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Flying Elephants @ Fox Tower
Category: Restaurants Delis Delis [Edit]
812 SW Park AvePortland, OR 97205
Neighborhoods: Southwest Portland, Downtown
(503) 546-3166
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 6:30 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Flying Elephants @ Fox Tower
Review Highlights
"Tomato and orange soup, whoda thunk it."
(in 8 reviews)
"They also have delicious chocolate chip cookies."
(in 4 reviews)
"They also had choices of hot sandwiches that is made on the..."
(in 3 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Christine D.
Portland, OR
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
On our way to a Yelp event in the Fox Tower and we stopped for a snack. I know this seems counter intuitive but usually I just sample an item or two and don't plan on filling up at the event.
We got a snack and stopped to use the restroom. Be sure and go and ask for the key and don't stand by the door like I did thinking there was someone in there. As with most places downtown they keep it locked to keep the transients out.
They have a little of everything in this place from fresh fruit and salads to Coke and desserts of all kinds. A selection of sandwiches, etc. You could easily stop off here for any meal and it's packaged so if you were staying in a hotel nearby you could take it to go or take it home it's that good.
I will definitely stop back by here again to check out more items. There are several of these shops around town so check one out in your area. -
Review from Sam K.
9/12/2011
Went here prior to a movie ("Senna" - *awesome*) to get some food based on some good reviews and a particular recommendation. Glad I did!
I got a lemon bar (delicious) and a "cowboy cookie," which in flying elephant parlance is a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie (arguably my favorite). Mrs. K. got a drinky drink (not booze, people, come on - *I* am the alcoholic in this relationship), and we put it in her giant purse (nice planning, babe!) and made our way two doors down to Fox Tower Theater.
Flying Elephants had a ton of delicious stuff and I easily could have spent a good deal of money (and had more than a complete meal). Maybe next time... -
Review from Cait S.
8/22/2011 16 Check-ins Here
Love this place. Quick and convenient. Always super busy from about 11:30 to 1pm but the lines go quickly so you can still get in and out with a great lunch pretty fast. They also have some outside seating but right across from them is a really nice area with lots of tables.
Plus, they always have lots of vegetarian options, including my favorite--the polenta, which is by far the best I've had anywhere. And their chocolate chip cookies always make for a great surprise for a coworker. They look like they are hard but they are the perfect combo of crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. -
Review from David C.
Las Vegas, NV
Stopped for a cool drink after shopping next door. A friend highly recommended Hot Lips soda because it was local and all natural. First time having a soda without all the artificial junk in it. Mine even had bits and pieces of strawberry in it. I'm not a huge fan of soda but I definitely go back for more Hot Lips.
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Review from Jen H.
Quick, convenient hybrid version of a gourmet prepared food store + grab-and-go pantry + soup & sandwich & salad bar. Get everything from dolmas to brownies to wine and grilled cheese (with Tillamook, of course!), and then pick up a gift set of coffee & truffles or a tub of fromage blanc on your way out. The food is pretty good, and it's a nice place to sit for a short while for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack.
Reminds me of a less haute version of The Goddess and Grocer in Chicago. -
Review from Crystal M.
Puyallup, WA
9/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Corn chowder soup!
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Review from Stacy M.
8/25/2011 51 Check-ins Here
Super friendly staff and yummy treats galore! Highly recommend the Soup/hot sandwich bar in the back. They make a mean ratatouille! word to the wise, it's kinda pricey, but they do support local businesses and you get what you pay for. There is also a great park right across the sidewalk to enjoy your goodies!
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Review from Ashlee H.
10/11/2010
I like Flying Elephants a lot. I am addicted to their Northern Italian sandwich (mozzarella, basil, sun-dried tomatoes = mmmm), although the bread is a little too oily. Their cookies are some of my favorite ones in town -- I dream of their chocolate chip, and their oatmeal chocolate chip is pretty irresistible. The tomato orange soup is most definitely hype-worthy, and their warm sandwiches, like the Croque Monsieur, are always a treat.
I also like their variety of grab-n-go side items. They have Food Should Taste Good chips, which are some of my favorite (must try the jalapeño, if you've not had the pleasure!) and other tasty treats that a lot of delis don't carry.
Some of the prices seem a little high, and service can take quite a while if you get a hot sandwich over the lunch hour (shocking, eh?), but all in all, one of my favorite places for a meal to take home. -
Review from Melissa V.
