The Pearl - Short North

I ordered the pub burger and the tavern Caesar salad. The salad was very good and I enjoyed the anchovy Caesar dressing, that’s the only way a Caesar dressing should be made. The burger was fantastic. I requested it be cooked medium and it was cooked exactly to my preference. The beef tasted so good and fresh. The fries were perfectly crispy. The burger and fries were salty but also to a level I like. People sensitive to salt might want to ask for lightly salted. I would definitely come back here if I return to Columbus.

There’s a reason The Pearl continues to be one of the best restaurants in Columbus Ohio. This time we went for brunch (a first for me). As always the atmosphere was great energy—exactly what you want for brunch. The spicy Bloody Mary was seasoned perfectly, served with a small miller high life to wash it down. The espresso martini was strong but still smooth. For starters the biscuit donuts, smoked salmon, and jalapeño corn spoon bread were so amazing like..? The jalapeño corn spoon bread is a staple there. Please get it. Our entrees were the peanut butter pancakes, biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon, and the shrimp and grits. For myself I got the eggs Benedict but prepared with this crab, etc. I wish I could repeat the whole description the waitress gave. It was a daily special for brunch and I’m so happy I took a chance on it. Incredible. Even if you’re not trying their weekend brunch, The Pearl always delivers. Busier nights might give way to few more bad experiences but this place will always consistently deliver when it to service and food. Great job.

I love it here! Every time I come to Columbus I come here. Great for business dinners and bar drinks. Food is killer.

We had a fantastic experience at The Pearl in Columbus’ Short North! The oysters were absolutely delicious, but what really stood out was the incredible service. We came in with a large group, and our server, Gary, was amazing—attentive, patient, and so accommodating. He handled everything seamlessly and went above and beyond, especially with our teenage daughters who didn’t love the short rib. He graciously helped them switch to the NY strip, which they enjoyed so much more. Truly top-tier service that made the whole evening even more memorable. The espresso martinis were some of the best we’ve ever had. Highly recommend!

Always delicious! Our server was great and the restaurant has a great ambience. All the food was fantastic. Try all the oysters, whitefish dip, clam chowder, and curry mussels.

Great birthday dinner! Chris was our sever and was fantastic! Highly recommend the bacon wrapped dates and the oysters! The playlist that was on also was perfect!

Everything tasted and looked amazing. The deviled eggs on the chicken theme stand is awesome. The hanger steak was recommended by several people and did not disappoint. It is on a bed of kimchi - a bit unexpected for those used to potatoes. Definitely get a variety of appetizers to share.

I found The Pearl from an Instagram reel and the first thing they showed was the tater tots as a starter, to which I have to agree is a great way to start the meal here. I also got the Cuban which ended up being a fabulous version of it. All around the food was excellent. Located in the Short North district, you're right in the heart of the hip part of the city so there's good reason to be here. The place is much bigger than you'd expect so getting a table was easy. It is dimly lit so if you need reading glasses for the menu, bring them. Atmosphere is chill, though maybe a tad cramped. Service was good but on the more casual side of things. Seems like a perfectly good place to hang out and enjoy. If you're looking for a quick in & out burger, probably go elsewhere. Everything was great, look forward to going back.

It is a tiny location but it's beautiful and the food is great! I can't wait to go back and try other menu items.

Eric provided amazing services, sorry if I misspelled your name. Shrimp & grits & Braised Short ribs, N'awlins style oysters, spoon cornbread, smoked salmon apps Everything was amazing. Some of the best smoked salmon I've had! Our first visit went off of reviews and was not disappointed. Relaxing & intimate low light setting. Margarita & The Cure drinks both very well made.

