Guidebook for Niagara Falls
Food Scene
You won't find another tourist in this Vietnamese Gem. Most famous among locals for its example of that particular soup: Pho (pronounced "Fa"). You'll find many, many versions here, all made from delicious scratch stocks. As well as the soups, they also prepare fresh and delicious noodle, rice, and vegetable appetizers and entrees, a seemingly endless combination of choices. Our favorites are the Large 101 (Fried Wontons stuffed with pork and shrimp), the small 104 (Rice Noodle Wrapper stuffed with Shrimp, Pork, Vermicelli, and Thai Basil Salad), and the Medium 332 (Pho with Chicken and Lemongrass). A 12 minute drive from Spring Manor with free parking, or let them deliver for a small charge
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Pho Viet Nam 3969
3969 Montrose RoadYou won't find another tourist in this Vietnamese Gem. Most famous among locals for its example of that particular soup: Pho (pronounced "Fa"). You'll find many, many versions here, all made from delicious scratch stocks. As well as the soups, they also prepare fresh and delicious noodle, rice, and vegetable appetizers and entrees, a seemingly endless combination of choices. Our favorites are the Large 101 (Fried Wontons stuffed with pork and shrimp), the small 104 (Rice Noodle Wrapper stuffed with Shrimp, Pork, Vermicelli, and Thai Basil Salad), and the Medium 332 (Pho with Chicken and Lemongrass). A 12 minute drive from Spring Manor with free parking, or let them deliver for a small charge
We only go here for one thing. Burgers. One burger in particular; The Big Brisket Burger. A hand made chuck patty, slow smoked and rested beef brisket, a handed down recipe of sweet BBQ sauce, cheddar and mayo. It comes with fresh cut fries and the best beer on tap to go with it, Coors Banquet. They might make good BBQ too, we don't know, we've never been able to order anything other than the burger! (Back Bacon = Canadian Bacon ((We're in Canada, how can we call it Canadian Bacon??))) Plenty of metered parking on the street, or a 15 minute walk from Spring Manor.
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Jeffro's BBQ
4555 Queen StWe only go here for one thing. Burgers. One burger in particular; The Big Brisket Burger. A hand made chuck patty, slow smoked and rested beef brisket, a handed down recipe of sweet BBQ sauce, cheddar and mayo. It comes with fresh cut fries and the best beer on tap to go with it, Coors Banquet. They might make good BBQ too, we don't know, we've never been able to order anything other than the burger! (Back Bacon = Canadian Bacon ((We're in Canada, how can we call it Canadian Bacon??))) Plenty of metered parking on the street, or a 15 minute walk from Spring Manor.
Really amazing Jamaican food. Easy going counter service, small homemade menu, just a few tables and not open very late, but it might be the best lunch in the city. You need to order the Salt Cod Fritters. They're made to order and you may wait a bit for them if the place is busy, but they're totally worth it. Ask for hot sauce if you like to have things spicier than medium, but be careful, Gary (the owner) grows his own Scotch Bonnets and Ghost Peppers for it. Plenty of metered parking on the street, but only a 10 minute walk from Spring Manor. In addition to the Fritters, you also need to try the Jerk Chicken, the Fried Chicken, and the Oxtail. Closed on Mondays.
Nyce N Spicee
5054 Victoria AveReally amazing Jamaican food. Easy going counter service, small homemade menu, just a few tables and not open very late, but it might be the best lunch in the city. You need to order the Salt Cod Fritters. They're made to order and you may wait a bit for them if the place is busy, but they're totally worth it. Ask for hot sauce if you like to have things spicier than medium, but be careful, Gary (the owner) grows his own Scotch Bonnets and Ghost Peppers for it. Plenty of metered parking on the street, but only a 10 minute walk from Spring Manor. In addition to the Fritters, you also need to try the Jerk Chicken, the Fried Chicken, and the Oxtail. Closed on Mondays.
This is not an "all you can eat" Sushi restaurant. Very talented husband and wife sushi chefs provide big city freshness, traditional favorites, some contemporary twists, and a great value for very good sushi. Taki is a 15 minute walk along the Olympic torch path just outside our front door. They also offer free parking. Our favorites are the Sashimi Sampler, The Green Spider Roll and Warm Sake!
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Taki Japanese Restaurant
5500 Victoria AveThis is not an "all you can eat" Sushi restaurant. Very talented husband and wife sushi chefs provide big city freshness, traditional favorites, some contemporary twists, and a great value for very good sushi. Taki is a 15 minute walk along the Olympic torch path just outside our front door. They also offer free parking. Our favorites are the Sashimi Sampler, The Green Spider Roll and Warm Sake!
