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Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A lodge-style sports bar in Banff offering unique elk dishes, a vibrant atmosphere, and unparalleled mountain views from its rooftop patio.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Back of Pub

Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lodge-style sports bar in Banff offering unique elk dishes, a vibrant atmosphere, and unparalleled mountain views from its rooftop patio.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Amazing to be able to get this with only a moderately priced restaurant. Loved it."

TIP

Book Ahead for Groups

Make reservations for larger groups to ensure accommodation, especially during peak times.

Try the Elk Specialties

Don't miss unique elk dishes like elk tacos or elk ravioli for an adventurous culinary experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 11:30PM

Cuisine

American, Pub Food

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+1 403-762-4616

Address

119 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B6, Canada

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Patio with Mountain Views

Rooftop Patio with Mountain Views

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Banff's mountains from the rooftop patio. Perfect for a summer day.

Unique Elk Dishes

Unique Elk Dishes

Savor adventurous dishes like elk brisket poutine, elk dip sandwich, or elk ravioli for a true taste of the Rockies.

Google Review
Vibrant Sports Bar Atmosphere

Vibrant Sports Bar Atmosphere

Experience a lively atmosphere with rugby and other sports on TV, making it a fun spot for game days.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Delicious lunch on the rooftop patio at Elk & Oarsman in Banff! #chickensandwhich #views #rooftopvibes
@miradhyana
4 likes • 187 views

Book Ahead for Groups

Make reservations for larger groups to ensure accommodation, especially during peak times.

Try the Elk Specialties

Don't miss unique elk dishes like elk tacos or elk ravioli for an adventurous culinary experience.

Banff Hot Chocolate Trail ☕️ Number 7/25 ✨️ Elk and Oarsman Santa’s Little Helper: Apricot liqueur, spiced rum, walnut bitters and hot chocolate topped with whip cream - $8 Price Point: 9/10 Taste: 10/10 Presentation: 8/10 Overall score: 9/10 By far my favourite! The Elk and Oarsman have absolutely smashed it. I can not emphasise enough how tasty this hot chocolate is. I was very sceptical abou...
@littleoneexplores
7 likes • 490 views
Can’t miss a good deal #banff #vacation #canadianrockies #elkandoarsman
@paytonmccallister
33 likes • 574 views

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

For quicker service and a potentially less crowded experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours.

Check Happy Hour Specials

Take advantage of daily happy hour specials on draft beer, wine, and cocktails from 3-6pm.

Roof top elk restaurant in Banff Alberta food was awesome
@moosejuice96
8 likes • 698 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead for Groups

Make reservations for larger groups to ensure accommodation, especially during peak times.

Try the Elk Specialties

Don't miss unique elk dishes like elk tacos or elk ravioli for an adventurous culinary experience.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

For quicker service and a potentially less crowded experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours.

Check Happy Hour Specials

Take advantage of daily happy hour specials on draft beer, wine, and cocktails from 3-6pm.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Elk & Oarsman is praised for its stunning rooftop mountain views and adventurous elk dishes. While many enjoy the hearty pub fare and lively sports bar atmosphere, some reviews mention inconsistencies in service, with occasional long waits and inattentive staff.

"Generous serving of food, attentive waitstaff and reception. We got the half rack ribs, burger and beers to go with and it was perfect. We got a seat with a nice view of Banff downtown and the mountain on the background. Noise level can be improved but it was okay, since we can still hear each other. Enjoyed this place during dinner which was a busy time for them."

Leah De Los Santos

"It has a great view of the mountains. Food was decent. We tried the Elk Ravioli and Fish and chips. The batter of the fish isn’t my favourite, but considering the price and all… it wasn’t bad. It comes with fries and added $1 for coleslaw.
Service could be a tad better, but no complains."

Ming

"We had an amazing dining experience at Elk & Oarsman! The food was absolutely delicious, with each dish bursting with flavours. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. Great job!"

Leonard Salvoro

What People Like

Breathtaking mountain views from the rooftop patio
Unique and delicious elk dishes
Lively sports bar atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Slow drink and food delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant is known for its unique elk dishes, lively sports bar atmosphere, and especially its rooftop patio with stunning mountain views.

The Best Bars In Banff, AlbertaGoogle Review

Yes, the restaurant offers a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options on its menu.

Banff Après Ski & Nightlife | Lake Louise Après Ski

The rooftop patio is best enjoyed during warmer months, but check with the restaurant for seasonal availability.

The Best Bars In Banff, Alberta6 Banff Rooftop Patios Where You Should Chill This Summer

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure accommodation.

Banff Après Ski & Nightlife | Lake Louise Après Ski

Popular dishes include the elk burger, elk ravioli, ribs, and fish and chips.

Best American restaurants in Banff [2024]Google Review+1

The restaurant has a casual, lodge-style atmosphere, so no specific dress code is required.

They often have daily happy hour specials on draft beer, wine, and cocktails.

15 Patios with Happy Hours in the Mountains

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If you can tear yourself away from the roof terrace’s 360° mountain panoramas, the Elk and Oarsman’s menus cater for individuals and groups of up to 200 people. The late-night menu offers everything from pizza to poutine, complemented by a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. To find out more about the best of Lake Louise and Banff après ski and nightlife, speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700.

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Address: 119 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B6, CanadaPhone:+1 (403) 762-4616Website:elkandoarsman.comDetails: $$, Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Banff, Elk And Oarsman Restaurant & Bar offers a remarkable dining experience with its friendly staff, inviting atmosphere, and diverse menu. The restaurant features a main lounge on the first floor, boasting a standard pub menu and a friendly and attentive staff.

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Perched on top of Banff Avenue you’ll find the Elk & Oarsman patio – the perfect slice of rooftop to soak up the sun on a summer day. Choose from the delightfully named Patio Crushers menu and sip on fuzzy peach punch and hard strawberry lemonade. They're no slouches when it comes to food either; tuck into the elk tacos or portobello burger to refuel after a day in Banff National Park.

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As I have mentioned several times throughout this blog post, The Elk and Oarsman is my favourite bar in town. With so many deals on good-quality food, it’s hard to go anywhere else. This is probably the cosiest sports bar I have been to, with warm lighting and soft wooden features.

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