Feb 17, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
Bang Up To The Elephant is a colorful and vibrant restaurant located in the heart of Denver, Colorado. Known for their eclectic plant-based (vegan) menu and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends or a casual lunch with family. Heather and I decided to stop in and check it out.
First up, the cauliflower wings. Being plant-based (vegan), we are always on the lookout for new and creative meat-free options, and these wings did not disappoint. Lightly coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, they had just the right amount of spice and crunch. The accompanying ranch dipping sauce was the perfect complement and added an extra layer of flavor. It’s easy to see why these are one of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers. It came with another dipping sauce which we got the mild hot & sweet tamarind but for an extra dollar got another of the mango-scotch bonnet. The mango-scotch bonnet had a pretty good kick and very good taste. Along with the wings we got an order of the waffle fries. They were crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside, with just the right amount of salt. It came with ketchup but the hot sauce was good on those too.
For our entrée we shared the seitan Cuban sandwich. As former meat-eaters, we appreciate when restaurants can create a plant-based version of classic dishes that are just as satisfying as the original. The seitan was flavorful and had a great texture, and it was paired perfectly with the pickles, mustard, and melted Swiss cheese. The sandwich comes with a side of crispy plantain chips, but we decided to get black-eyed peas n’rice instead. The only thing that I think I would change is that the bread was not pressed or grilled. Normally a Cuban is on a bread that has been pressed to make the bread crispy and grilled on the outside.
To wash it all down, Heather ordered a hibiscus fizzie drink. This refreshing and slightly tart beverage was the perfect addition to the meal. Made with hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and soda water, it was a great non-alcoholic option that still felt special and festive. I stuck with my normal, water.
Overall, our meal at Bang Up the Elephant was a delicious and enjoyable experience. From the creative and tasty cauliflower wings to the satisfying seitan Cuban, every dish was well-executed and full of flavor. And the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the restaurant only added to the fun. I highly recommend a visit if you’re ever in the Denver area!
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
