Member Spotlight: Elkton Apartments/The Patio Restaurant
In 1959, a decade after they had purchased the Elkton Hotel at 133 South Fourth Street, Rita and the late David P Neiswender needed a name for their new restaurant in the lower level of the hotel. Rita suggested that the couple enjoyed entertaining friends at their home, grilling steaks, pork chops or hamburgers on “the patio” and just relaxing and conversing. It stuck!! The Patio was born.
More than a half century later, the décor of the restaurant still includes the wrought iron, outdoor, patio feeling. Neiswender’s son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kim, now own and operate the restaurant with the same philosophy.
“We want this to be a place where people come to relax, be with their friends and enjoy good food and good service,” says Neiswender. “We treat our customers as guests in our home; that was the concept my parents started.”
The Patio is renowned for its use of live charcoal for the steaks and seafood entrees and the 2” pork chop has become known as “the best pork chop” in the United States!! On Tuesday and Thursday, they feature an all-you- can-eat pasta bar, where customers choose their favorite ingredients and watch the chef prepare their favorite pasta dish for only $10.99.
The Patio often hosts business dinners during which employers host prospective employees or potential clients. They also help celebrate anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, retirements and other special events. They have two private dining rooms capable of seating up to 75 people. They do open for private lunches for groups of 35 and larger. They also cater now, providing the same wonderful food and service off premise.
Neiswender says, “We don’t have a cookie cutter catering menu, we discuss menu options and budget with each customer and then custom-make the menu to fit their event.” “We think that gives us a little more room to be creative and to keep our customer’s desires foremost in the planning.”
They have catered to groups up to 400 people. For information regarding groups or catering, call Mike Lefler or Neiswender at (217)222-1281.
In October 2010, The Elkton Hotel ceased daily hotel guests and converted to long term stays and efficiency apartments. The rent is based on 30 days and includes all utilities plus wifi and cable. For more information about rooms and apartments, call Neiswender at (217) 222-5660.
