New oyster-focused restaurant opening in former PearlStar location in OTR

Months after PearlStar Oyster Camp + Bar abruptly closed, developers announced this week that a new restaurant concept will be moving into the space.

Garth Lieb and Tom Stephen, who own The Pony and Liberty’s Bar & Bottle in Over-the-Rhine, have signed a lease with Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) for a new, unnamed concept in the space at 1220 Vine Street.

It will "continue to focus on Cincinnati's love for all things oyster," according to a release, and will also feature small plates and shared dishes in a redesigned space.

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In February, both Pearlstar Oyster Camp + Bar and Royce, a French brasserie located in the Foundry building, Downtown, closed for good without notice. The restaurants were both located in properties leased to owner and operator and Nashville restaurateur Terry Raley by 3CDC. According to 3CDC spokesperson Joe Rudemiller, Raley and 3CDC reached a mutual agreement to close both restaurants.

The name and branding for the restaurant are still undetermined, but Lieb and Stephen are currently making minor updates to the space. Once open, the restaurant will feature a 2,000-square-foot interior and a 2,000-square-foot patio with an outdoor bar.

The drink menu will feature an old-world wine list with sparkling and rosé selections, also seasonal cocktails and spritzes.

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“We would like the menu to feature a playful collection of seafood preparations while also making use of great local produce in a variety of vegetarian dishes,” Lieb and Stephen said in a release, noting the menu is still a work in progress.

An estimated opening date for the restaurant concept has not yet been announced.