On Deck in Thunder Bay

54 Cumberland St N, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4L2, Canada

★★★★☆
(528 reviews)
Categories: Bar & grill Restaurant
Website
m.facebook.com
Address
54 Cumberland St N, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4L2, Canada
Plus Code
CQPJ+JR Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
2 PM–2 AM
Tuesday
2–6 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
2 PM–2 AM
Friday
2 PM–2 AM
Saturday
2 PM–2 AM
Sunday
12 PM–2 AM

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Bar games Live performances Sport
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Food Food at bar Late-night food Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.0
★★★★☆
528 reviews

Most Mentioned

nachos (15) atmosphere (14) pool (14) dive bar (12) wings (11) sports (11) pub (10) game (10) popcorn (6) jukebox (6)
5 stars
220
4 stars
179
3 stars
77
2 stars
21
1 stars
31
★★
November 13, 2024

Good bar, made a few friends here. Nice time all around. I applied a year or so ago, and the owner was late to the interview. He also promised me some work, that he didn't deliver on. I tried applying again and even though they really need the help, the bar manager, don't know her name, told me she straight up won't take my resume. The people I meet at on deck are awesome, the staff need to do better, most of them.

October 30, 2024

So I heard the one of the staffs are being racist to one of our kinds being there and the guy kicked us out, but we didn't even do anything at all. Just played pool with Hans if you know him so I wouldn't bother going over there anyway

★★★★★
October 2, 2024

I have a great time. Great service. Kind staff. Moderate prices.

★★★★★
August 5, 2024

Love the wings. The best place to grab an evening snack or dinner. Every time we come to town we try to stop in for wings. Better then Whacky's for sure! Better prices then whacky's also. Always buying 2lbs.

★★★
June 3, 2024

We went on a Sunday night around 6pm, not too busy which was nice. The establishment itself is worn but clean, what you'd expect from a place that's been around for years. My wife wanted to try the Cauliflower Wings and I am game for pub food. Ordered Cauliflower Bites, Deep Fried Pickles, Onion Rings and a Buffalo Chicken Burger with fries. As far as how the food came out, it was perfect as far as deep fried food should come out, crispy and not greasy, the guy doing the cooking that day was spot on. As far as the food itself, the Cauliflower Bites were in kind of Beer Batter, my wife thought they were okay, but not great. The Deep Fried Pickles, were good, couldn't probably improve, would order again, the Onion Rings were the best of the apps we had, definitely order again, hands down. Now for the Buffalo Chicken Burger with Fries, I was considerably disappointed, as it was just 2 Chicken Strips aligned on the bun to cut perfectly diagonal, rather than say, a Chicken Breast or some kind of Chicken Burger Patty, whether they ran out of the usual Patties and this was a substitute, it wasn't a Chicken Burger to say the least. I understand that, yes it could be difficult to house batter chicken breasts and cook them like the Persian Man does for their Chicken Wraps, but for the price I was expecting a bit more, as for the fries, out of a bag, once again, I am sure they are limited to making fresh cut fries. I don't expect I'll be returning for food, but for refreshments and some games, I'll definitely return. Service was okay, our server would forget things and we would have to ask a second time, but she was pleasant and nice. We noticed they had plenty of take out going out, so kudos to the cook.

★★★★★
April 17, 2023

Amazing place, it you have spend time with your friends . It’s perfect also the music is great and the service is really good

★★★★★
September 14, 2021

Really enjoyed ending a great night out in ThunderBay at On Deck! We had never been before to TB before and was recommended to check it out from multiple serving staff at surrounding bars. We enjoyed playing multiple games of pool and listening to great tunes. The patrons were friendly and respectful. At first I found the service staff a bit intimidating but as the night went on they were fantastic. Little Jordan was an absolute doll and was very personable. The chicken wings were so damn good as well. Keep up the good work!

★★★★★
July 26, 2019

Tried this place based on a recommendation and we were more than pleased! The food was awesome! Some of the best onion rings and poutine we’ve had in awhile! The burger and chicken quesadilla were also very tasty. Our waiter was super nice. The place itself had a cool vibe and would probably be a lot of fun on the weekend or with a group. They have pool tables if you play.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Great chicken wings

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Best burgers and best place to get Heineken in town hands down

★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Beers were cold but their ac wasn t working . We didn t try their food .

