Here’s the buzz on The Elephant – Philly’s first espresso martini bar

Espresso Martini fans, you’re spirited prayers have been answered–there’s a new bar in town serving up plenty of variations of the popular drink, and it just opened last week.

The Elephant Restaurant & Bar has debuted the new slate of offerings after successful holiday pop-ups, and what locals can expect from the city’s first-ever espresso martini bar is several creative variations of the cocktail, other sips, food, and new decor to spruce up the space. 

Speaking of the latter, the venue has been transformed from its previous theme to incorporate lush elements as an “oasis” for drink lovers, and as the release notes, many of the materials used to design the space are sourced locally within Philadelphia, and from antique shops – including the original eight-foot-large fiberglass elephant head that was originally installed at the White Elephant’s entranceway, which still graces the facade at the new location.

The main draw of the cocktail program is their focus on their variety of espresso martinis, and selections are meant to rotate as time goes on. On the opening menu however, Philadelphians can find options such as the Brûlée All Day ($15, Absolut Vanilla Vodka, espresso, crème brûlée cold foam, and Southern Tier Crème Brûlée Stout), the Rittenhouse Perk ($15, Absolut Vanilla Vodka, espresso, whipped cream, Frangelico, and lady fingers), the Banana Cream Pudding ($15, Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Irish cream, banana liqueur, espresso, and caramelized bananas), and The Italian Way ($16, espresso, limoncello, simple, and lemon). 

The lounge also offers various fruit-infused, as well as classic espresso martinis on its menu, plus a kitchen serving up “newly imagined” American dishes. Bites from The Elephant include a Guinness Smash Burger ($17) featuring an 8oz patty with cooper cheese and marinated whiskey onions served on a brioche bun, a Mushroom Flatbread ($13) made with maitake, shiitake, portabella, beschamel, 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 opening menu in total will feature a selection of starters, flatbreads, salads, and entrées for patrons to sort through. And as the release finishes, The Elephant will also host a daily happy hour, offered every day from 4 to 6 p.m. Specials include discounted espresso martinis and Stateside cans, plus $7 flatbreads and $8 salads. Opening hours will be Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight. 

To learn about The Elephant Restaurant & Bar (1500 Locust St.,) check out the spot’s official social media @theelephantphl.