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oChef » Pelicana Chicken – Seattle
Pelicana Chicken - Seattle
Photo from Pelicana Chicken
Pelicana Chicken at a glance
Seattle First Hill
- 🍗 Chicken Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#744 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#11 Chicken Restaurant out of 21 in Seattle
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
547
Reviews
54.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious chicken
- Great service
- Vibrant vibe
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor service
- Loud environment
- Dry food
The restaurant Pelicana Chicken, a popular chicken restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant First Hill neighborhood, offers you a fantastic spot to enjoy delicious food. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for catching a game, as it’s highlighted for its sports-friendly environment.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a full dinner, or late-night food, this spot has you covered with its diverse offerings and welcoming vibe. It’s a great place to gather with friends or family for a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting Pelicana Chicken
Pelicana Chicken offers a lively spot where many appreciate the flavorful fried chicken and the genuinely friendly staff. Guests often find the atmosphere engaging, making it a popular choice for a casual outing with friends.
However, some experiences highlight concerns regarding exorbitant prices and occasional lapses in service attentiveness. While the core offerings are generally well-received, these points suggest a mixed experience for some patrons.
Average
6
out of 10
547
Reviews
54.8%
Satisfaction
223
negative
24
neutral
300
positive
Pelicana Chicken holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6, placing it in the average category, with a Customer Satisfaction of 54.8%, indicating a mixed reception from diners. This divergence suggests that while many find aspects of their visit satisfactory, a significant portion encounters areas needing improvement.
Looking closer, the Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.7) generally impress, often described as a vibrant spot with good eats. However, Service (5) is merely average, and Value (4.3) lags, pointing to concerns about pricing and additional fees.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 547 customer opinions, with 300 positive remarks balanced against 223 negative ones.
What people like
- Flavorful fried chicken
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Lively bar atmosphere
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fees
- Inattentive service
- Uncomfortable atmosphere
- Dry chicken issues
If you’re seeking a place with solid Korean fried chicken and a lively atmosphere, Pelicana Chicken is worth considering. The 6.3 recommendation score suggests a generally positive inclination, especially if you prioritize good food and a social setting over a quiet, intimate meal.
However, be mindful of the pricing structure and potential for inconsistent service. It’s a spot that can deliver a satisfying experience, but it might not be for those highly sensitive to cost or expecting flawless, attentive service throughout their visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pelicana Chicken
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
The food here definitely sparks conversation, with 298 total comments, including 186 positive and 98 negative. Many guests rave about the crispy, flavorful, and juicy Korean fried chicken, often praising the delicious sauces and generous large portions. Sides like tteokbokki and cheeseballs also get a lot of love, contributing to some truly amazing food experiences.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag, reflected in an average 6.6 score and 62.4% customer satisfaction. Some diners have encountered dry chicken, an unpleasant oil smell, or found the sauces to be overly sweet. Concerns about inconsistent quality and occasional issues like undercooked chicken or moldy sauce are also noted.
Food
298
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
98
negative
14
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy, juicy chicken
- Flavorful sauces
- Delicious sides
What people don't like
- Dry or undercooked chicken
- Inconsistent quality
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The employees were super nice, and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend this spot to everyone looking for good Korean fried chicken.
- chickenThe chicken was filled with plenty of flavor, perfect crispy, tender, and savory.
- fried chickenMy experience at Pelicana Chicken was fantastic! I enjoyed their flavorful and crispy fried chicken, which was perfectly seasoned with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. The menu offers a variety of spice levels to suit everyone's taste.
- Korean fried chickenThe employees were super nice, and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend this spot to everyone looking for good Korean fried chicken.
- tteokbokkiI tried their tteokbokki and cheeseballs, and I'm still thinking about them! The tteokbokki was spicy, slightly sweet, and had that perfect chewy texture. Definitely going to come back!
- friesThe fries and fried cheese are also standout sides, crispy and satisfying.
- Korean chickencraving Korean chicken... the taste was quite good
- wingsI’d recommend ordering the wings if you want a slightly more flavorful experience
- FoodFood was still great
- Korean foodBest Korean food I've had outside of Korea!
