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    The Elephant & Octopus

    4.6 (25 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    The Elephant & Octopus Photos

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    Ron W.

    Stopped in here on our way back from Berlin. What an awesome upgrade from the old Kelley's. Food, drinks and customer service was outstanding. Stop in here, you won't be disappointed.

    Menu.
    Abby S.

    We've eaten here a couple times since it became elephant and octopus and both have been outstanding. First of all, it's beautiful inside and out. The food was all fresh and the service was excellent. I NEVER order mussels but my dinner companions did. I tasted them and now I crave them constantly. Just excellent. Everything we've had has been lovely. HIGHLY recommended!

    Poached Pear Salad
    Suzanne S.

    Stopped in to check out the World Cup games, had a couple IPA's & the poached pear salad. I sat at the bar & service was friendly & relaxing. I love the logo & bought a trucker hat too!!

    Anna H.

    This restaurant was an old bank and we got to have our dinner in the vault. The food was delicious and they have wonderful special drinks. you'll enjoy this historical spot in Cape Charles.

    First sh & chips
    C N.

    Old bank now an English pub. We enjoyed a booth in the vault. Our waitress was friendly & encouraged us to try a few favorites. We were happy we listened because the fish & chips were some of the best we've had. The French dip was also very good.

    Jo Y.

    My in laws and I came into cape Charles first week in November. Town is so quiet and dead this time of year. Elephant and Octopus was my favorite thing about the day. The ambiance reminds me of a cafe in Europe with the exposed brink and small rooms throughout the inside. I had a yummy cider and the onion soup. Soup was delicious hints of fresh thyme. The other foods my family ordered were flavorful as well. Great service as well. I would definitely go back.

    Steak English mashed potatoes & broccoli.
    Kat M.

    E&O was recommended by a local couple (I believe it's under new management?) and it definitely was then best meal we had in Cape Charles. We sat outside with our young children and they were able to play and listen to the live music inside. We got two cocktails and split a steak dish. Absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. Staff was very friendly and accommodating and we loved talking to the other patrons. We can't wait to go back and try more on the menu. For what you pay I felt like we got more of a value than some of the other restaurants. And right after dinner you can cross the street and get Brown Dog ice cream.

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    4 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Why is it called The Elephant and the Octopus? Cute name, charming atmosphere, great staff, delicious cocktails!

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    11 months ago

    Ok food but ordering and service was terrible. Overpriced, but so are most places in Cape Charles.

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Outstanding food and amazing scenery. The drinks were fabulous as well. Everything was balanced and delicious. Excellent service !

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    The Shanty

    The Shanty

    3.6
    (582 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We've been coming to the Shanty since 2018. On our first visits, the food was incredible - we came…read moreback multiple times, and recommended it to friends and family in the area. When we came last year, it seemed like they were having an off night. We came today, however, and this will be our last visit. Our bill was over 100 (2 adults and 1 child, water to drink), and had the most disappointing food ever. Everything was incredibly bland, to the point of almost inedible. We began with a half-dozen order of oysters, which had very little meat. Even more frustrating was how they were served - they were full of shells mixed into the meat and dry (all the water had been dumped out), which meant that the people shucking did not know how to properly shuck an oyster. The crunch of the shells also made for an unpleasant eating experience. The lobster rolls had absolutely no flavor. I have never not finished a lobster roll in my life, but about halfway through I just gave up. We wanted to order crab cakes, but they were out (note that they've been out on our last several visits - this time we were there right when they opened, so they could not have run out). The children's chicken tenders appeared to have come straight out of the freezer. The Caesar salad was tasteless. I ordered the local vegetables and was given the option of Brussel sprouts or broccolini (these have been the options every time I've visited no matter the season). I was disappointed, since there is great produce on the Eastern Shore in the middle of July, none of which includes the fall/spring produce of Brussel Sprouts or Broccolini. The Broccolini wasn't cooked, but appeared to have been warmed while doused in olive oil (but no salt or other seasonings). The middle was still cold. We saw our server only a few times when she took our order and dropped off our food. Someone else dropped off the oysters, and dropped the oyster fork on the floor. She picked it up, apologized, and promised to return but we never saw her again so had to eat the oysters with the forks we had used for the caesar salad (not the best combination). The oysters weren't great to begin with, so it probably didn't make much difference. I'm disappointed in the Shanty, and disappointed at how much we spent on such a mediocre meal. I won't return.

