McRae's Restaurant Ltd — Restaurant in Saanich

Honestly, this pub was a pretty sad state of affairs. The decor is a cross between a faux hunting lodge slapped together with a ramshackle diner that was bought by a medium scale restaurant chain that threw a couple bad shades of paint on the walls. But the food was what crushed this place. In other reviews I place simple emphasis on "a restaurant can be judged on the quality of it's burger", just like a bartender can be evaluated by their Old Fashioned. If a food purveyor cannot offer a simple burger that is tasty to some degree, the rest of the menu is usually not worth sampling. I can confidently say, this was the worst burger I have (mostly) eaten in the past decade. I was worried when I read it on the menu but I hoped they would surprise me. I was surprised but in a saddening way. The party tasted frozen and bought in. It was so far past well done (medium rare is ideal, even though chefs aren't supposed to cook it to that temperature in BC) but this was like boot leather. The ingredients were bland, uninspiring and even fast food (which I will not eat) has a leg up on this abomination. Even the bacon add on was $2.50 which was an additional 15% of the cost. Someone's marketing strategy here is askew at best. I wanted to give the server points because she was polite and let my guest and I have the space we desired but come payment, a server assistant took my cash and didn't give me any change to leave a proper tip (just a big bill). Fortunately I still had smaller denominations in my wallet. As someone who has worked in hospitality for a decade, you should never have to make the customer have to work to give you a bigger tip. I would never go back here again or recommend this...

A Disheartening Transformation

Having been a devoted patron of McRae’s Restaurant since its humble beginnings during the soft opening in 2010, I find myself utterly disheartened by the dramatic decline it has undergone, particularly since the pandemic and the recent changes in ownership. McRae’s, once a vibrant hub that brought together UVic students, families, and locals, has transformed into a mere shadow of its former self.

Gone are the days when the restaurant resonated with the lively chatter of the community, the tunes of live music, and the shared enthusiasm for sports teams. The sense of camaraderie that once permeated the atmosphere has dissipated, leaving behind an eerie silence.

The most disappointing change is evident in the food. What was once a culinary delight, showcasing the expertise of skilled chefs, now lacks the flavor and finesse that defined McRae’s menu. The dishes seem uninspired and poorly executed, a far cry from the delectable offerings of the past.

As a long-time customer who cherished the sense of belonging McRae’s provided, it pains me to witness its current state. The restaurant’s decline serves as a stark reminder of the impact that changes in management can have on a cherished community establishment. I can only hope that McRae’s will rediscover its former glory, embracing the essence that once made it a beloved gathering place for everyone in the...

A friend took me to McRae's for the first time and I was a little disappointed with the food I received. Granted, the restaurant was quaint. To start, my friend and I shared the hummus that was in the 'share plates' section and it was delicious. The naan bread/pita tasted super good with the hummus and the carrots was crispy and fresh. We weren't super hungry so we got a grilled cheese and the mac and cheese off of the happy hour menu. Can't go wrong with the grilled cheese, nice and crispy. The mac and cheese on the other hand, it was really disappointing. The cheese sauce they used made the whole thing super unappetizing, also the cold cheese and breadcrumbs on top just made it worse. Also it was lukewarm, it did not taste fresh at all. The service was alright, there was a lack of eye contact...