Elks Lodge is a association or organization in Chillicothe, OH. Open: Mon–Tue 4:00 – 9:00 PM; Wed–Sat 4:00 – 10:00 PM; Sun Closed. Phone: (740) 773-2310. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 26 reviews.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemChillicothe, OH Elks Lodge #52
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Exterior view of the Elks Lodge building on a street corner.
4.7 26 reviews Today 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Brotherhood, Cold Drinks, and Chillicothe Community

Chillicothe's landmark lodge on West 2nd Street, where skilled bartenders, a stunning ballroom, and three floors of good times await.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

A performance stage at an event with colorful lights. — Elks Lodge
A performance stage at an event with colorful lights.

The Chillicothe Elks Lodge at 42 W 2nd St has been a cornerstone of Ross County civic life for generations. Walk through the door and you immediately sense it: this is a place where people know each other, where the bartenders remember your order, and where the pour is always honest. Reviewers consistently single out the bar staff for being genuinely kind, keeping up with a packed house without missing a beat.

The building itself gives you three distinct atmospheres under one roof. The main level sets the social tone. Head upstairs and you find the second-floor bar, famously cool and stocked with drinks that go well beyond the basics. Downstairs, the basement transforms into a full-on party venue that has hosted some of Ross County's most memorable nights, including Palefest, the beloved annual celebration that draws crowds back year after year.

The ballroom on the upper level is genuinely beautiful, the kind of space that makes weddings, banquets, and community dinners feel like occasions worth dressing up for. With a 4.7-star rating across 26 reviews, the Lodge earns that score the old-fashioned way: good people, well-made drinks, and a building that has real character.

What We Offer

The Lodge operates as a full social hub, not just a membership hall. The bar program is the heartbeat of the place, with bartenders who craft cocktails with care and keep things moving even when the room is shoulder to shoulder. Beer, spirits, and mixed drinks are all on offer, and the staff brings the kind of attentiveness that makes a single drink feel like a genuine welcome.

For private events, the ballroom seats large groups in style, with the high ceilings and classic architecture that rental halls rarely replicate. The basement party area handles louder, livelier gatherings, making it the go-to for fundraisers, milestone birthdays, and community festivals. The Lodge also hosts recurring public events like Palefest 2023 and other annual gatherings that bring Chillicothe residents together around shared interests.

Membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks opens additional benefits: access to Elks national programs, charitable initiatives, and a network of lodges across the country. Whether you are a longtime member or a first-time guest at a public event, the Lodge's three floors offer something worth coming back for.

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

“The ladies at the bar were so kind and made some delightful drinks for me while serving others left and right. Hard workers wonderful people.”

— A Kelso

What Our Guests Say

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

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"The ladies at the bar were so kind and made some delightful drinks for me while serving others left and right. Hard workers wonderful people."
— A Kelso
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"Came here for Palefest 2023,had the best time ever can't wait to come back next year."
— Amanda Champion
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 years ago
"Beautiful ballroom, second floor bar is cold with even better drinks and the basement is a great party area."
— Suellen Schobelock
⭐⭐
4 years ago
"Need to consider mobility challenges...no ramp makes things difficult...everything inside was beautiful!!"
— Sue Overturf
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 years ago
"Nice big building. Pleasant people. Fantastic occasion!!"
— Nancy McMahon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an Elks member to visit the Lodge?

Many Lodge events and bar nights are open to guests accompanied by members, and public events like Palefest welcome the broader community. For regular bar access, check with the Lodge directly, as guest policies can vary by night and event.

What is Palefest and when does it happen?

Palefest is an annual celebration held at the Lodge that draws a lively crowd each year. Past attendees have called it one of the best times they've had in Chillicothe. Dates are typically announced seasonally, so follow the Lodge's local listings for the next edition.

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

Yes. The Lodge offers its beautiful ballroom for weddings, banquets, and formal gatherings, as well as the basement party area for more casual or high-energy events. Contact the Lodge directly to check availability and discuss pricing.

What is the second-floor bar like?

Reviewers describe it as notably cool in temperature and well-stocked with drinks that go beyond the standard bar menu. It offers a slightly different atmosphere from the main level, making it a favorite spot for those who want a quieter perch with a great drink.

How do I become an Elks Lodge member?

Membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks requires a sponsorship from an existing member and a brief application process. Stop by the Lodge or reach out to a current member to get started. Membership connects you to local programs and lodges across the country.

Where exactly is the Chillicothe Elks Lodge located?

The Lodge sits at 42 W 2nd St in downtown Chillicothe, Ohio 45601, making it easily accessible from the surrounding Ross County area.

What kinds of drinks does the bar serve?

The bar serves a full range of beer, spirits, and mixed cocktails. The staff is known for crafting 'delightful drinks' according to reviewers, and they handle busy crowds without sacrificing quality or friendliness.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 9:00 PM
Monday Today 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday 4:00 – 10:00 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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