Business Details
About
Restaurant
Located just two blocks from the National Mall and steps from the White House, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian Museums, Elephant & Castle on Pennsylvania Avenue is your go-to British pub in D.C. Enjoy British classics like fish and chips or bangers and mash, paired with a great selection of beers. Relax on the largest patio in downtown D.C. with scenic views of Pennsylvania Avenue. Whether you’re here for lunch, dinner, or a late-night spot to unwind, we’ve got you covered. Catch live football and soccer matches or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Elephant & Castle Restaurant and Pub delivers the best British hospitality right in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Details
- Dine-inAvailable
- DeliveryAvailable
- TakeoutAvailable
- Accepts reservationsAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.1
3,795 reviews
5 stars
1,947
4 stars
1,043
3 stars
442
2 stars
147
1 star
216
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Service Quality
Niqo and Imani received numerous accolades for their exceptional service, with many customers highlighting their attentiveness and friendly demeanor.
Food Quality
While many customers enjoyed the food, particularly the fish and chips and pot pies, some reviews indicated inconsistency in food quality, with a few describing it as mediocre or not memorable.
Atmosphere
The pub atmosphere was generally praised for being cozy and welcoming, making it a good spot for casual dining and watching sports.
Staff Issues
There were complaints about rude service from some staff members, particularly Bryant, which negatively impacted the dining experience for certain customers.
Cleanliness
Several reviews pointed out cleanliness issues, particularly in the restrooms, which detracted from the overall experience.
- GWG Wiz2 days ago4.0A nice getaway for parents after the madness of the Children's museum, which is right across the street. The staff is cool, but the chips "fries" are probably best I've had in the States!
- RBRichard BenferNov 15, 20255.0Food and service were great. Not a place for a quiet dinner as it is quite loud but not annoying. A good replica of a British pub. Fish and chips were very tasty and plentiful.
- JJJonNov 14, 20254.0I got the pie flight. It was amazing. More than the pie flight being amazing, the bartender was one of the best I've had in a long time. She was very friendly and made the drinks very quickly, but also accurately. Imani is the bartender that you want.
- DBDoug BemNov 14, 20255.0Had a great time during happy hour! The mixed greens as a side to my fish. Tacos were a pleasant surprise. My guest's sausage bites were also good.
- PPPatrickNov 12, 20255.0Meant to give this review some time ago but went there when visiting DC from a random search for food. The atmosphere was welcoming, the food was great and prices were good for what you got. The real appeal to this place during our visit was the service, I believe our servers name was Ashley, and she was absolutely fantastic! And the rest of the staff that I spoke to followed this making the whole experience worth the visit. If you're in DC and looking for a place to eat, I strongly recommend that you stop in you won't be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant & Castle
Do you take reservations at Elephant & Castle Penn Ave?
Yup! To reserve a table at Elephant & Castle Penn Ave, use the <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/reservations.html">RESERVE A TABLE</a> button located in the top right corner or call us directly at (202) 347-7707.
Where can I view the Elephant and Castle Penn Ave menus?
Fancy a peek at what we’re serving? You can explore every Penn Ave menu right here: <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/menus/food/store-8170/dc/washington/1201-pennsylvania-avenue-nw.html">Food Menu</a>, <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/menus/bar/store-8170/dc/washington/1201-pennsylvania-avenue-nw.html">Drink Menu</a>, and <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/menus/happy-hour/store-8170/dc/washington/1201-pennsylvania-avenue-nw.html">Happy Hour Menu</a>. Have a look, pick your favourites, and we’ll pour the pints when you get here.
Does Elephant & Castle have vegetarian options?
While our pub classics, and most of English cuisine for that matter, are notoriously meat-centric, we offer choices for those of your party who are lacto-ovo vegetarian, including salads, savory pies, flatbreads, wraps and, yes, even Impossible Burgers. Any item with vegetarian icon beside is or can be modified to be a vegetarian item. If you’re cruising our website, you can filter <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/menus/food.html?s=8170">our menu</a> by selecting the Vegetarian dietary preference to see all your options or just ask your server.
Does Elephant & Castle Penn Ave serve takeout?
Yes, we have quite a few options for you to enjoy your E&C favourites at home.
The best way to order from Elephant and Castle Penn Ave is by clicking the <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/order-online/usa.html?store=Penn%20Ave">ORDER NOW</a> button located in the top right corner.
