Unearth The Voyage
Craving seafood that tastes like a beach day on a plate without leaving Holly Springs? The Blind Pelican Seafood House serves bold flavors, big personality, and show stopping drinks that light up the whole dining room. With a 4.5 star reputation and lines out the door on weekends, this spot has locals buzzing for good reason. Come hungry, bring friends, and prepare to be wowed from the first hushpuppy to the last forkful of lobster risotto.
From the moment you walk in, you can feel the coastal energy humming in the room. The menu leans into fresh seafood with a Carolina soul, from rich she crab soup to blackened daily catches. You get generous portions, friendly energy, and flavor that keeps you talking about your plate long after the last bite.
Service is upbeat and attentive, with managers and servers checking in like you are a regular. If you love a lively vibe, grab a seat at the bar to watch epic drinks get built. Prefer to linger over conversation? Cozy booths and patio seats make it easy to slow down and savor.
Prices land in the sweet spot for quality seafood, especially with daily specials and shareable starters. You will want to call ahead on weekends because waits can stack up quickly. All in, this is the kind of place that earns repeat visits without trying too hard.
You have never seen a Bloody Mary like this. The Kraken arrives as a towering feast with shrimp, bacon, grilled cheese, a lobster tail, a pound of crab, and a parade of veggies. It is part cocktail, part conversation starter, and one hundred percent patio head turner.
Yes, it has kick, so ask for a lighter spice level if that is your speed. Order it early to watch the team assemble each layer behind the bar like a culinary magic show. Snap photos fast because you will want proof when you tell friends you tackled it.
It is ideal for sharing before entrees or as a birthday centerpiece. Pair with hushpuppies or garlic parm wings to balance the heat. If you want the full spectacle, arrive before peak hours to avoid the line.
Creamy, briny, and comforting, the she crab soup sets the tone for a seafood forward meal. When it is on point, you get delicate crab sweetness with a touch of sherry depth. Ask your server to pace it between apps and entrees so it hits the table warm and silky.
If you like a thicker style, mention your preference and they will guide you to the day’s batch. It pairs beautifully with a light mojito or a crisp lager. Add a basket of hushpuppies for dipping and you have a Southern comfort duo.
Service stays attentive, but do not be shy about reminders during busy stretches. This bowl is worth the nudge if the dining room is hopping. Start your meal here and everything after tastes like an upgrade.
Even if seafood is not your usual pick, the garlic parm wings will convert you. They arrive hot with a glossy garlic butter coat and a snowfall of parmesan, perfect for sharing. Dunk in ranch, make a happy mess, and do not apologize for licking your fingers clean.
The wings bridge the table for mixed groups, letting seafood lovers and land lovers start on common ground. Order a double if your crew is hungry because these disappear fast. Pair with a cold beer or a Key Lime Mojito for contrast.
As a pre entree snack, they help you pace the night without overfilling. If you are watching spice, these sit in that savory, garlicky comfort zone. You will understand why regulars rave after the first bite.
Hushpuppies come out crisp on the outside and tender inside, just sweet enough to complement seafood. They land at the table quickly, which makes them a smart starter while you scout the specials. A swipe of butter or honey puts them over the top.
Round out the meal with collard greens, fries, or slaw, depending on your main. Locals whisper about the greens, so grab them when they are on the board. If you are sharing the Kraken, these sides help balance the richness.
Ask for recommendations because sides rotate with the vibe of the day. The team knows what is shining right now and will steer you well. It is easy to build a plate here that feels like Sunday supper by the coast.
The blackened grouper sandwich is a sleeper hit that eats like a full entree. You get a thick, well seasoned filet with a charry crust and juicy interior. Piled on a soft bun with crisp lettuce and house sauce, it nails that beach shack nostalgia.
Order it with fries or a side salad if you want a lighter touch. A squeeze of lemon brightens the spice and keeps each bite fresh. You will appreciate how the kitchen balances heat without overpowering the fish.
It is a quick lunch champion and a solid dinner when you do not want to commit to a platter. Pair with a local IPA or a clean gin cocktail. Simple, satisfying, and easy to recommend to anyone.
The shrimp burger packs tender shrimp into a juicy patty that tastes like summer on a bun. It is seasoned just right and seared for a lightly crisp edge. Add tomato, lettuce, and a tangy sauce and you have a handheld favorite.
If you are seafood curious, this is a friendly gateway away from fried platters. It is lighter than you expect, which means room for dessert or another round. Ask for a side of slaw to stack on top for extra crunch.
Perfect with a citrusy cocktail or a cold soda if you are keeping it simple. Kids and teens tend to love it too, which makes family dinners easier. It is one of those menu items that feels unique without trying too hard.
