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Welcome to Spirit Elephant

In the heart of Winnetka, Spirit Elephant shines as a beacon of exceptional vegan cuisine. With a focus on innovative and delicious dishes, this restaurant offers a range of options from CauliWings to Red Coconut Curry. The atmosphere is inviting and vibrant, reflecting the warm and friendly staff dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience. Customers rave about the crispy calamari, indulgent chocolate pancakes, and creative cocktail menu. Whether vegan or simply curious, Spirit Elephant is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and delightful dining experience.

Spirit Elephant: Reviews & Ratings

Wendy M.
Wendy M.

We really like the resto. Delicious take on vegan options. We would give it a 5 stars if they made their Bao Bun available on the menu. Right now it's only available during Happy Hour Tues-Friday 4:30-6:00pm. :(

Nikhita T.
Nikhita T.

I recently visited Spirit Elephant for our annual team dinner and had a wonderful experience! The preset menu was well-organized, offering a variety of options to suit different tastes. For appetizers, we tried the Cauliflower Wings and Bourbon Burger Sliders, along with a Southwest Salad. I loved the Mango Chili sauce on the wings, but the Buffalo sauce was a bit too salty for me. For my mains, I chose the Penne alla Vodka. Dessert included Brownie Bites and Carrot Cake bite, I liked the brown bite better than carrot bite. The service was fantastic, with our server being attentive and proactive, and I especially enjoyed the Ele Fizzgerald cocktail. If you're in the area and prefer vegan food, then definitely try it.

Courtney W.
Courtney W.

This is a great vegan restaurant. The food and service were amazing! My favorite dish was the brussels sprouts! The cauliflower appetizer was good too. I would have liked it to have more of a crunch. They have a brunch and dinner menu. The drinks were okay. I think the price for the drinks comparable to the drink itself does not match. Nonetheless, I didn't come here for the drinks so this was not a deal breaker for me. I may even try a different drink next time as they have several options.

Rhiannon S.
Rhiannon S.

obsessed with this place!!! some of the most innovative and delicious vegan food in the chicago area :) and everyone is so friendly!! especially the assistant GM Jordan!

Izzy C.
Izzy C.

Nestled in the heart of Winnetka, Spirit Elephant is a shining example of how a restaurant can combine exceptional food, outstanding service, and a serene atmosphere to create an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a genuine sense of happiness from the staff, who clearly take pride in the inviting and vibrant environment they help cultivate. The menu offers an adventurous twist on vegan cuisine, and everything we tried was phenomenal. Our table delighted in a variety of dishes: indulgent chocolate pancakes that were a decadent treat, a black bean blue cheese burger that balanced savory and tangy flavors perfectly, eggs benedict that were as comforting as they were creative, and calamari so crisp and flavorful! The drink menu was just as impressive. Their mocktails were crafted with care and bursting with flavor, I enjoyed a Pom Cranberry Spritz! The seasonal eggnog was a revelation - better than any traditional version I've ever tasted. My husband particularly enjoyed the Weller's bourbon flight, which added a touch of refinement to an already stellar brunch. As parents of a two-year-old, dining out can often feel like a challenge, but Spirit Elephant exceeded our expectations. Not only did our toddler have a wonderful experience, but the spacious and beautifully designed interior also created a sense of calm and comfort. In every aspect, Spirit Elephant delivers!! From the imaginative, delicious menu to the warm and accommodating service, this restaurant is a treasure we'll happily return to time and time again. Whether you're vegan or simply curious to try something new, Spirit Elephant is a must-visit.

Anne Marie H.
Anne Marie H.

Yay! I finally dined here for brunch (and it was my birthday). The ambiance is always a 5-star experience; I love the earth tones, wood, rocks, and all the living plants. Our service was outstanding - very professional, kind, and attentive. We truly felt welcomed here. The food was amazing! My friend, who is not a vegan, initially needed clarification on the menu but then understood everything was plant-based. She chose the French toast, and I ordered the pancakes. We tried each other's meals too. They were both SO delicious! I like that both were light and not heavy as other vegan breakfast dishes are at various restaurants. The chef created perfect dishes! As a little complimentary birthday treat, I was offered a carrot cake or brownie. I chose the carrot cake, which I enjoyed. Plus, it's a nice way for Spirit Elephant to honor their birthday guests. I was also thanked by our server and the host for choosing this restaurant for a meal. I highly recommend this establishment for many, many good reasons!

Riley C.
Riley C.

We were there on. Sunday for brunch and able to get seating pretty quick. The server was so friendly and helpful with our order. The space was clean, trendy and has nice patio seating. The food is next level delicious for plant based eating. Everything was fresh and full of flavor. The carrot cake is one of the best carrot cakes I've ever had and served on a carrot purée that helped.

Jenn C.
Jenn C.

Took my mother here for brunch and we were both delighted with the service, the ambience and the food. I really enjoyed the waffles with chicken. Really great menu and all vegan. Definitely would love to return there next time. I am in Chicago.

Sarina Y.
Sarina Y.

5 stars aren't enough for Spirit Elephant! My husband and I made a last-minute reservation at 9:30 PM on a Saturday, just 30 minutes before closing. Despite this, we were warmly greeted and offered a cozy outdoor seating area in the back. The ambiance was great, complete with ceiling fans and heaters. Our server, Michelle, was exceptional--friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the menu. She's been with the restaurant since August 2020 and her expertise showed. Here's what we ordered: Cauli-Wings (Buffalo): The BEST Buffalo cauliflower wings we've ever had. Perfectly spicy, with vegan ranch that tasted just like the real deal. A must-try! Blue Cheese Bourbon Burger: We opted for the impossible burger with American cheese. Delicious, with caramelized onions and a bourbon reduction, paired perfectly with fries. Seasonal Cheesecake: Not overly sweet--just right for me, though my husband prefers sweeter desserts. Carnivale Du Peche: A tropical drink with a perfect balance of sweetness and alcohol--ideal for beach vibes. Jordan, who held the door for us as we left, checked on our experience and mentioned an exciting new fall menu. We can't wait to come back!

Location

Spirit Elephant in Winnetka, IL is a gem for those seeking a unique dining experience. This vegan cocktail bar offers a wide range of menu options, from starters like CauliWings and Calamari Fritti to mains like Red Coconut Curry and Pad Thai. The customer reviews speak highly of the innovative and delicious vegan food, with one reviewer mentioning their obsession with the place.

The ambiance at Spirit Elephant is described as hipster, casual, trendy, romantic, classy, and upscale. The restaurant is women-owned and prides itself on being environmentally conscious by providing compostable containers and plastic-free packaging.

I recently visited Spirit Elephant and was impressed by the variety of options on the menu. The CauliWings with Buffalo sauce were a standout for me, and the Pad Thai was flavorful and satisfying. The service was attentive and the cocktails were well-crafted.

Overall, Spirit Elephant is a must-visit for vegans and non-vegans alike. The quality of the food, the welcoming atmosphere, and the environmentally friendly practices make it a stand-out dining destination.