    I spent the day in Cape Charles with my family and wanted to find a place that offered some local…read morefare. While walking along Mason Avenue, I made reservations at The Shanty, and it turned out to be a great choice. The restaurant is just a short stroll from the main shopping area, down by the docks. You can park for free along Mason Avenue or drive directly to The Shanty, which has its own parking lot. One of the highlights was enjoying fresh seafood on the open-air porch with beautiful waterfront views. The atmosphere was relaxed, charming, and perfectly summery. They also had plenty of options for the kids, including mac and cheese and chicken fingers, so everyone was happy. I ordered the fish tacos, while my mom enjoyed the seafood chowder and a wedge salad. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we were hoping for after a day exploring Cape Charles. If you're visiting the area and looking for a casual waterfront meal with great seafood, a family-friendly menu, and a fun coastal vibe, The Shanty is definitely worth a visit.

    Photos
    The Shanty
    Soft shell crab BLT
    Soft shell crab BLT
    Cheers! An IPA from Williamsburg and a French 75 with gin!

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    Cheers! An IPA from Williamsburg and a French 75 with gin!
    Cape Charles Brewing Company

    Cape Charles Brewing Company

    4.3
    (235 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    If you're spending a day on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Cape Charles Brewing Company is absolutely…read moreworth a stop. We popped in for a casual beer break, and it quickly turned into one of the highlights of the day. The space itself is gorgeous! It's open, airy and designed with a laid-back coastal vibe that fits Cape Charles perfectly. You order both beer and food inside at the counter, which keeps things easy and low- key. I went with the Pilsner, and it was exactly what I wanted, perfect after a day out exploring. Their beer list has something for everyone, whether you're into lighter options or something with a bit more depth. We didn't order food this time, but everything coming out of the kitchen looked incredible. They've got plenty of options like burgers, nachos, and other brewery favorites that definitely seemed worth trying next time. What really stood out was the atmosphere. There was so much going on in the best way. They had a dog adoption event happening outside while we were there, which added such a fun, community-driven vibe. They also host live music and other events regularly, so it feels like there's always something to check out. The outdoor space is huge and perfect if you're with a group or bringing kids. There's a fire pit, games like cornhole, and plenty of room to spread out and hang for a while. Definitely the kind of place you plan to stop at for one drink and end up staying much longer. I will be adding this to my must visit list anytime I'm on the Eastern Shore.

    Every town needs a little brewery to relax and blow off some steam and all too often those…read morebreweries fall below the standard of what you might want. Coming from Northern Virginia, my standard for breweries is high and Cape Charles Brewing more than meets (surpasses) that standard. Their beer is absolutely wonderful and their selection of food is delicious and perfect for beer-drinking fun. They have a nice little outdoor seating area and some picnic benches with some games/activities for the kids. How can you want more??

    Photos
    Seriously good Belgian!
    Seriously good Belgian!
    Crab Cake Sandwich with Beer Battered Fries
    Crab Cake Sandwich with Beer Battered Fries
    The Belgian was my fave, my husband really liked the bourbon barrel stout!

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    The Belgian was my fave, my husband really liked the bourbon barrel stout!
    AJs Bar and Grill

    AJs Bar and Grill

    4.6
    (49 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Ventured into this place about 9:15 PM on a Thursday only because they are the only option that…read morestill serves food this late in Cape Charles on a Thursday... man, I am glad I did! The bartender was very friendly and the food was fantastic... definitely not what you expect walking into a pub. Most notably, a special they were offering, which I know is seasonal, softshell crab bites-- OMG, absolutely amazing, and in my opinion, far more tasty than my typical softshell crab sandwich, which can sometimes be a little bit too crabby with every bite. Also had another special; blackened shrimp tacos with a side house salad. Also amazing. Definitely looking forward to coming back!

