Bard & Banker in Victoria

1022 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7, Canada

★★★★☆
(4888 reviews)
Categories: Pub Bar Breakfast restaurant Brunch restaurant Live music venue Lunch restaurant Restaurant

About

We invite you to come in and enjoy our large selection of craft beer, fabulous wines, delicious food, and local musicians in this one of a kind place to dine! Once a bank in the 1800's, and Christmas store in the 90's this building is now home to one of the most beautiful Pubs in the heart of Downtown Victoria. We are Open for breakfast 7 days a week at 7am. We have live entertainment 7 nights a week and offer Happy hours from 9am - 11am, and 2pm - 5pm daily. Families are welcome till 9pm. Come in and see what makes us so special.

Website
bardandbanker.com
Address
1022 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7, Canada
Plus Code
CJFJ+WQ Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Time Zone
America/Vancouver

Business Hours

Monday
11 AM–1 AM
Tuesday
11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
11 AM–1 AM
Friday
11 AM–1 AM
Saturday
11 AM–1 AM
Sunday
11 AM–1 AM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great cocktails Live music Live performances Sport
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Dancing Food Food at bar Happy-hour food Spirits Wine
Dining options
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.4
★★★★☆
4888 reviews

Most Mentioned

band (87) happy hour (71) interior (61) oysters (42) flights (27) clam chowder (14) cruise (13) the irish times (11) brass (10) rotisserie chicken (9)
5 stars
2952
4 stars
1255
3 stars
388
2 stars
131
1 stars
162
★★★★★
December 8, 2024

Bard & Banker: A Historic Gem in Victoria's Heart 🏦🍻🎶✨ Stepping into Bard & Banker feels like a magical journey back in time. 🕰️🏛️ Established in 1885 as the Bank of British Columbia, this iconic building carries over a century of history within its walls. 📜✨ Fun fact: the renowned poet Robert Service, known as the "Bard of the Yukon," once worked here, adding a literary charm to its legacy. 🖋️📚 The interior is absolutely stunning! 😍✨ With opulent chandeliers 💡, polished wood finishes 🪵, and intricate brass details 🛠️, it exudes Victorian elegance from every corner. The live music 🎸🎤 fills the space with energy, making it both a feast for the eyes and ears. Whether you're sipping on a drink 🍹 or soaking in the ambiance, it feels like a step into a different era. 🕺🎶 When I visited a few months ago, the friendly and attentive staff 👏😊 made the experience even more delightful. The menu was filled with mouthwatering options 🍴🍔, and the impressive selection of local craft beers and premium imports 🍺🍷 was a true highlight. Everything we had was delicious, adding a perfect culinary touch to an already unforgettable evening. 🍽️✨ Whether you're a history buff 🏛️, a foodie 🍝, or just looking for a fantastic night out 🌙✨, Bard & Banker is a must-visit spot in Victoria. I can’t wait to return and soak in more of its rich history and vibrant atmosphere! 🎉🍻🎶✨

★★★
November 12, 2024

Bard & Banker is a beautiful restaurant on Vancouver Island, housed in a stunning historic building. The atmosphere is elevated with live music, making it a great spot for a night out. However, while the setting was impressive, the dishes themselves were fairly standard.

★★★★★
November 10, 2024

The atmosphere at Bard & Banker was top notch. The $8M or so they used to return it to it's original glory was well spent. We were on a appetizer / drink tour and stopped in for a tasty beverage. The Ahi Poke Tower was one of the best I have ever had. It was well balanced and didn't rely on loud sauces to make it's point. Paired with a great whisky sour and we were of to the races!!!

★★★★★
November 5, 2024

Six of us booked a table on the open upper level to enjoy the live music and dancing Friday night at the Bard and Banker. I have been there at least four times on a weekend night to listen to live music and do some dancing. There’s a mix of ages, and I would say all are comfortable – the music would be more 80s 90s than current techno pop. (Which is good). As you will discover, the decor is spectacular being a refurbished bank with many original fixtures. It gets decorated for different seasons also. We sampled the menu but the highlight was the Taste of the ocean for two people for $59. A huge platter of fresh seafood, that was very well prepared. Our server was excellent and kept up with all our orders.

