Montana’s BBQ & Bar — Restaurant in Nanaimo

I don't usually write negative reviews, but this experience was particularly disappointing, especially since it was for my brother's birthday. We visited on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, before 5 pm. From the start, the service was the worst I’ve ever experienced.

We were seated promptly, but the first server, a woman with a blonde ponytail, was unfriendly when taking our drink order. Shortly after, another server named Kirsten, who also had long blonde hair, took over. Unfortunately, she was quite rude and did not introduce herself, which is something we’ve always appreciated from other servers here.

The issues continued throughout our meal. Other servers brought our food, and when my husband requested a refill, Kirsten simply dropped it at the other end of the table without a word. My salad was unappetizing, with old, brown, and wilted lettuce. What made this experience even worse was the poor service—it overshadowed everything else.

When it came time to pay, Kirsten placed the bill on the table and walked away without a word. Despite informing them at the beginning that it was my brother’s birthday, there was no acknowledgment or effort to make the occasion special.

Montana’s used to be one of our favorite places, we often brought guests there and had always enjoyed the experience, but after this visit, we’re hesitant to return and risk having a repeat of such poor service. The overall atmosphere was very lack lustre and felt there was no real care or concern like it once was.

Sadly would...

This is my go to! When I'm not travelling for work, and finding new culinary gems around Van. Isl., Im eating here. I can honestly (however am slightly embarrassed to make known) say Im at Montanas 2-3 nights per week enjoying a 10oz top sirloin. Check the pics....sometimes I'll put away two. I know how I enjoy my steak, (med rare) and have yet to send one back in years. My biggest fault with restaurants, is consistency. My meals here come out hot, correct, and even plated the same, day in, and day out. They recently brought in my favourite rum, and I appreciate that! The management team is led by Rick, who has been there a long time. He has assembled a stellar team of hosts and servers, who all treat me, (and whoever comes with me) very well. Ive had appies and beer brought out for my crew numerous occasions, simply for being a recurring customer. Id love to list all the girls that I enjoy getting to know, who serve there, but the list would be extensive. The serving staff, unlike many places I go are happy to be there, or are just amazing at hiding it if theyre not.

The pics are: 1.) View from my fav. Table 2.) Double steal dinner, seated bar, and 3.) Dinner with a good friend

Ive visited the "high end" places in nanaimo many times. (Mahle, Beefeaters, Bold Knight, Asteras, Firehouse) The steak you eat here, trumps it. Guaranteed. Take it from...

Some of the worst service we've ever had. Waited and waited to order. Asked for a drinks menu after ordering food and waited and waited for the server to return to take the drink order. Asked other servers to send our server back and still waited so long that I had almost decided to forget ordering a drink. The ribs were flavorful but not tender. The cornbread was small, dry, hard and greasy. The "loaded" baked potato had little to nothing on it and was cold upon arrival. The baked beans side dish was nothing special and was about two tablespoons in size. The breading on the chicken wings was hard and greasy. We have had a couple of far better experiences at this same location a few years back, but doubt well ever go back. Have only recently had far better food and service at half the price at other local restaurants. A real shame. April 3rd 2023 update After reading my initial review Montana's quickly reached out to me to follow up and apologize. They have forwarded a gift certificate and we will give them another try. I hope to be able to offer a far better review after that. They deserve alot of credit for the followup, the apology and the gift card. Thank you. We returned August 12th to use our gift card and our food and service couldn't have been better! We have updated our earlier very low ratings and comments to reflect that....