FAQs

• A contract is generated and signed when you would like to formally reserve your event date. Details and particulars will continue to be updated and modified throughout the event planning process, but only a signed contract will reserve your chosen date.

Please Note: summer, holiday and weekend dates book quickly.

• While pre-set packages with all-inclusive costs per guest may be easier for budgetary purposes, Elephants prefers to customize each event we cater. Every client deserves input on their menu and guest experience. No two events are ever the same, and we thrive on helping you create an event that is uniquely yours.
• Customizing your event also makes it easier for you to see where your money is being spent and target the truly important budgetary choices. Simply put, without pre-set packages, we can stretch your budget farther and put you in control of your guests’ experience.

• We offer complimentary tastings for up to two individuals with a signed contract and deposit. They are conducted at our catering offices in Southeast Portland and are by appointment only. Additional guests may be accommodated, given advance notice, for $10 per person.
• All tastings are limited to your proposed menu only, with the option of one additional menu item if requested in advance.
• As our menus are updated to take advantage of seasonally and locally available ingredients, we recommend selecting a day close (30-45 days before) to your event, to increase the likelihood that particular menu items will be available.

Please Note: All menu tasting items are subject to seasonal availability. If a menu item is not available, we will make every effort to substitute a similar or suggested alternate item.

• We carry a simple and stylish line of in-house linens for basic event needs, and routinely coordinate the rental of specialty and custom linens. We do not offer in-house flower arrangements, but can still offer arrangement from local florists.

• Your final guest count – not subject to reduction – is due three business days prior to your event. Any increases in guest count beyond this date may incur additional charges, as menu ingredients are ordered specifically for your event.

Please order as soon as possible, our delivery availability is subject to change day-to-day. We are selling out upwards of three to five days in advance. We require at least two days notice.

Yes, contact our catering team for more information.

Yes, we offer full-service events with servers, bartenders, and event managers if needed!  

Yes, we can!

Yes, we offer full set-up service as an additional catering add-on. Subject to availability and additional pricing may apply; please inquire about options.

We primarily use bamboo and palm leaf-based disposable products but a few of our items are best suited to presentation on a clean white plastic tray. Serving utensils are optional for an additional charge. 

Our portioning guide available on our ordering page is a useful tool. We try to note the serving sizes and amounts for each item on our menu, but portioning can be tricky depending on several factors. We’re happy to suggest amounts or help you with any menu planning questions.

• To reserve your date with our full-service catering team, we need a signed contract and a $250 (nonrefundable) retainer. Menu and event details can continue to change throughout the event planning process. Please note that summer, holiday, and weekend event dates book early, so a signed contract is best completed well in advance.
• For delivery drop-off or pickup orders under $1,000, we will charge the card on file the day of your event. For orders over $1,000, a 50% deposit will be due when booking and the remaining amount charged the day of the event.
• To postpone your full-service catering contract, please provide written notice at least 90 days in advance. We can transfer your retainer fee to a new date within one year of your original event date. For example, if your event was June 1st, 2024, then your new date can be anywhere between 6/1/24 and 6/1/25).
• Your final guest count – not subject to reduction – is due ten (10) business days before your event. Any increase in guest count beyond this date may incur extra charges, as we order ingredients for your event.
• We offer a 5% discount off food and beverages to non-profit and B-Corp Certified customers. This applies to catering and sack lunch orders.

• Our Pickup and Dropoff Catering Menu is for our drop-off and catering delivery services, as well as curbside or in-store pickup. We deliver throughout the Portland metro area as well as the surrounding communities. You can check your delivery fee by by zip code here. We are also using this delivery/pickup menu is for full-service catering (weddings and events).
• Buffet meals or other self-serve items (beverages, desserts, etc.) are not allowed under current regulations. We are able to deliver and drop of menu items in larger containers for you and your guests to serve.
• We can include place settings, linens, and other rental items on your full-service catering contract. We work with many talented local vendors to arrange for specialty décor pieces, floral arrangements, lighting, draping and props. Our event planners can provide recommendations.
• A few notes for clients considering drop-off catering:If you order cool menu items (to reheat later), we will deliver them within a two-hour window. Hot and ready-to-heat in a 30-minute window. For hot meals, we recommend a delivery window as close as possible to the meal time.We assign our drivers a delivery window well before your event. We cannot guarantee any last minute changes.
• We use disposable containers and platters for all the items on our current pickup and dropoff menu. For our casserole and entrée items, the single-serve “Small” containers are microwave safe and the “Medium” and “Large” sizes are microwave and oven safe.

