Elephant & Castle

Elite '08

53

409

Katie H.

Chicago, IL

This basement bar (under the Red Lion) serves up your basic pub fare - emphasis on the fried foods and appetizers. The service is okay and prices are pretty reasonable. They have happy hour deals so it's a good place to stop in for a pint and some spinach dip, potato skins, nachos, etc after work.  Everything is filling and good (mmm, beer cheese soup) but it's not haute cuisine by any means.

Bonus points because the last time I came in with a group of 12 or so, they were really nice about us moving tables, splitting checks, and all the other large group hullabaloo.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

7

39

Meaghan B.

Renton, WA

The service here has been terrible both times I've been but the last time just took the cake.   The food is only so-so and most certainly does not make up for the service.

Both times, my order was wrong - even though I ordered straight menu items.  The last time?  Four other people at my table had incorrect orders that ordered straight menu items.  The server was snippy and rude when we mentioned that we had incorrect orders - even though we waited until the orders had all been brought to the table and he asked if everything looked okay.  When he came back with the "corrected" items (additions and subtractions made to existing plates so that all the food was cold when it returned) he mentioned "Well *I* ordered it correctly, the kitchen just messed it up!"

At the end of the meal, my check was incorrect and I pointed it out (a difference of $13 is a big difference to me).  The server actually started to argue with me about it until he realized "OH, you are right.  I guess I'll fix it."  When he fixed it, he added an 18% gratuity that was not previously there.  The next day, when I checked my credit card records, he had also tacked on a $5 tip - not a hold, after it cleared it was still there.  When I called the restaurant to ask about this addition, they said it was a busy day the day I was in and would take some time to research.  

I don't think I'll be returning.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

49

211

S. Alicia S.

Seattle, WA

I love this place.  Inside reminds me of the sitcom "Cheers".

The bar is really beautifully designed, tables everywhere else, and a billiards section.  The food is decent.  Appetizers are really tavern styled.  Drinks are nice sized.  Great spacing for groups, even if the service is a little slow.

Intense darkness to explore... but not with married co-workers.  Swear.  The drinks were strong.  That's all I have to say.  Okay.... I had a Pina Colada, but it was strong.  Really strong.  

Yeah.... strong.

Toodles!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

21

91

Michael B.

Minneapolis, MN

It's an Elephant & Castle...there are many out there, so it doesn't really warrant a long review.

Food is decent when you're hungry and sometimes it's nice to go to a place where you don't expect too much except average food. On Tuesday night, however, they do have pub quiz...and who doesn't love pub quiz?!

It's in the basement of the Red Lion Hotel, in case you have trouble finding it. Fun pub'ish ambiance. Just go with some friends, drink some brews, and have a good time.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

128

476

Laura P.

Seattle, WA

Happy hour with 50- 60 in our group and they only had 2 servers taking our orders.  They graciously gave us a back room to accommodate our function.  We skipped the menu in favor of the happy hour menu- crab cakes, onion rings, spring rolls (menu says fresh but they are fried).  The shrimp looked compared to our other plates.  Another table refused the nachos they had asked for- didn't like them.  The waiter didn't make a fuss, just told the manager (who came out to help them handle our large crowd).  15 min. new nachos were brought to them.  I shouldn't widely advertise this, but they offered individual bills.  I consider that suicide in the world of dining, but they were helpful at the E&C.  3 stars because the food is so-so.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

197

240

Jasmine M.

Seattle, WA

I first patronized an Elephant & Castle establishment in Victoria, BC many moons ago. My mom and I had ordered fish and chips along with some strong ass Scottish beer laced with whiskey, or sumthin like that. The Canadian locale seemed more authentic, but probably cus I was using British money.

This one isn't too bad, but one can never really tell how the visit is going to go until, well you go and have the experience. The service and food are either good or bad. There's no middle, but at least they have their own form of consistency, convoluted as it is. However if the food is bad, I've never had any hostile encounters with saying something and returning the food, which in all honestly I've done once when my salad was obviously defrosted from the freezer (yeah wierd, I know).

It is a large restuarant with loads of room and I've been here numerous times with big parties and they've never been dicks about it. Even breaking out a bill to suit those OCD about their actual and specific tab total.

Last time I was here was for happy hour a few weeks ago, and I had the most tasty Black Velvet (Guinness and cider), which was great because it wasn't on the menu and when I ordered just a cider the server asked if I also like Guinness, to which I knew the drink direction he was going in. So that made that visit really good.

I always go with no expectations and usually come away pleased.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

8

150

Chris F.

