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    Dickens Public House

    4.0 (28 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Bars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Dickens Public House Photos

    DICKENS PUBLIC HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    a man sitting at the bar
    Jim P.

    Hung out for about an hour while waiting for my flight at Victoria airport. Servers said hello as soon as I walked in and encouraged me to sit anywhere. Good start!! In general servers were friendly and pleasant. Pub had a really nice feel with a mix of some old world (UK) charm like the comfy leather couches and dart boards and big screen TVs where I could watch the game (baseball tonight). The fireplace wasn't lit tonight but the built in bookshelves surrounding it which were filled with old hardcovers and other accessories were evidence of the Charles Dickens theme. Wasn't starving so settled on a 'starter' - the sliders - three ways (lamb, beef and chicken). They were each very tasty and served with a pickle and on pretzel slider buns with the special house Burger sauce. Not sure how 'house ' it is but it was very good and didn't overpower the meat in any of the sliders. Nice touch. Sliders were very tasty and moist. Not dried out at all. My only complaint was the meat on each of the sliders (except for the lamb) was a little small for the size of the buns. That being said, the chef used pretzel slider buns bade by Portafino Bakery (which supplies many restaurants and food stores on Vancouver island and the mainland) for each of the sliders which added to the food experience. Between the house sauce and the pretzel bun I wasn't as fussed about the size of the patty as I would have otherwise been. Nice choice and evidence that each slider was really good .and well prepared. I'm not a beer drinker but enjoyed a nice Strongbow cider on tap with my sliders and note that there are about 25-30 different beer taps at the bar. Great selection! Not sure if I'll be back out on the west coast again anytime soon but, if I am, I'd be keen to try other items in the menu. Definitely recommend a visit if you're in town. Yelp check- in gets you a 10% discount on all your food!

    The Victorian area with sports bar in the mirror.
    Chris N.

    Cozy little Victorian area in the back with soft couches and a coffee table. Unfortunately, it's so comfortable that the rich poutine and stew are bound to give heartburn on the couch. The rest is a traditional sports bar with a pub feel. Dart boards and a billiards room compete it. The poutine, Guinness beef stew, Yorkshire pudding, and fish and chips were all perfect and fast. To top it off, they make a good scotch hot Toddy.

    Ruben was great!
    Bryan P.

    I had the Ruben and it was very good. The bar tender was very helpful and friendly in ordering beer and food. They have a great selection of beer and all the food sounds and looks great from what I saw others eating. I'll be back!

    Had a short stay in Sidney and stay at a hotel down the road from this pub and decided to pop in for dinner. Right away the bartender came over with a menu for me, and welcomed me. Super cool guy from my home province. The server was attentive and helpful as well (I have a dairy allergy so I always appreciate leaving a restaurant without an allergic reaction). I ordered fish tacos (and fries) and a cider. The food was fast and super good and fresh. The fries were super good! I definitely plan to come back one day.

    Poutine with wild mushrooms

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

    The heavy waitress Talia was super rude & belligerent & acted super full of herself. Will not return because of her,

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    11 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Very friendly staff. Food is good.good atmosphere makes for a good pub stop when in Sidney. Right next to gas station and Best Western.

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Love The Dickens! Pretty good food (for the most part), great drinks and most of the staff is great.

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    13 years ago

    good beefeater meat tender, nice bun, dipping sauce not salty as before, service was fast and friendly.

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    Riva

    Riva

    3.4(29 reviews)
    0.1 km

    Large spacious patio gets sun during the day, cooler in the evening, but always a stunning view of…read morethe water. The inside dining areas look great too. Service was very good. Cocktails are good. The steak, chicken, lamb, fish all looked amazing. We had the steak and lamb sirloin, both nicely presented on a bed of veggies and roasted potatoes. My only qualm is the steak was cut too thin for a NY striploin so it was difficult to cook medium (came out well done but very tender and juicy). Overall plenty of choices for everyone, not cheap but priced typically for the area.

