Terrific menu options. Mostly American fare. Well prepared. Cordial service. Very clean, bright and comfy. Can accommodate large groups. Bit of a wait sometimes, but there is seating and one of those buzzer things that lets you know you're up. I love Elmer's. Go there a few times every year when in Palm Springs CA. read more

I won't be back...I'm ok with that! I came in tonight for a simple nightcap. When I requested a 2nd round, I'm told that I'm cut-off because I was being aggressive toward a female customer. The only problem is: I hadn't interacted with any females since I'd arrived, except the female bartenders...frivolous prejudiced whites! This is why, in my eyes, there are whites and caucasians; whites are prejudiced bigots, caucasians are respectable human beings. Universal Bigots offended by my BlackUnbroken T-shirt, embrace it; there's more to come! No worries; money's green no matter where I go! Another addition to the disgusting bigots list. This is starting to feel like a town that would rather promote bigotry and homosexuality over racial equality and doing what Jesus would do...it's disgusting and pathetic! read more

The breakfast burrito was a 10 out of 10. I'm not too sure if the other reviewers have ever been to a dive bar but when you come into a dive bar, you make yourself known, you don't wait around for someone to say hey can I get you something... this place is a true tavern with the upmost respect and dignity to a local bar as any as Ive ever seen. Upon walking in, I was greeted with locals and a smile by the bartender. She offered me a menu and let me know the type of drinks that they offered. When I'm in the Seattle area, landing or leaving. I will definitely be back to this place wholesome, good food, hometown, Local Spot! Natalie was amazing and the folks I got to hang out with made me feel like I was back home. I love this spot! Those yuppies that gave this place a poor review suck!!!! read more

Good neighborhood place to listen to live music. They have standard bar food but don't expect much for gluten allergic persons, lots of beer choices on tap. Mostly a middle aged and above crowd and the bands usually play old school rock and roll. There is a dance floor which gets utilized, and a bench outside for smokers read more

BLUES JAM TUESDAY NIGHTS! If you sing, play, or love the blues, you will want to drop by Elmer's on a Tuesday night! I got there early and signed up on the list. I was the first one on it. The band plays an opening set before having the signed-up jammers come up. Then, it's mix and match guest musicians with the house band and other jammers. The venue is a pretty standard dive bar. Burgers and apps. I, however, had already had dinner, but I did have a couple of beers while waiting my turn to play. The wait staff is very very nice, and I think there was some snafu with my beer order, and the waitress made it up to me by buying me a small pitcher. Bless her heart. When I got called up, I played my harmonica with another jammer on guitar who also sang. We did a couple of numbers. Nobody ever asked me to get off the stage, but it was late, and I was tired, so I excused myself after about three tunes. I had a great time, though. It's been a while since I jammed at a bar. The last time was when I lived in Los Angeles, so this was my first attempt at the Seattle bar jam scene. So, I didn't try the food, so I can't really give the full Tony B review treatment. However, in rating my own expericnce, I wouldn't be able to deduct any stars. It's possible I may update this review later after trying the food. For now though, I'm going to go ahead and give five stars. BTW, if you enjoyed my review or found it useful funny, or cool, please don't hesitate to click the little button to say so, or better yet, go ahead and friend me. So go on! Press that button, and never miss a single one of my epic reviews in the Seattle area and beyond. Excelsior! read more

Elmer's Bar & Grill - Live band and open mic.Tuesday. - Bars Near Me - Burien, Washington

Jeez, what did they do to this place? The walls are empty, the music is awful pop-country (and no point in putting my hard earned bucks in the jukebox, because it's barely audible), the pinball machines are gone, and it's lit like a dentist office. I guess they're trying to not be a dive bar, but that's what they did best! Service is good, food is fine, drinks are alright. (McCormick for a well bourbon though? C'mon, folks get with the times, and put Evan Williams on the rail) Make Elmers Great Again!! Put some junk up on the wall, paint it a dark color, and switch to lights that are no more than 3500k in color temp, dim them a little, turn the music up! read more

Elmer's Bar & Grill - OW MY EYES! - Bars Near Me - Burien, Washington

Surprisingly decent food for a bar, and relatively inexpensive. The bar staff is friendly, though they seem a little overworked. The music, when they have it, is stellar. I've seen the Sunnydale and others playing, always good quality cover music. read more

We came for the music and loved the crowd. Lots of titanium in the crowd, as my husband says but they could tear up a dance floor. I could tell many were regulars and it had a good old boy vibe. read more

