Bottoms Up: Oyster Shooter at Pearlz in Columbia

They say that oysters are an aphrodisiac, but vodka shot with an oyster in it might sound like the farthest thing from conjuring those feelings.

However, the Oyster Shooter at Pearlz Oyster Bar in Columbia remains one of the most popular alcoholic drinks ordered, according to operating partner Mike Evans.

“I usually get two reactions,” Evans said. “The first is people who are excited to try something new and like oysters. The other reaction we get is people who are hesitant, but after they try it, they end up loving it.”

The shot has so many parts to it, it could classify itself as a mini-cocktail.

It starts with Pearlz Black Pepper vodka, a vodka that comes from a distillery called Terrasentia near Charleston. The shot then gets a helping of cocktail sauce, a dollop of horseradish, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce and topped with a pepper seasoning.

And it isn’t complete until a half-oyster is draped on top.

“You can spend time chewing the oyster, or you can just swallow the oyster,” Evans said. “It’s almost like taking a big swig out of a bloody Mary.”

The bar, located at 936 Gervias St. has been in its location for nearly five years and has a unique feel amongst the restaurants in the area.

For one, the bar has an upstairs with a unique view. Evans and Pearlz in Columbia also are strong believers in canned beer.

“It’s one of the purest ways to enjoy a beer. The unique thing though, is each can of beer comes with a ‘Pearlz’ koozie. The thing about canned beer is that it’s perfect for anyone.”

In addition to an already unique shot an their fresh take on serving beer, the restaurant is also opening a new a dessert bar next door called Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe that will serve something that many will be unfamiliar with – draught wine.

So if the tasty oyster shot is just out of the question, there are plenty of other options right at Pearlz.

Aaron Ransdell

At GoColumbia.com: Watch how the Oyster Shoot gets put together in our Bottoms Up video

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 8:55 PM with the headline "Bottoms Up: Oyster Shooter at Pearlz in Columbia."