You always hear about the seedy taverns that exist in small towns and being from Gananoque and…read morehaving lived in the not-so-good areas of Toronto, I've experienced my fill. The Eclipse Tavern is like these places but still warm and friendly. A small bar perched atop the Knights of Columbus hall (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/knights-of-columbus-council-1447-thunder-bay), it's a drinking hole that has regulars that can tell instantly that you are not from around there. Don't be put off by that. It's not a point of aggression, but more of welcome. The bar staff are friendly, helpful, and will fill you in on the things that Thunder Bay has to offer. They've got some snacks and what they don't have, they'll let you order in. Sit long enough and the regulars will challenge you to pool, or on other nights, I'm told that karaoke throwdowns may happen. It wasn't on when I was there so I guess I lucked out. This is an older tavern with a horseshoe bar. It's traditional, slightly seedy, and made me feel right at home. Not in the best neighbourhood, and probably not a first-date place, but if you're in the neighbourhood, you can do worse than poke your head in. They also sold bottles of Labatt's Crystal, which I'd not had in years. Good times.

Let's be honest. Sometimes you want to walk into a bar that's equal parts inviting and sketchy…read more This is the type of bar that doesn't have an atm machine but instead has a convoluted approach to giving you money where you go downstairs, pay for a receipt that you take upstairs for cash. Truth be told I loved this bar. It might be the best Thunder Bay has to offer. Met some interesting people and the bar tender was super friendly. This bar is deadly.

The days of the bar lounge appear to be numbered, so it's nice when you happen upon one that is…read morequaint and is slightly upscale. The Portside Bar in the Prince Arthur Hotel (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/prince-arthur-waterfront-hotel-and-suites-thunder-bay) is a fantastic place to unwind from the day, relax and have a cocktail. This quiet secluded section of the restaurant though brightly lit, has the impression of intimacy, in that the small cocktail lounge tables and the 60s-style chairs bring you and your party close together. This is not a drinking hole, but a meeting place to start an evening. There's one beer on tap (Coors Light) so don't bother. Find something of a bottled variety or cozy in with a mixed drink. Though not nearly as elegant as the King Edward cocktail lounge (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/le-meridan-king-edward---cocktail-lounge-toronto), it still puts me in mind of the place. Connected to an old-style hotel in a landmark building, I guess it's got a bit in common with its Toronto cousin. Just don't tell it that. Toronto and Thunder Bay don't get on well.

As a cocktail bar, no. More of a generic hotel restaurant, lacking warmth and ambience. . Decent…read morefood, if unimaginative. Service is a little *too* attentive, but since there were only two tables, the servers were probably just bored.

This is the bar that is located inside Lakehead University. It is on two levels. With a bar on…read moreboth. There are quite a few tables here. They have a good sized dance floor. They have live concerts here, usually Canadian groups. For underagers, they can have a circle put on their hands to join in with their of age friends. During the day and early evening food is served. They have themed nights such as 80s night.

This is lakehead's on sight bar/restaurant so you get what you are there for so to speak. The food…read moreis good for a campus restaurant and the drinks are like a normal bar. They have some special event nights which should be the main focus if you want to check it out.

The Hodder team was kind enough to let me host my husband's 40th birthday party at the bar. The…read moreentire Hodder team was absolutely wonderful and bent over backwards to make the night perfect. cannot say enough good things about the people and place! Everyone had a great time!

Very much the quintessential LOCALS bar Multiple customers…read morewith bar T-shirts on (apparel!!) I liked the old rock playlist, suited the place. During Covid, hard to tell how good it is or isn't

Stopped by on a whim. I was staying nearby and looking for a cold beer and something to eat. It was…read morealready a bit late in the evening, and I was worried I wouldn't get any food after a long day of travel. I sat at the bar, and the bartender made a delicious suggestion for both a beer and food. As a Texan, it was odd to me to be eating a BBQ pork sandwich in Canada, but it was delicious. It paired well with my beers, and was a different BBQ taste experience than I had tasted before. The bartender, Oner, turned out to be the owner, and he made a few suggestions for other places to eat at while I was in Thunder Bay. Both were excellent selections as well! Appreciative of great hospitality, cold brews, and warm food. Thanks for a great experience! ***cash only, but there is an ATM inside (didn't take my US card) or a bank next door (which did take my US card).

Black Pirate's Pub is my favourite bar to go to in downtown Thunder Bay! They always have great…read morebeers, and drinks. There is always a big list of events for each month with bands that range from punk, metal to folk/alternative rock to dance and club music!

Recently found this lovely little restaurant. Super friendly atmosphere. Not a huge menu but great…read morefor sharing and everything we tried so far was up to snuff. And everything is very reasonably priced! Also note they have a much more varied wine selection than several local upscale establishments.

Based on the name and website description of this restaurant, I expected to find a trendy wine bar…read morewith delicious small plate offerings. There was an advertised dress code when it opened but am unsure if it is still there. I think the restaurant is having an identity crisis. If you went to this restaurant based on the name/description you would be disappointed. If you knew that it was a Vietnamese restaurant with a lovely owner and pretty good food, then you would be content. Diners who want Vietnamese don't know it's there, and the guests who visit based on the name Vineyards will be disappointed. The restaurant is still under reno and the tables/seating/atmosphere leave a lot to be desired. This restaurant may be the only place in town that has banh mi and I think they would do well to advertise that. I would recommend that they change their name, advertise the food offerings (banh mi, dim sum, noodle bowl, rice rolls) and change their hours to accommodate the surrounding businesses Tues - Sat opening at 11. Their website currently states 11-11 Thurs to Sat. They only open at noon the days I have been there. The food is alright, but the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.

Continuing our motorhome trip to escape the Texas heat, we are in Kakabeka Falls at Happy Land RV…read morePark. We always ask locals and consult Yelp when looking for places to eat and have local/craft beer. We decided on Madhouse. It was a great experience. At first we weren't sure about eating there, so we sat at the bar to have a beer and look at the menu. The bartender was immediately cordial and welcoming. As we enjoyed a hazy IPA we struck up a conversation with her and looked at the menu. Another guy was at the bar and we struck up a conversation with him. The bartender and waitstaff seemed to know him well, so I asked if he worked there. He was the head chef. By the time we ate and left it was like we were old friends. Really enjoyed talking with them and getting some ideas for an early dinner. We decided to start with the beer cheese, nothing like I have ever experienced. It was very good and the pretzels were hot and fresh. An excellent appetizer. Then we split and order of tacos. Since the chicken tacos were a special of the day, we split an order of two and a side of fries. Does Canada celebrate Taco Tuesday? The tacos were excellent and a delicious twist on the ones we are accustomed to in Texas. We enjoyed the entire visit...food, beer, and conversation. I gave them each an American two dollar bill and they had never seen one. Win Win. I highly recommend this place. The bar became busy and cheerful, but not loud and boisterous. I'm glad we went there.

Our server was delightful and we loved the decor! Great pics on the walls! Dali, Heminway, Tom…read moreWaits, Hunter Thompson. The chicken tenders were the best I have ever eaten anywhere and i don't know what they cooked the wedge potatoes with but they were melt in your mouth. HH loved the sauted seafood pasta. A winner!