Smitty's Family Restaurant - Nanaimo

Stop in for a meal before the airportSmitty's usually has good wings.

Very spotty for service; can sometimes be very good, other times deplorable. Saturday at 2:00, got my coffee right away and waited 15 minutes in a near empty restaurant for someone to take food order. There are people wandering around looking for someone to take their payments! This is not the first time I've experienced this. Weekdays, the service is usually very good.

Four of us stopped in for dinner on our way to the ferry. Building is old, but clean. Staff friendly, place filled up good location to ferry. Good menu choice. Our needs were met and we were able to eat and run, so to speak.

We stopped here for lunch before grabbing ferry to Gabriola Island. Unfortunately, it was a mediocre experience. I had the hot turkey sandwich which was supposed to be on special. On checking the menu, that was the regular price. I felt this was misleading but whatever. The amount of turkey was skimpy as was the dressing which was lacking in texture and taste. At $14.99, they could have done much better. My partner had the fish and chips and didn't like them. He was particularly disappointed in the lowend, tasteless tartar sauce. On the other hand, staff was friendly, courteous, efficient and the facility was very clean. It was also conveniently located near the ferry terminal which was a plus.

This restaurant is very close to home so we've visited often since its opening. The decor is pleasant for such a large room. However, given the size of the room, when it's full it can be quite noisy. Also, patrons should be aware that there are seemingly hot (too warm) and cold areas (we've usually been able to be accommodated when we've asked to be moved to a more comfortable spot). I'm not sure what to say about the food: this is a pancake house chain. Hence, don't expect culinary creativity. We can report, however, that our food has arrived cleanly presented, and that serving staff has been friendly and efficient. One culinary quibble: in my opinion, a bacon omelette ought to have bacon in it (like the mushrooms and the cheese) not two pieces draped across the top - inside please!