This 5 stars is most definitely for the stellar service (Rebecca), the amazing drinks, (ask about their special margartini- we had the watermelon), and the bronzed catfish with crawfish topping! (The best thing on the menu on our table- sooooo good) Table had the whitefish, jambalaya, alligator bites, red bean cakes & spicy shrimp- All good but when I go back, I will have that bronzed catfish with crawdads!!! I'd drive back just for that meal honestly. Those margartini things have a base of tequila soaked with fruit and then enhanced with more fruit- they're amazing. Don't miss trying one! read more

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This is the best Cajun food I have had outside of New Orleans itself. Visiting from out of state and family recommended this place. Authentic feeling and taste. I felt like I was in a restaurant in New Orleans when I was there. Decorations added to it nicely. Service was great. Worth the short drive from TC. read more

I have enjoyed literally everything I have ever tried here. This plays fills up quickly; I recommend arriving shortly after they open.

Consistently good food and great service. A gem in the restaurant business that often has increasing challenges to find wait staff and chefs that can maintain a good standard. Highly recommend, especially for providing such a unique menu in northern Michigan! read more

I have an endless fountain of positive things to say about this place. The menu is absolutely perfect and I had the most difficult time deciding what I wanted, but I opted for blackened catfish with greens and mashed potatoes, smothered in the most beautiful, succulent, hunks of crawfish ever, in a creamy cajun sauce. It was so good and I think about it a lot lol. They've got different types of hot sauce at each table and that just wins so many points. Sauce options is one of my favorite things. Also there's bread baskets that are pretty legit with some corn bread and french bread... (PS What ever happened to bread baskets? I remember them being plentiful in my youth but now they feel rare). Their happy hour menu is amazing! I wasn't there at the right time this time, but I definitely want to come back for that. Also there's a nice little outdoor space that would be lovely when the weather warms up. read more

The food is my go to comfort food. Especially the fried chicken salad--- order fried okra to put on it--- you'll thank me later. There's nothing here that I don't love! read more

Food: 4 stars Service: 4 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Value: 5 stars Pearl's is a great option in an area with limited choices - the ambiance is adorable with alligators and Mardi Gras beads hanging from the ceiling, and live music on the patio on summer weekend evenings. I haven't tried their happy hour, but it looks like a great deal. We enjoyed the brisket and fish, and they handled my mother's dietary restrictions with no problem. Make sure to make a reservation - even with one, we had to wait for 15 minutes to be seated. read more

We always have amazing service at Pearl's (shout out to Meggan and Garrett). The crawfish cakes are delicious, the brisket is amazing and we are anxiously waiting for red beans to return post-COVID. They have done an amazing job adapting to the new landscape. Strongly recommend you call first (especially on weekends). They can give you an estimated table time. Then call from the parking lot when you arrive and they'll let you know when a table is ready. read more

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Had friends show up 20 minutes before we were to arrive. They wouldn't seat them until we showed up - total BS! We show up and now our party of 5 is waiting for 25 minutes while 3 tables that seat 6 are empty! WTF? So I politely ask the Kid seating us if we could be seated at one of the unoccupied tables - "NO" we have Reservations?? So we wait almost a half hour to be seated while none of their "Reservation Parties" ever showed before we were seated! Note to Pearls " rethink your Stupid Ass seating rules that are NOT Customer Friendly!! Our waitress was Awesome and the food was Very Good!! Don't make customers Wait when you have Empty tables available!!! read more

Some of the BEST food in Northern Michigan. Friendly & professional staff, Always get my order right and to me Fast. A touch of Cajun, but not over powering. JT read more

We have been wanting to go to this cajun restaurant in Elk Lake near Traverse City for a few years. Today was our 5th anniversary so we waited our turn as it was Monday and they were packed. First down was the bayou alligator tip appetizer served with a remoulade sauce. Naturally we splashed it with their Danes Insane scotch (hot sauce) . This set my arm pits on fire but God it was good. I ordered their house special jambalaya . It had shrimp, sausage, chicken dirty rice and magic jambalism potent enough to make a voodoo doll dance. My wife ordered the cajun spiced shrimp appetizer in a garlic and butter sauce. Her coleslaw was excellent. She had 2 orders of corn bread so I'm gonna say it was delicious. I washed my dinner down to the bayou with a cherry Margarita which did little to curb my self inflicted heat. Were in Traverse city for a week so will be back real soon. Love this place, the atmosphere, the excellent service, thank you Chantela! read more

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Great food and atmosphere. Anything there is great. Great friendly service. Spicy vodka martinis are the "bomb".

