Wonderful dining experience. Very attentive and friendly staff. The would was fantastic. Kudos to the chef. Definitely going back again.

Food was good, however I felt that the prices were more than they should have been. Food was ok, but for the cost I would rather go somewhere else. read more

If you're going to Laural, you have to have lunch at Pearl's on your list. It was not as crowded as I had envisioned and there were several tables available. You order at the back counter, the menu is above and as they run out of items they take it off the board. You pay, they give you a number for your table, you get your own drinks and silverware then have a seat until they bring your food. By far the star of the show was the pork chop, cooked to perfection. The fried chicken tenders are large and have a good bit of breading. The meatloaf is a solid choice but don't order it if you don't like broccoli because it is in their recipe. The rice and gravy was watery, and the mac and cheese was average. The green beans and summer beans were exceptional. The place is busy and a tad noisy but that is to be expected because the turnover was constant. Finally, the young cashier was very friendly and the lady running the dining room is nonstop on top of things. read more

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Homey comfort food. Awesome vibe, friendly. Basic menu but food is wonderful. Just like Mom would make at home. Good customer service, clean. read more

If you're in town you HAVE to grab a meal here. Simply the most friendly staff and so personable. Ms. Pearl herself was there and signed cookbooks and took pictures with everyone. She even shared her testimony with the restaurant! Who would've thought I would be so blessed over a meal here. Can't say enough good things!!!! read more

Pearl’s Diner - Ordering counter - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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Best fried chicken I have ever had! The service was amazing. This is the quintessential southern diner! Highly recommended.

Try other places to eat nearby. Pass on pricey Pearls. This place is about more fame/profit vs good food. A passable kitchen with small portions but no flavor - they're resting on their laurels. read more

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Great restaurant, great food and a great blessing to hear Ms. Pearls faith in Jesus. Not to many places you can go to and be greeted by the store's namesake and hear her give glory to God. read more

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The closest thing to my grandmother's cooking I have ever had. That is an extraordinarily high compliment. The place was packed but they kept the line moving steadily. The catfish and the fried chicken were both absolutely delicious. I think the catfish was my favorite of the two. For sides, we got rice and gravy, baby limas, cabbage and fries. Oh those baby limas... The show Home Town brought us here but the food and the southern charm will keep us coming back! read more

Oh-em-gee! The food at Pearl's Diner was fantastic! I am a native of the area and have lived away for nearly 25 years. I consider myself a connoisseur of southern cooking and this was some of the best southern food I've had (except for my mother and mother-in law's food). The fried chicken was seasoned perfectly. Crispy on the outside. Juicy on the inside. My mom and I had a variety of sides. Everything was fresh and hot. We went for lunch on a Monday. Not crowded at all. The service was great. One of the chefs came over to our table to chat. We will definitely be back! read more

Pearl’s Diner - Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked sweet potato, and jalapeño cornbread - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

It was hard to decide how many stars to give this place. My husband and I both ordered fried chicken dinners- the sides we had were mac & cheese, green beans, rice and gravy, black-eyed peas, and jalapeño cornbread. The food was good. My husband says he's had much better soul food. The Black Eyed Peas were wonderful and even though I had my doubts about rice and gravy it was great. The mac & cheese was good. You do have to wait in line order your food and then hope to get a table and then they'll bring the food to you. Staff was very helpful in doing what needed to be done. I'm glad we went -don't regret it a bit but as my husband said if we come back to Laurel again we don't need to go again. read more

Pearl’s Diner - Menu - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

Right away we were created with smiles and friendly faces. The manager Darin was so friendly and let us bring our dog inside since it was so cold outside. While the menu is limited, it's above the cashier, it's made with love and very tasty. My fried chicken was crispy and fresh. The Mac and cheese tasted homemade. The diner is a great ambassador for Laurel the hone of HGTV's Hometown show. read more

