Black Pearl - 34 Years Ago
I have no idea what the Black Pearl is like now, but if you're interested in the Black Pearl of 34 years ago, I have many fond memories. I was stationed at the Newport Naval Base, attending Officer Candidate School from 2/68 through 6/68. The course was divided into 4 months, roughly corresponding to the four years of the Naval Academy. I seem to recall that after the first month we were given "liberty" from Saturday afternoon, following inspection, until midnight Sunday.
My buddies and I from "Charlie Co." (a rogue outfit separately housed in old WWII barracks away from the other 15 companies) happened onto the Black Pearl and adopted it as our weekend home away from home. At that time, the BP was a scroungy, old, rough wooden floored, beer and chowder joint. But oh what beer and oh what chowder! Ice cold beer served in frozen mugs and steaming New England clam chowder, served from a pot on the back of the stove. The food was delicious, the waitresses cute, and the ambiance friendly. Sometimes the coeds from Salve Regina (I don't even know if it still exists) would wander in, and we'd drink and flirt the evening away. For three months our password was, "Let's meet at the Pearl." If it's anything like it used to be, go there. (If anyone from my era at OCS reads this, send me an email. I'd love to compare notes.)    [06 May 2002 19:31:46]

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Recommended Dishes: New England Clam Chowder

     ­John B. Evans, OCS 6/68, Hometown: San Francisco   johnbevans at yahoo dot com

Heavenly Clam Chowder and Seafood
If you're in Newport, RI You MUST eat at The Black Pearl. We go every year in conjunction with the Newport Boat Show. They close for the winter and reopen Feb 12th. The Clam Chowder is truly the BEST we've ever had! Superbly seasoned and chock full of clams in a soft velvety white sauce with a hint of sherry and dill. Fresh ground pepper is added at tableside...truly outstanding! The other dishes (mostly seafood) are incredibly delicious and artfully prepared! The Service was excellent...reservations are recommended for dinner.    [15 Jan 2004 12:00:56]

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Recommended Dishes: Clam Chowder, Anything Seafood!!!

     ­Paula Carson, Amityville NY   pcardozo at optonline dot net

Best Chowder in Newport!
On a cold, damp and dreary New England winter, just drop in at the "Pearl", sit at the bar (best service) and order a beer and the best clam chowder around. A warm, toasty feeling goes right through you.    [31 Jan 2004 08:08:19]

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Recommended Dishes: Chowder, mussles and lobster

     ­Mike, Global Yacht Services   mike at globalyachtservices dot com

best in newport
You can have whatever you want at the Black Pearl, from a burger, to a 2.5 pound lobster. It's truly the best restaurant in Newport overall. The service is outstanding and the blonde waitstaff could all be models!    [13 Feb 2004 12:09:31]

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Recommended Dishes: clam chowder, striped bass

     ­Anonymous   

Wonderful Clam Chowder
I had the pleasure of visiting Newport for the first time in early August. I was advised to eat at the Black Pearl because they had the best clam chowder and food in general in town.

I was a bit skeptical as I have been disappointed before when I ordered what was supposedly the best whatever in a restaurant, so I ordered just a cup and a steak.

Oh my. It was so delicious that I returned the next evening and made a bowl of clam chowder my entire meal. This clam chowder lives up to its reputation! The service and the steak were also excellent.    [20 Aug 2004 23:03:31]

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Recommended Dishes: Clam Chowder and Filet

     ­Pamela