Some places in Thunder Bay just have that perfect mix of setting, style, and spirit. For me and the girl gang, Bight Restaurant & Bar has always been one of those stops – tucked right into the heart of Prince Arthur’s Landing, overlooking the marina with the Sleeping Giant in the distance. There’s something about being on the water that makes any night out feel like a getaway.

This time, we arrived close to sunset, slipping into Bight just as the light was beginning to change. The space immediately set the mood – modern and warm, anchored by a gorgeous, solid wood bar that begged us to sit down and stay awhile. The restaurant was alive with energy: families sharing meals, couples leaning into date-night conversations, and groups of friends filling the room with laughter. It felt like the whole city had gathered there for the same reason – to savour the moment.

As usual, I asked the bartender for their most popular cocktail. Without missing a beat, he said, “The Amethyst Mine.” The name alone sold me—because if Thunder Bay has a signature stone, it’s amethyst. That deep purple with flecks of white is unmistakable, and around here it feels like everyone has a piece: tucked into a flower garden, sitting on a windowsill, or worn proudly in jewelry. It’s a stone that belongs to this place. So of course, a drink named after it had a lot to live up to—and let me tell you, it absolutely does.

Served in a sleek lowball glass, the drink shimmered with the most striking purple hue thanks to Empress Indigo Gin. With Lillet Blanc, St-Germain, lemon, and a touch of simple syrup, it tasted as smooth as it looked. Light floral notes, bright citrus, a whisper of sweetness—it was the kind of cocktail you want to sip slowly, both because it’s delicious and because you don’t want the moment to end. It really did feel like drinking a little piece of Thunder Bay, dressed up and ready for a night out.

Now, I’ll admit I’m a sucker for comfort food, so I couldn’t resist ordering Bight’s famous smash burger and fries. And if you’ve ever doubted the magic of a smash burger, let me clear that up: this was juicy, flavourful, unapologetically messy, and absolutely worth every napkin. The fries were crisp, golden, and addictive—exactly how fries should be. Paired with the elegance of The Amethyst Mine, it was the best of both worlds: indulgent comfort food and cocktail sophistication.

But a night at Bight isn’t just about what’s on the plate or in the glass—it’s about the setting. Between bites and sips, we traded stories, laughed far too loudly, and watched boats drift in and out of the harbour. It felt like the whole marina was in on the same secret: that Bight is where you go when you want an evening to feel like something special.

And, in true girl gang fashion, we couldn’t leave without one last toast. This time? A round of tequila shots—because balance, right?

Walking back along the waterfront trails afterward, the lights from Bight glowing behind us and the lake stretched out ahead, I realized why I love this column so much. Sips & Sights isn’t just about the drinks or the food—it’s about the way a place makes you feel. And at Bight, with its unbeatable view, its thoughtful menu, and its sense of occasion, it feels like Thunder Bay at its very best.

Until our next sip together — raise a glass to good company, good flavour, and our local gems.

– Candi