I found this restaurant from watching HGTV and decided we will eat there. My thoughts: Customer Service: 10/10 Food: 2/10 I am giving it a 2 out of 10 because the presentation was perfect. However, I've never had any cold chicken and cold hard Jalapeño bread. In my conclusion, the food was yesterday's food. You may ask me how do you know? We arrived at 11:05 to place the order. We got our food at 11:15 which was quick. The chicken was cold. The mac & cheese was semi-warm and my okra was semi warm. You don't get this kind of food if a business opens at 11 AM and you receive your food at 11:15. That's why I am calling it yesterday's food. I wanted to ask so badly for them to just put it in the microwave because I saw it on HGTV and I wanted my food to be really great and I wanted to write a really good review for this business. However, I was highly disappointed. Now I am sure the food is probably hot on Sundays after people getting out of church in the south and all those good things. However, I was disappointed on a Thursday! Highly disappointed! The business is only open 3 hours a day so how could this happen? I am just glad we didn't have to stand in line for an hour and 30 minutes for some cold chicken. And I'll leave it at that! read more

Pearl’s Diner - Saw business on HGTV! Cold chicken SMH - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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It was good! Very cute diner, short menu, good food. The fried chicken was very good and we liked the collard greens. The banana pudding was tasty. Our cornbread didn't taste like anything which was odd. Everyone was very nice. read more

Pearl’s Diner - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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This was a must stop at place for my mom and I. We learned about Pearl's Diner from the show Hometown and knew we had to visit once coming to Laurel. It is only open for lunch from 11-2pm Tuesday through Saturday. We made sure we got in line a few minutes before 11am. Yes a line, so get there early. The doors opened right at 11am and you order from the counter and have a seat. The staff is welcoming and assist with the line and seating to have everything move smoothly. The prices were not bad at all and we got alot of food. The fried chicken is out of this world. A must get. You won't regret it. It is so flavorful with crispy skin, yet moist chicken. Also, it is not super greasy which was my favorite part. I enjoyed the green beans and corn on the cob. The jalapeño corn bread was amazing! My mom got the black eyed peas, mac n cheese, and regular cornbread with her fried chicken. She raved about the black eyes peas. We also ordered banana pudding and Mrs. Pearl's Cheesecake. The banana pudding was my favorite and a great sweet treat to round out my southern meal. The inside of the diner is not very large but does have plenty of seating inside and some outside. While we did not see Mrs. Pearl, her sister greeted us and was definitely running the diner while we were there. read more

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This place has all of the nostalgia of an old style diner with a counter. The staff were very friendly. We split some dark meat fried chicken and a couple of sides. The mac& cheese was really good. The sweat tea was great. The fried chicken was surprisingly underseasoned. The skin was perfectly cooked (crispy and moist) so the potential was there. Disappointed read more

Pearl’s Diner - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

Some of the best fried chicken I've had. Service friendly. The food was fresh. It's definitely like a classic southern diner. Glad we all got fried chicken. But watch the clock they're only open from 11-2. read more

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If you're in Laurel, this is a must visit. Pearl throws down some awesome fried southern comfort food. We sampled the pork chop and fried chicken with plenty of her sides. The veggies are stars. And service is genuine and personable. Transported back to the 60s. read more

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My friends have raved about Pearl's and we were able to go when enjoying a weekend in Laurel! A hometown favorite. You order at the counter and they bring to food to you! The fried chicken was some of the best we've ever had. Not greasy and amazing crust. The fried catfish was just as delicious. We tried all of the sides and all were delicious! She even has her own spice that we bought. Her son was bringing food out and cleaning tables and stopped to chat with us. Such a friendly vibe. If you're ever in Laurel you need to go! read more

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Pure southern hospitality and food! The fried chicken is to die for!! Service is warm and inviting. They make you feel like family Mac n cheese, Devine! Fried okra perfection! This is the best diner in all of the south east. Hands down, nothing comes close. read more

Order at counter but menu posted seemed sparse compared to advertising outside. Cashier couldn't find the posted special in the system. Salad was fresh, but basic. Bathroom plumbing needs work. read more

Amazing home cooked food. Staff was super friendly with amazing service. I would highly recommend them. Their menu changes daily and recently started being open on Sunday from 11-2. read more

Good food - LONG wait. Just be prepared to wait 20 minutes for your food after ordering.

