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    THE PEARL ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - The Pearl

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    Tracey S.

    It's ALWAYS a pleasure to visit the Pearl - South Bay! This time I went for a private event for the METCO Alumni Association Mix & Mingle and had the most amazing time. The space allows for intimacy and 1:1 conversations at the bar, but still worked perfectly for mingling and chatting with friends at the hightop tables. My favorite things about this restaurant are the food and the amazing owners who are so down to earth and truly care about their patrons. The seafood is always so fresh and I could have eaten 1,000 of their fresh oysters with onion vinegar and lemon! The shrimp were also very delicious. All of the hot food was delicious and well seasoned as usual. Another fun feature is the fact that the best music always "rains down" on you from a DJ who is situated in a perch high above the restaurant area. This small detail makes the experience feel like a supper club vibe for grown folks. I have plans to check out their second location in Allston/Brighton very soon!

    Wrinkled, stained menus. A QR codes menu or laminated sheet would be much more impressive.
    Lesley W.

    Cute spot - smaller than I expected but very welcoming vibe. I had the BBD. Which is a blackberry, whiskey drink made with Uncle Nearest. It was yummy! The wings were delicious - well seasoned and flavorful. My only "issue" was the menus. It's not expensive to laminate a sheet of paper. What they presented cheapened the place. Server was pleasant.

    Jenny R.

    The Pearl South Bay is so cool, I almost applied for a job while eating dinner. The whole place has that perfect blend of style and soul--modern, polished, but still full of warmth. The lighting, the music, the layout--it's giving upscale but never uptight. I came in just expecting a nice meal, but everything from the staff's energy to the menu made me feel like I stumbled into a hidden gem. The food? Delicious. Every dish looked like it belonged in a magazine spread, and tasted even better. The cocktails were on point too--crafted, not poured. It felt like the kind of spot where the kitchen cares and the vibe is intentional. Honestly, I caught myself mid-meal thinking, "I wonder if they're hiring." That's how good it was. If you're looking for a place that hits all the marks--great service, food, and a space you want to linger in--The Pearl is it.

    Nequel B.

    Another great experience. I've been to Boston twice and I've been to the pearl 4 times. Each time the staff has been kind, the food and the vibe has been chill. A black owned spot, I wish it was a little bigger to accommodate more people.

    Lobster roll with truffle fries
    Leah L.

    We visited this place while in Boston, we had an 11 am reservation and arrived 15 minutes early, it was freezing cold out side we had a party of 12 they allowed us to sit inside until they were ready. That was everything to use because we had some elderly in our party. Okay the food was delicious, I had the lobster rolls with the truffle fried everything was served fresh and hot. We plan to visit again next year and will be back.

    Oysters
    Genna C.

    Our experience was interesting here. I made reservations and the restaurant was not full when we arrived or after we did. We were sat right by the front door in a hallway so I never got to see the actual restaurant. My husband used the bathroom and said the restaurant was not full and uncertain why we were sat here. We asked to move but they said we could not. We ordered drinks and an appetizer. The appetizer came before our drinks (we had salmon bites and they were very yummy). Our drinks took about 20 mins to get to our table. We then had oysters which were also very yummy. The music that was playing was very loud to be honest. I'm not a crotchety old lady, and usually leave 5 stars for everywhere. But this experience was just a bit off. Our wait or was nice but he also just seemed off too. I do not think we will be back. But hope things get better for others.

    Boston Bramble drink and Boston sidecar Circa
    Marni M.

    My friend and I came here on a Thursday afternoon. It's a pretty small establishment with a few tables wrapped around the bar which is the center of the room. As such, depending on the time and group size, I would suggest reservations for future reference. For drinks we tried their Boston Bramble drink and Boston sidecar Circa both of which were not overly sweet or strong tasting. We shared the spicy crab dip and mussels as appetizers. The dip was creamy and salty with the toasted but still chewy pita chips. I was even able to use the pita to absorb some of the flavorful broth of the mussels, great combination. Mussels were cleaned and seasoned well. We shared the shrimp scampi as an entree since we were fairly full from the prior meals. The pasta was slightly overcooked but the sauce and shrimp were yummy especially with the layer of freshly grated and melted cheese over the top. Overall, we had a good experience in terms of food and service. Our waiter was super friendly and happy to provide suggestions when warranted. Would come again!

