It's 3pm on a Friday and we know you're looking for the deals. Victoria is a city of foodies and craft beer lovers, so we've narrowed down the best spots for a post-work (or late-afternoon-meeting) pint that saves you some dollars.
Words: Rae Porter
Veneto
Spring saw Veneto open its doors, refreshed, renewed and ready to welcome new and old clientele alike. Sky high ceilings and an abundance of natural light lend a clearer distinction between dining and bar spaces and set the scene for leisurely drinks. Veneto’s ‘unwinder’ hour encourages just that. Running weekdays from 3 to 5 pm and featuring $5 draught with outstanding half price dishes; such as pork belly and pan seared chili-basil scallops and thai coconut curry moules et frites, you can really elevate your appie hour. Perfect for the discerning after work crowd.
Photo by: Scout Magazine
Superbaba
At Do250, we’re fans of falafel and total suckers for a good shwarma. And we like ‘em even more when we can wash it all down with something cold and cheap. Superbaba serves up a lengthy 3 hour happy hour running 6 days a week, with beers ringing in at $3.50 and cider at $5. Also up for grabs is the Superbaba Sampler; hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, pickles and fresh baked pita piled high for $13. Fresh eats and cold drinks = job done.
The Breakwater Tasting Room
With one of the best patios in the city boasting one of the best views; The Tasting Room is a definite addition to Victoria’s food and drink scene. But it’s not just about the view. Their innovative menu is bursting with fresh, local, and largely foraged, fare. Try the Chef’s Charcuterie Board, piled high with meats made in house and BC’s finest cheese, as you sip upon a glass of something crisp. Happy hour runs 4 - 5 pm daily but, I promise you, you’ll be lingering long into the evening.
Pluto's
The laid back, kitschy, quirky charm of Pluto’s remind us all that happy hours are supposed to be, well, happy. Celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year, any given week at Pluto’s features All-You-Can eat nights for spaghetti, tacos and wings respectively. Straight up though, we’re here for the happy hours. From 8pm every night it’s $3.50 for a sleeve of local draught with double hi-balls coming in at $5.50. Grab your buds, order breakfast along with your beer, and take the time to read up on the facts about space that fill each booth (who says you can’t learn while you drink?!).
The Beagle
Carry on down Cook Street and let’s line up one of those low key evenings. You know, the kind where you’re “just going out for one”. The Beagle Pub in Cook Street Village is a firm local favourite, often filling up fast over sunny weekends. Yet head down later in the evening and you’ll be sure to snag a stool. Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to the grand tradition of a ‘proper pub night’ The Beagle sure knows what it’s doing. With all 20 oz pints of BC craft beer on for $5 after 9 pm, and the choice varied; all you need is a table of friends and the good times will keep on flowing ‘til close.
Where is your favourite spot for happy hour? Let us know at [email protected]!
