coast. Were they normal size for their variety, cause these would not pass catch limits here. That being said they were good, nice and salty, slightly sweet. The clams by comparison were huge. This being my first time I would have thought it would've been the opposite. I also figured out I don't really like raw clams. I managed to suck them down, but I prefer oysters. The cocktail shrimp were good, fresh and not overcooked. Also got a cup of chowder which was also good, but had a slight bitter after taste I could quite place. It didn't ruin it, but something that seemed slightly *off for me. I still remember those pre Horizon oil spill bivalve prices so this stung a little. But big city living plus treat...

No more sweet tea. No more fresh kaiser rolls. Cooks/chef replaced, not an improvement: calimari over fried and half of french fries twice-fried, a trick to use up the fries that had gone cold. The young woman who waited on me talked too much which is ok but she also didn't listen, even talking over me after I listened to her and patiently waited until she was done over-explaining everythin. The next time I saw her she had her coat on then was gone. The server who brought my food said, "Calimari?", dropped it to the counter, then turned and walked away. Had she checked on me even once I would have asked for the check. Having suffered long enough through a very disappointing meal I went to the counter and told the cashier what I had, paid and left. All the cashier said to me was $15.66, and not another word. Pearl's, once a wonderful place to get a quick and reliably tasty meal, should just 'close the shutters' and call it a day...