FAQ

BLACK PEARL ANN ARBOR — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• GENERAL INFORMATION

  Where is Black Pearl located?
  Black Pearl is located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor at the corner of Main Street and Liberty Street.

  What type of restaurant is Black Pearl?
  Black Pearl is a contemporary seafood and sushi restaurant offering fresh seafood, sushi, steaks, creative shareables, craft cocktails, wine and more. Our atmosphere is upscale and energetic while still being comfortable and approachable.

  What are your hours?
  Black Pearl is open seven days a week for dinner. We also serve lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM–3:30 PM.

  Because hours may occasionally change for holidays, special events or University of Michigan game days, we recommend checking our current hours online before visiting.

  Do you take reservations?
  Yes. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends, University of Michigan game days, graduation weekend and other busy Ann Arbor event weekends.

  Reservations can be made online through Resy or by calling us at 734-222-0400.

  Walk-ins are always welcome and accommodated whenever possible.

  Do you have outdoor seating?
  Yes. Black Pearl offers a large seasonal outdoor patio in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Patio availability is weather-dependent and may vary based on downtown events and seasonal operations.

  Is there a dress code?
  We do not have a formal dress code. Guests range from casual to dressed up, so come however you’re comfortable. Black Pearl’s atmosphere is upscale, energetic and welcoming without being overly formal.

  Are children welcome?
  Absolutely. Black Pearl is family-friendly and children are welcome in the restaurant. A limited number of high chairs are available upon request.

  Do you offer vegetarian, gluten-free or other dietary options?
  Yes. We offer a variety of dishes that can accommodate common dietary preferences and restrictions. Please let your server know about any allergies or dietary needs before ordering so our kitchen can advise you appropriately.

  Can I bring my own bottle of wine?
  Guests may bring their own bottle of wine, subject to our corkage fee. Please let us know when making your reservation if you plan to bring a bottle.

  Can I bring a birthday cake or other dessert?
  Outside food is generally not permitted; however, guests may bring a cake or specialty dessert for celebrations. A cake-cutting/service fee may apply. Please contact us ahead of your reservation so we can make a note for our team.

  Do you sell gift cards?
  Yes. Black Pearl gift cards are available for purchase at the restaurant, and digital gift cards are available online.

  Do you have a lost and found?
  Yes. If you believe you left an item at Black Pearl, please call 734-222-0400 during business hours. Please provide as much detail as possible about the item and the date of your visit.

  RESERVATIONS & SPECIAL WEEKENDS

  How long are reservations allotted?
  Most reservations are allotted approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Larger parties may be given additional time depending on party size and availability.

  If you have special timing needs, please let us know when making your reservation and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

  What should I know about University of Michigan football weekends and other major Ann Arbor events?
  Downtown Ann Arbor becomes extremely busy during home football games, graduation, Art Fair and other major events. Reservations are strongly encouraged and Black Pearl may offer a modified or limited menu during exceptionally high-volume weekends.

  How do reservations work for University of Michigan graduation weekend?
  Graduation weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year in downtown Ann Arbor. Because demand is exceptionally high, Black Pearl handles graduation reservations differently from normal reservations.

  Reservations may require a deposit, minimum spend, prix-fixe or limited menu, and specific cancellation terms. Details are released for each graduation season.

  For large groups or private graduation celebrations, we recommend contacting our events team well in advance.

  CARRYOUT & ONLINE ORDERING

  Does Black Pearl offer carryout?
  Yes. Carryout is available during designated kitchen hours. Orders may be placed online through our website, Doordash, or by calling 734-222-0400.

  Availability may be limited or temporarily suspended during extremely busy service periods to maintain the quality of both dine-in and carryout orders.

  Do you offer online ordering?
  Yes. Online ordering is available through the ordering link on our website and Doordash.

  Do you offer delivery?
  Depending on location, Doordash is available for delivery. Please check our online ordering page for the most current options.

  How can I order carryout?

  You can place an order online or call (734) 222-0400 during our hours of operation to place a carryout order.

  How do I pick-up my order?

  Contactless curbside pick up is available upon request or Front entry off Main St.

  Do you offer online ordering or delivery?

