Walking through the front door of Wenona Lodge instantly overwhelms the senses with the potent smell of BBQ smoke that hits you like a quick but delicious punch in the face. Atmosphere is dimly lit, but casual and comfortable.
The kitchen is now being run by the Pork Ninjas' Jason Rees, who had previously set up shop in the kitchen of Baju @ then Monarch Tavern. Based on my experience here, I will say his work is improving.
I had the pulled pork sandwich which I did really enjoy, especially how they give you a side of coleslaw (pro tip: put the coleslaw on the sandwich). Also had the hush puppies which were decent but I will say that online the menu has them listed as "jalapeno corn fritters" and I did not notice any jalapeno flavouring.
Settling in at the bar, you'll find 10 rotating Ontario craft beer taps and a decent selection of tall boys, all in the $7-$9 range. Definitely a couple of interesting selections including some nitro taps.
Bonus shout outs to the server with shoulder length brown hair. She was clearly overworked as she was tending to the whole room and bartending at the same time (apparently normally more staff are there during that time) but she was awesome in holding the service side of the experience, so I feel an obligatory written kudos should be added to this review.