Service fast and friendly Very clean and organized. They have counter service here at the Reading terminal. Just sit down and a waitress comes to you. Dad & I had breakfast here. The waffle was fluffy and flavorful. Dad got eggs, bacon & rye bread with butter. He ate it all. Coffee was hot and delicious. Got refills when waitress saw we were getting low. Stop by and enjoy this little corner of the terminal. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

9/9/2026 It's nothing like some fresh local oysters to set the mood for the day. They were about to close up for the day but I was able to snag a few raw New Jersey and New York oysters and they were amazing let me tell you. Briny, clean and crisp are all words I'd use. I should have ordered more with the way these tasted. The staff were great and quick with orders. Countertop seating with turning chairs I had a good time read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Came for raw oysters, left with a bad taste in my mouth. This place is seat yourself diner/bar style seating in a busy food-filled market hub. When we sat down we were tended to quickly, and I asked what the raw oyster selection was because it's not listed on their menu. The server hesitated and was not very confident in her answer, but could identify that they had two different kinds, one from Massachusetts, one from New Jersey. I thought it was odd they didn't know the source beyond state, or any of the flavor profiles, but with a surprisingly small selection I ordered 3 of each. The dish came out quickly, with the tiniest quarter sized slice of lemon I have ever seen served with oysters (or anything for that matter). I figured, odd, but if I need more I'll ask for it. I started with the Massachusetts offering. There was a bit of sand and a disappointing amount of shell. The meat was cut into many pieces. I thought perhaps it was just the one in the bunch, but sadly the next one was even worse. Multiple bits of shell, including large ones. I then tried the NJ selection, which unfortunately were not shucked any better. The New Jersey ones also tasted past their prime. It was so bad I literally had to spit it out into a napkin- something I've never had to do before. Really disappointing that a place calling themselves an oyster bar would not have better trained staff and better quality oysters. The oysters were slightly above market, too. That wouldn't have been a problem if we got what we paid for in quality. I've enjoyed many delicious oysters in both Boston and Portland, I had hoped this could be my new favorite oyster bar. Sadly, I wouldn't risk eating here again. Just hoping I don't get food poisoning at this point... read more

Pearl's is the PEARL of Reading Terminal! The oysters are fresh & briny! Please order the Jersey and Maine oysters, so you can get the best of both worlds! Definitely worth the money if you are looking for efficient service & buttery seafood! You'll leave with a smile on your face! read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Right at the entrance of the Market. Very informal setting some tables and stools. We came for breakfast. Service was fast, efficient and friendly. We had egg sandwiches and pancakes. We brought in some green juice from a different place and they were ok with it. Prices are reasonable and good portions. My fave were the crispier breakfast potatoes. I loved those! All in all great deal. There is a lot of oyster ingredientes incorporated on the breakfast menu that we omitted since we were not in the mood for oysters at 9am. They open at 8am. read more

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This review is for breakfast early! It was a busy morning at Reading Terminal. I was trying to find a place for breakfast. There was too many people at Dutch Eating place so we wander and found Pearl's. There is a decent breakfast menu and seating at the counter so we sat down. I got the shrimp and grits which came with 4 decent shrimp over grits. The shrimp was delicious! and the grits were pretty good as well. There was a turkey andouille sausage gravy that comes with it. I ordered the french toast with strawberries ($2 upcharge for the strawberries...not really worth it). French toast was on brioche toast and was good. I wanted more powdered sugar and syrup but overall it was good. Have to come back and try their lunch/dinner menu! read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This place is super easy to locate, spacious, offer bar seating and table seating, great breakfast, Lunch, and seafood selection. Once you order, your food is typically ready within 10 minutes. Service ranges from stellar to ahh. I've surely had more stellar visits than lack luster. My go to meal is the breakfast potatoes, and bacon. I'm gonna graduate to the Shrimp platter soon. I normally arrive in the morning when visiting PA, so I automatically crave breakfast. I'll continue to recommend, and support this business. read more

And I still love it here. There is just something great about sitting in the market and having a great breakfast. They have the best grits I've had in downtown Philadelphia. read more

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My friend recommended this place for brunch and I'm so glad we decided to eat here while visiting the Reading Terminal Market again. We ordered the strawberry waffle with a side of bacon and the Brioche French toast. Food was very good and full of flavor. Service and ambiance were also very good. Next time i will definitely get oysters ! read more

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While staying at the Marriott I crossed the street to Reading Terminal I found Pearl's. The fried shrimp was amazing and fried to perfection. The seafood platter had a piece of fish that was perfectly made and delicious. The calamari was also a part of this and it was a great addition to the platter . The price was right and the service was on par. I'll definitely be back at Pearl's as upon my return to Philly! read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Mixed Seafood Platter - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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We had some time to grab a quick lunch in the market and chose pearls. The counter service is efficient and friendly and was helpful with picking out my lunch. I had the shrimp basket. The shrimp are big and not overcooked so quite tender. Fries are good and hot. It's a hustle bustle place with lots of different vendors to choose from. You can tell they do a good job keeping the space clean and clutter free. Can't wait to come back and try something different. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Fried Shrimp Basket - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Perfect breakfast! Crab Benedict followed by the Chocolate Waffle! My best breakfast since almost 10 years ago in New Orleans at Brennan's.