We stopped in on a Monday to take advantage of the Happy Hour. It's half off all of the starters, snacks, pub burger, and cocktails. Our server was extremely friendly and helpful. She went above and beyond. She asked right away about any allergies and gave us some great recommendations. We also had an issue with the Jalapeño Cornbread(it was absolutely soaked in butter and inedible, imho) but she made it right by taking it off the bill and throwing in a complimentary piece of their Brown Butter Pie. I ordered The Cure cocktail, which was absolutely delicious! The homemade tater tots we shared were light and fluffy, and after I added salt and pepper, perfection. The Garlic Shrimp was so delicious that I soaked up every last bit of it with the bread on the side. The raw oysters are $3 each during HH, so I ordered one of each kind(4). Good, but not great. There were stray pieces of shell that I had to pick out of my mouth. And, last bit not least, my husband got the pub burger with fries. He ate every last bit. 😊 My ding on atmosphere was because it was really cold at the back of the restaurant. They walked us back through different sections, and only when you got back there by the bathrooms.... 🥶 Several people asked to be moved somewhere else. It was a great first stop in Columbus, so thank you to the staff!

This place was excellent, I sat down and had my drink and appetizer order in before my husband even parked the car. It was even a busy Saturday night and we sat at the bar. The food was excellent and I had the stout beer which was a dark beer but not as heavy as a Guinness. The Jalapeño Bread is mouthwatering and I would drive down just for that . The deviled eggs were amazing and so were the fries.

Great atmosphere and friendly service. The place was packed on a Tuesday night. Reservations for this place is highly recommended. The menu has a great variety. I am a seafood lover. The Thai curry mussels were Absolut amazing and the catch of the day (which was salmon) made it even more spectacular! I love the ambiance of this whole place. I would definitely go back! It was perfect and it hit the spot this time! Highly recommended in my book!

This is a modern American restaurant with a very uniquely decorated interior. The food was priced comparable to the downtown area, but the quality was easily seen and tasted. I had the burger, which was a very conservative choice compared to numerous other menu options. Service was friendly, and the location has a very laid back atmosphere. It's definitely worth a try if you are downtown and looking for a quality option.

One of my favorite places to go for brunch and happy hour. Our server Joe was personable and knowledgeable of the menu. Drinks taste as good as they look! The Thai Curry Mussels are sweeter than expected, and remind me more of an Indian Curry. The Fish N Chips here are my favorite.

Absolutely amazing dinner experience here last night with my family. None of us were familiar with this place but we chose it based on reviews and their menu and it did not disappoint one bit. Every bite was amazing and I was honestly shocked at some of their pricing because of how cheap so many items were during happy hour. During happy hour they have half off all sandwiches (includes entrees), starters, draft beers, and even some cocktails. My wife and I can't wait to come back here again as it's without a doubt the best dinner experience we've had in Columbus.

The Pearl was a very fun experience with a menu of great options, including quality seafood. Including great cocktails at a fair price. Great for groups, our service was attentive and friendly. My favorite dish was the pork chop and mussels, great flavor from the juice and well made.

Was looking for a dinner place near my hotel and ended up here with a colleague, we made a great choice. Nice atmosphere and I really appreciated out our waiter didn't rush us at all and made really good suggestions. The shrimp appetizer was really good and we also really enjoyed the fried pickles which had an interesting mix of dill and bread and butter pickles. Shrimp and grits and hanger steak were both excellent. My one complaint was they didn't have a bourbon list. I find it annoying that you have to go to the crowded bar, look over people and try to see what they have. It seemed like a good selection but hard to tell. I almost took a star away for this but since the food and service was so good I'll keep the review as a 5.

I went to The Pearl on N High St. for the first time tonight. The meal can get expensive but you get your absolute money’s worth. This was one of the best meals I have ever had! Our cocktails to the tater tot’s, jalapeño spoon bread, me and my date’s entree, all the way to the pie for desert was unbelievably delicious. Our waitress (I believe it was Marley) did an amazing job as well. Will 100% be back again!

Took my wife here for her birthday and loved it. Chris served us and he was awesome, super nice and overall a good mood type of guy. Oysters were solid, got every kind on the menu haha! Would 100% recommend and will be back very soon!

