The Pearl

So much to do under one roof! This isn't a 'gay bar'. This is a place that is all inclusive. Where everyone can come together, enjoy great food, listen to some jazz music, watch a show, listen to poetry, and just..be. Regardless of age (well, over 21), sexual orientation, race...it doesn't matter. Especially in today's world. I've never felt so safe in a bar atmosphere. For the record, I'm straight and 55! Found The Pearl by accident and glad I did.

Great atmosphere there is something here for everyone! If you like learning something new there is swing dancing lessons upstairs, if you need to belt your heart out there is karaoke, and if you need to make a new friend there is a table for that! Accessible seating and accommodations are available and the staff takes excellent care of customers! Including an informative menu for allergies/dietary concerns!

I was really excited when the Mercury Cafe was under new ownership more focused on LGBTQIA+ ... but I have never felt so oppressed and rejected by an establishment for trying to patronize it. I appreciate their shift in menu, not so much in their cafe options. The thing that has completely ruined my experience is the way the staff treat me and the rest of the dance community when we rent their upstairs for dances. I was excited for this change; I appreciated the changes they were making to the space and what, it appeared, they were trying to do with an iconic and historic space. The reality has been uncomfortable and outright offensive. I've never felt so oppressed by a business. I come to this space to find community and acceptance and I'm met with judgement and oppression. The door policies are intrusive and the people at the door have repeatedly been rude. The rules change every week, and the staff scowl at us and turn us away. This is NOT okay. I highly recommend that the owners shift their policies and view of their patrons, but if they don't: I recommend no one continue patronizing this establishment. I wanted to support this change and I hope the owners can make it an inclusive community space - because it currently is not.

I love The Pearl. It’s a very welcoming place with great food. They have bands, poetry readings, open mics and other acts downstairs and different dance classes, swing, Latin, etc. and dances afterwards in their large upstairs bar space. It’s a happening space!