    Review Template ===…read more1. VERDICT/VALUE View of the water during lunch or dinner (in the late Spring through early Fall)? Check. Good food? Sometimes. Live piano player Thursday through Saturday nights? Check. Good service? Check. Good value? Sadly, no. If you're coming here, you're likely coming for the ambiance. === 2. FOOD I came as part of a large group dinner and so can comment about: The appetizers: they were alright but far too small for their price: - Brussel Sprouts ($20) - Baked Brie ($22) - Limoncello Prawns ($26) - Calamari ($22) Chicken Piccata ($33): Breaded chicken breast on pappardelle pasta; I changed the cream-based sauce to a tomato-based one and it was alright but I am so grateful for the apples and dessert because it was very small - especially for the price. Tiramisu ($14): It was good, but also overpriced / too small for the price. Note: coffee is $4.50; pop/soda is $4 - but refills are not included. === 3. SERVICE Nicole was super-friendly and really cared about our experience; her teammates helped deliver the many dishes. She was prompt in helping when it was later realized we were missing two of the group's dishes. If I were to go back, I would ask to be served by Nicole if possible. === 4. ENVIRONMENT It's like a steakhouse on the water: dark wood, dim lighting; it could be like that to have diners focus on the many windows facing the water. There appears to be outdoor seating available also. You can bring groups of all sizes here; wheelchairs and baby strollers should fit also in some areas. Parking is based on luck - what you can get on the streets nearby (and you may be looking around for a bit)!

    Photos
    Riva - Back dining area

    Back dining area

    Riva - Trio

    Trio

    Riva

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    Port Browning Pub - Marina shop

    Port Browning Pub

    4.0(25 reviews)
    16.5 km
    $$

    Loved it here! Not only are your views amazing, which includes the water, the camp site, and the…read morepool, but the food was really good! Clearly a local fave, this place hosts many social opportunities, including karaoke and live bands! We came in because it's what you do when you visit Pender! I got the Gourmet Greens (beets, carrots, toasted pumpkin seeds, feta, green onion with red vinegar dressing). This salad was outstanding! Loved the complexity of the flavors and felt super healthy while consuming their drinks! I also got their Microdose Pizza (white sauce, mozzarella, mushroom, goat cheese - subbed for feta - pesto and truffle drizzle). I'm fairly certain they did not add the feta, pesto, or truffle but regardless, the pizza was really good! The reason we were here was because of their wings, specifically their in house made habanero sauce ones. I tried the sauce and was addicted! It's freaking hot but has so much flavor! I was hooked! I also got their Caesar which they pair with Bee Wild Distillery. They use the Nocturne (Black Garlic) vodka. The vodka is super good but kids of gets lost in the drink! Still good! recommend coming to this place! It's great for food, atmosphere, and the views!

    Port Browning has nice views, very friendly staff, and decent food. If you're on Pender Island I do…read morerecommend! The Greek pizza was great! Service was slow, but I did go during the lunch rush hour.

    Photos
    Port Browning Pub - Party SUP.... Impressive rates!!!

    Party SUP.... Impressive rates!!!

    Port Browning Pub - Tent sites

    Tent sites

    Port Browning Pub - Patio

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    Patio

    Spitfire Grill Restaurant & Catering

    Spitfire Grill Restaurant & Catering

    3.5(24 reviews)
    3.2 km
    $$

    We had about an hour to kill before we returned our rental car, so we stopped in for a quick bite…read more We were seated at a table and waited, while tables were cleared around us and orders taken. Our waitress came to the table, we told her we only had about 1/2 hour to eat, and we ordered a beer (bottled, they were our of draft beers) and one bowl of chowder. We waited. And waited . The beer arrived (very nice Kokanee lager). We drank the beer, and waited. We finally had to leave without the chowder. I don't know if it was tasty. Seriously: how long does it take to get a ladle, and pour the chowder into a bowl?

    I'm updating my review to reflect on my 2nd visit to this establishment…read more I popped by on my way home and the special was the cod and chips for $19.99. I decided to give this a try and my god, it was bloody horrible. The batter was so heavy and soggy, the plate had tons of grease compiled into a puddle. There was very little cod inside the batter and their tartar sauce was just garlic mayo... Really really disappointing visit today. I don't see myself returning anytime soon because the food was just terrible. Kaley/Kacey, my servier, was a bundle of energy and lovely, I just wish she came to check up on me before you noticed I had thrown my napkin into my food as a sign I was done. Also, the Spitfire desperately needs a good clean, it's quite dirty on the inside and out. Original Review from October 2025. This place has been on my raider for awhile to try and since moving close to the establishment recently I decided to give it a try. The outside is nothing to write home about, neither is the inside... But I'm not coming here for the decor; I came for the food and my god did the food ever represent. I ordered the Philly Beef Dip and it was just delicious - every morsel of it. The service was lovely, I'm not sure why there are negative reviews saying otherwise. Ginny, my server, was attentive, kind and extremely helpful. I can't wait to go back and try theI Sunday roast dinner and more of their menu. It's a down-home cooked establishment and the food and service reflects this! Cheers to an amazing first visit!

    Photos
    Spitfire Grill Restaurant & Catering - Spitfire grill

    Spitfire grill

    Spitfire Grill Restaurant & Catering
    Spitfire Grill Restaurant & Catering - Spitfire grill

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    Spitfire grill

    Dickens Public House - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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