Stylish gastropub that nails both food and vibe. The shrimp and grits were rich and creamy, and the bar team actually knows their cocktails. It’s busy but never stressful — you can tell everyone here cares about what they’re doing. Feels polished without trying too hard.

Went to The Pearl for my birthday dinner and It was everything special! The servers truly made it special for me. The wait for food was very minimal even though the place was crowded with others enjoying the atmosphere. Cocktails were amazing and I loved the oysters. 10/10 recommend for any occasion.

It was mine and my fiancé's first time visiting, celebrating a birthday, and it was outstanding! Our waitress Alex had amazing, quick, and attentive customer service -- she even served us a complimentary plate of the Devil's on Horseback to try (yum). The deviled eggs and cornbread starters were excellent, no critiques needed. The cocktails were perfect. We got the redfish and hanger steak entrees, highly recommend! We will for sure be back to try the other delicious sounding dishes on the menu.

We visited on a Friday night, and the atmosphere was energetic and loud, fitting for a pub-style setting. It’s a casual, busy spot, so I’d definitely suggest a reservation. Since we stayed at The Joseph, parking wasn’t an issue, but the surrounding street parking looked tight; you'll likely need to rely on a nearby garage or valet. The menu leans more toward seafood than your average pub. The redfish was outstanding and easily the highlight of the meal. The burger was also well-portioned and cooked exactly as requested. We started with the fried pickles, which had good flavor and a nice dipping sauce, but the preparation was inconsistent. Several pieces were cut vertically along the skin, resulting in a rubbery texture that was difficult to eat. Our server, Sean, provided great service and was very friendly. One minor hurdle was that neither he nor the menu could specify the preparation methods for some dishes—whether the fish was grilled, fried, or broiled, for example. Overall, it's a good choice for a relaxed, lively dinner.

Love The pearl, they had 4 different oyster options for mix and match and are a great price during happy hr. The bartender was super cool and made me a drink of his choice not on the menus to pair with it because I didn’t see any cocktails that pair with oysters. The atmosphere is a little bit louder than you would expect from a nicer restaurant but overall the vibes were still great!

We were visiting from New York and found this spot last minute for my family of four and met up with my cousin there. We really enjoyed the food—especially the chili shrimp and the mussels in their Thai sauce. The hospitality was great, and I would definitely go back the next time I’m in town.

The food was good: devils eggs and curry mussels. We sat by front window, which was open. It was nice and not too hot. Except people were smoking and smelly walking by. Make sure you ask for inside tables.

stopped in on a Sunday afternoon for some cocktails and snacks along with some football. good vibe, and cool bar to hang out at. service and cocktails were excellent at the bar as well. food was just OK...the chargrilled oysters were disappointing as it was smothered with regular cheese, but we were in the middle of Ohio, not oceanside. Overall we would go back and hang out for drinks again, it was a fun place with good staff.

*extremely late post * This was a very nice place. We went for brunch and it was pretty packed. That's always a good sign. I enjoyed the food. Our waitress was nice and consistent. The restaurant had a great atmosphere. I haven't been back yet, but I definitely plan too. Even if it's just for the Salmon. Some of the best I've tasted. Keep up the good work.

The Pearl in Columbus' Short North was buzzing with energy when we visited on a Saturday evening. We were seated toward the back, where the lighting was quite dim — requiring a flashlight to read the menu—yet the seats were comfortable. We began with the Jalapeno Corn Spoon Bread and Tuna Crudo, both of which were tasty. For the main course, I enjoyed the Arctic Char, perfectly cooked with a crispy outside, yet flaky, served with cauliflower puree and a balsamic vinegar. My husband ordered Hanger Steak with kimchee fried rice, and he really liked it. Our friends opted for the Sea Scallops and Gulf Snapper, which they thoroughly enjoyed. We ended the dinner with a dessert of blueberry and brown sugar “pie” served in a jar— very tasty.

