5/5 - Best meal of our entire Gulf Coast trip We stopped at Pearl Seafood and Raw Bar in Fairhope for lunch while traveling through New Orleans and Biloxi, where we'd already eaten at several Michelin-rated spots. This was the best meal of the whole trip. I ordered the Grilled Swordfish and it was absolutely outstanding, perfectly cooked, flavorful, and memorable. My wife, who doesn't even eat seafood, and loved it. That alone says a lot about the quality of the kitchen. We also enjoyed the cocktails: I had the Woodward Old Fashioned and she had the Fairhope Fizz. Both were excellent and well-made. Everything, from the food to the overall experience, felt thoughtful and high-quality without being stuffy. Service by Ali was also very good and quite attentive. If you're in the Fairhope area, don't skip Pearl. It's easily one of the best meals we've had in a long time. read more

Pearl - Grilled Swordfish - Seafood Near Me - Fairhope, Alabama

Another great meal. We walked in while waiting in line for another place and they seated us right away at the oyster bar. Our waitress took good care of us throughout our meal. Very friendly people here. Our view was the kitchen, they seem to accomplish quite a alot for the kitchen size. I started out with gumbo, very interesting mix of contents, sausage, shrimp, short rib (menu says chicken), a dark roux and a scoop of potato salad in the middle, very tasty and different. Next she had the pork chop with peach and bacon chutney over pimento cheese grits. The Pork chop was perfect. The chutney, one bite was very heavy on the vinegar. I had the fried chicken tasso gravy, hot honey, marinated sweet potato. This was an exceptional dish and was full when I finished. It was a good experience. Given it was a Friday night at 6ish. It was very loud and vibrant tonight. We will be back. read more

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We went to Pearl last night for dinner. This was amazing great flavors. We ordered the gumbo, 18 murder point oysters, hush puppies, and gulf shrimp cocktails. It was really good. They had a good beer, selection and wine selection. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The restaurant and ambience were small downtown vibe. read more

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I decided to go to Pearl instead of my usual Southwood and DragonFly spots. I hate to say this, but the entire lunch was a complete disaster. The waiter was awesome, but the food... I ordered the Gumbo and the Rouge was so thick that I had to drown it in Crystal Hot Sauce. Which made it edible but still...come on, man...this is the Gulf. Get it together. I also ordered the crab claws and they were cold and pickled...I ate a few but they were just not good. From now on, I will make sure that my crab claws are not pickled...never thought that was even thing. Ugh. I also ordered the Swordfish Sandwich which I had to smell several times...I had a couple of bites but it was making me kinda nauseous just smelling it. I think it turned. The disappointing thing is that I have had a few positive comments from friends... If it weren't for the stellar service I would have given my experience. 1*..... NOT RECOMMENDED... read more

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The Pearl has much to recommend it: interesting craft drinks, a good selection of appetizers, a comfortable bar, and friendly bartenders and staff. And, get there early enough to enjoy happy hour and a good table. It is quite popular. read more

Pearl - The Pearl in Fairhope Al - Seafood Near Me - Fairhope, Alabama

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Food was excellent. Skyler, bartender was very knowledgeable and helpful! Not to mention extremely kind. Sorbet was wayyy too big of a serving, but very good. The lemon cake was hands down our favorite item. The blackened shrimp salad was perfect! Husbands fish sandwich was also fantastic. read more

While visiting the cutest town of Fairhope, I popped into Pearl for a quick lunch as the fried chicken sandwich caught my eye. I am soooo glad I did because it was AMAZING. The chicken was cooked perfectly. It wasn't "too fried." The game changer here was they put pimento cheese on it. At first I was confused -- but once I took a bite, my life changed. I don't know if I'll ever be able to eat fried chicken again without pimento cheese. My boyfriend ordered the hushpuppies -- a "delicacy"I'm not normally a fan of. However, these hushpuppies were by far the best ones I've ever had. They were so moist, not overly fried, and was served with an amazing butter. I highly recommend Pearl! I'll definitely be returning during my next trip to Fairhope! read more