Portland, OR
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good quality salads, soup, sandwiches. Slightly pricey, but for the location, not bad.
I had a cobb salad and lentil soup, both were healthy and tasty.
Not much seating inside, though, so it fills up quickly. -
Review from Katie H.
8/27/2010
My friend and I were looking for a place that had coffee, so we stopped in at this little shop.
We didn't order food, just beverages. I got an iced vanilla latte, which was apparently made with Stumptown coffee. I've never actually been to a Stumptown before (wanted to, didn't have time), and really, it didn't taste THAT incredible to me? Good though, but I don't quite get the hype.
I also got a HotLips Raspberry Soda, because the bottle looked interesting. This stuff was GREAT, with REAL raspberries! I liked it so much that I checked the HotLips website to see if it was available for purchase anywhere in San Diego... apparently there is only one distributor in the whole city, and it's about a 30 minute drive from me. I may have to make the trek!
The redhead guy at the counter was personable, fast, and offered his opinion when asked. The prices on everything I saw were fantastic (at least based on what I'm used to in So Cal).
We took our drinks outside in the square and spent the afternoon enjoying the weather and people watching.Listed in: Portland Biz Trip
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Review from Kenny P.
1/4/2011
Everything looks fresh and appealing..
however to be honest, one of the most overpriced deli...
The soup is just an OK... tried all... not extraordinary...
Some other places can provide a better soup with better price...
I bought a chicken soup and they gave me like two spoons of contents.. the rest is just water... the taste is not that bad...
Since the last experiences
Well.. i eat here if only i have no choice...
I can find a better deal from other places (soup food cart) that better in price with a generous portion (not only the water.. but the content of the soup) -
Review from Olivia T.
7/26/2008
Huge STAR for a place to get coffee next to Fox Tower theater...
I really want to give you five stars, but my Iced Mocha tasted more like Ice Choco...
I know you asked me how many shots and I said one...
Maybe next time I should say two, but it tasted not even like one shot in there...
To capture my heart, you need to make it STRONG! Roar like an elephant...wait..maybe that's a tiger... -
Review from Diana H.
Seattle, WA
8/10/2007 ROTD 8/27/2007
I came here to grab a bite to eat in the morning with the bf. They have a great selection of pastries, juices, and lunch items, as well as a barista machine for those who need their caffeine fix.
I had a croissant ($1.95) and a Martinelli's apple juice ($1.50). Both were good. He had a mozzarella, basil, and tomato sandwich that was really tasty ($6.00?). We sat outside and watched the construction workers building an underground parking garage and park - so it was noisy. I suggest sitting inside and watching, or taking your fare to the park to enjoy. -
Review from Shandra B.
Portland, OR
8/5/2010
Their main dishes rotate, week to week, which I find a little odd, but they do have limited space to work with. I love, love, love their meatloaf!! And they serve it with yummy mashed potatoes, and a cute little salad. I'm not much of a salad fan, but it's tasty, too! They also have delicious chocolate chip cookies. :)
I've enjoyed their Carolina pulled pork sandwiches (though I wish the cole slaw was on the side - I really don't want it on my sandwich). Their mac and cheese surprised me - it's a little different, not quite what I had in mind. The lasagna was quite good. They always make fresh grilled cheese sandwiches, and a couple other varieties of hot sandwiches, and have cold sandwiches and salads in the refrigerator cases.
They have a huuuge selection of drinks, and lots of chocolates, and their coffee is pretty good, too. (Could be a darker roast, but that's just me.) It's one of my favorite places to go for lunch right now. I feel like I ought to branch out and see other places, but when it's meatloaf week, I'm there at least twice! Mmm... I can't wait until it comes around again! -
Review from Trenna W.
Portland, OR
4/25/2009
Tomato and orange soup, whoda thunk it?
The downtown version of the Nob Hill classic (Check the reviews for "Elephants Delicatessan" for more info on the cuisine) is as good as it can get for the small space. The food is fantastic whether you're carnivore or vegan, with choices in every price range (especially when the ready-made goes half price a little while before closing).
That hour right around closing time is such a test of retail service quality, and Flying Elephants wins hands-down. The person at the grill was happy to put together one more sandwich, and to offer samples of several soups. The staff was attentive but not hovering, and refrained from even the usual, subtle reminders that they had closed and were ready to go home. While it's true that the cookies they brought to the table "since you have a birthday" were ones that hadn't sold, but it still was a gesture that didn't have to be made.
