“The Williston,” Your New Favorite Restaurant

Nearly one year ago, Joel Lundeen and his partner purchased the old Elks building on 1st St. in downtown Williston and began renovating it in to one of the classiest places in town. The walls were torn down to the studs, and 67 windows and over 100 doors were replaced. The cosmetic surgery, so to speak, was completed and the doors to the beautiful new restaurant opened in August.

While restoration was taking place, the owner and construction crew were careful to preserve as much history as possible. The Elks had a ritual that many of you may be familiar with:

At every meeting of the BPOE (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks), and every social function, when the clock reaches the 11:00 p.m. hour, the Lodge conducted a ceremonial known as the “Eleven O’clock Toast.” This is where a member would propose a toast to Brothers who were not present.

This 11:00 o’clock - clock, which originally hung upstairs in the Elks ritual room, now hangs above the bar in the lounge and proudly sits at the 11:00 o’clock hour. Along with the clock, the crew preserved two original hand-carved alabaster globe chandeliers from the ritual room and hung them in the lounge as well.

The restaurant is currently open Monday – Saturday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm and the lounge is open Monday – Saturday from 3:00pm to Midnight. The restaurant will be opening on Sundays for brunch shortly after the first of the year.

The restaurant serves appetizers, steaks, seafood, poultry, pastas, soups and salads. They also have a bar menu and some of the best wines.

In addition to the restaurant and lounge, The Williston has eight suites available for nightly rentals: three 1 bedroom suites and five 2 bedroom suites.

For reservations call 701-572-0544.