★★★★★
October 24, 2024

I have been in Victoria several times before and I wanted to go back to the Bard and banker while my cruise ship was in port for a few hours. It was so busy in there and the music was great. My sandwich was good and of course the beer was even better. It’s a beautiful space.

★★★★
September 16, 2024

We had the fish and chips. Honesty, the meal itself was nothing but ordinary. It normally comes with one piece of fish, we added a second for a reasonable up charge. At $30, for two pieces of fish, I expect a reasonable piece of fish. This was overly battered and not crisp, while the fish itself was well cooked. The service was excellent, as was the beer selection. We somewhat regret eating outside, merely because the inside was extraordinary. I could have spent a good deal of time just marveling at the design. Staff were very attentive and frequently tending to all customers. In short, I would absolutely visit here again. However, I would try something different to eat.

★★★★★
July 28, 2024

We had a lovely dinner at Bard & Banker. We arrived at 7:30 on a week night and were seated right away. We had a table on the second floor, overlooking the entire place. Our server was friendly, honest and helpful. She made good recommendations as to what to drink. The food was tasty and cooked well. The atmosphere was enjoyable. Live music started shortly after we arrived. It was a little on the loud side, but we were on the other side of the room, which worked well for us. We would have no hesitation in eating here again.

★★★★★
July 7, 2024

We got off the ferry and walked to this place first things first! We asked the hostess for a cool spot to sit and enjoy some appetizers and drinks and she absolutely delivered! We got one of the best shrimp appetizers we have ever had! Breaded and fried to perfection! And the sauce flavor was absolutely astounding! We had a couple of local fresh beers for draft! Had maybe our best experience in town here! A full beautiful bar, a very cool architectural set up. We really want to go back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2024

This place served me the best Cajun chicken sandwich Ive ever had. The place is lively and had live music when I went.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 19, 2024

Great pub, good food and fantastic service. A must stop when in downtown Victoria.

★★★★★
December 19, 2024

We had the pleasure of visiting the Bard and Banker Bar, and what truly made the experience unforgettable was Chey. She was absolutely amazing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 18, 2024

The goto place for a pint, with broad menu choices. Nothing fancy, just good great portions, wonderful staff, and fine atmosphere. Ive been coming here for a decade and will come for another one.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

We visited here and the hostess gave us a nook which was great because we had a wee newborn in our party. That simple, thoughtful move made our visit.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

The food is really hit or miss, but the cocktails and atmosphere keep us coming back

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Ordered from the happy hour menu (except the clam chowder) and we enjoyed so much everything! The place is very pretty and service was great. Will definitely recommend to anyone visiting Victoria

★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Excellent service and classy venue, but the food was lacking. Ordered a chicken sandwich. It came on a giant plate, but was made with a slider sized bun and a handful of stale lukewarm hard fries. They could have fit another 4 sandwiches on a plate of that size. The ambiance should appeal to the finer dinning customers, but don t expect the meal to match the vibe they are selling you on.

★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Just a crowded meat market masquerading as a pub

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Solid spot with something always going on. Themed nights and great live music. Would highly recommend a sip here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Nice spot to visit. Service and live music is always great.

★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Love the interior of this historic building, especially with the holiday decorations up. They fell flat on service though. Host put us in the snug corner with another small party and none of us saw a server for a good 10 minutes or more. Unsure if the waiter was inattentive or of the host has forgotten to tell her about two parties waiting for service, but this was not peak time and it shouldn t have happened. Aside from that, the fancy coffee drink was nice and the Guinness was perfect. So I guess the lesson is, sit at the bar where staff can see you.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

This is a consistently good restaurant with great service and great pub style food. It is a safe choice for dinner or drinks.

