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The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern Reviews List
The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Our venue hosts 2 different restaurants... Please be sure indicate which restaurant you would like to reserve in...
Upstairs, 'The Bison Restaurant & Terrace' is committed to using regional, seasonal and Canadian ingredients. Our intimate dining room has windows on all sides, with Banff's best mountain views, and large sunny terrace. Watch as a brigade of chef's prepare your meal in our open concept kitchen led by executive chef Liz Gagnon.
Our main level houses the 'Bear Street Tavern', a Banff National Park inspired hot spot serving up Banff's best pizza and cast iron specialties. Our courtyard patio is perfect for cocktail sipping or enjoying a local pint.
The Bison is open daily from 5pm with brunch served on Sunday's from 10am until 2pm.
The Bear St Tavern is open daily from 11:30am until late
Children welcome in both of our venues.
See more The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern details
Upstairs, 'The Bison Restaurant & Terrace' is committed to using regional, seasonal and Canadian ingredients. Our intimate dining room has windows on all sides, with Banff's best mountain views, and large sunny terrace. Watch as a brigade of chef's prepare your meal in our open concept kitchen led by executive chef Liz Gagnon.
Our main level houses the 'Bear Street Tavern', a Banff National Park inspired hot spot serving up Banff's best pizza and cast iron specialties. Our courtyard patio is perfect for cocktail sipping or enjoying a local pint.
The Bison is open daily from 5pm with brunch served on Sunday's from 10am until 2pm.
The Bear St Tavern is open daily from 11:30am until late
Children welcome in both of our venues.
65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(39)
- special occasion(28)
- good for groups(16)
- neighborhood gem(16)
- romantic(16)
- hot spot(11)
The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great lunch ended a bit strange
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had lunch on their courtyard patio. Server was friendly and when two of our meals were slightly delayed, she came out to say that they would be out shortly. Not a big deal, and it was nice of her to acknowledge. Food and drinks were very good all around. When it came time to pay, she said that she took a little off the bill because of the delay. How considerate, we thought. She took ONE DOLLAR off of our entire bill. Why even bother? If she hadn't said anything, we would have gone happily on our way, but this left an odd impression on an otherwise great lunch. We will go back again, as we've never had a problem, and will assume that this was a hiccup. Overall, it's one of the best casual places in Banff."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best bison ever
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food, wonderful landscape watch from the window. Must go in Banff. The best dinner ever. Great service!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been to the Bison for Brunch many times and it's always consistent - good service and incredible food. Always a recommend to our friends & family."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everyone in our party thought the food was excellent. The service was very friendly and efficient. The only drawback was that the restaurant was very noisy, which made it very hard within our group of 8 to have conversations with more than 2-3 people."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 5 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server was attentive and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our server was attentive and knowledgable about the menu. Food was delicious"
Dined on 27/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good steak, but prices seemed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good steak, but prices seemed high for the amount of food served compared to other Banff steakhouses. Quite noisy with lots going on."
Dined on 27/04/2013
2011
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Review 7 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Overpriced
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I would only recommend the Bison for their brunch which is excellent. We went for dinner April 21 and found it to be average. Appetizer was amazing, sadly it was the best part of our meal. I ordered the tenderloin which was a nice portion but very dry. The sides that came with it were small. I would not have dinner here again. The dinner menu is overpriced."
Dined on 21/04/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 8 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food!! Friendly,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic food!! Friendly, helpful and fun waiter! Can't wait to go back!!"
Dined on 17/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 9 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food. Great people.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food. Great people. Amazing restraunt and the food was unbelievably flavourful."
Dined on 13/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 10 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As always had an amazing dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As always had an amazing dinner there. Had the octopus pasta which was a disapointment. They should keep an octopus dish but remake it into a salad. Otherwise appetizers and mains were excellent. Wish hey still did the slow cooked venison with shaved truffle."
Dined on 09/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 11 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another Pleasant Experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Bison appears to have updated their menu items, and we were quite impressed by the new appetizers. The main courses were also commendable, and the desserts (as always) were unique and delicious. We would definitely recommend the Bison to anyone visiting Banff or Canmore. It still remains our favourite mountain restaurant, along with Rustica."
