By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
SEBASTIAN - Even birdbrains know Pelican Diner in Sebastian is the place to go to fill up on homemade food that doesn't break the bank.
The three-year-old diner is a bustling place in and out of season, with regular customers coming in for their menu favorites and newbies trying them out daily.
The feel-good, family owned restaurant has more than 150 menu choices, said owner Greg Hepler.
A breakfast favorite is called The Nest, and is homemade corned beef hash with two poached eggs and cheese.
The Belgian waffles, served with various fruit toppings, are also winners on the breakfast list.
One waffle combination includes pecans and peaches, smelling and tasting like a homey Georgia morning.
Hearty dishes are available for lunch, including meatloaf, cheeseburgers, chipped beef, veggie burgers or country fried steak. Lighter fare includes egg, ham, chicken or tuna salad sandwiches, salads and soups.
One unusual, but satisfying, dish on the menu tastes like both breakfast and lunch.
The Monte Cristo is basically a club sandwich, stuffed with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese. The sandwich is then battered and deep-fried and served with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and served with sweet raspberry jam or honey mustard.
The sweet jam accentuates the flavors of the ham and turkey, making the meal extraordinarily scrumptious.
Fran Forte and Phyllis Harris of Barefoot Bay often make the Pelican Diner their lunch stop and have tried nearly everything on the menu.
"Their lobster rolls are to die for," said Ms. Forte.
"The servers are very friendly and the food is sensational. They also have very comfortable prices and even have coupons throughout the year to help their customers keep costs down," she said.
Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Regular hours are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. all week and dinner on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pelican Diner is located at 13260 U.S. 1, Sebastian. For more information, call (772) 228-9600 or visit www.pelicandiner.com.