Our visit to Thunder Bay wowed us in SO many ways. Fantastic Thai food, epic Finnish pancakes and jaw-dropping scenery of Lake Superior’s northern shore are just the tips of the iceburg.
Add to that list, a selection of cocktails that we would go back to again and again and now we’re wondering why we don’t live there full time.
3 Spots for Epic Cocktails in Thunder Bay
While there are several great spots to grab a drink in Thunder Bay, three really stood out to us. Read on for our top three spots to grab a cocktail in Thunder Bay.
Industry Social House
Where: 782 Macdonell St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
We had: The Hard Start
The Industry Social House welcomes you with warm interiors, moody lighting and an easygoing vibe that makes it an ideal place to unwind.
Their cocktail menu is epic, pairing beautifully with a delicious meal or enjoyed entirely on its own. The Hard Start is a mix of caramel liqueur and coffee, smoked with your choice of wood chips for a fully immersive experience.
If you love exploring flavours, their bartenders are pros at crafting custom cocktails and mocktails based on your palate.
Tomlin Restaurant
Where: 202 ½ Red River Rd. Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
We had: Sloe Gin, On My Mind, New Guy
The trick with the drink menu at Tomlin is that it changes a lot, so with the exception of the Sloe Gin, you may not find these on the menu. That being said, their cocktail menu is crafted by in-house team members and they’re always fantastic. Here’s the run-down on what we ordered.
Starting simple, the Sloe Gin combines cassis, lime, mint and egg white. Completely refreshing, it’s perfect any time of year.
On My Mind is a completely different take on a gin cocktail from the sloe style. On My Mind has gin, thyme-infused peach schnapps (yum!), Lillet and orange bitters and is topped with a sprig of fresh thyme. If you wanted to feel sophisticated, this is the cocktail for you.
Finally, New Guy stirs together Blanco tequila, amaro Montenegro, ginger, lime, and hopped grapefruit bitters. Packing the punch, this one is served up in a copper mug and fuses together a pretty spectacular palette of flavours.
Of course, this cocktail menu goes best with food. We tried their Chef’s Menu and it did not disappoint! With several courses of delicious eats, each layer of the meal was an experience to be savoured. This spot fills up quickly so be sure to make a reservation!
Woodside Bar at Goods & Co.
Where: 251 Red River Rd. Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
We had: Pillow Talk, mimosa
The Pillow Talk cocktail might be one of the prettiest creations we’ve ever drank! This cocktail was expertly crafted with egg white, lemon, butterfly pea tea syrup, Chambord and empress gin. Its bright lavender colour and clothes-pinned flowers give it a touch of elegance. Who doesn’t love that?
Seeing that Woodside (located inside the epic Goods & Co. Market) is one of Thunder Bay’s trendiest brunch stops, we had to give their mimosa a go too. It did not disappoint so if that’s your jam, make sure you grab one (or two)!
Cheers to that!
Cheers to exploring Thunder Bay through their cocktail scene! Indulge a little too much? No worries. Be sure to check out our fav spots for a hangover meal in Thunder Bay.
