Elks is a association or organization in Decorah, IA. Phone: (563) 382-6399. Average rating is 4.9 stars from 17 reviews. Website: https://www.elks.org/lodges/ContactUs.cfm?LodgeNumber=0443.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemDecorah, IA Elks Lodge #443
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A live band performing at an Elks lodge event.
4.9 17 reviews

Brotherhood, Community, and the Best Fish Fry Around

Decorah's Elks Lodge 443 brings neighbors together on River Street with food, fellowship, and genuine Iowa hospitality.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

Friday nights on River Street have a reputation, and the Decorah Elks Lodge 443 is the reason. Locals drive from across the county for the fish fry that reviewers flat-out say has no equal. Barb and the kitchen crew have turned a weekly tradition into something people plan their week around, with perfectly fried fish, crisp salads, and service that never makes you wait long.

The lodge itself is what a community gathering place is supposed to feel like. Members and guests walk in as strangers and leave as regulars. That 4.9-star rating from real Decorah neighbors is not an accident. It reflects decades of showing up, feeding people well, and keeping the doors open for anyone who wants to belong to something bigger than themselves.

Elks Lodge 443 is part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a national fraternal organization with deep roots in American civic life. Here in Decorah, that means scholarship programs, veterans support, youth activities, and a hall that anchors this stretch of the Upper Iowa River corridor. The fish fry is the headline, but the mission runs a lot deeper.

What We Offer

The Friday fish fry is the crown jewel, drawing a loyal crowd week after week with golden, flaky fish that holds up against any restaurant in northeast Iowa. Sides are made with care, the salads are fresh, and the pace is quick without feeling rushed.

Beyond the dining room, Lodge 443 hosts member events, community fundraisers, and programs that put dollars directly back into Decorah families. The Elks national network funds scholarships for local students and runs dedicated outreach for veterans, and this lodge carries that work forward at the local level.

The hall is also available for private events and lodge-sponsored gatherings, giving members a home base for celebrations, meetings, and civic projects. Whether you come for the fish fry or come to get involved, 105 River St is a place that rewards showing up.

What Our Guests Say

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

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 years ago
"No other fish fry compares ! Thanks for the welcoming atmosphere guys 😊"
— Jill Brusse
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 years ago
"Excellent fish, fast service, very clean, tasty salads."
— john miller
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 years ago
"The fish was excellent as usual! Barb does a great job!"
— Julie Quandahl
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 years ago
"Really good fish, excellent help, service is great."
— Jim Norton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 years ago
"Great food fast friendly service"
— Lee Sun

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the fish fry held at Decorah Elks Lodge 443?

The fish fry is a Friday night tradition at Lodge 443. Check the lodge's contact page at elks.org or reach out directly for current hours and seasonal schedules, as times can vary.

Do I need to be an Elks member to attend the fish fry?

Guests are generally welcome at lodge events, though some events may be member-only. The best way to confirm is to contact Lodge 443 directly through the Elks website before your first visit.

How do I become a member of Decorah Elks Lodge 443?

Membership in the Elks is open to U.S. citizens who believe in God and are at least 21 years old. You can start the process by visiting elks.org or by speaking with a current member at the lodge on River Street.

What programs does Lodge 443 support in the Decorah community?

The lodge supports Elks national programs including student scholarships, veterans outreach, and youth activities, all directed toward families in the Decorah area and surrounding Winneshiek County.

Is the lodge hall available for private events or rentals?

Lodge facilities are often available for member-sponsored events and gatherings. Contact Lodge 443 through the official Elks website to ask about availability and details.

Where exactly is Decorah Elks Lodge 443 located?

The lodge is at 105 River Street in Decorah, Iowa 52101, situated along the Upper Iowa River corridor in one of northeast Iowa's most charming small cities.

What makes the fish fry at Lodge 443 stand out from other options in Decorah?

Reviewers consistently point to the quality of the fish itself, the speed of service, the cleanliness of the space, and the welcoming atmosphere as reasons they keep coming back. The kitchen team, including Barb, is frequently praised by name.

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.

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