Rolling Barrel Bistro - Prince George

We have always stayed at Esthers when we go to PG, we have children and it has always been good. However until the last couple of years it has gone down hill fast. We stayed at Esthers recently. The week day breakfast buffet is now included with your room and free for the whole family. Sounds like a great deal, right? WRONG! Glad we didn't have to pay for breakfast as I wouldn't have it was so disgusting. First of all they no longer serve milk, so we figured we would take a glass from the jug that is used for cereal. It was SOUR...gross! Then the bacon tasted like fish, the eggs were absolutely disgusting, and the french toast and the hash browns were both left over from yesterday and really yuck! I don't recommend eating there.

Had not been here for years but decided to try it for the promoted Mother's Day Buffet becouse they said they booked tables ahead of time and did 2 seatings one at 11 am the other at 1pm. We took the 11 am seating; should have known when we arrived that trying to seat 300 people for a buffet all at once would not turn out well - it didnt. Serving staff were completely overwhelmed. There were 2 desperate buffet lines but not the same food on either - the large room ran out of food before half of the people served; this room didn't have access to the carving table where roast and a pig were being served - the smaller room took 20 - 25 minutes in buffet line - the larger room took 45 minutes - half our table had eaten before the rest of even sat down. Sadly the food served was hard, cold, mostly prepackaged, not seasoned at all and didn't appeared to be prepared by a chef. We felt bad for the staff who looked bewildered and unprepared. The atmosphere tried to be tropical but totally out of the 1970's - very sad even the table linens and chairs looked that old. It is too bad becouse the place could with some renos perhaps look nice again. Needs a chef. wont try again unless i hear it has totally changed.

The food choices are great, it's a buffet style with various choices, It's served fresh and hot. There are also choices of cold cereals, muffins, danishes, toast and fresh fruit salad.

Heard this restaurant had a great Sunday Brunch so we decided to try the special Easter Brunch. It was excellent. We thought the choice of food was good from egg dishes to meat and fish to the desserts. The only problem we had was waiting for the food to be refilled. There was a bit of a wait. You won't get in without reservations though and I would try to get in early.

We decided to eat dinner in the restaurant because we didn't feel like driving and I must say it was quite enjoyable. The waitress was so friendly and offered up the TV controls since sports were playing and asked us to change it if we wanted to. We ordered drinks, appetizers and dinner and everything was delicious. There were a couple of other couples there doing the same thing as us and we all chatted freely amongst ourselves. It definately makes a difference for us if the atmosphere is friendly and it certainly was here!