Humboldt Bar — Restaurant in Victoria

What a fabulous addition to the cocktail/culinary world of Victoria! I’ve travelled the world and enjoyed libations at some of the best but this place rivals them all. First off, the room is stunning. The designer really worked with the old world charm of the venue keeping it cozy yet hip. (The lights on each table are outstanding…) Within minutes of seating, our server Kyle effortlessly and passionately walked my friend and I through Humboldt’s extremely creative menu after which we ended up trying 4 beverages - each one totally different from all the others.

The ingredients used are obviously extremely well-researched and of utmost freshness and the presentation is beautiful (stunning glasswear!). But the gift of it all really is in the balance - which was absolute perfection in every concoction. (I think I shed a tear with every sip…) If that wasn’t enough, mixologist Katie (top ranked in our nation!) took the time to visit our table and generously share a heap of suggestions for similar bars for an upcoming trip to Toronto. Well above and beyond…

As far as the food goes, we opted for a simple charcuterie plate and a wonderful fresh carrot and hummus dish. Both were delicious - the only holdback from a 5 star rating being that the cheese was not tempered. (I’m not that snobby - we still happily scarfed it all back…)

I absolutely love everything about this place and can’t wait to visit again. Way to go, you...

Humboldt Bar is the kind of cocktail bar this city deserves. Every part of the experience has been thoughtfully and beautifully curated. From the menus, to the drinks, to the room, the team at Humboldt have woven history, science, and nature into every part of the guest experience. The glassware is beautiful and unique. The room is comfortable, with hints of both "old world" and modern design. It is the perfect moody location for cold, damp Victoria winters. The menu is unlike anything this city has ever seen before—art paired beautifully with ingredients, descriptions, and a helpful, historical meter that has been adapted to help guests understand the drinks they're ordering. The passion, knowledge, and hospitality from this team is felt in every part of the experience. Perfect for a drink before dinner, an intimate evening conversation, or a late night stop. Drinks range from an impressive selection of sparkling wine to custom cocktails to Coors beer. There's something for everyone! Can't...

So happy to have stumbled upon this hidden gem, tucked in by the Double Tree and Bartholomew's, a bar with a cool, cozy atmosphere, inventive cocktails, and gifted mixologists with a real curiosity and zeal for making aesthetic and delicious drinks. Enjoyed the fried olives that paired well with our drinks, and they offered other small plates that looked interesting. The cocktails are the stars of the show and some are quite beautiful like the oceanic blue Cyanometer. We also tried Theory of Colours, Life in The Woods, Concentrated Sunbeams, and Diamond of Urals and also some Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year Peated Scotch, which was surprisingly good. Would be coming here regularly if we lived...