Cozy little spot. Great oysters! A bit loud in the back, but it's the sound of folks enjoying good food and company. read more

Pearl - Swordfish, hoppin John, topped with pickled turnips. - Seafood Near Me - Fairhope, Alabama

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Kathleen is an amazing server. The food was seriously amazing. We had the soft-shell crab special and the pork chop with the dressed oysters and roasted oysters. All unbelievably delicious. Go early to get a table and enjoy a quieter side of the restaurant. read more

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We sat at the Oyster Bar in the back and it was just perfect; I really expected there to be a wait, but we got seated almost immediately. The food was SOLID. Sooo good, especially the pimiento spread with blue crab, the Brussels sprouts, and the roasted oysters. I was honestly too full to even really get a good try of the smoked short rib, but it looked amazing too. I love that the Old Fashioned had one big ice cube. For some reason that makes the drink even better. The server was so friendly and our food came out at a nice pace. I thought everything on the menu looked good and I had a hard time deciding what to get. And my eyes were way bigger than my tummy for this filling and delicious meal. I love the details, like the alligator door handle. What a great little spot with an adorable & warm ambiance, and food that should be winning awards. read more

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Great Spot! Stopped in Fairhope for some oysters and beer and The Pearl did not disappoint. Nice roasted oysters with an excellent sauce with green onions making it a tasty appetizer. The crab & Pimento dip was outstanding too and paired well with a vast variety of beer selection that further compliments this establishment. Krysten provided outstanding service and a cheery personality. A definite must-go spot. read more

Pearl - Pimento and crab dip - Seafood Near Me - Fairhope, Alabama

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This little restaurant definitely lives up to its name. It actually was a pearl. Food was incredible, service impeccable (thank you, Skylar!) and the cocktails were perfect as well. It's a quiet little delicious getaway from all the shoppers. So good we went back for more the next day with the rest of our family! This was the best place we've ever eaten on our yearly little getaway's to Fairhope. read more

Pearl - Seared Tuna was the "best meal I've ever had" according to my daughter. - Seafood Near Me - Fairhope, Alabama

We stopped by for lunch during a weekday visit to Fairhope and had a great experience. It's a cozy little restaurant tucked into a storefront on one of the main downtown streets filled with shops and an occasional restaurant. The food was good - fried chicken sandwich, wow! And service was very attentive, friendly, and conversational. Definitely worth a try! read more

For lunch, My friend ordered the porkchop and grits meal ($30)which was delicious. I made the mistake of ordering an expensive shrimp Poboy which was one of the worst I've ever had. Some of the shrimp had not been deveined and were tasteless. The thick bread was so dry, I asked how old it was. The waiter said he didn't know because the bread on the menu they usually serve was not available so they substituted . He didn't offer to reduce the price or offer an apology. They should not have served it. I should have sent it back. Bad first time experience. read more

This place was just sooo YUMMM! The place it self is tiny but our service was amazing!! Loved our waitress so much ! great recommendations too! The oysters were not my favorite as the one i had was very very chewy and hard but LOVED the hushpuppies with the yummy butter and the gumbo was A MUST although it needed one more scoop of potato salad inside because that was just yum yum ! My sister got an old fashion and LOVED it and she's hella picky about that. Me and my mom just had champagne but it was cold which is nice. Would definitely go back and try more items . Bathroom is a one holer and music wasn't too loud ! read more

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Had the pleasure of dining here last night. Service was excellent, met the owner and his wife, they are wonderful and have built such a great place, the food was impeccable!! The crab claws were the best my husband and I have ever eaten. Everything we had was delicious and the bread pudding was amazing!!! We will be coming back again and again!!! So glad we stopped in!! read more

Everything was delicious! Great service!!!! All of our food was amazing!!!! We will definitely go back!

