Bars You Must See
The Top 3 !
Bars you must see in Victoria. Enjoy the dynamic mixology scene and beverage paradise. These top cocktail and beverage spots are for residents looking for a new drinking place or tourists who want to experience the city’s soul.
Enjoy delicious meals or snacks with every glass as we discover the city’s best-kept beverage secrets.
What it Provides
Marilena features local and global seafood with high-quality sustainable ingredients that follow the highest standards. Guests can choose from a selection of nigiri, sashimi and sushi rolls at our uniqque Japanese raw bar led by Chef Clark Park.
Must Try Items
Kinomé cocktail. “Toasted Sesame Washed Suntori Toki Whisky, Shiso, Aloe, Honey, and Soda.”
Why it's Famous?
The bar is known for its exquisite cocktails and wine programme, which spans 42 pages and includes key ingredients and spirits that are either hand-selected from across the world or found locally.
The exquisite Japanese raw bar, run by Chef Clark Park, offers a variety of nigiri, sashimi and sushi rolls for patrons to pick from. Make reservations, Street parking, private dining, seating, and outdoor seating Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer. There are a variety of beverages that are manufactured from quality spirits such as whisky, vodka, gin, mezcal, rum, and more! NOw you can see why we included this on list of bars you must see.
What it Provides
The restaurant has a classy atmosphere where people can enjoy a range of classic and creative mixed drinks, as well as a wide range of simple, tasty meals and hearty comfort food.
Must Try Items
"Basilisk" - A cocktail featuring gin, Aperol, St. Germain, lemon, and basil.
Why it's Famous?
Their original French-style absinthe is famous, and it's hard to get anywhere else in western Canada until you visit their one-of-a-kind fountain that drops the liquor over a sugar cube.
The Clive's Classic Lounge is like the old-fashioned hotel lobby bars in Europe. It's cosy, warm, and interesting. It has a lot of dark wood, a shiny bar top, soft crystal lighting and a friendly, warm feel. The club is liked by both locals and hotel guests. A lot of people from the area go there, and many tourists stop by on their way through.
What it Provides
It offers classic cocktails, yet continue to push the boundaries through the exploration of its home: The Pacific Northwest
Must Try Items
"The Courtenay Collins" - A refreshing cocktail with local Empress Gin, elderflower liqueur, citrus, and soda.
Why it's Famous?
Their ‘Hive Mind’ cocktail is made with Wild Mountain beeswax aged Hennessy VS, salted mint absinthe tincture and cane sugar. It is balanced, sweet and refreshing and will only be available for the season until the team behind the bar finds inspiration for the summer.
At the 2023 YAM Best Restaurant Awards, it won for Best Happy Hour and Best Sommelier/Wine Programme. A fine establishment we added to our list of bars you must see.
Wind Cries Mary
What it Provides
Stylish steak, seafood and vegetarian fare is available at this homely restaurant.
Must Try Items
Their extensive list of ingredients includes, but is not limited to, Salt Spring Island honey, Duncan Still-head Whisky, Esquimalt Rosso vermouth, and many more for their 'Salish' and 'WCM Old Fashioned' cocktails.
Why it's Famous?
Their late-night fried chicken, amazing meals, and tasty drinks are famous. They also have a comfortable hotel.
At least one item manufactured in British Columbia is used in every single drink. They distinguish themselves from the competition by making all of their specialty drinks with local ingredients from the area. This is no small task, but it does wonders for the economy of the area.
Bard & Banker
What it Provides
Classic Cocktails, Whiskey Selection, Draft Beers, and locally Sourced Cuisine, plus Live Music.
Must Try Items
"Scottish Mule" - A unique twist on the classic Moscow Mule with Scotch whiskey.
Why it's Famous?
Known for its extensive whiskey selection and lively pub atmosphere with live music.
Presented with the esteemed Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the sixth consecutive year, 2018-223. With an award-winning wine selection, 31 craft and international taps, handmade cocktails, and mimosa towers, it offers everything you could want to quench your thirst. This award winning bar was an easy choice to add to our list of bars you. must see.
What it Provides
Jazz-inspired Cocktails, Martinis and live music. White Wines, Rose, Red Wines, Sparkling, Sparkling Cocktails, Classic Martinis, Signature Cocktails, Beers and Specialty Cocktails. It also offers Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Non-Alcoholic Beer.
Must Try Items
MUSIC IS MY MUSE-Captain Morgan spiced rum, wayward spiced honey liqueur, fresh lime juice, house made organic hibiscus, star anise and cinnamon syrup shaken with pineapple juice.
Why it's Famous?
A renowned jazz venue with a diverse cocktail menu, and live music all week. For forty years, Hermann's has been pioneering the way for local and visiting artists to display their abilities and polish their craft, being the oldest continuously functioning jazz club in Canada.
Citrus & Cane
What it Provides
cocktails, beers and wine amid retro-style surroundings. All syrups are made in-house and nearly all juices are freshly squeezed
Must Try Items
Parttime tiki punch- A concoction of rums, passionfruit, pineapple, c&c falernum, lime, bitters, and (real) fire.
Why it's Famous?
Known for its creative and seasonally inspired craft cocktails. It is famous for its room, which was initially constructed in the 1970s, is well-known for its view and its mid-century modern décor, which has soft furniture and rattan accents.
Bodega
What it Provides
Spanish tapas, wine and cocktails in a warm atmosphere, plus patio seating.
Must Try Items
Tuna-stuffed piquillo peppers and gambas alajillo (a local favorite). Nothing Compares 2 U. Drink Before The War.
Why it's Famous?
It offers Spanish wines as well as local wines using Spanish grapes.
It has one of the most extensive Sherry menus in Canada. International and local vermouth options, with three glass flights of sherry or vermouth available. It also offers a rotating selection of local and Spanish charcuterie and cheeses. Sherry is on our list of bars you must see.