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

A rare and unique layout, I struggle to articulate how excellent our dinner was. Service really knocked it out of the park by inquiring about personal preferences and making dead on recommendations.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

Great atmosphere. We were served by Pietro and he provided excellent service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

Incredibly fun pub vibes with a classy atmosphere. They do it well at banker

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

Very busy which probably attributed to poor service lol but good none the less.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

This by far the coolest place I ve ever been. Had so much fun. Atmosphere blew me away. Highly recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Awesome live Band St. Cecilia

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

I love historical landmarks. This place is awesome. Classy with good vibes and good times. Often busy. Find a down time or prepare to wait. Worth it either way! This is my favorite place in downtown Victoria. Live music and lots of space!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

The atmosphere is great, we highly recommend booking a table in advance! The food is good Then don t stupidly order the lobster sandwich from Xiaohongshu (it has been deleted from the menu). Friends who like drinking can come and experience it~

★★★
November 23, 2024

Ordered 2pc fish and chips. The fish was over battered, the batter was soft and doughy and slid right off the fish. That aside, the fish and batter seemed unseasoned and bland. The tartar sauce lended some brightness to the bite but was nothing exceptional. Chips were ok. If I could choose any word to describe this dish, I would simply choose edible. Disappointing. At least Guinness is on tap.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Good food, good drink selection, good entertainment and super good service

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

First time with this restaurant, the environment is very classic and the food is awesome. My kids were very happy for the kids meal and we were happy for the service and food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Went here on a friends recommendation for lunch. Ordered the Tuna sandwich and wow. One of the best sandwiches Ive had in a long time! Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

The Bard has great music, service and one of the best Cobb salads in Victoria.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Generous portions with good seasoning.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Tuesday Latin dance with live Cuban band is phenomenal and fun. This is one of those rare places that is able to straddle both tourist location and locals spot. The margarita is on special on Tuesday - and it s the best margarita in town. Today I stopped in for a snack - had the side Alfredo spaghetti. It was $10 and a nice portion. The little tomatoes and the cheese lingered in the most delightful way for a good hour after. Cute waiters.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Upscale elegant decor

★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Tourist trap. Service is great, food and atmosphere just ok, but the most annoying thing is that they have a sign outside luring people in, promising a special meal combo that is somehow no longer available once you are inside. The server claimed she didnt know anything about it and didnt see the sign, nor did her manager, allegedly. However, the sign was prominently displayed there even after leaving the place and hours later. Thats evil. Vegetarian options: limited

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Excellent service! Goddess salad was delicious! Would recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Good food, great atmosphere and excellent service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Julia was one of the best servers I ve had in a long time. The food was decent but Julia just elevated our experience to the next level.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Recommended by a friend and I wasnt disappointed. Everything was amazing and a the live music was a huge bonus. One of my top 10 restaurant experiences!

★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Huge lively bar. We had just come from a restaurant so didnt eat here. Live music can be loud so tell the host if you want a quieter spot. Great selection of beers and whiskies. Servers were kept busy. I suggest management research a Wetherspoons-type app (UK) which would make ordering/paying much more efficient. Would that even be allowed in BC?

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Some pubs have more personable service, but just by a bit. And some Frou-frou or Delikatessen type Belgian and German spots have slightly better food. But, all in all, this one of the finest Pubs in the world. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The steak and ale pie was really good.

★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Expensive, friendly staff.

★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Beautiful Tourist trap. Great Beer selection but dont bother ordering a martini....they only fill the glass half full. I dont mind paying $15 for a martini, but fill up the glass or get smaller martini glasses so the under-pour isnt so obvious. We had a dozen oysters... Yummy. Didnt have any sandwiches or fish and chips this time but have had them in the past .. all okay.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

This is a fantastic place. If you go there at night on a weekend, it does get very loud and very crowded. At 9pm a live band comes on Saturdays and its ridiculously loud. They do have an outside patio at night, where you could be at if you prefer to save your eardrums. The food is great. The best onion rings Ive ever had (sounds silly but true). I had the Fish & Chips for dinner and it was excellent to be honest. We also went there for lunch and I had the Steak & Guinness pie and it was fabulous. I also tried their Lemonade and it was fantastic. The atmosphere is also great and the wait staff is really responsive and nice. I cant recommend this place enough.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

We got recod this place from another tourist couple, and it surprised us with a really good location! So close to downtown & chinatown, and the atmosphere is a little fancier than expected but still awesome! Service was amazing, our server was very honest about prices and genuine in character! We split the Meatball appy and Roasted Salmon main, but both were nothing short of delicious!

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Nice service and good food.

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Just stopped in for a quick minute.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

I visited the island for a week and ended up coming here twice because the scallop and pork belly dish was addictive! Wow, what a deliciously innovative combo! Creme brulee (the only dessert made in-house) was exquisite.