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

If you re looking for a great dive bar, this is it. Fun atmosphere

★★★★
August 23, 2024

Awesome nachos, friendly staff.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Great spot for drinks with large groups.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Quesadillas were amazing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Best wings in Thunder Bay and best place to watch the big game.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

I see a lot of reviews compelled to include the phrase dive bar ... first of all, let me tell you right away this is NOT an actual review, but rather a historical reflection on what this grand ol dive bar actually USED to be. Let me first express, Im a pro musician with 4 decades of touring, performing, recording and record producing in my resume. I even took on a dream gig of touring with the Bellamy Brothers, back in the 1990s. Yet - if I were to tell you, what my favorite gig, of ALL of the places Ive ever played? It was here. THIS building. Now to be certain: On Deck, gets five stars from me, simply because of their care, passion and upkeep, of what I consider a location of monumental, historic value to me. This was the Waverly Hotel, the bar was the Nashville Edge, the band I was in was called Electric Haystack, and on at least a dozen occasions from the years 1987-1990, we drove 8 hours from our home base Winnipeg and we ROCKED this place. Beautiful girls were EVERYWHERE, and yes, we had our share of shenanigans we were known to get involved in, but everyone, including us - ESPECIALLY me ... was happy in the end. This is a review of the best times of my life. At one point, including 2 very dear friends I met at this establishment but have passed on (R.I.P. Angie and Denise), I honestly had more friends in Thunder Bay, than I had in Winnipeg. This really, really was, my favorite gig Ive ever done. You know that old saying, If THESE walls could talk? Maybe if you listen closely ... Thanks for taking the time to read this memory I cherish, of this building that was at one time, Thunder Bays absolute best country-rockin nightspot- the beloved Waverly Hotel. Im sure one day, hopefully soon, Ill revisit, and sample, from what I can just see in these reviews, On Decks obviously scrumptious cuisine, and edit my review accordingly. But one line Ill never edit: To me, this place will ALWAYS be the Wave.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Ordered wings tonight as I have often, and the kitchen went above and beyond. Thank you.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

We love the gluten free options and service is always top notch!

★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Super good wings.

★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Pretty solid classic sorta sports bar, but with legitimately awesome wings. Great place to hang with some friends and play pool or watch the game. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Friendly staff, great prices for food, tasty food!

★★★
February 23, 2024

Young mouthy kids

★★★★
February 23, 2024

This is the classic place for students to visit on the weekend. I havent tried the food here, but the drinks arent too expensive. Its a great place on game night or for a post-dinner hangout.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Taylor was a fantastic host/server. The food was exceptional as well

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Alicia was amazingly helpful and kind. Had a good dinner and the food was delicious too.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Nevermind it has improved greatly Im happy with the service I do greatly apologize for the I had opinion before

December 23, 2023

Went there to have a drink or two and found a fly in my first drink I let it pass, than I bought another one and another fly in was in my new second drink. Never going there again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I really liked the environment and food. Amazing place

★★★
December 23, 2023

When completely downhill since Sandy retired.... Not to be rude to his sons but they just dont have the same hospitality

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Best chicken

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I dont like there is no music unless you spend tons of money on their jukebox. There should be background music. But the staff was wonderful.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The food is freshly made and cooked from scratch Im definitely going to be coming back again Service is excellent Food : 5/5

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Good food, service was a bit slow but very friendly. Food is a tiny bit on the pricey side.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Love Calamari from this place

December 23, 2023

Good food and cheap drink but the male server behind the bar is very rude. Used to love coming to this bar but I think I ll pass next time.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Food was to be expected. Service was very slow

December 23, 2023

I ve been here many times which was enjoyable but the last time I was there, the service was horrible! Our food was sitting in the kitchen for 30 mins after being made and the server started giving us an attitude for the food because we had to grab it since no one was caring! This is not how you treat your customers!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Best Chicken wings in town!

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Typical sports bar / couple pool tables Menu is mostly bar food wings n nachos are OK at best lol Food : 3/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The wings are legit. The area and interior can seem a bit rough around the edges, but give them a try if you like delicious wings for sure.

