Photo courtesy: Owen Aird.
Consistently good food and atmosphere along with friendly service and menu items offered at a reasonable price—these are what appeal to everybody, no matter one’s age or financial status. “The Elk appeals to anyone and everyone,” says John Grollmus, owner. “Hipsters to grandmothers. Young and old. Professionals from downtown and locals from the neighborhood.”
And whether it’s your first date or 50th anniversary, The Elk Public House will treat you to an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. This is what The Elk, located in the heart of the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, has delivered year after year to guests since opening its doors in 1999.
In addition to the traditional Reuben, thanks to the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” show, which featured the Elk back in 2010, menu favorites among guests include the Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich, Mediterranean Grilled Lamb Sandwich and legendary Roasted Corn Pasta. You can also choose from their creative weekly specials and homemade soups, inventive cocktails and great brews.
From maintaining consistency and low employee turnover to weekly specials and updating the menu twice a year, John credits these to The Elk’s popularity year after year. “The number one factor overall, though, is probably just our constant desire and effort to be the best we can,” he says. “Even 20 years into this we are still watching every little detail to be sure we are creating the best possible environment for our guests.”
At the end of the day, John is proud of his and co-owner Brad Fosseen’s ability to create lifetime fans out of employees and guests alike, not only at The Elk, but at their five other restaurants: Two Seven Public House, El Que and Geno’s Traditional Food and Ales in Spokane, Moon Time in Coeur d’Alene and The Porch Public House in Hayden Lake.
John believes that The Elk they created all those years ago has become an institution. “Can Spokane even exist without The Elk anymore?” he asks. There’s no time like the present to stop in and decide for yourself.
The Elk Public House Spokane’s West Side 1931 W. Pacific Ave. 509.363.1973 WeDontHaveOne.com