★★
October 23, 2024

Good atmosphere. We were put with our family. Ordered english pub type food. The steak and Guinness pie was a floury soup like sauce inside. Prim beef dibs were okay but below average. The Cobb salad was very food. Overall opinion is below average and would not recommend to friends.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Solid pub with solid food and drink. Can t miss spot in Victoria.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The pesto covered chorizo meatballs are phenomenal

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Bard & Banker is a lively and stylish pub in downtown Victoria with a great atmosphere. The historic building adds a lot of charm, and the live music makes it a fun place to hang out, especially in the evenings. The menu offers a wide variety of pub favorites and some unique dishes. The food is generally good, and the portions are generous. Their drink selection is excellent, with a great range of beers, wines, and cocktails. The service is friendly, though it can get a bit slow during busy times, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a wait if the place is packed. It s also a bit on the pricier side, but that s expected given the prime location and ambiance. If you re looking for a spot with character, good food, and live music, Bard & Banker is definitely worth a visit, just try to make a reservation during peak hours.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

We didnt eat anything, so no review here. Great ambience! Friendly service!

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The atmosphere here is really good. They ve got a live band playing and it this place screams pub vibes. That being said, the service is I think sub par. Front of house is a little unfriendly and the food took 45 mins to a hour to come out. The food was actually quite good. Seems like this place only needs a minor tweak.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Really fun for upscale pints and live music. Only downside is the dancefloor is waaay too small

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Came here October 13th for their turkey dinner and we were very impressed. Atmosphere was great, the turkey dinner exceeded our expectations, service was quick and attentive. Would definitely recommend and will return when we re back in town

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Fantastic place for a drink live bands

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Great food, large selection of food and alcohol. Great atmosphere in charming old decor.

★★
October 23, 2024

If you want to eat something, its better to look for another location. Unfortunately one of my worst burgers was served. Absolutely not recommended.

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Its as close to a classic English pub as youre likely to find on the West coast of North America. Very well-stocked bar, although the ounce of Irish whisky that I ordered ended up being all they had in the bar... Im not usually one to complain about artistic license when it comes to creative menu descriptions, but when the chorizo and focaccia skillet turned out to be toast and rubbery meatballs, I was a little annoyed.

★★★★
October 23, 2024

Knowledgeable barman on local wines. Good experience.

★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The music was way to loud, so loud infact that after our drink we departed. We all wanted to go out and enjoy conversation with old friends, not try to learn to lip read. If the band played at a normal level rather than ears bleed 11, we would have stayed longer.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Love the staff Music is awesome The staff do their very best to accomodate everyones special requests Thank you!!!!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Wow Graham, a new bartender, made me and my girl friends the best drinks and took a picture for us. Thank you for being so hospitable!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

One of the most beautiful pubs in BC

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Chorizo meatballs!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Great interior. With a bit of imagination you could easily think you are in europe or the british isles.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Well sized meals with live music everyday! Vegetarian options: Kitchen able to accomodate for vegetarian or vegan options with some of the dishes. Dietary restrictions: Kitchen able to accomodate for dietary restrictions to some dishes. Kid-friendliness: Has seats for smaller kids and kids menus items. Wheelchair accessibility: washrooms on mainfloor, w/c accessible

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

My husband and I came here. Excellence food and great service! Atmosphere was very cool. Will be back