Frequently criticized
- chickenWe ordered a full fried chicken: half without sauce and the other half with spicy honey. Unfortunately, the chicken was exceedingly dry, especially the portion without sauce. When we requested additional sauce, we were met with a firm "no.
- sauceWe paid an extra $2 to have the original sauce on the side, as it seems you can’t choose two sauces in one order. We picked up the order in the rain after walking about 10 minutes, only to find out they not only did not include the sauce but also our entire order was boneless wings. We called to see how they could correct the error, and they wanted us to come IN PERSON in the rain to get a refund for the missing sauce.
- foodthe food has gotten worse recently
- pickled radishI really enjoy pickled radish. they said there was no radish.
- cheese ballsthe cheese balls and they were sweet which was not good
- fried ricefried rice is out of stock
- menuWe come here every week and love the wings and the flavor. My only complaint is that the menu is confusing. I assumed “original” meant no sauce, but it actually means the original spicy sauce.
- qualityI feel like it’s gone down in quality
- soy sauceRestaurant got no soy sauce
- wingswings were boneless, which was wrong
If youre craving genuinely crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken with great sauces, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences point to inconsistencies in quality, so manage your expectations regarding every dish.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have shared positive experiences, with 70 pieces of feedback highlighting the bright spots. Youll often find praise for the friendly staff and attentive servers, with specific shout-outs to individuals like server Alex and Jessica for their excellent service. The owners hospitality and the convenience of quick pick-up also frequently earn high marks, making for a great experience when things go smoothly.
However, the service aspect presents a mixed bag, reflected in a score of 5 and a customer satisfaction of 41.2%. With 95 negative comments, issues like slow service, long wait times, and inattentive staff are common. Some patrons encountered rudeness or problems with tablet ordering, and a lack of basic amenities like water or napkins.
This suggests that while there are shining moments, consistency can be a challenge.
Service
170
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
95
negative
5
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent server Alex
- Owner's hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long wait times
- Rude staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was positive. The food was good and served pretty quickly. The service was alright; while ordering through a tablet isn't my favorite, I found it convenient.
- staffthe staff are so, so nice, they will never not be friendly
- serverStreet parking is also available and free after 10 PM. When my friend and I walked in last night at 10 PM, we were greeted by the server and promptly seated. With Korean chicken trending globally, the place was already bustling with people in both the bar and regular seating areas.
- serversAlmost every time I visit, the servers are super welcoming
- ServiceService:5
- friendly staffthe friendly staff adds to the inviting atmosphere
- Alex as your serverI don't normally leave reviews, but I had to make an account for this. Pelicana is a great experience, especially if you have Alex as your server. He took care of our group all night and definitely made us regular customers from here on out!
- JessicaJessica, our server, was equally exceptional, demonstrating a friendly and attentive demeanor
- Jessica and SieunJessica and Sieun were very friendly
- OwnerThe Owner is super nice and friendly to explain each flavor.
Frequently criticized
- serviceI had to approach the bar for a fresh glass, and while the bartender acknowledged my request, there was no apology for the inconvenience. Overall, the service at Pelicana was well below expectations. Staff should be attentive, responsive to customer needs, and proactive in ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
- staffNo other options, like garlic sauce or extra condiments, were available. Despite the restaurant being empty at 4: 30 PM, the staff was inattentive and didn't check in on us throughout our meal. To add to our frustration, I was served a beer in a glass that had a chip on the rim, which nearly cut my lips.
- waiting timeIt took a while to get seated despite there clearly being many empty tables
- customer serviceI had to return to the restaurant in the rain to rectify the situation, and upon my return, I was treated poorly. I will not be returning and suggest better training for your employees, as they are lacking in customer service skills.
- managerHe claimed there had been no complaints that evening and seemed to suggest we were the only ones with an issue. To our shock, he handled a piece of chicken with his bare hands, putting it near his mouth and nose, and put it back on our tray, dismissing our concerns. After telling us that he himself couldn’t smell anything, he proceeded to shove it in to one of the servers’ face.
- serversIt felt like it was missing 2% to be perfect. The establishment felt a bit unorganized, and the servers didn't seem very professional. I think offering promotions to students at the nearby University of Washington would help introduce Korean-style chicken to more people.
- employeesperhaps they need new employees. They are very rude.
