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The Pelican ClubA-Worth Trying

Name: The Pelican Club
Address: 312 Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, New Orleans, United States
Rating: 4.5

312 Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130 · Creole restaurant, American restaurant, Bar · 4.5/5 Google (1056 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Elegant French Quarter spot for polished Creole-leaning seafood and meats with strong desserts; excellent food, lively rooms, and attentive service, but noise and large-party policies can frustrate.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

The Pelican Club delivers exceptional food quality anchored by refined Creole seafood and standout desserts, supported by attentive, warm service and a charming alleyway setting that enhances the dining experience. While consistency shows occasional variation and the back room can feel cramped during peak service, the restaurant competes with the area's better neighborhood fine dining establishments and earns its reputation as a celebrated French Quarter destination.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked along a French Quarter alley, The Pelican Club delivers a polished, lively scene with white-tablecloth charm and art-lined rooms. Service is often warm and attentive, with servers guiding courses and celebrations welcomed; one diner noted the room felt “festive but loud,” especially in the rear. Outdoor tables add a quaint, romantic option when weather cooperates. In the kitchen, the cooking is refined Creole and seafood with French technique rather than showy tricks. Dishes like the paneed Gulf fish with crawfish étouffée, the walnut-crusted lamb, and the Louisiana cioppino show confident, ingredient-first execution, while desserts like coconut cream pie and crème brûlée earn raves. Portions lean generous for fine dining, and prix-fixe options help value feel sensible for the Quarter. Families fare best with adventurous eaters: fried chicken, pork chop, cioppino, and simple sides work for teens, but there is no kids’ menu and some flavors skew bold. Gluten-free requests are handled carefully, and vegans can find a soup or salad; still, this is not a basic comfort menu for picky children.

At a Glance

Refined Creole-leaning seafood and standout desserts
Attentive service and thoughtful celebrations
Back dining room can be very loud on busy nights
Strict policies for large parties and check splits
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

historic_alleyway_setting
refined_creole_seafood
standout_house_desserts

What People Love

Memorable lamb and paneed Gulf fish
Warm, celebratory touches from staff
Hearty cioppino and generous portions
House desserts that end the meal on a high

Points of Concern

Noise can be disruptive in the back room, especially near large parties
Group policies: limited split checks and separate seating for big parties
Service hiccups on peak holidays (delays, seating mix-ups)
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$85-115 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For gluten-free diners, choose baked oysters, lamb, ribeye, and crème brûlée
Vegans: carrot-coconut-ginger soup and modified beet salad are safer picks

Perfect For

Anniversary or holiday dinners
Seafood-focused date night
Visitors seeking elevated Creole flavors
Small-group celebrations with reservations

Location Insights

Area: Historic French Quarter alley setting popular with visitors and celebratory diners; upscale yet lively.

Safety: Busy tourist corridor with regular foot traffic; typical urban awareness advised at night.

Nearby: Near Jackson Square, boutique hotels, bars, and galleries; easy stroll to riverfront.

Central Business DistrictThe CBD offers a dynamic dining scene with a range of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and bars. It is known for its accessibility, proximity to the French Quarter, and a mix of traditional and contemporary culinary experiences, attracting both locals and visitors seeking fine dining and vibrant nightlife.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday Wednesday17:00–21:00 Thursday17:00–21:00 Friday17:00–21:30 Saturday17:00–21:30 Sunday17:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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