The Elephant & Octopus: A Culinary Journey in Cape Charles, VA

Welcome to The Elephant & Octopus, a charming new addition to Cape Charles’ culinary scene, located at 133 Mason Ave. This delightful restaurant captures the essence of a modern bistro while honoring the historic architecture it resides within. Steeped in character, the space retains the fond memories of the beloved Kelly’s, yet breathes freshness through its revamped menu and vibrant atmosphere.

The Elephant & Octopus offers a diverse selection of starters that will pique your appetite, featuring dishes like the Dijon Mussels ($16) and Smoked Pork Belly Bites ($14). Don’t miss the delightful Salmon Poke ($14), a cool twist to begin your meal. For those craving something heartier, the restaurant’s salads and sandwiches, such as the American Wagyu Burger ($19) and the refreshing Poached Pear Salad ($14), showcase a simple yet refined approach to dining.

The reviews from patrons echo a common sentiment: The Elephant & Octopus seamlessly blends an upscale pub feel with the warmth of a welcoming community spot. Customer Chris Slavens remarked on the exceptional atmosphere and live music weekends that enhance the dining experience, while Sarah Miller gleefully noted the delicious salmon steak sandwich nestled in a warm, buttered potato roll. It seems every dish is crafted with care, as patrons delight in its fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Moreover, the friendly and attentive service here ensures that each visit feels personal and unique. Diners like Grace Coggins rave about making lasting memories with friends and family, enjoying dishes that cater to all tastes, even for picky eaters. The fried fish, hailed as fresh and perfectly cooked, is just one example of how The Elephant & Octopus delights its guests.

Whether you’re a local seeking a new favorite eatery or a traveler passing through Cape Charles, make sure to experience what The Elephant & Octopus has to offer. Its commendable menu, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere are sure to leave you captivated and eager to return.

For more information, feel free to contact them at +1 844-536-7956. Your new culinary adventure awaits!

Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery

Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Chris Slavens

21/10/2025

E&O retains the best aspects of the old and beloved Kelly's -- including the historic architecture, Irish menu items such as shepherd's pie, and Old Speckled Hen on tap -- while freshening and reinvigorating both the space and the menu. Prices seem slightly higher, but there is a larger staff as well as crowd of patrons, from what I've observed during three visits. Carter is a gentleman and a scholar. The live music on weekends is a nice addition. It's great to see the new business crushing it while also giving a nod to what was.

Mark Watanabe

21/10/2025

Nice upscale little bistro/pub. Our server was friendly and the food was good. The location is very nice and believe it was an old bank.

Joanne Donahue

30/09/2025

She crab soup delicious$13 and side salad prosecco pear blue cheese walnut salad $5 . Friends the soup was worth it! Salad was a bargain ,all together wonderful. Great service welcoming atmosphere. I'd go back angry the same thing. An next mon or Tues sounds good.

Sarah Miller

14/09/2025

100% I would recommend this place for anybody. Anytime. Everytime, actually. Kaitlyn took great care of us and made excellent cocktail recommendations when we couldn't choose from the great selection, and both meals we chose (one menu, one special) were AMAZING. He had the salmon steak sandwich on a warm buttered potato roll, I had the lamb burger with fresh goat cheese spread. The fries are hot and crispy and just the right portion. It's quiet enough to chat, but lively enough to feel homey and comfortable, with an upscale pub vibe but very reasonable prices.

Grace Coggins

12/09/2025

Wonderful place to eat with a bigger group of people, they were kind, accommodating and the sweet waitress kept checking up on us making sure we had everything we needed! I'd recommend this place for sure, I'm someone who normally doesn't eat fish because I hate when it doesn't taste fresh but here the fish and chips were fresh and fried to perfection! And my daughter who is the pickiest eater was gobbling down their chicken tenders! This place obviously seems new, so take it from someone who is just on vacation and is a big foodie, give this place a chance and you just may end finding your new favorite local spot.

Brady Sedgley

11/07/2025

My family and a few friends ate here two nights during our recent visit. Food is pretty good depending on what you like. I had the fish and chips which was great, then the pub dip sandwich which was ok. Servers seemed like they wanted us to be out of there as soon as possible, checking up on us way to frequently, even asking us if we wanted the check when we had barely eaten any of our food.

Joshua Hopkins

07/07/2025

This is a fantastic restaurant and bar on the main street of Cape Charles. Delicious food, great drinks, and wonderful service. Shoutout to Maddie on bar and Tony (our waiter) while my family and I enjoyed dinner. Highly recommend!

Chip Howard

04/07/2025

Absolutely stellar! The Elephant and the Octopus is a must-visit. I don't even know where to begin—this place is a gem. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere... everything was top-notch. I came in for dinner and was blown away by the pub steak; it was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. My wife had the salmon poke, which was incredibly fresh and flavorful. And the drinks? Forget about it. They have a fantastic selection of beers and their cocktails are expertly crafted. The service was also excellent—our server was friendly, attentive, and had some great recommendations. The vibe is cozy and inviting, perfect for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. I'm already planning my next visit and can't wait to try more of their menu. If you're looking for a place with great food, drinks, and a wonderful atmosphere, this is it. Five stars all the way!