Ed's Lobster or Pearl's Oyster?

[idia]

Which place do you recommend and what time would a couple have a better chance of getting seated at the end of the bar rather than being stuck in the middle?
Would 5 pm be a reasonable time or not?
Thanks for your advice.

[MIKELOCK34]

It is Pearl for us too. Get there at 5:30 though. We have never felt "cramped" there though the tables are a bit close in the back.

[idia]

Thank you Foodies all for your incredible feedback.
I just received a callback from Tides who assured me that they would save me a booth and we have a reservation there to celebrate our anniversary.
The gentleman was very accommodating.
So we shall see what we shall see.
The other two will come anon!

[MMRuth]

Do let us know how it goes - I have to say that a lobster roll with cilantro doesn't sound appealing to me, but you never know! Happy Anniversary.

[jeanki]

I think Tides would be nicer for a special occasion because it's not as crowded as POB and it's actually a lovely space. I did not have their lobster roll yet but my friend said it was very good. I recommend the bouillabaisse which was terrific. I personally would love lobster roll with cilantro, but to each their own.

[MMRuth]

Didn't mean to sound snarky about the lobster roll with cilantro - if I did, my apologies. (smile)

[idia]

Is the Lobster Roll already made up or could you ask them to hold the cilantro(or any other herb for that matter)?

[MMRuth]

That I don't know, I'm afraid.

[idia]

Makes no difference. My mate is pumped and that's all that counts!
We'll also eventually catch up with the other two places so that we can do a comparison study.
Thanks again for your expert opinions.

[Wilfrid]

Tides lobster roll is very good. It changes seasonally. Summer 2007 has cilantro, not dill.

[maxine]

Really it is a matter of taste and you wont know which one you like until you try them. (I prefer the yet to be mentioned Mary's Fish Camp). If I were you I would go to what ever would be easiest to get into. In this case it might be Tides if you can get a reservation. Enjoy!

[kenito799]

Pearl opens at 6 pm. If you get there early you should be able to sit at a two-top, unless you're alone. There is usually a line of people waiting for them to open. I love Pearl, have heard mixed reviews of Ed's although I haven't been. He used to work at Pearl and basically replicated the menu at his restaurant, from what I hear.

[jeanki]

you could skip either and go to Tides on the LES which is great (it's better than Pearl IMO but havent been to Ed's so I can't compare to that.)

[idia]

jeanki:
Can a couple make a reservation at Tides or is it first come/first served?
We were leaning toward Ed's because of the word Lobster.
We are flexible but want the best seafood.

[Lucia]

Tides takes reservations for parties of 2.

[idia]

Thanks Lucia. We like reservations.
Unless someone dissents, I think we'll do Tides.

[MMRuth]

I dissent (smile).

If you are going for the lobster roll, I would definitely go to Pearl rather than the Tides - v. disappointing one there, that I posted about at the time. Haven't tried Ed's. Last time we were at Pearl just before 6pm, maybe 15 people ahead of us on line, and we got the two seats at the front end of the bar - and usually do. We always go on a week night - don't know if that alters the equation for you.

Edit - I recall the Tide's lobster roll having dill in it, which really turned me off. I gather that the lobster roll ingredients can vary there though. the other people with whom I ate (there were four of us) were also generally disappointed with their food, though I remember a grilled fish, very simply prepared, being quite good.

[kenito799]

Pearl and Ed's both primarily showcase lobster and simple classic New England-style seafood. Lobster rolls, grilled or steamed lobster, steamers, grilled or baked fish, chowder. Pearl is not really an oyster bar, they only have one kind of raw oyster and they also serve them fried.

[MMRuth]

The fried oysters are delicious - my standard meal are those, the lobster roll and the praline parfait. Husband loves the steamers and the skate.

[kenito799]

yes I LOVE the tartar sauce with those oysters. I bet that skate is good but i am always eating the lobster roll...I have had really good whole grilled fish, too (dorade I think it was)

[biskuit]

their mussels (pearl) are really good, too. the sauce borders on chowder actually, but it works really well.

[idia]

This is driving me cra-a-a-zy!
I feel like a push me/pull you doll.
Lobster is the main reason for going "wherever."
We don't adore being cramped to death while eating, hence we thought Tides might be the better way to go.
But food counts first.
H-E-L-P!!

[Lucia]

I like Tides better than Pearl Oyster Bar, but then again, I'm not a big eater of lobster. I also prefer the calm, romantic atmosphere at Tides. That said, seating is still cramped unless you get one of the 2 big booths.

[MMRuth]

I agree that the room at Tides is lovely. I don't feel cramped at POB - if you don't get the first two seats at the bar, the next two, which are at the corner where it turns, are v. comfortable two. Plus, nothing wrong with a table.

[kenito799]

I guess cramped is in the eye of the beholder...if you want a great simple lobster it's hard to beat Pearl...if crampedness will ruin it get there at 5:15 and be first in line so you can get the least cramped table...if you really need room to enjoy your lobster, this is from Le Bernardin's $107 menu:
LOBSTER ($12 Supplement)
Baked Lobster; Wilted Romaine, Squash and Candied Ginger; Port and Tamarind Reduction

[bigjeff]

MMruth, I usually get the exact meal, plus a couple guinness along the way. love the parfait!

[MMRuth]

We get a bottle of white wine instead, and often a trip to Cones afterward is in order, despite parfait consumption!

[kenito799]

almost always the Muscadet...