Elks Lodge is a association or organization in Cairo, IL. Phone: (618) 734-0651. Average rating is 4.6 stars from 20 reviews.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemCairo, IL Elks Lodge #651
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Elks Lodge — 231 16th St, Cairo, IL 62914, USA
4.6 20 reviews

Cairo's Gathering Place Since the Antlers Arrived

Affordable meals, heartfelt hospitality, and a community that shows up when it matters most in Cairo, IL.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

At 231 16th Street, the Cairo Elks Lodge has built a reputation on two things that are harder to fake than people think: good food at honest prices and a membership that genuinely cares. Ask anyone who's eaten here, and they'll tell you the same thing. You get a real plate of food for what feels like not enough money, served by people who actually mean it when they ask how you're doing.

The Lodge is the kind of place that steps up during the moments that count. Families who have gathered here after a visitation know what it feels like to walk into a room and be taken care of, every table set, every guest greeted, the whole evening handled with a quiet kindness that no catering hall can manufacture. That reputation travels fast in a town the size of Cairo.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has been woven into American civic life for over 150 years, and the Cairo chapter carries that tradition forward on the southern tip of Illinois where the Ohio meets the Mississippi. Members volunteer, raise funds for local causes, and keep the doors open for the community events that hold a small city together.

What We Offer

The Lodge hosts private dinners and family gatherings for members and their guests, making it a go-to venue for post-funeral receptions, milestone celebrations, and community fundraisers. The kitchen turns out home-style meals at prices that would embarrass most restaurants in the region, and the staff has the kind of flexibility that comes from genuinely wanting the event to go well rather than just wanting it to end.

Beyond the dining room, the Lodge offers membership benefits through the national Elks organization, including scholarship programs, veterans services, and youth initiatives. Regular lodge nights, social events, and seasonal dinners give members a consistent reason to come through the door. If you are looking for a private venue in Alexander County that won't drain a grieving family's budget or turn a celebration into a logistics headache, the Cairo Elks Lodge is a practical and warm answer.

What Our Guests Say

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

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Once a month they have a Sunday breakfast. Its standard fare. Pancakes, french toast, biscuits n gravy, sausage, bacon and scrambled eggs. Coffee and juice. Great place to take the family."
— Kynthia Rosgeal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Great time! Great atmosphere! Great people!"
— Randy Mcmahan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Clean , good food, nice folks,"
— Steve Smith
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 months ago
"It was good food for very cheap"
— Luis Albores
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 years ago
"They hosted a dinner for our family after our father's visitation. Everyone was extremely friendly and accomodating."
— Jenifer Carter

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-members rent the Lodge for a private event like a reception or family dinner?

The Lodge regularly hosts events for families of members and the broader community, including post-visitation receptions. Contact the Lodge directly at 231 16th St in Cairo to ask about availability and any guest policies for your specific event.

How much does it typically cost to host a dinner at the Cairo Elks Lodge?

Reviewers consistently describe the food as very affordable, often surprisingly so. Pricing for private events varies depending on the size of the group and the menu, so it's best to call the Lodge directly to get a quote for your gathering.

What kinds of events does the Lodge host?

The Lodge hosts member social nights, community fundraisers, private family dinners, post-funeral receptions, and seasonal events. It is set up to handle both intimate gatherings and larger group meals.

How do I become a member of the Cairo Elks Lodge?

Membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks requires that you be a U.S. citizen who believes in God. You can inquire about joining by visiting the Lodge at 231 16th St in Cairo or reaching out during a scheduled lodge night.

What member benefits does the national Elks organization offer?

National Elks membership includes access to scholarship programs, veterans assistance initiatives, youth programs, and a network of lodges across the country. Local lodges also organize their own community fundraisers and social events.

Is the Cairo Elks Lodge affiliated with a veterans organization?

The Elks have a long-standing commitment to supporting U.S. veterans through the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. While the Cairo Lodge is a fraternal organization rather than a veterans-specific group, veterans service is a core part of the Elks mission nationally.

Where exactly is the Lodge located in Cairo, IL?

The Lodge is at 231 16th Street in Cairo, Illinois 62914, in the southern tip of the state near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. It is a standalone location, so double-check the address before arriving, as nearby parking lots can cause confusion.

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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