Chick To Sea Express — Restaurant in Nanaimo

We noticed a new place in Nanaimo today called Chick To Sea Express, located at 150 Terminal Ave N, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4J3. We quickly figured out that it was the former Baby Salsa Express location that we loved so much. That was quite a bummer at first, but we thought we would give them a try and see what they were like, since we don't really have a fried chicken place close to home and this would really open up a new opportunity for us. So we went over the menu to see what they carried and made our choices for our first meal.

Our first impression was really positive. they repainted everything in bright, bold colours and everything is very meticulously done. I'm a stickler for details, and man is this guy on point! Razor sharp lines and striking colours. He nailed it. The place looks great. He's going to add flags by the highway, which will be a great draw.

Now, on to the food. We went early on opening day. We didn't want to be disappointed, and man o' man we were not. We were the first drive through customers in Nanaimo, so we got some free extras. That's why you go early on opening day.

First off, I have to say it. Best basic fried chicken in Nanaimo, by far that I have had to date. Easily. No contest. None, Whatsoever. I know. That's a mighty bold statement. There is some stiff competition in town. Smokin' George's, Nanda Chicken, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, Roll&Chicken, KFC and Mary Brown's. This was the least greasy fried chicken I've had since moving to British Columbia in 2015, and that is saying a lot of damn chicken. The crispness was totally on point, particularly on that phenomenal chicken breast that they gave us as part of the free chicken box. Good God, this chicken is the perfect drunk food. when you are out clubbing and you are on your way home, and you want your designated driver to buy you all drunk food on your way home from downtown, pop into Chick to Sea... it's right there. Chick to Sea is open late. What's that now? A fried chicken place, open late? In Nanaimo? YES! 10 PM and Midnight on Friday and Saturday. Did you say Midnight on Friday and Saturday?Yes, didn't you read! They also have fish, amazing hand cut fries, even better fantastic yam fries, mushy peas, regular and curry gravy and you get a tub of it. So generous! We are stuffed. Everything was so good, but not overly greasy. Fantastic hours. Best in Nanaimo. Show them some...

This is a takeout drive thru business in the same location where KFC used to be. It must be very difficult to run a business here or even get staff to run it, surrounded by a dozen boarded up skeletons of neighboring businesses that collapsed due to crime. But I commend this place, and the lady who served us at the drive thru this week. She was the ONLY person working, and apologized profusely for the wait. We are not in a hurry when we come here, so a 10 minute wait at the drive thru window doesn't concern us. She is doing everything, and doing it well, despite the sign on the window which states "desperately seeking staff". The food here is actually really good, and reasonably priced. This is not the first time we've stopped, and of all the places which offer comparable seafood, it's the one we will miss the most if it shutters. If you can justify the stop to support this business, it won't be wasted time. The cod and chips have been surprisingly reasonable and delicious, and if you miss the breaded jumbo prawns, you'll never know how great these are. We get these EVERY time--they would be worth the stop alone. Haven't tried anything else on the menu, because when you find something that works, it's really hard to...

Lots going on here. The Fish and Chips are 10/10 and very reasonable price.

The food - Great chips (fries), crispy, hot and fresh. Beats the usual crispy fish soggy fries combo that is so common elsewhere. Fantastic fish, crispy not greasy. Flaky fish that was hot and not overdone.

Coleslaw - Typical bagged mix with dressing. A bit sweet but likely enjoyed by the majority.

Tartar Sauce - Packaged food service portions. Not good. I’m an east coast tartar sauce snob but the quality of the fish minimized the tartar enough that it doesn’t matter.

Service - Kind and friendly, 10/10.

Atmosphere - Odd smell when entering. Kind of urineish. Not smoky and greasy smelling so can’t complain too much. Floors were very sticky. Tables clean, clutter visible behind the counter, loud music, homeless people camping at building in front and a drug deal gone down while I ate. Can’t blame the restaurant for that. Tough area.

Overall the food is worth the visit if you’re not too hung up on tartar and coleslaw. The main event fish and chips...