Are there gluten-free options as well?
While we are not a gluten-free environment and products containing gluten are prepared in our kitchens, we do offer menu items that can be modified to accommodate a gluten sensitivity. On our menu, look for items with the gluten friendly icon to see which items are Gluten Friendly or can become Gluten Friendly with some modifications. If you’re checking out our website, you can filter <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/menus/food.html?s=8170">the menu</a> by this dietary preference to see all your options. Or just ask your server the next time you’re at E&C.
How about bigger groups? Can Elephant & Castle Penn Ave accommodate large group gatherings and/or private events?
Absolutely! Whether you’re planning a corporate do, a big birthday bash, or just a good old-fashioned knees-up, Elephant & Castle Penn Ave has you sorted. With flexible private and semi-private spaces, customizable menus, and a team that loves a proper party, we make hosting easy (and a bit of fun, too). From boardrooms to bar banter, we’ll tailor the setup, the food, and the flow to suit your crowd. Pop over to our <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/events/washington.html">Book Your Event</a> page, tell us what you’re thinking, and we’ll get the pints chilling and the plans rolling.
Does Elephant & Castle Penn Ave seat minors?
All our locations allow minors and serve a kid’s menu. Keep in mind we often don’t have a distinction of division between the restaurant and bar, if you want to know more give us a ring at (202) 347-7707.
How can I get a job at Elephant & Castle?
Straight to the point. We like the cut of your jib. To view employment opportunities in Washington check out our <a href="https://www.elephantcastle.com/en/join-our-team.html">JOIN OUR TEAM</a> page.
Does Elephant & Castle Penn Ave have a patio?
Absolutely! Our outdoor patio in Penn Ave is where the city comes alive. Enjoy a cold pint or two on our best patio in Washington during the scorching months.
Is the Elephant & Castle Penn Ave patio dog-friendly?
Absolutely! Our outdoor patio at Elephant & Castle Penn Ave is the perfect spot for you and your furry friends to enjoy the sunshine together.
Is Elephant & Castle Penn Ave a Sports Pub?
Yes, we are! E&C in Washington offers a lively atmosphere with multiple televisions, comfortable seating, and a wide selection of delicious food and drink options. It's the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events, especially football (or soccer, as some North Americans call it).
Does Elephant & Castle accept reservations?
Yes, Elephant & Castle accepts reservations. You can reserve a table using the RESERVE A TABLE button on their website or by calling (202) 347-7707.
What are the kitchen and general operating hours of Elephant & Castle?
Elephant & Castle's kitchen is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Does Elephant & Castle offer vegetarian and gluten-free menu options?
Yes, Elephant & Castle offers vegetarian options including salads, savory pies, wraps, and Impossible Burgers. They also offer gluten-friendly items that can be modified to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Is takeout available at Elephant & Castle?
Yes, takeout is available. You can order your favorite dishes for pickup using their online ordering system on the website.
Does Elephant & Castle have an outdoor patio and is it dog-friendly?
Elephant & Castle has the largest patio in downtown DC, which is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor space with your furry friends.
Can Elephant & Castle accommodate large groups or private events?
Yes, Elephant & Castle offers flexible private and semi-private spaces with customizable menus, ideal for corporate events, birthday parties, or other gatherings.
What nearby attractions can I visit before or after dining at Elephant & Castle?
Elephant & Castle is located just two blocks from the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums, and is close to the Washington Monument, The White House, and the National and Warner Theaters, making it convenient to combine dining with sightseeing.
Are there nearby sports clubs or venues near Elephant & Castle where sports enthusiasts can visit?
Yes, nearby is Penya Barcelonista Washington DC, a sports club and venue, which complements Elephant & Castle's atmosphere as a sports pub, perfect for fans to enjoy games and then visit the pub.
Is there a nearby liquor store for additional beverage options after visiting Elephant & Castle?
Washington Wine And Liquor and Washington Wine and Spirits are nearby liquor stores where you can purchase beverages if you want to take some home after your visit to Elephant & Castle.
What nearby dining options are available if I want to explore other cuisines around Elephant & Castle?
Close to Elephant & Castle, you can find Cucina Pizza, 54 Restaurant (Vietnamese & Asian), Del Frisco's Grille (sandwich shop), John Harvard's Brew House, Ollie's Trolley (burger restaurant), and Black Iron Pizza if you wish to try different types of food.