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Victoria's nightlife is low-key and casual, with many wonderful pubs, but a limited choice of other nightlife. Pubs offer a casual vibe for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon pint, often with a view and an excellent selection of beer. The pubs listed here all serve food, and many brew their own beer. Patrons must be 19 or older to enter a bar or pub in British Columbia, but many pubs have a separate restaurant section open to all ages. The city is enjoying a resurgence of cocktail culture, with several of Victoria's trendier restaurants doubling as lounges, offering cocktails and small plates well into the night. Dance clubs attract a young crowd and most close by 2 am. A dress code (no jeans or sneakers) may be enforced, but otherwise, attire is casual. Smoking is not allowed in Victoria's pubs, bars, and nightclubs—this applies both indoors and on patios.
This sumptuously decorated Scottish pub, which occupies a historic bank building on Victoria's main shopping street, has bangers and mash and shepherd's pie on the menu, as well as a great selection of ales and live music every night. Plus, there's no cover charge.
Whether you're a colada aficionado or some who goes for the classics like daiquiris or a Manhattan, this cocktails-only late night spot delivers a top-notch selection. All syrups are made in-house and nearly all juices are freshly squeezed. Drinks are on the pricey side but with over 40 rums alone, some might even suggest it's a tropical paradise of Mai Tais and Mojitos.
Although geared to the LGBT crowd, the fun vibe of wacky murals, open brickwork, and banquettes piled with velvet cushions draws everyone looking for a good time. The food is good and the entertainment quirky including Karaoke Sundays and Talent Tuesday, usually a mix of comedy, drag, and local musicians.
Dinner, dancing, and live jazz, blues, and Dixie are on the menu at this venerable Downtown restaurant and jazz club. Arrive on time for special acts as doors often close once the show is underway.
Tourists and locals flock here for the stout on tap, live music nightly, the summertime patio, and a menu of traditional (think Irish stew) and modern pub fare. Located inside a former bank building on Victoria's main shopping strip adds grandeur to the fun, and very Irish, setting.
A veteran of Victoria's nightclub scene, Lucky's draws DJs, live bands, and a friendly younger crowd of locals who make the most of Lucky's great sound system and dance floor.
"The Poodle" has been described "as gay as it gets." The limited menu of mainly burgers and salads is more than made up for with entertainment including gay bingo, leather nights, and sizzling drag shows. Instead of a cover, you're expected to spend a minimum of C$20. The Kings and Queens "vicious" cocktails are well priced at C$14.
You can take in lofty views of the city at this lounge on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel. By day, the interior feels a bit bland. By night, the atmosphere takes on a different vibe, albeit on the conservative side, with live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
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