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3.5 stars 50 reviews

Colander The

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1475 Cedar Ave
Trail, BC  V1R 4C5

(250) 364-1816

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Other Reviews from the web
English
3.5 star rating
Eat until you can't get out of your chair
August 15, 2014

I've been to the Colander once a year for the past 3 years when we visit Trail and Christina Lake and 5he trip wouldn't be complete without it. Quick service with smiles and the all you can eat Colander Special why I will keep coming back. The food is tasty, but make sure that you have paramedics on hand because... more

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3.5 star rating
all u can eat
August 04, 2014

the colander is a great pasta place to go with large groups, although not what it used to b you will not leave hunger there special consists of salad bun, all u can eat spaghetti meatballs and chicken and potatoes, there lunch time special is quick and they also serve steaks and other cusines, i would recommend for large groups... more

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3.5 star rating
Still a treat but needs work
August 04, 2014

It's not easy to be critical of such an "iconic" Italian eatery in my sleepy little home town but it needs to be said. This place needs an injection of TLC, it has looked and operated exactly the same since I can remember. They probably haven't painted this tired and literally worn space since it opened and it shows. I... more

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3.5 star rating
Disappointed
July 24, 2014

Went to the Colander for dinner, haven't been there for about 4 years since they cut back on their salad and bun servings. Went out as a group, service was good, although for 12 people we received 2 bowls of salad, needless to say everyone had very small portion of salad, I ordered spaghetti with meat sauce everyone else had... more

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3.5 star rating
Love this place
July 21, 2014

The "Special", the atmosphere, the people, the prices. With 46 degree temperatures outside, the place was still full of families enjoying the wonderful Italian food, even the Italians. Special home town place.

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3.5 star rating
good place for a hungry hockey team
May 29, 2014

Huge heaping plates of pasta, greasy and odd tasting meat balls. Both of us could not finish our meals.
Desert cake was expensive and tasted like plastic.
Despite that, it was apparent that many locals do like eating here and that the place is well suited for large functions or for those with enormous appetites.

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3.5 star rating
Always a treat
April 27, 2014

Reminiscent of banquets and weddings from the good old days. Mike and his warm and friendly staff continue to serve up the finest authentic Italian food! I have had spaghetti all over the world (being Italian myself) and never had better. Lunch or dinner as well as takeout, you just can't go wrong

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3.5 star rating
Italy in Trail for at least 60years
April 14, 2014

I have enjoyed the Colander for most if my 57 years....a great place fir families to come together. Casual atmosphere that you are not afraid to bring children. Accommodate. large groups

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3.5 star rating
Great pasta even gluten free
April 09, 2014

The Colander in Trail has always been know for its reputation of great pasta! I have never been able to go because I require a gluten free diet. Well, we went anyways because there were 2 moms with 6 children in total ranging from 7 to 10.
Well, much to my surprise, I didn't have to just have water and... more

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3.5 star rating
Always a good choice
March 03, 2014

The food is always very good and there are lots of choices, although we usually get the Colander Special. The serving sizes are extra generous and we always have leftovers which my husband enjoys the next day! The only negative is the noise due to bad acoustics. It is not a place for a leisurely conversational evening with friends. The... more

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3.5 star rating
Wrong photo - this is world renowned spaghetti
March 03, 2014

The world wide known meal here is the 'Special' - all you can eat spaghetti & meat sauce, that comes with 2 meatballs, chicken, jo jo potatoes, salad & a bun. They have a full menu as well. Great casual family dining that's quick & filling!

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3.5 star rating
Best pasta in town
March 03, 2014

The Colander is a unique dining experience and one of the long standing restaurants in Trail. If you enjoy really good pasta this is the place to go. It is a family oriented eating establishment where everyone young and old will enjoy. They also have a small banquet room for meetings and group dinners. We have enjoyed the Colander for... more

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3.5 star rating
Spaghetti and more spaghetti
March 03, 2014

I believe the Colander's motto is "if it ain't broke - don't fix it". They have a tried and true recipe for traditional Italian pasta & sauce. The first time we were impressed with the quality and the quantity of food (it is served 'family style'). However after a few times, the menu seemed hum-drum with no variety and we... more

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3.5 star rating
Colander review
March 03, 2014

really tasty good prices, fast service ,Italian eatery ,High salt content but worth the visit .
Good variety of Italian foods

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3.5 star rating
Trail tradition
January 06, 2014

The Colandar special is a reasonably priced meal which will satisfy most appetites. All you can eat pasta, meat sauce with meatballs is provided after salad and buns. Next comes roasted chicken and potatoes. The meal is considered at tradition in our area and is based on the typical Sunday meal, often served at midday.

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3.5 star rating
Fine Dining in Trail BC
January 02, 2014

Is there such a thing as an insatiable guest at The Colander? Indeed, sitting down for a meal in this chic canteen is tantamount to climbing a Mt. Everest of pasta . Through the side streets of Trail, BC, where the smelter glowers on the kafkaesque hillside, we mucked in snow boots through a flurry of shimmering snowflakes that beckoned... more

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3.5 star rating
Trail redux
January 01, 2014

Finally our son Jacob is full, we have traveled the world waiting for this moment. Seriously though, fun dinner good hearty food.

