Reviews & Ratings for Lake Elmo Inn
14 reviews
What users are saying:
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Great Food and Service!
by Foodie13
May 05, 2009
I have dined at Lake Elmo Inn many times and love going back there as a special treat. I especially like the small touches they add in between courses as well as their amazing desserts. The atmosphere is quiet and perfect for a night out. I would recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to celebrate an occasion or for something a little more unique.
- Pros: Amazing Desserts, Great Service, Friendly Staff
- Cons: None
Enjoyable sunday brunch buffet. by April T. at InsiderPages
Contributor
December 23, 2008
We've been here several times for the brunch buffet. Set in an old inn in tiny lake Elmo, it is a fun, quaint experience. The food is fairly good for a buffet and it is fun to feel like you are stepping back in time. Fun for special occasions and a little on the expensive side, but good.
Never go on a Monday
by mealaday
August 07, 2008
We went out to have a nice dinner so we piked Lake Elmo Inn, we thought we would treat ourselfs to a nice night out to start the week right. Should have went to Applebees and saved a hundred bucks.... The service was slow our server spent more time doing her side work cleaning her section and talking to the other server then taking care of her paying customers. by the time we were done eating they had the tables cloths off the empty tables,place looked like they wanted us out I am supprised they didnt start mopping floors. It was only 7:00 that to me is prime dinner hour, if that is the way it is on a Monday why do they open? Stay closed!!! That was our last trip the last few times have been cold food slow service and no value. We eat out all of the time. I have to tell you things better turn around there or they will no make it the name will only go so far. Talked with other people in my firm that said they have not been there in a long time for all of the same reasons. Far from the dining it was back when the Elmo Inn was good. If that is the way your going to run your place lower the prices change the menu and run it like most chains do. I would rather go to one of the resturants along 36 before I would return.
- Pros: Location
- Cons: save the trip
Save your money and the trip!!!
by Stcroix01
August 02, 2008
The Elmo has lost what it takes!!! The food was cold, steak was like a piece of rubber. I have had better service at Ihop. This was my last trip.
- Pros: The bread
- Cons: everything
Wonderful Prix Fix menu
by thefisherman2
June 23, 2007
We three couples celebrated a 44 and 50 anniversary at the Lake Elmo Inn. Our waitress, Debbie N. was prompt, courteous and very knowledgeble about all the menu options. We settled upon the special "Taste of the St. Croix" fixed menu. We started with a trio of appetizers which included artichoke and spinach dip, bruschetta and provencal olives. Wonderful! Next a trio of filet mignon, filet of pork and filet of salmon. Again exeptional. The trio of desserts included sin of the inn, chocolate dipped strawberry and chocolate creme brule. Each and every item was truly a unique experience. We all left with a feeling that this was a night to remember!
1960s restaurant with downtown Minneapolis prices
by jesusofnazareth
May 26, 2007
My wife and I ate here on a Saturday night (26 May 07), principally because we had a $90 gift certificate. In short, the food was fine, but the experience didn't justify the rather pricey tariff. If two people are going to spend well over $100 (with 4 glasses of ordinary wine and dessert), there are many other places with far greater value. Appetizers were odd (baked brie with a caramel sauce) and unimaginative, among which was the ubiquitous artichoke and cheese dip which we nevertheless got because we're suckers for it - and it was a good version. A spinach-goat cheese salad was fine. My wife had a Kobe steak for $30 (why so inexpensive for Kobe?) which was tasty, and I had a Creole scallop with mango relish special. The scallops were nicely done, but the relish was uninteresting and there was little Creole "zip". A large pile of accompanying vegetables was, as they frequently are, a minor distraction, and the potatoes featured an odd tasting tarragon dressing. A German chocolate cake and a volcano chocolate dessert were quite good. The service was very friendly and efficient. Ambience was "clubby" and low decibel. Overall, this is a very traditional restaurant. Nothing at all adventurous. The menu refers to "a unique dining experience" - but it isn't. Aren't there enough Buffalo wings on local menus? Filets mignon with bearnaise sauce? Chicken Oscar? The restaurant may do all of these very well (we had only one dinner there, to be fair), but it probably appeals more to those who are, let's say, "comfortable" with standard preparations. I should add that we aren't food snobs, but Lake Elmo Inn is a bit of a throwback to an earlier time, but with downtown Minneapolis prices.
- Pros: Nice for those whose tastes are very traditional
- Cons: Same as the "pro" above
Midwestern homestyle cooking and legendary brunch star at this kitschy, yet classy, eatery.
by Contributor
August 08, 2006
In Short
Warm oak woodwork and white-linen tablecloths lend an air of refinement, but thousands of vintage salt-and-pepper shakers in display cases give a "grandma's house" feel to this inn, which has been around since 1881. Minnesotans serious about a smorgasbord come for a Sunday brunch complete with champagne, sticky buns, made-to-order eggs and omelettes and directions to buffet tables groaning with food. For dinners, there's American standards like spinach salads, lobster ravioli and Cajun pork chops.
User review by mstanton
by mstanton
April 18, 2006
Attended Easter brunch--we waited over a half hour despite reservations. Then sat and waited for our waitress--we have had this waitress before and she was terrible the last time. We watched people seated after us being served. Food lines were long--there were no plates and lines extended to restrooms. We sat down three times rather than brave the lines. Salads were out, Eggs Benedict were like rocks, chicken dried out, chef disappeared from carving area causing back-ups. Never received a full glass of champagne--waitress was always conveniently "out" when we asked for refills or poured a 1/4 glass. We were very disappointed and we won't be back.
- Pros: desserts
- Cons: service, food quality
Sunday Brunch
by fedagent
March 14, 2006
Dined at the Lake Elmo Inn on Sunday, March 12th. Please make reservations for the Sunday Brunch. Parking can be a hassle. Have someone else drop you at the door. Arrive early on Sunday, the line to the brunch can get long. Beware large parties are known to take over the room and buffet lines. Be patient!
Overall, caramel rolls very good. The brunch will run you at least $23.00(per person). If you're looking for scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, you won't find it here. Items like Belgium waffles,sausage, eggs benedict, carved ham and roast beef. Also you may find different salads and fruit displays. Don't forget about the dessert. Chocolate eclairs are good. Cookies, mini presliced desserts and bars as well.
- Pros: friendly staff, big booths, great dinner menu
- Cons: Parking, noise level(loud), smoking in bar
very disappointing
by marysews
August 21, 2005
We had been there before and decided to celebrate a birthday there. We wanted a 6:30 reservation but were told the only thing open was 5:30. The place was never full while we were there. We were rushed through every course, the next one arriving before we had finished. The "special" was ghastly expensive and only mediocre, supposedly bison ribeye on caramelized onions (the onions were barely cooked and the meat was not very tender). The desserts were not good. When I am spending this much money for dinner, I expect a great meal, not being rushed through a mediocre one. One high point, the wild rice duck soup was excellent. Not enough to bring me back again however.
- Cons: Very Expensive, Rushed Service
