Pelican Larry's Raw Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Florida

If there were a sixth star, Emily would own it.

Let me just say this upfront: Emily isn’t just a bartender — she’s a master of the craft, a vibe curator, a people-reader, and a memory-maker. In a world full of pourers and order-takers, she stands out as the rare kind of person who elevates the entire experience from the moment you sit down.

From the second I walked in, Emily was dialed in. She caught my eye with a smile that somehow said, “Welcome back,” even though it was my first time there. She didn’t just take my drink order — she asked me what I liked, listened, thought for a second, and then crafted something that was so perfectly tuned to my taste it felt like she had a drink menu made just for me. That cocktail? Balanced, bold, with just the right bite — and her garnish game? Elite.

But it’s not just about the drinks (although they’re 🔥). It’s the energy Emily brings. She’s calm when the bar gets slammed. Sharp, fast hands when she’s in the weeds, but never flustered. She’s personable without being fake, hilarious without trying too hard, and she knows exactly when to check in and when to give space. That level of social awareness? That’s rare air.

She knew regulars by name. Remembered their stories. She was managing ten things at once — ringing in orders, refilling drinks, laughing with someone at the end of the bar — and never missed a beat. Her presence has this grounding effect. Like she’s the anchor of the whole operation.

And the details… let me get nerdy for a second. Her shake game? Tight and rhythmic. Her pours? Consistent and efficient. Her bar? Spotless. She handled a rude customer with grace and professionalism that honestly deserves its own award. She made everyone feel like they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

Emily makes you feel seen. Heard. Taken care of. You don’t just leave with a good buzz — you leave with the sense that you were part of something better than just a night out. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat at her bar, cancel the rest of your plans. You’ve found...

This place sucks… for the area that it’s located in, it’s very disappointing. I hate to bash someone’s dream of having a restaurant but this ain’t it baby. First off the rib menu is Al a carte, no one item on your menu is good enough to stand on its own. I don’t think there are enough characters for me to really get into how displeased I am. The ribs were warm. The Brussels sprouts have a nice flavor but they are swimming in oil. The mashed potatoes, again the flavor is there, but the portion I was served had a “been sitting a while” crust. The mac and cheese, oh my gosh, THE MAC & CHEESE made me so mad, the complete audacity for it to even be called mac and cheese is beyond appalling. The mac and cheese is disgusting, again it tasted as though it had been sitting, the noodles had a slight, “take me out of my misery” dried out flare to them. The sauce or rue, on the mac and cheese taste like someone completely skipped over the cheese part. The place was a ghost town when I walked in, which is always a red flag. I wanted to put off writing this cause I really have nothing nice to say but something NEEDS to be said. I didn’t specify if my order was for there or to go, so the girl at the counter bagged it to go anyways, HOWEVER not including silverware in a to go order is crazy… there was no one else in there. I wasn’t rushing you guys. You, in a sense, took it upon yourself to bag my order, not making sure I had everything, when the restaurant was deserted is mind blowing. I can’t really speak for the other bar side, which by the way, who knew it was a 2 in 1 situation. I thought the BBQ portion was a stand alone, separate establishment. Anywhoooos, appearance wise, it’s smoke and mirrors. It looks good but the taste is mid. I can’t speak on the bar so maybe they are better for drinks but as for food goes, it’s a hard no. I wouldn’t double back or even recommend it to...

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk into your new favorite bar and instantly feel like family, stop wondering and head straight to Pelican Larry’s in University Village, Estero. This place isn’t just a bar—it’s a full-blown experience, and that’s thanks to the incredible team, especially Chris and Skeeter, who elevate this already awesome spot to legendary status.

Let’s start with Chris. The guy is a master of his craft. Whether he’s slinging cocktails on a packed Friday night or making sure every guest feels like a regular, Chris has that rare combination of speed, skill, and charisma that makes you want to come back just to see him work. He remembers names, drink orders, and always makes sure the vibe is spot-on. You’ll never feel like just another customer when Chris is behind the bar—you’re part of the crew.

And then there’s Skeeter. If you haven’t met Skeeter, you’re missing out on one of the best personalities in Southwest Florida. He’s the type of guy who brings energy to every shift, makes everyone laugh, and somehow still keeps everything running like clockwork. His attention to detail and ability to read the room is unmatched—whether you’re watching the game, celebrating a birthday, or just winding down after work, Skeeter knows exactly how to make it better.

The food? Insanely good. The drinks? Always on point. The atmosphere? Think laid-back Gulf Coast chill with just the right amount of rowdy. But what really sets Pelican Larry’s apart is the people—and Chris and Skeeter are the heart and soul of it.

So if you’re in Estero and looking for that one spot that nails it every single time—great food, cold drinks, good people, unforgettable service—look no further. Pelican Larry’s, with Chris and Skeeter at the helm, is the gold...