Crow's Nest Cafe and Country Store

Made daily stops here during our 6 day visit to Haida Gwaii. huge ice cream cones for our two children.

You're greeted by the smell of hot cinnamon buns and sausage rolls when you walk through the door...If that doesn't hook you nothing will! The server at the counter the first time we went in was the owner we think and she was cranky. She snapped at the guy in front of us that "she was working by herself that day and she wouldn't have a sandwich for him for at least 20 minutes". She then went on to serve us and wasn't any happier. The next day, however, was a different story. A different counter server who was so pleasant and happy made all the difference. We visited here most days during our stay in Tlell and you really can't go wrong with the soups, coffee, sausage rolls and cinny buns.

New owner. One of my favorite places to stop for a latte. I have never managed to find that taste anywhere else. The humus and pita are my go to snack and if I am with a friend we share one of the awesome sandwiches. Friendly staff and good service. Makes that trip down island sorta special

Crow's Nest has changed hands it is much more a café than store now however brunch is only served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the rest is what is in the cooler sometimes sandwiches soups and baked goodies.

The Crow’s Nest is an interesting, eclectic shop on the side of Highway 16 in Tlell. Marketing itself as a café and country store, this establishment is the very definition of a catch-all because you can get literally everything you could possibly need here: groceries, local produce, local arts/crafts, alcohol, snacks, hot food, cold (and hot) beverages, and seasonal clothing. The Crow’s Nest even hosts a small Canada Post kiosk!The emphasis at this wonderful eatery is on “local” – promoting and buying it. And while this is no doubt a good thing given the limited economy, I suspect such an emphasis has led to what others have already pointed out: inflated prices, even for Haida Gwaii. But, to be fair, anything labeled as “organic” in this day and age will come with a hefty price tag. Being healthy and fresh is an industry, after all.Now, I’ve visited the Crow’s Nest on a few occasions. My most recent visit was the first time under the new management. Based on what I can see, greater emphasis has been placed on the “café” setting and food options have been modified accordingly – there’s more in the way of soup, sandwich and baked good items. Personally, I view this change and slight reduction in offerings to be a good thing. In the past, I’ve always found the food to be average at best – and way, way overpriced. I mean, a flat grilled cheese sandwich for nearly $10? Come on! I remember having lunch with a friend – he’d ordered the beef dip, which was about $15. He wasn’t pleased with what he got and who could blame him. The “beef dip” was nothing more than a hot dog bun with a little bit of pre-packaged deli meat. Hardly worth the price tag. How was the food on my most recent visit? Well, I can only speak to the milkshake and sausage roll I had. And, really, it would only be fair to comment on the milkshake (which was good – rich and creamy, albeit a bit pricey) because the sausage rolls, as signage in the store point out, are brought “by the stork.”The Crow’s Nest, then, is very much a locals’ hangout. In a small place like Tlell, such places are needed. So, when you visit this “country store” for some produce, coffee or groceries, you may as well stop and chat with the locals who frequent the place. You might learn a thing or two and get a taste of the local culture!FOOD: 2.5/5SERVICE: 3/5VALUE: 2/5RECOMMENDATION: The beverages on offer are fine; the fresh produce and other eclectic items on offer are even better; however, be prepared to pay!