Tonight I was thirsty and a beer sounded good, so I stopped in, waited 23 minutes before anyone even acknowledged me, I ordered a beer and chugged it in 5 minutes. I ordered a second. Some vastly overweight, cold angry bitter old hag, came over to scold me for drinking my beer too fast. I smiled and said excuse me I didn't hear you. in her best I hate everyone voice, said if I did it again they wouldn't serve me and I would be banned from the place. I just wanted a beer. So I smiled and told the lady I lived on the same street and had walked there, that I was in a hurry, I was having two beers and leaving. She said she didn't care where I lived and that the liquor board doesn't take too kindly to people like me. It was obvious she takes joy in being drunk mouthy and abusive to people. I paid for my second beer, left it full and on the bar and went out the same door I came in. This is the second time this old hag has lit me up. Last time was two years ago and she was yelling at me for the way I parked. That time I walked there as well. She called me a liar she was certain that pinto outside was mine. When I started to walk home she told me to never come back. I don't drink much, the last 4 beers I've drank in two years was there. If you're looking for a place that welcomes you, treats you like they want you there. Sorry This isn't the place. As you can see I don't leave reviews but I had to this time. What a horrible way to treat people. read more

Stopped in for a quick bite before a morning flight out of SeaTac airport since the neighboring breakfast spot had a 30min wait. Service was very fast and friendly. read more

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Do you want good food and drinks get yourself over to Elmers. Nice staff and very reasonable prices. Big portions. Love it for breakfast.

I've been to Elmers for breakfast in the past. My first time for lunch. I ordered a hamburger and it was average at best. When I come back, it'll be for breakfast. read more

Food is good, if you can get helped. Sat at the bar for 10 minutes without being acknowledged or helped. Repeatedly looked waitress in the eye and cleared my throat until it became a test. Would not say boo, even owner just sat there holding court. Left for another bar and was helped immediately. Last time ever going to there. Too bad. read more

Friday and Saturday nights live bands with no cover. Great food and drink, looks like a dive bar but has great bartenders that are very kind to the customers. If you want a wine list, then you should go to Bellevue. You do not have to be a regular to be treated with respect. I heard Tuesday nights they have jam night. read more

Glad to see Elmer's survived the long Covid closure. So many small bars and restaurants around Burien, White Center and West Seattle did not. They spent some time during the closure remodeling. the back bar is new. all the carpets have been replaced and the entire place is repainted. It's very clean. the food has always been great. I love the crispy chicken sandwich. Service is prompt and friendly. They sterilize the tables after people leave. There is plenty of space, table are 10 to 12 feet apart. Help them out, stop in for a burger and beer sometime. You won't be disappointed. read more

Truly horrible disrespectful service. I was kicked out by some bitter lousy old woman. After being called intoxicated after just two beers. ( I was just calmly playing billiards. Minding my own biz.) Didn't matter I'm a disabled veteran. Tried to have a civil convo, an was asked to leave and banned. I've been to a bar in Syria (warzone) that treated customers better. read more

I used to come here all last year for the Seahawk games and it was great. Great food and service It would be crowded obviously, but this year it has really gone down quite a bit. First time we went this year they had the bartender and one waitress. If you've been there then you knew it's a decent size and as I said gets crowded for the games. And most people get breakfast. So the first time we waited a bit for service and the one waitress was running around. This last time we had to go order from the bar the waitress was running around again. Waited and waited. Watched them both working the pull tabs while there was a line at the bar!! You leave the bar?? So no one making drinks. This literally went on for about 8 minutes or more. And that's long when your getting a line and NO one is making drinks. So we waited 45 minutes for our food. My friends food was cold my hashbrowns were way overdone and my omelet not great. This other people we were talking to waited an hour and their salad was warm ( Not good!!) The food is usually great for this type of bar. I saw they had 3 people in there cooking so not sure if these new people are not doing good or what. Usually the main cook is good. I'm leaving this in hopes you All turn this around. Not sure why the Manager does Not have more waitresses. Last year there would be at least 4. Two is just Not enough and it's actually mean making them run around like that. I'll give it another try. Sure hope you get more help. Make the food as asked and the cooked food should be hot and the cold food should be cold!! read more

The tater tots were very good and fresh. The drinks were very vibrant and refreshing.the burger was frozen cold at the middle and the bacon was a bit weird. I asked if they were frozen or fresh and the waitress said they were frozen. I sent it back immediately. They place is actually clean and nice. There is barely any foot traffic. I have this place 2 stars because it definitely needs more from the kitchen and the atmosphere is kind of bleak.$ read more

