Published March 17, 2026
Celebrating Elephants on NW 22nd Avenue
The March fire which damaged our NW 22nd Avenue store has not only closed our flagship location for the foreseeable future, it’s deprived the neighborhood of a favorite gathering spot, our employees of their usual professional routines, and our customers of their favorite dishes and gifts.
While our vision is firmly focused on rebuilding for the future, we also want to offer an online space to honor the Elephants on NW 22nd Avenue, and the myriad memories, celebrations, and traditions created in that space.
In this space, we are sharing some of the photographs, memories, and reflections on what Elephants means to our community and our customers, beginning with the below. (Click on the image to view the full-size photograph):
“Reflecting very fondly on all the memories I made at the NW 22nd location over the many years it was central to my life. Nick hired me on as a barista in 2009 and I was an employee until 2017. I spent 5 years at NW 22nd before transferring over to Corbett. I have so many life-long friends that I first met as coworkers at Elephants. I was also married to my husband Mark in the Garden Party Room in 2017 – Nick was then my guest.
When I think of NW 22nd, I mostly remember what it was like in the mornings as the store was just getting open and how the light would pour in through the big windows behind the booths. I remember what it was like during the holidays when it was so packed with people buying panettone and ornaments that it took actual minutes to get from one end of the store to the other. I also think about everything I learned; from how to pour a proper pint of pilsner, to how thin prosciutto should be sliced, to the difference between customer service and hospitality. There’s no place like Elephants on 22nd, and the impact it has had on my life cannot be overstated.”
–Andrew N. (former employee)
“Coco, our almost 12-year-old, has been a regular since birth. From eating her first pickle on the patio to milkshakes after school on Fridays, Elephants is her place. She learned in kindergarten she could order a milkshake, pick it up and then take it to the bar to ask the bartenders for whipped cream. The bartenders were always happy to give her the maximum amount. It’s truly an extension of home!”
–Meeghn A.
“I had my first “grown up” job interview for a position on SW 16th and Alder back in 2012, and, being really nervous, I got there super early and decided to wait it out at Elephants on Burnside. I ended up getting the job! I visited Elephants often after that, usually walking to get breakfast burritos with one of my favorite coworkers that I met on that job – who I actually ended up marrying. And now, we’ve got two kids and visit the Corbett Elephants location often. Thank you Elephants, for being a great place for everyone from a nervous young adult awaiting a job interview to now a happy family of 4! Long live Elephants!”
— Eva W.
” Elephants has been a part of our family life since it opened, part of our celebrations, holidays and times of grief when we have come together as a family. You have provided us with wonderful food for so many gatherings. It has been the place to go for a Friday evening libation with friends, lunch with our grandchildren and our go to stop after work when we are too tired to cook. When we have needed special treats, presents or stocking stuffers, Elephants has always come through. Thank you for being part of our family traditions.”
–Nan W.
We invite you to share your thoughts, stories, and pictures by emailing us at Info@ElephantsDeli.com, and we’ll update this page over the weeks to come.
Thank you for your support of Elephants on NW 22nd over the past two-plus decades, and thank you for your encouragement as we determine how we can best rebuild and return to the community.
Reading these stories is really heartwarming, and it raises the hope that something even better will grow out of this unfortunate tragedy. Sending good thoughts to all whose lives have been disrupted by this, especially the excellent staff at Elephants.
Our first visits were to the original Elephant’s in the Uptown Shopping Center. When you moved to the 115 NW 22 it was a whole new world with tables and chairs and a huge variety of options that made our visitors envious and was always a part of showing off Portland. Through the years it’s been a go to for our family. Six grandchildren have grown up having their favorite dinners there. Fish and chips were always at the top of the list and of course dessert which varied. The staff has changed through the years though still some familiars and as always delightful. We are sorry for your loss and having been through a similar one know there is the other side. We will miss you but anticipate the day when we can drop by, say hi! and grab a meal at our favorite deli.
When I met my partner over eight years ago (we are both in our late 70’s now), he had never had a fish taco! So I introduced him to yours, which are the best in town, and we have them as often as possible. Our hearts go out to you during this anxious time, and we are already missing the tacos, soups, cookies, etc. Thank you for years of great food and service.