Pelican's Reef

We were supposed to dine at Swampwater Grill for lunch but they changed their hours and don't open until 3:00 pm. So I googled oysters restaurants in Cincinnati and stumbled on this place. I am totally happy we decided to come here instead. The inside is Key West themed. Definitely has a beach feel. Our server was Mindy (sorry I misspelled your name if I did) and she was super friendly and down to earth. Their menu is simple. Starting from appetizers, kids menu, specialty seafood and wings, sandwiches and dessert. I came for the oysters! We ordered:Oysters on the half shellNew England clam chowder (bowl)ProseccoLeinekugel Summer ShandyIsland tacos (blackened mahi w/ cole slaw, shrimp w/ fries)Sautéed crab cakesFrench friesSide saladFried shrimp w/ broccoliOkay... the oysters were phenomenal! Fresh and shucked just right. I loved the side of horseradish, gave it some kick. The oysters are Blue Point, from Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. Oh wow! The crab cakes were homemade and sautéed perfectly! It tasted so good with the remoulade sauce. The best crab cakes I've every had. The fries were not greasy and seasoned with Cajun. So good. My Mr and my in-laws really enjoyed their meal. They cleaned their plates.I have to say that I found my new favorite seafood restaurant and we live so close. The best accidental find ever!

Im sorry but this place has really changed since new ownership.... Understandably yes they've had a fire and things are a little hectic ....but came here for dinner tonight really craving the food that used to be here.... This WAS definitely one of my top 3 restaurants but after tonights impression im blown away to say the least... ordered appetizers for our dinner .....both literally maybe takes 5 -10 minutes each to make.... A Caesar Salad with grilled cajun grouper and charbroiled oysters ... we waited an hour for our food ... I think they forgot to place it to be honest because we had to ask twice for someone to check on it .... The restaurant was not slammed by any means in fact the people working food line were doing outwork wiping things down etc. ..... food finally comes out of the back been watching this young man make salads all night long but didnt see him make mine .... Strange... as for the food Ceasar salad dressing waaaaaay different & not in a good way, oily & tasteless .... Grouper Over cooked waaay over cooked like rubber .... And lastly and this one hurts ... they USED to have the best garlic bread ever ... now !!! ..... I miss the FOOD that used to be here ... I hate when new ownership takes over and cuts corners on cost and quality !!!.... Its a shame ive lost one of my fave restaurants tonight ......

My lady and I were craving oysters one day, and originally we were gonna go to Swampwater Grill, but they weren't open for lunch on that day, so Pelican's Reef became our back-up plan. And it turned out to be the perfect plan! It's a great little place with very delicious food, awesome service, plenty of tasty adult libations, and a very Key West style atmosphere.We stopped by for lunch when my parents were in town and were told to sit anywhere we like. We choose a high top table near the bar area. Our server got our drink order very quickly. We ordered a prosecco for my lady, Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy for my dad and I, and just water for my mom (she can't partake in libations too much). We also ordered a dozen and a half oysters on the half shell. My mom wanted some New England clam chowder so she ordered a bowl. The drinks came first followed fairly shortly after by the oysters and chowder. And were they good? Absolutely! They were Blue Point oysters from the Chesepeake Bay area and they tasted super fresh and clean. They were shucked very well too. My mom definitely enjoyed the chowder. As for our main courses, my lady ordered sauteed crab cakes with fries, my dad ordered island tacos with shrimp, my mom ordered fried shrimp with broccoli, and I ordered island tacos with blackened mahi-mahi. Everything came out pretty quickly and it was ALL good. I don't think there was a single bite left on any of our plates.My lady and I may have to reconsider our go-to spot for oysters, here or Swampwater Grill, because both are close by where we live and both are really good. But Pelican's Reef has lots of goodness to offer. I could certainly see is coming back again fairly soon.

Very good fresh fish dishes, including a massive stuffed grouper with tasty cornbread.But they also have great bar style food! Giant chicken tenders, a big bacon burger and well seasoned fries. The side salad was a large side, what I've seen as entrees at other places. I haven't eaten in, but I thoroughly enjoyed my takeout meal, as did my two family members.

I was surprised to find that Pelican had a fire in their downstairs location. You have to go around back "upstairs". It's well worth it. The hostess was smart and beautiful. The manager friendly. Our server Carrie did a fantastic job. The food was great. I'll be back!

So a local recommended this place. Honestly I would have never found it but I'm glad I did. Nice local place. Not the kind that the juke box stops and everyone looks at you when you come in but rather a place where the same people keep coming back cause the food and service is good. The food was great. We had the gumbo and lobster bisque to start. The gumbo was like I had in nawlins . Usually cups are tiny so I get a bowl but both the cups and bowls of soup are big. I got the special cod fish tacos. Awesome and my wife got the mahi mahi fish tacos. They were blackened. Good flavor. Service was good, Jake our server made great recommendations and kept making sure we were good. I strongly recommend this place!!

Busy place. Stopped @ 7:45 on a Friday night! Only had 10 minutes to wait for table. Ordered crab cake dinner and oysters on half shell. hot food arrived hot and tender. Oysters looked yummy. My DH would not share ! Next time I will order! Service attentive and friendly. We will stop here again!

I was looking forward to coming in. The service was bad...I don't know if it's because I sat at the bar, but I had to ask to order my drink and order my food. It's like they were never at the front or paying attention to me really. Martini was solid. The guy making it even told me if I didn't like he would make me a new one. Clam chowder was basic. She gave me crackers that were opened already. So that's was an ehh thought. Calamari was bland but the marinara and sweet chili sauce covered it up. To be honest I just think they were slow, so they weren't on top of things. If they were busy I feel like they would be more attentive. I know that's a weird concept, but I worked in the restaurant industry and sometimes when it's slow service tends to be poor. Overall food was subpar and over priced even tho I know seafood is expensive right now. $34.50 for calamari, bowl of soup, and a martini.

Need to go around back and the entrance is next to the stairs going dowwn--sort of hidden. Their Calamari is just the best ever !! And my husband loves the breaded cod. ... hoping soon they will be able to get downstairs--it has been a long time.

They do not answer their phone and the other number provided is disconnected. So how to a place a to go order???