The Beagle Pub
A great neighbourhood pub nestled in the heart of Cook Street Village. Has a laid-back, non-pretentious atmosphere. Just note that it closes early so if you want a late night in a pub you'll have to head downtown.Open 11am-11pm, 7 days a week.
301 Cook Street (map) 382-3301
Bent Mast
Set in an old heritage house in James Bay, the Bent Mast is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening schmoozing with Victoria locals and getting to know the fabulously friendly owner, Jerry. This place has a great patio, tons of different dining spaces (it takes up the whole house), and often features live Folk, Celtic or Bluegrass music.
512 Simcoe Street (map) 383-6000
Big Bad John’s
Probably somebody's idea of a strange socio-commercial experiment, and it worked. Total hick bar, and it juxtaposes perfectly with your Chanel and Gucci and Value Village vintage wear.
Peanut shells on the floor, bras on the walls - you can’t miss this place! Beer on special Monday through Friday and booze on special everyday of the week. Free peanuts! Oh yeah, and look out above you!
Canoe Brew Pub
This beautiful new restaurant right down on the water features its own on-site brewery. It’s a great place to go on a sunny day and watch the sun set over the water as you sip a cold one of their own beers.
Check it out on Tuesday nights for cheap pitchers.
In-house band (Seventh Stone) plays every Friday night at 9pm - no cover charge.
450 Swift Street (map) 361-1940
Christie’s Carriage House Pub
This large pub in Oak Bay has been a favourite among locals and visitors since 1986, boasting the largest draft selection in B.C.!! Over 32 different drafts on tap. Call to see if there’s a live band playing - no cover charge.
Darcy’s
If you're into getting smashed while shouting conversations with friends above very loud alternative rock played live by local bands, head over to Darcy's. It's packed with Victoria's fun-loving workin' class, getting their booze on and their party on. Just be prepared for a line-up. But only go if you're into modern rock, guys with black leather jackets, etc.
1127 Wharf Street (map) 380-1322
Fernwood Inn
Formerly known as The George and Dragon, this neighbourhood pub was recently bought out, renovated and opened up the the Fall of 2006. The style is much more classy and certainly the food matches it.
1302 Gladstone Street (map) 412-2002
Fifth Street Bar & Woodfire Grill
Not quite downtown, but if you're in the Quadra/Hillside neighbourhood, this is a good place to check out. Half pub, half restaurant, this place serves mainly American cuisine.
1028 Hillside Avenue (map) 380-4600
Garrick’s Head
This Scottish style pub is a great place to kick back and enjoy a cold one in a Cheers type atmosphere. The entrance is via Bastion Square.
Glo EuroPub and Grill
This upscale place has really good food and tons of different wines and drinks. they also have live late night DJs. It's a little ways from downtown but definitely worthwhile.
#104-2940 Jutland Road (map) 385-5643
Hugo’s Grill
This is a major-corporate-scenester hangout; from hairdressers to secretaries to lawyers getting drunk - it's fun! Put on your goofy dressy clothes and let them think you're one of them. They’ve got something different going on every night from Funk to Classic Rock and sweet deals on drinks and food.
625 Courtney Street (map)
920-4844
Irish Times Pub
A huge and splendid Irish pub that features live Celtic music every night of the week. They have a really great selection of imported beers although it's known to be quite pricey.
James Bay Inn Pub
Comfy pub in the heart of James Bay with pool tables, darts and keno. Weekly Slams and Jams.
London Arms Pub
London Arms Pub is Victoria's newest neighbourhood pub. They have 8 big-screen TV's for all the international sports, as well as bingo and trivia nights. Their menu is a mix of English traditional items (with a contemporary twist), plus all the North American favourite pub fare.
2915 Douglas Street (map)
A little bit out of downtown, located adjecent to the Super 8 Hotel www.londonarmsvictoria.com
Peacock Billiards
Although not quite a pub, Peacock Billiards offers some fine pool playing. Go and enjoy a pint, a bite to eat, and a few rounds on one of their 30 pool/billiard/snooker tables.
1175 Douglas Street (map) 384-3332
Smiths Bar and Restaurant
Formerly the Old Bailey Pub, this trendy new pub in town houses a strong Brit vibe in the air. They even offer some traditional British grub for backpackers who aren't quite ready to leave their homecooked meals behind. The choice of music is predominantly mod/post-punk and new wave.
777 Courtney Street (map) 360-2544
Soprano's Karaoke & Sports Bar
Whether you want to be entertained, or want to do a little entertaining yourself, Sopranos is the place to be! They’ve got friendly staff, a great karaoke system with thousands of songs to choose from, great sports with big screen TV and lots of monitors, great pub food with huge portions, great contests, prizes and giveaways! Best suited for those who want to be the next Canadian Idol... or the next Canadian Idol judge!
**Ask for you $5 coupon at our Front Desk good for any food or drink at Sopranos!**
730 Caledonia Avenue (map) 382-5853
Spinnakers
Overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour ↑, Spinnakers Brew Pub is visited by locals and tourist from all around the globe.
Enjoy a game of darts, pool, or relax on the patios, either in the open air or under a cosy roof on the upper level.
As well as the homemade beers, Spinnakers have fresh made bread and great sweets (the pepper chocolate is amazing) for sale on the little shop attached to the restaurant. Live music on some of the evenings, call for full list. It's a great 20 minute(-ish!) walk along the water from downtown Victoria.
Sticky Wicket
The Sticky Wicket’s rooftop patio with volleyball court is a favourite in the summer. The pub/restaurant is massive: you could throw a party here and accommodate everybody staying at Ocean Island and if that’s not enough there’s also a Top 40 style nightclub in the basement.