This place has really lost its luster over the years. The staff has become less friendly and more unhelpful while the cook must have changed because the quality of the food has certainly declined. This used to be our favorite restaurant when visiting Torch Lake, but now we will find somewhere new to go. read more

Pearl’s - Grilled cheese - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Elk Rapids, Michigan

Do not believe that they are pet friendly. They said we couldn't have our dog on the patio and suggested that we leave her in the car, in 80 degree weather. read more

The food was good, and the ambiance and music of the restaurant was great, but the service..? wasn't as great as it could be. We sat facing a small corridor going into the kitchen...and when I asked for a refill, our waitress just sat and talked with the other workers in the corridor, like we couldn't see her or something. whenever we asked for something, she just sat in there and talked for up to five minutes... read more

Wow, what terrific food (and very large portions), awesome drinks, and with a very friendly staff. I went on two occasions in one week because it was so good. And that chocolate cake is to die for. read more

I've been going here for years, and it has been going downhill for a bit now. The food quality has lessened, especially the fried chicken and appetizers. The plastic tablecloths are always sticky and dirty, there is dust everywhere, and the decor is worn and old. I let management know, and they don't seem to care. My guess is that they know there aren't a lot of options, and will continue to operate in this manner read more

Food is great and staff is lovely. But...the Ladies Room was disgusting. Out of 3 stalls only one was working. Paper and water all over the floor. Our orders were so good though. read more

Normally I love coming to pearls but this time I waited an hour and a half for a takeout order when they said it would take 30 minutes. They messed up my salad 2 times and didn't even include a different salad I ordered. The soup I ordered was only half full, and there was hair in my po'boy as well. The manager was not very nice and seemed annoyed at me that they messed up my order so many times. I'm extremely disappointed and probably won't return unfortunately. read more

I've heard such good things about Pearl's and I finally got a chance and it didn't disappoint. The decor is very cute, our waitress was very personable and helpful with our choices. The meal started with the complimentary bread basket that contained very tasty jalapeño corn bread and a small loaf of homemade bread. We then had the alligator bites as an appetizer which were very good and the remoulade dipping sauce was tasty. We even convinced our 12 year old grandson to give it a try and he liked it too. I had the Magnum Manhattan that came in a martini glass and the blackened catfish with the added crawfish tails in garlic cream sauce which were both excellent. The hush puppies were really good, a nice change from potatoes or rice. My husband had the Jambalaya, my daughter had the steak bourbon bordelaise and our grandson had the southern fried chicken, all were very good along with the cheddar mashed potatoes. We finished it off with the bananas foster and the beignet sundae to share. read more

Who would have guessed this are would have a bona-fide ORLEANS venue. The atmosphere, food, service are all top notch. The crayfish and corn chowder was amazing as was the sour mash, blackberry cobbler. Serving sizes were generous. Becky our server was pleasant, knowledgeable, and attentative. Will definitely be back! Thanks Becky and thank the chef for us! read more

Excellent Food and great service. ! The staff always makes us feel like we are at home. The Brisket of Beef is fantastic.

Delicious food, great Louisiana cuisine! Jambalaya and whitefish entrees were amazing. Prompt service and "down south" atmosphere. One of our favorites in the area! Would highly recommend. read more

Pearl’s - Jambalaya and whitefish - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Elk Rapids, Michigan

My wife had the lunch whitefish and I had the delta blackened catfish. Both were tasty. Service was good!

Great and diverse food menu. The staff is friendly and prompt. The ambiance is nice and looks you are in anther town. read more

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Service was wonderful and food was out of this world good. Prices are not bad at all.The Chicken Po' Boy was especially delicious. Some of the best food we've ever had. All around amazing meal and would gladly come back again. (and again... and again.) read more

Pearl’s - Decanter display - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Elk Rapids, Michigan

I use to love this place, but it has gone downhill. First, it is a sticky, dusty mess. They could close for a few days for a deep clean, and get rid of the plastic tablecloths. Next, the quality of the food is going down. It can be overcooked, dry, or rubbery, depending on what you order. The staff is still great in my opinion. They are relying on what they once were, and the fact that there are few places to eat, but how much longer can that carry them? read more

