Cincinnati may be a riverfront city, but we are far from the ocean and tropical waters. We’re well known for our chili and ice cream, but most typically don’t head to Cincinnati for great seafood. There are a few places in the Queen City, however, where you can get fresh seafood and one of them can be found on Beechmont Avenue in Anderson Township. Pelican’s Reef is a family-owned seafood restaurant with a vibrant tropical theme, and it’s definitely a spot in our city where summer never ends.

Pelican’s Reef is an unexpected seafood restaurant, located at the end of a strip mall on Beechmont Avenue. It’s not on the beach, and it’s much closer to Miami University than Miami, Florida, but there’s no denying the tropical vibe of this restaurant.

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Pelican’s Reef has been a family-owned, local favorite for more than 20 years. Much of the tropical decor has been donated by loyal customers, who bring it back from their own tropical vacations.

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If you’d like a taste of Key West or any other tropical destination, this is about as close as you can get in Cincinnati. The decor, the music, and the vibrant atmosphere all give it more of a vacation ambiance, rather than an after-work gathering place.

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The drinks and fresh seafood also add to the tropical theme. Even on a cold January day, you can sip on a fruity drink and pretend you’re on an island, far, far away.

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The variety and quality of the seafood is also a pleasant surprise here, and something they pride themselves on. The menu varies some with what’s fresh, and you can always find favorites like Calamari and Clam Chowder to satisfy those cravings.

Facebook/Pelican’s Reef Cincinnati

The specials are always a safe bet to order, but your best option is to order a variety and share, so you can try some of everything. If you don’t like seafood, don’t worry. The menu has burgers, chicken, and other offerings that are just as pleasing.

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Pelican’s Reef even has some menu items that are difficult to find in other restaurants in Cincinnati. Clams, Oysters, Lobster, and more are all must-try’s.

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Pelican’s Reef is well-known on the east side of Cincinnati, but it even attracts loyal visitors from other corners of the Queen City. Whether it’s in the heat of summer or there’s a foot of snow on the ground, head to the tropics at this scrumptious seafood restaurant in Cincinnati.

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Pelican’s Reef is a lively, family-friendly seafood spot in Cincinnati with a tropical theme that always feels like summer. Have you dined at this delicious, beachy eatery in our city? Share your experience with us in the comments!

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TripAdvisor/traveling_tegan

Google/Lisa and Rick Luttrell

Facebook/Pelican’s Reef Cincinnati

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Google/Steve Locke

Pelican’s Reef is located at 7261 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230. For more information, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.

And for another tropical themed restaurant, on the other side of Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.

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