I'm not sure what the deal is with the review complaining about an overcharged credit card -- it's simple to accidentally adjust the total on the wrong receipt when entering tips at the end of the night, especially if somebody is new (a problem for the credit card terminal people, not the deli staff). Also, with a person who grills to order and tables to wipe, I'd hope that most decent people would consider tipping the rule instead of the exception.
As for price, it's not difficult at all to keep it under $10 per person; $5 per person is possible after 5:30. It costs about as much as the deli counter at the supermarket, with quality that exceeds most casual sit-down restaurants.Listed in: Kosherish (or Vegetarian) and…, Country Mouse learns…
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Review from Alex C.
Manhattan, NY
7/22/2009
Nice little place to grab a sandwich. Super cute and awesome name, obviously! We stopped in here while visiting Portland for a quick bite to bring back to our hotel and it was definitely a good choice. Like others have said, they mark their sandwiches down by 50% right before closing so we were able to benefit from that.
The caprese sandwich was great, as was the Turkey (or so I heard from my dad). It would have been a little pricey if the sandwiches hadn't been marked down, but cheaper than eating at the hotel! -
Review from Steve G.
Portland, OR
7/11/2009
Another favorite lunch spot...
A caprice sandwich, a cup of tomato soup, a glass of wine, and people watching outside on a summer day... awesome!
Plus they have awesome oatmeal raison cookies event though they are much smaller then all the other cookies... =Op -
Review from Chad M.
8/27/2007
Food is very tasty and well done.
Food is VERY expensive, and isn't thaaaat tasty for the price frankly. Other delis are just as good for less. I am always shocked at how much my meal costs here for what I get. -
Review from Fuji A.
Portland, OR
Updated - 6/1/2011
THANK YOU, FLYING ELEPHANTS for reading my past review and changing/improving your vegan wrap. I now get your vegan wrap regularly and absolutely loveloveloveee it. It makes me very happy. You make me happppy!! :) :) :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/29/2010
Five star GOURMET american FAST-FOOD.
Me like A LOT!!! :) :) :) hehe
Nice laid-back social comfy… Read more »
Comment from Anne W. of Flying Elephants @ Fox Tower 6/6/2011
Fuji, Thanks so much for your kind words. We're overwhelmed… More » -
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Review from Kelsey G.
San Diego, CA
4/25/2008
We just got in for our weekend get-a-way to PDX, and so far, so good. Staying at the Westin, we ask Adam (concierge) for some recommendations for quick eats, and the Flying Elephant's was at the top of his list, so we give it a whirl.
Since we're on our way to the Pearl, we opt out of having a sandwich, but go for their Mama Leone's Chicken Soup. It was fantastic! Hot, full of flavor and cheap! We added a side of their $1 buttermilk cornbread, which was perfect for breaking of little bits and dropping it for seconds in the soup before scooping it up for the next fabulous bite.
I'm only in town for a couple of days, but will probably be back for Mama Leone's again before the weekend's up!Listed in: The PDX
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Review from Dave D.
Gresham, OR
10/15/2010
Great tomato (citrus) soup and grilled cheese. Some other sandwiches also are good. Good breakfast pastries (marionberry scones!). But generally over-priced. And this location doesn't have great seating. Consider taking your food across to Director Park (across the street) on a nice day, which is very enjoyable.
I would have gone 4 stars, but they really need to decrease the oil/grease content in most of their to-go sandwiches. They have a couple of sanwiches that are inexpensive and dry (tuna, turkey), and their others taste great (pesto, etc), but have oil dripping from them. The half-price sandwich deal after 6 is a great deal for a quick meal on the way home, but the oil content just really kind of ruins it. -
Review from Krista T.
New York, NY
2/1/2007
This location is much smaller so they don't offer the extensive Elephants fare. They do have the housemade sandwhiches and soups as well as speciality beverages and desserts.
The seating is small tables, best for one or two. Weather permitting, they have outdoor seating.
Its a great place to grab a snack and a drink between downtown errands. -
Review from Laura O.
Seattle, WA
4/29/2009
We wanted a quick lunch and in the mood for sandwiches. Our hotel recommended this place. It hit the spot for us. It was a few blocks from our hotel. They had many choices of already made sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks! They also had choices of hot sandwiches that is made on the spot.
