Windsor Beer Exchange - Windsor, Ontario

Different bands playing all the time.. 2 levels. Upstairs bands play to 50 - 60 people. While another band plays the main floor... younger crowd, rock,metal, grunge even R&B. Call for band info/bookings as the schedule is always new

Cruising down University Ave West towards The Beer Exchange, I eventually see the Tim Horton's landmark which informs me that I've arrived. I have a choice at this point, park at Tim's (a big no-no), or take a chance and find parking elsewhere. I'll let you decide which ... option I went with... Walking towards the bar with my significant other, we are greeted with the sounds of a mini outdoor party out front on the sidewalk, mixed with a smell of tobacco and a soon to be legal substance. After making our way through the friendly crowd and up the steps, I open the door for my girlfriend, make a right after entering, and head to the bar. The music hadn't started yet so it was a perfect moment to grab a beer, and converse a bit. This is where the review begins to turn from a 5 to a 3. The beer selection is quite nice for craft brew lovers, as they have many local options, as well as beers from Chatham, and up the 401. I had time to read up on all the beers, because the way the bar is set up it can take a long time to get served. The problem is that The Beer Exchange has almost no seating when a band is playing, so many customers hang around the bar area. So, if I'm not sidestepping customers who already have a beer, the one bartender can only serve so many beers at a time; which is a major detriment to a busy place, especially when a band is gearing up to play. The beer I chose from Craftheads was excellent, and the music began to hit the sweet spot. The fun crowd was ready to party, listen to music, and possibly play a game of pool. Unfortunately this was not enough to bring up the 3 rating. Another factor for the mid-level rating was that their was a DJ playing in the Upper Level, however their was no marketing /advertising to suggest anyone was playing up their??My girlfriend and I ventured up their and if it wasn't for a distinguished gentleman sitting quietly and enjoying the show, we would have been the only 2 people watching the show. We stayed for an hour because the show was really good. Why book someone to play if customers are not informed that is an alternative show in the upper level. All in all, great beer, loud music, friendly customers, but poor bar set up and a lack of information about a show in the Upper Level leaves this rating at a 3. Read more

To start off with the good they always have a solid selection of craft beer with good prices. There's a nice area with pool tables and arcade games to hang out. I'm not a fan of the overall decor of the place as it looks "run down". It's pretty far from ... the main strip too so it's not recommended to have this in your plans for bar hopping. Service is ok with some extended waits and no servers. Read more

Good selection of beers. Live music is up there for best live music bar. Set up is, especially now with the main floor moving their music sets to the north west corner. Haven't had a lot of the food, but the burgers are pretty good, especially the price on their burger ... day (Wednesday, I think). Oh, and they do it front of you which is very cool. They bring in the top local artists which is fantastic. And....ginger shots. That was a fantastic idea to bring in. Read more

If you're looking for great beer, some hand-made bar food, and a fun atmosphere, then check out the Windsor Beer Exchange. It is definitely a university pub, and has that live-music vibe. There is a pool table, arcade games, and other things to play. Be warned, the bathrooms are rough. The staff are ... great. Read more