Sawmill Taphouse & Grill in Victoria
328 Wale Rd #102, Victoria, BC V9B 0J8, Canada
About
The Sawmill Taphouse & Grill in Colwood, B.C., is where good food meets great people! We specialize in Neapolitan style pizza, in-house smoked meats, and elevated pub classics. Boasting 40 taps of the best local brews, signature shafts, and a weekend brunch bar, we're your go-to spot for any occasion. Our vibrant atmosphere and commitment to quality make us the perfect place for a casual meal, a celebration, or a leisurely drink. Join us at The Sawmill, where every visit is an experience to remember. Come by and make memories over great food and drinks!
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Excellent food, cold beer, great atmosphere and staff... we were happy we chose to stop in for lunch.
Thought we’d give the place a try after the big switch. Service was good, especially our server. Real nice guy with good sense of humour. There just seems to be an underlying staff morale issue or something that can be sensed by the way they interact & move around the bar. Not a happy bunch. Food was OK, but nothing to rave about. I don’t know what the kitchen's thing with arugula is, but the stuff is in absolutely everything, so not great for those of us who aren’t fans. Might try again when reviews indicate these things get sorted out because the beer selection is really good & the potential for terrific is there.
This place is awful. Took the family there the other night. Took almost 10 min to be greeted at the door but there was barely as guests in the restaurant. The food we ordered took longer than we expected for as slow as it was. No atmosphere, lights were way too bright and we couldn’t even get the world series on the TV near us. Although the pizza was decent it was quite soggy and wet. Also I found it odd that with 40 taps there wasn’t any beer deals or features. Also 6.50$ for happy hour beer is outrageous. I DONT RECOMMEND
We had a great over all experience last Friday. The food was great but it was our server that really stood out. Tessa was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. She helped us pick out our pizza, you could tell she really likes the food herself, by the way she described everything, it was mouth watering. (and true). She anticipated what we needed and things were on the table before we had to ask! We'll be back to try Tessa's next suggestion.
I had been to the restaurant in Chemanuis a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with the smoked cheese artichoke dip. Todays artichoke dip didn't disappoint 😋 Our server was amazing. Super friendly and personable. We tried your pizza for the first time. Tasty but could've been slightly more crispy. I mentioned this to the server ...I wish I got her name. She offered to remake the pizza but we didn't feel this was necessary as we ate one piece each and would crisp it up in the airfryer later. We had a pleasant experience. The servers were amazing and accomadating. We're looking forward to trying you out for both brunch and dinner. Thank you for a delightful experience
Formerly 328 taphouse! I went to sawmill for my lunch break and had the southwest salad, it was so good and it was huge! The service is great here, all the servers are very nice and on the ball. They changed the decor and I think it's very cozy. They have a great drink menu with lots of different shaft variations.
I was less than impressed with whatever the Sawmill used to be called (865 Bar and Grill or somethin?). Anyhoo, new name, new management perhaps, why not give it a go? It was a Saturday afternoon, around 5, Stanley Cup final was on, and I had some time to kill. I entered the Sawmill, I saw staff galore. But remained invisible for what seemed like quite a while. Eventually I was noticed and was told someone would be right with me. Again, I wait. Finally I’m approached and seated at the bar. I’m hungry and request a menu. Again I wait. Many staff bustling behind the bar. Aaaaand… “would you like something to drink?” Hell yes! I order a beer. A honey lager. It’s served flatter than flat. Like zero carbonation. And not cold. See attached picture for what looks like a glass of lukewarm urine. No biggie, I slam it down and make a decision on food. Problem is no one ever asked if I’d like to order something. It’s at this point that I gave up on you, Sawmill, and pay my bill. On my way out I again see staff all over the place, literally dodging them, but very few customers. And then it becomes apparent that I’m not the only one that’s had such a disappointing experience. New name does not mean new experience.