Grabbed a counter seat for a quick lunch. Had a deliciously huge crab cake sandwich! Service was fast and friendly at this busy place in the Reading Terminal market! read more

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Large helpings. Sausage links were butterflied and over grilled (for my taste). Poached eggs were well done. Potatoes were a little dry. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I was able to get breakfast at lunch time. I ordered Strawberry Waffle, Bacon & Cranberry juice. In no time, it was gone with the wind. Service was great. Our server made sure we had everything we needed. read more

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I was visiting Philly and stayed across the street from Reading Terminal Market so my adventurous palate was wandering about for some breakfast. The large neon sign drew an oyster lover like me in. I ordered the fried oyster egg scramble and it was definitely worth trying. The fact that it's fried brought out a little bitterness out of the oyster but it was still delicious overall. The meal did not come with any sides so I recommend ordering a side. I added the cheesy grits after realizing there were no sides by default. The grits were okay, nothing to write home about. Their other breakfast dishes were your American staples and were in good portions. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I enjoyed a weekday lunch at Pearls. I ordered the fried mixed seafood which included fried shrimp, (1) piece of cod, fried clam strips, French fries, and coleslaw. I'm not a fan of coleslaw or clam strips but theirs was good so I ate some of it. The fish, shrimp, and fries were good. I liked that I had control over the salt and pepper for the fries. Pearls has designated seating for their customers which is a plus for the always crowded Reading Terminal. The staff were friendly and efficient. I will return and try something else on the menu. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Mixed Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My mom was in town and she's a seafood fan so I decided to give this spot in Reading Terminal a try after passing it all the time. It has both counter seating and restaurant-style tables, and kind of operates as a mix of both which is a little confusing - you're supposed to seat yourself and I guess flag a server or have one notice you, then it's table service until you have to get up and go to the counter to pay. Anyway, small quibble! My mom and I grabbed a table and ordered the mixed seafood fry and shrimp and grits to share (they offer their breakfast options all day which is nice). The seafood fry was a generous portion of battered cod, four big shrimp, and clam strips on top of a big bed of fries, with coleslaw, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce. It came out hot, fresh, and crispy. The shrimp and grits had the same juicy big shrimp grilled on top of the grits, which were pretty mildly-flavored and not too creamy or cheesy but my mom liked it that way. Overall a filling casual seafood meal for very reasonable prices! I'd visit again and they even have a good number of non-seafood brunch options so there is something for everyone. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Mixed seafood fry and shrimp and grits - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you find yourself close by and are looking for a cool diner feel in an open market you found your spot. Unique and delicious, I found a great crab cake in Philly. My oh my that's a top ten crab cake for me. Friendly and super fast service! read more

Good place for some fresh oysters or breakfast almost anytime of the day (when they are open). You sit at an old bar/stool type setting but fast friendly service. Get their happy hour special for good quality oysters at a cheaper price. Tried their cocktail shrimp which was OK, not spectacular. I like the oysters at Oyster House a little better but these are not bad. read more

Walking through Reading Terminal Market, this oyster bar caught my eye. I decided to sit down and try their sampler platter that came with oysters, shrimp, and clams. The oysters were some of the best I've had on the east coast! Slightly sweet with a great briny flavor. I was not a fan of the raw clams, probably a bit too intense for me. Would definitely come back for some oysters though! Entrees: Raw Bar Sampler read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Raw Bar Sampler - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Eat Oysters Love Longer" -- As an oyster fiend I knew I had to enjoy some oysters while travelling to the east coast. Pearl's Oyster Bar is located inside of the Reading Terminal Market and they have diner style seating and a few tables. Since I was alone I decided to get the Small Raw Bar Sampler ($42) to try a bit of everything since it comes with 8 oysters, 4 clams, and 4 shrimp cocktails. Service was questionable. It took a while to get me the order too. When I asked which oysters they were they waitress was like umm these are from Massachusetts and these are from New Jersey and the clams are Littleneck Clams from Virginia. Very nonspecific. Like what breed, what farm? Not just what state. Also the reason I dinged them on the rating is POOR SHUCKING. You guys are an oyster bar. This is unacceptable. There were visible shells floating on some and some of these oysters and clam got super cut up. Basically an example platter of what not to do. The shrimp was the best thing on the platter and the clams came second. I didn't really enjoy the oysters. Maybe they accidentally washed out the natural brine cause it was so bland, and not that salty briny taste I get from east coast oysters. Please train your staff on how to shuck an oyster properly and better explain to the customer what they purchased. read more

