Elsie’s - the Social Epicenter of NE Minneapolis

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Dawn Swart, General Manager

We love Elsie’s restaurant and bowling alley in NE Minneapolis! We talked to General Manager Dawn Swart about the menu, neighborhood collaborations and bowling. But before we switch to Dawn for her responses, here's what Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville had to say about one of his favorite establishments:  “Elsie’s is named after, who else…Elsie. A proud Scottish woman who was widowed at an early age and ran the business with herself and her son. She was very feisty and was known to chase out the teenagers who bought cigarettes from the machine in the bowling alley. One warning and then Elsie hit you with her broom. For a small woman, she packed a punch. Today Mike and Tim Tuttle run Elsie’s, which is the social epicenter of NE Minneapolis. Not only is the roast beef sandwich a delight, Elsie’s features a hearty breakfast menu and a full luncheon menu. Elsie’s has two outdoor patios and there is not a better place to watch the sun set in the West than on the Marshall Street patio. When you stop in for breakfast or lunch, Patty and Chuck, the finest servers in North America, will take good care of you.”

Q:  What’s the history of Elsie’s, and what makes it unique to Northeast Minneapolis? 

A:  Elsie’s was established in 1956. The business was owned and operated by Elsie Nelson. In later years her son Bill Nelson took over the business. Tim and Mike Tuttle are the current owners and 4th generation bowling proprietors. Their passion and commitment to our customers, community, employees and the business have been the driving force behind Elsie’s success.

Dawn Swart with a happy crowd at Elsie's

I think when you walk through the doors there is a sense of nostalgia that greets you with a little modern flair. Elsie’s is a place where all generations may gather and enjoy time together. Perhaps you may have celebrated your child’s birthday here, bowled on a league, attended a wedding in our private banquet space or holiday party, maybe it was happy hour in the bar with friends or a reunion with old schoolmates in our restaurant. With so many unique places NE has to offer we are honored to be included among them. And we’ll gladly take the moniker offered by Michael Rainville as the "social epicenter of NE Minneapolis."

Q:  I agree with you about all generations being welcome at Elsie’s. I bowled there last month and every age group was on the lanes – and everyone was having fun. An article from September 2024 noted that Elsie’s may be an unsuspecting bowling alley, but that it serves some of the best food in the state - congratulations! Talk to us about the menu philosophy at Elsie’s. 

A:  Thank you! The article was a wonderful surprise. We offer a variety of American comfort food. Hearty portions with great flavor. Variety is the spice of life. Our menu is large covering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Kung Pao Chicken, Cadillac Mac & Cheese, Prime rib, Walleye Sandwich, Aztec Salad, Irish Whiskey Burger or the Elsie Supreme Omelet are among some of our customers favorite selections.

Above, breakfast items, and below, some lunch options. Yum!

Q:  Are there happy hour deals on food or beverages? 

A:  Yes, we have happy hour beverages during the week, 3-6pm, on tap beer, rail drinks and domestic bottled beer.

Q:  What are your bowling rates – per hour or per game?

A:  Elsie’s offers both per game OR per hour rates during weekday open bowl. On the weekends we are strictly hourly to ensure all who enter our establishment have the opportunity to grab a lane and enjoy. Pricing varies. It is best to call ahead for current rates.

Q:  Elsie’s offers glow bowling – what is it and how can we get in on this?

A:  Cosmic bowling is when we turn on the disco balls, party lights, black lights and crank up the music. We have state-of-the-art sound and light systems. You may request cosmic bowl at any time with the exception of league play hours.

Q:  Does Elsie’s offer league play or tournaments? 

A:  We do host several tournament fundraisers in the spring and early summer as we partner with the NE Lions Club, Midway YMCA and other local charities focused on our neighbors and our community. Leagues play begins just after Labor Day and wraps up in late April. Open bowl is year-round and open to all age groups!

Q:  Sounds like you’re quite involved with the community.

A:  Elsie’s partners with area schools, Kids Bowl Free summer program and local clubs throughout the year. Community has been our focus from the beginning. This is the foundation that has supported us since 1956!

Q:  How may we stay up to date with all your offerings? 

A:  We’re on all the social channels. Check our website, and even better, come down and visit with us at 729 Marshall Street NE.

Patio season is almost here!