The Pelican Bar & Grill

Not much to look at from the outside, but wanted to give it a try. Small & simple layout inside. Went on a Tuesday, so it was pretty dead. Then I was very impressed by the staff. They were friendly, professional & very attentive. Had excellent selling skills... suggested their 35cent wing special & also inquired about drink preferences in order to give suggestions based on our personal taste. Very insightful & knowledgable. Since it was a small crowd, they also catered to us by asking what type of music we wanted to hear, whether or not it was too loud, etc. Also did a decent job at promoting future events. Wish other bars had this level of business sense & professionalism.

The way it's been marketed this will be one of the best bars above the Beaches.  As of now, they have the bar, and the dinning area built and opened with a decent size dance floor.  Plans are to have a back patio overlooking the riverwalk and to have an extension with sand and a set up for live music.  

Me and my party went opening night.  It wasn't as big as I expected, it can be seen as a bit cramped . but very casual atmosphere.  It was seat yourself and our waitress came over in a timely manner.  It was her first night of being a waitress, and she did a wonderful job.  Friendly and personable. The menu was an opening night menu so drinks weren't listed but she told us about the selection they had, including 6 local brews.  They have a house beer called The Pelican Beer, not sure what it is, it could be a cover up of a cheaper beer, but I believe it's more of a Corona, Landshark type beer.  

The opening menu had something for everyone's budget, this time, I was on a cheap budget, so I got the Pelican Burger, which was made with Pineapple and Bacon. The girlfriend got the Cajun Chicken Sandwich, both served with fries.  We received our food in a timely manner, and the food was delicious.  The Cajun Chicken Sandwich was awesome, that Cajun sauce they put on it (or rub, whatever it is) could be used on the fries with some crab meat and cheese, served as an appetizer, and it'd be an amazing seller.   The Burger was awesome also, added the avocado from the other sandwich and it made the perfect "tropical" burger.  

Nightlife highlights:  

Though I didn't stay too long, they did have the area's best DJ, DJ Petch (From Eagle 97.7) playing the dance tunes.  No cover charge, and it's suppose to be that way always.  Which is good because the bar behind them (pretty much) always charges cover after 9, $5, and sometimes $10 for mediocre dance tunes and a repetitive playlist with not too many current hits.  Anyway...they move some dining tables to increase the dance floor space, which is a nice size.  People were entertained through out my time, and everyone having a good time.  They have a couple flat screens to show some sports that are on.  Drinks are nicely priced and that keeps people around.  

Cons:  

Now, there isn't much to be negative about.  For some reason they didn't have their air on, I was seating up a storm.  I was told that issue will be fixed by the next time I come in.   my biggest draw there is the beach themed music, didn't hear it, but it was because it was Friday night and the DJ was setting up and had his tunes on. I would like to come in and relax and listen to some Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett type music as they describe themselves as a Beach Bar. But they do have a Jukebox, so that may be the solution.  

Depending on your mood or liking, it can feel a bit cramped, it's small but in time that solution will be fixed, and it isn't too bad, because later it gets, the more people come for the DJ & drinks not the food.  

Overall I am very pleased with my first visit, on opening day. It went better than other opening day/week restaurants I've been too that are successful to this day.  I believe this place will do fine, as long as they do the phases they plan to do, right now it's a nice little watering hole, and soon (again from what the plans are) it will be a top place to go to north of the beaches.  The owners have the determination and are very friendly.  

I'll post a follow up review with my next visit.  Come check this place out, and I think you will be satisfied with the prices and the friendly staff.