Lake Elmo Inn

We have never been disappointed with the food, always excellent. I like their salads for lunch and prawns for dinner. The specials are always good, especially the halibut, best I have ever had. The buffet on Mother's Day at the Event Center was wonderful, great selection and did not feel hurried. Pros: Food Cons: parking, miss the pecan walleye more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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! more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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 more

Mike the bar server treated us like family. I am not a big wine drinker and really wanted a glass with my dinner and Mike let me taste several wines before I found the one that suited by taste buds. The chocolate covered strawberries with warm wash cloth after dinner is a treat! The food was good too. If you want to be treated right, go to this place. Outstanding! I will be back. Pros: Service, Food Cons: Long Drive more

We wanted to treat out-of-state guests to a special dinner and were very disappointed at The Inn. The guests are former Minnesotans who returned for favorites that are no longer on the menu - walleye encrusted with potato slices, potatoes Anna, and the wild rice pasta with duck. We were underwhelmed with our choices including bbq ribs that should NOT remain on the menu. Anticipated tradition drew us back, but lack of it has turned us away. Pros: unhurried Cons: menu changes more

This is a fantastic all-you-can-eat brunch buffet! Sweet stuff, savory stuff, and endless variety! I loved the eggs benedict and salmon and all the desserts. The champagne was a nice touch, too. Pros: Plenty of Parking Cons: Expensive more

sweet surprises at the lake elmo inn. not only will you have the best food, best atmosphere but you will be privey to some sweet surprises that are included with each meal. if you have been here before, you know what i am talking about, if not, you will be happily surprised when you dine here. more