We include an automatic 16% service charge for all deliveries and a 5% service charge for all pick-ups. This service charge goes to our delivery drivers and their support staff, and it is much appreciated. If you choose to add additional gratuity for your driver, it is even more appreciated. Thank you!

• Our Full-Service Menu is the primary menu for catered dinners, events, luncheons, and weddings. This menu is designed with a more elegant setting in mind, and contains pre-selected choices appropriate for virtually any occasion. This menu incorporates complete on-site chef preparation of your meal, specialty décor setup, and professional servers and bartenders.
• Our Standard Catering is designed for smaller-scale events as well as corporate and personal catering delivery. This à la carte style menu gives you the freedom to completely design your event from the ground up.
• Please inquire with our staff of professional event planners to receive the current full service or standard catering menu and note that any prices listed do not include service staff or on-site chef costs. These can vary greatly depending on the scope of your event.

• While pre-set packages with an all-inclusive cost per guest can be easier for budgeting purposes, Elephants prefers to customize each event we cater. We feel that every client deserves input on their menu and guest experience. No two events are ever the same, and we want your experience to be uniquely yours.
• Customizing your event also allows us to put your valuable budget to use in areas where it really counts, and makes it easier for you to see where your money is being spent. Simply put, without pre-set packages, we can stretch your budget further and give you control over your guests’ experience.

• Of course! Our extensive selection of side dishes will perfectly complement virtually any main course. If necessary, we can also provide decorative serving platters, chafing dishes, and utensils for a small fee.

• For our à la carte menus, the choice is yours! If you are shopping our full service menu, we can substitute up to two menu items of equal or lesser value at no additional cost. Substituted items of higher cost (i.e. substituting salmon for chicken) will result in additional charges for the higher-priced item. Simply select any item from the current menu and inquire with your catering event planner for details.

Please note: there will be no reduction in total cost of the overall menu.

• We offer complimentary tastings for up to two individuals with a signed contract. Tastings are conducted at our catering offices in SE Portland and are by appointment only. Additional guests can be accommodated with advanced notice, for $10 per person.
• All tastings are limited to your proposed menu only, with an option for one additional item if requested in advance. If a menu item is not available, Elephants will make every effort to substitute a similar or suggested substitute.

Please note: all menu tasting items are subject to ingredient availability, and may not be feasible outside of the seasonal menu’s time frame.

• Our menus are updated to take advantage of locally and seasonally available ingredients. We recommend, therefore, selecting a day reasonably close (30-45 days before) to your event date to increase the likelihood that particular menu items or ingredients are available.

• Elephants is a preferred caterer at most of the premier venues in the greater Portland-metro area, as well as the Columbia Gorge and Willamette wine country. For more information, please refer to our preferred venues page.
• Elephants also has two private dining rooms at our NW 22nd and Corbett Avenue locations, perfect for intimate to mid-size events (48 seated / 75 standing at the Garden Room at NW 22nd; 120 seated / 150 standing at the Corbett Room).
• We continually seek to establish and expand relationships with the region’s best venues, and would be thrilled to help you find the perfect setting for your big day.

• We carry a simple, stylish line of in-house linens for basic event needs, and routinely coordinate the rental of specialty and custom linens for our events. We work with numerous talented local vendors to arrange for specialty décor pieces, floral arrangements, lighting, draping and props.

• Elephants is a fully OLCC licensed provider of beer, wine and spirits, and will happily provide and serve at your event. We maintain a full selection of regional wine and beer, and specialize in creating custom-crafted cocktails as well.

• Elephants clients are free to provide their own alcohol for events, but it must all come from the same source (no BYOB). All events with client-provided alcohol must be pre-approved by the venue (unless it is a private residence), and may result in additional venue-specific insurance or fee requirements.

Please note: not all venues permit client-provided alcohol, and some carry restrictions on the types of alcohol allowed.

• If alcohol is provided by the client, Elephants Catering charges a per-bottle/drink/keg corkage fee in addition to the per-guest bar setup fee. This covers the cost of bar equipment, insurance and standard mixers.

• Our resident barkeeps live to devise cocktails (from old classics to custom creations) suited to your event. Elephants is also proud to offer a selection of “preferred cocktails” with each and every full bar package. This rotating roster of revived classics and brand new creations is sure to be a hit with your guests, and is complimentary with all full bars.
• In addition to craft cocktails, Elephants is bringing back the long-neglected party punch. These drinks have a long history (they were a favorite of the founding fathers) and add a surprisingly affordable element of nostalgia and elegance to any event. These batch cocktails also help eliminate the dreaded bar lineup at the beginning of an event. Please inquire with your event planner for seasonal offerings.