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3.5 star rating
very dissapointed
December 31, 2013

We always go to the colander for our annual new years dinner. We went today on January 1 2014 and it was not good. The salad dressing was very very salty. We always order at least 2 bowls but could not even get through the first bowl. Thats how salty it was. The spag sauce was very thin and runny..the... more

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3.5 star rating
tons of good food for the cost
October 28, 2013

Looks like a hall , Servers are fast and efficient,, Tons of food , Way to much but great for a left over dinner the following night

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3.5 star rating
I eat here every time I come to Trail, but why
October 13, 2013

The Colander is a Trail institution. It is one of those things that without, the trip would not be complete. Went for a walk along the Columbia River at Sandy Point Park, check. Took a drive through Rossland, check. Had dinner at the Colander, check. Visit to Trail complete.
That being said, for two nights in a row, the spaghetti... more

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3.5 star rating
Good food, but not Italian
September 29, 2013

The menu in this restaurant is about as Italian as Burger King. Yes, there is pasta - but that is about the degree of "Italian" that you will see.
Nevertheless, I had a very good lunch here (a sandwich with roasted potatoes), at a very low price and with great service. The menu variety (lunch and dinner menu) is a... more

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3.5 star rating
The Wal-Mart of Italian food
August 08, 2013

Finally decided to give the Colander a shot, and see what all the hype was about. As other reviewers have stated, there is nothing fancy about this place. The seating is crowded, the atmosphere is loud (and family friendly) and obviously meant to be a place to share a meal with a large group of friends. I wouldn't recommend for... more

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3.5 star rating
Crack pasta
August 08, 2013

I've been going to the Colander for over twenty years, and it still satisfies me. Gone there to celebrate every type of family event. Consistent and tasty from the salad to the spaghetti to the chicken and jojos.

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3.5 star rating
Basically perfect Italian
July 16, 2013

Nothing fancy about this family style seating Italian restaurant.You don't need to do anything to this place to jazz it up. It's basic Italian; no frills simply delicious food. Homemade pasta at it's best. You simply must eat at this place when in Trail.

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3.5 star rating
SO much good food
June 05, 2013

Our party of four attending this restaurant for an evening dinner and we were definatly NOT disappointed.
The most outstanding meal is the special....a must for everyone. You receive fresh buns,salad, meatballs, spagetti bolognase, chicken and jojo potatos.............and my friends this is all you can eat and delivered to the table family style!!!!!!!!!! The waiters are nothing less than super... more

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3.5 star rating
A Trail institution
April 19, 2013

Had dinner there on my business stay. This place has been here for a long time and I get the impression it is a favorite amongst the locals. I had the special which was ribs and pasta and thought it was decent enough fare. Kind of wondered about the wine list with a few rather expensive wines on there, seemed... more

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3.5 star rating
When in Trail, A Must
April 17, 2013

Great value. Go when very hungry. I really like the meatballs. Can't understand the negative reviews. Always will return when in Trail.

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3.5 star rating
Worst food ever
April 07, 2013

I have never had such disgusting food in my life. My husband use to live in trail so he suggested eating there as we were staying the night in castlegar. I felt so sick after eating it and couldn't even finish more then a few bites. Even my kids didn't like it and they love spaghetti. It was way over... more

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3.5 star rating
Excellent Italian Homestyle Cooking
April 07, 2013

Nonstop spaghetti for those with big appetites, reasonable prices. A tradition in Trail. Aa large room set up diner style, not fancy but clean. I had the spaghetti and meatballs which was satisfying and cooked el dente. My husband had baked cheese tortellini which he said was the best he has ever had. Absolutely worth a visit.

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3.5 star rating
All you can eat spaghetti
March 27, 2013

Just get the special- spaghetti! It comes with salad, then pasta, then roast potatoes and chicken. It is what they're known for!

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3.5 star rating
People love it or hate it
March 18, 2013

Locals in Trail grew up with this Restuarant. Families would come with pots and have them filled with spaghetti. They usually have a spaghetti buffet going. I'm not fond of it. My preference is to order off the menu. Food is good though the price is great.
They have a cafeteria type setup and the staff are usually young. This... more

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3.5 star rating
Gag me with an entire place setting
February 13, 2013

I make better spaghetti and I'm certainly not a cook. Their pasta is tolerable but nothing special. Prices are a little high. Lots of people rave about it, but for the life of me, I don't know why.

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3.5 star rating
SO reliable and consistent
January 22, 2013

love this place - easy, quick, comfortable and friendly, and the spaghetti sauce is the best! A "just right" combo.