December 23, 2023

The gluten free menu is not gluten free. I am celiac currently throwing up from this so called gluten free food. Dietary restrictions: The gluten free is not gluten free.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We went there with family from out of town to shoot some pool. I wasnt sure what to expect because I hadnt been there before. The staff was very friendly and the service was quick. We ordered a few appetizers which were tasty. The bar was bright and not too loud which was perfect but we did go at 5pm. Would go again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Great Service.Engaging place to have dinner at.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Best Nachos!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Friendly staff good place to bring the kiddos for a quick snack or quick lunch on a adventure day at the marina . Also, a fun place to go for a few in the even with adult friends lol

December 23, 2022

Because of the bar tender at the front she always behave rudely with us She is so racist toward me and my friends And I saw her she was having alcohol shots while working is it allowed?

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Nice little hole in the wall Looks like a great place to watch a sporting event. Food & service was good. Prices were decent.

December 23, 2022

Worst service Ive ever had . Period

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The perfect divey sports bar. Much love for thos place

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Fantastic!! The southern fried wings are delicious and the pizza is honestly the best in Thunder Bay! 110% would recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

great bar

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Awesome food, and friendly staff and awesome service ,everytime I go.there!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Down home feel!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Fast service. Friendly staff

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Table was sticky, rag they used to wipe it down after we mentioned it was super Stinky, table service was nice, food was greasy (in a good way) would go back

December 23, 2022

Bouncer was mean ;(

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Its a nice place, the vibe, good beers, theres pool tables, and a super cool music machine (I love that device, you have to try it, the list Its huge). Try one red beer tanker, super iced and refreshing.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The food is pretty decent here although I have noticed it depends on who s cooking. I love the wings! I used to take my son when he was younger to shoot pool and eat food. He always had a blast and thought it was so cool he was in a pub / bar .

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Steak sandwich = NOT GOOD. Fatty and grisly -- very poor quality. Fries were nice & hot.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

I would tell it is one of the bar where we can go and get cheap beer and enjoy a vibe with lots of people around us. There are some games like foosball, pool and pins. May be because it was a lot of people felt like i was melting with the heat inside the bar. There will a big line up at the counter to buy drinks.So it will be good to buy as many as u can at frst run. Even though i heard some bad stories abt the bar, i had no bad experince.. It was good for me. Kid-friendliness: Not Kid friendly. Its for adults

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

We had a good time. Atmosphere is fine. Service was quick.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Visited July 1st weekend... what a great time! Great staff great food!

December 23, 2022

Canceled liquor with dinner delivery without notifying me. Charges $19 for a hot dog, because theyre licensed and then doesnt deliver whats ordered. DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS PLACE BECAUSE THEYRE LICENSED. Theyll deliver you mediocre overpriced food and nothing else.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Chill. Lots of snap backs, mumble rap, and whiskey in a jar-o. Otherwise its good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Wings were great!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Loved there gluten free menu! Staff was patient and helpful! Over all great experience will go back again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The old classic sports bar with vintage tables that have been carved up.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Good wings and nachos. Good place to hang out, play pool and have a beer.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

The bartender is really hot. Good hiring on deck.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Best nachos!?

Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Rooms upstairs loaded with bed bugs and mice for at least 2 years now, one reason I wont order wings here.

★★★★
December 23, 2021

Loved it! Good food and drinks and easy atmosphere.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Their nachos and wings were amazing and I definitely wasn t dissatisfied! This place is a great place

Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Ordered through skip, they messed up order and only refunded me what the value of missing item, even tho I ordered a meal. Scuzzy move, Its not even including the tax or delievery dont be expecting anymore buisness if you cant get a simple order right Might be good if your there for a night of drinking (Which i dont reccomend) ordering wise id avoid it. You had almost an hour and still messed up a side of fries imagine being that bad at taking orders. Oh ya the rest of the food was 4/10 also so theres that aswell

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Excellent service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Good

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

They serve most excellent chicken wings and though covid has lost them most of there staff the ones that worked that dai i visited were most excellent two thumbs up to them keep up the good work.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Nice place to hangout at night. Food is okay.

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Waitress needs some training on how to be happy and welcoming yikes.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Still the best bar in town

★★
December 23, 2021

Dive joint

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Very bright for a bar but great service. Very friendly atmosphere.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Was excellent great crowd great drinks

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Friendly place!