Food service was wonderful, the ambience is very retro/ homey. The food had amazing flavor. read more

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Enjoyed sitting outside and a home made southern lunch - every thing was hot and definitely homemade. The wait was longer than we are used to but it was a beautiful day to sit outside. This was one memory from our 30th anniversary celebration trip on our HGTV cross country trek (from Palm Springs, California) read more

The food was yummy, the fried chicken was excellent along with the french fries and Black Eyed Peas. However, I think the lady taking the orders might revisit common courtesy when dealing with customers. I've worked in the industry for 16 years. Had she worked for me he would've been reprimanded. We were a party of 10 on a church outing. Everyone in our group agreed that she was quite rude. Not only to us but other patrons that we overheard her speak to. So, if you are going to dine at Pearls do not expect a warm friendly invite upon arrival. And God forbid you need to ask for anything once you placed your order. I'm hoping this was just an "off" day for her. I think I'll take my business elsewhere next trip to Laurel. As good as the chicken was, it certainly wasn't worth the treatment trying to obtain it. read more

I tried Ms Pearl's Southern Seasoning on several dishes at home. The flavor balance was outstanding. Now I use it on everything, from asparagus to mango to zucchini. Gotta keep some on hand to help impress all my friends. read more

Miss Pearl's was truly a gem when my sister in law and I were in Laurel on vacation. Fish was perfect as was the fried chicken. Such a friendly atmosphere. I ordered extra veggies because two were simply not enough! Only intended to come once but it was well worth another lunch. read more

Was a restaurant recommended by locals when we arrived we were greeted as we entered the diner. They had one meat two vegetables plates for 14.99 when we paid we were up charge 1.00 for mashed potato and 1.00 for gravy who does that. The food was bland and instant mashed potatoes.In Texas theses are standard items that go together like peas and carrot. If this is the restaurant locals are recommending I'm glad I live in Texas. read more

A fun place but if you don't hit it at the right time, you will not get in or or have to stand in a very long line. The options are up on the wall and they ran out of them as we were waiting in line. They did add additional items as things ran out. The fried chicken was very tender and the sides were very yummy. The fried pork chop was pretty good, and Miss Pearl came around and greeted the customers and she was such a character. read more

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We tried Pearl's Diner while visiting Laurel. Fried chicken was good as was the service. It was pretty much what we expected. If we went back I would go earlier as they tend to run out of the sides. read more

Oh this is a really nice place. It's not too pricey but you still get that upscale feel. You can tell the chef is on his/her game!

Service - outstanding. Greeted at the door with explanation for ordering. Asked multiple times if refills were needed. Ambience - cool little renovated jewelry store, now restaurant. Plenty of free street parking. Food ... while the food was tasty - if definitely could have been warmer ... Mac'n Cheese was cool to touch ... and bread was cold. Had to go to support Ms Pearl ... but, wouldn't repeat. Also, a pricey lunch. But, tourist flock here - take advantage while you can. read more

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Never have been there before. A friendly hello when we entered. Walk up to place your order and seat yourself in an old diner atmosphere. Meal served hot in a timely manner. "Plate lunch cooking" at its finest. Plenty of room and a steady flow of customers while we were there. ! read more

Welcome to Laurel Mississippi, home of Home Town show with Ben and Erin! We had a great morning walking around Magnolia and Oak street. At 11:00 am promptly, we queded up for an early lunch at Ms. Pearl's Diner. As soon as the doors open, we and 20!of our new friends went inside. It's cute inside with a mix of tables and booths. They have one larger round table looks to seat 6-7. We set in a booth. That way we got a double dose of people watching: inside and out the windows. You order first and be sure to grab your silverware and napkins, ketchup, and condiments. Then have a seat with the number they give you when you pay. They bring your food to the table with a smile and it's piping hot!! It was so delicious! We were 50/50 on getting friend chicken or pork chops. Not sure if we missed anything but the fried chicken was delicious. My Lima beans were perfectly cooked - cooked but not mushy. The corn muffins were swiped with butter. The gravy on the rice was maybe our favorite but everything was. So. Good!!!! They came around 3 separate times to make sure we were happy with the food and if we needed anything. The welcome at Ms. Pearl's just doesn't end! The customers are a mix of regulars and travelers like us. More than once I heard a local ask someone where they were from - and then welcome them! Friendly spot! Great location! Great food!!!Baked ChickenClassic SouthernFried ChickenMeatloafPork ChopVeggie PlatePork ChopVeggie PlateMeatloaf read more