★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

My partner and I were once devoted regulars of this establishment, always drawn by its excellent food, atmosphere, and service. However, over the past 11 months, we ve witnessed a steady decline in quality that has left us deeply disappointed. Whether this is due to new ownership, new management, or simply a change in staff, the difference is unmistakable, and it has unfortunately driven us to the point where we can no longer recommend or patronize this place. The first sign of trouble came with rising prices on the happy hour menu a change we accepted given the current economic climate. But the real disappointment set in when the food quality began to slip. The once-crispy happy hour wings became a soggy, breaded mess drowned in gooey hot sauce, and the calamari turned excessively salty and oily. We overlooked these issues, hoping it was just a case of a new chef finding their way. Last night, however, was the final straw. After a long wait, we were pleased to see Russell Lager on special and eagerly ordered two pints. When they arrived, both were completely flat. We politely raised our concern with the waitress, who graciously returned the drinks to the bartender. What followed was the epitome of poor service: the bartender, looking no older than 22, didn t even bother to acknowledge her as he dismissed our concern with a quick, That s how Russell Lager is supposed to be. As a 53-year-old who s enjoyed countless pints of Russell Lager over the years, I can assure you that is not how Russell Lager is supposed to taste. We ended up ordering Hoyne Pilsner instead, but of course, at a higher price. The evening only went downhill from there. I ordered my usual go-to, the Cajun chicken, but what arrived was a far cry from what I used to love. The chicken was lukewarm, rubbery, and coated with a pasty seasoning that seemed hastily slapped on after cooking, rather than properly grilled. I m not sure if they boiled it or what they did, but it was so tough it could have bounced off the wall. My partner s prime rib was severely undercooked, and the au jus was a clumpy, gelatinous gravy that was also barely warm. We ate what little we could, paid our bill, and left with the disheartening realization that this would likely be our last visit. For anyone seeking a better versions of these dishes, I d now recommend the Cactus Club, just a block away. It s incredibly disappointing to see such a drastic decline in what was once a fantastic establishment. Regrettably, we can no longer recommend this place to anyone.

★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

The atmosphere was great! However the food was not as tasty.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Food and service was top notch

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Walked in randomly. Love the decor and high ceilings. Awesome live music on Monday night. I got the two Monday specials. $7.99 beer and 2 for 1 fish and chips for $20. Pretty mediocre pub food but fun place.

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Great fun and lots of beer selections. I remember the food being a lot better in the past. We had wings, calamari and prawns, and they all were tasteless and seemed hastily out together. Way too much salt to make up for the lack of flavour.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Awesome food .. service ... worth every penny

★★
September 23, 2024

Food is bland and overdone. The pork belly was cooked to a crisp and hard to chew. The fish was greasy and not crispy. The scallops were ok. The fries were fine. Service was great - too bad the food wasn t.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Very interesting bar with good food and drink. Service was quite fast despite how crowded it was. They even had live music with rotating bands! Next time im in Victoria this will be a must stop for me.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

On August 30th , we had our first and definitely NOT last at your pub & loved it . Our server was friendly , accommodating & very pleasant to deal with. Loved it so much we came back the next night . Thank you Bard and Banker

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

One of Victorias old buildings!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Strolled in tonight for a drink staff were awesome. Great live music. Reasonable priced fun night!

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Superb atmosphere, we had impeccable service. Contrary to other reviews, the beer was more than affordable at $10 for a pint. On the other hand, for the food, it is correct. Foodies refrain, but the atmosphere is worth the detour.

September 23, 2024

I ve never really been impressed by this place, but have graciously given it multiple chances in case it was an off night or what-have-you. However, I won t be returning any time soon. From the rudeness of the servers, to the quality of the food, I m not sure what the appeal is, other than the atmosphere. The food I ordered showed signs of being frozen for too long, and the chicken wings were like eating textured water. Other meals I ve had there were okay , but certainly nothing was worth paying what they were charging. Service is lacking at best - if you enjoy being ignored, or having unnecessary rude comments directed towards you, then maybe it s not so bad, but some of us have standards.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

The place is really nice. The bar tender was very kind and generous. A must go place, we ordered beer and fries. And the waiter who served us food was really amazing. Seems like people working there actually love their jobs.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Great service. Excellent selection of drinks. Nice decor.

Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Service was so poor we paid for our drinks and left. The couple next to us ordered the fish and chips. They just picked at it. So, we were happy to leave.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Excellent all a I can lunch for two

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Atmosphere

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

2 cruise ships came in, and this place was busy. The service was great. We had Ceasar Salad and Calamari. Delicious. Oh, and you can order many different types of tower drinks.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Must stop place. I had the fish and chips my husband the seared tuna salad both were great portions

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Fantastic selection of food, served by friendly

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Nice place

September 23, 2024

Our visit to Bard and Banker was véry disappointing! We got a weird table with broken chairs. Took the waiter ten minutes to even come up to us. It was very cold inside. The food was not a lot and only three asparagus. Then the live music started and we left! It was impossible to have a conversation. Not a pleasant night.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Had a baked salmon dish and it was amazing. Friends had a seafood platter for 2. A little loud atmosphere as it was packed. finished dinner and a band started playing tunes straight out of my own Playlist so we stuck around for a couple more drinks. Worth a visit!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Certainly the best bar in Victoria. Vegetarian options: There are vegetarian options. Dietary restrictions: Kitchen is able to handle allergen requests without issue. Wheelchair accessibility: Entrance is ground level.