Be careful if you’re vegan or have a dairy allergy. We were excited to try this new place yesterday as the vegan options looked pretty good. I ordered the fry bread which had a V+ symbol on the menu. I clearly asked for it to be made vegan when I ordered. After we’d eaten half of it our server came to the table and told us the dip that we were given wasn’t vegan. As I’d asked for it to be vegan I assumed it was made with vegan mayo so had been eating it. We won’t be returning as I need to be able to trust I’m served a vegan meal when I ask for one. Editing to add this a few months later- I ended up having to come back here yesterday to meet some friends. I ordered the 50/50 burger which had a V+ sign so could be made vegan. I got a burger in between two pieces of lettuce. No bun. (Picture attached). I couldn’t believe it especially as 99% of all bread/burger buns are naturally vegan. I’ve eaten a lot of vegan burgers around Victoria and the rest of the country and never not had a bun. If everywhere else can manage it why can’t they here? And also, if you’re not going to get one it should clearly say on the menu or you should be told when ordering. I would never have ordered it if I’d known. I again do not recommend coming here if you’re vegan.
Food and drinks are great. The service however, I hate to say it, is terrible. Weve been seated for one hour. During the course of one hour, our waiter has attended to our table out of his own volition, twice. Once for drinks, once for a drink refill. It took us ~10 minutes from the time we were seated to be asked for drinks, then after another ~15 minutes, we were expecting to be asked if we wanted food. We had to ask a different waiter about that. Its a Friday night, youd expect this place to be busy, but theres only 2 other tables that are in use. So the place is pretty dead. After getting the food, we didnt see our waiter a single time. We asked a different employee for chili flakes, she said sure, no problem, never got them. When we asked for the bill, we asked for a box. A simple task nonetheless, and the waiter forgot, his excuse was that he was busy with another servers story that they were talking about. At this time, the was only 1 other table in the entire restaurant. Why is a taphouse dead on a Friday night? This is why. Work on providing better service, guys.
Trivia night was super fun and my server was amazing, I asked for extra lime with my drink and she gave me 3!!! Other pubs in town have told me I d have to pay .80 to get a second wedge -cough cough Buckys cough cough
Best pub in the area. Great food and really good service.
Enjoyed the Hungry Hungry Hungle pizza and a beer before the Grizzlies hockey game. Tasty!
Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options here, and flexibility to create some vegan meals if requested. Parking: Surface parking shared with hotel and office building next door, so great to have the free parkades underneath.
Ive eaten here twice since it has become Sawmill Taphouse, both times great Service and Food, exceeded my expectations and I will be back! Just wanted to add the salads had great portion sizes, bigger then I expected!
Not a fan
Terrible service, expensive prices, and flat beer. $8.75 for a sleeve... $13 for truffle fries... Just buy a six pack and serve yourself. Youll save yourself time and money. Service
Loved discovering this place! The fungi pizza was excellent. We tried a few different beers as well, fabulous! I recommend trying the Apple Pie cider - delish!!
My friend recommended we come here and I was happy to go along. Ordered strawberry lemonade and Baja tacos. The lemonade arrived and I was startled by how salty and strange it tasted. Took two sips to make sure I wasnt crazy and then flagged our waitress. She didnt seem surprised when I told her, exclaiming that she thought that might be the case and taking my drink back. She came a few minutes later to offer me a peach lemonade instead which was fine. The meal was good but when we got the bill I asked about the lemonade. Do you think some of the Margherita salt got into the strawberries? I surmized, doing my best to come up with a logical explanation. No, said our waitress, I went and tasted it because we make the syrup in house and Im certain it was rancid. She was unapologetic and more matter-a-,fact about this. I was very surprised and unfortunately had already paid my bill in full at this point. I dont think Im a particularly difficult customer but if she suspected that was the case why not offer to cover the lemonade as an apology for serving me a rancid drink???
Great staff, great atmosphere! The 50/50 burger is delicious, highly recommend!
Great pizza, reasonably priced wine, friendly service. Thanks y all!
Sawmill is really good. Great pizza. Great tacos. I wish they had a couple more local Pilsner selections. Their beers are a bit hazy/ipa for me.
Ordered take out and all my food was cold I literally live beside the restaurant also got a Caesar salad and it had no dress just lettuce a lemon and croutons
The staff is Soper kind and they give me and my friends free food and drinks 3 times
Went for brunch here a couple Sunday s ago. Had an iced coffee which was made of 90% milk, absolutely worst coffee I ve ever tasted. My friend ordered a ceaser & it was literally just tomato juice. My friend & I ordered food & we were both super disappointed in the food! Decided to give it another chance last night & ordered a beer & artichoke dip. Beer was awful & flat. We were waiting about 20 minutes for our artichoke dip when the server came over & said your artichoke dip was a disaster back there & another one has been put in just now we waited probably 35-40 minutes for dip that tasted terrible. I will not be returning here!
