Hello dear
Welcome to Crane & Pelican Cafe
Nestled in the charming town of Le Claire, IA, the Crane & Pelican Cafe offers a delightful dining experience with picturesque views of the Mississippi River. This cafe captivates guests with its cozy atmosphere and attentive service, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Renowned for its exceptional homemade dishes, the café features standout items like the classic Nicoise Salad with seared Ahi tuna and the savory Garlic Salad. The inviting decor complements the warm ambiance, while customer favorites like the orange crepes and lemon lavender cake leave lasting impressions. A true gem for food enthusiasts!
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Ceviche Lettuce Wraps
saffron risotto
Orange Crepes
Pasta Della California
About
Crane & Pelican Cafe
Welcome to Crane & Pelican Cafe, a culinary gem nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River in charming Le Claire, Iowa. Located at 127 S 2nd St, this cafe is not just a dining spot; it’s an experience for the senses.
As you step inside, the ambiance captivates with its dramatically high ceilings and elegant decor. The welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable meal, whether you’re here for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner. The service at Crane & Pelican is equally exceptional; friendly staff and attentive owners ensure that every guest feels valued and well cared for, a sentiment echoed by patrons time and again.
The menu is a delightful whirlwind of carefully crafted dishes, showcasing fresh, local ingredients. A standout on their salad offerings is the Nicoise Salad, a luxurious blend of Boston bibb lettuce, rare Ahi tuna, and anchovies. Customers rave about its generous portions that are perfect for lunch. The Garlic Salad, with its house-made dressing, is a treat that customers can't resist, leaving them craving more.
Don’t miss their starters, like the Buffalo Chicken Dip, served warm and creamy with a spicy kick, or the sophisticated Carpaccio Crostini—a must-try for meat lovers. For those seeking a comforting dish, the Chicken & Lemon Soup brings a refreshing citrus twist, even if some diners have noted it's on the subtle side of flavorful.
Finally, save room for dessert. The orange crepes are a fan favorite—delicate, warm, and indulgently filled, they promise to satisfy any sweet craving. Just as one visiting patron noted, they taste like a delightful blend of nostalgia and gourmet flair.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or as a returning patron, Crane & Pelican Cafe promises to deliver comfort and joy through each meticulously prepared dish. With various menu changes and seasonal specialties, this cafe is worth every visit. Join the ranks of satisfied diners who have found a second home in this magical eatery.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I loved this restaurant! I ordered a full sized Nicoise Salad, and as the generously loaded plate arrived, I thought, "Well, this will make a lovely lunch tomorrow, too." But bite after bite, I enjoyed it so much that I ended up eating nearly all of it. Seared fresh tuna, lightly seasoned and tender, and their homemade FIRE CRACKERS which add a crispy, salty, spicy crunch to a delicious dish. In addition, what a BEAUTIFUL location: dramatically high ceilings, lovely decorations, a nice view of the Mississippi River. This is a great restaurant. Cheryl was our helpful and friendly server, and the owners stopped by our table as well to assure we had a good experience. Highly recommended! ”
“ My husband and I LOVE this place. Very attentive to needs, listens when reservations are made (our reserved seating card always has something denoting our interests! LLAP!), food is homemade and excellent (love those orange crepes!), and we make a point of going each time the menu changes. Mandy also does a great job with catering. Catered our son's wedding this past summer and the food was delicious- meatloaf? who knew!!! I would gladly go and would recommend to anyone who loves good food, great service, and a picturesque atmosphere. ”
“ My friends and I love this place and I made sure to request lunch here, since I was coming in to town again. We went in on Saturday afternoon. It was a bit off-putting when there was a bird on the guys shoulder at the next table. It was eating and drinking from the guys straw and spoon, which was just gross. It was squawking loudly in the dining room and it pooped on the man's shoulder, so I had a clear vision of that nearly the entire meal. I digress... The meal was fantastic, as always. I must mention, it is a total travesty that they can't make their homemade limoncello because it was the absolute best that any of us ever had before and one of the main reasons we wanted to come back. We all had a cocktails. I ordered the garlic salad and I swear I would eat cardboard if it had that dressing slathered on it! Fantastic! A couple of us had the lemon chicken soup. We found the soup to be a little bland and not lemony but it was still decent. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered. There was a salmon salad, chicken salad sandwich, which was huge and an avocado sandwich plus the lemon chicken soup. Now, the desserts are amazing! The last time we were all here we ordered the same dessert and we took a photo of our empty plates because it looked like we had licked them clean it was so good! HA! This time we ordered the lemon lavender cake and the orange crepes. I must say, I was a bit nervous about the crepes because I thought they would either be insanely good or insanely bad. I thought the cake was super moist but it wasn't my favorite but those crepes- phenomenal! I thought they were lip smacking good and I would definitely order them again! They were warm with a sort of custard filling and had the proper amount of orange flavor, a delicate crepe and a wonderful orange sauce. We do love this place and will definitely be back. Next time, no birds, please. ”
“ Outstanding experience on a Monday evening when most restaurants were closed. I never eat meatloaf, nit had the meatloaf special and it was fantastic. Salad was also very good. Charming atmosphere and location with good service. ”
“ I found this sanctuary by happenstance a few years ago and it was love at first sight. From the intimate setting, to the decor, to the inclusive and welcoming environment, to the food options I am able to eat as a gluten free person...it was and still is amazing. Living out of state, I make it a point to take a route that allows me to stop and visit this space whenever I am on the road. A I can’t wait to be on the road again. ”
“ Such a cute place! We stopped in for lunch based on a local recommendation and were not disappointed. From the outside the place is gorgeous and only got better on the inside. It feels like you are transported back in time but keep modern day amenities. There was only one individual working the room, but she did a great job keeping tabs on all customers and making sure they were greeted with a smile and quick service. The food was simply delicious! Whether you are a local or just visiting I highly recommend stopping for a bite! ”
“ We loved this place! The meatloaf was phenomenal. And the cocktails were great. The service was exceptional! It was a bit pricey for what it is, but well worth it. ”
“ Excellent and comfortable atmosphere overlooking the river. Attractive building with period decor. The BLT sandwich is awesome and the salads are great. Be sure to try the fire crackers! Our server Cheryl was welcoming at made great suggestions. A fantastic casual dining experience with great scenery. We will definitely be back. ”