Pelican Restaurant - Clearwater Beach

Clearwater, Florida, United States

Established in 1938, making it a pre-tiki establishment.

Their bartender, Manuel Lopez, created the tikis for many area establishments including this one. Manuel practiced carving since @1959. He tended bar at the Pelican from 1944 through the 1970s.

One of his carvings, at the Rix Motel on Clearwater Beach, made it into the newspapers in 1966 when it was stolen.

This venue was known for its mascot pelican formed from driftwood and for its stuffed and fried shrimp.

The Pelican burned down in 1974. Among what was salvaged in the fire was the namesake driftwood, and the restaurant was rebuilt, but later closed -- and now this spot has been overtaken by condominiums.

Last B&W photo shows rebuilt entrance.

While open, they did have an extensive cocktail menu (see below) and issued a variety of pelican swizzles in different colors.