The Elephant Restaurant & Bar, Philadelphia’s first and only Espresso Martini Bar helmed by Craft Concepts Group, officially opened on Thursday, May 16. Located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square at 1500 Locust Street, The Elephant will soon become a chic haven for cocktail enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Founder and Owner Teddy Sourias acknowledges the venue’s origins as the seasonal pop-up White Elephant while incorporating a new, fresh essence — a verdant, posh bar and lounge centered around the iconic Espresso Martini.
The Elephant Restaurant features a lush garden-themed interior adorned with sumptuous velvet accents and sparkling embellishments, evoking a rustic yet upscale ambiance. Many materials used to design the space are sourced locally within Philadelphia and from antique shops, including the original eight-foot-large fiberglass elephant head initially installed at the White Elephant’s entranceway, which still graces the facade of the new location.
At the Elephant, the spotlight is on their inventive espresso martinis, making it the go-to destination for lovers of this iconic cocktail. The cocktail program offers over ten imaginative takes on the much-loved sipper. Selections are subject to rotate but currently include options such as Brûlée All Day ($15), crafted with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, espresso, crème brûlée cold foam, and Southern Tier Crème Brûlée Stout, the Rittenhouse Perk ($15) comprised of Absolut Vanilla Vodka, espresso, whipped cream, Frangelico, and lady fingers, the Banana Cream Pudding ($15) featuring Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Irish cream, banana liqueur, espresso, and caramelized bananas, and The Italian Way ($16) made with espresso, limoncello, simple, and lemon. The lounge also offers various fruit-infused and classic espresso martinis.
Complementing the vast selection of cocktails is a thoughtfully curated menu of elevated New American cuisine. Features on the menu include various starters, flatbreads, salads, and entrées, such as the Guinness Smash Burger ($17) comprised of an 8-ounce patty with cooper cheese and marinated whiskey onions served on a brioche bun, Mushroom Flatbread ($13) with maitake, shiitake, portabella, béchamel, thyme, and white wine, and a Beet Salad ($15) with red, golden, and candy cane beets, house-made citrus ricotta, pickled shallots, walnuts, and orange slices.
The Elephant Restaurant will also host a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Specials include discounted espresso martinis and Stateside cans, as well as $7 flatbreads and $8 salads. Opening hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
With its unique concept and dedication to crafting exceptional cocktails and cuisine, the Elephant Restaurant & Bar promises to be a standout addition to Philadelphia’s dynamic cocktail scene… Shaken or stirred.
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