The Fat Pelican, a Carolina Beach landmark for nearly 30 years, was recently listed as the country's 25th “Diviest Dive Bar” on Impulcity.com.

The Cincinnati-based entertainment website published the list of 32 bars in early January.

The Fat Pelican owner Danny McLaughlin said he didn’t even know he had made the list until customers started coming by and telling him. When asked his thoughts about making the list, McLaughlin said he appreciates the national recognition.

"I found out I was a dive bar," McLaughlin said. "I just figured I had a tacky bar."

In addition to its eclectic décor, one of the things the bar is known for is its walk-in beer cooler.

The cooler, where patrons themselves go to select their beer, is actually a refrigerated trailer of an 18-wheel truck installed by original owner Jim Kelly. When The Fat Pelican first opened it operated as a carry-out beer and wine store for about six years before it began serving on premises.

McLaughlin took over the operation from Kelly after working for many years as a caterer to touring rock bands such as Aerosmith, Van Halen and The Rolling Stones.

"I tried to create an unusual, tacky little place where people can go and relax," McLaughlin said.

The Fat Pelican is located at 8 S. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

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