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A Local & Affordable Anguilla
Hang Out By the Sea...
The Pelican Bar

By: Kristin Bourne

Visiting Anguilla and looking to eat and hang like a local?

Or, on vacation and doing things economically?

Or, simply searching for a genuine, down to earth spot in the sand, by the immensely blue sea?

No worries, The Pelican Bar has you covered!

The Pelican Bar's Island Harbour View
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The Pelican Bar is located in Anguilla's charming fishing village, Island Harbour. It is right on the sand, by the sea, sitting spectator to all of the fishermen coming and going with their catches.

So Much Blue!
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By now you've likely heard the rumors about Anguilla's nice and friendly people?

It's true. And, I found many of them hanging out at The Pelican Bar!

The laid-back Pelican Bar
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It is a white wood structure with an open but covered space at the bar/order area. There are some picnic tables with umbrellas to shade you, too.

Walk down to The Pelican Bar where you are sure to see some smiling faces.

Often times, Patrick (the owner) and Brian are the Pelican Bar hosts on hand, ready to serve you a cold rum punch or a grilled fresh mahi mahi.

Brian always has a smile.
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Sink your feet down into the white sand as the bar shades you from the sand. Sip your rum punch and take in the beautiful Island Harbour vista. A small, shimmering harbor, dotted with picture-perfect wooden fishing boats, children sailing Sunfish, Scilly Cay in the distance... it is special.

If you choose to "lime" there, rest assured that you can take your time. Walk along the beach, dip in the sea, you will not be rushed out.

Many locals spend their days here, enjoying conversation and the scene. Some are happy to tell you all about Island Harbour, the history, the reliance on the sea, and about any fish you may be interested to learn about.

Time to Eat!

When your stomach begins to rumble, step up to the bar and place your order!

If you want to eat local, have the fish.

Potato Salad & Mahi-mahi
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The Pelican Bar offers a variety of fresh fish, all depending on what the fishermen have brought in... mahi mahi, jacks, old wife, red snapper, etc.

The mahi mahi was topped with sauteed onions and peppers and had great flavor.

They are not fussy at The Pelican Bar. Choose whatever side you like to go with your food: potato salad, green salad, fry cake (aka Johnny cake) etc.

If you are not a fan of seafood, they have hamburgers and sometimes chicken and ribs from the BBQ. This is a prime affordable Anguilla spot and your meal will not hurt your budget...

Note: There is not a menu at The Pelican Bar. There is a chalkboard that lists food available and of course, Brian or Patrick can just tell you!

Painted Wood Pelicans
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Keeping in line with the spot being an affordable Anguilla business, the drinks are refreshingly priced, too.

Pelican Bar is also almost always open! Hours are "Caribbean-style" hours but generally open at 10am and close just after dinner or later depending on the crowd.

Keep this jewel of a spot in mind if you are looking to experience real Anguilla life and food. The Pelican Bar is about as local as it gets... friendly, tasty, and on the beach!

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