Element Gastropub Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about hours, parking, our plant-based menu, allergy-friendly options, reservations, catering, and private events.
What is the best vegan restaurant in downtown Raleigh?
Element Gastropub is a 100% plant-based restaurant in downtown Raleigh, located at 421 Fayetteville St in City Plaza. We've been serving Raleigh since 2019 with a full menu of 100% vegan comfort food, craft cocktails, and a 20-tap wall of local craft beer.
Where can I get vegan wings near Red Hat Amphitheater?
Element Gastropub is just a 5-minute walk from Red Hat Amphitheater! Our famous plant-based Buffalo Wings are crispy, saucy, and perfect before or after a show. Located at 421 Fayetteville St, Element stays open late on concert nights. Grab dinner, drinks, and our award-winning wings steps from the venue.
Is Element Gastropub open on Sundays?
Yes! Element Gastropub is open every Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Our popular Sunday brunch runs from 11am to 3pm, featuring favorites like Chik'n & Waffles, French Toast, and mimosas. Our full dinner menu is available from 3pm until close at 9pm.
What time does Element Gastropub close?
Element Gastropub closes at 9pm Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and at 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Monday through Friday we open at 11am. On Saturday we open at 8am for breakfast. Sunday we open at 11am for brunch. On Red Hat Amphitheater concert nights, we often stay open later to serve the post-show crowd.
Does Element have vegan breakfast?
Yes! Element Gastropub serves a full vegan breakfast on Saturdays from 8am to 11am. Our breakfast menu features plant-based classics like tofu scrambles, bagels, avocado toast, Chik'n & Waffles, and fresh-made juices. Everything is 100% plant-based, so you can start your Saturday guilt-free at downtown Raleigh's favorite plant-based spot.
Can I get vegan pizza at Element?
Element Gastropub doesn't serve traditional pizza, but we have amazing shareables that satisfy that craving! Try our BBQ Nachos, Loaded Fries, or our famous Wings. All made 100% plant-based with house-made cheeses and sauces.
Is Element walking distance from the Raleigh Convention Center?
Yes! Element Gastropub is just a 3-minute walk from the Raleigh Convention Center. Located at 421 Fayetteville St in City Plaza, we're the perfect dining spot for convention attendees. Our 100% plant-based menu, full bar, and 20-tap craft beer wall make us ideal for team dinners, client meetings, or a quick lunch between sessions.
Is Element safe for dairy allergies?
Absolutely! Element Gastropub is 100% dairy-free. We never use milk, cheese, butter, cream, or any dairy products in our kitchen. All of our "cheez" sauces, sour cream, butter, and ranch are made entirely from plants. If you have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, you can order anything on our menu with complete confidence.
Does Element use any animal products?
No, Element Gastropub is completely animal-free! We don't use any animal products or by-products, including honey, eggs, dairy, or meat. Even our bread is specially sourced to avoid l-cysteine (an amino acid sometimes derived from animal sources). Every single item on our menu is 100% plant-based—no exceptions.
Where can I park near Element Gastropub?
There are several convenient parking options near Element Gastropub at 421 Fayetteville St. Street parking is available along Fayetteville Street and nearby blocks. The City Plaza parking deck is directly adjacent to us, and the Wilmington Street deck is just a 2-minute walk away. Many guests also use Uber, Lyft, or the free R-Line bus.
What are the most popular dishes at Element Gastropub?
Element's most popular dishes include our famous Buffalo Wings (crispy plant-based wings in your choice of sauce), BBQ Nachos with house-made cheez, the Smash Burger with our signature patty, and the Nashville Hot Chik'n Sandwich. For brunch, Chik'n & Waffles with bourbon maple syrup is a crowd favorite. From our Chef's Table, the Marry Me Butter Beans have a devoted following!
What does "plant-based" mean? Is Element 100% vegan?
Heck yes! Element is 100% plant-based and animal-free. We do not cook with any animal products or by-products, including honey. We also require that our bread providers do not use l-cysteine in any of our rolls! Our food is derived entirely from plants—no exceptions.
Is Element 100% plant-based?
Yes. Every item on the menu is plant-based.
Which menu items are suitable for someone with a dairy intolerance?
Everything! Nothing on our menu contains dairy. We don't cook with any dairy products or serve beers that contain dairy. Our mylk, sour cream, butter, cheez, ranch, etc. are all plant-based. You can order anything on our menu with confidence.
I have an egg or shellfish allergy, can I eat at Element?
Absolutely! Since all our food is 100% vegan, we do NOT cook with eggs or shellfish or have them in our kitchen at all. (Disclaimer: A few of our food products may be shipped from companies that also package or store non-vegan items, but none of our food has any known contact with eggs, shellfish, meat, or dairy.)
Do you use nuts in your kitchen?
Yes we do. Essentially all of our items are processed in or on equipment that could come into contact with nuts. Almonds are used in our dredge, fried chicken, nacho cheese sauce, and brunch items (biscuits, waffles). Cashews are used in our sour cream, ranch, and bleu cheese sauce.
Do you have certified gluten-free or soy-free menu items?
