A deli experience is defined by the sandwich selection, but the cost of the sides and salads adds to the final tally. When you look at the Elephants Delicatessen Menu with Prices, you need a clear breakdown to plan your meal without sticker shock. This guide walks you through the current offerings, portion sizes, and what you can expect to pay for breakfast, lunch, and catering options.
Elephants Delicatessen is a Portland staple. They have multiple locations across the metro area. The menu is vast, which makes budgeting tricky if you go in blind. We have analyzed the standard pricing structure so you know exactly what to grab at the counter.
Below, we break down the costs by category. We will cover hot sandwiches, cold salads, baked goods, and coffee. You will also learn how to order for a group without overspending.
Elephants Delicatessen Menu With Prices
This is your go-to reference for the main menu items. Prices can vary slightly by location, but these figures reflect the standard store pricing in Portland. Always check the board at the specific location for daily specials, as those are not listed here.
The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. This means some items rotate out. The core classics, however, stay consistent year-round. Here is the breakdown of the most popular categories.
Hot Sandwiches And Melts
Hot sandwiches are the heart of the deli. They are grilled to order and served on fresh bread. You can usually add a side for an additional cost, which we will cover later.
- The Big Elephant: This is their signature roast beef sandwich. It comes with cheddar, horseradish sauce, and crispy onions. Price: $14.95.
- Turkey Avocado Swiss: A lighter option with oven-roasted turkey, ripe avocado, and melted Swiss on multigrain. Price: $13.75.
- Hot Pastrami: Spicy mustard and pickles on rye. This is a hefty portion. Price: $15.25.
- Grilled Cheese Royale: A blend of three cheeses with tomato and bacon. Price: $11.50.
- Chicken Pesto Panini: Grilled chicken breast with basil pesto and mozzarella. Price: $13.95.
Most hot sandwiches come with a pickle spear. You do not get chips or a salad included in that base price. You have to purchase those separately if you want them.
Cold Sandwiches And Wraps
If you are in a rush or want something refreshing, the cold case is the place to look. These are pre-made but assembled fresh in the morning. They are perfect for picnics or a quick office lunch.
- Albacore Tuna Salad: Served on a croissant with lettuce and tomato. Price: $12.25.
- Chicken Salad Croissant: A classic with grapes and walnuts. Price: $12.50.
- Veggie Hummus Wrap: Roasted vegetables and hummus in a spinach tortilla. Price: $11.95.
- Turkey Club: Double-decker with bacon and tomato on sourdough. Price: $13.50.
- Egg Salad Sandwich: A simple, creamy option on white or wheat. Price: $9.75.
The cold sandwiches are generally a bit cheaper than the hot ones. This is a good way to save a few dollars if you are on a strict budget. The portions are still generous.
Salads And Soup
You can buy salads by the pound or as a full entree. The soup changes daily. If you want a light meal, this is the most cost-effective route.
- Entree Salad: Choose from the case, like the Cobb or the Caesar. Price: $10.95 per entree.
- Soup Cup: Served with a small piece of bread. Price: $5.50.
- Soup Bowl: A larger portion, great for dipping. Price: $7.25.
- Side Salad: A small portion of greens with dressing. Price: $4.95.
You can also buy salads by the pound for catering. This usually runs around $9.99 per pound. This is cheaper than buying individual entrees if you are feeding several people.
Breakfast Menu
Elephants opens early. They serve breakfast until 11:00 AM on weekdays and until noon on weekends. The breakfast menu is smaller but has some great value items.
- Breakfast Burrito: Eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage. Price: $9.95.
- Bagel with Lox: Capers, red onion, and cream cheese. Price: $12.50.
- Oatmeal Bar: Served with brown sugar and dried fruit. Price: $6.75.
- Egg Sandwich: Fried egg and cheddar on a house-made biscuit. Price: $7.50.
Breakfast is usually the cheapest meal of the day here. If you are looking for a filling start, the burrito is the best bang for your buck. It is very large.
Sides And Extras
As mentioned, sides are not included. This is where the bill can creep up on you. Here is what you pay for the add-ons.
- Potato Salad: Small container. Price: $3.95.
- Coleslaw: Small container. Price: $3.75.
- Macaroni Salad: Small container. Price: $4.25.
- Fresh Fruit Cup: Seasonal selection. Price: $4.50.
- Bag of Chips: Standard vending size. Price: $2.25.
- Pickle Spear: Price: $1.50.
If you want a combo meal, you can add a small side and a drink for a discounted rate. This usually saves you about $1.50 compared to buying them separately. Ask the cashier for the “Combo Deal.”
