We travelled all the way from Singapore specifically to visit Monowi Tavern — the only incorporated town in the United States with a population of one since 2010— and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
Meeting Elsie, the sole resident of Monowi, was truly special. She is warm, welcoming, and impressively strong and sharp despite her age. She personally cooks, serves, and runs the tavern with incredible energy and pride. You can feel the heart behind everything she does.
The tavern itself is wonderfully retro — stepping inside feels like going back to the 1970s. Wood-paneled walls, old-school decor, and a nostalgic, unpolished charm that gives it a genuine, classic American small-town vibe. It’s not staged or curated — it’s authentic.
We ordered the cheeseburgers and hotdogs, and they were fantastic — hearty, perfectly cooked comfort food made with care. Simple food done right.
The prices for the food are incredibly reasonable. It’s hard to imagine finding food at this price anywhere else today.
Signing her guest book felt meaningful, and we were deeply touched and extremely honoured when she told us we were the first visitors from Singapore.
Monowi Tavern is more than just a place to eat — it’s living American history. If you’re anywhere near Nebraska, this is a once-in-a-lifetime stop you shouldn’t miss.
I've heard of this on YouTube and have heard many good things about Elsa. I've never been here, but it sounds really cool and impressive, especially considering she's the one and only resident of the town. Thanks, Elsie!!!
I've never been here, not even to the US. I saw this story on a youtuber's channel and I think they are a couple in love, loving life and everything, and even if I go to the US I don't think I'll have the chance to go here, anyway, everything is the best
This worth of a drive. I came in early like 10:30 am so that I could beat the lunch crowd and talk to Elsie, I underestimated how famous Monowi is. The burger here was made with love, didn’t get a beer unfortunately because I had to drive to Des Moines soon but I’m glad I made this stop worth it.
This was a cute little place to stop. The burgers were amazing! So many little things to see on the walls. The history in the little tavern is evident, dating back to 1903. In a town of population 1, it definitely has its charm. If you find yourself with some free time & feel like a drive head on over to Monowi for a burger .. but be careful or you'll drive right on by!!
Cool place to visit, Elsie was genuine open to answer all of my questions, food was good, i was surprised to see many customers on a Tuesday for lunch.
Unfortunately, the cafe was closed when I arrived. I had come from Houston to Monowi by road, but I still managed to make it. I’ll try again to visit the cafe.
Drove out from Chicago and it was totally worth it. Elsie is a wonderful person to talk to. The tavern is small and rustic and filled with cool things to look at regarding it's popularity/history. You can grab food/beers and chat with the locals. Just some advice ahead of time: The tavern is open Tue-Sun (closed Mondays) 9am-9pm, it is cash only, and Elsie does not own the town! She just lives there. "Don't believe everything you read on the Internet!" ?
This was a bucket list item after reading about Elsie and the Monowi Tavern and its story and it exceeded expectations. What a treat.
We ate lunch there and when we arrived there was Elsie and 2 locals visiting and then men were having a beer.
We ordered lunch and chatted with them as we looked around the inside at the decor and pictures. Elsie was making the food so one of the local guys went and grabbed me a beer. Just as you would think.
The bar itself is simple but perfect. Elsie is a Great American who simply enjoys life and makes people happy.
Had a great lunch and the food was excellent. Great cheeseburger and fries. The beer was ice cold. Great history. Make the stop. Just a great story and visit on the road.less traveled.
Monowi, population 1.
Great spot to stop on a road trip. Monowi population 1 , Americana at it finest. Grab a burger or a cold beer which is rumored to be the " coldest in town " ..
Stopped in on the way back from the Nebraska Star Party, Was actually busy when I was there, about 9 people. Talked to Elsie a bit and an older gentleman named Alan, burger was good. A unique place for sure, stop in and say hello!
Update: Stopped back in next year, got my T-shirt, had lunch and talked to Elsie a bit more, about traveling to Europe but how Monowi is her home, was a great conversation. Also don’t forget to sign the guest book and look at the past entries!
I have long wanted to visit this village to see Elsie in good health and taste the burger she cooks in her tavern. I'm glad that, although she is the only resident of Monowi, she is not alone. her tavern is visited by residents of nearby towns and passing tourists. And the burger really turned out to be very tasty. thank you, Elsie, and long life to you.
Monowi is a town with only one resident, Elsie Eiler.
When you enter the tavern, a sweet lady will greet you.
The food is decent, and the atmosphere is good.
We tried onion rings and chicken fritters, and they were good.
We talked to her for a few minutes, took some pics, and left. It's a visit-worthy place.
We had to put monowi on our trip from niobrara to Smith falls. We were the first customers of the day. Elsie was very welcoming and got our food cooked before the rush started. Roughly 15 people showed up an hour after we got there. Loved the history of this place. Elsie didn't mind pictures being taken or these tourists were filming her while she worked. It was definitely a pleasure.
Well...everyone else is sharing their picture with Elsie, so I had to add mine. I was staying over in Creighton for the night on my way to South Dakota, knocking out some of the 18 States I have left to visit of the 50. Saw her story on some news show, can't remember when, so I knew this had to be added to my bucketlist!
Coming to Monowi is my 7-year-dream! Everything was great there! Food, people,atmosphere - just everything! My favorite dish is fried chicken gizzards is my absolute favorite that I had to go back to order some more on the way back to Utah and regretted that I should have ordered some more! I will definitely go back to visit everyone and eat delicious food there! I can say that 14 hours of driving is absolutely worth it! :)
This is the place. Hospitality would be 10 stars if I could give that many. Elsie was awesome. She entertained our questions about the town. Questions I am sure she has answered 1000's of times before. My buddy had some tater tots. They were good.
Prices are great if you are going to eat lunch. Would have loved to spend more time there.
Elsie is the law in that town!
Elsie was very nice and sweet. The food was simple, filling and delicious. She served us well and the onion rings were dangerously good. We had a great experience and talked to some locals.
I included the menu in the pictures for those who are curious, because the older pictures from a year ago are outdated and the prices have changed.
This was a really cool experience visiting the smallest town in the United States (Towns anywhere else in the world couldn't get any smaller!) With only one resident left. Come check it out quick before she decides to close shop and move to Florida! The restaurant/ tavern is a pretty cool place to visit as well with good food and company. People travel here from all over the world.. you can watch several youtube documentaries to get the back story.
Elsie was super nice and I had cheese bites and a burger and some PBR’s. I had seen this town in TV (Travel Channel) I think. Me and my buddy added this stop to a Alaska-Wisconsin road trip. Stop by and show love! The locals (residents of nearby towns) were super nice and the food is affordable and top notch. Ironically I will be back!
great place and the owner Elsie is so nice. She is the mayor, and the only resident. If you are passing buy you should stop in and say hi as well as singing her guest book.
