Inside Over-the-Rhine’s Trendy New Pearlstar Oyster Bar

(Raley is also slated to open a French brasserie soon in the old Tiffany’s space downtown.)

Pearlstar offers both East and West Coast oysters and other raw delicacies including crudo, ceviche and tartare. The kitchen — overseen by former Senate executive Chef Leroy Ansley — also features a wood-burning grill to create (non-raw) burgers and steak sandwiches. A release says the bar will “pour old-school martinis, frozen drinks and Lone Star Beer on tap.”

In an interview with CityBeat, Ansley says the menu will also include “a lot of vegan and vegetarian options.”

“We didn’t want to do just seafood; we really wanted it to be a place where you can have something for everyone,” he says. “I also believe Cincinnati is ready for some awesome oysters on a huge patio. I used to love going to The Anchor on Thursday nights for their oyster specials. There is a market for it, and I hope we can be a welcomed addition to the Over-the-Rhine dining scene.”

The 2,000-square-foot interior of Pearlstar is complemented by a 2,000-square-foot outdoor space, replete with bocce ball courts.

“We wanted the space to feel completely different than what has been here before and I believe we accomplished that,” chef Ansley tells CityBeat. “Terrell did a great job on the design aspect of the restaurant and patio. It will be light and airy, somewhat nautical but transition to a candle-lit sexy-space at night time.”

Pearlstar is located at 1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: pearl-star.com.