When the lobster roll hits, it hits big. You can keep it classic with mayo or ask about alternative sauce options if you want something different. The meat is the star, sweet and generous, tucked into a buttery roll that gives you that perfect bite.
Ask for a side of melted butter or a lemony aioli if mayo is not your thing. The team is happy to tweak details to fit your taste. Pair with kettle chips or fries and a crisp white wine.
This one shines on sunny afternoons when you want a coastal daydream. Take it out to the patio, loosen the belt, and enjoy the moment. It is joy in a roll without the airfare to New England.
Creamy lobster pasta delivers velvet richness with chunks of lobster that feel like a celebration. The sauce coats every noodle without getting heavy, and a sprinkle of herbs keeps it bright. It is the kind of dish that turns a regular Tuesday into an occasion.
Order a half portion if available or share so you can sample more. A glass of chardonnay or a clean spritz balances the cream. If you are a sauce person, ask for an extra spoon to chase every last bit.
On cooler nights, this bowl is downright soothing. It pairs well with a light starter like crab dip or a small salad. For comfort seekers, this is the move.
Keep an eye on specials because the blackened wahoo with lobster risotto is a standout. The fish arrives flaky with that spicy sear, while the risotto stays creamy with sweet lobster notes. Every forkful hits rich and smoky all at once.
Ask the bartender to pair a Manhattan or bourbon old fashioned if you like a deeper flavor profile. Guests at the bar rave about this combo when it is on. It is a great choice when you want chef driven flair without pretense.
Because specials rotate, do not hesitate when you see it. The kitchen does not hold back on portion size either. You will leave happy and maybe a little smug that you nabbed it in time.
The salmon plate is consistently well executed with a crisp sear and tender center. It often comes with seasonal vegetables and a bright citrus or herb butter. If you prefer it more medium or more well, just say the word and the kitchen will dial it in.
For a lighter night, pair it with greens and a glass of sauvignon blanc. You get upscale flavor without the fuss or white tablecloth energy. It is the kind of entree that wins over both seafood rookies and veterans.
When the dining room gets busy, this is a reliable choice that still feels special. You will appreciate the balance of richness and freshness in every bite. Simple, clean, and satisfying.
Pull up a stool and order the crab dip while chatting with the bartenders. It arrives bubbling hot, creamy, and loaded with crab, perfect with toasted bread or chips. This is social food that makes friends out of neighbors.
The bar team brings great energy, with quick pours and fun banter. You can taste how much pride they take in getting the details right. If you like cocktails, ask for bartender picks to match the dip’s richness.
It is a smart play if you arrive early before a dinner rush. Snack, sip, and watch The Kraken builds cruise by for photo ops. Easy win, every time.
The Key Lime Mojito steals the show with zippy citrus and a refreshing mint kick. It is bright, beachy, and perfect with anything fried or spicy. Many guests call it their favorite drink of the night.
If you want something stirred, the Manhattan here gets high marks for balance. The cocktail list leans creative without going gimmicky. Non drinkers can ask for a zero proof riff that still feels festive.
Pair your drink with wings or hushpuppies while you decide on mains. On patio days, the mojito tastes like sunshine in a glass. Ask your server for seasonal sips and do not be shy about preferences.
Bring the whole crew because this place does family nights right. There is a kids menu and even fun non alcoholic creations so little ones feel part of the moment. Staff stays upbeat and patient, which makes dining with kids less stressful.
Arrive early on weekends to cut down the wait, or call ahead to plan your timing. Booths fit families comfortably and the patio keeps things lively without feeling cramped. You can share apps and split plates without getting side eye.
With friendly managers and quick check ins, you will feel taken care of from start to finish. It is an easy pick for birthdays, visiting relatives, or casual celebrations. You leave full, happy, and already plotting the next visit.
Hours run Monday 4 to 9 PM, Tuesday to Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM. Plan ahead for Saturday evenings because waits can cross an hour, especially for inside seating. Calling ahead helps you time it right.
Expect most entrees to land in the 20 to 30 dollar range, with specials a touch higher. Portions justify the price and there is real value in the experience. Drinks can be showstoppers, so budget for at least one.
Parking is easy at the shopping center location at 120 Bass Lake Rd. If you need anything from high chairs to pacing courses, just ask. This team thrives on making nights smooth and memorable.
Show up a little before opening if you want bar seats and a front row view of the Kraken builds. Split a few starters so you can taste widely without getting too full early. Ask your server for the day’s can’t miss specials and adjust on the fly.
If spice is not your thing, say so and they will dial it back, especially on cocktails and blackened proteins. For photo worthy moments, the patio lighting is perfect just before sunset. Keep water refills rolling so the feast keeps pace.
Finally, lean into the energy and chat with staff. They love sharing what is new and what regulars are ordering. You will walk out feeling like you discovered your new go to seafood spot.
