We went and saw the Christmas lights at Bellingrath and were looking for a place to eat after. Looked this place up and it was on our way back to Florida so we decided to stop. Around 730 and they don't close till 9. We were seated really quickly and hosts were really nice. We had to wait about 10 mins for a server and asked a guy that was bussing table and he got a lady to come take drink orders. My wife said she noticed our server was working on the bigger party. When we finally got a drink order we put in appetizers and meals cause we weren't sure if we were gonna see the server again. We prob waiting another 15 mins for chicken tenders and fried mushrooms. They had to bring us silverware at that time as well. But I did notice there was a larger table outside that had just got their food. So that might have been the delay. About 10mins after that we got our food. The crispy fried green tom with fried crab sandwich. I asked for more remolaude cause it look like the portion was an 1/8. The remolaude needs some work it taste like 1000 island dressing def not remolaude. The sandwich was amazing though. Wife got the stuff crab and said they were amazing too. After the chicken tenders the waitress cleared the plates and mentioned something about a chocolate cake. That took about 10 mins and when we asked someone else about it cause we were ready to go she said oh she is probally heating up the choc bomb in the microwave. The food was amazing the service was not great at all. As we were walking out I could see out waitress in a back area making plates of salad. Since we left after 9 and the only ones there I would assume she was doing side work for tomorrows lunch. Kitchen did a great job executing. The management or shift leaders need to tighten up a bit for better service. Great service goes a long way. read more

Pelican Reef - Fried soft shell crab with crispy fried green tomato sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

Tried Pelican Reef for a seafood lunch after reading some good reviews. It's a local spot in Theodore known for its seafood, so we were looking forward to it. The view from the dining room was great against the backdrop of the water. We ordered the shrimp platter and the appetizer combination plate. The appetizer combo only comes fried and included shrimp, clams, fish, and oysters. Everything was cooked well, but the flavors were a bit too similar across the board. The fish had a slightly fishy taste, and the hushpuppies were a bit overcooked. On the bright side, the shrimp was very good--crispy and flavorful. Overall, it may have just been an off day. The restaurant was decent, but with so many seafood options in the area, it's not somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit again read more

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I'm a sucker for a place on the water. Nothing like looking out on a marina! The staff here are definitely on top of things. As many of the other restaurants in the area, this is not fancy. Something I prefer. It's a salty atmosphere with rusty ceiling fans and worn floors. I ordered the seafood basket with a double side of cole slaw. Hubby ordered the fresh grouper with crispy fries. It was delicious! Dog friendly too! read more

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Service was amazing. Everyone was very friendly , especially our waitress. She had very short hair and was very pretty and a vegan lol. I didn't get her name. Food was good. Liked the water view without the sun baking me. Inside could use a better feel to it. A little gloomy. Some alabaster paint and new chairs would do wonders. read more

Pelican Reef - View from my table - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

We picked this restaurant because we had our dog with us and they were listed as dog friendly. When we got there, they immediately brought us out to the covered patio and went and got our dog a bowl of water. The patio was nice and cool and had overhead fans. It wasn't anything fancy but it was nice and cool and very convenient for us and our Lab. We started out with a cup of seafood gumbo and it was fantastic. You could tell it had simmered for hours because it was thick and rich, with shrimp and crabmeat and the okra was cooked down well. We both got the shrimp poboys and I got coleslaw with my side and hubby got fries. We ordered a kids meal chicken tenders for our Pup. The coleslaw was cold, crisp, and very tasty and the fries were well seasoned. The pony was about 6" long and had lots of crispy fried shrimp. It was dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. I didn't care for the onions but that's just a personal preference. Surprisingly, the chicken tenders (for the dog) were huge and VERY tender. Had I not wanted seafood, I'd have been well satisfied with them! All in all, a very enjoyable meal! read more

Today my wife & I decided to drive over from Louisiana to see Bellingrath Gardens and Home for the first time. GREAT PLACE TO SEE!!! Afterwards we decided to go to this restaurant for a late lunch. Upon walking in the restaurant, the hostess asked us. Where would we like to sit inside or outside? We decided to sit outside due to the fact of the smell of smoke inside of the restaurant. After we sat down outside for over 10 minutes my wife finally asked a waitress if we could get drinks and get someone to help us because nobody acknowledged us in the 10 minutes of sitting at the table. The blackened shrimp was good, the hush puppies were too mealie and the stuffed crabs need more crab meat in them. Under the appetizers, the crab salad was delicious, but his stuffed jalapeños with the dressing again needs more crab meat. The owner needs to fix his CLEAN filters for the restaurant, that way customers can sit inside and not have to smell smoke from cigarettes while time while eating their lunch......WE WILL NOT BE BACK THIS RESTAURANT!!!! read more

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This is an older, not-fancy place, but the food was good, the prices reasonable, the service great, and the bathrooms clean. We ate outside on a cold and windy day in January, but the closed glass windows and heaters above the tables made it cozy. It was on a wooden dock with the river beneath us and a view of the marina. The kids' meals were $7, which included a drink. Our littles got 5 grilled shrimp each and a small pile of fries that was enough for them. Husband and I also got grilled shrimp in po'boys that were well seasoned but not super special. With tip and sodas: $59. read more

Service, food both outstanding the steaks are off the charts. Everybody was very friendly and helpful .

