Pelican’s Restaurant

With all the choices in El Paso this is a good one for a nice steak or seafood meal. Service is prompt and friendly. Get here early for discounted specials. Enjoy a Texas steak, no steak sauce. The grilled flavor speaks for itself!

Not the best steak or best seafood in town but it’s certainly up there and very good quality. The prime rib and lobster is always delicious. Never had anything else. Maybe if I were to try more menu items then I could give a better review.

For our latest date night adventure, the wife and I decided to try Pelican’s again after over 5 years of basically avoiding the place. Years back, we were met with mediocre cooking and bland seasoning. But we decided to give them a second chance. Overall, I’d have to say it pays off to be somewhat optimistic. Sorta.
While this place is a ways away from being perfect, there is definitely some potential in the seafood department. I arbitrarily took the liberty of ordering another surf n’ turf meal so I could assess both their ability to cook lobster and steak. First, we’ll start with the appetizers.
I tried a cup of their clam chowder since I couldn’t remember how it was from over 5 years ago. All in all, it wasn’t bad. A bit saltier than I’m used to, but that honestly beats an under seasoned chowder. Now the crab stuffed mushrooms, on the other hand… could have been better, if it wasn’t for the really strange flavor they carried. The stuffing had an indescribably sweet tint to it. Never had stuffed mushrooms quite like that before in my life. Like I said… it was really strange. Not necessarily good or bad… just…weird. Anyway, I had mixed feelings about that one, so it will be our first and last time ordering that particular appetizer there.
At last, we get to the main course. I should mention the last time I ordered a lobster tail from Pelican’s, it was boring, bland and tasted so watered down that I had to salt over both the tail AND the drawn butter. But that was over five years ago. I figure since that time, either the chef learned how to properly cook seafood or the manager fired the original chef who made my lobster last time. Because this tail was acceptable. Not the best I’ve had, but a much improved lobster dinner from what I remember. The tail itself had a naturally seasoned flavor which indicated to me that it was fresh from the sea. So I only had to sprinkle a touch of salt on the melted butter (as it’s normally served unsalted anyway) and the lobster was delicious just like that. The steak, on the other hand… gosh…where do I start?
First of all to the restaurant’s credit, they charbroil their steaks… which is a plus. As many constant restaurateurs know, char on steaks equals extra flavor. Unfortunately, this is where the flavor stops here at Pelican’s because once again… we have a team of chefs who are afraid of seasoning their steaks at all. So they play it safe by offering up a charbroiled steak with minimal seasoning, if any. I had to put salt on my sirloin which barely did anything other than make it taste like salt atop of uninspired steak. If it had been pan seared, I would have sent it back. Not completely inedible, but I’ve definitely had better… and MADE better myself. Whilst I gave this restaurant 3 stars for good effort and much improvement over their seafood entrees, I’d give the steak like…2 stars.
The wife had dungeness crab legs with her steak and they were excellent. Not much more to say about that.
Ultimately, we confirmed that Pelican’s specialty is, in fact, seafood. If you order a steak here, don’t expect much. I know what some of you might be thinking. But believe it or not, I have seen seafood restaurants cook a good steak; so it CAN be done. Like I always say, if you’re gonna offer up surf n’ turf dishes (as most seafood places do anyway), then you should make damn certain that you can execute both main courses exactly right. Otherwise, you might as well stick to your particular specialty. This is probably the reason Texas Roadhouse does not offer a lobster tail with their version of surf n’ turf.
One last footnote which probably should have been mentioned closer to the beginning of this review: the decorum is nice… as I am a big fan of low light settings for romantic type dinners. However, two minor complaints: 1.) for whatever reason, this particular location was louder than I remember. It could have been mostly due to the exceptionally obnoxious patrons sitting at the bar and it’s not as if there was a ball game on or anything like that. But even after they left, the overall ambiance of the place was loud as hell. Whatever… I threw on my Bluetooth headphones and watched a bit of YouTube during dinner anyways, so I can’t really complain much. And 2.) when we first got to the place, it took what seemed like ages for a hostess to appear. We figured she must have been out back having a cigarette break or something. But this is why it would help to have TWO hostesses in case one of them needs a potty break or feels the inexplicable need to sip a hair of the dog out back where they assume the manager can’t see them.
A decent time was had by all. We’ll probably return, though not before checking out other possible hot spots. And when we eventually do, we won’t be ordering any steak or oddly seasoned stuffed mushrooms.

I’ve been to both east and west locations and have had good experiences dining at both. I don’t eat here often, but make it a point to try and stop in at least 4 – 5 times a year since I usually reserve it for special occasions.
The food is ALWAYS great! Love the clam chowder and the bread with garlic butter. My personal favorite dishes are the scallops wrapped in bacon and the charred ribeye. Baked potato comes fully loaded with butter, sour cream, real bacon, and chives Portions are great! I always leave stuffed (not necessarily something to brag about) which is better than leaving still hungry!
Service is very good most of the time!
If the restaurant is very busy service might be a little slow. That’s normal for ANY restaurant.
I recommend this place for a nice dinner or date anytime! Good atmosphere! Very romantic and private if you sit in one of the booths.