    Warm lobster roll & truffle frites
    Kassie L.

    Warm lobster roll lacked flavor and was a big disappointment, however the bang bang shrimp was absolutely BANGING so that it's bringing the rating back up to 4 stars. Loved the outside seating area and decent service; menu also has many other options so would go back to try something new. Would 1000% get the shrimp again.

    Delicious drinks and wonderful place

    Beautiful spot, with very fun vibWe came for lunch got a few house cocktails, a few appetizers and split an entree. The food all came out hot, flavorful and delicious! The service was great, we will be back! Thank you Lorraine!

    DJ N.

    The food is mostly good. When they hit the mark, it's actually very good. Unfortunately, their second biggest issue is lack of consistency. I've eaten here numerous times since they opened and they lack consistency when it comes to execution of their food. They charge a premium (above average and pricey for the neighborhood), and I don't like feeling uncertain about the quality of the food because they lack consistency in the kitchen. I've told you what their second biggest issue is. Let me share the first. This place may be one of the worst establishments in the entire Boston area when it comes to hospitality and service. They are extremely slow, they lack attention to their customers, the management team doesn't know how to handle situations when a customer may not be pleased with their food or experience, and they lack the ability to take constructive feedback. Did I mention they were slow? I've waited over an hour for a salad more than once. Prices are high for the neighborhood. They seem to have made a few price adjustments in a relatively short period of time. Their trend has been to go from average to higher pricing. The shrimp scampi with linguine dish was under $20 when they opened. It was very good then. Now, it's disgustingly watery and lacks flavor. They've increased the price while the quality has decreased significantly. This simple dish is now closer to $30. Shame on them. The worst lobster roll I've ever had in my entire life was served to me at The Pearl. Not only did they burn the lobster, someone must've accidentally poured a third of the bottle of Old Bay seasoning onto it before adding butter. it was completely inedible. When I expressed my dissatisfaction to the manager he shrugged and walked away. $36 wasted. The burger here is very good. The chargrilled oysters are also good. The steak tips are excellent, butoverpriced. I paid over $40 to have a Caesar salad with 4 mid to small size steak tips on it. That includes tax and tip. How ridiculous! The drinks are hit or miss. It depends on which bartender is making your cocktail. Quite frankly, none of the bartenders are that great. They specialize in sugary drinks with alcohol in them and 2 ingredient drinks (i.e. vodka soda). I would stay away from the classics (old fashioned, martini, Negroni, etc.) here. You will be disappointed. The wine list is ok. The bathroom is very clean. The space is tight, but comfortable. If you require a table for more than two people, you are likely going to be out of luck without a reservation. They have two top tables inside that can accommodate more than three people comfortably. They cannot seat more than 4 people at any one table. Parking is available nearby. They also have outdoor seating in the summertime. The patio scene is nice during warm weather months. They also offer theme nights, as well as a DJ on occasion. Management seems to be busy on their cell phones a lot. Also, not sure how the kitchen is being managed, but I've waited more than one hour for simple dishes, like a Caesar salad, to come out to the table on multiple occasions. This restaurant received a lot of local promotion and hype when they opened. At the time, it was well-deserved. Many people were rooting for them. Fast forward to today and they are on the decline. They claim that a second restaurant will be opening in the future. It's incredible that they would open a second location when they can't get the fundamentals together at the first location. I wish them well, but they lack the business, service, and operational execution skills to stay in business long-term. I really wanted this place to win, but they don't deserve it. A major disappointment on every level.