It's your average dive bar, nothing fancy. I come here often to play pool - the drinks are cheap and had their food for the first time recently. Ordered the enchiladas and tater tots - friends ordered a basket of fries. Surprisingly, it wasnt that bad. But, be wary, they use the microwave often! read more

I come here for beer and pool, both of which they do just fine. For the most part, service is friendly, though it can occasionally be slow. Several beers on tap to choose from, as well as a full bar. This may be a dive, but the pool tables and accessories are actually well maintained. Jukebox for music for the most part, but they also offer a lot of live music events throughout the week...and some of them are actually quite good! read more

The Truth about Elmers' Pub Burien Terrible. Loathsome owner and irritating staff. Annoyingly arrogant owner lady sits at the bar getting drunk with her minion friends, and gets MOUTHY with patrons when she is drunk. Her son apparently works as a bartender, and she said, "Quit hitting on my son!" ??? Ok Drunky? - ? who/ what exactly were you talking to? Creepy much? One time we tried to order food... after a long dilemma between the owner and kitchen, she suddenly said, yes, how about our... fried - (whatever it was) - with the kitchen person peering out at us begrudgingly, we respectfully declined. ABORT! ABORT! read more

I've heard this is the place to go in Burien for some live music and dropped in last night for some classic rock and roll. As the other reviews say this is a classic dive bar that's got plenty of room and vibrance of a place that caters to all types and ages. You have just about everything you need to settle in for an enjoyable night. Have a beer, play some pool, listen to no cover charge classic rock, people watch, dance a little or just sit back and listen. Just remember that good things come in moderation, so don't over indulge and enjoy. read more

Elmer's Bar & Grill - Jack Daniels Clock; cool. - Bars Near Me - Burien, Washington

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On Tuesday nights from 8:00 til whenever....is jam night, with excellent music and some of the musicians switch out on the next set, so you can experience different players.....highly recommend. read more

Brandon was a great bartender. Very friendly and professional. Inside is clean. Atmosphere was friendly. It's a dive bar but not the type where you feel dirty while sitting inside. I went there after work for a drink and it was the perfect spot. read more

This is what a bar in Burien should be like: run down, full of 50 year olds, a sassy elderly lady bartender, pool tables with talented players, live music of wannabe garbage band senior citizens, and terrible frozen then deep fried bar food. I had the privilege of visiting Elmer's one night after coming from a hockey game down in Kent. Since that was the only bar I could think of somewhat in the vicinity, that is where I ended up. It was a Saturday night and the place was jumping with a pseudo funk/soul band and about four patrons dancing the night away. The bartender makes you wait until she's ready to serve you. I have nothing but love. When you've worked at a bar that has been around FOREVER you can do whatever the hell you want to. The beer selection was okay and the menu consisted of fried foods like fries, onion rings, poppers....you get the picture. I'm not picky about food but even I was a little skeptical about anything on the menu. Nothing handmade. All the effort needed is to open the freezer and throw the food into the fryer. Three pool tables are in the back and everyone I saw playing was good. Bring your A game or get the hell out, yo. As stated previously this bar is old and could use some renovations but then again that is where its charm lies. Somewhat divey but not dangerous, a great place to hang out without crowds on the weekend. At work I overheard a customer talk about her experience there one night. "Talk about a dive!" she guffawed disgusted at the bar. I took that statement as compliment. read more

I don't usually say breakfast was perfect but dang this place rocks. Eggs hash browns toast pancakes and okay coffee. If you want swanky this ain't it. I only took off a star because I'm a coffee snob. Coffee was good not fabulous. First time here because I live 10 miles away. read more

Elmer's Bar & Grill - A dive-ish place with great food and a waitress who will call you "Hon." - Bars Near Me - Burien, Washington

We've been to Elmer's three times to participate in the weekly music jam, each time supporting the bar by ordering dinner and beer. The Philly Cheese Steak is very good, and the cheeseburger is just decent. The reason for 2 stars is due to the poor service. It seems that the staff isn't interested in taking orders to support their bar as much as they like to talk with each other. The two female bartenders walk behind the bar with their heads down, seemingly ignoring the patrons. This is a fun place and they could do so much better if they cared more about taking care of their customers. Manager - pay attention!! read more