We cannot certify anything as 100% gluten-free or soy-free since all items are processed in the same kitchen with shared equipment and fryers. However, many items can be made gluten-friendly—look for the grain symbol (Ⓖ) on our menu. Items like BBQ Nachos, Kale Caesar, Buffalo Soldier, and burgers with GF buns are popular gluten-friendly options.
What gluten-friendly options can someone with gluten sensitivity order?
Any menu item marked with a grain symbol (Ⓖ) can be made or substituted gluten-free. This includes BBQ Nachos, Kale Caesar, Buffalo Soldier, Elemental Salad, and burgers with gluten-free buns. Fried chicken sandwiches can be made grilled instead of fried on GF bread. Just ask your server!
Where is Element located in downtown Raleigh?
We're located at 421 Fayetteville St in the heart of downtown Raleigh, right in City Plaza. We're an easy walk from Red Hat Amphitheater, the Raleigh Convention Center, Moore Square, and most downtown hotels. Street parking and nearby parking decks are available.
Is there parking near Element in downtown Raleigh?
Yes! There's metered street parking along Fayetteville Street and nearby blocks. The City Plaza parking deck and Wilmington Street parking deck are both within a 2-minute walk. Many guests also use Uber, Lyft, or the free R-Line bus that stops nearby.
Can I walk to Element from Red Hat Amphitheater?
Absolutely! Element is just a 5-minute walk from Red Hat Amphitheater, making us the perfect spot for pre-show dinner or post-concert drinks. We stay open late on event nights to serve the Red Hat crowd.
What are Element's hours of operation?
We're open Monday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm, and Sunday 11am-9pm. Breakfast is served Saturday only, 8am-11am. Sunday brunch is served from 11am-3pm. Our full lunch and dinner menu is available Mon-Fri 11am-close, Sat 11am-close, and Sundays 3pm-close.
Does Element take reservations?
Yes! We recommend making reservations, especially for weekend dinners and Sunday brunch. You can book online through our website or by calling (919) 703-6538. Walk-ins are always welcome based on availability.
How long has Element been in downtown Raleigh?
Element has been serving downtown Raleigh since 2019.
Can I host a private event or party at Element?
Absolutely! We love hosting private events including birthday parties, corporate gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and celebrations. We can accommodate groups of 20-100+ guests with custom menus designed by Chef Lelia Kidd. Contact us at yo@elementgastropub.com or call (919) 703-6538 to start planning.
Does Element offer catering services in Raleigh?
Element offers 100% plant-based office boxes, shareable lunches and custom event catering by consultation. Submit a request at /catering with your date, guest count and location so the team can confirm kitchen availability, delivery and final pricing. Allergies and dietary substitutions need advance discussion; cross-contact is possible.
Is Element good for large groups and team dinners?
Yes! We regularly host groups of 10-50+ for team dinners, birthday parties, and celebrations. Our shareable menu items like BBQ Nachos, Wings, and family-style platters are perfect for groups. For parties of 10+, we recommend calling ahead at (919) 703-6538.
What craft beers are available at Element?
We have a 20-tap wall featuring rotating selections of NC craft beer! We pour from local breweries like Trophy Brewing, Lynnwood Brewing, Carolina Brewery, Crank Arm, and more. Our tap list changes regularly, so there's always something new to try. Ask your server about current selections!
Are all the beers at Element vegan-friendly?
We make every effort to serve only vegan-friendly beers. We carefully select craft beers that don't use animal-derived fining agents like isinglass. If you have concerns about a specific beer, just ask your server and we'll check for you.
Does Element have cocktails and a full bar?
Yes! We have a full bar with creative craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Our bartenders create seasonal specials alongside classic favorites. All of our cocktails are 100% vegan—no honey, dairy, or animal products.
Do you offer non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails?
Yes! We serve a variety of Maine-Root natural sodas, Pink Cactus lemonade, nonalcoholic ginger beer, and sarsaparilla spritzer. Our bartenders can make most cocktails virgin (like the Butterfly Effect!). We also have Lyrix Kombucha on draft—ask about seasonal flavors!
What is Element's most popular dish?
Our Smash Burger and Nashville Hot Chik'n are both customer favorites! For shareables, the Loaded Fries and BBQ Nachos are hugely popular. From the Chef's Table, the Marry Me Butter Beans have a devoted following. Sunday brunch crowds love our Chik'n & Waffles!
Does Element serve brunch?
Yes! Sunday brunch is served every week from 11am-3pm. Our brunch menu features favorites like Elemental Chik'n & Waffles with bourbon maple syrup, French Toast, Henny Cinni Rolls with Hennessy icing, and the Brunch Burger. Craft cocktails and mimosas are available!
Is Element family-friendly and kid-friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome families and have options that kids love, including our Smash Burger, Loaded Fries, and Wings. Our casual atmosphere works for families while still being perfect for date nights and adult gatherings.
Does Element Gastropub have outdoor seating?
Yes! Element Gastropub has an outdoor patio right on Fayetteville Street, a great spot for people-watching in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The patio is especially popular in nice weather for happy hour drinks, Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch. Outdoor seating is first-come, first-served.
What other attractions are near Element in downtown Raleigh?
Element is centrally located near Red Hat Amphitheater, the NC Museum of History, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh Convention Center, Moore Square, and Fayetteville Street's shops and entertainment. We're the perfect dining destination before or after exploring downtown.