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Pearl's Oyster Bar has been my regular destination stop at Reading Terminal Market for years whenever I'm in Center City. What's been the draw for me? Their Philadelphia classic Snapper Soup (with Sherry). Since the pandemic, the past few times I've been there when in town, they have not had Snapper Soup. The reason I'm told - there isn't enough demand. Hard to believe! It was so good! Having brought now my visiting buddy to Pearl's to have Snapper Soup, it was still not on the menu. While disappointed, we still sat ourselves down and ordered each a Crab Cake Sandwich. (Also, new to my friend!) It absolutely was a tasty solid sandwich. That being said, Pearl's, highlight the local! Bring back your Snapper Soup and promote it so more people can enjoy this Philadelphia specialty! Then, I'l shift my rating from 3 to 5 stars! read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Pearl's Oyster Bar Crab Cake Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Reading Terminal is a must stop for any foodie. I can't wait to come loaded with coolers and ice to bring some food in a road trip home (there's some dry rub ribs on this last visit that were calling my name). However, until then, I have to be content with eating at one of the many counters and Pearl's is one of my favorites. It's quick, well prepared, fresh seafood. It doesn't get quite better than that. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Oysters were amazing clam chowder with fresh and tasted good waitress was crabby and like it was a bother for her to serve. She was rude to everyone around me. Thankfully, a guy ended up serving me, but she was awful. She's great to have lunch at the convention center food is amazing. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Lunch - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Surprisingly excellent fried oyster Platter- not overcooked or over breaded.. And nice hot fries. Exceeded my expectations! read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I love this place and every time I come to Reading terminal it's a must stop. Fresh oysters you could get besides being right next to the Ocean. Stopped in to get a couple fried shrimp and a couple fried oysters and a half a dozen some raw five out of five. read more

Great clam chowder and oysters! Came back twice. The clam chowder is not super heavy and thick, which I like. The crab deviled eggs are amazing! Also had the shrimp cocktail - loved how cold they were, and the seasoning on them is great, but they are small. Overall great experience! read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Clam chowder and oysters - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Solid oyster place! Gave us 2 types of oysters to try from and they were both delicious!

Was craving raw oysters, this place hit the spot. I got the small seafood sampler: oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail. Was fresh. Came out quickly. The shrimp and grits was cooked well but I needed hot sauce and comes with only four medium smallish shrimp. And not much of the tomato sauce to mix with the grits. The crabby deviled eggs are topped with plenty of filling but honestly, would never know there was crab in it since it just tasted like a fat plain deviled egg. This place is a quick eat and go set up. Would recommended for a quick lunch and if your in a pinch to get some raw bar foods.! read more

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A must try....With all the things to eat at the Reading Terminal we decided on Pearls Oyster bar!! Very friendly staff and the food was amazing! We had scrapple (best I have ever tasted), shrimp and grits (no our fav to watery) and tacos which were so flavorful and delish!! read more

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Started our food adventure in this Philadelphia Reading Market Terminal spot! Now this is what I think of when I have clam chowder. It was so tasty. Freshest raw oysters too. Never seen where you can pick from a variety of types and you can do that here. Since we were planning to try food from a variety of stalls I didn't try anything else but definitely want to go back and try this crab cakes. read more

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I have been wanting to go here for a while and today was the day. The oysters were so fresh and yummy and the New England clam chowder has to be the best I ever had. The clams Were like butter! I'll have to be back to enjoy the rest of the menu. Service is great and fast! read more

Had an amazing baked cod and happy hour oysters. Cocktails looked amazing but I didn't have one (gone sober), but can tell they were made too notch. Can get crowded and I found the customers at the bar to be lacking in social skills, but staff made up for it! Will def go back to try other menu items. read more

My bf has never been to the reading terminal so we decided to take our lunch break to explore and taste a variety of places- of course our journey begun at pearls because we love oysters and neither of us have tried it! It didn't disappoint. The seating was attractive in this place since it's always so packed and tables are scarce. The service was fast and they hand a ton of employees there, two employees checked in with us and they had great recommendations for what other places to try after we told them that we were exploring. We ordered a dozen oyster (1/2 from Nova Scotia 1/2 from Virginia) they were so delicious and fresh! I will def be back read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Excellent food better then yesterday at down home diner. Great service and old booth ambiance. read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This spot is right across the cookie spot at Readinf Terminal. Has very much a diner feel but within and open space. We went for brunch and we were lucky to find seating right away (-10am). It is self seating so keep your eyes open quick. Our friendly server immediately greeted us and I ordered coffee and a crab cake Benedict. It was delicious but I did not realize how filling it would be as it came with shrimp grits (also delicious)! We sat next to a lovely family and so our meal was accompanied by some good conversation. Check out was quick - bring the bill to the counter to pay. I would come back to try other non breakfast dishes). read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Crab cake Benedict with shrimp grits - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Food was decent. I ordered the fried oyster platter. My meal came with 3-4 large fried oysters. They were fried well. The fries were decent. The coleslaw was not very good. My family ordered the shrimp platter. The shrimp was fried well and tasted good. Service was quick and decently friendly. The ambiance reminded me of an old-school diner setting. read more

Delish, fresh and FAST at Reading Terminal Market. Inspired by lightly breaded fried oysters read more

Pearl's Oyster Bar - Hanger fry and hash brown potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The food is crap, the service is worse never will return. I order fried oysters and for $21.95 got three oyster pike if mediocre fries and spoiled Cole slaw. Avoid this place at all costs read more