I’ve been to The Pearl a handful of times usually for business dinners. This restaurant is reliably good/ok but not my favorite but last night the food was the best I’ve had from there. I thought the service wasn’t great. It took a real long time to get drinks, and when they delivered the oysters they brought no plates. Once we paid we talked awhile more and we were completely ignored. Not pictures we got the bacon wrapped dates which were excellent. Updated 3/28. Service was great. Article Char is my fav. Cauliflower amazing!

I was really looking forward to dinner given the reviews but found it just ok. The service was not good, slow service and she did not check on us at all through the meal and I even had to ask a manager for the bill. I had the fish of the day (Tuna) which was good. We also had the short ribs which we both found salty and I would not order again. The smoked salmon appetizer was very good and I would recommend it. Overall it was a good dinner with quality food but the service needs some work.

We visited Short north two weeks ago and tried out a couple of nice spots. This came across our radar on Yelp and decided to try it out. Starting with the good; the service was perfect and attentive. Our server helped out plenty and got refills quickly when needed. I always like to recognize an exceptional server. I forgot their name, but definitely is an asset to the team. As for the atmosphere, it’s a very nice interior and I appreciate the attention to detail in the color choices and overall ambiance. Our table was sitting rather close to the table behind us. I felt like I was sitting on the guys lap. It did make for some good conversation eavesdropping LOL. But again it’s very well done inside. We also got a dessert for a birthday that was phenomenal. It was a Mississippi mud pie if I remember correctly. Very rich and decadent. For the neutrals: the bread was okay and the fried pickles were good with their very herbaceous ranch. They fry bread and butter chips and dill spears in their pickle basket which I found interesting. The fish and chips were well seasoned and had a rich tar tar sauce which I personally loved. As for the negatives: I got the scallops after craving them for a couple weeks. I was very excited to see them on the menu. I didn’t read the description good enough; which I take the blame for, but they were terrible. It’s five seared scallops served with unseasoned blanched vegetables that have absolutely no synergy on the plate. Theres random green beans and edamame and a canned looking tomato mush on top of a bed of lemon dressed lettuce. It was such a strange iteration of scallops. Not only was it a confusing plate that lacked congruency, but it also made me sick. The scallops had a slight fishiness to them, which I figured was amplified due to the freezing process that probably took place on the way to the land locked city of Columbus. Turns out they either weren’t finished cooking or had some other bacteria because I spent too much time the next couple days taking g care of myself( I’ll spare those details). All in all, I would give it a try and ask for guidance from the servers for what to order. We probably didn’t pick the best options in the menu, but if they’re that bad they should even be on it.

This is my second time eating at The Pearl. I ordered the braised short ribs, which were overdone. The gravy tastes like it came out of a packet; as seen by my photo, it looks like it had set by the time it got to me. I will say that my husband's corn and cinnamon bun were tasty. The drinks and the service were good.

The food is really not great, our table got the chicken sandwich and the Atlantic Salmon. The cauliflower side was burnt, and the sauce included with the dish was really bland. The salmon was good but not justified by the price. The chicken sandwich really didn’t have anything going for it except for the side of fries. You could go to any other restaurant on high and have a better experience. The only reason I’m giving 3 stars is because the service was good.

Ratings have it as 4.8 / 5.0 , I’d say my experience was 2.5 / 5.0. Busy place 6pm Wednesday night. They had no tables so I opted for the, I guess you could call middle height bar. Waiter was friendly, got my order but I never saw him again until he took my card to pay which alright maybe he had other tables I’m always an easy guest, but never came and got my empty dish or filled up water. First dish was good, nice tuna dish. Second dish was below average. Chicken was dry. It said roasted potatoes on the menu came with it, upon arrival there were only 4 on the plate. Maybe I just ordered the wrong dish. Waiter asked how dinner was, but he seemed he couldn’t care less that I told him the dish was below average. No one greeted me on the way out. I’m not here to tarnish a reputation, I just keep these for my own personal. Maybe I sat at the wrong seat, maybe the guy had other tables, I most likely ordered the wrong dish. But my experience wasn’t 4.8/5. 2.5 / 5.0

This was my second burger that I had them package to - go since I waited 25m before someone checked back in.. ordered it well done. This is more pink than the first one! Terrible service. Food was not good.

