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Casual American eats in a family-friendly setting with music & specials on a lively riverside patio.
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Reviews
Cole
Our first visit to this restaurant will undoubtedly be our last. I would strongly advise others to avoid it based on our experience. The only redeeming quality was the atmosphere. The beach-themed setting, upbeat music, and waterfront seating created a fun and inviting vibe. The cocktails were mediocre at best, but still drinkable.
Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. The food was downright awful—easily among the worst I’ve ever had. The fries were served at room temperature and tasted like they had been sitting out for hours—dry, stale, and completely unappetizing. It’s baffling how a restaurant could get something as basic as French fries so wrong.
The buffalo chicken wrap was somehow worse. It was sparsely filled with soggy, flavorless chicken, completely lacking any buffalo sauce or seasoning. The tenders weren’t tossed in anything, leaving the wrap bland, dry, and visually unappealing. It was so bad that a few bites were more than enough—we couldn’t stomach the rest.
To make matters worse, our server was extremely slow and inattentive. She rarely checked in, didn’t ask how our meal was, and refills were practically nonexistent.
In short, while the location may draw people in, the food and service were shockingly bad. Don’t waste your time or money here—we deeply regretted ours.
… moreUnfortunately, that’s where the positives end. The food was downright awful—easily among the worst I’ve ever had. The fries were served at room temperature and tasted like they had been sitting out for hours—dry, stale, and completely unappetizing. It’s baffling how a restaurant could get something as basic as French fries so wrong.
The buffalo chicken wrap was somehow worse. It was sparsely filled with soggy, flavorless chicken, completely lacking any buffalo sauce or seasoning. The tenders weren’t tossed in anything, leaving the wrap bland, dry, and visually unappealing. It was so bad that a few bites were more than enough—we couldn’t stomach the rest.
To make matters worse, our server was extremely slow and inattentive. She rarely checked in, didn’t ask how our meal was, and refills were practically nonexistent.
In short, while the location may draw people in, the food and service were shockingly bad. Don’t waste your time or money here—we deeply regretted ours.
Julie
I called and made a reservation to sit by the water. Arrived there and the hostess sat us in a corner and 3 other tables were open by the water. I asked what appeared to be the manager if we could move to one of the empty tables by the water and she gladly and quickly moved us. Poor seating and decision making by the hostess. Server very quick with us and never offered us water. My advice to her is to slow down with your tables! Don’t make us feel like you’re pushing us out so to speak. Anyways, that was my second time there. First time food was very salty and bad flavor. Pelican plate was a bit disappointing. And the bar didn’t put oj in my mimosa. Just got a glass of champagne. Server didn’t ask which flavor I wanted in my mimosa. Know your menu! Second time food was a bit better. But the fries were cold! Crab cake sandwich not that good. Flavor was a bit weird. One thing that never disappoints however is the view and atmosphere. Except when you’re put in a corner to have a view of the deck umbrellas. But the manager took care of that. Need new hostess. The pelican mama drink was good. I just can’t get behind this restaurant because of the food. I’d go there and sit by the water for a drink but that’s probably about it. Disappointing because it’s like a little paradise hidden gem. The feel is a Florida vibe with fake palms. Just need better cooks.
… moreH R
I am not sure as to why this isn’t a 5 star mania. Sure the atmosphere is a little niche, but it is on par for the area. But let me tell you, when the entrees came out, I was at a loss for words. Somehow a Michelin star chef made his way into this venue. As far as bests, this place is one of the best. The meal was that of a fine dining quality and presentation. If I am ever within one hour of Rochester I am going to this restaurant , even if it’s out of my way.
… moreTyler Pierce
I’ve been in Rochester my whole life, and we’ve been coming to pelicans nest every summer since I was a kid. Every year we return this place gets worse and worse. It pains me to write a bad review, but the quality of the food is awful, and extremely over priced. I should know better, it was a Friday night and this place should be packed, instead it was weirdly not busy at all. The band was playing with no one there. This year felt like it’s under new management that is cutting corners everywhere. We got the catch of the day, a po’ boy sandwich, shrimp app and a few cocktails that came out to be $120. The portions are small, the catch of the day was dry, had canned fruit on it, and overall was weird. I’d go here strictly for drinks and live music, but I’d choose several other restaurants in the area before I ate here again. Extremely disappointed. I will say our server was great and the service was fast. I hope Pelican’s Nest makes it, but based on the other recent reviews it seems like I’m not alone in my feedback and experience.
… moreJameelah H
It’s been years since I’ve been here. Went here for a birthday dinner and I will say the experience was very lackluster. While being on the water is a draw to dine here that was pretty much it. The whole place seems like it needs a deep clean. All of the menus our party received were sticky, dirty and some had items crossed off with a permanent marker. So they’re not the same as the online menu. A lot of the tables had coasters under them to unsuccessfully stop them from rocking and the food was unimpressive. We had to send the calamari back because it didn’t have any flavor at all. And overall, none of our large party was impressed with the items we received. We also had to keep reminding the waitresses about items we had already asked for, granted they did seem understaffed and they were kind so I’m sure they were trying their best it was frustrating. Also the food seems overpriced based on the quality you receive and the fact that they give you plastic silverware as well. Poor experience overall.
… moreTammra Schiller
Visited on a Saturday afternoon at about 3:30 for a late lunch/early dinner. Not impressed. It was quiet. However, staff wouldn’t even acknowledge the 6 of us who were waiting for a table. After 5 minutes passed, I asked the staff if we just sit somewhere or would they seat us. She said she’d be with us in a second. She appeared not to be doing anything. But it is what it is. Then she said- you can sit anywhere. Service was really slow. Unbelievably slow. It took beyond long to order drinks and food. When food did come at 5pm or shortly after, it wasn’t something I’m rushing back to have. Fish fry was outright untasty. My son said the wings were good but very small. My friend’s said their burgers were good. And the salad one friend had. The drinks were very strong. Views were amazing. I liked the calmness of the restaurant, but it was so slow. It was not at all busy. I’d not recommend this place.
… moreCliff
Overall not a bad spot. As far as burgers go it was pretty good, but not for the price. Service is phenomenal and everyone there is very welcoming and polite. I overheard the waitress dealing with a few complaints on food and she handled it very well and accommodated people that were being a little bit ridiculous.
My biggest gripe with the place is the extremely reflective bright white tables. I actually had to go back to my car to get my sunglasses just so I could see anything while I was sitting at them. If you’re going to have outdoor seating, you really need to think better about furniture that will be comfortable. seems like something a cheap tablecloth could fix.
… moreMy biggest gripe with the place is the extremely reflective bright white tables. I actually had to go back to my car to get my sunglasses just so I could see anything while I was sitting at them. If you’re going to have outdoor seating, you really need to think better about furniture that will be comfortable. seems like something a cheap tablecloth could fix.
Tina F
Delightful waterfront restaurant! Food and service were excellent as is the atmosphere. Enjoy!
… moreThi Chi
I like the rice the veggies could’ve been cooked more and the salmon could’ve been cooked less more sauce would’ve been great. Burger and fries were burgers and fries. The view is nice it gave relaxation. Great location. The cake was good. The menu I had had food in it I would suggest laminated menus. I would come again but order something different next time.
… moreCharlene Mahar
I went there for my birthday in May it was a Friday night so obviously it’s gonna be packed. We got there kinda past dinner like 6:30 ordered a drink and sat on the patio to wait for our table. The drink was perfect and my food was delicious. There were other customers who were fighting with each other but the mangers were right there to calm the situation as best they could. I can’t wait to come back! Especially to see a band
… more