Living on the gulf means throwing a rock in practically any direction while blindfolded and hitting a local seafood restaurant. But for as many as we have, only a select few are worth frequenting. Pelican Reef is at the top of my list and the ride out is so worth it. We've been going here for years and they have been consistently amazing; each dish is perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, the portions are plentiful, and we enjoy dining out back with the view of the marina. If I have to pick something to criticize, it would be the annoyance of wreaking of cigarette smoke when we go back to our table after popping into the bar to get drinks. But we enjoy the food here so much, we just avoid the bar area and if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke around your food, you may want to do the same. Otherwise, you won't find a nicer seafood meal experience anywhere else. read more

Pelican Reef - Just look at those shrimp! - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

Enjoyed lunch at this waterfront restaurant arriving by boat. Not a lot of parking spaces for boats, however, we found a spot. We enjoyed the seafood platter which had fish, oysters, shrimp and crab claws along with a couple of delicious hush puppies. Enjoyed a couple of sides- fried okra and sweet potato fries. Lunch can be eaten inside with a water view or in an outdoor screened in porch. read more

Pelican Reef - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

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The service is always good. it is a nice place to stop and get a bushwacker and a sandwich after fishing all day. Try the BLT The Reef way. read more

There's nothing negative to even begin to say about this place. The food was cooked fresh and to perfection. The service was unbelievably accommodating, but more so they were very friendly. If you're on your way to Dauphin Island, or just in the Theodore Alabama area. This is a must. We would give them six stars if that was available. read more

Pelican Reef - Blackened Shrimp and cheese grits - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

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Ring ring. It's the 70s calling, because they can't text, they want their motif back . Ok other than a bit dated it's great. The decor didn't affect the great food and friendly service. I'll be back read more

Pelican Reef - BLT with grilled shrimp. - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

Absolutely wonderful! Don't waste your money anywhere else. We had the crab claws, gumbo, house salad with ranch, fried and grilled shrimp with french fries. It was a 10/10. Worth the drive from whichever direction you are coming from!!! read more

We had a good time sitting out on the back patio. The food was hot and fast. Our server was super busy but friendly.

First off, our waitress was amazing! I regret not getting her name so I could shout her out here. Second the food was really good. Our table ordered the seafood platters with stuffed crab. It was all really good. Highly recommend! read more

We came across this place via a road sign after traveling to the area for multiple years. It's an old school joint from the building to the decor but it doesn't lack that at home feel & the food & service was OUT OF THIS WORLD. The BEST fried pickles I've ever had-and my 3 companions agreed(one is a very tough critic). The fish tacos are something I dream about. We almost went back the next day!!! So good. Good prices, food & staff!! Will definitely be going back!! read more

I don't understand the low rating. We had killer grouper sandwiches. Service was friendly and fast

Seems that they feel the old smoke and stale beer smell is what's going to sell. This place is over priced and the food is nothing special.

hole in a wall restaurant on the water. laid back/mom & pop feels. food 5/5, staff 5/5, service 5/5. a little outdated furnishings but it works with the vibe. my school aged kids (and husband) raved about every part of the meal. read more

So in a nutshell, I go in with my family and my Service Dog that I need for my PTSD and Convergeance Disorder. I am told "you can't have a dog in here." This is a Federally Registered and Certified Service Dog with all paperwork on him. I thought they were joking, since Federal and State Law prohibit the public restaurant from not allowing me and my working dog fair and equal access. They make me sit on the back deck, in 100 degree heat. No A/C out there. Mosquitos and flies. Boats blowing air horns and bumping into the pier the whole time. Did I mention they told me in front of a dining room full of customers. How degrading and embarrassing. I didn't ask for my PTSD, I had to earn it. This is why I hardly ever go out of the house anymore. It completely ruined our evening on a well awaited holiday. I wouldn't treat a person that way. The waitress that told me that I couldn't eat inside told her manager, who instructed her to put two flimsy plastic tables together on the back porch (outside). I had to explain to my children why we had to sit out in the heat and the bugs. I will never attempt to eat here again, and I would never recommend it to anyone. They should be ashamed. read more

Tried to do takeout 3 times, always give me the response they're not taking to go orders 3 times in a row, should update that they don't do take out, cause the kitchen can't keep being behind that many times. UPDATE THAT YOU DONT DO ToGo!! read more

Showed up at 7:30 and they stated they could not serve us due to being too close to closing time. Website states they're open until 9:00.

