Black Pearl, Newport

Went by for drinks on the waterfront. Service was poor. Drinks were overpriced and small as well as not very well mixed. Was sufficiently unimpressed that we went elsewhere for dinner. I won't be going back.

The chowder here is my favorite New England chowder of all time. Casual family atmosphere in one room, more formal dining in the dining room. Buy some chowder to take home.

The food is very good but it's a little expensive. It's to be expected because the location is perfect for a relaxing drink or dinner by the water. You;ll enjoy the atmosphere as much as the food.

Great place to bring the family, while you eat you get a great view of the water. Went here with my family is was so delicious and their prices were reasonable.

I sent them this email using the address on their website - but the email was returned! So should have been the meal. Read on: We are frequent visitors to Newport and often stop at the Black Pearl and have a chowder and drinks in the Tavern. Last Saturday we made reservations for the Commodore's Room. It was a major disappointment. first we were told we hade to come at 6:30, we had asked for 7pm reservations. At 7pm many tables were still empty and couples arriving after. We ended up in middle seat when a seat next to one of the partitions would have been much more pleasant. Our waiter could not hover around us enough until we ordered, which was ok - he was neither rude nor engaging - just there. Except when the meal was served, when the bus boy cleared our table and noticed my wife had not eaten her chicken, nor when we told the busboy that the chicken was tough nor afterwards when he presented the desert menu's did he ask how the meal was. I decided to order an espresso and to my surprise the very little cup was barely 1/3 full. I could not believe for the price that value offered. The Tomato and Basil soup was tasty, the clams with red peppers were as well. The cheesecake was a nice end to what was, at best, an average meal - significantly over priced. We were very disappointed. Though you should know. I just checked my receipt to give you our detail (below) - I am surprised that I left 20% - habit surely, not what we got for service other than the busboy. served by "Herb" table 2/1

When money is not an issue, reserve a table in the Commodore Room. The chowder is the creamiest on the island, and the entrees are outstanding.

We went to the Black Pearl on a rainy, windy day on a weekday,off season and it was still packed...good for them but uncomfortable for us being packed in next to strangers and with no personal space. I think the server tried to be friendly but overall, as with many places in Newport, tend to come off as snobbish, overpriced, and uptight, however uncomfortable the surroundings, the food was stand out, especially the chicken pot pie, which was the best I think I have ever had. So We would recommend the food but not much else about it, unless you like crowds, or to wait, or uneven service...

If you go to Newport...guess what...it's going to be crowded. That is a fact of life. The help at a restautant is going to be very busy at lunch and dinner time trying to make idiot tourists happy. Chowder is the best - bar none. Outdoorbar is great in the summer but even better in early fall to watch a football game. Just a little brisk...perfect. The only negative about the place is there are too many moody and annoying people who expect the world to stop for them (see some of the negative reviews...that's who I am reffering too). All in all, still the best.

We were a party of 4 for lunch. Had about a 45 minute to an hour wait. Spent it having a few drinks in the bar with great company. Every one of enjoyed our lunch's. The broiled sea scallops were simply unbelievable. The clam chowder is a must have if you are in Newport!

Delightful location on Bannister's wharf in the heart of tourist country. Four separate restaurants for all tastes. The Commodore Room for fine white linen dining, the Tavern for a bit less formal, the Waterfront for a limited menu but much better people-watching or the clam-shack Hot Dog window for the tourist on-the-go. On a week night we chose the Waterfront dining over the available Tavern (not dressed for the Commodore Room.) We passed on the drinks and went immediately to the clam chowder and hot rolls which were very good. All main courses were served with fries which seemed cheap and limited based on the $15-30 entree pricing. Wife had the swordfish, which she loved, while my nephew and I had the "Blackened Tender Bistro Steak". OK, so black squirrel may not be entirely accurate, but it was definitely burned mystery meat that ranked right up there with the special steak of the day from a Sizzler or Ponderosa chain. I ordered a $7 Fetzer Merlot served in a plastic dixie cup. All-in-all......nice ambience for generally mixed quality food sold at high prices. Dinner for three (no dessert, ice cream parlors abound on the wharf) capped $100 including tip. If we go back it will be for the hot dog window or just the bar area or waterfront for drinks only. You can do better in Newport.