    D. K. C.

    I stumbled across The Pearl on Instagram when a friend was attending an R&B Brunch one Sunday. By chance, it happened that I was heading home a few weeks later, causing me to add this to my Things To Do list. I called my Bestfriends and told them we had to do a Bestfriend Brunch at The Pearl. We made reservations for 6 for Sunday afternoon. By the time we arrived, due to scheduling, it was only 3 of us. The hostess at the door was very understanding and was able to adjust our seating. Huge Thank You to her! The venue is quaint and trendy. It presents an All-American bar aesthetic while making a great use of the space and keeping clean lines. There is outdoor seating as well which allows for the expansion of the seating area when the weather is good. Once seated, our waitress came over to take our drink order. As always I ordered a Sweet Tea which to my delight, though I was in Boston, it had the Southern Charm that I have grown to enjoy. The ambiance was fun and upbeat. The music selection was spot on and blended old school jams with some of today's top hits. The vibe the establishment sets are infectious forcing you to think nothing but happy thoughts as you enjoy all The Pearl has to offer. Our theme was Friends, Fun, and Food! We ordered from the Brunch Menu which is styled with Shareable options. We decided to just order from all over the menu to maximize our taste options. To note, the food is made to order so please be patient and know that everything most likely will not come out at the same time. The great thing is that the waitress set our expectations for this in advance. Once our food came, not only was it pleasing to the eye but it was a mesmerizing, taste bud tingling, good for the soul experience. The flavor variations provided in each dish play off one another allowing for maximum enjoyment. The Bacon (you know I love bacon) is a perfect cut that is made to perfect crispness. The potato bowl is a medley of hidden pleasures combined into a dish of delight and rave. The salmon is meaty and perfectly cooked. The tenderness of the fish selection adds to the perfect grill of the outside. The French toast, oh my goodness. The French toast is an experience all by itself and leaves you speechless... Yes! It's that good. The Pearl is a great option for any meal and any occasion. This is one to add to the Must Visit list as it is an experience that is needed any day of the week. -Happy Eating!

    Bang bang shrimp
    Court S.

    I had a wonderful dining experience here. We came to dinner on Tuesday evening and had a delicious meal of bang bang shrimp, grilled salmon salad & warm lobster roll w/ truffle fries. For dessert- toffee pound cake; warm & delicious garnished w/ fresh berries. Everything was cooked perfectly- fresh and hot (so many restaurants hit below standard on this) ready for my fork and knife to get disrespectful. Our espresso & pistachio martinis were great choices and crafted so well. Natasha provided excellent service and was very kind and polite. Luther, the owner greeted our table and checked on us throughout dinner, which was lovely. If I still lived in Boston, I would definitely frequent this place regularly. It's so refreshing to see Black businesses thriving throughout the neighborhood.

    Crispy calamari
    Ansia F.

    I absolutely adore this restaurant! The atmosphere is always welcoming and the owner has always been present during my visits. I've watched him approach tables or the bar and welcome the guest. It really creates an inviting space. Also, the music selection is top tier! I've tried many items from the menu and they've all been delicious. This particular visit I ordered the crispy calamari which was seasoned and fried to perfection. The salmon bites had the perfect amount of heat without being overwhelmingly spicy. I ended up taking it home because it was so much food. Lastly I had their speciality cocktail The Pearl Potion which is so good (and very strong) be careful because it can sneak up on you. This is my favorite black owned restaurant in Boston. I will always return to this restaurant again and again.

    Mojito

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    4 years ago

    Great vibe and fantastic food! Service was friendly and attentive! I highly recommend this place!

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    4 years ago

    Stopped here for lunch. Great food exceptional service! Loved the bang bang shrimp and lobster mac.

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    5 years ago

    Food was amazing! Service was good. And the owner makes his rounds which was a nice touch. Will be coming back!

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    5 years ago

    We had a great meal at The Pearl. Super friendly staff. Nice location and they were very accommodating. Thanks for the great experience!

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    5 years ago

    Great environment, staff and food. Lobster Vodka Sauce Pasta and the Scallops were a hit.

