Don’t worry—there’s no spirit of a burned-up serial killer with knives as fingers at this Elm Street. No, just your average bar crowd of black metal fans, rock n roll aficionados, and otherwise normal Osloians are on hand at this way chill spot located just a short block off touristy shopping strip Karl Johan’s gate.
Rock n roll memorabilia dominates the décor of Elm Street. As you walk in, you’ll see a few colorful murals nodding to classic rock to your right, and along the ceiling are framed LPs from the likes of David Bowie, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin. Across from the bar area is a long line of rock posters, newspaper covers, and tour announcements, most of which are dedicated to classic rock artists. To top it all off, there’s a keen mix of rock music flowing out the bar’s sound system. Don’t get so wrapped up in Bowie posters, though, that you miss the back walls, where there’s plenty of space dedicated to local artists.
Props to Elm Street’s owners for knowing that any good watering hole needs more than just a couple ashtrays to keep you entertained. There’s a pool table for showing off your billiards skills, but more importantly a Surf ‘n’ Safari pinball machine. By no means is this one of the better machines I’ve rocked—there’s a few ramps to hit but not much else going on—but mediocre pinball is better than no pinball, right? Plus, there was some kind of weird bug infecting it, wherein the points would keep adding up even if you weren’t doing anything. Free games were being awarded like a Teen Choice Award—not much effort or skill necessary.
Elm Street has a full bar serving liquor and beer at normal Oslo prices. There’s also a kitchen cooking up a nice menu of eats. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all offered, and there’s even a decent selection of vegetarian dishes (gasp!). It seems that Elm Street specializes in burgers, as there are nine kinds on tap ranging in price from NOK 76 – 96.
Some guy I was playing two-player pinball with (and of course stomping on) mentioned that "the wannabes" have watered down Elm Street’s reputation somewhat, and I could see what he meant, but on weekday nights I’m sure this joint still retains its relatively underground status. Hey, the rookies come out on the weekends everywhere to muck up the bar scene, not just in Oslo!
Have a few drinks, but don’t drink so much that you pass out. Falling asleep on Elm Street is never good for your health.