So... You think you can handle dive bars, huh? Real dive bars? You haven't been to a dive bar until you've been to Elmer's.. You feel safe among the riffraff of society? you play a mean game of pool on a crooked table & don't mind landing on thirty year old crusty carpet when you happen to slip from your bar stool in a drunken stupor? well, then Elmer's might be your kind of place. It's been around for 30 years & nothing but booze has been replaced since then (that means cash only & you are lucky if the cash machine in the corner actually has any cash in it). There is live music on Friday & Saturday night.. mostly redneck-classic rock cover bands, but every now & then you get a gem. (local original music) . so, yeah.. go in & have some super cheap strong drinks & I might just end up being the one cutting you off & kicking you out. ;-) read more

dig this d skool high flyin Burien Dive Bar! Wish I had I known earlier, living in White Center where it's getting too hip! Dear God here's a last refuge in hipster free community of Loungers! yay to Seth over at Loco1 pub, also a good one but a diff kind, more lovely than lively! Go to both!! read more

Burien's Number One dive bar. Good choice beers on clean taps. They remember.. (me) to put a lime in my beer... (sometimes). Thank you! Good Food from the kitchen. I like the Blue Cheese Burger/Onion Rings Great Breakfast too! . read more

I noticed some of the reviews about Elmer's are about 9 years old, so I thought it was time for an update on this place. In the past, I would never have gone in this place by myself. As a matter of fact, we would go here as a last resort. Until new management... and things changed for the positive. Rachel is the new owner, and she is one smart, savvy lady. She wouldn't get where she is today if she wasn't. No people, it's not a fancy place. It's a bar, and if you expect more, then head to Bellevue or Lake Union. It's a neighborhood bar, it's clean, the owner is on top of any riff raff, and the regulars care about each other. It's also nice to have a place where you can still dance to live bands Friday and Saturday nights. Breakfasts here are amazing, would recommend anything on the menu. My husband and I haven't been disappointed with the dinners either. Food is always a plus, but we go here mainly to touch base with good people. Like I said, if you want fancy, don't go to a bar. If you want to chill and have a nice experience... hit Elmer's in Burien. All the girls, and Brandon, you too lol, are so kind. You'll be glad you went. read more

We were looking to get dinner before our red eye home tonight. Popped into Elmer's and sat at the half-empty bar. Both waitresses walked by us numerous times and neither of them acknowledged us. Left after 10 mins of being ignored. Nice service ladies. read more

This could go either was this is a Dive bar with some pretty good food the decor kinda sucks but its a dive bar it would have a higher rating if the staff was interested in the patrons instead of themselves read more

I've been by this place a bunch of times and finally decided to check it out. There's really not much to say about this place. Nothing stands out as particularly positive and the place had a mild infestation of fruit flies and a bunch if ripped up bar stools. The breakfast I ordered was mediocre. The bartender seemed burned out, but nice enough when she wasn't preoccupied with gossiping with the regulars. They got a couple pool tables, some dart boards....I don't know. This place just didn't have a good vibe. There are better bars in the area for sure. Probably won't be coming back. read more

This is a great dive bar in Burien!!! The bartenders were really friendly! Prices were great! Had live music when we came in! But the best part and why its my new favorite had the bar game machines!!! read more

Stpped in here last Thursday for a bite to eat with my $10 off $15 Restaurant.com certificate. I got the chicken burger, fies and plain ceasars salad. Couldn't eat it all, they stuffed me. The Ceasar's salad was creamy like you want it and the fries were plentiful and not greasy. The chicken burger was good, but sliced up meat, rather than one solid piece. I got it grilled, rather than fried, so the half thick patties may have been more easily deep fied, so you get 'em that way. I'd of given this place a 5 star, but they exclude alcohol from the certificate [why, I don't know, draft beer is all profit, food isn't]. read more

One of the best burgers around Haven't dug deep on the menu But the cook kills it. You cant go wrong There specials they rock...... Everything I have eating has be awesome read more

If you like good food, people and love to dance, you have to stop here.

Having fun at Elmer's. .. once again! The nice thing is... I can walk home if I decide I should. In Australia, they have blowers in bars to help you make the right choice. read more

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First time there last night, after living a mile away for 27 years. I was asked to join "the guys" for a get together. I am glad I finally dropped in. Seemed like a really decent local place - friendly patrons and staff, people playing pool and an active jukebox. No live music last night, but I have walked by many times and it sounds pretty good. No assholes, pimps or mentals spoiled our evening. The food coming out of the kitchen to our table and others looked good, tasted great. Bathroom was clean and, all in all, I think I need to get back here to check out the breakfast and the burger dip. read more