San Jose, CA

I didnt' really get to experience this place to its potential, since I came in at the very last possible minute at almost midnight to get a glass of Newcastle. Luckily, I was able to get my beer so that was cool. It seems like this place would be a good place to go with coworkers and for a game. There are plenty of TVs to go around. The atmosphere is dark, and the three-sided bar is decorated with stained glass, which I liked. Too bad they were about to close when I came in, otherwise I would've loved to order some food to try it out.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

15

107

Lindsey S.

Seattle, WA

It seems to be a place with a lot of regulars.  With a 3 sided bar that is nearly ALWAYS full, you have to wonder if those people ever get up?  Don't ya'll have to go to the bathroom?

If you have a larger group you can go down to their pool and darts room that is sunken down in the corner by the bathrooms.  It's usually completely empty and it's a huge room!  

I don't go here all the time, but my bf loves it so we frequent it enough.  The bartenders are all really cool and some of the nicest in Seattle, I think.  They don't have the "I'm too cool to actually help you and do my job" attitude.  Aaaah, refreshing

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

33

111

Dawn A.

Seattle, WA

We went here for a couple drinks after shopping downtown on a Friday night and loved it.  The atmosphere is fantastic - so cute, so reminiscent of places I've been in London.  It has a good selection on the menu and my friend was pleased with her bruschetta chicken sandwich as we were pleased with our yam fries appetizer.  The beer selection was good for the beer-drinking folk and I enjoyed an appletini. :)  We chose to sit inside, but the outdoor patio is a fantastic thing for the summer.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

160

465

Aaron R.

Los Angeles, CA

This attempt at an English Pub while not spot on is really quite good.
A great selection of beer, combined with attentive, relaxed, and all in all very good bartenders, makes for a good night.
After the wedding the youngins headed here to drink, and carouse, and possibly kanoodle. It was great, the bartenders just kept a tab, no need for a credit card, and handled requests well, just sorta dealing with things as they rolled along. I like that in a bartender, and what I like even more is when they remember what you were drinking even when you don't.

The decor is dark woods and brass, and attempts the english pub feelm but its too big and clean to really get you there.
There is a pool table and darts down a few steps to a game room as it were.

They have a full menu, but I did not eat anything there.

They also have two happy hours, one at normal time, and another from 10:00PM to close.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

284

603

Lolia S.

San Francisco, CA

I like the dark decor but the food is below average and expensive (for what you get).  Admittedly, I don't like to eat in pubs but I have had better pub food.  This place reminds me of Chili's only more expensive and with better decor.  I wouldn't go back.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

150

666

Mitzie H.

Seattle, WA

The best thing about this place is that happy hour starts at 3:30 and they have food and drink specials.  It's a happy hour spots for the older crowd, if you have a mix of co-workers wanting to go for a drink after work this would be an OK place.  The food is alright for pub food and I think half off at happy hour.  They have a pretty nice beer selection on tap as well.  If you like pool they have a table that you can see on your way to the restrooms which by the way are fairly clean if you ever need to use them.

*06/01/07 Update*
I have to add they now have the deliciousness known as fried mac n cheese on their happy hour menu, this is both a good and bad thing for me, if you order it ask for ranch skip the red sauce it comes with.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

15

15

Jessica P.

Los Angeles, CA

Really good food for a pub. I was impressed. Good beers on tap, and a nice atmosphere. It was cozy, not too noisy (even on the Saturday evening I was there), but lively enough to be entertaining. Totally convenient when you're staying at the Red Lion hotel as I was, since it's on the floor below.
In response to the comment someone made about the staff being inattentive or unfriendly; I actually found it to be quite the opposite. Waiter and hostess were quick and personable- but I'm basing this on one visit.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

41

232

Ass Man Z.

Seattle, WA

If you work downtown and are looking for an after work meeting place to appease your 40 yr old plus co-workers from the eastside and you've had enough of The Rockbottom, go here.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

124

423

Sarah B.

Seattle, WA

Where everyone goes for after dinner fare if you work in that area.  It's a little tricky to find because it's hidden under the hotel.

They have the whole British pub thing going on with plenty of seating and different areas.  From large groups tables, bar stools, intimate tables, and outdoor areas.

The food was alright.  Decent fish and chips, good beer and a nice low key atmosphere.  

What makes this place hard to stomach is the staff.  From the flaky hostess to the arrogant waiter.  You can't escape it.  Personally I think we had the most annoyingly fake waiter in all of Seattle.  If you get him, ask for someone else.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

40

593

Robyn H.

Seattle, WA

Pub food with a British touch.  Dark wood and dark corners.  Good place to meet if you don't want to broadcast the meeting to the rest of Seattle.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

166

Zarah M.

Seattle, WA

I think it's neat that this place has the underground entry.  I like the food here and the atmosphere.  Full bar and good happy hour.  Outdoor seating as well.  I like the name too.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review