Elephant & Co. Royal Oak — Restaurant in Royal Oak

How an organization reacts to issues says a lot about their ethos. In this case I was bummed it wasn't ideal, however I was more impressed with their handling and other aspects. While our pizza was undercooked, it didn't diminish my opinion and still a revisit is warranted. Its apparent they use high quality ingredients and craftsmanship. At least the perimeter of my pizza was cooked and scrumptious. I showed them the undercooked inner crust and they proactively took action to ensure we were satisfied. Thank you! We were fully compensated...even items not effected, (beer); which leads me to my next thoughts.

They use a novel solution for beverage distribution. After a quick ID check they give you RF wrist band and use it to tap your libation of choice and then you proceed to a DIY pour (prices indicated in oz.). This makes getting drinks way more efficient. While I only sampled one beer, it was a great local craft beer from Detroit's Eastern Market. The selection choice is vast (see pics).

Lastly I wanted to mention the environment has a very cool, relaxed vibe, great sound system, and various board games are available. Our 8 year old son loved that. High ceilings and a dark motif adds to a cozy, yet not cramped feel. It's an elevated lounge atmosphere with an outside patio located a stone's throw from the Royal Oak downtown.

Despite our initial hiccup I plan to...

I had a few issues with my visit here. Some may not bother most. First was that it felt like at least half the taps were IPAs. I'm just personally not a fan. Second was asking for a tip. I am more than happy to tip my bartender for service, but this is self serve. So I did tip like normal because I don't know how the business pays their people, but I was not expecting to be asked. Lastly was scanning my ID on entry. I'm well over the legal drinking age. I'm not mad they asked, but a quick look would have made it clear I'm well above age to be in there. No one asked if it was okay to scan it. I don't want my data stored in your system because I don't know what you plan to do with it. And I didn't cause a fuss with the staff because they don't know either I'm sure and what's done is done. Otherwise staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. But right now I would...

The management here is a terrible place to work for. They do not pay their staff a livable wage the taproom manager gets shared tips from all staff. $16 dollars an hour. Managers make $20 and then get tips from the staff that works there. The kitchen is absolutely disgusting. In the summer months flies get into the open garage doors and are in the kitchen. The flies are around the beer and get killed with zapping boxes. Kitchen staff is over worked and can never have anything fully stocked. Terrible toxic management, revolving door of staff and managers. They made $500,000 in revenue last year and are attempting to sell. But yet they can’t afford to pay their staff? The lines don’t get cleaned regularly and I just found out they got in trouble with the city for dumping beer mash into the sewar system. Shame, shame, shame. Do not support this scam...