The Riverbend Cafe & General Store — Restaurant in Port Alberni

The menu is limited, but in some weird directions.

The coffee is decent, but primarily in the fancy variations.

The Riverbend Cafe is an interesting place, and its primary claim to fame would be location. It's the last place before you head out of town, and about your only option (aside from Tseshaht Market and Della's at Sproat Lake) before you get to Tofino. You can get coffee or an assortment of canned and bottled pops. You can get frozen yoghurt, a limited assortment of muffins or cookies, candy bars, or chips. (You can also get a few varieties of what might be termed "camping" foods.) There is a wall of packaged teas. There are a small variety of high-quality local crafts and artworks.

All housed in a place that gives a feel of an extremely light, airy, high-end shack.

Service is helpful and friendly, but staff is generally limited, so if a bunch of people all hit it just before you do, you'll have a bit of a wait. (Although never too terribly long.)

It's an...

Riverbend Café in Port Alberni is a delightful haven for both locals and travelers heading to or from Tofino. The café shines brightly with its excellent coffee and exceptional customer service; staff members are invariably friendly, making every visit a pleasant experience. The decor is wonderful, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere. Moreover, the café offers a charming selection of little gift items, perfect for picking up a unique memento. Overall, Riverbend Café is the kind of place you find yourself hoping will succeed and stay open forever, as it brings a touch of charm and warmth to Port Alberni. Whether you're seeking a quick coffee break or a lovely gift, Riverbend Café is sure to exceed your...

I have been anxiously waiting for this place to (re-)open. Well worth the wait. The owners are very welcoming and very community oriented.

The coffee: I am not a professional coffee critic but, as with everyone, I know what I like. I have had a cappuccino and an americano using their house blend. The flavour brings me back to the pre-Star**s days as well as before the Tim’s explosion. A good tasting roast, not burnt, not overly acidic or bitter. A good tasting and enjoyable cup of coffee. I was not even tempted to add any sweetener.

I regret not taking the time to look at the other offering in the store section but I was told that the products are all local.

So glad to have a regular coffee...