Bard & Banker
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I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bard and Banker, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. The restaurant is known for its cozy ambiance and delicious menu offerings. While there were some positive aspects that stood out, there were also a couple of areas that could use improvement. One of the highlights of my visit was the attentive and accommodating service provided by the waiter. As I arrived with my dog, they went out of their way to prepare a patio seat with a heater for us, ensuring our comfort throughout the meal. This level of service was much appreciated and added to the overall positive impression of the restaurant. In terms of the food, I found that the dishes were generally well-prepared and not overly salty, which is always a plus. The steak sandwich, in particular, was a standout item on the menu. It was cooked to perfection, tender, and packed with flavor, making it a truly enjoyable choice. However, there were a couple of areas where Bard and Banker fell short. Firstly, there was no mention of a birthday offer or any special acknowledgment for such occasions. While this may seem like a minor detail, many other establishments offer some form of recognition during birthdays, and it would have been a nice touch to see at Bard and Banker. Additionally, I encountered an issue with the oysters I ordered. They had a distinctly fishy taste, indicating a lack of freshness. This was disappointing, as fresh seafood is typically expected at a reputable restaurant. It would be wise for Bard and Banker to implement stricter quality control measures to ensure that all dishes consistently meet their expected standards. In conclusion, Bard and Banker offers a pleasant dining experience overall, with its cozy ambiance, attentive service, and flavorful menu items like the steak sandwich. However, there is room for improvement regarding special occasion recognition and ensuring the freshness of seafood offerings. With some adjustments, Bard and Banker has the potential to become an even more exceptional dining destination.
Rae WongRae Wong
10
Had to find a quick meal before leaving Victoria and since this place was on the walk back to Chinatown from The Empress Hotel I decided to try out their happy hour. Off the happy hour menu I went with the Poutine, Honey Garlic Wings and Mac & Cheese Arancini (turned out to be Lobster Risotto Balls due to a typo on menu). The food in general was just ok, maybe a little uninspired. The best thing was the honey garlic wings which the larger portion size was a good surprise. The poutine I'm pretty sure was overly salted and that's coming from someone who usually tolerates a higher salt level. They brought out the Lobster Risotto Balls and mentioned that the Mac & Cheese Arancini stated on the menu was some type of typo. In hindsight, they should have probably let this be known when I was putting in my order. They were fried nicely and had that subtle lobster flavor, but I really wanted those Mac & Cheese Arancini. I went with the Driftwood IPA since I had one earlier in the day and it's a local beer. A very hoppy local beer just FYI. I think the best part about the place is the aesthetic. It's a very warm, classic/classy vibe with lots of wood and leather booths. It's a sizeable place that is widely spread about two stories. I could see coming here just for a quick drink when I'm back in the area. Service was alright for what it was. It's very easy to spot since it's a larger restaurant so you'll be able to find it. It appears they run daily specials and have live music so the nights might be more busy, but it was pretty slow when I was there for happy hour on a random Thursday. Cheers!
Jeremy CJeremy C
00
Today I visited this fine establishment. I’m actually sitting in it this very moment. It’s a mellow Sunday night, and the atmosphere is very ‘Gangs Of New York,’ which, frankly, is exactly what I’ve been hoping for all weekend long. As you might imagine, I’ve left my 5, 3, and 1-year-olds at home, so I can drink the “grown-up pop” without being constantly nagged to give a sip to the three-year-old. Doesn’t this kid know that home rules don’t apply in public? Anyways, the vibe in here is just right: there’s a private function on the balcony to make it feel like there’s lot going on; the volume on the music is, for once in pub history, reasonable, and when the server just dropped a tray full of dishes a moment ago, just an obligatory Irish holler from a patron, but no further fuss about it. Loving it. Also, full disclosure, I’m drinking what is called a “Creamsicle”, which is Kilkenny and Strongbow, apparently. Because I am eating alone, I can get away with this offence, but how else may I experience the finer things in life, other than sneaking less-than-masculine drinks whilst at bars solo? And the food looks (and tastes) excellent. An unreserved 5 out of 5 stars.
Grayson SmithGrayson Smith
00
The best thing about this place was the friendly staff, and the beautiful building. Super sweet people working the front, as multiple douch bags kept barging their way through the front door, budding in line in front of us saying they just want the bar. It was ridiculous. Rude, entitled douch bags that smelt like cologne and perfume. Made me want to puke. So bloody rude. This place needs a sign that says Please Wait To Be Seated or Wait In The Back Of The Line! Our waitress was super sweet as well, and had some fries on our table quickly as I told her I needed to eat something soon or I'm going to pass out. This was Saturday night maybe around 7pm. The virgin ceasar had way to much worcestershire, wasn't stirred, the fries and dip were great, the fish was a little soggy, and everyone else's food wasn't mind blowing, but ok! It was a fine time once we were seated,(a little hard to communicate with each other, as their was a speaker above our table)but don't feel the need to go back to this place because of the 'Entitled' that go here.
Tiffany CTiffany C
00
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.
Shima SShima S
10
The level of service we received was commendable, contributing positively to our overall experience. What truly sets this establishment apart is its captivating British-inspired ambiance, evoking the nostalgic charm of an old-fashioned bank. The decor, reminiscent of a bygone era, serves as a distinctive selling point that adds character to the atmosphere. While the cocktails offered were enjoyable, there remains potential for enhancing their quality. Although well-prepared, some of the cocktails could be elevated to a higher standard, with the opportunity for more refined flavors and innovative combinations. Despite this, the overall appeal of the establishment, coupled with its unique decor and atmosphere, makes it a noteworthy destination for those seeking a taste of classic element.
Foodie VancouverFoodie Vancouver
10
Nearby Attractions Of Bard & Banker
Royal BC Museum
Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site
Bay Centre Shopping Centre
Miniature World
Victoria Bug Zoo
Inn at Laurel Point
Market Square
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
Munro's Books
IMAX Victoria
Royal BC Museum
4.5
(4.2K)Click for details
Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site
4.3
(2.4K)Click for details
Bay Centre Shopping Centre
4.0
(2.2K)Click for details
Miniature World
4.6
(1.4K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Bard & Banker
Red Fish Blue Fish
Irish Times Pub
Pagliacci's
II Terrazzo
John's Place Restaurant
Tacofino Victoria
Frankie's Modern Diner
Jam Cafe
LOCAL Pizza
Blue Fox Cafe
Red Fish Blue Fish
4.6
(2.4K)Click for details
Irish Times Pub
4.5
(2.2K)Click for details
Pagliacci's
4.4
(2.1K)Click for details
II Terrazzo
4.7
(1.9K)$$$
Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
1022 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7, Canada
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Phone
+1 250-953-9993
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Website
bardandbanker.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(2.3K reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
Description
Classic pub serving draft beers, handcrafted cocktails & locally sourced cuisine, plus live music.
attractions: Royal BC Museum, Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site, Bay Centre Shopping Centre, Miniature World, Victoria Bug Zoo, Inn at Laurel Point, Market Square, Victoria Public Market at the Hudson, Munro's Books, IMAX Victoria, restaurants: Red Fish Blue Fish, Irish Times Pub, Pagliacci's, II Terrazzo, John's Place Restaurant, Tacofino Victoria, Frankie's Modern Diner, Jam Cafe, LOCAL Pizza, Blue Fox Cafe
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