We ordered a grilled cheese (it was kinda cold that morning- perfect day for grilled cheese) AND grilled caprese sandwich! That sandwich rocked!!! The bread, the mozzarella, basil, and sun dried tomato were awesome! I would come back here for lunch when I visit Portland!!Listed in: Visiting Portland
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Review from Courtney D.
Portland, OR
2/1/2007
Go to the elephants for soup
I'm always up for finding a new deli and had high expectations for Flying Elephants. Unfortunately, I found the sandwiches pretty average and made on not the freshest of bread. But there's a saving grace --- the tomato orange soup was incredible.
I forget to order soups at a deli because I usually prefer a good sandwich. Not sure why I do this since soup is much heartier and such a warm sensation with cold weather. Luckily for me after a disappointing turkey sandwich, my friend urged me to taste her soup. I've always loved tomato soup but have never had this combo. I snuck a few more spoonfuls and will definitely order that next time.
All up, I'd go back just for the soup but will definitely pass on the sandwiches. The prices were a bit high, which keeps this place just average.
Tip: Order pre-made soup to go and have some for later. -
Review from Aleasha G.
Aurora, OR
6/1/2010
I am in soup love with this place!!!
To start of, I have to say happily ran into this little deli right after a wonderful walk through the Portland Art Museum this last Friday. After being drenched in rain, we could think of nothing better than a warm bowl of soup. And that's EXACTLY what we got...and then some. How to resist their gourmet chocolates on display, fresh baked pastries, sandwiches....excellent selection of beverages all across the wall. I often stare too long at the beverage wall...so many I want, but I can only pick one??? (well, and another one for later :)
We didn't realize we had actually ran in 5 min before closing. The SUPER nice people there, said that it takes them at least 30 minutes to fully close up shop and we were more than welcome to stay out of the rain and eat our soup. THANK YOU!!!! Seriously that was awesome. So we had the place to ourselves, locked inside, making all sorts of mmmmm, ooooohhh....yuuuum noises over our soups :)
I used to work in this building and would wander down that elevator with eyes at half mast, drag myself into the deli, and within minutes I had a gourmet cup of oatmeal with the works to start off my day, or a grilled breakfast sandwich with boiled eggs, tomato, spinach and a tasty sauce...What a way to wake up every morning.
I miss this place!!! And am again grateful for the kindness they showed us this last weekend!
I just wanted to say that for what this place is, they leave me feeling satisfied every time. -
Review from Kallie C.
Beaverton, OR
Updated - 1/29/2010
Alright, so I made Mama Leone's Soup and it took a lot out of me.
More props to them for that.
Also, it was almost the same, but not quite. I'm pretty souper at making that kind of stuff, but they win - spoons down.
If anyone wants the recipe, go here:
http://www.recipezaar....
It's worth some pretty pennies to buy it straight from them!Listed in: Portland Do's!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/28/2010
No, no, no! The best soup in the world is Mama Leone's Soup!
Also, they have this rockin' pecan bar… Read more »
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Review from Matthew W.
Aurora, IL
4/21/2010
Great spot for a quick bite that is really good.
I arrived just after noon, waited 3-4 minutes, ordered at the grill and got some soup. They actually forgot to make my grilled cheese, and when they realized it they were SO EMBARRASSED, and gave me a card for a free meal next time.....
The Tomato Orange soup was AWESOME and the grilled cheese was solid....did not like the Steel Head root beer.........
Quick, good and inexpensive.
A WINNER!!!
1 Tomato Orange 2.90 (-.29 soup and sand)
1 Grilled Cheese 3.75 (-.37 soup and sand)
1 kettle chip 1.50 (-.15 soup and sand)
1 Steelhead RB 2.00 (-.19 soup and sand)
Total - 9.15 -
Review from Mike K.
2/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great coffee, good food, and nice people. If the prices were better (i.e. more in line with other Portland joints) I would give it 4 stars.
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Review from Adrian L.
12/14/2008
4 words for you: black and white cookies.
I used to be treated to one by my mom after a trip to the nearby dentist, which in retrospect is a little ironic.
So very good! I like their veggie sandwich, but they also have tasty soups. Don't get me started on their carrot cake, I could eat that for the rest of my life. Literally, I could eat that and only that. -
Review from megan k.
Beaverton, OR
3/2/2011
I found out about this place by my friend's recommendation. This place has very arty and creative settings. Their wall painting is based on lautrec's painting which is my favorite artist of all time. :) They also have great selection on sandwich, soup and salad. Although, some items are expensive than other places, it's good to stop by with friends to have lunch. I'm planning to go back soon and I love their tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwich!
