
There’s only one thing that can make sitting back and sipping a cold brew even better — doing it under the open sky on a dreamy summer patio. And if you’re in Thunder Bay, the Lakehead Beer Company Biergarten is just the right spot.
Tucked into the city’s Waterfront District, this patio feels like someone turned their backyard into a chill urban oasis. With picnic tables, strings of twinkly lights, a mural by local artists, greenery, and a game of cornhole always on standby, it creates a welcoming, relaxing vibe that makes you forget you’re actually in a parking lot.
Haven’t lined up a summer getaway? Think of this as your own little escape without leaving town (even if it is just for an afternoon). Sitting al fresco with a pint in hand, you’ll feel like you’re on a mini summer vacay right here in TBay.
The brewery truly leaned into community vibes and casual comfort. Lakehead Beer built this patio to feel like an extension of their brewery — communal, comfortable, and buzzing with character. “It’s like magic,”said Owner, Aaron Goerzen. “Whether you’re catching live music, chatting over drinks, or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s this cozy glow that makes you smile when you see people loving it.”
And then there’s the beer. Lakehead Beer also brings all the craft beer magic you’d expect and then some. Their Cucumber Gose or Lemongrass Grisette is basically summer in a glass, crisp and refreshing, and the kind of brews designed for a hot day!
Live music brings the patio to life every Thursday, with open mic nights, which means you can either chill out to live music or be brave enough to get on stage yourself (you even get a free drink if you do). And keep an eye out for performances by musicians travelling through town, surprise DJ sets and the Tiny Dusk Sets Event schedule for August 1st that’s held at golden hour, when the patio turns into a glowing little dance floor.
But let’s be real, you can’t talk about this patio without talking about Tomlin Subdivision’s Detroit-style pizza. This isn’t just pizza! It’s a slice of heaven with thick, focaccia-like crust, caramelized cheese edges, a swipe of rich tomato sauce, and loaded with toppings. My go-to would be the Buffalo Fried Chicken (the Blue Cheese Dressing is perfection!) One bite and you’ll get why it’s all the rage.
Your downtime is precious, and summer in TBay flies by fast. So what’s better than cold beer, golden hour, live music, and friends? Honestly, nothing. Don’t let the warm weather pass you by… get out to one of the best patios in the city ASAP, and be sure to show up early because this place fills up fast! Pro tip from the brewery: BYOB — bring your own blanket. This is Thunder Bay after all, and the nights can get cool fast.