United Nations of Beer

Dicks Bar

by Gregory Knott
(Beer Delegate, NL, Canada)

Dicks Bar
Bell Island, NL, Canada

If you happen to be anywhere near St. John's or Portugal Cove-St.Phillip's and have a few hours to spare, venture to Bell Island.

To those unfamiliar with Bell Island, it is located in the middle of Conception Bay and a short ferry ride from Portugal Cove-St. Philip's.

At one time Bell Island was home to one of the world's largest iron ore mines and has the dubious distinction of being the only place confirmed in North America to have been attacked by the German army during World War II. A number of ships carrying iron ore destined for Great Britain were torpedoed by German U-boats in the waters off Bell Island.

But now, the island should be famous for the fantastic watering hole known as Dicks Bar. Located next to the ferry terminal, Dicks offers fantastic food in the restaurant and an atmosphere that would make anyone feel at home in the large open bar.

With a long bar, huge dance floor and high tables, you can feel the energy of nights gone by.

Bell Islanders are proud of their home and scattered throughout the bar amongst the traditional knick-knacks found in most bars are pictures and mementos depicting their history and proudest moments.

Once a bustling mining area, Bell Island is today a shadow, in population size, of its former self. But it's a place proud of its history and that spirit and energy is alive and evident at Dicks. The bar still packs people in, especially on nights when the junior hockey team is in town for a home game.

Today, tourists and locals alike mingle at Dicks Bar with its amazing view of Conception Bay. So if you have some time to spare, travel to Bell Island and venture through the now abandoned mines, check out the amazing scenery and be sure to stop by Dicks. Have a beer or eight, listen to some stories and have a good meal. Enjoy.