Bang Up To The Elephant image

Bang Up To The Elephant

Restaurant Cafe Bar Vegetarian restaurant Event venue Cocktail bar Brunch restaurant Vegan restaurant Caribbean restaurant

Curry, jerk & other Caribbean-inspired dishes meet tropical drinks in a light- & plant-filled space. People often mention vegan, great, good, delicious, minutes, meal, bread, coconut, service, menu,


Address

1310 Pearl St, Denver, CO 80203

Website

banguptotheelephant.restaurant

Contact

(303) 792-4949

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: vegan (16) great (16) good (11) delicious (10) minutes (10) meal (9) bread (8) coconut (8) service (7) menu (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Steve “Stevie G.” G. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are vegan, this place will delight you. If you are not vegan, this place will convert you! What a fantastic find! This place is eclectic, colorful, and fun. The service staff, albeit shorthanded, are top notch! Super friendly and on the money with the service. The food? Simply delicious! I enjoyed the Coconut Rice Curry with seitán, and could not tell I wasn't eating meat. My wife had a fantastic sandwich which looked right off of the menu of your favorite BBQ restaurant. And, with a name like Bang Up To the Elephant, how could you not have a great time?
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 cody p. 2 years ago on Google
    Place is awesome! Vegan food galore and the menu is pretty unique. 100% plant based. I don't know why this hasn't been coming up when we search for vegan food in Denver but I'm glad we found it now. Also glad we don't live too close to it cause they would get way too much of my money. Drinks were great and the bartender really took time on them. Seems like they go all out on everything. Food was amazing and I can't wait to come back and try some other items. Atmosphere is dope too! All around great experience!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ooplopoo 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing vegetarian experience here! Walking in, the venue is quite huge with some really cool artwork and lighting. Started off with the mofongo plate which was nicely season and at the perfect temperature. The drinks are very crafty so make sure to read up on the ingredients list before making an order. The best was the Under & Over, which was smooth as hell. Will definitely be back!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cristina N. 1 year ago on Google • 87 reviews
    So unique and delicious! Tried a few things, and a few cocktails both boozy and not, and it's all lovely. The bartenders were friendly and helpful and the food is interesting and tasty. Ever so slight criticism, I wish the sauces had a touch more salt and acid, but that's likely just a preference thing. I'm excited to try more dishes!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jo 9 months ago on Google • 81 reviews
    Yesssss denver. Gimme all the dairy free filling goodness!!! My big complaint is that you can hear the kitchen’s tunes which aren’t the same as what’s playing in the dining area. Ouf. I was here solo, perhaps I wouldn’t have noticed it if I had a co diner. Big wins in ambiance otherwise w wild decor in a big space with tall ceilings. Put this on your list for a chill hipster vibe spot. Cocktails have been inconsistent on quality over the few times I’ve visited.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evan H. 5 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    Awesome restaurant! Very comfortable climate on a hot day with excellent food for reasonable prices. I also had a fizzy drink, zero-proof cocktail, that was beyond my expectations. Service was quick, helpful and gregarious. My second visit was as lovely as the first. Great cauliflower wings and very relaxing vibe overall.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heart 6 months ago on Google • 171 reviews
    Enjoyed a fabulous meal here with friends in October 2023. The service was lovely, and as a party with allergies they ensured all of our food and drinks would be safe. We are very appreciative. The food was incredible and the atmosphere is so unique and fun. A true must stop spot while you're in Denver! We enjoyed the curry, sandwiches, fry bread and plantain chips. The fizzies are delicious mocktails. We had a great time.

