Why This Oregon Coastal Pub’s Fish And Chips Are The Talk Of The Pacific Northwest
Perched directly on the golden sands of Pacific City, Pelican Brewing’s flagship beachfront pub transforms a simple plate of fish and chips into a full-on Oregon Coast experience.
With waves crashing beside iconic Haystack Rock and surfers dashing past beached dory boats, the scene feels straight out of a postcard.
Trays of perfectly crisp, ale-battered cod arrive hot and golden, paired with house-made tartar sauce and ocean air so fresh you can taste it. The setting draws you in first—the sound of the surf, the salty breeze—but it’s that flawless balance of crunch, flavor, and seaside charm that keeps you coming back.
The Only Beachfront Brewpub In The PNW
Pelican’s Pacific City location bills itself as the only beachfront brewpub in the Pacific Northwest, born on Cape Kiwanda and still serving front-row ocean views with its delicious bites. Nobody else can claim that combo of surf, suds, and perfectly fried fish on one menu. I visited last summer and watched kids build sandcastles while I demolished my plate—talk about multitasking.
That ocean-spray proximity is a huge part of why the plate inspires so much chatter. You’re not just ordering dinner; you’re claiming a front-row seat to one of the coast’s most dramatic backdrops. Honestly, even average fish would taste legendary with that view, but Pelican doesn’t settle for average.
Verified Open Right Now
As of today, Pelican lists active hours and seasonal programming for Pacific City, with social updates echoing current opening times across locations. Translation: you can show up and eat this plate right now. I’ve driven two hours for fish and chips only to find a locked door, so knowing a place is actually open feels like winning the lottery.
Always peek at same-day hours before you drive, especially during shoulder seasons when coastal spots can surprise you. Pelican keeps brunch, lunch, and dinner rolling through most weeks, which means your craving doesn’t have to wait for the perfect day. Real-time confirmation turns spontaneous road trips into guaranteed wins.
The Plate: Kiwanda-Ale Fish & Chips
Pelican’s menu calls out three pieces of wild-caught Pacific cod lightly breaded with Kiwanda Ale and panko, served alongside beer-battered fries, pineapple coleslaw, and tartar. It’s a brewpub classic designed to play perfectly with house beer, not just sit beside it. When I first saw pineapple coleslaw listed, I raised an eyebrow—then took a bite and understood the genius.
Wild-caught cod means you’re tasting the actual Pacific, not some generic frozen fillet flown in from who-knows-where. Panko and ale batter create a shatteringly crisp shell that stays crunchy even after you snap your hundredth photo. Every component earns its spot on the plate.
Why It Tastes So Good (Beer Pairing Matters)
Pelican recommends pairing the dish with its Kiwanda Pre-Prohibition Cream Ale—a smooth, slightly sweet profile that lifts the crisp batter and flaky fish. Most places slap any cold pint next to fried food and call it a day. Here, the kitchen literally builds the batter around the beer, then the brewery tells you which pint makes it sing.
I’m no beer snob, but tasting that pairing felt like unlocking a secret level in a video game. The cream ale’s subtle sweetness balances the savory crunch without overpowering the delicate cod inside. When food and drink are designed as partners, not roommates, magic happens on your taste buds.
Views, Vibes, And Social Proof
Beyond the plate, you’re eating on the beach—a big reason reviews fixate on fish and chips with a view. Travelers and diners repeatedly call out the quality and the setting, which together turn a simple order into a destination meal. I scrolled through dozens of reviews before my trip, and nearly every single one mentioned both the crispy fish and the crashing waves in the same breath.
Social proof matters when you’re choosing where to spend your coastal dining budget. When strangers from all over the country agree that a plate is worth the drive, you listen. Pelican has earned that buzz one perfectly fried piece of cod at a time.
How To Time Your Visit
Plan for lunch or golden-hour dinner; on blue-sky weekends the patio fills quickly. I learned this the hard way when I showed up at noon on a Saturday in July and waited forty minutes for a table. Check the website or Instagram for current hours, consider packing a windbreaker for patio seating, and know that the fish and chips is a signature—it moves fast.
Golden hour transforms the whole experience into something almost cinematic, with pink light bouncing off waves and your plate. If you’re flexible with timing, aim for a weekday afternoon when locals are working and tourists haven’t arrived yet. Smart timing turns a great meal into an unforgettable one.
Can’t Reach Pacific City? Try A Sister Spot
Pelican also pours and fries along the coast at Cannon Beach, Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, and Rockaway, where the same fish and chips shows up on active menus and ordering apps. If you’re road-tripping Highway 101, you’ve got backup options. I hit the Cannon Beach location on my way home and was thrilled to find the same crispy, ale-kissed magic just in a different zip code.
Knowing you can chase this plate up and down the Oregon coast takes the pressure off a single-stop pilgrimage. Each location brings its own coastal charm while keeping the core recipe intact. Flexibility means you never have to choose between your schedule and your cravings.