Elks Lodge is a association or organization in Van Wert, OH. Open: Mon–Thu 3:00 – 10:00 PM; Fri–Sat 3:00 – 11:00 PM; Sun Closed. Phone: (419) 238-5580. Average rating is 4.5 stars from 33 reviews. Website: http://www.elks.org/.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemVan Wert, OH Elks Lodge #1197
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Children sitting by a pond near the Elks Lodge.
4.5 33 reviews Today 3:00 – 10:00 PM

Brotherhood, Bingo, and a Bar Worth Visiting

Van Wert's Elks Lodge brings community together through great food, lively events, and genuine fellowship.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

Decorated dining area with tables and festive lighting. — Elks Lodge
Decorated dining area with tables and festive lighting.

On Elks Drive in Van Wert, Ohio, the local chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has built something that goes well beyond a clubhouse. Ask anyone who showed up for a bingo purse night and they'll tell you the same thing: the room fills up fast, the food is genuinely good, and the staff keeps things moving without missing a beat.

The Lodge is deeply woven into Van Wert County life. Members and their guests regularly turn out to support youth scholarships, veterans' programs, and neighbors facing hard times. That community investment is not a marketing line. It shows up in the people you'll meet at the bar on a Friday night and the families you'll see at a fundraiser the following Saturday.

The reception hall is one of the larger event spaces in the area, comfortable enough for a packed bingo crowd and polished enough for a formal banquet. Whether you're a longtime Elk or arriving as a guest of a member, you'll find a place that takes its food and drink as seriously as it takes its charitable mission.

What We Offer

The Lodge runs a full-service restaurant and bar that members and their guests consistently rate as one of the better dining stops in the county. The kitchen turns out solid, satisfying meals, and the bar staff knows how to keep a busy room happy without letting anyone's glass sit empty too long.

Beyond the dining room, the event calendar stays busy year-round. Bingo nights draw enthusiastic crowds, and the reception hall hosts everything from private banquets to community fundraisers. The space seats large groups comfortably and comes with the kind of attentive service that makes event planning straightforward.

Membership in the BPOE opens the door to national programs supporting veterans, children with disabilities, and local scholarship recipients. If you are not yet a member, connect with a current Elk to learn how to get involved and start enjoying everything the Lodge has to offer.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Exciting place to hangout and enjoy fellowship. Convenient and large reception hall for events. Good food and drink options.”

— Shad Foster

What Our Guests Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear it from our members & guests

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"Had a fun filled evening at a bingo purse event. Couldn't have asked for a better turn out. The food was excellent and the waitress kept the bar hoping. If your looking for a quiet place with good food at an affordable price. Join the elks lodge today then. Definitely recommend."
— Brian Glossett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 years ago
"Community involved organization! They are great at supporting youth and others in need. If you are a member or know of some members, you get to enjoy an excellent restaurant and bar service! Good venue to hold receptions and parties."
— Meagan Fokker
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"Exciting place to hangout and enjoy fellowship. Convenient and large reception hall for events. Good food and drink options."
— Shad Foster
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Always a good time when I go there. Lindsay Stemen has great drinks and food when I have visited !"
— Sarah Marquis
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"Great establishment that has alot of space for a wedding reception, etc. Great people that run a great Club."
— Adam Sinning

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to visit the Elks Lodge in Van Wert?

Most Elks Lodge facilities are open to members and their guests. If you are not yet a member, bring a current Elk along or contact the Lodge directly to ask about guest policies and upcoming events open to the public.

How do I become a member of the Van Wert Elks Lodge?

Membership in the BPOE requires a nomination from an existing member. Reach out to the Lodge or visit elks.org to learn about eligibility requirements and the application process.

What kinds of events does the Lodge host?

The Van Wert Lodge hosts bingo nights, purse events, banquets, private receptions, and community fundraisers throughout the year. The large reception hall accommodates everything from casual gatherings to formal seated dinners.

Is the restaurant and bar open regularly, or only during events?

The Lodge maintains regular dining and bar hours for members and guests. Hours can vary, so it is best to call ahead or check with the Lodge directly to confirm current operating times.

Can I rent the reception hall for a private event?

Yes. The reception hall is available for private bookings including banquets, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and organizational meetings. Contact the Lodge to check availability and discuss details.

What charitable programs does the Van Wert Elks Lodge support?

The Elks support a wide range of community programs including youth scholarships, veterans' services, and aid for people with disabilities. Local lodges also organize their own community-specific initiatives throughout the year.

Where is the Van Wert Elks Lodge located?

The Lodge is located at 1197 Elks Drive in Van Wert, Ohio 45891. You can also find additional information at elks.org.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 10:00 PM
Monday Today 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday Closed
The Order · Since 1868

Community. Friendship. Charity.

Every Elks lodge belongs to one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders. Through the Elks National Foundation, the Order has given more than $481 million to college scholarships, veterans, and neighbors in need.

Join the Elks
A Proud Heritage

The Elks gave America
Flag Day.

Long before it was a national observance, the Order set aside June 14th to honor the flag. Patriotism has always been one of our cardinal principles, and every lodge meeting still closes the same way it has for over a century.

“To our absent members.” — the Eleven O’Clock Toast

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Community · Friendship · Charity

Who are the Elks?

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders, founded in 1868. Every lodge is a home for fellowship, service, and patriotism in its own hometown.

$481M+given through the Elks National Foundation for scholarships, veterans, and community programs.

What the Order does

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