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3.5 star rating
overratted
January 19, 2013

The food here is greasy and salty my server was a snob who didn't care how my experience was and I didn't get offered a drink refill at all. I love the jo jos but the chicken is so so dry and the pasta is flavourful but really greasy and salty. It used to be more affordable and seems to... more

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3.5 star rating
There is a reason people have heard of it all over the world
January 17, 2013

Had dinner there with family,and in spite of a VERY busy night got prompt and efficient service. I know very few restaurants anywhere that are capable of handling large groups and still manage to deliver a great meal. The recipes they use have been handed down from original Italian immigrants to the area, so you can't get any more authentic,although... more

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3.5 star rating
gotta eat here
December 10, 2012

This is the one stop that everyone that comes thru our little town must come in and have dinner.
Walking in the door is an experience. The smell of that fabulous spaghetti sauce and the roasted chicken makes your mouth water.
It is just like having dinner around the table in an Italian family home. Loud laughter, and clinking dishes,... more

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3.5 star rating
A disaster
November 25, 2012

Although this may be a good restaurant for small groups, it is a terrible restaurant for a large group. We have tried twice to enjoy a team meal at the Colander, and both times it was a nightmare.
Our concerns??? Meals that arrived after everyone else was finished eating, some meals never arriving, huge mix-ups with the bills, completely inexperienced... more

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3.5 star rating
Great roast potatoes
November 12, 2012

Trail is not your gourmet destination, but this restaurant is a good place to refuel. The lasagna was just OK, but the roast potatoes were truly delicious, and the portion size very good. Service was friendly and efficient. The place is a bit of a barn, so no atmosphere to speak of, but you will eat well.

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3.5 star rating
never going back
November 10, 2012

So noisy you can not hear your date speak............................................................................................................... more

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3.5 star rating
Great restaurant
November 07, 2012

We recently went to the colander restaurant with our sons hockey team. The food was excellent and the staff were very accommodating (20ppl in our group with no reservation) we definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone... You will not leave hungry!

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3.5 star rating
Family tradition when visiting Trail
November 04, 2012

Always more than you can eat. Salads are exceptional. Whenever we visit Trail, the kids want to eat at the Colander. Family style, serve yourself, as much or as little as you want. Pasta, meatballs, chicken, potatoes salad. VERY reasonably priced wine (some would say cheap!)

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3.5 star rating
Great Place To Take A Team
November 03, 2012

Loved it - very accomodating to our hockey team. Provided a family style meal and the food was unending. Great food and great service. Certainly no one left hungry.

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3.5 star rating
Ill Equiped To Handle Food Allergies
October 16, 2012

Maintaining the nostalgia is all fine and dandy BUT a restaurant needs to stay on top of changes in food production and supply to remain relevant to its current customers and times. I've been visiting the Colander for family dinners and trips home to the West Kootenay for going on 40 years ... slight price increases and hiving out the... more

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3.5 star rating
a Trail tradition
October 09, 2012

If you're in Trail and would like a home style Italian meal that isn't expensive and won't leave you walking away hungry, try the Colander. The cafeteria style restaurant has been there forever and while you won't find ambience or atmosphere, you will find that the quality of the food is consistent and they give you seconds on the spaghetti... more

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3.5 star rating
Dinner with your Italian friends, 60's style
September 09, 2012

Remember having a family dinner with your best Italian friend's family in the '60s? you can go back there with a visit to the Colander, in Trail, BC.
Meatballs are perfect, just like I remember, Spaghetti, very good.
Atmosphere is movie set '50s and '60s,
Service is excellent.
I will go back next time I am in Trail

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3.5 star rating
Two Stars
September 03, 2012

I'm giving The Colander two stars based on the unique experience. However, the food is terrible. What I liked was the old school feel of the interior, the $22 bottle of wine, and the method of paying the woman in the booth on the way out. That's about it though.
Trail residents, do not recommend this restaurant to anyone from... more

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3.5 star rating
old timer but still oversalted spaghetti
August 29, 2012

always loads of cheap food here and 95% awesome but why do they continue to oversalt spaghetti?
By the way, I have been going here since it opened and the ambience is always the same: fabulous small town feel operated by people with big hearts.

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3.5 star rating
Terrible. The locals who referred us ought to give their head a shake
August 02, 2012

Are we being serious? This is the place everyone on town rant and raves about?
While the place has a bit of that nostalgic feel, it is basically a huge cafeteria/eatery. Terrible service. Very little ambiance.
Our group of 4 ordered the special. Unbelievable that people actually come in from home with their own pots for this garbage. Greasy and... more

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3.5 star rating
Actually edible
July 31, 2012

After many "Nasty" meals on my travels to the Trail Hospital from Invermere b.c. I actually partook in a tasty, delicious meal at the Colander restaurant. Clean and pleasant atmosphere, and reasonably priced. I will certainly be back!
p.s. If you want to come for a nasty meal, come to Invermere, Nasty people, Nasty food.

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3.5 star rating
Average pasta
July 09, 2012

If you are looking for quantity their "special" is for you. Overrated as far as Italian food is concerned, used to have more reasonable prices years ago

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Business Description from the Web
English
August 30, 2013

Colander The offers these services: caterer, wedding planning, wedding supplies.

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