NC #1 Dive Bar

The Fat Pelican Voted the #1 Dive Bar in North Carolina and Top 25 in the Nation

The legend of The Fat Pelican began in June 1986 when a visionary and pioneer, Jim Kelly, saw the future and knew that the island of Carolina Beach, NC, had unlimited potential. Jim Kelly was visiting Carolina Beach, NC, from the Conch Republic of Key West and realized there were many similarities between the two islands.

When Jim first opened the business, he did not operate as a bar but as a beer and wine store to compliment the only Liquor Package store on the island. He sold kegs of beer and wine and assorted beach sundries. If you have been to The Fat Pelican, one of the most popular things about the bar is the walk-in cooler where you can select your beer. The cooler is a refrigerated trailer of an 18-wheel truck that Jim said he paid $2000.00 for when he had it delivered and installed originally. The building is the only remnant of a garage that burned down around 1951.

After The Fat Pelican had successfully operated for over six years, their neighbor liquor store moved, and Jim Kelly was again given a chance to show his vision. Jim realized a change was needed and decided to start selling beer and wine to drink in-house. In 1992, The Fat Pelican sold its first beer to consume on the premises, and that is when the real fun began.

While Jim Kelly established The Fat Pelican's legend, he started many great traditions and owners. Jim started the Fat Pelican Bikini Contest, which has become one of the most looked forward to events of the year on the 4th of July. Jim set the precedent of continually operating as if The Fat Pelican and all the customers were a big family feeding and hosting everyone.

After Jim Kelly decided to turn over the helm of The Fat Pelican, a new legend and leader arose, Danny McLaughlin; when Danny arrived in Carolina Beach and bought The Fat Pelican, he had just finished helping to run “Food 4 Sound,” a catering business to rock bands out of Greensboro, NC. Danny traveled and catered for Van Halen, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and Hank William Jr., to name a few (We)highly recommend asking to hear some band stories if you ever talk to Danny).

Danny decided that traveling and catering for rock bands would be fun after he got back from two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he served in the 1st Cavalry and survived being shot and thrown out of a helicopter. After the Viet Cong and a rock star lifestyle did not get him, someone tried to hire Atlantic City mafia hit men to take him out and failed in 2008.

Danny continued and expanded on the traditions and spirit that Jim Kelly started by making the 4th of July Bikini Contest bigger and better and hosting Halloween Contests and Barbeques to celebrate almost anything and everything imaginable. Danny has opened The Fat Pelican Beach and continued adding to the island's best beer selection. Danny takes great pride in knowing that The Fat Pelican is open every day till 2 AM and welcomes anyone who feels “Beer is Love” in their heart.

The Fat Pelican ambiance is what Danny likes to call “Beach Trailer Park Chic,” and once you have a beer here, you will agree. Over the 30 years of its business, the Fat Pelican has survived over 50 named storms and hurricanes, including Hurricanes Bertha, Fran, and Floyd. One constant is always “Beer is Love” at The Fat Pelican.

From The Fat Pelican About Us Page