There are a few staple restaurants in life that I know any time I head out – whether it be for a business meeting, a late afternoon drink with a friend, lunch with the family or dinner with that hot guy I married, but never seem to have time to hang out with – the food will be great and we will enjoy ourselves.
That is never more true than at the Atlas Cafe in downtown Courtenay. Since our early days back in town, Atlas has been one of those go-to haunts.
Who can resist that downtown, casual West Coast charm mixed with a sweet family-friendly atmosphere.
Our tiny person isn’t the calmest kid on the block and – because of her food allergies – going out to lunch is often a project. But, the folks at Atlas are just about as accommodating as they come. Without even so much as a blink, they’ve modified main dishes and turned it into something that even a four-year-old could love. It’s so nice.
We do try to ask for a table away from the kitchen, as it can get really busy at the main stairs there and it seems like the tiny people always seem to migrate toward all of the action.
Then, there’s always girls night. Atlas is the spot where we all enjoy heading out for a glass of wine or two, a fabulous chocolate something and lots of great time trading stories and catching up. We’re the kind of crew that will often get their early and close a place down and the service is great from beginning to end. The drink options are quite yummy there too.
I have to say, though, my favorite form of Atlas love is afternoons catching up with friends and clients. Cold, slushy beverages and nori rolls are the perfect way to wind down a hectic day and sitting in the windows at Atlas people watching is just plain fun.
My picky family went there the last time we were all in town and everyone had a meal to brag about – from yummy salads to salmon pastas. Wow, Atlas really is full service:)
The food at Atlas is what I would consider bistro-style – a mix and match of lovely options from light to full-on made full-bodied by flavor, not heavy sauces. It’s moderately priced too, so taking the whole family out for a meal isn’t going to break the bank.
We often find ourselves stopping there after a trip to the library or shopping downtown. Their online fresh sheet is something I love to check and see what yumminess is on tap for the day.
Although we’ve never made it out early enough for breakfasts, they are supposed to rock at Atlas. So, if anyone knows please chime in and give us the low down, as we may have actually caught up on our sleep enough this holiday season to leave the house early once or twice during the weekend soon.
Atlas Cafe definitely gets both our family-friendly and parent getaway seals of approval. It has something for just about everybody.
Photo courtesy of Atlas Cafe
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I love Atlas too!! YUM!!! I haven’t been for awhile, but I remember the last time I went for breakfast, it was mostly all different versions of eggs benny, and there was one or two other options. As you said, it was easy to make changes for dietary reasons, and the food is always delish!!
Great review and thanks for the reminder!
Y’know, I haven’t been to the Valley for so long, but you can bet the next time I’m there, I’ll be hitting the Atlas for sure! Oh chicken ceasar, how I miss you!
Here Here! We love taking the kids to Atlas. The charming servers always make a great impression on our little ones. The food never disappoints. I think we’re really lucky to have such a top quality restaurant.