Browns Socialhouse Uptown — Restaurant in Saanich

We live nearby, so decided to check the place out with some neighbours. Unfortunately, we won't be going back. Don't get me wrong, the service was great and the food was alright, but our issue was that my partner has a severe allergy to nuts. When he informed our server about it, she was absolutely wonderful and checked with the kitchen to see what he could have. Unfortunately, the only item that was safe was tacos. He couldn't even have a side of fries because they had deep-fried nuts the night before and hadn't cleaned out the fryer yet. While we commend Browns for being so on top of allergies as they are a serious, and sometimes fatal, issue, having only one item safe to consume is a bit ridiculous. My partner went on to their Facebook page and left a review stating his displeasure with the selection he was offered which Browns responded to basically stating that they know allergies are serious. When I commented on it stating their response wasn't the best, they proceeded to just delete the review. Honestly, I would have been willing to go there again with friends for drinks on the patio, but the fact that they chose to just ignore the issue and delete the review screams terrible management to me and I won't support a business like that. When a concern is brought up, especially when you're a new establishment in the area, management should do their best to address the issue and see if it's all possible for changes to be made. Not to brush it all under the rug and pretend it didn't happen. In short, nice atmosphere, good service, lackluster management....

My friends and I go to browns a lot. There's this one male bartender with a mustache who is great.

The reason for my poor rating is due to my latest visit. No cutlery/ napkins was ever provided even after my friend and I ordered food. We took those from a table next to our table. Our blonde waitress who was training a Burnette waitress was fairly poor at her service. She intentionally left my drink behind because we ordered shots. One round of shots were unequal and half/ less than half filled. My friend got to enjoy his beer while I stared out the window for 15min. When she did bring my drink, she spilt it on me. The start of this service was not good. Granted, it was busy and I think the blonde was training the burnette, but at least the the burnette waitress attempted to clear some finished dishware when it arose. The blonde waitress would take an order right next to our table and not even look at us. It was not busy anymore. She cleared my empty drink and did not bother to offer me another. I never saw her after that as I went straight to the bartender. The burnette handled our checkout but there was no acknowledgement on the inconsistent service. At the end, she asked if I needed change for my payment and I responded yes. I was given my change by someone I never saw the whole night..it's okay to make mistakes. I'm a big believer on how we handle such situations after the fact. Generally, I always recommend browns but I was surprised of my treatment earlier tonight. They have...

Took nine people for dinner here recently and we sat at two tables as the max is 6 / table. When I review chain restaurants I find myself always comparing one to the other as they are very much similar in target customers and marketing efforts. They all produce a balanced selection west coast menu with fresh ingredients, a hipster decor, and rather attractive people. With Earl's, Cactus Club, and Moxie's all chasing the same market most people have been to one of these restaurants as they dominate Victoria as they do Vancouver. So when I say the experience this time was just OK it doesn't necessarily mean bad. Food was OK and service was just Ok. The portions at Browns are slightly smaller than the other chains with prices being the same. Nothing is unique to Browns in many ways that the other chains do a little bit better. We ate burgers soups and meal salads. Service at Browns is a step down from Earls and Cactus Club is terms of friendliness and enthusiasm. Combine that with food that is smaller and slightly worse than the other chains it begs the question of going back, all things being equal. Again, overall not a bad experience but...