I know I’ve declared their lobster rolls the best in NYC, but there’s another dish at Pearl Oyster Bar that shouldn’t be missed — their fried oysters. Now, I realize that some people just don’t like oysters, and there’s nothing I can do or say to make those folks try them. Some people might be put off by the fact that we’re dealing with fried food — the image of greasy, soggy, heavy battered things pops into their heads. Cast those thoughts aside, people. Pearl’s fried oysters are light, with a crispy, salty batter on the outside, and the sweet, juicy oysters on the inside. The appetizer is served with a homemade tartar sauce, which is also completely unlike the goopy, gloppy stuff you might be used to from your past food nightmares. I don’t even particularly like tartar sauce, yet I was licking it off my fork. I will admit, I add a healthy splash of Tabasco to my oysters, but they’re perfect as served, with a squirt of lemon. You can also get them po’ boy style as an entree.
I’ll probably do a more “formal” write-up for Gothamist Food, with pictures and all, but in the meantime, run over there and grab yourselves some fried oysters — you won’t regret it.