Portsmouth Elks Lodge 97 is a banquet hall in Portsmouth, NH. Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun 12:00 – 10:00 PM; Thu–Sat 12:00 – 11:00 PM. Phone: (603) 436-9606. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 193 reviews. Website: https://www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodge=97.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemPortsmouth, NH Elks Lodge #97
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A peaceful view of a dock by the water surrounded by trees. — Portsmouth Elks Lodge 97
4.7 193 reviews Today 12:00 – 10:00 PM

Brotherhood, Banquets, and Portsmouth's Best Waterfront Views

Lodge 97 has served the Seacoast community since 1876, hosting celebrations and travelers on the shores of Portsmouth, NH.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

Two women enjoying drinks by the water at the lodge. — Portsmouth Elks Lodge 97
Two women enjoying drinks by the water at the lodge.

Portsmouth Elks Lodge 97 has been a fixture on Jones Avenue since 1876, one of the oldest continuously operating lodges in New England. Perched right on the water, the property gives guests something most banquet halls simply cannot: a genuine sense of place, with harbor views that make every occasion feel a little more special.

The lodge draws a steady mix of locals celebrating milestones and traveling Elks members passing through the Seacoast region. Visitors consistently note how warm and accommodating the membership is, which explains the 4.7-star rating earned across nearly 200 reviews. Graduation parties, birthday dinners, memorial services, and lodge nights all happen under the same roof, and the space handles each with equal ease.

This is not a rented hall staffed by strangers. The people running the room are members who genuinely care about the experience, because their name is on the door too. That distinction shows in every event.

What We Offer

The lodge offers private event rentals for parties of nearly any size, from intimate milestone dinners to large graduation blowouts. The main hall is spacious enough for dancing and dining simultaneously, and the waterfront setting adds atmosphere that no amount of decoration can replicate.

Traveling Elks members can take advantage of reciprocal lodging privileges, making Lodge 97 a natural stop for anyone touring coastal New England. The Jones Avenue location puts guests within easy reach of downtown Portsmouth's restaurants, breweries, and historic district.

Regular lodge programming, community fundraisers, and charitable events round out the calendar year-round. Whether you are booking a private function or stopping in as a visiting member, the staff will make sure you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

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

“Beautiful spot on the water. Great venue for any occasion.”

— Castle Bay

What Our Guests Say

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

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 months ago
"We haven't been to every lodge. However, during our travels we have stayed at quite a few. Not to take away from any lodge, everyone has been extremely gracious and helpful. With that being said this one by far sticks out as being the most picturesque."
— Shea McClung
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9 months ago
"We had an amazing time celebrating Kerri’s Graduation and Birthday Party at the Elks Lodge in Portsmouth, NH! The venue was fantastic—spacious, welcoming, and perfect for such a joyful celebration with family and friends. A big thank you to Mallory Parkington for choosing Hello Photo Booth Rental to be part of this special milestone. It was wonderful to see Kerri and all her guests having so much fun capturing memories throughout the day. The staff at Elks Lodge Portsmouth were so friendly and helpful, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. Their hospitality really made the event even more memorable. Thank you again to Elks Lodge Portsmouth and Mallory Parkington for having us—we were honored to be part of Kerri’s big day and look forward to more celebrations together in the future!"
— Hello Photo Booth Rental
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 months ago
"Beautiful spot on the water. Great venue for any occasion."
— Castle Bay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"I recently photographed Tori and Nate's wedding here and it's always a pleasure! The staff is very friendly and helpful. Everything is well thought out, from the reception space setup to backup plans in case of rain. There's a lot of windows in the venue which is great for photographing using natural light. I would definitely recommend this venue!"
— Trevor Bonk (Bonk Photography)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 months ago
"The Elks is a great community focused organization with people doing selfless charity on a daily basis. The #97 Lodge has a nice space, bar, pool, just to name a few. Worth stopping by if you're in town."
— Rob

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-members rent the hall for private events?

Yes. The lodge rents its event space to the public for parties, celebrations, corporate gatherings, and more. Contact the lodge directly through the official Elks website to inquire about availability and pricing.

Is the venue suitable for large parties like graduation or birthday celebrations?

Absolutely. Past guests have hosted large graduation and birthday parties in the main hall and praised it as spacious, welcoming, and easy to work with. The room accommodates both seated dining and a dance floor.

Can traveling Elks members stay at Lodge 97?

Yes. Portsmouth Elks Lodge 97 extends reciprocal privileges to visiting members from other lodges. Bring your current membership card and contact the lodge ahead of your visit to confirm accommodations.

Where exactly is the lodge located?

The lodge is at 500 Jones Avenue in Portsmouth, NH 03801, situated on the waterfront. The location offers easy access to downtown Portsmouth and the broader Seacoast area.

What makes the venue unique compared to other event spaces in Portsmouth?

The waterfront setting on Jones Avenue gives the lodge a natural backdrop that most local venues cannot match. Combine that with the warmth of a member-run organization and you get an experience that feels personal rather than transactional.

How do I book an event or get more information?

Visit the official lodge page at elks.org/lodges and navigate to Lodge 97, or reach out through the contact information listed there. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend dates.

Do I need to be an Elks member to attend events at the lodge?

Not necessarily. Private events hosted by members are open to their invited guests. Public and community events are also held throughout the year. Check the lodge calendar or contact them directly for specific event policies.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens Tuesday at 12:00
Monday Today 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 – 10:00 PM
70° Clear Portsmouth
Mon 75° 67°
Tue 82° 61°
Wed 83° 61°
Thu 88° 68°
Fri 87° 71°
Sat 80° 69°
Sun 81° 68°
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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