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I saw they had fried chicken so thought would give a try. Best chicken I ever had, honestly!moist inside and crispy outside and was delicious. The staff is the best. Very friendly and hospitality excellent Greg was going around to tables making sure the guests were satisfied . Remember this is the south where everything is a little slower so adjust and enjoy! Life is more pleasurable in the slow lane . Only open from 11-2 Tuesday through Saturday so make sure you stop on by , you won't be disappointed read more

Pearl’s Diner - the interior of a restaurant - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

Like most anybody coming to Laurel these days we stopped in here after seeing it on HGTV. The place was bustling but the line moved fast. I had the fried chicken with rice and gravy and mac and cheese. There was some confusion on our order as people behind us in line were served before us but it wasn't a real problem. The fried chicken was good but not the best I've ever had, one of my two pieces was slightly overdone but the mac and cheese was excellent. For being a small town this is a great option and one of the few options in downtown. If I ever found myself in Laurel again, I'd return. read more

Before we even walked through the door I could smell some sort of cleaning supply like pinesol. Once opened the door it was so strong I knew we couldn't eat inside. For a meat and two it was 20.00 per person. The food was very much out of a can and not home cooked soul food. We ate on the sidewalk tables and the pinesol smell was so strong I swear I could taste it in my food. I maybe ate 4 bites. Maybe it was an off day but the price for three of us was 60.00. Each got a meat and two. We all had different items and none were properly seasoned. Way too expensive for what it was. read more

Always a fan favorite. They are only open Monday-Saturday 11:00-2:00. You order at the counter, find a table (good luck), then they bring out your food. We arrived at 1:30 on a Friday afternoon. They fit us in! They came and asked everyone in line what they were going to order so they could make enough fresh fried chicken to handle the crowd. Chicken was great! Black eyed peas like we grew up on and green beans with bacon. We were treated to a visit by Miss Pearl and her son. Great team of folks working to keep the restaurant clean and organized. They were all friendly and very talkative about Laurel and their community. read more

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Good food on certain days... Overall the fried chicken was excellent but don't use the butter substitute they serve expecting a butter flavor. Limited choices and I think I picked a bad menu for me. On the day I was there I would give them 3 stars. read more

In Laurel, Pearl's Diner was on the top of my list. Full disclosure necessitates that I confess I had never heard of Pearl's Diner before and my introduction to Pearl didn't come until I watched HGTV's hit show, Home Town. If it hadn't been for Ben and Erin Napier remodeling Pearl's home, I probably wouldn't have ever heard of, much less, met Pearl. But thankfully, I did and, thankfully, I have. Watching Home Town created a desire in me to travel to Laurel, MS, to see it this quaint city firsthand. The day we arrived in Laurel, as my friend and I were driving through downtown, we saw Pearl running an errand. Although busy, she still took the time to say hello. We told her that we would be at the diner the next day and for lunch and a proper introduction. The next day, we promptly arrived at 11:30 and found ourselves at the counter to place our order within seconds. A typical meal is one meat, three sides, and cornbread. My friend and I decided to share the fried chicken plate so we wouldn't feel so guilty about ordering the Banana Pudding. Our chicken was fried to perfection and the macaroni and cheese and turnip greens were a good accompaniment. But wait, I said there were three sides, right? We also ordered the candied yams, which I am pretty sure could qualify as a dessert also. Y-U-M-M-Y. I will have to admit that I was expecting banana pudding with custard as the base, but it was a condensed milk/whipped topping base. Don't get me wrong, I ate every bite and it was delicious. It just wasn't what I was expecting. Now for my meeting with Pearl. We waited patiently as Pearl scurried around the restaurant bussing tables and making food deliveries. But when it was our turn to meet her, we had her undivided attention. I absolutely love meeting people who cook and appreciate good food and Pearl was no exception. Full of life and personality, she visited with us like she had known us for years, not minutes. So, if you find yourself in Laurel, MS, take the time to stop by Pearl's Diner. I hope that you get the opportunity to meet Pearl and if you do, tell her Travel and Table says, "Hello"! read more

