The Diving Elk

Great food with different monthly food and drink specials! Will go again!

This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in Sioux City. Behind the bar and they are making the best cocktails in all of the region and offer a great assortment of craft beer. However, if you are looking for a bush light or something like that, you may be disappointed. However, the staff can make sure to give you good recommendations. The food is equally delicious. What I appreciate most about it is that the menu isn’t extensive because everything they do is done well and they are intentional with the ingredients. Some absolute favorites of mine would be the brussels sprouts and the truffle fries. The steamed buns are to die for. Their Smashburger is messy, but worth it. Finally, don’t sleep on their salads. They are tasty as well, and if you add a steak to it, you are getting a great meal for a good price. oh and how can I forget the desserts. They are great, but I rarely have room for them. Their staff is very knowledgeable about the great cocktails and are happy to help if you have questions. The atmosphere overall is inviting. I would say it’s a nicer place, but it’s not pretentious. Maybe a little rustic, but not country. Probably the best description for it would be comfortable and casual. Check it out! Cheers.

Great place to go down on 4th Street, one of our favorites downtown. Drink selection is good. Several fun cocktails to try. Service is great. A really nice place to go for a date, with friends, or as a family.

This spot is a frequent favorite. Offering the finest cocktails in Siouxland and delicious cuisine, it's a top choice. The atmosphere is great and relaxing. The servers are friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall experience.

Fun spot with excellent food! Had the burger and a beer flight and it was so good. The skillet brownie for dessert was beyond good. Staff was friendly and efficient. Such a great experience.

First off, to satisfy any curiosity on the name of this place, If you Google "Famous Diving Elk Sioux City", you’ll find plenty to read up on it. Skip to the next paragraph if this part doesn’t interest you, and you want to know specifically about the place and experience. Basically, back in the early 1900’s a local Sioux City resident named W.H. Barnes was mystified how Elk would jump over anything in their way. So he trained some elk to start walking up a ramp he built. Over time, he systematically increased the height of the ramp in increments, while they continued to run the routine. Ultimately, by 1903 the ramp topped off at 40ft. Due to its height, he had a 16ft tub 6ft deep for them to land into. Hence, the diving elk. Google it up for more history. On to the review itself. Place is located in the historical district, and the building inside and out has proper decor to fit right in. It’s a bar and grill, but classy and homey as well. Service was good. The waitress stayed on top of things. The place wasn’t too loud from people talking/yelling, nor did they have blaring music. I personally don’t really care to go eat at a place where you can’t socialize within your table, because all the conversations have turned into yelling over each other or yelling over the music. There’s a place for those atmospheres, but to me, it’s just not over the dinner table is all. That issue wasn’t present here, which was much preferred. Food was actually quite good. We got the chicken enchiladas and the house burger. We both liked what we got quite well, and we both would order the same thing again. That’s always a good sign, as you can return to try something else, and know if that didn’t satisfy your pallet, then you have something you know you can return to for a meal. Pricing was also reasonable for what you are getting. I’ve only been here this one time, and I would not hesitate to try it again sometime. When the service, atmosphere, food & pricing are all in a good place, that will bring the people back.

Stepping into the Diving Elk, you feel sophisticated. This gem is one of Sioux City's best as far as restaurants and bars go in the area with an evolving, seasonal menu that will make you want to try something new every time you visit! Don't sleep on the classics like the truffle fries and brussel sprouts though, there's a reason those always stay. Also try out their weekend specials! After your visit, you'll know why this place consistently has a "Siouxland's Best Bar Tender" nominee. They are experts in their craft with an incredible selection of cocktails and craft beers. Sioux City is lucky to have such a trendy, vibrant spot for the foodies out here.