At Elephants you can choose between feeling sophisticated with any number of their snazzy cocktails, or right at home with their homemade American grub. This Old Fashioned was perfect for an old-fashioned girl like me!
The History
A small deli started up in 1979. The name was Elephants Delicatessen. While their locations have changed and grown over the years, their loyalty to customers and delicious take on American cuisine has not wavered.
There are few places which exist that take on the style of Elephants. A unique approach for the average diner, Elephants has casual dining at above average prices with above average service.
Variety is an Understatement
What they offer is a wide selection in specialty foods and traditional American fare. The word “wide” is a bit of an understatement though. You will find a cocktail bar, a coffee bar, a dessert bar, a salami and cheese bar, a hot items counter (including pizza made fresh from the wood fire oven), a cold items case (which stretches on for an eternity) and more. They display their insane amounts of food in glass cases all over the restaurant, which is technically a deli, but is also a gift shop! Sound confusing? It may be a bit overwhelming at first, but after about five minutes in the food museum, you will find yourself acting like a kid in a candy store with all of the choices that lay before you. And did I mention they have a refrigerated section as well? That’s right. Don’t have time to sift through the million choices they offer at Elephants? Why not grab something on the go from their fridge and take it with you to eat on your way to work or home? They have salads, sandwiches, and another vast array of items leaving you in a tizzy from all the choices!
Specialties
Their orange-tomato and Mamma Leone’s soups are their two signature dishes and, as it happens, most popular. Their hot case signature item is their tomato tart, which I can assure you is worth a taste! Not only is it one of their signature dishes, but it’s one of their oldest – it’s even older than me! That right there should be a testament to their longevity in success!
But don’t be fooled, some of the other dishes at Elephants that I haven’t mentioned yet are just as good if not better.
Take for example their classic Reuben Sandwich. I’m not a big fan of the Reuben personally, but this was by far and away not only the best thing I had while at Elephants that day – a hard choice to make – but, it was also the best Reuben I’ve ever had in my life. Period.
Their fish ‘n chips weren’t half bad either. They use only the best fish, which is Mahi Mahi, and their cocktails – well, let’s just say the bartender is a master at mixology!
Take a Memento Home
And if all of this weren’t enough, their gift shop is chock full of things that you can take home as a souvenir for yourself or for someone you know. Whatever the case, there’s something there for everyone. From stuffed animals, to Christmas ornaments, to their signature wines, and candles.
Personally, I walked out with a whole bag full of stuff that I have already enjoyed using! My favorite item that I took home as a souvenir is their Elephants mug, which ironically enough was made in Italy. Ah, it’s like it was made just for me!
Just remember to come hungry, because you are definitely going to be leaving full…feeling perhaps like you’ve eaten an elephant! And when you do stop in, make sure to let them know that Lisa sent you!
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