Pacific Brimm Cafe & Bistro

After two really sad experiences here I've decided it's worth a review.
While I loved this cafe when it was cafe style and run as a counter service joint, and adore the coffee they serve, the service of table service staff is totally lacking.
I spent 34 minutes two months ago after being seated before anyone acknowledged me, and then only because I went to the counter to ask to order.
Now, today, we were sat on the patio and the waitress quickly said she would be right back for our order and didn't ask for a drink order. We waited around 20 or more minutes before looking over the menu several times and deciding the wait was absolutely not worth it, no one returned- we decided to leave and get a sandwich and coffee elsewhere as it would be faster than now placing our order there.
Totally disappointed at these experiences and though the food is usually good and coffee great, the price point and lack of service for seated guests makes it somewhere I will no longer recommend or stop in at.

Amazing food and service. I'll be back for sure

Phenomenal food and service! The Mediterranean flat bread was to die for! So fresh and delicious.

I hand the barista 2x $5 bills for a $7 coffee...and short changed again. What is it with this town?

Guess I'm going to Starbucks tomorrow...and the next day...and the next.

Excellent food, good service.

A funky cafe with excellent coffee!

Just stopped in recently on last saturday. I tried Bison burger sliders. Taste is really good and server is friendly. Had a good time with yummy food and live music. Love to visit again

Excellent food and service!

Don’t go here if you’re in a rush to get somewhere else. Came in at noon on a weekday and waited probably 40 minutes for our food — mind you, it was for two people, and the place was pretty much empty. Food was okay. I expected bigger portions OR better quality for $22, but I think I set myself up for disappointment. Staff were very nice, but goddamn, that’s the sort of wait you’d expect at a chain restaurant on a Saturday night with a group of 5. Very off-putting.

Stopped in recently with a friend to check out the new renovations and menu and to give Pacific Brimm another try after a previous poor experience when I decided I would not spend my money here anymore for the over priced food and poor service.
Seems little has changed; went for breakfast and after waiting for staff to serve us in a half empty setting, we ended up leaving out of frustration - we even walked directly up to the counter and stood in front of two employees for a few minutes who couldn’t be bothered to even acknowledge us being there.
I was hoping to enjoy the new atmosphere but it was unimpressive and the total lack of customer service was a huge turn off. Doubt I’ll be back again.

*edit*
Gave the Brimm another try today and was promptly greeted by welcoming staff.
Enjoyed the nice back patio in the sun and the atmosphere is pretty wonderful. Seats could use cushions tho, but otherwise very comfortable.

Eggs benny were delicious. Very fresh ingredients, wonderful sauce, and nice muffin.
Side salad was great but the real star is the side hashbrown they make in house with some delicious cheese and garlic mixed in.
Would come back just for the hash brown alone.

Glad I gave this place another try.

A great place to start our day. Welcoming staff, lovely patio area for dining and food which was a step above in terms of taste.

After a fabulous luncheon on Saturday I can say, Pacific Brim Café in Parksville is a gem! The food was absolutely amazing — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Our waitress was the sweetest, making the experience even more special. Highly recommend!

Reminders from 20 years ago from my mom.who would come get chai lattes. She says they are just as good!

Ordered the avocado toast, described on the menu as being served on toasted sourdough with feta, cream cheese and a soft poached egg. I waited 25 minute for the food and then got .. well that thing in the pic. A hard poached egg beside a browning avocado and a cold alice of sourdough that looked like wonder bread.. $16.00 w/o tax or tip.

Also ordered a side of bacon, that was awesome. And the artichoke dip which just tasted like lemons and cream cheese. I sent back the avocado toast and said the rest was great and the server was really nice about it, said she’d take it off my bill. Didn’t get upset at all. It happens, I get it.

Got to the counter and she said she got in trouble for trying to take it off. I had to pay for half of it and I wasn’t offered to keep the food.. Weak. This place used to be really nice. Why would I have to pay for that and not even be able to keep it? Own your mistakes.

Excellent coffee, nice people, good place to stop, early morning sun trap!!