    Another fantastic meal at AJ's! When we camp (which is most weekends), we always reserve one night…read moreto go check out local restaurants. Our favorite park is Kipptopeake State Park on the Eastern Shore of VA. We go there 5-6 times a year and have tried a couple of places in Cape Charles (an amazingly beautiful town with some fantastic places to eat). And then we found AJ's 2 years ago. WOW! I keep thinking we should maybe try the others on our list, but AJ's keeps drawing us back. Don't let the "bar and grill" name fool you. Yes, the bar is amazing! Great drinks, every time. I have tried several cocktails, but that Marshmudtini has become my "go to." But when one hears "bar & grill," it's natural to think the usual bar food. That's where AJ's stands out! This is NOT your typical bar food friends. There is a big time chef standing back there in the kitchen! For example, I give you our experience last Saturday night. We were greeted like family at the door. This has happened every single time we have been there (even though I am sure they don't know us - they treat everyone like local regulars). We were seated fast and greeted by our server. We ordered the Everything Pretzel Braid, because it is so yummy! They have specials all the time (the servers are always well versed - I mention this because the app special was the pretzel with crab meat last weekend). Hubby ordered the sirloin, rare as is norm) I ordered the wedge salad and French onion soup. This time I got the wedge "AJ Style" for the first time (candied bacon and pickled red onions). As usual, our meals were amazing! Here's why - that "AJ Style" wedge was outstanding! It was their usual fresh wedge with fantastic dressing, lots of blue cheese, etc. But those pickled onions and candied bacon pushed it over the top! And the French onion soup - let me tell you about that! I love French onion soup, but I am hesitant to order it in a restaurant. So many places serve it overly salty probably because it sits there all night overly reducing, (and as a salt fanatic, for me to say that is saying something), so I rarely order it anymore and just make it at home. But this??! AJ's FOS was amazing. Not salty at all, in fact it had such a deep beefy flavor! Just unreal!!! Hubby's steak was cooked perfectly (which so many restaurants struggle with when it is ordered rare). But the star of the night for me? His green bean side. These were not cut green beans from a can. No, these were whole FRESH green beans. And they were seasoned SO well! I don't know honestly with what, because I was eating them off his plate pretty fast (as he watched football on one of the many well placed TVs around the restaurant- haha). Imagine! Well seasoned fresh green beans at a "bar & grill!" That's all you need to know. PS - roll those through that melted steak butter they use on the sirloin. You're welcome! So yes, friendly atmosphere, great knowledgeable servers, spot on bartenders and AMAZING food will keep us coming back here again and again.

    Photos
    Sink in restroom
    Sink in restroom
    Inside.
    Inside.
    AJs Bar and Grill

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    Park Lane Tavern

    Park Lane Tavern

    3.9
    (790 reviews)
    25.6 mi
    $$

    Excellent food! This restaurant has a great atmosphere and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating…read more It is very loud, so conversation is hard. We had several servers which was nice because we didn't have to ask for anything. Took a little longer to get food than normal but it was crowded. Definitely one of my top 10 for a burger or grilled chicken sandwich.

    Over the weekend, Sophia and I dined here to continue celebrating my birthday for the month. Park…read moreLane Tavern has been one spot that we've been to over and over. Whether it's with friends or just the two of us, we've never been disappointed. Let's see how this visit went. We were immediately seated once we walked inside. It wasn't completely packed for a Saturday afternoon but staff was really busy with customers. The vibe was one that made us comfortable for the most part. After a few minutes of looking over the menu, we were ready to order. My selection was the Tavern Monte Cristo which consisted of chargrilled chicken and ham as the protein with Gouda cheese and cider aioli fried in a tempura batter with tavern fries. The meal was served hot and ready and tasted great. And having the cranberry coulis as a dipping sauce really added some taste. My only gripe with the sandwich was the amount of protein. I'm not sure if I ate most of it when we dined in, but when I ate the rest for dinner, it was more breading than anything else. Still good but they could've included more. Nonetheless, I was full. Good stuff as always from Park Lane Tavern :)

    Photos
    The cool bar seating!
    The cool bar seating!
    Spinach artichoke dip
    Spinach artichoke dip
    Breakfast shot and Bloody Mary

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    Breakfast shot and Bloody Mary

    The Elephant & Octopus - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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