Pearlz is the gold standard for oyster bars in Charleston. Period.
The oysters were fresh and briny, the cocktails were perfectly balanced, and the service was attentive without being overbearing. The place has that perfect mix of classy and casual—dim lighting, a buzzing bar, and staff who actually know their seafood.
Now, for the unforgettable part of the night…
As I’m enjoying my oysters, a guest a couple seats down—full of energy and clearly having a great time—goes in on her fries with a bottle of ketchup. What happened next felt like a slow-motion movie scene: the ketchup bottle let out a surge, and a red streak of sauce shot across the bar like a Fourth of July firework. It hit the bar, splashed on menus, even the wall got a little love. People were stunned for a second, then the whole section burst into laughter—including her. She owned the moment like a champ, laughing along with everyone else. It was the kind of spontaneous chaos that turns dinner into a memory.
Bottom line: come for the oysters, stay for the atmosphere—and maybe keep an eye on the ketchup.
T&C Smith
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April 16, 2025
Nice ambiance, nice staff. Got the FISH & CHIPS ($19.95) and the NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER ROLL ($29.95).
The FISH & CHIPS had good fresh tasting cod.
The NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER ROLL had a few good chunks of lobster, but was in a disappointingly small bun (as seen in picture). Also, had some inedible green seaweed on plate as a garnish (another space filler, but inedible) Plate wasn’t worth $30 in my opinion and would not order again.
The chips (French fries) were plain pretty plain, no special taste or texture. Not bad, but just felt like necessary filler for the plate.
I wanted to love this place, but unfortunately because of the portion size for the price wouldn’t recommend it.
Stephanie L
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December 03, 2024
Their large, fresh, and delicious oysters — especially with their topping cocktail — were fantastic! Get in for happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6pm for 12 oysters for only $19, the best deal we could find in town! With a lively atmosphere, friendly staff — highly recommend
Shelsea Pelaez
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October 16, 2024
Had a great time at Pearlz! Our server was very nice and attentive.
I got the Pool Party cocktail which was delicious and came with a very cute flamingo floatie. I also had a dozen varietal oysters on the half shell (awesome to taste the different oysters) and the NY strip was delicious. My partner got the clam chowder which he loved, as well as the burger which he didn’t love as much since it was a little over what he usually likes but he still enjoyed it.
Overall great experience!
Didi Diaz
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April 20, 2025
We walked in for oyster shooters sat at the oyster bar and had a great time. There is a beautiful piece of art right over the oyster bar that led to great joking and conversation with the gentleman working the oyster bar. Our server Kaitlyn was awesome. She helped us with drinks and we had the clam chowder soup which was hearty and delicious. We tried the classic oyster shooter, and that was pretty good. It’s a unique experience something that one in Charleston I recommend.
Pearlz is the gold standard for oyster bars in Charleston. Period. The oysters were fresh and briny, the cocktails were perfectly balanced, and the service was attentive without being overbearing. The place has that perfect mix of classy and casual—dim lighting, a buzzing bar, and staff who actually know their seafood. Now, for the unforgettable part of the night… As I’m enjoying my oysters, a guest a couple seats down—full of energy and clearly having a great time—goes in on her fries with a bottle of ketchup. What happened next felt like a slow-motion movie scene: the ketchup bottle let out a surge, and a red streak of sauce shot across the bar like a Fourth of July firework. It hit the bar, splashed on menus, even the wall got a little love. People were stunned for a second, then the whole section burst into laughter—including her. She owned the moment like a champ, laughing along with everyone else. It was the kind of spontaneous chaos that turns dinner into a memory. Bottom line: come for the oysters, stay for the atmosphere—and maybe keep an eye on the ketchup.
Nice ambiance, nice staff. Got the FISH & CHIPS ($19.95) and the NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER ROLL ($29.95). The FISH & CHIPS had good fresh tasting cod. The NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER ROLL had a few good chunks of lobster, but was in a disappointingly small bun (as seen in picture). Also, had some inedible green seaweed on plate as a garnish (another space filler, but inedible) Plate wasn’t worth $30 in my opinion and would not order again. The chips (French fries) were plain pretty plain, no special taste or texture. Not bad, but just felt like necessary filler for the plate. I wanted to love this place, but unfortunately because of the portion size for the price wouldn’t recommend it.
Their large, fresh, and delicious oysters — especially with their topping cocktail — were fantastic! Get in for happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6pm for 12 oysters for only $19, the best deal we could find in town! With a lively atmosphere, friendly staff — highly recommend
Had a great time at Pearlz! Our server was very nice and attentive. I got the Pool Party cocktail which was delicious and came with a very cute flamingo floatie. I also had a dozen varietal oysters on the half shell (awesome to taste the different oysters) and the NY strip was delicious. My partner got the clam chowder which he loved, as well as the burger which he didn’t love as much since it was a little over what he usually likes but he still enjoyed it. Overall great experience!
We walked in for oyster shooters sat at the oyster bar and had a great time. There is a beautiful piece of art right over the oyster bar that led to great joking and conversation with the gentleman working the oyster bar. Our server Kaitlyn was awesome. She helped us with drinks and we had the clam chowder soup which was hearty and delicious. We tried the classic oyster shooter, and that was pretty good. It’s a unique experience something that one in Charleston I recommend.