★★★★
December 23, 2021

Great deck! Make sure you get a table on the east deck

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Attentive wait staff with decent selection of lower to mid priced bottle/can/draft beer and nice lively feel but very earthy atmosphere and clientele

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Solid bar food for everyone + free popcorn with drinks!! Veggie quesadilla is a nice snack when drinking for vegetarians. Nice place to shoot pool and hang out. Theres also a digital jukebox. Very much a sports bar, but always a solid, casual place to meet up with friends without having to spend a tonne of money.

★★★★
December 23, 2020

Always love the Decker, never any issues with food or staff!

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Best beer intown

★★★★
December 23, 2020

Just like cheers, where everybody knows your name .

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Delicious food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Amazing wings.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Decent Bar. Good for those that are looking to hang out, have some drinks and play pool. Management is not the nicest but the serving staff make up for it

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Pretty good. Good customer service

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

My significant other and I go here once a week to play darts. We usually have some drinks and food. The food is not stellar but is definitely edible and good tasting and quite reasonably priced. We chose this place because they obviously have dart board(pool tables, foosball tables as well) but it has a nice neighborly vibe. The wait staff are always friendly. Definitely gets my recommendation.... enjoy!!!

★★★★
December 23, 2020

Always enjoy the people and the staff. Unpretentious and real. Not a fashion show full of phonies. Food is good, well priced and healthy portions. Beer is well priced and always cold.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Lots of games to play, pretty good food, and a pretty bumpin atmosphere on the weekends

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Love having pool tables and dart boards available. Jukebox selection is great. Good beer selection. Nice bar tenders. Nachos are good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Probably the best place in town to watch sports.

★★★★
December 23, 2020

Chill place, I like beer

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Best roasted red pepper wings in the city

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Best service and wings.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Great service, minus one server (in a referee uniform)that seems to have forgotten her manners. She would interrupt other servers/bartenders that were in the middle of serving customers and demand whatever she was needing that second ( no please, no thank you) She was also heard complaining loudly about customers to the kitchen staff ( we were sitting a bit away and could hear loud and clear.) The rest of the bar staff were friendly and courteous. The younger bartender ( I didnt catch his name ) went above and beyond with great service and did his due diligence in helping maintain social distancing. We went there twice during our stay and overall it was a good experience. Great food, nice sports bar pub like environment. ( July 24 & 25)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Been a few years since I lived in TBay, had the opportunity to go back recently and as always the food and service were great. Ill be back for sure!

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

It was pretty quiet in there but it took almost 10 minutes to get our drinks. Waited over half hour for our food, which when the waiter came over to see if we wanted more drinks, he mentioned then that our food was taking abit cause someone had placed an order for 6pds of wings. K fine, but then when my food finally arrives it wasnt even correct, and to boot not even a compensation??!! The food is good though for a bar, just maybe when people are ordering let them know that its gonna be awhile if theres a big order.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Friendly server and solid pub food

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

The wings were so damn tasty

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Stopped on a long road trip after asking around for a good spot, awesome wings and really great service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

I honestly love this place, great food and awake environment.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Great nachos

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Had a couple hours to kill before my flight out. Ended up at On Deck was not dissapointed. This place has tons of character and that good old dive bar feel. Staff was suoer great and friendly. Had time for a pint and some wings. Beer was cold and fresh and the s&p wings for perfect. If you end up in TBay like I did and need a beer and some wings, this is the place.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

A nice little bar with ok prices and good food and a nice chill atmosphere

★★★★
December 23, 2020

Good COVID protocols, good all around.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Southern Fried Wings were amazing as usual.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Good for casual hanging out

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Good food at cheap rate. Nice place to hang out with friends

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

A TBay classic. Great dive bar. Underrated as a restaurant. Never know what to expect

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Great wings and friendly staff

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

They need more help

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Hasnt changed in 50 yrs

★★
December 23, 2019

Service very slow today waitress on her phone steady

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Food was spot on....waitress was awesome.

★★★★
December 23, 2019

Good pool tables

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

I used to love coming to on deck with my friends and enjoying a drink and a plate if nachos or a poutine. The past few times weve gone its seemed under staffed and almost hostile. Its taken far too long to get drinks and food, sometimes things dont even come. The food is still great and so are the drinks but it cant make up for the lack of service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

One of Thunder Bays most iconic dives. Always a great time.

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

good service great bartenders amazing vibe