Family owned and operated for over 20 years. With their own Tandoori ovens, the chefs at Guru present traditional Indian fare. From lamb, chicken, to vegetarian and vegan, it's all homemade. The naan bread is especially good. We always share the food from here because the flavors are too good to enjoy just one dish. You should definitely try the Lamb Vindaloo, the Butter Chicken (the best we've ever had), and be sure to order extra garlic naan. A 15 minute walk from the Manor down the Olympic Torch Path or a $6.00CAD delivery fee
The Guru Fine Indian Cuisine
5705 Victoria AveFamily owned and operated for over 20 years. With their own Tandoori ovens, the chefs at Guru present traditional Indian fare. From lamb, chicken, to vegetarian and vegan, it's all homemade. The naan bread is especially good. We always share the food from here because the flavors are too good to enjoy just one dish. You should definitely try the Lamb Vindaloo, the Butter Chicken (the best we've ever had), and be sure to order extra garlic naan. A 15 minute walk from the Manor down the Olympic Torch Path or a $6.00CAD delivery fee
"The BEST Falls view dining in town" The Keg Steakhouse & Bar offers guests a magnificent view of both the Horseshoe Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls while dining in an upbeat, friendly, casual/fine dining environment. They have a menu that offers a wide range of options from great appetizers and entrees like the Mushrooms Neptune and Slow Roasted Prime Rib. To pair with dinner they have a plethora of Ontario, VQA wines and even a reserve wine list if you feel like splurging! Finish your dinner experience with the Billy Miner Pie, the best end to any meal. Free valet parking is also offered to Keg guests.
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The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Fallsview/Embassy Suites
6700 Fallsview Blvd"The BEST Falls view dining in town" The Keg Steakhouse & Bar offers guests a magnificent view of both the Horseshoe Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls while dining in an upbeat, friendly, casual/fine dining environment. They have a menu that offers a wide range of options from great appetizers and entrees like the Mushrooms Neptune and Slow Roasted Prime Rib. To pair with dinner they have a plethora of Ontario, VQA wines and even a reserve wine list if you feel like splurging! Finish your dinner experience with the Billy Miner Pie, the best end to any meal. Free valet parking is also offered to Keg guests.
Frijoles Fresh Mex Burritos is our favorite Mexican grab and go spot. Laid back counter service with healthy size burritos, tacos & quesadillas. Frijoles ingredients are fresh and the sauces and salsas are made in house. They have a variety of choices from fish, beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian options as well as "the hurt locker" a selection of hot sauces ranging from medium to ring -of- fire HOT! Jackie's favorite are the basa fish tacos (soft shell) with salsa verde and chipotle lime sauce, the house made guacamole is a must try. Scott's favorite is the pork carnitas with pico de gallo and the white lightning sauce, if he's in a daring mood its the tin sauce, made from ghost peppers.
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Frijoles
3465 Portage RdFrijoles Fresh Mex Burritos is our favorite Mexican grab and go spot. Laid back counter service with healthy size burritos, tacos & quesadillas. Frijoles ingredients are fresh and the sauces and salsas are made in house. They have a variety of choices from fish, beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian options as well as "the hurt locker" a selection of hot sauces ranging from medium to ring -of- fire HOT! Jackie's favorite are the basa fish tacos (soft shell) with salsa verde and chipotle lime sauce, the house made guacamole is a must try. Scott's favorite is the pork carnitas with pico de gallo and the white lightning sauce, if he's in a daring mood its the tin sauce, made from ghost peppers.
For seafood lovers! Tide & Vine is the best seafood restaurant in town, offering a variety of fresh oysters and crustaceans daily. Fresh lobster (whole, live on Tuesday & Friday),mussels, salmon, shrimp, tuna and both of our favorite, Kat's Clam Chowder, it's so good Scott has ordered a second bowl on occasion. Tide and Vine has a relaxing atmosphere with a bar that's just as comfortable to dine at as the few tables, and they offer all local wines and many craft beers for guests to sample during their meal. Megalomaniac Riesling with fresh oysters is my favorite pairing. Save room for dessert because the family's maple pudding with ice wine candied nuts is divine. Reservations recommended.
