By Brian Lawrence
Everyone needs to eat—and I'm not the first to be a bit concerned about just where to do that when spending time in a smaller community.
Fortunately for those visiting Creston, there’s a fantastic selection of cafes and restaurants, with a wide range of food to suit every taste. Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, and everything in between, it’s all right here — and why not start at the beginning?
Start the Day Right
There are plenty of breakfast options, and I can personally vouch for the breakfast wraps and porridge (and locally roasted coffee) at Buffalo Trails Coffee House, as well as the french toast at Golden Flour Bakery.
The Retro Cafe also offers some tasty breakfast options like crépes and eggs benedict — which will definitely provide some needed energy for a morning of hiking or outdoor adventuring on Kootenay Pass. (FYI, these breakfast options are also superb lunch and coffee spots!)
Midday Perk Up
After you’ve been out all morning, a midday snack or lunch — or caffeine boost — is a must, and cafés have you covered!
Downtown, Black Stone Cafe offers sandwiches and paninis, as well as tasty baking in a cozy shop. Or if you’re in the mood for a little quiet time, a specialty coffee at Kingfisher Quality Used Books might do the trick — and I dare you not to doze off in their comfy easy chairs!
Good Company Coffee in Erickson offers the ultimate scenic experience, with a postcard view of Mount Thompson and the Skimmerhorns to enjoy while you’re sipping specialty coffees and sampling sweet treats. Afterward, why not pick up a bouquet or floral arrangement at Brittany’s Flower Farm? The shops are attached — and the owners are twin sisters!
Just north of Creston, you’ll find Mountain Barn, which offers specialty coffees and to-die-for fresh donuts, as well as incredible sandwiches on freshly baked bread.
Dinner Options Abound
So you’re famished after an afternoon in the water or on the links? You definitely deserve some supper! The fare at Tim’s Fish and Chips is consistently popular, serving generous portions of fish and chips, poutine and fried chicken in a restaurant that appears to have been plucked right out of a New England harbour. They even offer ice cream for dessert!
A rustic-meets-modern style with high ceilings and stone walls gives Casey’s Community House top marks for cool factor. The family-friendly restaurant in the former Kootenay Hotel in downtown Creston is a great spot for lunch or dinner —or even a simple after-work beer or wine.
A couple of blocks away, Real Food Cafe has a more cosy atmosphere, the perfect complement to the home-style cooking that features so many local ingredients — anyone wanting a real taste of the Creston Valley will be thrilled to hear “local” repeated several times as servers list the day’s specials.
Creston restaurants also offer delicious flavours from around the world, with Asian fusion at I&J Fusion, sushi at Sushi Garden and Red Fin Sushi, Korean at Basasak Chicken, Indian fusion at Bay Leaf and even Polish cuisine at Chatka!
Time for a Nightcap
Still have some energy for an evening on the town?
Perhaps a beer at Julio’s Lounge sports bar or a freshly brewed pint of IPA or Stout at the Wild North Brewing Co. will hit the spot. Alternatively, drop into the classic Jimmy’s Pub, where you’ll find endless drink and food options to enjoy on their popular tree-lined patio. And across the tracks at the historic Kokanee Pub you'll always find a cold beer and a game of pool. Finally, those looking for a fancy drink and jazzy ambience should seek out Frisky Whisky , a cocktail bar and club done up in the style of a 1920's Speak-Easy.
More to Explore
Obviously, finding a place to eat in Creston isn’t too difficult, but actually deciding which restaurant to visit is the big challenge — especially after seeing how many more options the valley has to offer. And for something to burn off those calories — or give an excuse to put more in — be sure to check out our Get Inspired blog or the Play section of our website. Wherever you choose to eat, happy dining!
Freelance writer Brian Lawrence is a former editor and publisher of the Creston Valley Advance. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and trail running, and acting in and directing productions with Creston's Footlighters Theatre Society.
