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About
Craft Fare
Welcome to Craft Fare, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Nanaimo, British Columbia. This cozy establishment at 153 Commercial St. invites locals and visitors alike to indulge in a unique culinary experience that seamlessly blends flavorful dishes with an impressive selection of craft beers. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm, creating an inviting atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
What truly sets Craft Fare apart is not just the delectable menu, but also the vibrant community vibe it fosters. Customers rave about their experiences, noting how the welcoming staff and engaging conversations elevate each visit. Whether you’re a fan of catching the latest hockey game or seeking a spot for an after-work hangout, Craft Fare provides that perfect setting. Chris Pappas described it as a fantastic place that turned around a rough dining day, showcasing the restaurant's ability to create a positive atmosphere for all its patrons.
The rotating selection of craft beers highlights local breweries, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts. Bruce Matsugu’s experience with the vast array of 16 taps reminds us that Craft Fare is a craft beer lover's paradise, especially with the option for 10oz glasses that allow for sampling. The thoughtful pairing of food with these regional brews only adds to the allure, making each sip and bite an experience to savor.
On the culinary front, the menu at Craft Fare is diverse and satisfying, featuring everything from hearty charcuterie boards to fresh veggie po-boys. Robert Seib praised the charcuterie for its excellent selection of cheeses and delightful meats, truly a testament to the kitchen’s commitment to quality. While a minor note on the baguette was shared, it’s clear that the food generally exceeded expectations, a sentiment echoed by many patrons eager to pair their meals with a meticulously chosen craft beer.
Finally, the ambiance itself plays a crucial role in the Craft Fare experience. Michael Van Imschoot emphasizes it as a "hole-in-the-wall" that embodies the essence of downtown Nanaimo, providing a big taproom experience despite its smaller footprint. With its friendly staff and a warm environment, Craft Fare invites you to join in, try new drinks, and connect with both new and familiar faces.
In conclusion, whether you’re here for the food, beer, or just a great time with friends, Craft Fare promises to deliver an experience that lingers in your memory long after you leave. Next time you find yourself in Nanaimo, make sure to stop by Craft Fare, where community meets craft in the most delightful way.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Fantastic place we visited after a bad experience at another restaurant. Walked in and was welcomed warmly, sat at the bar and chatted with the staff, watched the hockey game and loved the beer and food. Super happy we ended up there. ”
“ Great rotating selection of non-Nanaimo but BC craft beers. One big screen to watch (not listen) to a marquee sporting event. Nice 10oz glass options so you can sample some of the 16 taps. They have food too, that looks appetizing but I was there for the beer... next time! ”
“ This is the place to go downtown Nanaimo. If you're looking for great food, to try new drinks, and staff that genuinely enjoy seeing both new and regular faces, come to Craft. It's the afterwork-hangout that has weathered our downtown's torn up streets (multiple times), closures for movie sets, and crowded summer markets. It's the hole-in-the-wall that offers the Big Taproom experience. Go where the locals go - go to Craft. ”
“ Charcuterie was fantastic! Excellent selection of cheeses: smokey, spicy, and herby. Lovely meats and goodies. Selection was perfect — 14 beers on tap plus 2 ciders, and a good variety of eats. We also got the veggie po-boy — fresh and tasty. Feedback for the kitchen: the baguette in the charcuterie was a tad dry and stale. I would suggest a light toast on it to make it excellent. Everything else was absolutely wonderful. ”
“ My first time at Craft Fare and certainly not my last. Excellent selection of beers from a variety of regional breweries. Food is great and compliments the beers. Pretty large menu selection as well. Happy I stumbled upon this place. ”
“ Great place. Hubby and I popped by here last time we were in Nanaimo. Service was excellent and so attentive. Quite a rarity nowadays. Greats section of beers. They had a special on with a burger served on a vanilla brioche bun. Yummy. The donuts come from next door at the Milk Jam Nice to see a company supporting local. Definitely would return ”
“ We stopped there in July for a late dinner when many places were closed already. Very nice small and cozy place! Tasty perogies and soups! It was rainy and chilly, so asked for warm cider and they warmed it up for me though didn't hear about warm cider before :) Thanks! I suggest you guys to add spiced hot cider drink to your beverage list. Customers would love it when weather is not great. ”
“ Wow what a great place! Nice little spot in the heart of Nanaimo to pop by for a couple pops and snacks. Small location so service is always within reach and happy to help. Food has great variety and nice portion size for the bar snack category. One thing that puts this place above the rest is the local feeling it gives. It isn’t rare to witness friends bumping into each other or the regular saying hi to others. Great lil place with great selection of local brews. ”