Shipyard Restaurant & Pub — Restaurant in North Cowichan

Interesting building and setting, fun to visit this bay and glad we saw it. Nice decor, cool looking bar. Staff was pleasant and service okay. Cocktails were not so great, 1980’s style weak drinks. I was not paying attention and ordered a mai tai which as the menu accurately stated, was made with blue curaçao (wrong) and did not have two rums including dark, and could not taste the orgeat (almond) flavor. Luckily it was not expensive. The margarita did not have fresh lime juice or at least was overpowered with a bad bottled mixer. Anyways this bar is not for cocktails, should have stuck to beer. Fish and chips (halibut) were just average or a bit below. Mussels were puny and overcooked. The cream sauce on the mussels and on the seafood Alfredo was pretty good tasting. The seafood Alfredo had skimpy quantities of smallish seafood like tiny prawns/shrimp and tiny scallops. The seafood was again kind of 1980’s style just barely seafood that is passable but not great. We did get good portions, very filling, and our total bill was reasonable. Nice to try but food was a bit disappointing and cocktails poor, so will try something...

The shipyard is a resuraunt my family likes to go to when we have gatherings with friends and we come back a majority of the time, especially when it's not busy (Mondays are the busiest)

Walking inside, the aroma is a mix of seafood which is good since it's right on the bay, but it's also got the smell of must, like a museum. Some may be off put by it, however I think it adds to the charm.

I went with my dad and his parents where we sat on the patio. That's the spot I definitely recommend as it has the beautiful view of the Cowichan Bay.

We ordered our food and I got the scallop plate (as seen below). The fries weren't 100% crispy, but crispy enough to where I didn't mind it. The scallops were a but smaller than I expected but size =/= quality. They were pretty nice.

The service, even for a busy day like Monday was pretty good. Not super fast like Boston pizza, but not slow like just Jake's. It's a perfect in-between where you can Saveur the drink you got. The waiter was also really nice. There was one that took our order and one that went to check in on our food (I'm assuming the manager) who were both really nice

Overall, I...

The Thai noodle salad is unmatched , also the Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo is amazing ! The Shipyard pub / Restaurant steps on the other bars menus. Actually the Shipyard pub / Restaurant in my opinion is Duncan's best kept secret. A prime location on oceans edge , Great pub atmosphere , outdoor patio has a fresh salt air breeze. Reasonable prices that locals cannot overlook or pass up. Menu choices that have been well thought out with a skillful kitchen staff that obviously takes pride in every single order that goes to a customer. Yet the pub atmosphere here thrives , just want a cold beer , no problem, no pressure to eat , feel free to grab any table or sit up around the bar if your on your own , every person feels welcome here. Live in Victoria or Nanaimo ? Take the time , make the drive , find Duncan's best kept secret ( The Shipyard Pub / Restaurant ) you will be glad you did !! I'm a lucky duck , I live near by 😁. The photo is of a full pour draft, plus Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo, Yes a most delicious dinner !! Hit the thumbs up icon if you...