The Port

out back is nice. the usually have a band of some kind. the food os great from the smokehouse grill, reasonable prices. no cover charge to see the bands. fire pit and boat doskc out back. i love this lace but only gave it 4 stars as they need to either super clean or replace most of the inside bar? also always a line for the ladies room while the mens is empty. suggest they just put a «restroom» sign on each door to make them inisex bathrooms so the ladies arent always standing in line.

Great Smoke house good food, The owner is aways nice… Parking lot is gravely, but bikers aways welcome

The facility is split into 2 buildings right on Buckeye Lake. Building 1 is the original dive bar. A ton of history, great pictures and wall hangings, and of course BRILLIANT and colorful locals. You could write a screenplay just on the stories of the local lake rats.
Bartender was a guy about 30 – 40. Super nice, very friendly and can make a PERFECT shot of Jim Beam. A joke,…of course. He had lots of good stories and definitely made us feel welcome there. It was our first time there. Stayed about an hour then went out back to other building to eat.
Second building is an open air BBQ hut. It was actually very nice and the atmosphere was really relaxed. The smell outside is amazing.
I noticed right away that a sign reads «please order at the bar». It was very clear that there was not wait staff here. Just bartenders, bar-​backs, and cooks. I want to point that out because another reviewer mentioned that he had poor service from the wait staff. I think he may have missed the whole point with this facility. You wont get waited on at a table for good reason — It is a BBQ Pit and Bar! It’s walk up and order here! It’s brilliant, cozy, relaxed and fun. You don’t come here for fancy service but they do have really nice and friendly staff. You come here for the food, drinks and atmosphere.
As for the food… WOW. I had the brisket with macaroni and cheese. Perfect. My friend had the Pulled Pork and Macaroni and cheese. Perfect. Food is amazing.
Final verdict? We will be back next month to pick up another vehicle and plan on stopping again. We don’t even want to try another spot on the lake!

My husband and I checked this place out last night because he got word that they hold an open mic night every other Wednesday. We didn’t get there until about 9:30 but the music was going strong.
It’s a tiny place, full bar, pleasant regulars… combined they equal the right formula for a decent dive bar. I mean, there are even marks from rowdy people back in the 80s that did burn outs on their motorcycles in the bar.
There is a lot of history, it’s right at the start of the lake off a small inlet. I had a regular very passionately explain the current issue with the dam and the low water level and how they’re working to keep these local businesses going strong.
I will definitely be returning!

went there recently with friends. service was non existent. had to go to bar to order, not greeted @ all. was this because we aren’t locals ?? these are barmaids trying to be a waitress. we were 20 feet out the door when I heard my only thank you. I left a small tip & regret even that!
the ribs on the other hand make up for the barmaids. dry rub, I had sauce on the side & never used it, that means it’s GOOD. my sides were baked beans, potato salad, beer bread, all were very tasty. with a $ 2 tea-​$ 15.50 for a ½ rack-​pretty fair price. I thought that was a better deal than $ 9 or more for a brisket sandwich. food was good & I will return, just hope the atmosphere gets better…
just west of rt.13 @ the light by Subway on the east side of Buckeye Ocean. Thornville address but actually in Thornport.