A restaurant, tavern and oyster room, The Pearl will introduce an expansive menu of chef-inspired cuisine featuring made-from-scratch entrees, shareable plates and seasonal oysters complemented by handcrafted cocktails, a carefully curated wine list and a rotating selection of ales, lagers and stouts.
We had an amazing experience at The Pearl! Our server, Jordan K., went above and beyond - he was incredibly accommodating to our keto diet and gave fantastic recommendations for oysters. Everything he suggested was spot-on. The service, food, and overall atmosphere were excellent. Highly recommend this place and our server, especially if you’re looking for great seafood and attentive service!
KL
Karen Lee
6 days ago
5.0
Polished but cozy gastropub with legit seafood for being in the Midwest. The shrimp and grits came out perfect — buttery, rich, and a little spicy. Bartender poured a strong Old Fashioned and actually cared how it tasted. Busy but not chaotic, with that easy Columbus charm.
AS
Aaron Stormes
Oct 15, 2025
5.0
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.
OK
Oleg Krivoy
Oct 13, 2025
2.0
Great location on main center street of Columbus. This restaurant brought to my attention from reputation & recommendation. No Valet service no parking use uber or taxi. Welcoming was very dry you can tell guy was tired and was not exciting to see us. Ambience decor like old ‘90 Applebees they need renovation so bad. Food is out this world impeccable 10 out of 10 chefs cheers. Server he forgot for I moment that he at work no he wasn’t rude or mean. He was effervescent. He was sassy. Took our order so late from appetizers to main dish wish waited .I understand that industry I left him tip but not happy with his attitude
KC
Kevin Collins
Oct 8, 2025
5.0
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.
Yes! The Pearl in the Short North offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 4 – 6 pm, with a selection of specially-priced beverages and food including raw, baked or fried oysters. Every Monday is Martini Monday when our mixologist debuts a featured martini on Instagram served from 4 – 10 pm. For current Happy Hour Menu features, check The Pearl’s website!
Does The Pearl in the Short North offer specialty cocktails?
Yes! The Pearl is home to the famous Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails along with expertly-composed classic cocktails and exclusive standouts like the Bourbon.Bacon.Beautiful and The Cure – a rotating punch selection made with seasonal ingredients. Cocktails are updated from time to time so be sure to check The Pearl’s website to see the current Cocktail List. Select Specialty Cocktails may be available with special pricing during happy hour, Monday through Friday, 4 – 6 pm and every Monday is Martini Monday when our mixologist debuts a featured martini on Instagram served from 4 – 10 pm.
Does The Pearl in the Short North serve craft beer?
Yes! The Pearl in the Short North has a well-rounded selection of premium quality craft beers and unique offerings from far-flung places like the Czech Republic. A rotating series of bottled pale lagers, pale ales, wheats, fruits, dark and Belgium ales is served. Drafts are focused primarily on Ohio breweries including local favorites CBC (Columbus Brewing Company), Jackie O’s, Rhinegeist, North High Brewing and Seventh Son.
Can The Pearl in the Short North accommodate large parties?
Yes! The Pearl in the Short North is available weekdays from 11 am to 3 pm for special private events. For parties of greater than 6 guests at any time, we recommend calling the restaurant to discuss your plans and complete your reservation.
Is The Pearl in the Short North a fancy restaurant?
The Pearl’s Short North location is a gathering place serving shareable fare and featuring an oyster bar offering a generous selection of raw and cooked seafood delicacies. Drop in and grab a stool at the marble counter and watch oysters being shucked and seafood towers prepped while you enjoy dressed Blue Crab or a New England Clam Chowder. Bring friends for an after-work happy hour and share some Devils on Horseback or drop in for dinner to sample the famous Southern Fried Chicken dinner complete with warm cinnamon roll. The vibe is lively and warm with plentiful seating in booths, banquettes, and high-top tables in the long, dark wood bar. During seasonal weather, the front windows are open to N. High Street in Columbus’ Short North Arts District.
Does The Pearl in the Short North accept reservations?
Reservations are not required but they are recommended. If OpenTable is showing no availability for your preferred day and time, we recommend calling the restaurant.
What is The Pearl in the Short North famous for?
The Pearl in the Short North has earned raves for several signature features. The Snacks and Starters are filled with guest favorites including Devils on Horseback (dates wrapped in bacon with a chimichurri gremolata), the Old Fashioned Deviled Eggs, and Tater Tots like no other. The Jalapeño Corn Spoon Bread with whipped butter and honey arrives in a cast iron skillet (but won’t last long)! The Oyster Bar delivers a rotating selection of chillingly fresh shellfish that arrives daily, N’awlins Style Baked Oysters and Parmesan Baked Clams. Champagne Horseradish Mignonette served with The Pearl’s freshly-shucked oysters adds a bright zing. The Pub Burger has been voted best in the city and famous entrées include the Southern Fried Chicken served with warm cinnamon roll, Great Lakes Fish & Chips, Braised Short Ribs and Pork Piri Piri.The cinnamon roll in the Southern Fried Chicken entrée is such a hit, it’s been made available for pick up in servings of six rolls with a pastry bag of cream cheese frosting on the side and instructions for reheating. Cinnamon Rolls are for carryout only and need to be ordered 24 hours in advance and, yes, they are worth the effort!Most famously, The Pearl makes its own pies daily. A selection of 3 – 4 offerings is accompanied by the always-available Brown Sugar Pie. Decadent and rich with sugar and butter filling with a dollop of heavy (heavy) whipping cream, the Brown Sugar Pie (and its cousins) are a destination dessert. Save room!The Pearl is one of the Short North Arts District’s most enduring and beloved restaurants. It’s a favorite destination when out-of-town friends visit – there’s something for everyone!
Is there patio seating?
Patio seating is not available but during seasonal weather, the windows onto N. High Street are open creating a breezy, patio-like atmosphere.
Where’s the best place to park and is there valet service?
The Pearl in the Short North is located at 641 N. High Street in Columbus, Ohio’s Short North Arts District. On-street parking is available but be sure to read and follow street signage instruction regarding pay-by-phone parking. Garage parking is plentiful with multiple garages available within a 2-block radius of the restaurant. Valet is available one block south, in front of Marcella’s, for $15 per vehicle.
Is there a Wine List?
Yes! The Pearl in the Short North offers a well-curated wine list with features from France to Argentina, Spain to New Zealand, France to California, Oregon and Washington state. Selections are available by the glass and bottle. Makers generally found on the list include Stag’s Leap, Terlato, Hanna, The Prisoner Wine Co., Veuve Clicquot, Grgrich Hills, Bodegas Alto Moncayo and Orin Swift. Visit The Pearl website for the current Wine List.
Are there menu options for Gluten-free and Vegetarian diners?
Yes! The Pearl’s menu features items noted with ‘gf’ or ‘v’ designation indicating the preparation is already gluten-free friendly or vegetarian, or, can be made so upon request. In addition, the chef team is well-versed in dietary adjustments and is pleased to accommodate requests. Please do not hesitate to inform your server of any food sensitivities or allergies.