The Purple Elephant

The Purple Elephant

⭐ 4.5/5 (878 reviews) 💰 $30–50 per person Casual Dining

📍 81b W Fort Salonga Rd, Northport, Connecticut

Restaurant Information

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5.0 • 878 reviews
📍 Address
81b W Fort Salonga Rd
Northport, Connecticut 11768
📞 Phone
🌐 Website
💰 Price Range
$30–50 per person
🍽️ Category
Casual Dining

⏰ Opening Hours

Sunday11:30 am–9 pm
Monday11:30 am–9 pm
Tuesday11:30 am–9 pm
Wednesday11:30 am–9 pm
Thursday11:30 am–9 pm
Friday11:30 am–10 pm
Saturday11:30 am–10 pm

ℹ️ About This Restaurant

Walking into The Purple Elephant, you're immediately struck by the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The casual, trendy decor creates a welcoming vibe, with a fireplace adding a touch of warmth and coziness. The space is airy and bright, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. The overall ambiance is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or an evening out with friends.

The menu at The Purple Elephant is a plant-based delight, offering a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes that cater to a range of dietary needs and preferences. From hearty comfort foods like their signature "Elephant Burger" to fresh, innovative salads and bowls, the culinary team showcases their creativity and commitment to using high-quality, organic ingredients. The beer and cocktail selection is also impressive, with a great range of craft brews and signature mixed drinks that pair beautifully with the menu offerings. Diners rave about the restaurant's delectable vegan desserts, which are the perfect sweet finish to any meal.

The service at The Purple Elephant is consistently excellent, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are happy to guide guests through the menu and make recommendations. The restaurant's commitment to accessibility is also commendable, with ample wheelchair-accessible features and a welcoming atmosphere for all diners. Overall, The Purple Elephant offers an exceptional dining experience, combining delicious plant-based cuisine, a cozy ambiance, and top-notch service, all at a reasonable price point. Whether you're a longtime vegan or simply looking to explore the wonders of plant-based dining, this restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Features & Amenities

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park Has wheelchair-accessible entrance Has wheelchair-accessible seating Has wheelchair-accessible toilet Does not have assistive hearing loop
From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating Offers kerbside pickup Offers delivery Offers takeaway Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service Has fireplace Has great beer selection Serves great cocktails Serves great dessert Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol Serves beer Serves cocktails Serves coffee Serves comfort food Serves happy-hour drinks Serves healthy options Serves organic dishes Quick bite Serves small plates Serves spirits Serves vegan dishes Serves vegetarian dishes Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch Serves dinner Has catering Serves dessert Has seating Has table service
Amenities
Has bar on site Has gender-neutral toilets Has toilet Has Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Good for groups LGBTQ+ friendly Popular with tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Accepts NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs available Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot On-site parking Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

🏮 Atmosphere & Ambiance

The Purple Elephant exudes a warm and inviting ambiance that immediately puts diners at ease. The restaurant's decor features a blend of rustic and contemporary elements, with exposed brick walls, polished hardwood floors, and a stunning fireplace that serves as the centerpiece of the space. The lighting is soft and atmospheric, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a delicious meal.

The seating arrangements at The Purple Elephant are thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of dining experiences. The spacious dining room offers ample seating, with a mix of comfortable booths and tables that can accommodate both small and large groups. The outdoor patio, complete with lush greenery and twinkling string lights, provides a charming al fresco dining option for those seeking a more laidback and scenic experience.

🌿 Dietary Accommodations

  • Gluten-Free Options - A variety of gluten-free entrees, sides, and desserts prepared with care to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Raw Food Choices - Selection of raw vegan salads, wraps, and snacks made with fresh, uncooked ingredients.
  • Nut-Free Alternatives - Nut-free sauces, dressings, and substitutes to accommodate guests with nut allergies or sensitivities.
  • Keto-Friendly Items - Low-carb, high-fat vegan dishes featuring avocado, coconut, and plant-based proteins to support ketogenic diets.

⏰ Best Times to Visit

  • Weekday lunch - The restaurant is less crowded during the week, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience with faster service and availability of tables.
  • Friday dinner - The restaurant has a lively and vibrant atmosphere on Friday evenings, with a great selection of cocktails and a chance to enjoy the weekend vibe.
  • Weekend brunch - The brunch menu features a variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian options, and the cozy, relaxed setting is perfect for a leisurely weekend meal.

⭐ What Makes Us Special

  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: The Purple Elephant offers a unique blend of Asian-inspired flavors and vegan ingredients, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience that caters to a wide range of palates.
  • Innovative Cocktail Menu: The restaurant's signature cocktail menu features a selection of creative, plant-based concoctions that highlight local and organic spirits, juices, and herbs.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: The Purple Elephant sources its ingredients from local, sustainable farmers and producers, ensuring the freshness and quality of its vegan dishes.

📍 Local Area & Neighborhood

The Purple Elephant is nestled in the charming town of Northport, Connecticut, a quaint coastal community known for its picturesque harbor and vibrant downtown. The restaurant sits just a few blocks from the Northport River, surrounded by independent boutiques, art galleries, and historic New England architecture that lend the area a warm, inviting ambiance. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the town's scenic waterfront parks, scenic hiking trails, and the popular Northport Farmer's Market, which showcases the region's bountiful agricultural offerings.

The Purple Elephant appeals to a diverse clientele, from health-conscious locals seeking delicious plant-based fare to tourists exploring the area's rich cultural heritage. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, combined with its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, make it a popular gathering place for the community. Whether enjoying a casual lunch, an intimate dinner, or a lively happy hour, diners at The Purple Elephant can expect a truly unique and memorable dining experience.

💬 Customer Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Super cute place by the water. Came here with a friend but did what to expect as it seems like it's mostly vegetarian d..."

— Customer #1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The Purple Elephant is a vegan restaurant located in Northport. The Thai Tofu Wrap with Chicken was what I ate. It taste..."

— Customer #2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"First time visit based on reviews. Our waiter, Armando, was friendly, and offered entree suggestions based on demand. H..."

— Customer #3