September 23, 2024

The server was rude, slapped my girlfriend s knife in fork down on the table in front of her. The food was really subpar, especially for the price. My girlfriend s chicken wings were bland and my meat pie was burning hot on the bottom and cold on the top. Decor was great, everything else not

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

A little over the top decor, but very nice and the kitchen is open late

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Stunning fish and chips & mussels, good portions, delicious cocktails.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Evan and Ricky are the best employees at this place please leave them so much money and say nice things to them. We got the royal peach drink and it was 10/10 but seriously Evan and Ricky are amazing

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Amazing place with live music and amazing style

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Very nice place to have nice lucnh/dinner or cocktails

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

They have live music in the evening. We ordered 2 Toblerone hot cocas. The environment is very entertaining. The hosts are welcoming.

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Nice bar. Wait staff friendly but a bit slow. Will be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

The food was great! Could be a little bit more, though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Went there for happy hour with a local friend and had an absolute fabulous time. The ambiance was breath takingly gorgeous and our server Jasmine was phenomenal.

August 23, 2024

Super RUDE hostess!! She did not want to help our party at all, did not want to take our name down to wait for a table and was very dismissive of any questions. I think she was a total racist. Would not recommend here!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Such a beautiful pub located inside an old bank! The dark wood interior, glass divider walls and lamppost lighting has it feeling like a cozy, upscale Irish drinking house. Historic elements are peppered throughout like the Robert Service poems on the menu and the coasters. Live music every evening make it a busy exciting place, but still able to get a table at 8pm. Oysters were fresh and affordable. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a pub in Victoria!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Excellent as always

★★★
August 23, 2024

Stunning decors, Service and Staffs are great BUT foods were basic and mediocre. Also, foods don t seem to really matched the ambiance of place.

August 23, 2024

Great atmosphere but was let down by the food. Presentation was pretty ordinary ,it seems like food was out of a tin or frozen. Not a pleasant evening

★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Average value for money.

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Live music made the experiance a little bit worse. It was a little bit to loude for us. Food was good. Service exelent.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Great food and great service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Always a pleasure to visit this pub when were in town. Good food/drinks & service. Very interesting backstory to this site as well. Definitely worth a visit if youre in the area Food

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Such a fun atmosphere! Incredible live music with people swing dancing as well as people jamming to themselves. Such a great vibe!

★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Service was poor. Waited 20 minutes numerous times to get water filled. Server seemed ticked off that we ordered from the happy hour menu. There was trash underneath the tables on the outdoor patio and it did not seem very clean. Servers were standing around when they could be serving their customers. Food was very good and atmosphere was good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

This place was excellent. The Eggs Benedict did not disappoint. The staff was extremely nice and the outside seating was perfect.

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

In the most British of Canadian cities with an English pub density in the downtown core that rivals all but the most pub-heavy towns in the UK, this is the crown jewel. To be sure, it is a tourist bar in the heart of of downtown but it doesn t matter. The food is delicious, the beer selection wide (yes, you can get a good Irish Cream Ale on draught here along with stalwart English ales), the setting magnificent, and the conversation friendly from people all around the world. We had to do the 2 for 1 fish and chips, of course, and besides it being a crazy good deal, was delicious. Built in 1886 as a bank, the building has been lovingly restored and is a delight. It s my go-to pub in Victoria and I have never been disappointed.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Gorgeous building - just stunning inside. We had a cocktail on the outdoor patio and it was lovely

★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Food is small.. 12 mussels and fries and dry bread. No sauce. $30. Dissapointed. Been here before. Much better. Food

Local Guide
August 23, 2024

WORST We dined at the restaurant and received all our dishes except one item for our child. Despite the server noting down our order, the steak was forgotten. After waiting an hour and a half, the steak was finally delivered. This mistake was very frustrating and left us quite dissatisfied with the experience. Worst Worst

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

I have been to botanical gardens all over the world ( east and west coast of U.S., Europe, Caribbean, and Japan). This is THE BEST! The Views, the layout, and the COLORS are beyond description. Come visit - I dare you to disagree with me.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Great bar with live music every night. They have lots of drink selections and great cocktails.

