Elephant Grind Coffee — Restaurant in Richmond Hill

Really busy breakfast/brunch spot in the Leslie / Hwy 7 area. It's in a little plaza just north of World Bowl. Be prepared to wait for a table. The food was pretty good, I especially liked the truffle sauce on one of the eggs benedict dishes. They'll let you have some more salad instead of toast or potatoes which is nice if you want a lighter breakfast.

The one large downside of my experience there was trying to put my name down on the wait list. When I arrived, there were two other groups ahead of me. As I saw other people approaching the door, I quickly flagged down one of the staff. He confirmed my name and that I wanted a table for four. As others started lining up behind me, they asked if they should put their name down. I told them I did and that it might be a good idea. Then the guy who took my name, came back and started asking everybody for their names. I said I had already given it to him and that I should be behind the second group. He grunted non-committally and then turned around and asked the later groups if they were specifically ahead of me! Why would he do that? What would he do if they said yes? Just give them my spot in line? I interjected and pointed out to him that I was in fact here before all the later groups. He said okay and hurried off. While we waited, the two groups ahead of me were seated. Eventually a second staff member came around to check in on everybody and showed me his list. I had been bumped down behind a group I got there ahead of! I told him that was wrong, and the group I was bumped behind even came up to confirm my story that I was there first. That first guy must have gone out of his way to knock me down on the list! Why? What possible reason could he have to basically go out of his way to give my spot away?? Did he think I was just lying, even though all the other groups said the same thing?? Thank goodness the group behind me were good people and confirmed the correct order.

Would have been 5 stars but that was an incredibly frustrating experience. And it was too deliberate for me to believe that it was an...

During my recent visit to Richmond Hill, I discovered Elephant Grind, a quiant brunch spot amidst a growing number of brunch spots in the area. Despite its small and cozy ambiance, the no-reservation policy meant joining a waitlist and enduring an hour-long wait (at 11 am). I noticed many people joining the waitlist then immediately leaving after being notified it would be an hours-plus, a common deterrent. The decision to limit seating, even when space allows for additional tables, particularly affects couples due to the lack permanent larger table options. For example, if there is a table of 6 and a table of 2, they won't have dedicated larger tables but instead multiple 2-seaters. This may be frustrating for couples.

The menu, while extensive, sticks to brunch classics including pancakes, sandwiches, and a variety of egg benedict dishes, with an attempt at fusion with items like the Korean bulgogi benedict. Our choices, the Bulgogi and chicken and waffles, were served in average portions, with a small side salad and 1/4 cup of home fries. The chicken and waffles: Three large pieces of chicken, semi-crispy skin, and a sad, flat, and sad-looking waffle. I expected something thick, instead, I got a thin Eggo; which was disappointing.

Service at Elephant Grind stood out positively, with attentive staff and overall pleasant experience through small but significant gestures like constant water refills. The enthusiastic service, particularly from one staff member (guy with tattoos), added to the overall experience. In conclusion, Elephant Grind offers a mixed experience with its cozy yet constrained space, conventional menu with occasional fusion experiments, and commendable service. Be prepared for a wait and set your expectations for the food...

Elephant Grind Coffee in Richmond Hill is a cozy spot with great vibes and a welcoming atmosphere, thanks to its charming decor. It’s not a very large space, so seating can be a bit tricky, especially on weekends. We learned that the hard way on Saturday and left without eating, but luckily we managed to get a table on a busy Wednesday afternoon.

The staff was friendly and polite, with a genuine smile that made us feel at ease. The service started off well, though there was a small slip-up where they didn’t check in on us after the food was served. They only approached us again when we asked for the bill. It wasn’t too busy, so that was a bit of a letdown.

Now, onto the food! The Elephant Melt Sandwich was a standout. The pulled pork was juicy and flavorful, and the soft bun complemented it perfectly. The home fries were a great side, holding their crispiness even when cold – a nice touch! The Ricotta Pancakes were incredibly fluffy and tasty, though it’s worth noting the ricotta is mixed into the batter, rather than served separately. A slight twist, but still delicious.

The Chicken and Waffles were good, but a little on the dry side. They also cooled down quickly, so I’d recommend adding a bit of hot honey or syrup to keep them warm and flavorful.

As for the drinks, the Cappuccino, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Nutella Latte were visually stunning with beautiful latte art, and they tasted great. However, the drinks were served lukewarm at best. This took away from the experience, as they didn’t stay hot long enough to fully enjoy them, affecting the overall taste.

All in all, this was a very good brunch experience with a few small improvements needed. I’d definitely return and try more from their menu...