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We made a stop in Laurel and several locals suggested Pearl's Diner for lunch. We were coming in towards closing time, but the food was still super fresh and flavorful. And even being close to closing time, the place was packed! The fried chicken was *chef's kiss*.... How it should be! Crunchy, seasoned, and moist! The vegetables were amazing as well! And you can't a good southern meal without some banana pudding! Don't sleep on this place! read more

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The food was delicious and has great flavor. Small portions on our peas and rice and gravy. The staff and co-owner was extremely nice, cordial, and friendly! I had the meat+2 for $14.99=fried chicken, cornbread, mac & cheese black-eyed peas. My husband had meat+2 sides for $14.99 pork chop, cornbread, mac & cheese and rice & gravy. Kinda pricey! read more

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Great place to go for a meat and three if you are ever in the Laurel area. Laurel is truly a hidden gem, and the secret is out about this restaurant. I recommend the pork chop with a side of Mac and cheese and Lima beans. Go right at 11 though, because you will be waiting in line (likely out the door) to order food. It is a cute old diner... reminiscent of a soda fountain read more

Pearl’s Diner - Pork Chop with Mac and Cheese, Lima beans, and the roll - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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I visited Pearl's Diner during my recent visit to Laurel, MS with my family. During my previous visits, I always arrived after they'd closed, but this time I was RIGHT ON TIME!!! I loved the energy of the restaurant the moment I crossed the threshold. From her son, who greeted us right away and directed us to the counter to place our order. I ordered the fried catfish, speckled butter beans and cabbages, with the jalapeño cornbread. The cornbread was buttery and had lots of jalapeño just the way I love it! The butter beans were absolutely incredible, the macaroni and cheese simply delicious, and the cabbages were cooked to perfection. In a word, PERFECTION!! I almost forgot, Pearl's Sweet Tea reminded me of my mother's! Sweet, but the flavor of the tea was the star. The diner was bustling, with lots of conversation and smiles at every table. This is what I love about diners. Pearl came out and greeted every guest and ensured all of us were taken care of! She visited with our table, and took plenty of pictures with us. If you haven't visited Laurel, you must! And when you're here, DO NOT miss Pearl's Diner!! It's more than a meal, it's an experience! Thanks Pearl and your whole team!! read more

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I do not easily give five star reviews. However, this is one of the easiest five star reviews I've ever written. If I were to use one word to describe Pearl's diner, it would be "Larapin." Larapin is an underused Southern word at its core and describes Pearl's Diner to a T. It is definitely worth the wait for the southern home-cooked meal that you receive. The line may be long waiting to order at the counter but it is worth the wait. When you get to the counter, be prepared to order your meat +2 vegetables or +3 vegetables. We both ordered meat +2 vegetables. I had fried chicken (dark), rice/gravy, and black-eyed peas. The Mrs. had meatloaf, green beans, and mac & cheese. After you order, take your number and find a table and they will bring you your food. Then, your taste buds will delight in what you were tasting. It is definitely southern comfort food prepared to perfection. You do not wanna miss this place. Tip: Hours are 11-2. They are temporary closed on Monday and Tuesday (at the time of this review/Oct 2021) due to staffing issues. Bottom line - Pearl and her family/staff are over the top friendly with their Southern hospitality. The food was absolutely wonderful, or as I already said, larapin. Look it up. I think you'll agree. Bon appétit, y'all. read more

Going through on way to Gulfport, Ms. Stopped based on reviews. Great food. Cute diner. Greeted by staff. Had green beans, fried pork chops and Mac and cheese. All was tasty! read more

