The Elephant is known as Philadelphia’s first-and-only Espresso Martini Bar, and its offerings and decorations tend to change seasonally.
With February on the horizon and Valentine’s Day around the corner, “The Pink Elephant” pop-up at the space will be in full swing until Feb. 16. The restaurant is now adorned with nostalgic conversation hearts, disco ball chandeliers, heart-shaped rose-adorned arrangements, sequins, neon backdrops, and more.
And with the new atmosphere also comes the addition of a few limited-time specials, which of course include fresh takes on an espresso martini. As a release notes, the libations are split into a selection of Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails to match the pop-up bar’s ethos as well as a section for espresso martinis paying homage to The Elephant’s main mission.
On the V-Day themed cocktail side ($13-$16), Philadelphians can find sips like the Chocolate Covered Strawberry (Absolut Vodka, strawberries and cream, Crème de Cacao and a chocolate drizzle), Cupid’s Arrow (Roku Gin, simple, cranberry, lime and rose water), and the Swipe Right Sangria (rosé, raspberry purée, cranberry, club and gummy hearts.)
The love-filled libation also includes their take on a jazzed-up bubbly (called Champagne Problems) made with prosecco, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur and cranberry; a tequila forward tipple (the Be Mine Marg) boasting Hornito’s Tequila, raspberry, Cointreau, lime and a sugar rim; and a special coffee cocktail (Espress-O Your Love) made with Tito’s Vodka, Kahlua, cold brew and gold glitter.
For the Espresso Martinis, guests can find a Chocolate Raspberry, Filthy Chai, Thin Mint and a Pumpkin Spice version. Two standouts—the Banana Cream Pudding and Nutty Espresso are definitely fan favorites. The former features Absolut Vanilla, Irish cream, banana liqueur, espresso and a caramelized banana, while the latter is mixed with Tito’s Vodka, Amaretto, espresso, simple and an almond biscuit.
In addition, as a release notes, espresso martini lovers and foodies alike can expect a seasonal menu of starters, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and desserts during the Pink Elephant pop-up and beyond, with highlights including Disco Fries (fries smothered in cheese, gravy and bacon); Deviled Eggs; Wings; Whipped Ricotta; Bacon Wrapped Dates; a Mushroom flatbread (maitake, shiitake, portabella, bechamel, thyme, and white wine); Hot Honey Pepperoni flatbread; Short Rib Grilled Cheese; and Caramelized Banana Pudding served with a caramel sauce.
Hours of operation at Pink Elephant (1500 Locust St.) are Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight, with happy hour offered daily from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit its Instagram @theelephantphl
