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Welcome to The Hungry Pelican

At The Hungry Pelican, we celebrate the rich flavors of seafood in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nestled in Fern Creek, KY, our women-owned establishment emphasizes quality and freshness, offering a variety of dishes, including succulent shrimp and the popular crab cake. Known for our attentive service and delightful appetizers like fried green tomatoes and homemade onion rings, we cater to all, including families and groups. With outdoor seating and a full bar, we create the perfect setting for any occasion. Join us for a memorable dining experience that honors the ocean’s bounty while welcoming everyone to indulge their appetites.

The Hungry Pelican: Reviews & Ratings

Mike H.
Mike H.

Food was great recommend the snow fish and crab cakes. Stewed, zucchini, and tomatoes.

Alicia S.
Alicia S.

My boyfriend and I came in hungry and we were immediately greeted and sat by the friendly hostess. The restaurant was clean and decorated very nicely for the holidays. We ordered fried green tomatoes which came out hot, crispy, and fast! We ordered the captains platter and the hungry man's platter as our main course which was delicious as well! Thank you so much for a great service and a great experience!

Robert R.
Robert R.

Fast service & reasonable prices. Food could have been a little warmer. Friendly staff. Ryjfthn gdd sh h o l ggb

Aldean R.
Aldean R.

This place is still the real deal. I am so lucky to live close to the gem of a restaurant. This place is for seafood lovers. Alaska Snow Fish is spectacular, the onion rings are spectacular and they are more amazing food here. I can't stay away. The tomato and zucchini was a let down. The service is quick and easy. This old school restaurant runs with military precision and execution. They have a senior menu on their website to save money, so by all means check that out too. You can't go wrong coming here.

Raza K.
Raza K.

Food and service was excellent price is little bit high but it's okay and love to try one more time

Bradley P.
Bradley P.

This review is kind of difficult because I'm a bit split on my opinion. I'm going with four stars because the good in my opinion outweighs any negative. The first thing you'll notice when you pull up in the parking lot is that the building looks pretty dated and it is. There's a sign when you walk in that says welcome, established in the 1950s. That's impressive, but it also shows in a lot of the areas that have not been maintained well. The staff was all very friendly. My server was great and it only took about 5 to 10 minutes to get my food. I went on Saturday around 3 PM and it was not very busy. The menu was easy to flip through and not overbearing with too many options. I chose fried fish and fried shrimp and then I also got french fries and the stewed tomatoes on the side. The fish was very delicious and the shrimp were as well. The fries are your standard crinkle and the stewed tomatoes were delicious. There's lots of variety of seafood and options to meet anybody's pickiness. Overall, I thought it was a good experience, but they definitely need to do some work making it look nicer and newer Positive: Food and Service Negative: Ambiance, decor, dated building and furnishings

Jay H.
Jay H.

I just want to let anyone who has the chance to come to this locally family owned restaurant to NOT PASS IT UP! Amazing food! Love the Scrod! the chowder is also amazing! comes out piping hot and full of flavor! I always have such a hard time picking an appetizer because they are ALL SO GOOD! Last time here I got the captain and it was so fresh and I had to pack up the rest! Amazing food! Great Prices and the owner is the sweetest! The staff makes you feel like they know u personally! I will be back next week

Emily R.
Emily R.

For a local fish spot, this one is pretty great. They are one of the few "fish houses" they offer non-fried options. They have everything from cod to salmon to oysters. I always get mine grilled, and here, it was prepared and executed perfectly. Flakey, juicy, tender. I got the cod platter on this visit. It comes with an ample amount of food. You'll definitely leave with a doggie bag. For my sides, I got the kale and green beans. Oh so good! I could have made a meal of these! I'll definitely be back! The ambiance is what you'd expect of a local, family-owned spot. It's not fancy. Wear whatever you'd like, I'd say. They're welcoming, humble and personable. The decor is very much that of the inside (or outside) of a boat. Or, what you'd see at a beachside fish place. The outside looks nothing like the inside though. The service reminds me of what you'd get at a local diner where the patrons are the same every day, they all know each other, and their time to be polite has passed. It's not that they're rude. They're lovely. It's just that there is no pomp or fluff. Very to the business of getting your order, serving it, and moving on- all with a smile and kindness. I recommend it. Get that cod! And the clam chowder seems to be popular, too!

T O.
T O.

I worked at the Goose Creek Rd. location some 35 or so years ago, now that location has since closed and what is left is this one on Bardstown Rd. When we went inside, one couldn't help but to go back in time....when things flowed more smoothly. I can imagine the place hasn't been updated in quit some time. But its the food I am after. You know, good "Seafood" places are hard to come by. Hungry Pelican seemed to deliver some pretty good seafood. It was around my birthday when my wife suggested fish since she knows I really love it. She also suggested Hungry Pelican since I mentioned it one Sunday afternoon while sitting on the patio. I ordered the clams, she got the Fish Sandwich. We also tried the Fried Pickles which were pretty good! The fish was cooked just right! The clams were fresh and tasted great! The service was fantastic! My wife mentioned it was my birthday to the server, then the server offered us a free desert! I opted for the turtle cheesecake which was very good! They have a "Children's" menu and a "Senior's" Menu also, which unfortunately I now qualify for...lol

Location

Welcome to The Hungry Pelican, a delightful seafood haven located at 5412 Bardstown Rd, Fern Creek, KY 40291. This charming, women-owned establishment is the ideal spot for seafood enthusiasts and casual diners alike, offering a relaxed setting with a menu that celebrates the ocean's bounty.

Whether you’re craving something traditional or adventurous, The Hungry Pelican has it all. The restaurant is well-equipped to cater to various diners; it provides takeout, accepts reservations, and offers convenient delivery options. It's also wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, making it a great choice for groups and kids.

  • Signature Dishes:
  • Don’t miss out on the Alaska Snow Fish or the mouth-watering Captain's Platter, which includes a delightful mix of whitefish, stuffed shrimp, sea scallops, and shrimp cocktail for $17.49.
  • For a taste of pure indulgence, try the Stuffed Whitefish, filled with savory crab meat stuffing at $14.49.
  • Vegetarian options abound, ensuring everyone can find something to love.

Patrons often rave about the fried green tomatoes and the crispy onion rings that arrive hot and ready to delight your palate. Even for non-seafood lovers, the homestyle sides are worth exploring; options like hush puppies and homemade macaroni and cheese complement the main dishes perfectly.

The atmosphere at The Hungry Pelican is casual, with outdoor seating available for those who enjoy dining al fresco. Happy hour specials and a full bar invite guests to unwind, while multiple TV screens add a touch of fun for sports lovers. The well-trained staff delivers swift, friendly service, ensuring a satisfying experience from start to finish.

Impressions from diners reflect the quality and care put into each dish. As Alicia S. noted, the ambiance is beautifully decorated, making it a perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a cozy meal. Meanwhile, customers like Aldean R. underscore the restaurant's commitment to classic seafood preparation and quick service.

In short, The Hungry Pelican is more than just a seafood restaurant; it’s a community gem. Ideal for lunch or dinner, it accommodates various dietary preferences and offers a range of facilities including Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and catering services. For anyone in the Fern Creek area, this seafood lover's paradise is surely worth a visit.

For reservations or takeout, call (502) 239-7145 and experience the taste of the sea at The Hungry Pelican!