A West Village gem serving up hearty American classics w/ generous portions & fair prices for over 50 yrs. Known for its underrated Elephant Burger & unique Eggs Benedict.
A beloved West Village institution for over 50 years, Elephant & Castle was a go-to for hearty American fare with generous portions at economical prices. Known for its consistently good food and friendly atmosphere, it was a reliable spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Despite its long history and dedicated clientele, the restaurant recently closed its doors.
Elephant & Castle was celebrated for its American cuisine, offering a wide variety of dishes including sandwiches, salads, omelets, and burgers. The 'Elephant Burger,' often described as the most underrated in NYC, was a standout, noted for its exceptional taste with curried sour cream, bacon, and cheddar. Brunch items, particularly the Eggs Benedict (sometimes served on a potato pancake) and perfectly poached eggs, were also highly recommended. While most feedback is positive, there are no dishes explicitly mentioned as being avoided.
"The 'Elephant Burger' is frequently cited as the most underrated burger in NYC, lauded for its unique curried sour cream and other toppings. Brunch dishes, especially the Eggs Benedict (sometimes on a potato pancake) and perfectly poached eggs, are also highly recommended."
Customers overwhelmingly held a positive sentiment towards Elephant & Castle, consistently praising its excellent food, generous portions, and economical prices, often referring to it as a neighborhood gem. The recent closure has elicited significant sadness and nostalgia from its loyal patrons.
Important Note
The restaurant closed on August 17th, 2024, due to insufficient patronage and other factors.
"This commenter noted that Elephant and Castle closed recently."
Neutral"This commenter noted that Elephant and Castle closed recently."
Neutral"This commenter also stated that Elephant and Castle is closed."
Neutral"This commenter also stated that Elephant and Castle is closed."
Neutral"A commenter expressed sadness regarding the closure of Elephant & Castle."
Negative"The author visited Elephant & Castle on its last day, noting a long line of locals. Despite hoping for other dishes, they ordered the Eggs and Apples Benedict and an Elephantburger for takeout. The restaurant is closing due to insufficient patronage, exacerbated by the pandemic."
Negative"The commenter is saddened by the closure, comparing it to the loss of other beloved establishments like Cafe degli Artisti and the Peacock Caffe."
Negative"Responding to a comment about leaving the city, this user agreed that the restaurant's closure is tragic for its employees, the neighborhood, and the city."
Negative"The commenter expressed deep sadness and a personal commitment to leave NYC if the restaurant closes, criticizing the city for not valuing history over new developments. They consider the place a gem."
Negative"The commenter expressed strong negative emotions regarding the restaurant's impending closure."
Negative"The commenter expressed extreme sadness about the restaurant's closure and asked for potential actions, stating it is their favorite restaurant."
Negative"The commenter simply expressed sadness about the news."
Negative"The commenter questioned whether the business owners had explored options to sell the establishment before its closure."
Neutral"The commenter agreed that the eggs & apples Benedict was their favorite dish at the restaurant, expressing sadness over its closure."
Positive"The commenter expressed sadness using an emoji."
Negative"The commenter expressed disappointment with the city in light of the restaurant's closure."
Negative"The commenter expressed distress upon hearing the news of the restaurant's closure."
Negative"The commenter recalled ordering a gold and green omelette (cheddar and broccoli) at the restaurant many years ago, before 1981."
Positive"The commenter highlighted the deliciousness of the poached egg on a latke served during brunch."
Positive"The commenter expressed sadness about the closure, noting that the neighborhood needs more places like this rather than additional Italian restaurants or upscale coffee shops."
Positive