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    Page 5 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Pearl

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    I am a lover of everything studio ghibli so when I saw Backbar was doing essentially a month of…read moredrinks based on the movies I knew I had to go! The bar is really funky fun which I loved. There is literally fun everywhere you look from the panda stuffed animal riding a tiger on the wall to the hilarious shrek pillow. Coming right when they open I was able to see these things that you would likely not see in the evening. But to be fair I came right when they opened since it is first come first serve. A majority of the drinks were more on the savory side which was very interesting like "may all your bacon burn" with bacon bites at the top of the drink. The drinks my friend had were all stunning with the use of egg yolk to elevate the drink. We ended the evening by walking over to Bow Market and trying Viet Citron which was so DANG GOOD my gosh. The to go orders were insane but looks like they are doing very well despite recently opening in. I got the grilled lemongrass pork ribs bowl and youtiao and the side sauce was so good. The ribs were all very meaty. It looks small but I was surprised how full I was after having it. Nice night of drinks and food. What we got Kiki's marmalade buns Castle in the sky Milk Punch May All your bacon burn

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    Saltie Girl - The World Is Your Oyster

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    Well, all the hype turned out to be accurate. From start to finish, we had such a wonderful time…read more My husband and I got reservations for 6 inside and were immediately seated. The decor is really cute and all the staff we interacted with were great. I got my first lobster roll (hot) with their fries. It was everything I dreamed of! So much lobster meat and just the right amount of butter. A squeeze of lemon really made everything pop. And the fries were excellent too-- I was going to ask for vinegar for mine but they were perfect plain. My husband got the lobster pasta and completely wolfed it down so I assume he liked it... I got a Sauvignon blanc which was kind of meh (no fault of the restaurant) and my husband got a cider. We were beat at the end and didn't get dessert. I highly recommend stopping here if you get a chance. 10/10 Well, all the hype turned out to be accurate. From start to finish, we had such a wonderful time. My husband and I got reservations for 6 inside and were immediately seated. The decor is really cute and all the staff we interacted with were great. I got my first lobster roll (hot) with their fries. It was everything I dreamed of! So much lobster meat and just the right amount of butter. A squeeze of lemon really made everything pop. And the fries were excellent too-- I was going to ask for vinegar for mine but they were perfect plain. My husband got the lobster pasta and completely wolfed it down so I assume he liked it... I got a Sauvignon blanc which was kind of meh (no fault of the restaurant) and my husband got a cider. We were beat at the end and didn't get dessert. I highly recommend stopping here if you get a chance. 10/10

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    Wink & Nod - Zucchini Fritters

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    3.9(558 reviews)
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    Wink & Nod in South End Boston is a MUST try! They are a speak easy cocktail bar with a pop up…read morekitchen. This season they have the chef from the Black Cat Eatery. Make reservations if you're thinking about going (Which you should!) from the curry goat patty to the oxtail pasta! You'll be licking all your fingers! LOL. We had, the curry goat patty. Griyot, broccolini, oxtail pasta, and the Mac & cheese! AMAZING. Drinks are on point. Food is a fire and Kalani our bartender was a vibe! #Wink&Nod #DohOnTheGo #Boston #GoodEats #TreatYourselfDontCheatYourself

    Last night, y'all... @_valentino_86 did his BIG one at @wink_and_nod, and I'm still thinking about…read morethat meal! The food tasted like pure love and a long hug in every bite. Let's talk about what we ordered: The goat pâté had a perfectly flaky crust, and the meat was tender, juicy, and seasoned beautifully. The mac and cheese was creamy, rich, and packed with flavor.The oxtail pasta was cooked to perfection and bursting with bold, savory flavor.The Haitian style griot with pikliz tasted like somebody's auntie or mama made it. That's how you know it's GOOD! Chef Valentine, thank you for sharing your gift and your kindness with us. It was such a pleasure chatting with you and learning more about your journey and everything you're building. You're incredibly talented, and it shows in every plate. And can we give a shout out to our waiter, Xavier? TOP TIER! He knew the menu inside and out, handled all of my little isms and skisms without missing a beat, and was attentive from beginning to end. The hospitality was unmatched. The entire @wink_and_nod experience was beautiful. The speakeasy is chic, the atmosphere is a vibe, the bathrooms were spotless, and the service was exceptional. Chef Valentine is currently the resident chef, and I'm hoping they keep him there for a long time because he's definitely worth the visit. Y'all, JUST GO! Tell them Leah sent you! And don't forget to follow his business page @blkcateatery. #LeahApproved