Baked Goods And Desserts
You cannot leave without looking at the pastry case. The cookies are famous. The cakes are huge. Here is what you will pay for sweets.
- Cookies: Price: $3.25 each.
- Brownies: Price: $4.50.
- Scones: Price: $3.95.
- Slice of Cake: Price: $6.95.
- Muffins: Price: $3.75.
The desserts are expensive compared to a standard grocery store. However, the quality is high. If you are celebrating something, the cake slice is worth the price.
Beverages And Coffee
They serve Stumptown Coffee here. This is a premium brand. You will pay a premium price for it.
- Drip Coffee: Small. Price: $2.95.
- Latte: Price: $5.25.
- Cold Brew: Price: $5.50.
- Bottled Soda: Price: $2.75.
- Fresh Juice: Price: $6.50.
Tap water is free. If you are on a budget, skip the specialty drinks. The drip coffee is good and much cheaper.
How To Save Money On Your Order
Dining out adds up fast. You can keep your total under $15 per person if you are smart. Here are some strategies that work well.
Skip The Combo
Sometimes the combo is not worth it. If you are not thirsty, skip the drink. Water is free. This saves you the $2.75 to $3.00 that a soda would cost.
Share A Dessert
The cookies are large. They are easy to split. If you are with a friend, buy one cookie and ask for two plates. This cuts your dessert cost in half.
Check The Daily Specials
Elephants often has a “Soup of the Day” that is cheaper than the regular menu items. They also have a “Sandwich of the Day” on weekdays. These are usually $1.00 to $2.00 cheaper than the standard menu.
Ask the cashier what the special is before you order. It is not always written on the board. They are usually happy to tell you.
Ordering For Large Groups Or Catering
If you are feeding a team or a party, the catering menu is different. You cannot just order 20 individual sandwiches and expect a discount. You need to use the bulk ordering system.
Party Trays
They offer party trays for sandwiches and salads. These are priced by the tray, not by the item.
- Mini Sandwich Tray: Feeds 10-12 people. Price: $65.00.
- Salad Platter: Feeds 8-10 people. Price: $45.00.
- Dessert Platter: Assorted cookies and brownies. Price: $35.00.
This is the most cost-effective way to feed a crowd. It brings the per-person cost down to around $6.00 to $7.00. This is much cheaper than individual meals.
Place Your Order Ahead
You must order catering at least 24 hours in advance. You can do this online or by phone. Do not walk in and expect a large order to be ready immediately.
During the holidays, they get very busy. Order a week ahead if you need a big platter for Thanksgiving or Christmas. They sell out of popular items quickly.
Location Variations And Pricing
There are several Elephants locations. The main ones are in Northwest Portland, the Pearl District, and on the South Waterfront. There is also a location in Lake Oswego.
Prices are generally the same across all locations. However, the downtown locations might have a slight markup on some items due to higher rent. The difference is usually only a few cents, not dollars.
The menu selection varies by location too. The Pearl District location has a larger hot food bar. The South Waterfront location has a smaller seating area. Check the specific store page for hours and available menu items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and menu structure. This should clear up any confusion before you go.
Is the bread included in the sandwich price?
Yes. The bread is included. You can choose from a list of options like sourdough, wheat, rye, or a croissant at no extra cost. Some specialty breads, like a pretzel roll, might cost an extra $0.50.
Do they offer a senior discount?
No, they do not offer a standard senior discount. However, they have a loyalty program. You can earn points on every purchase. Those points turn into dollars off future orders.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes. They offer gluten-free bread for an additional charge. The charge is usually $1.50 per sandwich. They also have gluten-free cookies and brownies in the dessert case.
Can I get a half sandwich?
Yes. You can order a half sandwich with a cup of soup or a small salad. This is a great lunch option. The price is usually around $9.95 for the combo.
Do prices include tax?
No. The prices listed on the menu do not include tax. You will pay the standard Oregon meal tax at the register. There is no sales tax in Oregon, but prepared food is taxed.
Final Thoughts On The Menu Cost
Elephants Delicatessen is not the cheapest deli in town. You are paying for quality ingredients and consistent preparation. A standard lunch with a sandwich, side, and drink will run you between $18 and $22.
If you are careful, you can get out for under $12. Stick to the cold sandwiches, skip the premium drinks, and share a dessert. The food is filling, so you likely will not need a huge portion.
The menu is extensive, so do not be afraid to ask for samples. The staff is usually willing to let you try a bit of the potato salad or the chicken salad before you commit. This helps you avoid buying something you do not like.
Keep this guide handy for your next visit. Knowing the prices ahead of time makes the ordering process smoother. You can focus on enjoying your meal instead of worrying about the total cost at the register.