This is a streamlined review of Salt & Pearl. Members in attendance were Angela, Trevor, Innie, and Wayne. DK was too busy scuba diving to join.
Everyone got the smash burger since it was the only burger on the menu (double patty, American cheese, pickles, 1000 island, grilled onions), and it comes with fries by default. Angela and Trevor also ordered portabello fries (crispy garlic panko mushrooms, soy ginger dipping sauce) and the BBQ Oysters (cooked 3 ways: classic, New Orleans, and crispy bacon parm).
Smash burger:
Everyone agreed the burger was technically very solid. The sear had really good crispy and charred edges that gave the patty great texture without drying it out. It was juicy, well-balanced, and the American cheese added a nice richness. However, the burger didn’t really stand out and rise above “decently good” status. The toppings overall felt a bit underwhelming: the onions were in an awkward middle ground (neither raw nor caramelized), the tomato could’ve been better, and the pickles blended in rather than popping with acidity. It was also on the small side for the price, but it did come with fries. Overall, we liked it and would eat it again, but we wouldn’t go out of our way for it.
Fries:
Shoestring-style fries that were crispy, well-salted, and had a fluffy interior. The portion size was generous, but the fries were cut strangely short.
Portabello fries:
The batter was light and not overly thick, which allowed the mushroom to shine. The portabello itself was flavorful and meaty, and as fries they didn’t feel overly greasy. The dipping sauce was also really good. This would be a strong reorder if we came back.
BBQ oysters:
They were good but pricey. The crispy bacon parm ones in particular overwhelmed the oyster flavor. This was more like a one-time try than something to reorder.
Drinks:
Angela got a watermelon basil mule mocktail and didn’t like it, describing the taste of the alcohol as kind of like Robitussin. Trevor liked his beer and Innie liked her boulevardier.
Misc:
Indoor and outdoor seating available, and the outdoor seating had heaters, which was necessary for the chilly night. Service was friendly and attentive. Bathrooms were clean, though lighting in one was noticeably dim. Metered parking in the area was somewhat limited but manageable.
Scores/Value:
Angela: 4.2, $8
Innie: 3.8, $16
Trevor: 2.9, $7
Wayne: 4.0, $10