Old Bank Bistro

OMG, cant wait to go back again and dine in this resturant, the elegance, and atmosphere of it all, eating in the enclose ally way take us back to Europe, just love it. Great prices as well. This is where we like to enjoy a great date night

My Girlfriend really loves this place. We go there every-time we're in Fort Erie. The waitresses and waiters are very friendly and the our meals are always Delicious. I like it there because its a Romantic setting for us, the food is fresh and you don't have to wait forever for your meal. There menu has a lot of different things to choose from Fish or Meats. Howie & Sharon... N.Ontario

Owner is too busy arguing with strangers on fort erie hi lites to be present for his business. A grown man spends more time talking shit on facebook, than running his own business.

Epic fail

This year, our visit to Bank Bistro was an epic fail. I still give the servers two thumbs up, but the kitchen and the management is failing them. I was told I was getting Salmon on greens, having been to this restaurant numerous times over the last 5 years, I envisioned a seasoned grilled salmon on a bed of steamed green beans with dirty rice. What I got was an unseasoned piece of grilled salmon, the size of a piece of salmon coming out of a can, on a bed of lettuce that had two wedges of tomato equal to 1/4 of a plum tomato, two wedges of what looked to be a pickle equaling 1/4 of a pickle and a thin slice of red onion. Let's take a look at the Bistro Rueben Paniniâs that were ordered, Some fast food restaurants now make excellent Paninis and they have part time workers and high school students making them. This sandwich did NOT look like it ever came near a Panini Press. Instead of a pleasantly toasted sandwich, we are looking soggy bread with a slight browning in the center that is circular in nature. I sampled the sandwich and discovered that there was NO Sauerkraut, Swiss cheese or dressing in the Panini. A Rueben is made with Corned Beef topped with Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese & Russian Dressing. What surprised me the most was that the corn beef was warm. Looking at the state of the sandwich, the only way I could see the cook getting that to happen, was that the corn beef had been dunked in boiling water prior to being put in the sandwich. My parents go out to a restaurant, to enjoy a meal, that they would not make at home themselves. This experience was such a disappointment that they have removed The Bank Bistro from their list of places to go for a meal.

Epic Fail

I just got back from visiting my parents this summer, i was disappointed to see that one of the restaurants we go to every year has flushed itself down the toilet. My parents enjoy going out to restaurants and one of the first, which they discovered, when they moved to Fort Erie was Bank Bistro. Over the last 5+ years they have frequented the restaurant on numerous occasions through the year. When my son and I come to visit them in the summer, we make a point to go there to celebrate my Dad’s birthday, since the food is good and the service is pleasant. This year, our visit to Bank Bistro was an epic fail. I still give the servers two thumbs up, but the kitchen and the management is failing them. My son ordered a Greek Burger, I ordered the salmon special of the day and my parents both had the Bistro Rueben Panini. When my son's meal came out, it was as expected, but when my meal and my parents were presented to us, we were all left speechless. We looked at our plates; we looked at each other and then looked again at the plates. My first thought was "are we on Candid Camera?". Let’s take a look at this; a meal is comprised of protein, starch and vegetable. When I was told I was getting Salmon on greens, having been to this restaurant numerous times over the last 5 years, I envisioned a seasoned grilled salmon on a bed of steamed green beans with dirty rice. What I got was an unseasoned piece of grilled salmon, the size of a piece of salmon coming out of a can, on a bed of lettuce that had two wedges of tomato equal to 1/4 of a plum tomato, two wedges of what looked to be a pickle equaling 1/4 of a pickle and a thin slice of red onion. Never mind that I could throw together something better with a can of salmon; an 8 year old, who is comfortable in the kitchen, could do a better job. Now let’s take a look at the Bistro Rueben Panini’s that my parents ordered, taking into mind, that Tim Horton’s now make excellent Panini’s and they have part time workers and high school students making them. Anyone who has seen or used a Panini press knows that the sandwich is cooked from the outside in and this sandwich did NOT look like it ever came near a Panini Press. Instead of a pleasantly toasted sandwich, we are looking soggy bread with a slight browning in the center that is circular in nature. I sampled the sandwich and discovered that there was NO Sauerkraut, Swiss cheese or dressing in the Panini. A Rueben is made with Corned Beef topped with Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese & Russian Dressing. What surprised me the most was that the corn beef was warm. Looking at the state of the sandwich, the only way I could see the cook getting that to happen, was that the corn beef had been dunked in boiling water prior to being put in the sandwich. Now the server was put in the uncomfortable position of telling someone up the chain that the Bistro Rueben Panini’s were a disappointment. Next came dessert; here the management fails the server, by not blocking out the products that are no longer served. We all chose different desserts and the server had the embarrassing task of telling us that our choices were no longer available. Three items on the list were no longer available. We finished our meal and went home. Much to my dismay, a few hours later, my stomach was kind enough to inform me that it had no intension of digesting the carrot cake I had for dessert and that I should quickly make my way to the porcelain bowl, since it was refusing to have anything to do with it. My parents go out to a restaurant, to enjoy a meal, that they would not make at home themselves. This experience was such a disappointment that they have removed The Bank Bistro from their list of places to go for a meal. My take on this experience: An Epic Fail. I don't know what is going on with the cooking staff or the person that is expediting the meals, but they don't know what they are doing and need help. If Chef Ramsay were ever t

Good service, terrible food

I first went here a year ago, wasn't impressed!! Gave it another try today, still not impressed. The waitress was kind and attentive. The bartender had no clue what he was doing, the drinks were so wrong and served in the wrong glasses. We ordered the chicken solvouki. The fries were good, but the chicken was terrible, very bland and tasted like it had been frozen and then microwaved, The pita was a soggy mess. I won't be eating here again!! I feel bad for the waitress having to serve this awful food.