• Elephants works with the best in the event rental field, and can procure many styles of chairs, covers, couches, or lounge furniture. Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we will be happy to find it for you. If you are planning a wedding during the summer months, please let us know as soon as possible, as the most popular styles and colors may be in limited supply come spring.

• Elephants Catering & Events specializes in drop-off catering for any event.

A few notes for clients considering drop-off catering:

• Only our standard catering menu is available for drop-off.
• Drop-off catering is delivered fully prepared and ready-to-eat, so we recommend a delivery window as close as possible to meal time.
• Our dedicated staff is assigned a specified delivery window, which is determined a minimum of 12 hours prior to your event. Any last minute changes cannot be guaranteed.

• A contract is best generated and signed when you formally reserve your event date. Menu particulars and event details can continue to be updated and modified throughout the event planning process, but only a signed contract and deposit will reserve your event date. Please note that summer, holiday, and weekend event dates book quickly, so a signed contract is best completed farther in advance.

• Your final guest count – not subject to reduction – is due five (5) business days prior to your event. Any increase in guest count beyond this date may incur additional charges, as menu ingredients are ordered specifically for your event.

• We generally return the following day to collect everything unless the client requests a same day pick up, which we would then schedule. We ask that the client keep all of the equipment in the same location as the delivery so the driver doesn’t run the risk of missing anything. Unfortunately, we do miss things sometimes, especially if it’s at a 3rd party location. If this happens then its best for the client to give us a call with the invoice number so we can arrange for a driver to go back and collect, or if you wish, you can bring any dishes back to our Central Kitchen, located at 1611 SE 7th Ave. Portland, OR 97214.

Yes! We have quite a bit of patio seating outside.

While we are not a certified gluten-free kitchen, we do offer several wheat-free menu items. You will see this WF designation on our menus and signage. When dining with us, feel free to ask a member of our team to point out our wheat-free options.

We offer a large selection of wine by the bottle as well as options by the glass. We also offer beer and cider on tap and in cans/bottles.

Our World Trade Center location is great for groups! We have a lot of indoor and outdoor seating. No reservations needed.

Yes, we offer free parking in our parking lot.

Pickup and delivery is available through Toast, our online ordering platform–see our menu. Or order breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites, plus sack and box lunches, for delivery or pickup from our Elephants @ Work menu.
We also offer local delivery, through Elephants, of our gift boxes and many other items from our online store, too.

Yes, we have a full bar that serves seasonal cocktails, wine and beer by the glass, and the best darn martini in Portland. And we offer a wide variety of wine, beer, and cider.

You can grab a wine bottle from the wall and open and enjoy it here – no corkage fee! Bringing an outside bottle? Corkage fee is $15.

No, we do not take reservations. Our location is really hopping during the lunch hours, so you’ll always have a better chance of finding  seating if you come after the lunch and dinner rush.

Yes, we have an outside patio. And, yes: Your pooch can relax on our patio, too.

Yes, there is parking along the north and east side of the building.

Pickup and delivery is available through Toast, our online ordering platform.

Yes! We offer wine by the glass and beer on tap. And we have a variety of wine, beer, and cider for retail sale.

Yes, we have a spacious outside patio.

You can grab a wine bottle from the wall and open and enjoy it here – no corkage fee! Bringing an outside bottle? Corkage fee is $15.

Sorry, we do not take reservations.

Yes, there is a large shared parking lot on the south and west side of the building.

Pickup and delivery will be available through Toast, our online ordering platform–coming soon!

Yes! We offer wine by the glass and beer on tap. And we have a variety of wine, beer, and cider for retail sale.

Yes, we have a spacious outside patio with heat lamps for the winter and retractable windows for the summer.

You can grab a wine bottle from the wall and open and enjoy it here – no corkage fee! Bringing an outside bottle? Corkage fee is $15.

Sorry, we do not take reservations.

We partner with Caviar, Doordash, and Grubhub for local Portland food delivery. We also offer local delivery, through Elephants Delicatessen at NW 22nd, of our gift boxes and many other items from our online store.
We also offer lunch and dinner delivery to home and work through our catering delivery.

Yes, we have a full bar that serves seasonal cocktails, wine by the glass, and draft beer by the glass. And we offer a wide variety of wine, beer, and cider for retail purchase.

To be the first to find out about promotions, specials, and news, sign up for our e-newsletter.