I have loved the food so far, and the service is much better than the 328. I have been very happy with this place!
Fantastic all around. Service, food and beverages were great. Perfect place for the 19th hole.
Thoroughly enjoyed the beer selection and the crispy chicken sandwich was delicious. The staff was also very attentive and friendly.
Overpriced
Brisket sandwich kind of bland, not much smokey flavor. My companions got thier poutine orders without cheese curds. Service and beer great as usual
Wonderful
Decent a bit out of my price range but I enjoy anything I have had here except the Poutine was overly salty Edit: also can you post your menu to your website or Google as I dont want to have to download a PDF to view it
Our server was great, very attentive and friendly, food was decent but it took WAY too long for it!!! We had a 6:30 reservation. Drinks came quickly, we ordered two appies and they came fairly quickly but our dinners took an hour and ten minutes! Also, the mushroom ravioli is more of an appetizer than a meal. If they can get the kitchen sorted out they should do well.
A great addition to Colwood ! I like this new spot much better than the 328 taphouse. Food and vibe are both highly improved! I sat at the bar and was served by Mariah, who had great suggestions on the taps and made me a fun cocktail too. Shout out Mariah ! I ll be back.
The shafts were so good I had to watch the movie when I got home.
Loved the variety on the menu. Servers were full of smiles. Rylan was great!
I had the brisket sandwich and it was phenomenal. The staff were super friendly and out going. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. Will definitely be back!
Decent food, nothing special, and a bit over priced for what it was. It was well cooked and portions were reasonable. Beers on tap were fantastic with a huge selection and our waitress was amazing. One of the best options in this immediate area.
I don t usually comment but I want to say I had a flavorless ricotta with overcooked seafood and a brisket sandwich which they tried to pass for beef dip jus, when I commented on risotto being not good they sent a manager even though I just wanted to point it out, manager said she d take it off bill which I didn t ask for her to do and. When I checked bill charged me for it anyway lmao. Oh well save your self the expense go for some beer but skip the meal, even the brisket which was good had a cold untoasted bun.
Caitlynn provided excellent service! Friendly, attentive, efficient. Great beer recommendations for our flights and the food was excellent. Will be back for sure!
Worst wings ever! Sorry, for $18 you have to step up your game these days! Took over 30 mins to get two appetizers out. Service was very friendly though.
I ve been going to 328 weekly pretty much since it s opened and the food was never great. This place really upgraded the menu and it s superior to 328. The quality is so much better, beer selection is great and the usual staff are wonderful. I ve had a few different food items and wasn t disappointed with any of it, huge contrast to 328.
the beef dip au jus was not good at all, it was gravy. tough bread with the mac and cheese. great waitress
Food was very bland. Lots of beer options though.
Amazing pizza !
We had a great dinner there tonight. Yummy food, friendly and quick service, and a kids menu was a bonus!
Great spot for food and extensive drink menu. The pork loin is super good, the Neapolitan style pizzas are also great!
Good eating is back on Wale rd! 328 taphouse had a notable drop in food quality, and it is refreshing to see the Sawmill has brought back fantastic food at reasonable prices. Beer and cider selections are endless, the pizza is to die for. If you have not tried out the Sawmill yet, make a point of stopping in. Dietary restrictions: They modified a Poke bowl to accommodate my celiac wife.
Really good. I wouldn t have even noticed it wasn t 328 Taphouse anymore if not for some redesigns. There s still lots of wood fired pizza and lots on tap. I had the fungi and I liked the garlic confit on it, but wished there was chili oil.
Pathetic service. Worst food. I wish Tap house 345 would have not sold it to them. Firstly they put food colour(is poison)in our beer and didn t inform us as it was st patrik day. The food took 25 minutes to come out and they were dead not busy. Fries were ice Cold and the burger was not so great. I wish I had an option of giving 0 stars. I ll suggest everyone not to come here. The service sucks. The food sucks. And the attitude that the servers have is worst. The old place was so much better
The name may have changed but it s roughly the same experience as when it was 328 taphouse. The selection of drinks was great, lots of cocktail options and beer flights to choose from. The food was good, average pub food mostly. The service however was left a bit to be desired. The waitress and the serving staff even with only a few tables struggled to have prompt service. I d recommend it if you re just there to try beer have a snack and aren t bothered by wait times for service.