I've always heard how good this place was. Finally got to experience it. Absolutely blown away by the food and the service. Great ambience for a couple on a date night. Ali was the perfect server and Kristen mixed up some amazing cocktails. We had the Murder Point oysters, the gumbo, and the fried chicken. All were on point! The gumbo lived up to its hype and the fried chicken may have been the best we've ever had in a restaurant. Devine. Thanks for the great experience. We will be back! read more

My wife and I visited this gem in Fairhope, AL. WOW! Is what we have to say about this restaurant. We started with the pimento crab dip, which was absolutely divine. Then I had the swordfish, and my wife had the gumbo and we split the pear salad. We are something of gumbo aficionados , and we can honestly say this was among the very best we've ever had. The staff was friendly and service was prompt and efficient. We also appreciated the bartenders ability to make a very nice version of a French 75. Just can't say enough good things about this place. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try next time you're in Fairhope! read more

HORRIBLE attitudes from every employee at this establishment. We left after 1 drink because it was so uncomfortable

Service was good as was our food. We will be going back for sure Good place to stop in for great meal while shopping in the Area.

Everything.. We went to multiple special events and have always been highly pleased. Food is wonderful, service is always friendly and attentive, and the ambience is intimate and quaint. Probably one the best restaurants in a town of restaurants. read more

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I happened upon this place in Fairhope. I had gumbo and charbroiled oysters. The oysters had a little too much garlic for me but otherwise everything was really tasty read more

Never written a review before but this place caught my attention when I had the first bite of the seared tuna. The fresh fish and attention to detail with garnish was why I said this was the best meal I've ever had. I was here on a family trip where normally we would eat different places each time, but this place is exceptional. I came with my mother first. It was so good that we came again the next day with my husband and brother. Skylar was our waiter both times and he was phenomenal - friendly, classy and extremely knowledgeable answering any questions. P.S. The drinks are also 5 stars. read more

My girlfriend and I tried this restaurant while shopping during the annual downtown Fairhope Girls Night Out. We both enjoyed the fish and grits and it didn't disappoint. read more

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The food quality well exceeded what we expected. I got smoked short ribs and they were on par with what you'd get at a fancy restaurant in a big city. There was a hearty portion, enough to take some home. The decorating was charming and inviting, although I think it's awkward when the bathroom door is right off the dining room across from a table. The waitress was lovely and accommodating. read more

Quaint bistro. Good menu options with a special twist. The gumbo was meaty and had a dark rue. The dab of potato salad in the center was a nice flair. Hush puppies were very good and plenty for two. The shrimp boy was very good. Good service and atmosphere in the heart of downtown Fairhope. read more

We left a new restaurant because of the poor service in downtown Fairhope. This is our anniversary night headed over to our old stomping grounds which always provide the best service and food. We had a blast. This is a chef and wife owned restaurant and it is superb highly recommend read more

Have been wanting to try Pearl for a long time and wow am I glad we did! I have a shellfish allergy so I was hesitant but there was no need at all for that. Googie the hostess made sure the chef knew about it and there were plenty of options. (Our friends got the oyster sampler and enjoyed it though!) They even sautéed my Brussels sprouts so they weren't deep fried and they were delicious! We had the seared tuna, swordfish, amberjack and fried chicken and it was all fantastic. The presentation and sides were also super tasty...great wine list too. Our server, Kierra was attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The owners even checked in on us! All around excellent! Try it, you'll like it! read more

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Yes this is a very nice place, small BUT raised in New Orleans and business from N.O. to Lake Charles "Cajun" country by families that made great gumbo. Their Gumbo is loaded entirely too much with 'stuff" and potato salad usually served on side with rice in the gumbo but not enough actual Gumbo juice to allow this. We enjoyed and sorry to even complain but please go to a true Cajun restaurant and you'll find the gumbo with more juice than the bowl os stew like Gumbo Pearl did. Bowl of gumbo with some nice N.O. Gambino brad to dunk in would sell better or feel better than the bowl of meat and stuff done here. Oysters also done very nicely but guess I've been raised in places who puts oyster on a plate not full of ice just a little too much trying to be extra fancy...don't need the "fancy" need more basics. Thanks read more

