Dinghy Docks

[bwarden]

Went to Dingy Docks last night, despite our neighbors warning us of their recent bad experience. While waiting quite a while for a table, three staff walked by me and I greeted them in hopes of being seated. Finally I approached who I thought was the hostess, as she stood gazing out on the water. She apologized for daydreaming and gave us a table. I guess their chef is new from Longwood brew pub. The food was cold, the service incredibly slow (1 hour wait after ordering) and the waitresses I'm told were mostly new and didn't know much about the entrees. We were charged full price for the kids pop which we thought was a part of the kids meal, then we were told, "Oh no, you only get juice with the kids meals" Fine then, I asked for the two juice boxes and took them home since I paid for them.

The only redeeming factor for us was the kids fishing area, great view, and being on a floating restaraunt.

The bar was very busy, so likely their revenue stream comes from the liquor?

Perhaps we'd go again for a small appy and a beverage while the kids played with the fishing lines. Our next bill certaintly won't be $85 again, as it's doubtful we'll order a full meal there in the future.

[Rain]

Never been have wanted to go and heard Rave reviews about the place. But this is the 3rd time I have heard a bad review about the dingy pub. Hopefully the next time you go you have good time sorry to hear about the bad service.

[Persephone]

We go over quite often when we take the sailboat out, and although the service tends to be a bit slow we do have a good time.

Haven't been in a bit though, obviously not since the switch over of employees.

[Jingles]

Every year new staff is hired for the summer season - it's the beginning of that now, there are bound to be a few rough bits. Over the past two years, I have always enjoyed myself and my food when floating there!

[fitz]

That's the same night we *tried* to go there - the protection connection ferry was SO busy! There were people calling from their celphones trying to get reservations, and couldn't. There were a couple large birthday parties, and a stag on their way over too. We stayed with the floating theme though, and had dinner at Penny's Palapa (it was great, by the way).

I didn't know you had to wait to be seated at the Dinghy Dock? I was under the impression that it operated like a pub.. find a seat, if you can.

Also, I don't mind the relaxed pace there.. I mean, I'm usually not in a rush if I've decided on taking a ferry or paddling over to the Dinghy Dock.. otherwise I'd just eat somewhere right in Nanaimo.

The food is always good, and you can't beat the view.

[bwarden]

Hi there Fitz,

You're right about the view...it's amazing there. Perhaps the pub has walk in seating, however the "family" section had a hostess that was seating people all evening. Too bad we didn't know that you wanted to come over. We could have picked you up in our boat and given you a lift over.

[fitz]

DOH! That would have been a classier way to travel. My parents were over from the mainland, so of course it's a good place to take visitors - very unique.... but the ferry lineup was just ridiculous. Some pretty irate people waiting too.. kinda sad.

[Gail]

I have been meaning to stop and nosh at Penn'ys.it smells so good when I walk down the seawall.

[Teatails]

I have heard that the Dinghy Dock has changed to try to compete with the upscale restaurants. I haven't been recently, but if this is the case it really saddens me . Apparently they took all the money off the walls. Part of the fun of going to the DD was the pub atmosphere and pub food, not to mention the good entertainment...which I heard has also changed. Why are they messing with a good thing?...again...all just hearsay until I get over there to see for myself.