Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 is a banquet hall in Portland, ME. Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun Closed; Wed 3:00 – 8:00 PM; Fri 3:00 – 11:00 PM. Phone: (207) 773-7396. Average rating is 4.3 stars from 139 reviews. Website: https://portlandelks188.org/.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemPortland, ME Elks Lodge #188
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Interior view of the bar area at Elks Lodge #188. — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188
4.3 139 reviews Today 3:00 – 8:00 PM

Portland's Gathering Place Since 1888

Lodge #188 on Congress Street hosts meaningful events, honors veterans, and feeds Portland's community spirit.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

Exterior view of Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 with a statue.
Exterior view of Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 with a statue.

Portland Elks Lodge #188 has held its post on Congress Street for well over a century, and the building carries that weight in the best way. Walk in for an event and you'll find a room that knows how to hold a crowd, a kitchen that earns real compliments, and a staff that consistently treats guests with the kind of dignity that reviewers keep coming back to mention.

The Lodge handles the full range of life's occasions. Members have brought their families here for milestone banquets, fundraisers, and holiday celebrations. Others have trusted the Lodge with something far more personal, including celebrations of life where the food was praised and the atmosphere honored the moment without a misstep. That kind of trust isn't earned by accident.

As part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #188 channels dues and event proceeds into scholarships, veterans' support, and community programs throughout Greater Portland. Holding a membership card here means something beyond a dinner discount. It connects you to one of America's oldest fraternal networks while keeping the benefits genuinely local.

What We Offer

The Lodge offers a full-service banquet hall that seats groups large and small, with in-house catering that reviewers consistently describe as solid and satisfying. From passed appetizers to plated dinners and dessert spreads, the kitchen delivers crowd-pleasing food without the chaos of coordinating outside vendors.

Event venue rentals are available for celebrations of life, retirement parties, wedding receptions, civic meetings, and corporate gatherings. The staff handles setup and staffing so hosts can focus on their guests. Drinks are poured well, the space is flexible, and the team knows how to keep an event running smoothly.

For those interested in membership, Lodge #188 offers access to the Elks' national programs alongside local perks including member pricing on events, participation in community service initiatives, and a social calendar that keeps the building lively year-round. Prospective members are encouraged to visit during an open event or reach out through the Lodge's website to learn more.

Gallery

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

“My wife’s celebration of life was great. Food was great as well.”

— Vincent D

What Our Guests Say

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

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"My wife’s celebration of life was great. Food was great as well."
— Vincent D
⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"It was well staffed and they treated us with dignity and respect."
— Adam Landry
⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"At the lodge for an event. Food and desert were good. Drinks were good. About the best you can as for at a group event."
— Dylan Mcphetres
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"Hadn't been here in many years. The renovations are great."
— Rebecca Morse
⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"We had my aunt Karen's celebration of her life gathering there. It was very nice. The food there was sub par. The drinks from the bar were great I must say. About the food. The Italian food was ok I suppose but the meatballs were rather bad. No taste to them at all and I do believe they were store bought and they were barely even warm like they were just thrown into the sauce just before they served it. Other than that it was so nice to see family that we have'nt seen in a long time."
— Trevor Axelsen

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-members rent the Lodge for private events?

Yes. The Lodge welcomes non-member event rentals for occasions such as celebrations of life, retirement parties, receptions, and civic gatherings. Contact the Lodge through portlandelks188.org to discuss availability and pricing.

Does the Lodge provide catering, or do we bring outside food?

Lodge #188 has an in-house kitchen and bar team that handles catering for events held on the premises. This covers food, desserts, and drinks, so you typically won't need to coordinate outside vendors.

How do I become a member of Portland Elks Lodge #188?

Membership in the Elks is open to U.S. citizens who believe in God. You can start the process by visiting portlandelks188.org or attending an event at the Lodge to connect with current members who can sponsor your application.

Where exactly is the Lodge located?

The Lodge is at 1945 Congress Street in Portland, Maine 04102. Congress Street is one of Portland's main corridors, making the Lodge accessible from most parts of the city.

Is the Lodge suitable for sensitive events like a celebration of life?

Absolutely. Reviewers have specifically highlighted the Lodge's respectful, dignified staff and quality food when sharing their experience hosting a celebration of life here. The team is experienced with events that carry emotional weight.

What is the Lodge's role in the community beyond hosting events?

As a chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #188 supports veterans' programs, awards youth scholarships, and participates in charitable initiatives across Greater Portland. Event and membership revenue helps fund these efforts.

How far in advance should I book the venue?

The Lodge is a popular venue for community and private events, so booking several weeks to a few months in advance is advisable, especially for weekend dates. Reach out through portlandelks188.org to check availability.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens Friday at 3:00
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Today 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
82° Partly cloudy Portland
Wed 82° 66°
Thu 80° 57°
Fri 82° 57°
Sat 81° 59°
Sun 81° 57°
Mon 76° 56°
Tue 79° 58°
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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