I don't like giving negative reviews but a $130 meal that disappoints deserves a review. The service was very attentive with drinks and apologizing for food delay but The delivery was super slow (over an hour) and very disappointing. We only had three orders, two blackened snapper and one special with the shrimp and crap legs. House potatoes were over cooked and skins were burnt, hush puppies were inedible, burnt. Snapper portions were one large and one small, both over cooked and tough. Corn on the Cobb was dry and looked like it had set under the heat lamp. None of this should have been served but we were starving so we picked through what we could eat and left. Ice tea was good. Hope this was just a bad night or the chef was out. I'd heard good thinks about this place and it's really close to where we live. read more

Quaint little place on the water. We were just riding around deciding where to eat and came upon the Pelican Reef. We went in, and they had college football on the tv, and very friendly wait staff. My wife has food allergies, but they were very nice and answered all her questions and helped her decide on a dish she could eat. My fish was tasty. Very homey feel to the restaurant. We will go back when we are in the area. read more

Husband and I were vacationing in dolphin Beach and decided to give this place a try. The food was excellent. We had steamed oysters on the half shell. I had a fish sandwich melt and my husband had the steak Poboy. Everything was excellent. The service was great, we sat on the patio and you get a really nice view. We would definitely recommend. read more

This is a great stop if you're in the area! Very happy with the service and the food. Will definitely be back!

great food! the service is amazing!!! the ambience is so cute!!!!! i definitely recommend eating here.

Birthday lunch for my parents was just perfect. The food, service & ambiance was just perfect. I requested a birthday shot and was told they were out of two of the liqueurs need for them. Irish Cream and then I asked for something fruity like Sex On The Beach and her response, with an attitude, ugh, that's not fruity. They had a full bar area with people she obviously wanted to serve more than me. Good thing our waitress was good, otherwise I would have packed the 5 of us up and left. read more

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This place is under rated, we came here after a long day at Dauphin Island with our kids and dog. We were able to have our dog sit with us on the outside seating. They even brought her an ice water bowl and vanilla ice cream without us saying anything! They were so thoughtful! The food was absolutely on the spot and delicious, we had oysters, shrimp, fried pickles and other items I can't remember. Highly recommended. read more

Food is decent but not great. Awesome location. I do think this business could really ramp up their cooking and cleanliness. Good bones but needs some work. Whenever we go the service is good. I recommend sitting outside and ordering the seafood sampler. read more

Yes. It is my favorite seafood restaurant. The staff is always cheerful. The view is so beautiful and calming. I recommend them to everyone. Have been going there for years read more

Excellent seafood especially the fish tacos. Tortillas made daily in location big enough to hold all the plentiful fish and toppings. The only problem was I didn't order more. The fried shrimp is local caught and the batter is light and crispy so as not to cover the taste of the shrimp. Also had the gumbo, red beans and rice, sweet potato fries and coleslaw all of which was perfect. The food along with the great service will keep this restaurant as a destination for future trips. read more

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Very nice staff. Food was tasty. Not a long wait at all. I would go back but it was a bit pricey. I will go back for sure to eat the oysters ! read more

Worth the drive from Dauphin Island. We had dinner and ordered Flounder entree and a sandwich of fried soft shell crab with green tomato and remoulade sauce on top of Texas toast. Great food and awesome service! read more

Beautiful view of the water! We are lunch outside. Fish tacos and grilled chicken salad. Can see shrimp boats going by and a pelican. read more

Pelican Reef - Fried fish tacos and grilled chicken salad. - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

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Surf 'n' turf done right. My table got shrimp alfredo, grilled shrimp and corn & of course being the meat & potatoes diehard I got a burger. We were all impressed. We enjoyed cheese curds as an appetizer, also excellent. The staff was friendly and the prices were not bad. Its a large place with plenty of seating, no wait. I will return. read more

Pelican Reef - Seafood Near Me - Theodore, Alabama

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The place looked a bit dated but the food was great so I have no complaints. They were very short staffed so we waited for about 20 min but that was understandable. We got the softshell crab poboy, shrimp poboy, hamburger, kids sliders, and the fried okra appetizer. We all finished our meals and everything was so tasty! The sweet potato fries that came with the burger had the perfect mix of cinnamon sugar sprinkled on them. Give this place a try! read more

Great! A little slow service but can't blame them when it's Covid times. Really friendly and good classic fried seafood

This place is kind of easy to miss - the turn in is right off the bridge but I think it's worth your time. Service- we waited about 15 minutes but that was only due to the COVID shutdown. Our waitress, Stacy, was very attentive even despite her seeming a little busy. The only problem i had was not getting new drinks after we started eating and some of my party waited on the a la carte items we ordered and we waited a few minutes longer than comfortable for our tabs. I ordered the fish tacos with guacamole and they were very good. Fish seemed fresh (I'd hope so with a restaurant on the water) and it looked really good. It was warm and just the right spiciness. Pelican Reef is a good, casual, and tasteful restaurant in Southern Alabama. read more