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Tide and Vine Oyster House
3491 Portage RdFor seafood lovers! Tide & Vine is the best seafood restaurant in town, offering a variety of fresh oysters and crustaceans daily. Fresh lobster (whole, live on Tuesday & Friday),mussels, salmon, shrimp, tuna and both of our favorite, Kat's Clam Chowder, it's so good Scott has ordered a second bowl on occasion. Tide and Vine has a relaxing atmosphere with a bar that's just as comfortable to dine at as the few tables, and they offer all local wines and many craft beers for guests to sample during their meal. Megalomaniac Riesling with fresh oysters is my favorite pairing. Save room for dessert because the family's maple pudding with ice wine candied nuts is divine. Reservations recommended.
Home of the famous won ton soup! This busy place is open 24 hours and for only $5CAD you can purchase a large size bowl of the city's best won ton soup. Picture big won tons stuffed with the right amount of ground pork and Chinese flavors, strips of tender BBQ pork and a dynamite broth. They give you crunchy egg noodles and sriracha on the side if you like to spice it up. Just as good as the won tons (Scott thinks better), are the donuts, made fresh daily but they sell out quickly. Our favorite is the chocolate eclairs but you have to go around 7pm to get your hands on one.....if they don't sell out! We do take out and enjoy at the Manor since the atmosphere is a bit sketchy. Cash only.
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Country Fresh Donuts
5076 Victoria AveHome of the famous won ton soup! This busy place is open 24 hours and for only $5CAD you can purchase a large size bowl of the city's best won ton soup. Picture big won tons stuffed with the right amount of ground pork and Chinese flavors, strips of tender BBQ pork and a dynamite broth. They give you crunchy egg noodles and sriracha on the side if you like to spice it up. Just as good as the won tons (Scott thinks better), are the donuts, made fresh daily but they sell out quickly. Our favorite is the chocolate eclairs but you have to go around 7pm to get your hands on one.....if they don't sell out! We do take out and enjoy at the Manor since the atmosphere is a bit sketchy. Cash only.
A little piece of Paris, France in downtown Niagara Falls. It's family owned and operated and yes they're French! The ambiance is perfect, typical of a French bistro, with a delicious casual French cuisine. The menu is also typical, but well prepared; featuring escargot, moules marinieres, duck confit, and our favorite, foie gras au torchon! The foie and the Stratus late harvest Riesling is a real treat, a perfect pairing. They're also known for their sweet or savory crepe menu, it's hard to pick one! The best creme brule we have ever had. Paris closes from 2pm-5pm daily to get ready for dinner service and on Saturday & Sunday they serve brunch from 10am to 3pm.
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Paris Crêpes Café
4613 Queen StA little piece of Paris, France in downtown Niagara Falls. It's family owned and operated and yes they're French! The ambiance is perfect, typical of a French bistro, with a delicious casual French cuisine. The menu is also typical, but well prepared; featuring escargot, moules marinieres, duck confit, and our favorite, foie gras au torchon! The foie and the Stratus late harvest Riesling is a real treat, a perfect pairing. They're also known for their sweet or savory crepe menu, it's hard to pick one! The best creme brule we have ever had. Paris closes from 2pm-5pm daily to get ready for dinner service and on Saturday & Sunday they serve brunch from 10am to 3pm.
Commisso's Fresh Foods is more than just a grocery store, it's where Jackie and Scott met! They have a bakery that makes fresh baked goods daily, a prepared food counter that serves hot meals and fresh salads, plus there's a hip little bistro that serves custom sandwiches, gelato, proper sushi made in house and specialty coffee and tea selections. There's a seating area inside or you can take food to go. We can't say enough about this little gem but it's perfect for our guests who don't want to spend a lot on a restaurant just for lunch. They have a flower shop and chocolates if you are celebrating an occasion and want to purchase something a little special. Friendly staff & free parking
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Commisso's Fresh Foods
6161 Thorold Stone RdCommisso's Fresh Foods is more than just a grocery store, it's where Jackie and Scott met! They have a bakery that makes fresh baked goods daily, a prepared food counter that serves hot meals and fresh salads, plus there's a hip little bistro that serves custom sandwiches, gelato, proper sushi made in house and specialty coffee and tea selections. There's a seating area inside or you can take food to go. We can't say enough about this little gem but it's perfect for our guests who don't want to spend a lot on a restaurant just for lunch. They have a flower shop and chocolates if you are celebrating an occasion and want to purchase something a little special. Friendly staff & free parking
A little bit of a drive but well worth it! The Pie Plate Bakery & Cafe is known locally for their amazing pies, tarts and other sweet treats featuring Niagara fruit. They make personal size pies that are perfect to share and they're made with seasonal fruit so there's always a different variety, but the earlier you go the better as they run out quickly. Our favorites are the peach & cherry. It doesn't stop there; they also have a fully licensed cafe, serving local wines, craft beer & cocktails. The lunch menu includes thin crust pizza, sandwiches, salads & savory meat pies.The Pie Plate is across the street from our favorite craft brewery Silversmith so save room for a sample or two.
