Pelican Brewing Company

The only beachfront brewpub in the Pacific Northwest, serving award-winning craft beers directly on the sand in Pacific City.

Pelican Brewing Company in Pacific City stands as the only true beachfront brewpub in the Pacific Northwest, positioned directly where the sand meets the pavement at Cape Kiwanda. Founded in May 1996 by Mary Jones, Jeff Schons, and brewmaster Darron Welch, the brewery began inside a derelict, run-down building at the water's edge. Over three decades, the founders transformed this weathered coastal outpost into an internationally recognized craft beer destination. The oceanfront patio sits directly on the beach, offering patrons an unobstructed view of the 340-foot basalt monolith of Haystack Rock rising from the surf a mile offshore. This specific geological sentinel, often confused with its smaller namesake in Cannon Beach, serves as the visual anchor for the outdoor deck, where the salt spray and the roar of the Pacific are constant companions.

Inside, the brewpub has been designed to maximize its connection to the ocean, featuring expansive picture windows that look out over the sand and the waves. The layout includes the main dining room, a lively bar area, and private event spaces like the newly refreshed Haystack Banquet Room and the adjacent Outrigger Room. The air inside carries the rich, warm scent of boiling malt and fresh hops, a testament to the on-site brewing operations that have earned the company hundreds of industry awards. The culinary program is built around the concept of beer cuisine, where dishes are specifically designed to pair with or incorporate the brewery's own pours. Menu staples like local Dungeness crab ravioli, cod fish and chips served with a distinct pineapple coleslaw, and the Tsunami Burger are crafted to complement the tap list.

The tap list itself is anchored by Pelican's classic, true-to-style flagships, which have been overseen by Welch since the very first batch. These include the light, clean Kiwanda Cream Ale, the robust Tsunami Export Stout, and the aggressively hopped Beak Breaker Double IPA. To mark its landmark 30-year anniversary in May 2026, the brewery introduced a special-edition Maibock alongside several updated menu items, celebrating three decades of independent ownership. Outside, the dining experience is punctuated by the unique sight of local dory boats launching directly into the surf from the beach, their flat-bottomed hulls sliding across the sand just yards from the patio tables. It remains a rare coastal venue where the physical environment, local maritime culture, and craft brewing are completely integrated.

Coffee & Craft — Roadside fuel stops curated by Basecamp West. The best coffee shops, craft breweries, diners, and eateries worth the detour on your next Western road trip.