About Us

Lake Elmo Inn: a tradition of excellence based on a passion for great food.

At the Lake Elmo Inn, we understand that a successful restaurant begins with a passion for the food and atmosphere you create.  Our talented team of chefs take great care to select and pair only the finest ingredients to create tempting and memorable culinary experiences.  Our dedicated and enthusiastic staff works tirelessly to provide outstanding service.

Together, they're the recipe for a perfect dining experience.  Come visit us at the restaurant or have a celebration at the Event Center: you'll be delighted.

Lake Elmo Inn Restaurant

At the Lake Elmo Inn restaurant, we believe food tastes best when it's kept simple.  We use the freshest ingredients and prepare them in a way that enhances their natural flavors and delights your taste buds.  We now proudly serve 1881 Certified Hereford Beef steaks.  They truly have a remarkable flavor and we are among the top 2% beef of its kind.  Our food has earned awards from noted establishments like Minneapolis  St. Paul Magazine and the Minnesota Restaurant Association.  However, the greatest compliments are raves and repeated reservations from patrons like you.

Lake Elmo Inn Event Center

In 2006, John and Christine Schiltz remodeled and opened the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center, with the vision of helping clients celebrate life's big moments with the renowned food and service from the Lake Elmo Inn restaurant.  John and Christine have over 40 years of combined experience catering weddings, corporate events, private parties and fundraising drives.  They use their knowledge to help clients plan and create event they'll never forget.  

Chef John Schiltz

John Schiltz is an award-winning Chef with humble beginnings.  he started his restaurant career at the age of 16 as a dishwasher at the Lake Elmo Inn.  Then, of course the restaurant was under different ownership, but john dreamed that one day he would own the Inn.  John honed his culinary skills by spending time in the finest restaurants in the country, including the Hyatt in Des Moines, Kansas City, and Minneapolis.  In 1983, he heard that the Lake Elmo Inn was for sale: immediately John bought it.  Since then, John has built excellent relationships with customers, employees, and the community.  In 2006, John was awarded the top honor as Restaurateur of the year.  He continues to provide world-class dining experiences close to home.