  • 4/5 Rebecca O. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here for dinner with a girlfriend of mine after playing billiards on a Sunday evening. The space is open, inviting and visually pleasing. I’m not going to lie, what brought us here are the pictures of the food and cocktails we saw online. Unfortunately, when we asked about certain dishes, the server said the pictures are old and they no longer carry many of the dishes that come up when you look them up on Google. *sad* Anyway, we tried a very pretty cocktail whose name escapes me now but you see in my pics here. It was delish (a little sweet but not too sweet). I ordered the Buss Up ?? (again, the names are not easy to remember) and my friend ordered the coconut curry. Both dishes, while not the most attractive, are very tasty and filling! I really enjoyed mine which was a stew of sorts with sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans & chickpeas served over coconut rice. It comes with their version of naan which, not authentic naan, was tasty & was more of a flour tortilla type of texture. Service was very friendly, fast and professional. We will certainly be back! I highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a plant-based option. My only criticism: it’s more expensive than it should be especially considering the food ingredients are basic.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mile High V. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a must visit whether you are vegan or not. The interior and general vibe is super cool. Decor and lighting is relaxing and music was at a great level and also enjoyable. We really loved the service, which was top notch. The drinks were fantastic. We had the mofongo appetizer which was incredible and the best food item of the night. The sauce was fantastic. We also had the lo mein bowl, which I thought could have used a bit more flavor, and the cassareep rice bowl, which had great flavors. Everything came out smoking hot and was very fresh. Here's what I didn't love. About half of the restaurant was closed on Saturday night due to staffing issues. Be prepared to wait a while for a table. We ended up eating at the bar which was not our first choice. There really aren't desserts unless you count the sweet plantains - which I did not like. If you are a sweet plantain purist, who enjoys them made with very ripe plantains, pan fried until carmelized, then these may not be for you. These sweet plantains are made with sugar and it's very obvious. That's about it. Overall, great restaurant with interesting menu options. I'll definitely return. ps. Enjoy the restrooms!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel R. 1 year ago on Google • 87 reviews
    We came in about 10 minutes before closing and were immediately greeted and sat my a very nice man. Our server came over and told us the kitchen was closing in 10 minutes and if we knew what we wanted. We asked for a couple minutes so we could pull up the menu on our phones. Server came back a few minutes later and we gave her the entire order. Drinks arrived after the food started being dropped off. The server also forgot to bring out the peas and rice we order because she never wrote our order down. Server only checked up on us once throughout the meal and when we asked for boxes, she dropped them off and gave us the check. Total experience was 55 minutes. Food was awesome! And the drinks were really fun. The fried cauliflower and coconut bread were incredible. A must have.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Yours T. 4 months ago on Google • 126 reviews
    Nice experience. The food was good, the atmosphere was chill, but the service could've been better. Upon entering, my wife & I had to stand at the front desk waiting to be seated for about 5 minutes, while the host kept going back and forth doing something, like they didn't see us. It wasn't busy at all. When we were finally seated, our served did not come for 10 minutes or so, not even to greet us or give us water. I had to get up & check in with the host to ask if we should expect a server, & only then did we get one. The placard at our table had a QR code for the menu. No one pointed this out upon us being seated, & I expected a paper menu. While I appreciate this to keep up with the times, inclusivity (if the biz values it) means understanding everyone doesnt want to do everything on a cell phone. Many of us like to detach during a sit down meal. A paper menu should at least be offered as well. Nice vibe in this place, but not sure I'd return unless these things see improvement. Not to mention, the wooden booths are a little uncomfortable. A booth experience, for me, should be cozy.

  • 5/5 Michaela H. 6 months ago on Google • 113 reviews
    Super cool vibe, cocktails were spot on & the food was out of this world! Highly recommended & certainly looking to visit again before we go back home!

  • 5/5 Jamie I. 2 years ago on Google
    Unexpected charm and delight! The food is fresh and flavorful. The curry waffle fries might your life
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie V. 1 year ago on Google
    Fell in love with this place almost immediately! The atmosphere is so refreshing, the server Ruth was incredibly helpful with great recommendations, and the food/drink tasted so fresh and just perfect. I'm visiting from out of state but would definitely make a point to return to Bang Up if I'm in Denver again!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert W. 1 year ago on Google
    My Wife and I tried this for place for the first time and we were quite impressed. The space is really cool and ample. Staff was great and our server Ruth really took great care of us. The meal was wonderful too including Potato & Plantain Mofongo, Buss Up Shut, and Cassareep Rice Bowl. The Over & Under cocktail was delicious as well. Be prepared for some spice with your meal and I think you’ll enjoy it like we did.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen T. 2 years ago on Google
    First off, we are not vegan. I cannot eat eggs or dairy at all though, so a vegan restaurant was my Valentine's treat - a meal with no fear of days of misery. We had never been to this place before, so we decided to try a few dishes. We split the Buss Up Shut, the papaya slaw and the coconut bread. Wow! A few bites into the main dish my meat eating, no food restrictions husband said, "This is overall...spectacular!" For reals, I have no idea how the roti could possibly taste so buttery. I don't eat a ton of bread, but I will make an exception for this! The slaw was interesting, but we'd probably try something else next time. The coconut cake, I mean bread, was out of control. I'm pretty sure could eat it by the sheet-pan - I was only saved by the fact that it has cinnamon, which I also have to avoid. The "one bite" I had turned into about 1/8 the piece, which was totally worth the minor pain it caused me. We went on a Friday at 3:45 and had to wait 40 minutes to get our food, which we didn't expect -I guess this place is not a secret! Overall it was worth the wait and although it is nowhere near our house, we will be back! (Oh, although it took 40 minutes to get the food, it was so good it only took us about 10 minutes to lick the plates clean lol)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Troy Y. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was amazing....the food was flavorful and heavenly. The drinks were great as well....I had a happy hour special on a sunday, which was crazy cheap. I was able to get a starter and 2 shots for $9, which is unheard of...lol. I tried a few things there. I dont think you can go wrong eating at this spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary J. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow! How have I not known about this place?! The food is incredible, the drinks unrivaled, and service on point; and that's not even taking in the atmosphere with plants and special lighting. We will DEFINITELY be new regulars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chelsea A. 2 years ago on Google
    Can't say enough good things about this place! The food was unique, delicious, flavorful, and came in huge portions! The Cassareep Rice Bowl is incredible, and the soy-pineapple scotch bonnet sauce for the wings is so good it makes my mouth water thinking about it. Service was great too! We are truly eager to go here again. Even if it is just for the cocktails and ambience, totally worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan V. 3 months ago on Google • 80 reviews New
    This spot is amazing! As someone with a nut allergy but many vegan friends it is difficult to find places we can all enjoy together. Bang Up To The Elephant is a super cool and unique space, serving delicious vegan food out of a completely nut-free kitchen! The decor is eclectic and welcoming, and our server was extremely kind and friendly. Not only was the food delicious but very reasonably priced as well! Easy recommendation, definitely come here if you’re in Denver, whether looking specifically for vegan food or just a great meal!

