Elbow Room

Experience authentic American cuisine at Elbow Room in Albert Lea, MN. Delight in prime rib, cinnamon rolls, Juicy Lucy, fish fry, and more. Call +1 507-373-1836 for reservations!

Welcome to Elbow Room

Taste the Difference.

Elbow Room
Elbow Room
Elbow Room
Elbow Room

Elbow Room is a beloved American restaurant nestled at 310 E 8th St, Albert Lea, MN. This vibrant dining spot offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a hearty meal. Patrons rave about the mouthwatering prime rib, sweet cinnamon rolls, and the infamous Juicy Lucy burger. Elbow Room shines as a community favorite, where locals gather to enjoy classic dishes made from high-quality ingredients.

The menu carries an impressive variety, from delightful appetizers like cheesy curds and fish fry to delectable burgers that cater to every taste. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a weekend dinner, Elbow Room welcomes guests with a comforting vibe and friendly service.

Directions & Reservations

Plan Your Visit

Address

310 E 8th St, Albert Lea, MN 56007, United States

Phone

+1 507-373-1836

Social Media

About

The Culinary Story

Elbow Room
Elbow Room
Elbow Room
Elbow Room

Elbow Room represents the essence of American dining in Albert Lea. Established with the intent of serving mouthwatering comfort food, it has created a loyal customer base who return for favorites like their baked potatoes, cheese curds, and the double jalapeno burger. The interior design provides a warm and welcoming environment, decorated with memorabilia that tells the story of the local community. Regular patrons often share stories over meals, reflecting the restaurant's role as a place for connection and camaraderie. The concept of comfort food is taken seriously here—the chefs prioritize quality and flavor in every dish.

Each recipe goes through careful consideration, which has resulted in a signature taste that resonates well with everyone who visits. Whether indulging in an appetizer sampler or finishing with their iconic cinnamon roll, every bite at Elbow Room feels like a celebration. Community events encourage local involvement, reinforcing the restaurant as a centerpiece of Albert Lea's social life. Friendships bloom over plates of food as dining becomes a shared joy rather than just a meal.

Work Hours

Availability and Service Times

  • Sunday8 AM-8:30 PM
  • Monday8 AM-8:30 PM
  • Tuesday8 AM-8:30 PM
  • Wednesday8 AM-8:30 PM
  • Thursday8 AM-8:30 PM
  • Friday8 AM-8:30 PM
  • Saturday8 AM-8:30 PM

Elbow Room’s features set it apart from other dining options in Albert Lea. The extensive menu includes 96 delicious plates, ensuring something for everyone. For those seeking a heavy bite, the Juicy Lucy steals the show, but the prime rib and homemade fries also earn their praise. Expect fast and attentive service, even during peak hours like Fridays at 6 PM when it hits 100% capacity. Families appreciate the array of sides and lighter fare options perfect for every age. The restaurant reflects a strong local spirit, often showcasing local art and hosting community events, making it a hub for residents. This combination of great food and community connection ensures every visit is special.

Elbow Room

The exterior of Elbow Room captures the essence of a classic American eatery with its inviting facade at the corner of 8th St. Bright signage and a cozy porch create an approachable entrance. The outdoor space, when available, enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy pleasant Minnesota breezes during warmer months. The vibe here strikes a balance of casual and charming, encouraging visitors to feel at home as they step inside. Locals often describe it as a gathering place where one can meet friends or have a hearty family dinner.

Guestbook & Reviews

Experience Through Their Eyes

We stopped on our way home from a recommendation of a friend. Our waitress was awesome, food was good and bloody Mary's, tea was perfect! It is priced very reasonable!

M
Michelle B.

This place may not look like much from the outside, but don't let that fool you. No matter what you're hungry for, they have it. I am 71 years old, and this place has some of the best food I've ever tasted. Great Food(Go Hungry), Awesome Service, and Very Reasonable Prices for the amount of food you receive. Highly Recommend!

J
Jim C.

The crispiest and the best fries I've had in a long time! Great burger as well! Nice lady at the bar took my order.

S
Sovannpanga H.

Stopped here on the way home from the lake for the winter and it was such a great experience! The service was exemplary and the large plates of delicious food was amazing!

T
Tracy S.

Very rarely do i give 5 stars across the board. I can't remember the last time I got exactly what I was hoping for. Dorian saw some IG reel with this guy devouring a pork tenderloin sandwich, so we went on our trusted ( sometimes) Google machine to find a pork tenderloin sandwich. Several restaurants popped up and while we had intended to go to Bleachers, their kitchen was closed. Since we had driven from Waseca, we figured heck, since we drove all this way let's check out some place at least. So thumbed through Google for a second landing on the thirsty fox and elbow room.. thirsty fox looked a little to fancy for my snow pants attire ( its -2) so we settled on Elbow Room.. Best decision we've made this week! We got the large onion rings for an appetizer. Whatever the sauce is they serve with 'em is so good! Dorian got the pork tenderloin sandwich and fries. I got the cod sandwich with cole slaw and fries. I just can't express how good this fish sandwich was! Even the Pepsi tasted better here. We as most of you know don't drink much, but they did have a bar. It was just delicious. On our way there we were even greeted by the sun and a rainbow! ( it's been super grey and gloomy so that was a nice suprise) We will definitely eat there again! 55$ + for the bill

S
Sunshine D.

Food: I have eaten plenty of burgers from all pver the world. The Juicy Lucy burger hangs with the best of them. The burger came out nice and hot, along with a large portion of home-style fries. The fries were seasoned perfectly. Service: a nice woman behind the cou ter greeted me as I walked in. Told me I could sit wherever and had a menu on my table immediately. She asked what I would like to drink and prompted me with the fact that they had Pepsi products. I didn't have to wait long for my food at all. Perfect service. Atmosphere: This place has the best grandma's kitchen feel inside. The decor is quaint and cute. I personally adored all of the Albert Lea memorabilia. The lights set a nice, cozy tone, and the inside is clean. Wonderful experience. Overall, I would say that this is a hands down, a must go place to eat in Albert Lea. The food is great, the service is exceptional, and the atmosphere is cozy. I do have one complaint. There is a lack of parking, with how great this restaurant is and how busy it should be I think it would be hard to find a place to park.

R
Roman D.