★★★★
August 23, 2024

Vegetarian options: Great salad Food

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Did not partake of food. Classy place. Pricing OTT Service

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

It is enjoyed, like a great party

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Had a delicious late breakfast here! Friendly and quick service. Enjoyed a good plate of over-easy eggs, bacon n sausage, n dad had a good medium eggs benny. Will definitely be back if I find myself back in Victoria! Parking: Not a lot of options for parking on-location, but theres a parkade on Yates street that has plenty of room and reasonable rates. If you only need one hour its free, if theres room.

August 23, 2024

Terrible service on the patio seating. Servers were very slow not attentive and kept giving me and my family the wrong items. I felt as if we had to serve ourselves passing down everything. Also they sat us at a very dirty table with dried up bird poo all over the chairs. I found myself having to wave down the server just to get more water. When they first sat us down we were waiting 30min for just a server to come take our orders.. we asked where is our server to another server and she said unfortunately our server is too busy doing tables inside at the moment.. so I guess I ll have to help you . So we were forgotten just sitting there 30min waiting?.. if we did not wave down and asked another server we would have just been sat there not being helped.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Beautiful old building, charming atmosphere, excellent selection of drinks and always friendly service!

★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Really not good anymore. The food quality has dropped precipitously. The service and atmosphere is still good but the food quality has fallen quite a lot and given the premium prices thats just not cutting it. The last time I got a steak and ale pie here it was basically some sliced meat and veggies with one thin layer of pastry on top (so not a meat pie) and the side had also become mediocre.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

My partner and I always come to this pub when we are in town and it s always consistently excellent. I ve tried many things on their menu and everything is great, excellent portions. I love their clam chowder and the happy hour is great value. Good Cesar s and the service is always top notch, never have to wait around for a drink or to have your table cleared. It s also such a beautiful pub

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

The decor is super cool and the beer is cold, super cool spot.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

We had two for one Fish and chips on Monday lunch with a two drink purchase. Easy decision. Had a good selection of beers. Plenty of chips and fish was cooked very nicely.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Nestled in downtown, walking distance to the Parliament, Chinatown etc. Good food and great times.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Lovely atmosphere. The decor is fun, saloonesque and lots of brass. Loved the atmosphere. Great vibes. Live music, creative cocktails and good fish and chips. I would definitely return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Great food, great service, even better beer

★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Very dull food. Very pleasant and forthright server. Tourist trap restaurant. Food : 2/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

We went back a second time. The waiter was great, even though they were super busy. My wife had a Spanish coffee. The first cup wasnt acceptable, but the replacement was wonderful. I loved the Blue Moon draft beer! The bread pudding dessert was delicious. It had chocolate and raisins in it. The live music was good and people were dancing to it at the front of the house. Alls good here! The place is beautiful. Wonderful atmosphere and staff. The music was good. The Shepard pie wasnt as good as I would have liked. The rib dinner looked very good as we watched the next booth over enjoying their meal. Maybe next time.

★★
July 23, 2024

Well. Not Good, the place did not seem very clean, then my Pasta was supposed to come with cherry tomatoes, None not even one. Also the shrimp still had the shell on some of them and....... Got maybe 4-5 shrimp with my pasta and these or just reg sized shrimp, NOT Empress Will not eat their again especially with those prices, should of checked the reviews before going

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Nice comfortable place. The service was good. And the steak cooked medium rare was done perfectly. Jucy and tender.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

A cool place with delicious food and drinks. Great condition that introduces itself by name. Food was served quickly. Special requests were quickly responded to and implemented. A typical Scottish live band created the perfect atmosphere for the evening. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

What a fabulous place to go to on Canada Day great vibe awesome food and lovely staff

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

The poutine was delicious! The fish and chips was ok. I thought the fish had too much batter.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

I barely remember but dancing is fun!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Brillant food, friendly people and nice atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Great happy hour and its beautiful inside.