My wife and I recently enjoyed a delicious lunch at Pearl. We decided on appetizers and a cold beer. We were helped by a very attentive bartender who recommended delicious drinks. The roasted oysters were fantastic with very complex flavors. The blue crab rice was also amazing. I would steer clear of the baked Manchengo dish. It was good at first but hardened quickly and became greasy. Overall I recommend Pearl and will make a stop there when in town. read more

Small place, service was ok prices to high and the food was so so. The lunch specials were pricey and the catfish on grits was so drowning in the sauce/gravy, they should put that sauce under the fresh fried crunchy fish! Ended up tasting too gooey. read more

We ate here for the first time today and we loved it! Great food, great service and a cozy little place in downtown Fairhope.

If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. Drinks were amazing. Service was even better. Oysters were incredible!!

My husband, another couple and I visited Fairhope for a few days. As we were walking to a different restaurant, we asked some locals along the way for recommendations. They wholeheartedly recommended Pearl. They were hurriedly headed there to beat the crowd at 5:00 p.m. His comment intrigued my husband. So, off we went to Pearl. We found it to be smallish, and intimate with a convivial vibe. There were no tables available, so we chose to sit at the bar until one opened. The menu offered oysters in the 100 degree simmering summer of August, a month with no "R!" Being a Southern island girl, I could not bring myself to order any (I might have ventured in that direction, had they offered oysters from the cooler waters of Maryland to Maine. I settled on the blue crab rice appetizer and a most delightful Bell's amber ale. I adore blue crab for its delicate sweetness, but this dish had an overwhelming vinegary taste partnered with cilantro. It was quite surprising, considering that this pungent flavor was not mentioned on the menu. I decided to allow my palate to just go with the adventurous spirit of the chef. When we were seated at a four top, an entree seemed too much, so I ordered the Brussels sprouts. Again, more vinegar. This time, it was my bad, but I needed to order a veggie to balance out the meal. My husband's seared tuna was most pleasing to him. It was a generous portion, and was cooked to perfection. Our friend's fried chicken was passable. He was neither over- nor underwhelmed. His vegetarian wife ordered (surprise!) vegetables. She was pleased. Our service was remarkable, though. The bartender and the waitress made concerted efforts to make us feel very welcome and met our every wish. While writing this review, I perused their menu again. It seems balanced. If I return, I will be careful to ask more questions before ordering. Overall, it is well worth a visit. read more

Dined here 10 times in last year. Every time has been great. The Brabant potatoes are a must every time. Grilled oysters are outstanding with a chili butter. Great cocktails and they make a superb sazerac. Never had a bad dish. read more

I had lunch at Pearl on Wednesday and it was superb! Grilled Fish sandwich with all the right condiments for a razzle dazzle flavor! Highly recommend! read more

Hip and lively seafood place. Great service. Food came out rapidly. Loud AF though. I like how they don't try to perfect traditional seafood dishes but instead give them fresh interpretations. Oysters were the highlight. Very new so still working out kinks. Will definitely come back. read more

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Quaint little seafood restaurant in downtown Fairhope. Great service! Great drinks! Oh but the food... we got the Roasted Oysters that were so good, we ordered another half dozen. Needless to say, it was our favorite dish on the menu. We also had the Manchego dip- it wasn't bad but nothing special. They were out of the Brussels Sprouts so we ended up getting the buttermilk grits, which were wonderful and went great with my Smoked Short rib. A little smoky for me but the tenderness was on point. I actually poured the juice from the oysters over it to add a bit more flavor. It was fabulous. Presentations were amazing. My Hubs had the redfish which he gobbled down in no time. He also had the turnips and potatoes. These were good but will prob just stick with the Grits and Brussels (if they have) next time. Oh the hush puppies were large and filling but didn't hit the spot. All and all, great spot full of rich flavors. We'll definitely be back and order our favorites. read more

Pearl - Smoked Short Rib over creamy turnips - Seafood Near Me - Fairhope, Alabama

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The roasted oysters, fried chicken, redfish, and crawfish rice were all fantastic. Server had great recommendations! Will be back.