Yes, we offer free parking in our parking lot. There is also street parking available.

Yes, we have an outside patio. And, yes: Your pooch can relax on our patio, too.

While we are not a certified gluten-free kitchen, we do offer several wheat-free menu items. You will see this WF designation on our menus and signage. When dining with us, feel free to ask a member of our team to point out our wheat-free options.

No, we do not take reservations. If you are planning to bring a large group (like, a bus full of soccer players) to our location, give us a call to let us know you’re coming. Otherwise, we have quite a bit of seating. Our location is really hopping during the lunch hours, so you’ll always have a better chance of finding seating for a large group if you come after the lunch and dinner rush.
If you are hosting a more formal event or party for a large group, check out our private Corbett Room venue. This room is open for public dining when it is not being used for an event.

To be the first to find out about promotions, specials and news, sign up for our e-newsletter.

While we are not a certified gluten-free kitchen, we do offer several wheat-free menu items. You will see this WF designation on our menus and signage. When dining with us, feel free to ask a member of our team to point out our wheat-free options.

Flying Elephants at Fox Tower offers a selection of wine (by the glass and the bottle), beer, and cider.

Our indoor café seating is limited and not ideal for large groups. On a nice day, folks usually enjoy their lunch in the Director Park plaza, across the street from this location.

Flying Elephants at South Waterfront is located on the Southwast side of the building, closest to the Tilikum Bridge, right next to the MAX/TriMet station.

Yes, Flying Elephants at South Waterfront has a small bar selection with well liquors. We also feature a few seasonal cocktails. We offer wine by the glass and four taps featuring beer and cider. And we have a variety of wine, beer, and cider for retail sale.

Yes, we have a spacious outside patio with a terrific view of the Tilikum Bridge and Mt. Hood. And, yes: Your pooch can relax on our patio, too.

No. Please visit our Elephants @ Work page to learn more and place an order.

• A contract is generated and signed when you would like to formally reserve your event date. Details and particulars will continue to be updated and modified throughout the event planning process, but only a signed contract will reserve your chosen date.

Please Note: summer, holiday and weekend dates book quickly.

• While pre-set packages with all-inclusive costs per guest may be easier for budgetary purposes, Elephants prefers to customize each event we cater. Every client deserves input on their menu and guest experience. No two events are ever the same, and we thrive on helping you create an event that is uniquely yours.
• Customizing your event also makes it easier for you to see where your money is being spent and target the truly important budgetary choices. Simply put, without pre-set packages, we can stretch your budget farther and put you in control of your guests’ experience.

• We carry a simple and stylish line of in-house linens for basic event needs, and routinely coordinate the rental of specialty and custom linens. We do not offer in-house flower arrangements, but can still offer arrangement from local florists.

• Your final guest count – not subject to reduction – is due three business days prior to your event. Any increases in guest count beyond this date may incur additional charges, as menu ingredients are ordered specifically for your event.

Get the basic nutritional information you need (calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol, sodium, etc.) about your favorite Elephants Delicatessen dishes here. We are always adding to our nutritional database. If you need information about a particular item that is not included, please email us.

Yes we do! Elephants Rewards members earn a $10 reward for every $200 they spend at an Elephants location. That’s 1 point for every $1 spent at an Elephants store. Offer only good at Elephants retail locations–not for catering orders. Sign Up Now

We denote common allergens on our food signage. And our menus list ingredients and denote wheat-free (WF), vegan (V), vegetarian (VE), and dairy-free (DF) menu items.

We are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day so our team members can spend time with their families and friends. Our airport location is open 365 days a year to serve travelers.
We often close early on other holidays, or have alternate hours. We post our holiday hours on our website. Please check the location page for our latest holiday hours.

Investing in our communities is important to us. Each of our restaurants donates food and serves their communities through a variety of local efforts. And we schedule quarterly companywide volunteer events. Learn more about how we give back to our community.

Because we get approached by so many community members and organizations with partnership opportunities, please submit one of our Donation Request Forms to get the process started.
That would be a great help to us in considering your request.

Digital gift cards are available for purchase online here

You can buy physical gift cards in any amount at all Elephants locations. For any questions, please call us at 503.299.6304.

Check the balance of your digital gift card here using the 16-digit number associated with your card.

Check the balance of your physical gift card by reaching out to our team here. Just let us know the 10-digit number printed on the back of your card, and we’ll let you know the balance.