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The Pie Plate
1607 Niagara Stone RdA little bit of a drive but well worth it! The Pie Plate Bakery & Cafe is known locally for their amazing pies, tarts and other sweet treats featuring Niagara fruit. They make personal size pies that are perfect to share and they're made with seasonal fruit so there's always a different variety, but the earlier you go the better as they run out quickly. Our favorites are the peach & cherry. It doesn't stop there; they also have a fully licensed cafe, serving local wines, craft beer & cocktails. The lunch menu includes thin crust pizza, sandwiches, salads & savory meat pies.The Pie Plate is across the street from our favorite craft brewery Silversmith so save room for a sample or two.
Italian Ice Cream offers guests 24 flavors of gelato all made in house, not to mention the fat free fruit ices. Family owned and operated since 1978, this licensed establishment has a patio that's perfect for wiling away a summer night. Whether you're relaxing on the patio al fresco or indoors sipping an espresso, the gelato is always delicious. We often use their gelato for our private chef experience, it's that good! Jackie's favorite is the hazelnut and Scott's is the chocolate ice. Try the affogato... like the lemon ice and grappa or Kahlua and Nutella gelato. Limited parking out back, but it's walkable from the Manor.
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Italian Ice Cream
5458 Victoria AveItalian Ice Cream offers guests 24 flavors of gelato all made in house, not to mention the fat free fruit ices. Family owned and operated since 1978, this licensed establishment has a patio that's perfect for wiling away a summer night. Whether you're relaxing on the patio al fresco or indoors sipping an espresso, the gelato is always delicious. We often use their gelato for our private chef experience, it's that good! Jackie's favorite is the hazelnut and Scott's is the chocolate ice. Try the affogato... like the lemon ice and grappa or Kahlua and Nutella gelato. Limited parking out back, but it's walkable from the Manor.
This authentic Chinese restaurant is worth a little drive. You won't find any sweet and sour chicken balls though. What you will find is hand made Dim Sum in a rainbow of flavors and a menu that reads like a catalogue. From traditional Chinese stews to szechuan hot pot, situated in a century building that has been sophisticatedly restored. Our favorite is the Peking Style Duck. A wonderful experience you should try at least once in your life. It is a dinner for two or entree for four. Be sure to visit the Dihn Dihn market while you are there (right next door).
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MA Chinese Cuisine
123 Geneva StThis authentic Chinese restaurant is worth a little drive. You won't find any sweet and sour chicken balls though. What you will find is hand made Dim Sum in a rainbow of flavors and a menu that reads like a catalogue. From traditional Chinese stews to szechuan hot pot, situated in a century building that has been sophisticatedly restored. Our favorite is the Peking Style Duck. A wonderful experience you should try at least once in your life. It is a dinner for two or entree for four. Be sure to visit the Dihn Dihn market while you are there (right next door).
A true farm to table dining experience! Menu items at AG highlight the freshest ingredients that Niagara has to offer, including items from their own AG farm picked fresh daily (in season). The Busy Bee apiary is a new and exciting addition to the farm, not only as a source for honey and pollen for Chef Cory Linkson to use on the menu but it also helps contribute to the growth of the local bee population. They offer a three course tasting menu that you won’t find anywhere else in Niagara Falls, plus daily features. I strongly support the food ethics and quality standards that AG strives for as they are parallel to what I strive for at my own breakfast table. AG has teamed up with some extraordinary local wineries to give guests the FULL local experience with a VQA-only wine list. My favorite menu items are the Ontario Charcuterie, Roasted Bone Marrow “Luge” with a shot of Sortilege maple whiskey and the “AG” Signature Tenderloin of Beef. On Saturday nights from 8pm-11pm enjoy local, live music! AG is a 20 minute walk from Spring Manor Bed & Breakfast or less than a five minute drive with free parking for restaurant guests.