Unfortunately, I had a really bad experience at the bar.. I was the worst service I had from all the restaurants I visited in Columbus on this trip. First, it took them about 10 minutes to acknowledge me and give me a menu, and the bar was not even full. I ordered water and the hanger steake. Afte that another gentleman sits near me, apparently a bartenders friend, and he got his water without even asking, I have to ask no too happy again about my water. The food didn't take long, but again, I didn't have any utensils to eat, and I had to wait more time for them to acknowledge me and give me a simple fork to eat. I don't recommend this restaurant if you are a tourist or are in the area for business in the city unless you are friends with the bartenders. If Pear doesn't care about our business, I don't mind taking it somewhere else. The quality of the food was bad. The steake was chewy, and the worst I tried on this Columbus trip. I will never come back and I'm sorry I had to spend my money on this place.

Amazing service and atmosphere was top tier…but $48 for the little rib dinner was confusing & laughable smh. Drinks were good. Food had no flavor guess expected more for the price. Overall, good experience for 1 visit… don’t think we’ll be returning lol well maybe for drinks & desert type vibes.

So for the past 4 or 5 years in a row my husband and I have had an absolutely wonderful New Year’s Eve experience at The Pearl. That was *NOT* the case this year. Usually, we call to make a reservation around 10pm with a small group of people and spend the two hours till Midnight ordering apps, several rounds of drinks, dinner, pie, and last year even some espresso and ice cream. The bill is usually quite large, as we expect, and we always are sure to tip very well for the servers time & because it’s a holiday. Every year we have been made to feel extremely welcomed and have had great personable servers. Every year we were encouraged to stay to watch the ball drop and all guests were given a complimentary flute of champagne to celebrate and count down with. Super cute. This year was a massive disappointment from a restaurant my husband and I have raved about and had been our go to for evenings out with family and friends for years. New Year started much the same as past years, up until about 10 minutes into being seated. As soon as we sat down we were asked if we wanted drinks or apps. We let the server know we’d need a minute, no biggie. When we did order drinks, he asked if we’d like to put our dinner order in, with no mentions of specials like past years. We went ahead and ordered both, since he said apps would be staggered. It became super apparent as the dinner went on that we were being rushed. We checked online to see if maybe the hours had changed this year without us knowing, but Google had the hours specifically listed that they were open later till midnight for New Year’s Eve. Our dinner arrived a few minutes after the many appetizers we ordered, which cluttered the table & again made everything feel very rushed. The sever let us know before we had finished our first drink that the bar was doing last call so we needed to order now if we wanted anything for our dinner. This caught us off guard because it wasn’t even 11 and in the past we usually ordered espresso martinis to go with our pie way after finishing our dinner. The server was quick to ask if we were done eating and took my plate within 30 seconds of me finishing. He proceeded to ask us if we wanted any pie as if someone was standing behind him with a gun to his head. We ordered a few slices for the table as we figured we might as well salvage what we could of the night. When we were given checks my friend asked what time they closed and we were told “sort of 11” when it was currently 11:20. If they decided to closed at 11 this year, why were they taking reservations for 10pm without saying so, and why didn’t the server think it important to mention to a group of 5 when we weren’t seated at our table till after 10. We collectively spent several hundred dollars for the most uncomfortable and rushed meal we’ve ever experienced. If your restaurant is advertising “come have New Years Eve with us” on social media and staying open late to do so, they shouldn’t treat guests like an inconvenience for showing up and expecting to have new years there. We ended up on high street at 11:40 on New Years Eve with no plan. Luckily Forno a block over had kind servers and an open table for us to order another round of drinks and ring in the New Year properly. I’ve really been enjoying my last few experiences at Forno.