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Review from Joel O.
Buffalo Grove, IL
2/21/2011
Good food at a good price. Interesting chain.
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Review from Todd V.
10/16/2010
Fantastic soup, little price reduction on beers before 6 and then half priced sandwiches after 6 are all awesome. I've had some mediocre service, mostly from the same employee, but on the balance the staff is polite and helpful. It's not a super-comfy hangout but it's nice enough, and the new park right in front is a great place to eat during the summer months.
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Review from bob j.
La Mesa, CA
7/10/2008
Suggested for excellent orange tomato soup by nice woman at Oregon Historical Society. Unfortuantely, I ordered a tuna melt that was pretty mediocre, but the brewed coffee was excellent. No seating available inside so I had to sit outside, where it was noisy (construction) Overall, I felt like a paid $10 for about $7 worth of food, but will give it another try and select something other than tuna melt (what was I thinking ??)
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Review from Dior P.
Portland, OR
1/4/2009
Elephant's has been a favorite eatery of mine for a few years now. It was one of my usual stops for lunch or an early dinner when I worked Downtown. The deli is located in the Fox Tower, right next door to a Regal movie theater. There is currently a hole the size of an entire city block in front of Elephants - this will eventually be an underground parking structure with a park on top. For now, it's an interesting eyesore.
When you walk into Elephants you will notice it's very European - from the Italian phrases painted on the walls, unwrapped breads and desserts placed in baskets, goodies from other countries and the lack of space. You will have to forget about your oh-so-American novelty known one way as "The Personal Bubble." During the busy times you will be sitting elbow-to-elbow with a stranger and everyone will hear the conversation you are having with your pal. However, I personally think that the sandwiches and soup served at Elephants make it worth a little discomfort. I especially enjoy the Croque Madame grilled sandwich (ham, Gruyere cheese and eggs) with a cup of Mama Leone's chicken soup. Ah, so tasty. Elephants also offers a wide variety of beverages such as bottled water, soda pop, juice, espresso and wine. And if you just want to grab something and go, there is a good selection of cold sandwiches and salads, not to mention desserts that will grab your attention right as you walk in the door. -
Review from Kym M.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2009
From the sandwiches to the cookies, everything we tried here was delicious! My mother and I were visiting Portland from San Francisco and we thought this place looked cute so we went it. I tell you, on that weekend getaway, we went twice, and when we vacationed again to Portland months later, we ate here for breakfast. Now when we think of Portland, we always think FLYING ELEPHANT!
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Review from Anne S.
Portland, OR
6/11/2009
Oh, tomato orange soup, how I love thee! Is it wrong that I crave this soup even on hot days?
This place is great. They have great pre-made soups, sandwiches, cookies and baked goods, a good selection of beverages and an espresso bar. They also have the aforementioned tomato orange soup along with three other soups on a daily basis. All of the soups I've eaten from here are delicious and, if you really want to go for it, you can get a grilled cheese sandwich to go along with it.
The staff is always friendly and helpful and the place is tidy. It seems every time I'm there one of the employees changes out one of the garbage cans. They've got great art on the walls, comfortable seating and a wonderful tiled floor. Not only that, but they seem to be pretty sustainably focused - biodegradable silverware, recycled content napkins and the company purchases renewable power. So, not only do you get to support a local business but you can also reward them for their earth-friendly ways!
Definitely a great place to stop in for some lunch...or goodies for after dinner (they sell wine too!). -
Review from Ryan J.
Portland, OR
4/7/2010
Tomato soup is amazing. Indian curry soup was ok.
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Review from Brandy S.
Portland, OR
4/1/2006 1 photo
I love the Tomato-Orange soup and you can buy some, pre-made to take home for later. Delicious! Only downside is that the rest of the food/drinks are a bit expensive.
Listed in: Downtown Portland -…
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Review from Theresa N.
CA
8/23/2008
Great food - reminds me of NYC gourmet deli. Delicious sandwiches, soups, cupcakes, salads, great cheese selection (very nice cheese gourmond lady)... got us excited about a Vintage Gouda (5 yr old) VERY YUMMY. I really liked the place. Slow service... but it's Portland.
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Review from mark b.
Portland, OR
2/3/2009
I like this spot for a quick bite in downtown. My favorite is the Croque madam.....