  • 5/5 Jayson T. 9 months ago on Google • 51 reviews
    I came for an early dinner last night with my wife and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was open, festive and fun. While I am not a dedicated vegetarian/vegan, my wife is, but this place had wonderful options that left me quite satisfied. We started with the jerk edamame, which had a complex flavor profile I did not expect, but it drew you in with each bite. I also had the quesadilla, that had an equally deep set of flavors that were truly a wonderful mix. Overall, the sauces and spices were incredible and I would recommend to anyone in the area.

  • 5/5 Vasily R. 1 year ago on Google
    Buss up shut (great spin on an Indian meal) - 5 stars. Hearty spices, delicious crispy roti bread, super filling. Bowl-o-lo mein: 4.5 stars. A bit more of a typical lo mein taste (but with thicker udon noodles I think) but still delicious, and didn’t make me feel bloated like Lo mein usually does, so clearly they use healthy ingredients.

  • 5/5 Brittany H. 1 year ago on Google
    Eat Here!! Staff are bomb. Ok. This was our first time here while visiting the city. This place is fkn amazing. Of course we got the waffle fries, but I almost got the Mofongo, but decided to save it for next time. Def wish we'd gotten it! Anyway, literally everything is so good. My #1 was the curried chickpea fry bread. It was KILLER! they have gf options too, limited, but they have them!! Cassareep rice bowl was bangin. I also ordered the jalapeño lime and mint fizz. GD it was delish. It's our new fave spot. Vibe check was moody but upbeat. Loved it.

  • 5/5 serena d. 1 year ago on Google
    Love everything about this place! The flavorful delicious food, the great happy hour, the casual yet elegant design and all the plants, and all the people who work there. Always planning my next trip back as I'm always craving Caribbean food 🤤 your nonvegan friends will love it too!!

  • 5/5 John W. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic vegan restaurant. Highly suggest you check this place out. Very laid back and low lit atmosphere with great music. Food is top notch and staff is very friendly. If you are in Denver - you’ve got to try it, even if you aren’t vegan!

  • 4/5 Rob W. 11 months ago on Google
    Lots to love here, but the food was just okay. Not a lot of vegan restaurants in this world, so big love for them going for it. Decor and craft cocktails were tops, but the food was wanting. We had an Indian dish (bus up?), and a tofu pineapple dish. The Indian was the better of the two, but still too dry. Roti, potato, chickpeas- tasty but no balance. Needed more acid, more sauce, maybe a chutney, but it was better than the tofu dish which was over sweet and served with a side of plain steamed (or boiled?) broccoli. Not a good dish. The appetizer was chips and plantains with little plastic cups of indistinct sauce. Not worth ten bucks. Not likely to return, but it wasn’t horrible, it was just, meh.

  • 5/5 Peter P. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly service. Good food, had the coconut curry. Enjoyed everything, and the vibe of the restaurant.

  • 4/5 Darika S. 11 months ago on Google
    I didn’t know this place was so close to my house! It’s just off of 13th by a yoga studio. It’s all vegan and the mofongo was so good! We also shared some fried cauliflower. We just missed HH but we got some cocktails anyways and they’re were good! I got a gin one and he got a whisky one. The prices are really fair and large portions of food. I got the lo mein and it was full of veggies. He got a bean sandwich and he said it was a bit much but tasty good, just a heavy meal. The waitstaff was friendly and I just love the decor. A tasty vegan place with nice drinks is nice to have close by!

  • 5/5 Melanie M. 2 years ago on Google
    Just here to help off set the ratings because there is no reason why this place should have 4.2 stars. The place is unique and the food is divine. The coconut bread is truly heavenly and the wings are the best I've ever had. Vegan paradise.

  • 5/5 Andrea B. 2 years ago on Google
    Neither myself or my partner are vegan but just wanted to try something new. The atmosphere is 10/10. We got the coconut curry and the quesadilla and both were very good. We also grabbed coffees from the cafe area on our way out the door, overall just the total dining experience you would want for a night out at a funky place.

  • 5/5 Miranda (. 7 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Fun & unique space! Cocktails were tasty. LOVED the cauliflower wings. Perfectly crispy without a bunch of breading & good dipping sauces.


Call (303) 792-4949 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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