Seemor
Pelican PizzaBWorth Trying
522 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
· Restaurant, Pizza restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (599 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Neighborhood pizza spot with thin-crust pies, quick counter service, and good value specials; excellent for takeout, limited dine-in, and some sauce/crust divisiveness.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Pelican Pizza delivers reliable thin-crust pies with solid food quality and friendly, efficient counter service, earning a grade B through consistent execution and strong value. However, occasional inconsistencies in sauce and bake quality and very limited seating prevent a higher grade—this is best approached as a convenient takeout spot rather than a destination dining experience.
Restaurant Summary
A compact Lighthouse Avenue shop serving thin-crust pies, Pelican Pizza feels warm and unpretentious. Expect friendly counter service and a few tables; one diner noted, "the team checked on us after we sat," capturing the helpful vibe despite the small space. The cooking leans classic American pizza—generous toppings, light sauce on many pies, and value-forward pick-up specials—more comfort than culinary theater. Fans praise crisp edges and tender centers, while detractors call the red sauce plain. Wings are baked with BBQ-leaning heat, so order if that style fits your taste. Families do well here: slices, simple topping combos, and subs suit kids, though seating is limited. Veggie and even vegan-labeled pies appear on the menu, making it easy to please picky eaters without overthinking.
At a Glance
- Thin-crust pies with generous toppings and solid value
- Friendly counter team; quick for slices and call-ahead
- Very limited seating; better for takeout
- Sauce and crust divide opinions; wings are BBQ-leaning
- Pricing discrepancies can occur if relying on signs; confirm specials at order
What Sets It Apart
- affordable_slices
- pickup_specials
- friendly_owner_presence
What People Love
- Crispy-yet-soft crust texture
- Generous toppings to the edge
- Friendly owner presence
- Pick-up specials that beat tourist pricing
- Large, affordable slices
Points of Concern
- Limited dining space; expect counter service and a few tables
- Some reviewers find the red sauce bland or sweet
- Occasional execution misses (uncut or cooler pies) reported sporadically
- Review patterns show polarization in low-star rants but overall authenticity appears solid
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-28 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Leverage pick-up specials for 1-2 topping pies
- Veggie-De-Lite or Margherita for meat-free diners
- Subs at ~$14.70 offer a non-pizza alternative
Perfect For
- Quick post-aquarium bite
- Budget-friendly family takeout
- Casual pizza night with friends
- Solo slice stop on Lighthouse Ave
Location Insights
Area: Lively Lighthouse Ave strip near Cannery Row; casual, tourist-meets-local vibe with late-evening foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled corridor; bright storefronts and steady activity into evening.
Nearby: Close to Monterey Bay Aquarium, hotels, bars, and casual eateries; convenient for visitors and takeout.
Downtown MontereyDowntown Monterey is a bustling area with a mix of casual dining, seafood restaurants, and tourist-oriented shops. The dining scene is relaxed and family-friendly, often catering to visitors exploring the nearby aquarium and waterfront.
Lighthouse DistrictThe Lighthouse District is a small, walkable area near the historic Monterey Lighthouse, known for its casual eateries, coffee shops, and proximity to the beach. It offers a relaxed, community vibe with easy access to outdoor activities.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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