Elks Lodge is a point of interest in Watertown, NY. Open: Mon–Thu 2:00 – 9:00 PM; Fri 2:00 – 10:00 PM; Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sun 12:00 – 7:00 PM. Phone: (315) 788-1270. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 97 reviews. Website: http://www.elks496.org/.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemWatertown, NY Elks Lodge #496
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Review
A beautifully set dining area in the Elks Lodge.
4.7 97 reviews Today 2:00 – 9:00 PM

Brotherhood, Steaks, and Watertown's Finest Ballroom

Elks Lodge 496 on Bradley Street serves up community, great food, and spacious event space for Northern New York.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

Exterior view of the Elks Lodge building with signage.
Exterior view of the Elks Lodge building with signage.

Friday night at Elks Lodge 496 means one thing to regulars: steak night. Guests consistently rave that their steaks come out exactly as ordered, cooked to temp by a kitchen staff that clearly takes pride in what they plate. It's the kind of consistency that keeps people coming back week after week, and it shows in the lodge's 4.7-star reputation built across nearly 100 reviews.

Beyond the dining room, the Bradley Street building is a genuine community anchor. The ballroom has hosted wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations, and private gatherings, drawing compliments for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and the impressive array of air conditioning that keeps the room comfortable even during the hottest Jefferson County summers. This isn't a stuffy club frozen in 1955. It's a well-maintained, actively used space that knows how to throw a party.

Membership in Elks Lodge 496 connects you to one of America's oldest fraternal organizations, founded nationally in 1868, with a local chapter that has deep roots in Watertown. The lodge supports veterans, funds scholarships, and gives back to the community in ways that go far beyond a good meal, though the good meal certainly doesn't hurt.

What We Offer

The lodge runs a full-service bar and dining room open to members and their guests, with signature events like the popular steak night drawing crowds who know the kitchen delivers. The menu goes beyond steaks, offering solid, satisfying food that complements a cold drink and good company at the bar.

Planning an event? The ballroom rental is one of Watertown's best-kept secrets for weddings, reunions, retirement parties, and corporate gatherings. The space is genuinely large, professionally maintained, and staffed by people who understand hospitality. Couples have called it an ideal wedding reception venue, praising both the food and the attentive service.

Membership in the lodge itself opens doors to a broader network of fraternal programs, including veteran support initiatives, youth scholarship funds, and community service projects that have defined the Elks mission for over 150 years. Whether you join for the camaraderie or the Friday night ribeye, you'll find both in full supply at 728 Bradley St.

Gallery

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

“Nice venue for a wedding reception. Great food and good staff.”

— Scott Mac

What Our Guests Say

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

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"First time at the Elks Lodge in Watertown NY. Very nice and clean place. It was steak night at the Elks Lodge and they did a very good job. My Steak was cooked just the way I wanted and the staff was nice and friendly. Will stop again."
— Jack Comfort
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Nice venue for a wedding reception. Great food and good staff."
— Scott Mac
⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 years ago
"Bar/building and you can rent out the ballroom for special events. Very spacious and clean, and the multitude of air conditioners keep it cool even on a day in the high 80s like today. Great place to hold weddings and graduations."
— Jerad Buckley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"We happen to stop in on a Monday and we're lucky enough that it was Burger & Beer night! The members & staff were friendly & welcoming. We are from Elks Lodge 81 in Glen Falls, Falls. NY and love visiting other Elk lodges when traveling. Join an Elks your local Elks they are so very helpful to the community."
— Holly Hahne
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 years ago
"Very impressed with this lodge and the good work they do in this community. The bar and dining area are open to members only. I have attended many weddings and community functions and they always do an excellent job."
— Hoodie Foodie

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to visit Elks Lodge 496?

Many events and the bar/dining room are open to members and their guests. Some special events may be open to the public. Contact the lodge directly or visit elks496.org to confirm current guest policies.

When is steak night at the Watertown Elks Lodge?

Steak night is a beloved regular event at Lodge 496. Check elks496.org or call the lodge for the current schedule, as dates and times can vary seasonally.

Can I rent the ballroom for a wedding or private event?

Yes. The ballroom at 728 Bradley St is available for weddings, receptions, reunions, and other private events. It's a spacious, clean venue with strong air conditioning and experienced staff. Reach out through elks496.org to inquire about availability and pricing.

How do I become a member of Elks Lodge 496?

Membership is open to U.S. citizens who believe in God and are at least 21 years old. You can start the process by visiting elks496.org or stopping by the lodge to speak with a member about sponsorship and the application process.

Where exactly is Elks Lodge 496 located?

The lodge is at 728 Bradley Street in Watertown, NY 13601. It's easy to find and has parking available on site.

Does the Elks Lodge support veterans or community programs?

Absolutely. The Elks nationally and locally are deeply committed to veteran support, youth scholarships, and community service. Lodge 496 participates in programs that benefit Jefferson County and the broader Northern New York region.

What is the food like at the lodge?

Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of the steaks and the overall food at Lodge 496. The kitchen staff takes care to cook orders correctly, and the dining experience is described as clean, friendly, and well worth the visit.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 9:00 PM
Monday 2:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 2:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday Today 2:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday 2:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 – 7:00 PM
72° Clear Watertown
Wed 85° 69°
Thu 82° 63°
Fri 76° 53°
Sat 79° 61°
Sun 79° 61°
Mon 82° 61°
Tue 73° 61°
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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