Pearl's Diner was a place I've been wanting to go to for some time. Fairly simple menu and I be all of it is good. I had the fried chicken, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, broccoli and spicy cornbread. Yes sir/ma'am I had a bowl of banana pudding too. Friendly all the way from standing in a line to order until you are stuffed and are walking out. When in Laurel, Mississippi go give Pearl's Diner a try. Go get Full read more

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We love this place. The plate lunches are excellent, especially when accompanied by that indescribably good cornbread. The staff is amazing and treated us like family. We enjoyed the decor and the large windows that makes this place feel like part of downtown Laurel. We look forward to stopping by again on our next trip through the area. read more

This is in Laurel, MS. What an gem! I felt like I was in the 1960s, checkered floor , high back booths, glass cases with some "antiques". You order at the counter from a limited homemade, Southern based, menu that is above the counter on a white board. There were four proteins, five veggies (all freshly picked we were advised) Mac and cheese for an up charge,, cornbread or biscuits, and desserts. All of us got the fried chicken, they only had dark meat rat day, but it was nicely breaded and crispy fried and extremely moist. I had Mac and cheese, I would have liked it stringier but that's me, and chowder beans which I added some butter and s/p to, We all enjoyed it. Doubt I'll ever be in that area again, but if you are there , it's a neat place, read more

Very nice laid-back southern Café food was excellent service was very good too. Mac & cheese was good rice and gravy. Excellent very attentive servers went here twice during my three day. Stay in Laurel. read more

Three Stars for positive experiences...in the past, not today. Today was our LAST visit. As other Yelpers have noted it is expensive for what it is. North of $30 for two lunches. And yes they pull that because of Laurel's new found popularity due to that HGTV series. Don't go in hungry. We waited 57 minutes for our food. That was a first but it was treated so casually by the staff that we won't risk it EVER AGAIN. After that wait we were served chicken hot from the fryer and four room temperature inedible sides. There's a KFC a couple exits south. read more

Excellent food and service. This was our second time to eat here and both time were great.

Food was good, honestly I was wondering why it was so expensive for the food. Been to other places with same scale food and much cheaper than this place. So will i go back, no probably not. Too expensive for what you get and the way it's presented it looks like it's another price when it's not, they say you get 2 sides / but what they don't tell you is they charge you for those sides. read more

We finally made it to Laurel, MS after years of watching Home Town on HGTV, as most have done, and one of our must go to places was of course Pearl's Diner. My husband ordered the ribs with french fries, collard greens and the jalapeño cornbread while I ordered the fried chicken with mac and cheese, baked sweet potato and regular cornbread. All I can say is the fried chicken was SO GOOD, like AMAZINGLY GOOD, and my husband said the greens were by far probably the best he's ever had. And to top it all off, Ms Pearl came into the diner and was so amazing and pleasant and even let us get a picture and she signed my recipe book I had just purchased because who wouldn't want her recipes?!? She was so incredibly sweet and even took a moment to thank everyone that was there for lunch that day. Her son Darren was also there hustling to make sure that everyone was taken care, that their food was coming out timely and just making sure that everything was good and up to standards and believe me they were! We had such an enjoyable time while there that if we make our way back through Laurel again, we will definitely pass back by for lunch. Thank you again for such amazing hospitality!! read more

Pearl’s Diner - American Near Me - Laurel, Mississippi

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Love the environment. As soon as you walk in the door you are greeted with smiles. The food is delicious. The servings are a good portion. We had the fried chicken with Mac n Cheese, very good! read more

The staff were friendly, and the location was unique. The fried chicken was tasty but the sides did not live up to our expectations based on reviews. It was disappointing that we could not get catfish due to it being frozen and even though 2 in our party ordered white meat chicken and were charged extra for doing so were told that they were out. No mention of refunding the extra charge. It was worth trying once but we will seek out other options the next time we are passing through. read more

My husband and I went for lunch and you'd need a chain saw to eat that chicken. It was tough and flat. I didn't say anything and my husband said "is your chicken tough?" So wasn't just me. We're local, second time there and we won't be back! read more