Food is great and good selection of cocktails. My favorite place to eat in Elk Rapids

This review is for the cherry margarita. Never change. Best drink of all time. It is perfection. A note on the food- it's very good but very New Orleans/Cajun as the name suggests. If you aren't feeling Cajun there aren't many other options just FYI! read more

Pearl’s - Cherry margarita perfection - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Elk Rapids, Michigan

Good delicious food! We had ours via carry out & warmed up at the lake house. Catfish was very good. Fried chicken was very good. Brisket tasted good but nothing special. Mashed potatoes great. grits & collard greens good. read more

Food was above average, but the staff was well above average! The bartender, front of house and everyone was so friendly and helpful. I had a lot of questions about items on the menu, due to my daughter's dietary restrictions and they doubled checked items and recommended several things. The pasta was great, gumbo fantastic and sandwiches were great. read more

This was a fun place for a leisurely late Sunday afternoon meal. Plus, you can order an absinthe cocktail complete with the little sugar cube and everything! Service was great, and the ambiance quite charming. Only thing better was the company, we had a great time here. read more

Amazing food, amazing service, yummy cherry margaritas. Will definitely come back again!

The good: -Nice outdoor seating. -Nice staff (We had great server named Jade) -My boyfriend liked his jambalaya. He is easily impressed. -Thankful for bread basket. French bread was so good! The bad: -Cheddar potatoes were flavorless and had gummy texture.. And I love all forms of potatoes and can eat them all. Could not do it with these. -Fried chicken was not flavorful and seemed like the oil needed changed awhile ago. Chicken was dry. Dipped into the gravy to eat what I did eat because I was really hungry after a day of boating. -Would not recommend personally.. I'm surprised at the good reviews. read more

Pearl’s - Fried chicken with potatoes and hush puppies. I was so hungry so this is aftermath of what I didn't eat. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Elk Rapids, Michigan

Fabulous food & interior. I usually get the hushpuppies + blackened alligator as my entire meal because I'm a freak, but the jambalaya is perfect, too. The étouffée could be spicier... ngl. Either way, I'm obsessed, even if the restaurant is apart of a hospitality chain. I mean, where else are you gonna get Cajun or Creole food in Northern Michigan that's this good!! Xoxo ... p.s. skip the brisket or the alfredo -- nothin' wrong with them, but there's much better things on the menu. read more

Usually top notch entrees, I was surprised to open my take out dinner to find my smoked turkey mufelletta lacking its thick layer of olive tapanade, darn it! Instead there was only a smear, altering the taste satisfaction to disappointing. I'm hoping this was a simple mistake and not a regular preparation. I realize that it was a busy evening, but Pearl's needs to maintain their hard earned reputation for consistency. read more

Pearl’s - Smoked Turkey Mufelletta take out 5/26/24 - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Elk Rapids, Michigan

Cherry Margarita Fried green Tomatoes Whitefish Muffaleta with chips Shrimp n Grits Besides the muffaleta everything was under seasoned to borderline bland. For a Cajun restaurant that is certainly a miss. read more

This 5 star review is for Garrett, our server last night. He came to the table with a big, welcome smile! We were tired after a long day of driving, but Garrett acted like he was just starting his day and he was eager to make everyone happy! Nice explanations about the food and specials were given. The food was prompt and very good! Even at 10 pm Garrett gave it his all! Hats off to this server!!!!! read more

This is a must go to if you are in Elk Rapids! My husband had the beef brisket with mashed potatoes and asparagus. He says it was tender, flavorful and he didn't have to add any seasoning to it. I had the Plantation Platter, red bean cakes over creamed corn, fried green tomatoes and wilted garlic spring greens over grits. I was leery about the grits because the grits I've had in the past were less than delicious but OMG, this whole platter was PHENOMENAL! Everything was seasoned perfectly and the portions are huge. Brooke was our server and she was on top of all our needs. She was very friendly and definitely an asset to the restaurant. We will be back. read more

This is such a great find! The food was amazing, I had the fried chicken and I have to say it rivals some of the chicken I have had down south! And can we talk about the collard greens?! I could have had just a big bowl of greens and cornbread and been very happy! Do not pass by this restaurant, the service was great, very friendly and we had a great time looking at all of the hot sauce bottles on the walls. read more