Elks Lodge — Local services in Weehawken

I never thought I’d become an Elk but in 2024 I attended a few comedy shows thrown by a friend of mine (who’d become an Elk a few years earlier) in the “Members Grille Room” beneath the Weehawken Lodge and I liked what I saw. My wife and I have lived in Weehawken almost 20 years and we’ve been to other events upstairs in the banquet room at the Elks Lodge but I hadn’t seen the bar downstairs. I think that’s what initially hooked me in. When I saw the space I thought “Finally, a local place to bend an elbow, watch a game, maybe shoot some pool, play the jukebox.” Boy, was I naive. Now that I’ve become an Elk I realize there’s so much more to it than that. I coined a phrase to describe what, to me, is most transformative about being an Elk: Meet Your Neighbors In Real Life At The Elks.

You’ve probably heard there’s a loneliness epidemic. As the computer in our pockets increasingly owns our attention, polarizing and fragmenting us, the idea of an IRL gathering place to make a social connection with the people we pass on the street every day becomes ever more crucial. I’ve met so many of my neighbors I might’ve otherwise never spoken with, had amazing conversations, made friends and done good work, too. The Elks have been around since the 1800s and there are thousands of lodges (some with built-in pools: HELLO, WILDWOOD!) all over the world, and hundreds of thousands of members, all helping in the local community.

Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity are the four pillars of the Elks but – as Weehawken Lodge’s Esteemed Lecturing Knight (full disclosure!), whose purview IS, traditionally, brotherly love, I’m all about the friendships being forged. There’s so much bonafide research that demonstrates the mental and physical health benefits of social connection, of finding a purpose, of mattering in your community… and it all can be found at the Elks.

All are welcome to join us on Boulevard East (at 50th St.) Friday nights down in the Member’s Grille Room (on some Fridays, like this July 11, it becomes “The Karaoke Lounge Under The Lodge” and I become your KJ: Karaoke Jockey) to find out what it means to find friends, purpose and a sense of belonging right in your own backyard (with what Elks from other lodges acknowledge has the “…best view of any lodge in the country!”).

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS IN REAL LIFE...

Having one of the worse experiences planning a party here ever! I would not choose to rent their facilities ever again. Things aren't made clear until its too late to cancel. Hall director Donna I thought was really nice but is deliberately obtuse. Pertinent information is given at the last minute. Like seating availability and alcohol restrictions. Transparency isn't a given here. The contract is vague to say the least. I've planned many parties and the issues I've had in the past two weeks prior the event are unscrupulous and uncalled for. Stay clear...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A truly amazing lodge with a rich history and the friendliest members around!

I’ve been a proud member for over five years, and every visit still feels warm and welcoming. The lodge hosts a wide variety of events — from community service supporting local youth and veterans to fun-filled nights of comedy, karaoke, and games.

I especially enjoy the outdoor events — dining with a view of the NYC skyline and dog-friendly gatherings make it even more special. There’s always something going on, and you can really feel the sense of...