Despite Victoria’s relatively small size, the city is not limited at all when it comes to relaxing spots to catch up with friends, meet new people, go on dates, and take in the elegant evening atmosphere. Victoria has been known for having more restaurants per capita of any Canadian city, plus the cocktail bar scene has grown into something spectacular over the years.
In this article, we’re going to share some of our favourite cocktail bars around Victoria for your next sophisticated evening on the town.
Wind Cries Mary
Located in Bastion Square, a small pedestrian zone through Victoria’s busiest bar district, is Wind Cries Mary. As you descend into the partially submerged bar and restaurant, you’ll get the feeling of an elegant, big-city cocktail bar. The large, canopied bar is the focal point of the room, and the low light atmosphere provided by flickering candles makes this bar one of the sexiest and most elegant in the city.
Happy hour is from 4 – 5pm, and Early Bird Mondays from 10pm – 1am is the best time to come for inexpensive cocktails. Plus, everyday from 11pm – 1am, Wind Cries Mary is one of the lesser-known spots in town for fried chicken, with a range of menu options under $20 for your late night eats.
Location: 45 Bastion Square
Hours: Everyday from 4pm – 1am
Matadora Tapas
Matadora Tapas is the newest cocktail bar on this list, specializing in authentic Spanish tapas and cocktails. Matadora is located right in the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown, which provides a historic and slightly quieter environment.
Stepping into this small tapa bar, you’ll feel the authentic Spanish experience right away. Many of the ingredients are imported from Spain, and there’s an impressive selection of Spanish wine, beer and vermouth.
The tasting menu for 2 is highly recommended if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the Spanish culture, plus it makes for an excellent date night. Happy hour is from 4 – 5pm, and Sundays are all-day happy hour!
Location: 559 Fisgard St.
Hours:
- Wed – Fri, Sunday: 4 – 9pm
- Sat – Sun: 4 – 10pm
- Mon – Tues: closed
Citrus & Cane
If you’re on the hunt for ambiance, Citrus & Cane might have the best in the city. Located farther up Douglas, occupying an old strip club turned dive bar, Citrus & Cane has completely transformed the space into a tropical tiki-style bar filled with mid-century modern décor, light wood and pastel shades. The vibe is really unmatched.
Tall, creative cocktails fit for the finest of vacations are what’s on the menu. There’s definitely an emphasis on imported rum across the menu, but there’s really something for every set of taste buds. The cocktail list is impressive – be sure to check out ‘Feeling Boujee?’ and ‘Don Draper’s World Tour’.
Location: 1900 Douglas St.
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs, Sun – Mon: 6 – 11pm
- Fri – Sat: 5 – 11pm
- Tuesday: closed
Little Jumbo
Little Jumbo has been a favourite Victoria cocktail bar in restaurant for nearly 10 years, earning countless mentions on local lists. Located down the hall on Lower Fort, Little Jumbo is found by following the pink purple elephant sign.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by an exposed brick wall, a long bar made of old wood, and a sexy, upscale environment that isn’t pretentious. It’s the ideal spot for a romantic date night, but tables are tough to find – luckily, the bar is the best seat in the house.
As one of the pioneers of Victoria’s budding cocktail bar scene, Little Jumbo has trained some of the most talented bartenders in the city and won multiple awards over the years. The menu changes weekly and even daily, but you can always count on high-quality cocktails made with extreme skill.
Location: 506 Fort St. (down the hall)
Hours:
- Tues – Thurs, Sun – Mon: 5 – 10pm
- Fri – Sat: 5 – 11pm
Clive’s Lounge
Clive’s Classic Lounge has a reputation that speaks for itself. Clive’s is Victoria’s highest selection on the Canada’s 100 Best “Best Bars 2024” list, ranked at #15, and has claimed “Canada’s Best International Hotel Bar” 4 different times since 2008.
Located in the bottom of the Chateau Victoria, Clive’s is Victoria’s longest standing cocktail bar, providing unmatched elegance, sophistication, and cocktails. The bar itself is retro, moody and windowless, filled with crystal light fixtures and leather furniture.
There are dozens of delicious cocktails on the menu, including perfected classics, top-shelf liquor, and innovative creations. Happy hour is daily from 5 – 6pm.
Location: 740 Burdett Ave.
Hours:
- Tues – Thurs: 5 – 11pm
- Fri – Sat: 5pm – midnight
- Sun – Mon: closed
Cenote
Located a little further up Yates Street, away from the hustle and bustle of the Lower-Yates bar district, Cenote is found submerged below street level next to the Odeon movie theatre. While Cenote isn’t the fanciest on this list, it’s a discreet local favourite that always has some room. The décor is cozy, the lighting is dim, and a pretty impressive library on one side of the bar makes for a pretty unique environment.
The cocktail list is filled with innovative cocktails under $20, and the food is very high quality – make sure you order something from the always-changing ‘Fresh Sheet’. The first happy hour is from 5 – 7pm, plus stop by after 10pm for $10 shafts and negronis.
Location: 768 Yates St.
Hours:
- Tues – Thurs: 5pm – midnight
- Fri – Sun: 5pm – 1am
- Mon: closed
Humboldt Bar
Humboldt Bar got its name and inspiration from Alexander von Humboldt, the 19th century German naturalist, botanist and explorer. Von Humboldt’s essence is evident throughout the menu and the carefully designed décor, complete with blue velvet car stools, wood paneling, and old artwork.
Located on the bottom floor of the Double Tree Hotel, Humboldt Bar is an intimate one with sophisticated light snacks and a variety of cocktails categorized as ‘Bright & Fresh’, ‘Savoury & Vegetal’, or ‘Bold & Spiced’. The staff here is super knowledgeable, so if you’ve got something in mind, you can count on them to make some magic.
Location: 722 Humboldt St.
Hours:
- Wed – Sat: 6pm – 1am
- Sun: 6pm – midnight
- Mon – Tues: closed
For more on the best of Victoria, check out our website for things to do, places to see, and neighbourhoods to explore. Plus, we’re the best source for real estate information, homeownership, and relocation info.