Pearl’s Diner - We got banana pudding for dessert, but there was no need. The yams were good enough for dessert! - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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We entered the diner and was met by a very rude employee. Felt like a herd of cattle vs being treated as a valued customer....so we left. Where was that southern hospitality? Definitely not at Pearl's Diner. I asked many local shop owners where to eat after the fact and all turned up their nose when Pearls was mentioned. Pearls WAS on top of our list of places to visit while in Laurel.....so disappointed! Pearl's....you can do so much better!!!! read more

Great Southern Home cooking! As one customer said "if Colonel Sanders had Pearls fried chicken recipe we would know him as General Sanders!" Need I say more? This is a no nonsense restaurant. Order your meat, sides and drink then enjoy!Really, really enjoyed everything. They ran out of banana pudding, but I'll get there earlier next time. Pearl, her Son and the staff are warm, friendly and gracious host. The line moves quickly, and not a long wait for your food. read more

Pearl’s Diner - Fried pork chop, fried chicken, Mac & cheese, green beans, Lima beans, black eye peas and corn bread. - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

Great friendly staff & good southern food only been once but overall good lunch place

This new restaurant in downtown Laurel is located in the old Burton's Jewelry Store location. It took them a long time to renovate and open but after two visits, I can say the wait was worth it! The interior has large booths next to the windows to sit in along with tables in the middle. I like the decor here even keeping the old floor that looks dirty but isn't. It is a counter service restaurant that serves a limited menu of meats and vegetables displayed above the ordering area. My first visit was to try the fried chicken and I will tell you it was delicious! Excellent taste and as good as you will find anywhere. My vegetables that day we're also yummy. The second visit was on a Friday when they served fried fish and it was very good too. I like how the self serve drinks are served in paper Barq's cups. Prices are affordable and at present they are only open Tuesday-Friday for lunch. Street parking only. With LeFleurs closing due to a fire, I think this is the best place to eat not only in downtown but all of Laurel. I hope they expand their hours and consider serving dinner one day. With the nice revitalization of downtown Laurel, that day may be soon. read more

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We visited this establishment, and we were actually excited to be greeted by Miss Pearl herself. Great food! Great atmosphere! Great time! read more

Service was friendly and fast, the food was excellent and perfectly cooked! The sweet tea is sold by the jug full for a great reason, cause it's fine! read more

Really great food. Even better service! Loved going here. Very southern vibe! Highly suggest if you are in Laurel!

Excellent meat and three... in old city district... was just passing through, and stumbled upon this Classic... very good

Best pork chop I've ever eaten! Service is slow because of the crowd not the employees! Yummy banana pudding read more

Pearl’s Diner - Banana pudding - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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This is an old South style restaurant that features "Meat and 3 " style dining. I had a pork chop, baked sweet potato and butter beans. The lunch was very good. The restaurant staff were all very helpful.a great place to have lunch. read more

Good food, great and friendly service. Nice facilities. A bit pricey. I would come back again.

Another great meal at Pearl's! We tried the ribs this time, which were melt in your mouth tender, with a very tasty sauce! Mmmm. All our sIdes were delicious, but I particularly love the flavorful collards. This time we got a special treat when Pearl brought her own plate and sat down to have lunch with us! She's very friendly and such a delight to talk to! read more

Pearl’s Diner - Dominick & his new friend, Mz. Pearl! - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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A rare five stars! They had me at the first bite ~ Lima beans that immediately took me back to my grandmother's lunch table! This is a simple place in a simple southern town. Only open for lunch, the food is wonderful (but keeping with the theme, simple fare)! I had fried chicken, limas, and turnips. Hubby ordered fried catfish, mac and cheese, and green beans. We were offered banana pudding, but having some reason still about us (despite ordering fried ~ they were out of baked ~ chicken) we declined. I took pics of our food as it arrived, which was a good thing, because not a morsel was left. Food was promptly served ~ meat was piping hot out of the fryer. Chicken was perfect ~ and scrumptious. Likewise the catfish. Turnips tasted like turnips ~ and that's saying something!! In short, everything was perfect. Hubby's mac and cheese was the only thing that looked "cafeteria-like." The green beans looked like someone was in the back snapping them. Not a crumb of anything was left, so I'm guessing his was as good as mine. Mechanics: order at the counter. The cashier will guide you through (after a hearty greeting!) You are given your receipt with an order number. When your number is called, alert the staff (eye contact, a raised hand...) They bring the food to you. Parking is on the street. There is abundant free parking about a block away at the Mercantile. Male, female, and family restrooms. Staff is friendly and that special southern sort of kind. Get off the highway for lunch here. Your journey will be better for it! read more

