Pacific City is easily one of my favorite destinations on the Oregon Coast, and I’ve been visiting for years. I’ve taken my grandmother there, my sister and her husband got married on the beach, and I love to book a room for a little solo getaway from time to time. The Inn at Cape Kiwanda is my go-to spot, as I love the updated rooms with jetted tubs, balcony views of the ocean waves and the haystack rock that towers over the beach, and the option to grab a morning latte and bagel at the bakery on the first floor. Even better? It’s right across the street from Pelican Brewing Company’s original location, which has been pouring beers for 30 years. It’s the Pacific Northwest’s only beachfront brewery, and it’s a coastal destination that can’t be beat.
Rooted in history
Pelican launched in May of 1996 and has been going strong ever since. It all started with a dilapidated building that sat right next to the Pacific Ocean. That building was transformed into the first brewing space for Pelican and has since become one of the busiest taprooms not only on the coast but throughout Oregon. It offers beachfront seating with a patio right off of the sand, along with plenty of indoor booth and bar seating. In addition to the original Pacific City location, Pelican has continued to open other brewpubs and taprooms up and down the Oregon Coast. Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach, and Siletz Bay are all home to other Pelican locations, along with Tillamook, where Pelican’s beer is crafted, canned and bottled. A sixth location in Yachats is scheduled to open this summer.
Pouring on the coast for 30 years
Longevity in the brewing industry is certainly something to celebrate, and Pelican is ready to party in 2026. The brewing company is now pouring a special anniversary-edition Maibock on draft at all locations. “Developed in the style of strong pale German lagers, we’ve crafted something special to toast our 30 years in Pacific City and our growing presence in communities along the Oregon Coast,” says Darron Welch, founding brewmaster. “Our 30th Anniversary Maibock is a reflection of the German beers that kindled what would become a lifelong passion project and that served as an inspiration for Pelican Brewing Company.”
A new food menu for the brewpubs
Visiting Pelican is an experience, and the food plays a big part in that, too. I’ve had countless occasions picking up food to-go from the Pelican taproom and enjoying it on the beach. Now, the menu is getting a bit of a refresh. According to Pelican, the go-to favorites are staying, but a few imaginative dishes are livening things up. These include new appetizers like creamy burrata with roasted tomatoes, crispy prosciutto, fresh basil, balsamic pearls, and warm focaccia; or the ahi aguachile, featuring lightly seared pasilla-coriander crusted ahi finished with cilantro-lime salsa, thinly sliced red onion and Fresno chiles. Entrees include blackened mahi mahi served over couscous with roasted vegetables, cilantro sambal and fresh mango pico de gallo; and an Oregon shrimp and Dungeness crab roll. The refreshed menu will be available beginning June 1 at most locations.
