Crane & Pelican Cafe
Dine in a historic 1851 mansion overlooking the Mississippi River, savoring American comfort food made from scratch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Crane & Pelican Cafe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in a historic 1851 mansion overlooking the Mississippi River, savoring American comfort food made from scratch.
Reservations for Brunch
Book ahead for Sunday brunch to enjoy popular dishes like salmon and Cajun Pasta.
Salad Dressing Caution
Request salad dressing on the side to avoid it being overly wet or salty.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mansion Dining
Dine in a beautifully preserved 1851 mansion with original floors and fireplaces, offering a step back in time.
Mississippi River Views
Savor cocktails and meals with stunning panoramic views of the majestic Mississippi River.
Signature Comfort Food
Indulge in scratch-made American comfort food, with highlights like perfectly seasoned meatloaf and fire crackers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations for Brunch
Book ahead for Sunday brunch to enjoy popular dishes like salmon and Cajun Pasta.
Salad Dressing Caution
Request salad dressing on the side to avoid it being overly wet or salty.
Lunchtime River Views
Visit for lunch to best appreciate the lovely Mississippi River views while dining.
Try Local Spirits
Sample local spirits from Mississippi River Distilling available at the bar.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations for Brunch
Book ahead for Sunday brunch to enjoy popular dishes like salmon and Cajun Pasta.
Salad Dressing Caution
Request salad dressing on the side to avoid it being overly wet or salty.
Lunchtime River Views
Visit for lunch to best appreciate the lovely Mississippi River views while dining.
Try Local Spirits
Sample local spirits from Mississippi River Distilling available at the bar.
Price vs. Quality
Expect higher prices, but they are justified by the quality of the offerings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Crane & Pelican Cafe is praised for its charming historic ambiance, beautiful Mississippi River views, and delicious, locally-sourced comfort food, with signature items like meatloaf and fire crackers frequently mentioned. While many diners rave about the exceptional service and unique experience, some have noted inconsistencies in food temperature and attentive service, particularly during busy periods or in specific seating areas.
"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!"
Jonathan Caes
"I loved this restaurant! I ordered a full sized Niçoise 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!"
Chanelle S
"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."
Steve Ephraim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
For lovely Mississippi River views and excellent food, lunchtime is a great option. Reservations are recommended, especially for Sunday brunch.
Yes, the restaurant is noted for having great gluten-free options, with specific mentions of gluten-free items being available.
Popular dishes include the perfectly seasoned meatloaf, Cajun pasta, BLT sandwich, and their unique 'fire crackers'. Desserts like orange crepes and homemade ice cream are also recommended.
The restaurant offers a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere. While no strict dress code is mentioned, smart casual attire is generally appropriate for the setting.
Reservations are recommended, especially for popular times like Sunday brunch or large groups, to ensure a table.
The restaurant is housed in a historic 1851 mansion, offering a charming, old-world atmosphere with original features and beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
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Dine in a home that dates back more than a century with the Crane & Pelican Cafe, located at the Dawley House, which maintains its original chandeliers, fireplaces and pine floors. The stately brick home, built in 1851, formerly served as the residence of Daniel and Sabina Dawley and their nine children, according to the restaurant. Expect a menu of American fare including slow-roasted beef brisket, Cajun pasta — topped with blackened chicken, sirloin steak, or salmon over rigatoni noodles — pecan-crusted salmon, sandwiches such as a blanched asparagus with cream cheese served on rye, and for dessert, homemade ice cream.
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The Crane & Pelican Cafe offers classy comfort food in an 1851 river boat captain's mansion known as the Dawley House. The restaurant features a full bar, amazing service, and has been proudly serving the Quad Cities since 2009. This family-owned and operated establishment was named the most adorable restaurant in Iowa and provides guests with a high-quality, fine-dining experience in a beautiful historic location.
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After all the virtual reality, we were hungry again so we headed back to LeClaire for lunch. The Crane & Pelican Cafe was our chosen stop. This Cafe is located inside a historic brick house built in 1851.
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Built in 1851 and orignally home to prominent LeClaire residents Daniel and Sabina Dawley, the Crane and Pelican cafe provides quality, locally sourced food created from scratch.
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The lobster Mac and meatloaf sandwich are big favorites in our house. Also loved that they had gluten free options for our friend with Celiac.
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