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    The Street Bar - The Street Bar | The Newbury Boston

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    I came here for breakfast during my stay at The Newbury. Service was quite slow as initially there…read morewas only one dedicated, friendly employee handling the seating, taking orders and busing the tables. My order of yogurt with fruit and granola was fresh, filling and a yummy beginning to my day. My coffee was equally enjoyed, and note that it's $13 for each small coffee pot. Refills are not complimentary. I loved my window table on this rainy morning, and the lovely, cozy ambiance of The Street Bar. It's easy to see why this is such a sought after bar each evening.

    We visited on January 11th, a few weeks prior to my wedding. This was a day I had planned for…read moremonths with my daughter and future stepdaughter, an important and meaningful occasion, and the experience fell significantly below expectations. In advance, I stopped into the hotel to confirm that a gluten-free guest could be accommodated and was assured this would be handled. In reality, the accommodation was inadequate and, at times, unacceptable. While the rest of us were served scones, my stepdaughter was given cut fruit in their place, and told that was all they had to accommodate.The dessert course consisted of what appeared to be basic gluten-free cookies, misrepresented as something more gourmet - egg nog cookies??? This lack of preparation was both disappointing, upsetting and avoidable. The broader experience was equally concerning. We were subjected to an unsolicited and uncomfortable "lesson" on tea service, which detracted from what should have been a relaxed and celebratory occasion. While trying to enjoy the time with the girls, being a lifelong tea drinker and someone who has been to many times at your establishment and its various incarnations, this is something I have never experienced. The food quality was poor (scones were clearly reheated and stuck to the cloth napkin they were wrapped in), and there were notable service lapses, including being served water in a visibly shattered glass. Additionally, when hot water was added to refresh the tea, my stepdaughter's pot curdled and had to be replaced. It was especially disappointing, as I mentioned that I had stopped in and spoken with the concierge, and was assured, as they had called the kitchen while I stood there that they readily accommodated gluten-free. There are numerous places in the city that could have done this, and if you had just told me that you could not do so, I would have booked us elsewhere. I chose not to raise the multiple issues in the moment so as not to disrupt what was meant to be a special day for the girls and me. However, the total cost exceeded $500, and the experience did not come close to justifying that price point! Do not recommend.

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    Such a fun experience and honestly such a deal for how many drinks and food you get! Definitely…read moreneed reservations, even on a weekday. You have to enter the building with a small fox picture, go down a set of stairs and check in at the counter of said restaurant before they lead you into the back where the speakeasy is. The menu is "set" in that they have a particular cuisine focus for the night and the four food dishes are predetermined as well as the first drink. That being said, you get to order three more drinks from their cocktail menu that range from lighter to more spirit forward, ending with more dessert type cocktails. All the drink flavors were so unique and a fun twist. The food was actually very substantial. Good flavors as well. Our favorite dishes were the lamb cigars (large egg roll shape with eggplant and spices) and the whole branzino. Everything was good though. Service was a very friendly and they were open about the fact that if you didn't like a drink they'd make you another one.

    Man I love this place…read more Reservations are a must and it is a little tricky to find. Look for the fox on the outside door and go downstairs. We sat at the bar and Ada was our bartender. She was great! Really enjoyed talking with her and she had great drinks recommendations. The food was delicious and very unique which was refreshing. Its a 2 hour experience with 4 drinks, 3 food courses and a dessert. You definitely wont be hungry after. Highly recommend for a date night.

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    The Pearl - seafood - Updated September 2026

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