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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.
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.
"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.
