If you’re looking for sophisticated cool and have an experienced palate, dip into Pearl Dive. This neighborhood spot is for the young pro who appreciates culinary art and big flavors without a big budget.
Good Vibes, Great Cocktails
With a recently updated menu, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace continues to offer subsets of gumbo, fried and not fried options with a constantly rotating selection of coast to coast oysters. One of their staples, the Braised Duck and Oyster Gumbo exemplifies the care infused into the suite of bold flavors. And it gets better. Peer restaurant Black Jack sits upstairs sporting a completely different look, feel and lingo to the oyster palace.
Think “locals only clubhouse”—it’s gourmet bar food and craft cocktails at its very best. Start by washing down the Stacked Duck Confit Nachos with your choice of a Black Jack elixir and I’m sure you’ll be back to sample the rest. Unfortunately, like all of the favorites on 14, scoring a table at Pearl Dive or Black Jack takes patience. Good thing co-owner Jeff Black was inspired by a trip to Brooklyn and incorporated a bocce court into the Black Jack design. Hop into a game while you wait or take in the scene from the 19 seat spectator stand. It’s worth the wait.
WHERE: 1612 14th street NW (Logan Circle)
WHEN TO GO: Monday Oyster Mania
WHAT TO GET: Braised Duck and Oyster Gumbo
P.S. Owners Jeff and Barbara Black just broadened their reach with Republic, a new eclectic seasonal American bistro in Takoma Park.
Photo courtesy of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace official website.