Gift cards can be used at any of our seven locations for any items in store. They can also be used for special holiday forms on our website.
Elephants gift cards cannot be used on third party sites such as Doordash, Grubhub, etc. You will need a Doordash gift card for use on Doordash, Grubhub gift card for Grubhub, etc.

$500 is the most you can spend on a single gift card transaction. Whether purchasing one or multiple gift cards, the total amount of all gift cards combined must be less than or equal to $500.

Yes! We ship nationwide to all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and internationally to Canada and Mexico via the United States Postal Service.

All gift boxes, large and small, are available for shipping. We cannot ship our Meal Totes and Cheeseboards at this time. If you would like to ship Elephants-made meals to somewhere within the contiguous 48 states, please visit our partners at Williams Sonoma.

Yes! Please call us at 503-299-6304 or email us at [email protected] to place your order. If you would prefer to shop for your custom gift in person, please visit us at our NW 22nd or Cedar Hills locations and ask for an expediter.

Digital gift cards are available for purchase online here

You can buy physical gift cards in any amount at all Elephants locations. For any questions, please call us at 503.299.6304.

Check the balance of your digital gift card here using the 16-digit number associated with your card.

Check the balance of your physical gift card by reaching out to our team here. Just let us know the 10-digit number printed on the back of your card, and we’ll let you know the balance.

Gift cards can be used at any of our seven locations for any items in store. They can also be used for special holiday forms on our website.
Elephants gift cards cannot be used on third party sites such as Doordash, Grubhub, etc. You will need a Doordash gift card for use on Doordash, Grubhub gift card for Grubhub, etc.

$500 is the most you can spend on a single gift card transaction. Whether purchasing one or multiple gift cards, the total amount of all gift cards combined must be less than or equal to $500.

Leftbank Annex features 14,000 square feet of usable space, and has a capacity of 933 people standing.

All inquiries must be placed by emailing [email protected] or by calling the Leftbank Annex team: 503.928.6437.

Option 1: Make a purchase at one of our locations and enter your email at the rewards prompt- AFTER the receipt prompt on the guest facing display

Option 2: Go to our website, scroll down to the very bottom of the home page, and click the “Rewards Program” link under the heading “More.” Click the link “Join the Club” and enter your email, then follow the prompts.

By making a purchase in one of our stores. The card cannot be added online, it can ONLY be added by using it to pay for a purchase at one of our stores and then entering your email after the receipt prompt to link it to your loyalty account.

1. Go to our website, scroll down to the very bottom of the home page and click the link “Rewards Program” under the heading “More”
2. Click the link “Already a Member? View my rewards!” and enter your phone number or email associated with your loyalty account. You will receive an email or a text that will show your current balance. It will also contain a link for you to view your Rewards Transactions.

1. Go to our website, scroll down to the very bottom of the home page and click the link “Rewards Program” under the heading “More”
2. Click the link “Already a Member? View my rewards!” and enter your phone number or email associated with your loyalty account. You will receive an email or a text containing a link to view your rewards transactions.
3. Follow the link to view your rewards transactions and scroll down to the heading “Linked Cards” to view your linked cards.

You can also delete a linked card by clicking the trash can icon next to your linked card.

· For cash transactions, the cashier will enter the email associated with the loyalty account prior to tendering your payment.

· For credit card transactions, simply pay with your card and the system will recognize any linked card automatically.
– If for any reason the system asks you for your loyalty email, it either doesn’t recognize you or the card isn’t linked yet.  Simply enter the same loyalty email address you always use.

· To get points for your transaction, you will need to wait until after the receipt prompt on the guest facing device. If it asks for your email for rewards, you must enter your email address associated with your loyalty account to get points.

· Due to encryption, if you tap your card for one transaction, but then insert or swipe for another, the system will need your loyalty email again.

· If you use a different credit card (or cash) you must enter your email address after the receipt prompt to get the points. If you are using a new card, this will also link the new card to your account.

· If you originally linked your physical card and now you are using your Apple Pay associated with that card, you will need to enter your email address after the receipt prompt to link your Apple Pay as well. Toast sees this as two separate credit cards, so it won’t recognize the Apple Pay version until you link it by entering your email address.

· Call the store – give employee details to find the check. (Date, check number, last 4 of credit card, total, etc.)

· Once cashier has found transaction, they will add the points to your account.

Come in and make a purchase. Our cashiers can sign you up!

No problem! just reach out to [email protected] and we can get it fixed.

We can help with that! Just reach out to [email protected] and let us know which email you’d like to use moving forward. We’ll merge the two point balances together so that you don’t have multiple accounts running at the same time.