Elks Lodge Mendota is a bowling alley in Mendota, IL. Phone: (815) 538-3557. Average rating is 4.4 stars from 44 reviews. Website: https://www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=1212.
Elks Lodge Mendota
Call Now Directions
Review
A parade scene with participants in yellow shirts. — Elks Lodge Mendota
4.4 44 reviews

Mendota's Lodge Where Community Truly Clicks

Bowling, a legendary bar, and year-round events that put Mendota, IL together.

About Us

Bowling alley interior with lanes and electronic scoreboards. — Elks Lodge Mendota
Bowling alley interior with lanes and electronic scoreboards.

At Elks Lodge 1212 on Indiana Avenue, the handshake is still the first thing you notice. Members here are genuinely glad you showed up, whether you're a card-carrying Elk or a first-timer who wandered in during Sweet Corn Festival and heard the karaoke spilling out the door. That 4.4-star reputation wasn't built on a marketing campaign. It was built by bartenders who remember your order and neighbors who show up for each other.

The lodge has been a fixture in Mendota, Illinois long enough that some members brought their parents here, and now they're bringing their kids. The bar is the real hub, spacious enough to breathe, staffed well enough that you're never waiting long, and lively enough on event nights that you'll lose track of time. Community fundraisers, seasonal celebrations, and civic programs run through this building on a regular basis, making it one of the most active fraternal halls in LaSalle County.

If you've driven past and never walked in, that's the one thing worth fixing. The people inside make it easy.

What We Offer

Elks Lodge 1212 runs a full-service bar that members and guests consistently call one of the best in town. The pours are honest, the prices are fair, and the bartenders keep things moving even on a packed Friday night. It's the kind of bar where conversation actually happens.

Beyond the bar, the lodge operates bowling lanes and a sports complex that give members a reason to come back mid-week, not just on event nights. The event calendar is where the lodge really earns its reputation. Karaoke nights, seasonal festivals, and community fundraisers fill the schedule throughout the year, drawing both longtime members and curious newcomers. Private event rentals are available for groups looking for a hall with character and a crowd that already knows how to have a good time.

Membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks also connects you to national programs focused on veterans support, youth scholarships, and community service, giving your dues a reach well beyond the building at 707 Indiana Ave.

Gallery

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

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"Very friendly members, awesome community events."
— Brian Jenkins
⭐⭐⭐
5 years ago
"Really needs a website and some organization. Bar is great, service is great, people are nice and friendly. However, if you want to plan an evening out with the Elk’s as part of it, what do you do? Plan dinner, games, drinks? You will find it hard to plan in advance. There is a great restaurant downstairs, but no one to run it? Video slots do not a bar make. A decade ago it was a different more interactive place. Hard to make it a part of life for a professional working couple.10-25-19 update: Had a couple of sandwiches and they were awful - dry, overcooked and miserable. The fries were terrible. The bartender was nice enough, though a bit mouthy. 1-31-21 update: Surprise! We hit a good night. The "Supper Bloody Mary" was excellent. The Italian beef was superb. The fries were very good. The service was so-so. I guess we will keep going back and rolling the dice!"
— Rich McGee
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"Fun, great size bar and great bartenders. It was Sweet Corn Festival, so there was karaoke and the singers were really good!"
— Craig Furlong
8 years ago
"Management (Rick) was the rudest person ever! The place was nice I'll give it that. What was suppose to be a nice party got rushed to get everything done. All because they don't inform people everything first hand when it comes to renting the place!"
— MariLuz G
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"Beautiful place, I wasn't visiting the top floor, I was in the basement which is a dining room and there was a quinceañera's party, so clean and neat!"
— Maria Ortiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an Elks member to visit the bar or attend events?

Guests are welcome at many events and can visit with a member. To use the facilities regularly and access all member benefits, you would need to apply for membership. Reach out to the lodge directly or visit elks.org to learn about joining Lodge 1212.

Where is Elks Lodge 1212 located?

The lodge is at 707 Indiana Ave, Mendota, IL 61342. It's a well-known landmark in town and easy to find.

What kind of events does the lodge host?

The lodge hosts karaoke nights, seasonal community events like Sweet Corn Festival gatherings, fundraisers, and civic programs throughout the year. The calendar stays active, so it's worth checking in with the lodge for upcoming dates.

Does the lodge have bowling?

Yes. Elks Lodge 1212 includes bowling lanes and is classified as a sports complex, giving members recreational options beyond the bar and event hall.

Can I rent the lodge for a private event?

The lodge has space suitable for private gatherings and events. Contact the lodge directly to ask about availability, capacity, and any requirements for non-member rentals.

How do I become a member of Elks Lodge 1212?

You can start the membership process at elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=1212 or by visiting the lodge and speaking with a current member. Membership is open to U.S. citizens who believe in God and are at least 21 years old.

What are the lodge's hours?

Hours can vary based on events and season. The best approach is to contact the lodge directly or check their official Elks.org page for current hours before making a trip.

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Save to Contacts

Report an issue

See something off? Tell us. We’ll fix it and improve the listing for everyone. No account required.