  We offer online ordering, which you can access by clicking here. Dependent on location, Doordash is available for delivery.

  What do I do if I don’t see my favorite dish on the menu?

  We know our regulars come back for certain items – let us know which dishes you’re missing!

  Why are you serving your Fish Tacos deconstructed?

  Quality! In order to best serve you, we will be boxing Fish Taco components separately for you to put together at home.

   How do I construct my Fish Tacos at home?

  While we are including instructions with every order the process is: shell, chipotle mayo, tilapia, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, with a squeeze of lime to finish!

  PRIVATE EVENTS

  Does Black Pearl host private events?
  Yes. Black Pearl specializes in private dining, corporate events, University of Michigan functions, celebrations, rehearsal dinners, cocktail receptions, networking events and other social gatherings.

  We offer a dedicated private event space as well as options for larger events and full restaurant buyouts.

  How many guests can your private room accommodate?
  Our private event room can accommodate approximately 44 guests for seated events and approximately 60 guests for cocktail-style, mixer or banquet events, depending on the desired layout.

  For larger groups, additional areas of the restaurant or a full buyout may be available.

  Does the private room have its own bar?
  Yes. Our private event room features its own full-service bar, allowing the space to operate independently from the main dining room.

  Do you have audiovisual equipment?
  Yes. Our private event room is equipped with audiovisual capabilities for presentations, meetings, speeches and other event needs.

  If your event requires specific equipment or connectivity, please discuss it with our events team in advance so we can make sure everything is ready when you arrive.

  How much does it cost to host a private event?
  Private events are generally based on a food and beverage minimum rather than a traditional room rental fee.

  Minimums vary depending on the day of the week, time of year, event time, guest count and space requested. As a general guideline, private-room minimums typically begin around $1,500 on weekdays and $2,500 on weekends, although high-demand dates and special weekends may have significantly higher minimums.

  Our events team will provide pricing specific to your event.

  Can Black Pearl accommodate University of Michigan events and P-Card requirements?
  Yes. We regularly host University of Michigan departments, organizations and affiliated groups and are familiar with University purchasing and event requirements.

  Our events team can work with you to build food and beverage options around your group’s approved budget and event needs.

  Do you offer seated dinners as well as cocktail-style events?
  Yes. Events can be structured as traditional seated dinners or more casual cocktail-style receptions/mixers.

  Our team can recommend the best format based on your guest count, budget and the type of experience you’re trying to create.

  Do private events require a limited menu?
  For larger seated events, we typically create a customized event menu rather than offering the entire restaurant menu. This allows us to provide faster, more consistent service for the entire group.

  Menu selections can include appetizers, salads, entrées, desserts and beverage options and can be customized according to your event and budget.

  Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for private events?
  Yes. We routinely accommodate common dietary restrictions and preferences. Please provide dietary information to our events team before the event whenever possible.

  Can we bring decorations, flowers or centerpieces?
  Yes. You’re welcome to personalize the space with appropriate decorations, flowers or centerpieces. Our events team can discuss setup times and any restrictions with you beforehand.

  Can you help arrange linens, decorations or other event items?
  Yes. Depending on the event, our team can help coordinate additional rentals or event needs. Any outside rentals or special orders should be discussed with the event coordinator in advance.

  Can we rent the entire restaurant?
  Yes. Full and partial restaurant buyouts may be available depending on the date, time and size of your event. Buyout minimums vary considerably based on expected restaurant business and demand for that date.

  How do I inquire about a private event?
  Visit the Private Events section of our website and submit an event inquiry. Our events team will contact you to discuss availability, guest count, menu options, pricing and the details of your event.

  EMPLOYMENT

  Is Black Pearl hiring?
  We’re always interested in meeting talented hospitality professionals.

  Current openings may include servers, bartenders, hosts, food runners, kitchen staff and management positions depending on our staffing needs.

  Rather than relying on outdated application hours, we recommend contacting the restaurant or following the employment instructions listed on our website.

  What are you doing to ensure the safety of staff and guests?

  Employee health screening, social distancing and wearing PPE, increased cleaning and sanitizing, etc.

  Please contact by emailing info@blackpearlannarbor.com for full details on our safety measures and protocols.