Dined on 30/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent restaurant! A must
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent restaurant! A must go in Banff"
Dined on 30/03/2013
2012
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Review 13 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Went there with friends on
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went there with friends on a Friday and didn't manage to get out of Calgary as early as we planned but the restaurant was good at pushing our reservation back to accomodate. Overall it was a good experience witht the only negative comments being the food portions were a little smaller than I would have liked and once complete our plates were not cleared as quickly as one would expect at a restaurant like this."
Dined on 22/03/2013
2010
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Review 14 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is my go-to pizza place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is my go-to pizza place when I'm in Banff! Great food, fantastic service, and awesome place to land for dinner!"
Dined on 23/03/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 15 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We did not have a great experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We did not have a great experience dining here as a family. Our server was inattentive - she came by the table twice before we had to ask her if she could take our drink order. Both of our children ordered beef medium rare and both of their steaks were over cooked and chewy. Many other better choices in Banff."
Dined on 20/03/2013
2007
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Review 16 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
looks 10, food 5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I enjoyed my evening at the Bison. The service was good as was the ambiance. The only downside to the place is the food, which is not good. I had the Tenderloin. It came with Bone Marrow (which to someone on Lipitor is like offering death) which I imagine is supposed to be used as a spread to give the Tenderloin some taste. As I did not use it as a spread and just ate the tenderloin unaccompanied I was disappointed. The meat at best tasted like bad roast beef. My son ordered the bison short ribs. Again nothing to write home about. My daughter was happy with her Bison Carpaccio. My recommendation would be to skip the Bison and go downstairs and have a pizza, the bill will be half the price and the food better."
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Review 17 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Brunch at The Bison
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time at The Bison for brunch and it tops our list. The french toast and bison breakfast sandwich were AMAZING. We will definitely be back to try out more of the menu. Fantastic service, great ambiance. Wonderful experience throughout."
Dined on 17/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
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Review 18 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic food! The food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic food! The food was great and in my opinion the best restaurant in Banff."
Dined on 15/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
No Bison, Yes Tavern
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Even while accounting for differences in taste, this restaurant was a disappointment, at best. I am specifically addressing The Bison. My wife had the rib eye and it was tough and fairly flavorless. I had the bison casserole. The vegetables were excellent, but the meat was so tough as to be inedible. I sent back the skillet full of all but one of the pieces of meat which I was able cut and consume. I should have sent the dish back, needless to say. My dish was a great disappointment. Our friends ordered the beef tenderloin, which was quite good, and the lamb which was good, but of meager portions. Overall, I would not recommend.
The Tavern was quite good, The Big Bird was great and the banana split incredible. Highly recommend."
Dined on 12/03/2013
2010
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Review 20 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Brunch Menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had brunch/lunch at 1 p.m. on a Sunday. Busy but not full. Attentive service, pleasant-- have always had good friendly and professional service at this restaurant. Three of us--we ordered French Toast, Bison Breakfast Sandwich, and Bison Burger. All three were greatly enjoyed. I had the Bison Breakfast Sandwich which is a modest-sized ground bison burger with a fried egg, gouda cheese in a freshly-baked biscuit. This was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I have ever had and I highly recommend it. The other two choices were enjoyed and we were all well-fed and happy. Coffee was as good as any in Banff; our cups and water glasses were kept full."
Dined on 10/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 21 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It seemed as if your restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It seemed as if your restaurant was trying to pursue an open warehouse feel, however we don't think it achieved what you were aiming for to its full potential. The atmosphere did not feel intimate enough. The food was great however, and therefore would be a reason why we would want to return and recommend it to others."
Dined on 16/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 22 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Honestly. The best food I
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Honestly. The best food I have ever had!"
Dined on 27/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 23 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was amazing and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was amazing and the service was good."
Dined on 16/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 24 for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best meal I have outside my
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best meal I have outside my home for a long time!"
Dined on 26/01/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Bison Restaurant and The Bear Street Tavern
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
5 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic