The Pelican Club :: The History of the Pelican Club

A hangover from the Prohibition days, Texas used to have many dry counties in the 1950's - Galveston included. However, Tradewinds Lounge, on 38th Street was one of a few shops that operated as "speakeasies". Opening in 1951, it was operated by the Gaido family and was located next to Gaido's restaurant.

Over the years, the laws have changed from allowing private clubs to sell "bottle/locker club" memberships to selling memberships to a private club with dues starting at $20, which was used to buy the dollar amount deposited in their "liquor pool" account.

In 1972, the laws loosened further allowing restaurants to publicly sell liquor by the glass. Since the Pelican Club's origination came from a demand for this, the Gaido family was unsure about the future of the Club. But Pelican Club members stayed loyal, appreciating the personal service, ability to avoid waiting for a table, and Gaido's food in a private club environment.

Today, the promise of the Pelican Club remains the same. We are committed to pleasing our members and creating a special, private atmosphere for dining and entertaining.

The Pelican Club – Membership
Membership has its privileges!

• Themed Events
• Wine Luncheons
• Custom Menu items
• Dining Privacy
• “Priority Seating” status at Gaidos and Casey’s
• Monthly Newsletters
• Live entertainment
• “Members Only” Bar and Lounge- The Little Apple Bar
• Private Parking and Entrance

The Pelican Club – Reservations: Members Only!
Members may make reservations online or by phone. Non-members may make reservations at Gaidos by clicking here.

To make a Pelican Club reservation online click here.

Or Call:
Local: 409-762-9625 option 7
Toll Free: 1-800-525-0064 option 7
Direct Line: 409-762-7200