Pearl’s Diner - Fried Chicken, turnips and Lima beans ~ mmmmmm!!!! - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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I hope I can get Ms. Pearls DNA to take back to Iowa as we need good food and this is the place to get it. Laurel has always had really good food and really good cooks but it is the effort I really appreciate and the consistency i miss the most. Franchise this place and people in Iowa will die from overeating! read more

What else can be said about Pearl's Diner that hasn't already been said. Great food served in a timely manner. They are open Wed-Sat from 11:00-2:00 (they recently started closing on Monday and Tuesday due to shortage of help). Fried chicken, rice and gravy and THE best collard greens I've ever had. You walk in and get in line to order. Seating is a premium so you may want to grab a seat and let others in your party order. You take a number, they are constantly yelling out how long will be before your number called. Don't let the crowds keep you from trying some of the best Southern cuisine ever! read more

Pearl’s Diner - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

This is rock star fried chicken and southern comfort food and I'll throw hands with anyone that disagrees! Our second visit and it did not disappoint! They do all of their dishes in a way that really does seem like "home cooking". Everything has flavor; everything has a little extra something. This is not a fancy place but it is well run, well staffed and all about the food. Just go. read more

The food the service is amazing. I came for fried chicken and that was not a disappointment. The sides are amazing. I could go on about it but you just have to go for yourself. read more

We were so looking forward to Pearl's Diner as we are huge fans of "Hometown" on HGTV. We were in line for opening and waited about 30 minutes to place our order. Everything we tasted was very good, especially the fried chicken. My only complaint was the disorganization. Between ordering to sit at an outside table and then our wait time for the chicken (45 minutes) - it seemed a bit off. I would try them again, but I wouldn't come overly hungry. read more

I enjoyed the most wonderful Southern Soul Dinner of Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Collards, Peas, Cornbread and Tea with my cousins as we visited Laurel during this past Memorial Day Weekend. We almost missed our opportunity to enjoy Miss Pearl's food because we tried to avoid the long line and waiting until closing time to enter. After pleading and looking pitiful, they invited us in and it was the highlight of Laurel. Miss Pearl's food is fresh, perfectly prepared, and served with a smile. I'm Southern, I cook, and I recognize good cooking when I have it. While watching the renovation of her home on HGTV Home Town, I remembered I had not written my comments. So Thank You to Miss Pearl and all of her staff for the great Southern Food and Gracious Hospitality. You are a 5-Star asset to Laurel. read more

On a Saturday, the wait to order and then the wait for a table was long - but oh, so, worth it. This is a classic southern "meat and two" with a limited menu but every item is well prepared.  And most of the staff was helpful and friendly.  The one exception was the order taker/cahier who had all the personality of a brick wall :-). Wife had Fried Chicken - the breast was just a bit overdone but the wing was perfect.  I had the catfish and it was excellent.  All of the vegetables were excellent and well seasoned.  We ordered banana pudding but haven't eaten it yet because we were so full. Because they were so busy, they seated us at a table with a mother and two boys from Alabama and we had fun meeting and talking with them over lunch.  Don't shy away from sharing tables - it can be fun! read more

Wow! The chicken is AMAZING!! I am from Southern California, we do not have fried chicken. Unless you hit the KFC drive through you will not find fried chicken. Pearls is sooooo good and it's not greasy! 10/10 recom read more

Pearl’s Diner - Yummy!!! - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

The operators were wonderful and the food was delicious. Fantastic home cooking. Family friendly location