★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Stopped by for the long weekend and yes there was live music here. We got here at 10:15 pm and though the place closes at 1am their kitchen apparently shuts down at 10pm (bummer) so we went to grab a bite else and then got here to enjoy some live music and drinks! The live music was too loud to be honest for our liking almost deafening if you are seated in the front tables. We moved to a booth at the back of the restaurant. The service was terrible and there was nobody coming to take our orders. Finally we walked and placed our orfer for a canadian whisky flight. The flight was okay. Overall it is a nice place to hang out with loud live music but dont expect to have any convos with your folks. One of the very few places open till 1am in Victoria.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

The food was amazing! Service was pretty good. Really awesome atmosphere, used to be a bank that opened up in the late 1800s, now an awesome restaurant and pub. Vegetarian options: Had some pretty good options but not many. Kid-friendliness: Pretty good kids meals and cool coloring.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Lively place to go with others.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Bands are amazing and establishment is beautiful. The food is good as well.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

We stopped off for brunch and a drink before going whale watching

★★
July 23, 2024

We had a reservation. We asked our waitress to give us a few minutes to decide for drinks. We had to wave her 15 min later to come take our order while she kept passing by our table multiple times to go attend to other tables without even looking at us. Ordered some appetizers and main dishes. The appetizers arrived 40 min (almost 1hr after we had arrived) after we ordered, it was so bad that some manager had to come out and apologize. At some point we had asked for an additional drink, the waitress completely forgot about it and I had to ask a second time for it. After we were done the waitress didnt even bothered coming no where near our table to give our bill and, just like at the beginning, kept walking by us, not acknowledging us and attending to other tables. I literally haf to stand up to get someones attention. After 3-4 min the (same) manager finally saw me and brought us the bill. All in all a horrible experience. Wont go there again. Im in the military and we are always on the lookout for places to hold our various functions, sadly for Bard&Banker, I wont forget and will NEVER recommend them.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Sunlight and happy hour is available, and the atmosphere is perfect. Everyone is ordering this purple drink called poetic justice. Please leave a comment if you have tried it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

I go here often. Nice vibing place with live music at night. Love their beer.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Fantastic service. We had a group of 6, 3 generations. Our server was excellent and really knew her stuff.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Nice historic venue, worth a visit for food, a drink, or just a peek.

July 23, 2024

Nerd shop, they wont even let me drink a beer and throw me out at 10 p.m.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Great live music and really cool vibes in general.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Nice to be there. Good vibrations!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Love the atmosphere, and the drinks and food were delicious!

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Prices were too high for what was served.

★★★★
July 23, 2024

I love this place, come here every time Im in Victoria. Unfortunately this time I felt pretty let down by the service. I dont mind how long it took, its busy and thats fine. When you get someones order wrong though, a simple acknowledgement at least would be nice. We didnt get that when my GF got the wrong meal. We let the food server know it was wrong, who let the waitress know. Sure she was fine to eat it, because of course she was hungry and didnt want to wait anymore, but the waitress didnt even acknowledge it, apologize or anything. She ended up with a beef dip instead of a pork dish. Only when I mentioned it did she say oh well I heard it was fine. I also didnt really appreciate the two staff members, who sat at the table beside us, Im guessing after their shift was finished, sitting and complaining about their day. Not a great look for the place. Food was fantastic, shame about everything else really. 8pm on Sunday on the patio

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Great live music very fun all ages dancing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Didnt eat just had a drink but the ambience is everything and the service was fantastic

July 23, 2024

Waited 20 minutes for the seat and then 1.5 hours for food. Ridiculous. I get they re a busy establishment since they re so popular, but you d think they would be prepared for it. Waiting over an hour for food anywhere is crazy. Don t come here unless you re willing to wait a while.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Really awesome place to have brunch on the patio/terrace. Just had a standard eggs, toast and sausage, but they certainly did that really well. I think it was called Singing for Sourdough... Tried to coax a song out of the wait staff, but it was a no go... :-). Both of my companions had the eggs bene, looked awesome as well. Wheelchair accessibility: Sat on the terrace, no restriction there.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Perfectly balanced evening experience with an outstanding selection of drinks. Service is professional and very attentive.