We got there around 5 the Saturday before Father’s day. I don’t know when we will have a night for just us two again with a new baby on the way and my 7 year old was with her cousins, so it was time. It was still pretty empty when we got there, which I definitely don’t mind. We were immediately greeted upon walking in, it looks like a boat the décor is nice a few tvs at the bar– golf was on. We were seated immediately no waiting, makes sense since they had just opened about an hour ago so wasn’t busy yet. They gave us 2 menus a wine menu on one side and food on the other then a smaller one of specials or sea food or I don’t know I didn’t read it I went straight to chicken. The waiter took our drink orders and was very friendly and laughed along with my indecisiveness when it was time to order, he had to come back twice but was very patient. Finally, we placed our order I don’t know what the boyfriend got or what it was called on the menu but it was crab and steak and a potato and a clam soup. I got the teriyaki chicken, rice pilaf and asparagus. I didn’t want soup or salad so waiter said how about a second side-​yes! When the server brought us the bread and garlic butter spread (I didn’t like the garlic spread that was to potent for me) I ordered the calamari and he still managed to bring it before our meals. The wait time to get our food was very fast. the steak was cooked «just right» as per bf and a very tender potato — that I tried. My chicken was moist not at all dry and the serving size of everything was abundant. Oh my, the asparagus was soft yet still had a bit of snap and deliciously flavoured in the white wine reduction and CHEESE. When it came to dessert I was full but I was on a mission to go into a food coma so I ordered, of coarse chocolate. after the server went over the dessert menu twice off the top of his head I decided on the mud pie. chocolate ice cream on a chocolate cookie base/​bottom, drizzled in chocolate, covered in whipped cream and either pecan or walnuts. I say pecan, boyfriend said walnut, I forgot what waiter said… overall it was great, fun, funny, a great night of something different and just us two. It was an amazing experience and the prices were great the staff was friendly, helpful, and beyond patient with me changing my mind and adding orders at random times… the restroom was beautifully clean again we just got there when it was just opened but it was clean so great job. I can’t stand dirty/​sloppy restrooms.

Walked in the reataurant and was pleasantly surprised by the décor and ambiance, classy and romantic, yet fun and inviting. Started with a dozen fresh oysters with a lemon slice on each oyster. Presentation was great. Made me wonder what other goodies awaited us. My wife ordered the pecan crusted salmon. She said it was to die for. I had the prime rib and sauteed mushrooms in vermouth. The prime rib was one of the best I have had and surprisingly, the mushrooms were simply amazing. We were dipping our bread and prime rib in the mushroom sauce. Fantastic! Last and not least was the service. Paul did a great job. It is always a treat when the wait staff enjoys what they do and have a big friendly smile. I travel for work and have eaten at tons restaurants, and dont recall ever giving a 5 star rating. I sure wish this restaurant was near my home. Makes me sad it is about 800 miles away, that would be the only negative thing I could say… Try this place. You will not be disappointed.

Tonight’s blackened orange roughy was wonderful as was the shrimp pelican and broiled bacon wrapped scallops. Service was perfect. Overall a very nice experience. If I could deduct a half star I would because the clam chowder was a bit too salty for my taste and the bread was ok but not great. I don’t know how it stacks up in the great world of Seafood but it beats the socks off of Landrys.

I’ve been here a few times and always get the steak and lobster which I enjoy each and every time. I have also tried the ahi tuna which was great. The ahi tuna is a huge piece of tuna and definitely satisfies your taste buds. The Mac and cheese is a delicious side for any entrée and is so cheesy and creamy. The oysters are a great way to start the meal off right.

So. Very. Let. Down.
We decided to eat there because I recently got a new job and wanted to celebrate with family on the east side. BIG, EXPENSIVE, MISTAKE! To say the least, food was below sub par. Waiter was clueless and sneared at us for ordering artichoke appetizer. I felt like we insulted him for not ordering his favorite appetizer. He didn’t even bring the melted butter or dipping sauces for said app. Never brought bread. The fresh bread with the garlic is what makes waiting for the food a fantastic experience. Shrimp in my pasta tasted weird/​old and shriveled. Pasta dish was no better than me buying the store jar and making it myself. Taste like someone was guessing ingredients? Tasted horrible. Never got refills… Had to flag a busgirl (who was using a really old stinky rag to wipe the tables near us) to get refills and bread and to find our waiter after he disappeared for 20 minutes. There were TWO other tables in our section! He wasn’t busy. Manager was no where to be found either.
I wrote this because I frequently eat at the west side location and find it to be amongst the best retaraunt experiences in the city. I’ve been eating there for the past 15 years. It is ALWAYS consistant and we’ve never been let down. The manager usually talks to us while eating to ask us how our experience is. We go there for special occasions very often. Its a special place. I expected duplicate service when I met with family from the east side to eat there. They thought we were foolish for eating there and I felt that way for trying to explain how awesome it COULD be. Ugh!

I went here on a Sunday night. I just had a need for some steak in my gut. The prices were moderate and the food was great. The service was quick, and our waiter Ben was on the ball. My wife ordered Clam Chowder, which she ordered on a whim having had horrible experiences at other restaurants. She enjoyed this one though. She also tried Sweet Potato Fries for the first time and was very happy with them, stating that they tasted like a churro. My steak was pretty good and filled my desire. I had the salad for my starter which I ordered with Ranch. It felt like they just tossed a a side of veggies on a plate with salad. I enjoyed it though, I mean it’s basic Salad who cares? I had a side of Asparagus cooked in white wine, which I also liked.

Dimly lit surroundings and a heavily fried menu. Midweek visit found a nearly empty restaurant. Menu touted beer specials that were too good to be true. Food was mediocre and environment left a bit to be desired. I would look elsewhere, or just stick to steak in the surrounding area…