Been here before and enjoyed it thoroughly, however the past two visits they've either been closed, or their hours are not as advertised. FYI they close an hour early and refuse people entry. I'd like to give a better review... But their hours aren't as advertised!

One has to agree with most other comments! The place was packed; the staff efficient despite the need to work full-out to keep up with the demand.

But alas, the steak & kidney pie was "off" and no-one in their right mind would eat haggis (no mail please, I know what I said and I stand by it!)

The shrimp and chips was a great substitute; the chips had just the right amount of "grease", Just... more

Delicious and reasonable

the food is incredible, the staff are friendly and the price can't be beat :) Only thing lacking is the interior of the restaurant it's very transport-caf, wouldn't be a great place for a date

Delicious fish, crummy service

Our fish was enjoyable, but the poor service left a bad taste in our mouths. It took an excessive amount of time to be given menus, and then have our orders taken. The waitresses were preoccupied with chatting to familiar patrons, and seemed put out that our quiet table of six was there. Will not return.

A touch of the old country - plus

Had supper here with my son, daughter-in-law and (nearly 2) grandson. Had a great takeaway on an earlier visit, so interested to eat in. As usual in Canada, service was prompt and friendly, with special care for the youngest - crayons and colouring pictures, drink in a child-friendly cup. Go for the fish meal - main plus side, dessert, and... more

Always have mixed emotions

The fish is usually awesome, the chips can be great when hot but the rest leaves me wanting more. Very English in clientele, very faithful group that keeps coming back for more of the same. I'm never really disappointed but I'm never really blown away but I will always come back for more. Pricing keeps going up (but so are... more

take out was tasty and plentiful

we had a friend with whom to share, so against the rules, we enjoyed red wine with the fish - we win, great dinner

great quality

love the quality of the food. served piping hot, fast service. I do find the prices a bit expensive but the quality of the fish and chips,more than compensate the price

Best fish and chips I've ever had!

Best fish and chips

We have visited Thistle many times over the past several years. The fish is lightly battered and cooked to perfection. Combined with their great chips and big pots of tea, friendly prompt service is added to make this the best fish and chip restaurant in the area.

Worth the hour + drive

Best fish and chips I have had in canada. I thought that I would have to wait to go back to Florida for good fish. The batter on the fish was crisp and thin, the fish was thick and flavorful. Quick and friendly service. The chips were good as well (sweet potato fries) but really it's all about the fish.... more

Not exactly a place you can grab some fish and chips after the bars let out. Thistle seems to close up tight after the dinner hour. The fish is decent enough. Same as the chips. The staff is super friendly. Clearly this place stays afloat serving a large cast of happy regs.

Oh, you can get haggis here.

great halibut and chips

We go here once a week for our fix . Awesome halibut and chips. Very clean. Super owners and wait staff. Family restaurant that has regular customers that return each week. Very basic decor but very clean. If you want good crispy halibut this is the place in Burlington or Hamilton. Generous portions too.

Dragged Across Ontario

For years (as a child) my "English" Grandparents dragged me from one fish and chip place to the next - all I heard for years was - "too greasy..too much batter... fries are frozen ... no real tea pots with "cozies"... no fresh, thick cut bread with real butter ... not enough batter... fish is too thin ... fries are... more

Excellent Fish & Chips

Perfect traditional fish & chips, breaded shrimp and other fish and seafood dishes. Service is very good though a little rushed. A favourite with seniors!

Average fare

I really like the big fat chips at the Thistle, however my friend I was dining with didn't like them at all. I was surprised at the packaged tartar sauce. You would think they would have something better. The fish was decent but a little greasy. All and all not bad but there is better to be had elsewhere.

Yes

So solid. A+
Great food, great service! Perfectly sized portions!
This was our first visit and we will return for sure.
Don't waste your money elsewhere. We waited for a table, but not for long.
The restaurant is a well-oiled machine that runs very well.
Our neighbours were right, this is the best fish n chip place in all of... more

Never fails to please

We have been eating fish and chips here for the past 22 years. We still visit although we don't live close by any more and have a 35 km drive to get there, but we think its worth it, they are the best fish and chips, and we've tried many! Someone in a review mentioned the price. Of course they... more

Exceeded my expectations

My Mom visits this restaurant occasionally when she can navigate the weather and suggested since I was picking her up to take her to the "Thistle'. I was pleasantly surprised by our food. They've updated the menu which is great; the staples are still there - namely fish/chips, standard English/Scottish fare but I mentioned last visit it would be nice... more

The best fish and chips

We love the haddock and chips and mushy peas and a pint of beer. The food is consistently good and the service very personable We eat there about once a month.
If something isn't right please tell them and they will make every effort to please

Disappointed

Thistle was recommended to us by a friend. Very disappointed. Had the fish and chips (haddock). Possibly the worst fish and chips I have ever had. The crust on the fish was soggy and far too greasy. It left a thick film of grease in my mouth, fish was tough, chips were cold and lardy. Three of us had the... more

Average Fish, soggy undercooked chips, & tarter sauce in a heinz package

After several people telling us to try the Thistle for Fish & Chips we finally gave it a try. As an east-coaster my standard for fish & chips is pretty high. The fish pieces were quite large, & lightly battered which was good. The chips were undercooked, and soggy, & at $96 for dinner for 4 people I was shocked... more

One of the best fish & chips I have ever had. The fish was excellent quality, and I have heard great reviews about some of the Scottish dishes as well, although I have never ventured outside of the tried and true. Haggis is just not my thing.
I have not been here since I lived in Burlington, but would go back if I had the chance!
They offer both dine in and takeout.

You'll love the fish and chips

I've heard it said that people drive from far and wide to have fish and chips at The Thistle in Burlington, Ontario. I don't doubt it for a minute. The food is excellent and so is the wait staff.

We always drive by this place, and finally decided to give it a try after encountering a one hour wait at Red Lobster ... the wait here was nonexistent although it did seem fairly busy there. I love the Scottish themed decor, with everything from Scottish scenes on the wall to adorable plaid tea cosies. The menu has only a few items, the fish and chips of course, but then it also has meat pies... more

Marvelous, crispy, flakey fish.
Perhaps the best I have ever had.

They serve both haddock and halibut, along with a range of Scottish delicacies that I've yet to try.

Its a clean well run place, with pleasant, freindly, attentive service.
My favorite place to eat in Burlington.

I've been going to the Thistle off and on for over twenty years, during which it has consistently offered better F&C than anywhere else that I've tried in N. America, and as good as the very best that I've had in the UK. You won't get fresher-tasting fish (choice of halibut or haddock) anywhere this side of the pond (goodness knows I've tried).