- Restaurant is closedA male employee stated the 'Restaurant is closed'.
- StaffStaff was generally nonattentive during dinner as well
- Take outI bought some chicken today and paid extra for a packet of sauce. Unfortunately, it turns out the sauce was expired.
If youre lucky, you might encounter some truly friendly and attentive staff who make your visit memorable. However, be prepared for the possibility of slow service, long waits, or less-than-attentive interactions. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a score of 6.7, the ambience is considered good, and many appreciate the authentic atmosphere, often described as having Pocha vibes or a Korean bar vibe. Out of 58 pieces of feedback, 37 positive opinions highlight the great atmosphere, good location, and even convenient parking, making it an inviting experience for many.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63.8%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement. Some of the 18 negative opinions mention it can get quite loud, and there are concerns about cleanliness, tight seating, and even the smell of fryer smoke. ' So, while the overall feel is often good, be prepared for some potential drawbacks.
Ambience
58
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean vibe
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Good location
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Poor cleanliness
- Tight seating
Often praised
- atmosphereWhen my friend and I walked in last night at 10 PM, we were greeted by the server and promptly seated. With Korean chicken trending globally, the place was already bustling with people in both the bar and regular seating areas. It seems many patrons enjoy the bar area for drinks, where all the tables have high chairs.
- vibethe vibe makes it a great spot
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Korean bar vibesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best spot in Seattle for Korean bar vibes. The authentic Korean fried chicken is undoubtedly the best in the city.
- Pocha vibesPocha vibes :)
- authentic dining experiencemost authentic dining experience that's comparable to the ones in Korea
- chill spotAlways a chill spot.
- cozy barcozy bar inside adds to the charm
- experiencebrought friends over for the experience
- good locationPelicana chicken is a well-known Korean chicken chain. It's a good place to sit down, eat, and drink with a bunch of friends in a good location. It gets busy on the weekends, but Jessica was attentive and helpful.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was not comfortable
- baror a bar there are better choices
- establishmentIt felt like it was missing 2% to be perfect. The establishment felt a bit unorganized, and the servers didn't seem very professional. I think offering promotions to students at the nearby University of Washington would help introduce Korean-style chicken to more people.
- freezing cold insideit was freezing cold inside
- fryer smokethe whole place stank like fryer smoke
- full barthe full bar they have is for show
- lightingThe lighting is also very low and dim.
- loudit was too loud
- musicsomeone kept messing with the music making the atmosphere a bit awkward
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
If youre looking for an authentic Korean bar experience and dont mind a potentially lively (and sometimes loud) atmosphere, this place could be a great pick. Just be aware that some visitors have noted issues with cleanliness and tight seating, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found pleasant surprises. With 7 positive remarks out of 21 total, many felt portions were generous and truly felt worth the money, especially for the lunch special and generally affordable prices. While the overall score sits at an average 4.3, theres a clear appreciation for what you get for your dollar in certain aspects.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 12 negative comments painting a different scene. Many were put off by exorbitant prices and pricey sides, especially when gratuity was automatically added or an 18% service fee appeared. This contributes to a rather low customer satisfaction of just 33.3%, suggesting that for many, the value proposition simply doesn't add up.
Value
21
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous main portions
- Lunch specials affordable
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- Automatic service fees
- Sides are pricey
- Exorbitant prices
Often praised
- pricePortions are large for the price
- Price per personWe were amazed by the taste and flavor. The portion size was generous, easily enough to feed four people with one whole chicken at only $33. The chicken was fresh and tender, with the bones showing how well it was cooked.
- lunch specialLunch special was banging! Peli Chicken Sandwich, small fries (I thought it was plenty), and a coke for $18.
- paying tipswithout paying tips
- pricesaffordable prices
- worth the moneyMy experience ordering the original fried wings with garlic glaze for take-out was really positive. The wings were delicious and felt worth the money. They also reheat pretty well, which is a great bonus.
Frequently criticized
- 18% service feeThey also charge mandatory 18% service fee
- charged my card twicecharged my card twice
- discountI ordered takeout, and when I arrived, the staff told me they were out of radish, and that was it. They didn’t offer a discount or a substitute side, and they didn’t even apologize. Of course, I know it wasn’t the staff’s fault, but at least they could have smiled instead of acting like it wasn’t their problem.