A little gem

This was a memorable luncheon. The service was superb and best of all you set the pace of eating. From soup to salad to one of the best hamburgers ever, the place scores on all fronts

Great staff, food and atmosphere

Customers are greeted at the door by Tom, lots of smiles and an honest warm feeling towards customers. The rest of the staff is the same, everything comes from the heart at this place. We drive in from Niagara on the Lake, 35 minutes to dine at this place and love it. Crab cakes to die for and so is everything else. You wont be let down. I know it sounds like I'm friends of the owners but we don't know anyone there.

The Old Bank is delightful

This is a very historic location on the out of the way and somewhat encased in time olde main street in Fort Erie - however what a jewel at very competitive pricing. The staff really know how to serve and very quickly show their acumen of being your host for an hour or so. Everything served piping not and the crab cakes are a specialty. A bit to much sodium in the French Onion Soup - but that's not an easy dish to get right. Overall worth the trip and the extra bonus are the local draught choices from the keg. We will Happily return here. The washrooms could use some freshening and for some men (those of diminutive stature) they might find the urinal height to be somewhat intimidating. Set in an alleyway beside the old bank building is the former breezeway and now atrium that really elevates the mood and dynamics of this nicely preserved building and does perfectly support is new use as a gastro destination. 3.5 out of 5 for our afternoon lunch! Nice!

great atmosphere for Fort Erie

The atmosphere makes the food more enjoyable. The only meal I've had that I really liked was the salmon. Some of the dishes are out of my price range. The biscuits are not so great but the staff have always been very nice.

Very Poor Quality, depreciating over the years

Always to cold and noisy.... food is over priced and the fish is somewhat bland... Not much flavour to there home made salad dressing either - have they not heard of any other spice other then Salt? Hopefully he doesn't get his wish and expands this disaster to Crystal Beach / Bay Beach properties - Were the Town plans on building a 12 storie condo...

the food is to expensive and lousy. i wouldnt...

the food is to expensive and lousy. i wouldnt recomend to anyone , probably the worst meal ever two thumbs down. the owner would not do anything

The food is Mediocre at best. They use tons of...

The food is Mediocre at best. They use tons of salt and prepared foods. Actually it was the worst meal I ever ate. The potatoes were not cooked but the chef said they were so that was the end of that. The service was good but the owner does not stand behind the food.

Great Community Spirit!

The food is always outstanding! We visit often because its always a great experience.Most importantly they care about our community!How many businesses would close to allow their staff to attend a rally to save our Hospital and try to encourage their customers to join them? Not your average restaurant! Good Show!

Best Restaurant in Niagara by far!

WE travel from Niagara Flls regularly to eat at the Old Bank Bistro.The food is always great and the staff very friendly.It looks like it belongs in a big city but luckily enough for us its just ashort drive away! The steaks are always perfect and the Mussels are to die for!The pastas and Seafood are great too.Cant wait to go back and have those Mussels again.

what happend?

my wife and I have been here a few times.when it first opened,the food itself was o.k. at best. we returned about a year and a half or so,they hired a very good chef and everything was incredible. on our last visit it was a big dissapointment. my wifes mussel appetizer was not even remotely close to the dish she once expressed as "delicious". my steak was a little rare with burnt edges,not how i exactly ordered it, my vegetables were overcooked too. my wife commented on how her luke warm pasta seemed to have been microwaved as if it had been prepared way too early,(dried-up sauce and the pasta stuck to the plate). the drinks were fine but nothing was offered to compliment our meals.(on any visit) I personally think they hired a new chef that lacks integrity. The service was always good but the inconsistancy in food preparation makes it a gamble. nice decor a great idea,though it was a bit chilly with such high ceilings in the lower level.

Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup Lovers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The girls from work always eat lunch at the Bistro on Wednesdays because thats when they serve THE BUFFALO CHICKEN WING SOUP!!! You got to try it! The Salmon Salad and Asian Mandarin Salad is good too! All their food is great never had a bad experience.We see alot of the same people every time. It must be the most popular eatery in town.

WHAT A PARTY!!!!!!!

We had a surprise Birthday Party for our sister at The Bistro and had a wonderful night! The food was great ,the service was excellent, the Martinis were best we have ever had! The best Cosmos anywhere! The Candy Apple Martinis were great too! Whatch out for the Very Berry Martinis they sneak up on you!!!

bistro biscuits better than Red Lobster

the food was hot and fresh,the biscuits that accompanied our meals were amazing! They call them Bistro sundried-dried tomato biscuits.Wow even better than the italian ciabbatta bread they used to serve. Our server said that the ciabatta bread was too dense seemed to perceived as stail.Can`t wait to get more biscuits!!!!!!

3 Day Old Bread

The bread was really stale. Although this may seem like a small point, it made us wonder what else was way past its prime in the kitchen.