Pearl's Oyster Bar at Reading Terminal Market getting an upgrade

Pearl's Oyster Bar, which has lined the 12th Street windows of Reading Terminal Market for at least 45 years, is getting a dramatic makeover shortly.

David Braunstein, whose parents, Dani and Lisa, bought the place in 1981, says to expect butcher block tables and a new cladding of distressed wood.

But he's started already with the food by hiring chef Jason Ledee, last at Green Eggs Cafe after time at White Dog Cafe.

Pearl's lunch menu includes the old favorites - fried flounder, crab bisque, steamed clams, etc. - but now adds more upmarket selections at prices that are at least several bucks under the Center City norm. Take the seared sea scallops over bacon-braised kale and sweet potato hash, priced at $12, or the seared tilapia over Yukon gold potatoes, stewed greens and creamed leeks, for $11, or the flounder po'boy (crusted in corrmeal) for $10.

Breakfast and brunch are on the way, too.