- exorbitant pricesUnfortunately, the experience left me disillusioned. Between the exorbitant prices and the shockingly poor service, I will never return. If you're in the mood for Korean Fried Chicken, do yourself a favor and seek out other options.
- gratuity was automatically addedgratuity was automatically added to the bill
- priceWings are not worth the price
- pricesCrazy prices
- pricey sideit's on the pricey side
- radish priceThey charge $3 for each container of radish
- refundedit was refunded but it never went through
If you're looking for a good deal, focus on the main dishes and lunch specials, as they often offer generous portions for the price. However, be wary of automatic service fees and the cost of sides, which can quickly make your bill feel much higher than expected.
How are the prices at Pelicana Chicken?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chicken Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 32, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 or $11–$20 ranges. But there are also plenty of options for those looking to spend a bit more, even up to $41–$50 and beyond.
It’s a real mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Chicken Restaurant that offers a range of experiences. It seems like they cater to different budgets, which is always a good sign for value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pelicana Chicken
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Expired Sauce with Takeout Order
I bought some chicken today and paid extra for a packet of sauce. Unfortunately, it turns out the sauce was expired.
- chicken6
- sauce2
- Take out3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Korean Fried Chicken
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, particularly with the food. The chicken was definitely not Korean fried chicken. It looked and tasted like frozen chicken that had been refried.
I could also smell the oil, and the smell was terrible near the back of the store.
- chicken2
- frozen chicken2
- oil smell1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Inconsistent Wings, Sticky Surfaces
My first experience at Pelicana was heavenly; the crispy chicken wings were plump, juicy, and flavorful, served steaming hot with delicious sauces and sides so good they could be a main course. However, after a few months, I noticed their chicken quality is inconsistent across the menu. While I understand this might be expected, the pricey side makes me hesitant to gamble on quality.
Despite this, it's still a good spot for a beer and sides like fries, onion rings, or the amazing, though not always available, peli balls. Unfortunately, the overall cleanliness needs improvement; everything has a slightly sticky feel, and the windows are filthy. On the positive side, the staff are incredibly nice and always friendly, and the music and atmosphere are usually fun.
If you love wings, you must try this place at least once!
- crispy chicken wings10
- peli balls9
- staff10
- chicken quality3
- pricey side4
- overall cleanliness2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely fire, and the atmosphere was great. I especially want to shoutout our server, Alex, who was a highlight of our experience and took good care of us.
I definitely recommend this place for a fun dinner or if you’re looking for something bomb to eat after a night out.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- server Alex10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Loved Every Bite!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved EVERY SINGLE BITE. The chicken was incredibly flavorful, with a perfect crispy, tender, and savory texture.
The owner was super nice and friendly, taking the time to explain each flavor. Overall, this was one of the best Korean style fried chicken experiences I’ve had in Seattle.
- chicken10
- Owner10
- Korean style fried chicken10
What Pelicana Chicken offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Pelicana Chicken?
At Pelicana Chicken, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with options for lunch, dinner, and even dessert. They offer a variety of small plates, quick bites, and late-night food, complemented by a full bar with beer, cocktails, and hard liquor. You can choose between dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, or delivery.
What are the parking and accessibility options like at Pelicana Chicken in First Hill?
Pelicana Chicken in Seattle’s First Hill offers various parking solutions, including free street parking, paid parking garages, and paid street lots, though finding a spot can sometimes be challenging. For accessibility, the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
How does Pelicana Chicken generally score with customers?
Pelicana Chicken receives an average Restaurant Score of **6** out of 10, with a Customer Satisfaction of **54.8%**, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (6.6) and **Ambience** (6.7), while **Service** (5) is average and **Value** (4.3) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Pelicana Chicken?
Customers frequently praise the flavorful and crispy fried chicken, noting its tender quality. Other popular items include the spicy and sweet tteokbokki with its chewy texture, and standout sides like fries and cheeseballs.
Are there any common complaints regarding service or pricing?
Yes, some customers have expressed concerns about an 18% mandatory service fee and generally high prices. Service can be inconsistent, with some finding staff inattentive or unorganized, though others highlight very friendly and welcoming interactions.