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AG Inspired Cuisine
5195 Magdalen StA true farm to table dining experience! Menu items at AG highlight the freshest ingredients that Niagara has to offer, including items from their own AG farm picked fresh daily (in season). The Busy Bee apiary is a new and exciting addition to the farm, not only as a source for honey and pollen for Chef Cory Linkson to use on the menu but it also helps contribute to the growth of the local bee population. They offer a three course tasting menu that you won’t find anywhere else in Niagara Falls, plus daily features. I strongly support the food ethics and quality standards that AG strives for as they are parallel to what I strive for at my own breakfast table. AG has teamed up with some extraordinary local wineries to give guests the FULL local experience with a VQA-only wine list. My favorite menu items are the Ontario Charcuterie, Roasted Bone Marrow “Luge” with a shot of Sortilege maple whiskey and the “AG” Signature Tenderloin of Beef. On Saturday nights from 8pm-11pm enjoy local, live music! AG is a 20 minute walk from Spring Manor Bed & Breakfast or less than a five minute drive with free parking for restaurant guests.
Danny's Sushi is the freshest sushi in town. Portion sizes are fair, staff are friendly and I dig the open kitchen with seating at the sushi bar.
Danny's Sushi
3643 Portage RoadDanny's Sushi is the freshest sushi in town. Portion sizes are fair, staff are friendly and I dig the open kitchen with seating at the sushi bar.
Drinks & Nightlife
In a church that dates back to the 1890's, Silversmith Brewing Company was built by two friends Matt & Chris who both have a love for beer. The Niagara region sure was thirsty for a great craft brewery and now with four successful products bottled and on shelves, they're living their dream. They have an all day brunch and offer pub fare after 3pm, with Tide & Vine Oyster House shucking a selection of fresh oysters daily. On weekends they have live, local music and come last call you can always bring home a growler of your favorite brew. Jackie is not much of a beer drinker but will go there just for the ambiance and oysters, Scott however loves the Black Lager.
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Silversmith Brewing Company
1523 Niagara Stone RdIn a church that dates back to the 1890's, Silversmith Brewing Company was built by two friends Matt & Chris who both have a love for beer. The Niagara region sure was thirsty for a great craft brewery and now with four successful products bottled and on shelves, they're living their dream. They have an all day brunch and offer pub fare after 3pm, with Tide & Vine Oyster House shucking a selection of fresh oysters daily. On weekends they have live, local music and come last call you can always bring home a growler of your favorite brew. Jackie is not much of a beer drinker but will go there just for the ambiance and oysters, Scott however loves the Black Lager.
Taps Brewhouse & Grill is part of our Queen Street pub crawl. This local watering hole serves craft beer in small batches, using only four ingredients; pure filtered water, select hops, malted barley and yeast. They have live music at night and in the summer months you can enjoy pub fare on the patio with a cold pint. We don't eat here often but when we do we usually order the beer battered fish and fresh cut chips. Don't forget to pick up a growler on your way out to enjoy back at the Manor.
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Taps Brewhouse
4680 Queen StTaps Brewhouse & Grill is part of our Queen Street pub crawl. This local watering hole serves craft beer in small batches, using only four ingredients; pure filtered water, select hops, malted barley and yeast. They have live music at night and in the summer months you can enjoy pub fare on the patio with a cold pint. We don't eat here often but when we do we usually order the beer battered fish and fresh cut chips. Don't forget to pick up a growler on your way out to enjoy back at the Manor.
Parks & Nature
This unique spot of beauty deep in the Great Gorge has been a Nature Reserve since 1992. Stairways lead to 4 km of paths that wind through a pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest, past boulders left behind as the Falls eroded through the area thousands of years ago. The trails are well laid out and easily negotiated if you take your time. We suggest proper foot wear, bottled water, sunscreen and to stay on the path. This is a great place to pack a lunch and relax for the afternoon. There's lots of interesting geology and biology to explore and it's also a great fishing spot. The Niagara Glen overlooks the Whirlpool, a natural phenomenon that you must see to believe, so bring a camera!
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Niagara Glen station
This unique spot of beauty deep in the Great Gorge has been a Nature Reserve since 1992. Stairways lead to 4 km of paths that wind through a pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest, past boulders left behind as the Falls eroded through the area thousands of years ago. The trails are well laid out and easily negotiated if you take your time. We suggest proper foot wear, bottled water, sunscreen and to stay on the path. This is a great place to pack a lunch and relax for the afternoon. There's lots of interesting geology and biology to explore and it's also a great fishing spot. The Niagara Glen overlooks the Whirlpool, a natural phenomenon that you must see to believe, so bring a camera!