The Night Owl — Restaurant in Greater Sudbury

This was one of my favourite bars downtown to have a delicious drink and chat with friends, but I have now been treated quite rudely by the bartenders on two separate occasions and I don’t think I will be going back. First, we called using the phone and were simply told “It’s too busy in here, see you next time” and hung up on. Not the worst but a little rude! Second, we made a reservation for 10pm and they somehow lost our reservation. The bartender said she would come speak with us in 5-6 minutes while we waited outside in the cold. The door opened so we went downstairs into the bar and asked the bartender if we could sit down anyways because there was an empty table. She said they were extremely busy and that someone called in sick, and that “she wouldn’t be giving us very good service” if we sat down. So we left. Maybe hire more bartenders? That will be my last time attempting to get in...

It turned out that a distraught server into gaslighting and a haughty manager were doing numbers with the phones, i.e., often not allowing one in and playing games with seating availability. In fact, one night, the manager apprised me that staff did not feel at ease serving me--with no explanation, even making an erroneous insinuation and ordering me to leave. I have never been refused entry to any bar or restaurant before. Moreover, I had conducted some networking to develop their business and assisted another server, in university, with their educational project. I contacted the priggish owner (again), who offered the same vague explanation as the manager regarding my rejection. Some folks do not belong in the bartending industry. ...

This place was fun, but I do think it was a one-time experience for us. We visited with friends from out of town for a couple of drinks and some food.

The team didn't seem aware of our allergies & dietary preferences, despite noting them in our reservation, so we had to explain them to our server again. There seemed to be few options for our party member who could not have sugar, unfortunately.

The food was nice, but very small plates and very expensive for what you get (even being a living wage employer and not asking for gratuities). Think quick snack, not a meal.

The Night Owl nails the ambiance, but overall is a bit overpriced for what you get. It won't be a regular...