When you step into Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant Beach, you’ll quickly notice more than the view. The waves roll just beyond your table, and the scent of local seafood fills the air. Here, the atmosphere feels welcoming, whether you’re after a family meal, a special event, or just a taste of the coast. But there’s a story behind these walls and countless reasons diners keep coming back—some you may not expect.
The Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, is strategically located along the shoreline, providing diners with views of the ocean from all indoor dining areas as well as the outdoor deck. This oceanfront positioning is advantageous for attracting both local residents and tourists, particularly during special events such as BeachOuter events, wedding receptions, and various daily specials.
The menu at The Black Pelican features a variety of seafood and meat options, including pan-seared scallops, blackened swordfish accompanied by a pineapple glaze, and grilled Montreal NY strip steak served with smoked gouda mashed potatoes. These selections are indicative of the restaurant's focus on quality ingredients and presentation.
Additional offerings comprise mixed grill platters, sautéed shrimp, chicken pot pie, and a range of fresh salads, each designed to provide a comprehensive dining experience.
The restaurant has received recognition for its culinary achievements, as evidenced by awards such as BeachBest Catering and RestaurantBest, reflecting the capabilities and skill of its culinary team. This recognition underscores the establishment's commitment to delivering quality food and service, aligning with the broader dining experience that The Black Pelican aims to offer to its patrons.
Constructed in 1874, the Black Pelican originated as a United States Lifesaving Station, serving as an important historical marker in North Carolina's maritime heritage. The restaurant retains architectural elements that reflect its original design, thereby preserving a connection to the Outer Banks' history.
The dining areas offer expansive oceanfront views, contributing to the establishment's inviting atmosphere while also enhancing the historical context of its location.
The Black Pelican's design honors its historical function related to lifesaving efforts, with attention given to the structural elements such as beams and windows that echo its past. This thoughtful adaptation merges the area's maritime legacy with contemporary dining experiences.
The establishment has received recognition in various categories, including Best Dining, Best Family Restaurant, and Best Waterfront Bar, reflecting its successful balance of historical significance and modern culinary appeal.
Black Pelican offers a menu that integrates traditional coastal cuisine with contemporary dishes, making it suitable for a diverse clientele.
Key items include the Mixed Grill, which features a Grilled Montreal NY Strip paired with Blackened Swordfish. This dish is complemented by sides of smoked gouda mashed potatoes and braised broccolini.
Another notable offering is the Chef’s Pasta, which includes sautéed shrimp and pan-seared scallops served on fettucine pasta with roasted garlic alfredo and a selection of garden vegetables.
Additionally, the Fried Combo consists of fried black drum and oysters, accompanied by garden rice and steamed green beans.
These offerings reflect the restaurant's commitment to quality and have contributed to its recognition within the competitive Outer Banks dining scene.
Black Pelican offers a rotating selection of dinner specials that provide diners with the opportunity to sample a variety of flavors at competitive prices, available until 5 pm.
The BeachOuter Menu features several well-curated dishes, reflecting the chef's approach to combining ingredients thoughtfully.
One notable option is the Chef’s Pasta, which consists of sautéed shrimp and pan-seared scallops paired with a medley of garden vegetables and fettucine, all tossed in a roasted garlic alfredo sauce.
This dish highlights the combination of seafood and pasta, a classic pairing in many culinary traditions.
Another available dish is the Mixed Grill, which includes grilled Montreal NY Strip and blackened swordfish, enhanced by a pineapple glaze.
This is accompanied by smoked gouda mashed potatoes and braised broccolini, illustrating a blend of flavors and textures.
For those interested in fried options, the Fried Combo consists of golden fried black drum and oysters, served alongside garden rice and steamed green beans.
This selection underscores the restaurant's commitment to incorporating local seafood in its offerings.
Additionally, the daily specials feature a Chicken Pot Pie, a traditional comfort food that typically contains chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce encased in pastry.
Overall, the dinner specials at Black Pelican reflect a careful selection of dishes designed to appeal to diverse tastes while maintaining a focus on value.
These options provide a snapshot of the restaurant's culinary philosophy, emphasizing both quality ingredients and well-executed preparation.
Black Pelican has garnered recognition within the Outer Banks culinary landscape over several years. As an oceanfront restaurant, its menu has received accolades from the Outer Banks Restaurant Association, which includes honors such as People’s Choice, Best Seafood Restaurant, and Best Family Dining.
In addition, the restaurant was acknowledged by Wedding Wire in 2018 and 2019 for its catering services.
The chefs at Black Pelican have also participated in the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, where they received recognition for Outstanding Culinary Presentation.
Notable menu items, such as Pan Seared Scallops with roasted garlic alfredo and Blackened Swordfish with pineapple glaze, exemplify their commitment to culinary quality.
The restaurant's consistent achievements reflect an adherence to standards that has positioned it as a prominent establishment in the local dining scene.
When organizing an event in the Outer Banks, it is essential to consider reliable catering services that can accommodate the specific needs of your gathering. Black Pelican offers a range of catering options tailored to events such as weddings and corporate luncheons.
Their professional chefs and coordinators work collaboratively to create customized dining experiences that align with the significance of each occasion. The menu features a variety of options, including Grilled Montreal NY Strip with smoked gouda mashed potatoes, Pan Seared Scallops with seasonal vegetables, and traditional Chicken Pot Pie.
This variety allows for flexibility in accommodating different tastes and dietary restrictions. Furthermore, Black Pelican is recognized for its commitment to quality, receiving accolades such as the Wedding Wire award for their receptions.
The restaurant's seafood catering is particularly noted, which is critical for events in coastal regions where seafood is often a preferred choice. Attention to detail and culinary presentation are emphasized throughout their service, contributing to the overall dining experience.
They provide a portfolio of successful events held at their Oceanfront location, which can serve as a reference for potential clients in assessing their suitability for upcoming events.
The Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant operates from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
It is important to note that the restaurant does not accept reservations and operates on a walk-in basis. This means that all members of your party must arrive at the same time to be seated.
The menu offers a variety of seafood dishes, including options such as Pan Seared Montreal NY Strip and Seared Scallops, complemented by a selection of fresh garden vegetables.
The establishment also emphasizes a family-friendly environment, which may appeal to those dining with children.
Overall, the restaurant presents an oceanfront dining experience in the Outer Banks region, catering to various tastes and preferences without the need for advance booking.
Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant offers an online store that provides access to a range of products, including Outer Banks memorabilia, private label apparel, and gift certificates. This service may be beneficial for individuals seeking distinctive gifts, particularly for occasions such as weddings or to commemorate their dining experiences at the restaurant.
The establishment also facilitates take-out orders, which include a variety of menu specials. Notable offerings include Pan Seared Scallops served with chopped garden vegetables and smoked gouda mashed potatoes, as well as Golden Fried Plump Oysters. Customers may place these orders by contacting the restaurant at (252) 261-3171.
For inquiries related to catering services or general questions, the same contact number is available during regular business hours.
Black Pelican has received recognition through various Association Awards, underscoring its commitment to quality in taste and culinary presentation. This acknowledgment may suggest a consistent standard of service and food quality.
When you visit Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant, you’re in for more than just a meal—you’ll enjoy fresh seafood, scenic ocean views, and a relaxing coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re dining in, hosting an event, or grabbing takeout, you’ll experience attentive service and thoughtful touches throughout. With its combination of local flavors and welcoming environment, Black Pelican stands out as a favorite for both locals and visitors, making it a must-visit on the beach.