Pearl Diner Is Back In Business With Eggs, Pancakes And Reubens

Good news for omelet lovers: Pearl Diner, the 48-year-old Downtown institution at 212 Pearl Street, reopened for outdoor dining, takeout and deliveries over the weekend, its first time back in business since the start of the pandemic.

Like many New York City restaurants, the Pearl, which opened in 1962 and has survived decades of change and new development, had been shut down since early March, even putting a pause on takeout and delivery orders. “There wasn’t enough volume to sustain the payroll or pay the rent,” owner Alex Pritsos told the Downtown Alliance. “We were closed for literally six months.”

An adjusted menu of basic, diner-style classics, as well as the restaurant’s well-loved breakfast menu, is now available for in-person service as well as delivery via apps like GrubHub and Seamless.

The Saturday reopening was a joyous occasion for longtime fans and newcomers alike. “They were all regular customers that showed up,” Pritsos said. “We also had one or two tourists from Italy. Apparently one of the hotels nearby is now hosting some Italian tourists.”

The diner will also offer indoor dining at 25% capacity as soon as it’s allowed at the end of the month, Pritsos added.

The Pearl will be open Monday through Friday 8a–4p, and Saturdays and Sundays 8a–2p.

photo: Pearl Diner