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This is an adults' only lounge with a wide menu of alcoholic drinks and a few food options to go with them. Our server was absolutely brilliant! I wish I had gotten her name, but she had a couple nose piercings and straight light brown hair. Her drink recommendations based on the little information we gave her blew us away, and it absolutely made me want to return the next time we're in town.
Local Favorite Tiki Cocktail destination Location: In the lobby of Chateau Victoria, we found a fun cocktail and bar food with faux fireplaces. The lounge creates a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. We were on a cruise, we stopped over in Victoria, Canada for a few hours during our summer vacation. After so much food on the cruise, we searched for a good option for food and cocktails in Victoria. Cocktails: We looked immediately at the Tiki Cocktail menu. We ordered the Little Tramp for $16. All the Tiki drinks can be ordered individually, or for two. It is made with rum, apricot liqueur, scotch, sloe gin, lime juice, and white chocolate syrup. This drink was solid and it came with a fun pink umbrella. We also ordered Jungle Bird for $15. This one is made with rum, campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. This one was fruity and strong as well. For the Bold & Pure cocktail section, we ordered the Solitude for $14, made with Suntory toki whisky, kirsch cherry liqueur, cinnamon-pear dark balsamic, honey, aloe juice, and cardamom bitters. This was a solid strong drink. We like egg white drinks so we ordered Courtyard Fizz for $14. It is made with taboo absinthe, crème de cacao, lime juice, soda, egg white, and mint. This one was the only miss of all three. Food: For the "bar food", we ordered Clive's Poutine, The Classic for $10.25 and a House Made Angus Beef Slider for $3.50. The classic Poutine comes with house-made chicken gravy. They use local cheese curds, and it was tasty. The slider was an okay size but we only shared one. Overall: The location was filled with locals and tourists so it definitely keeps people coming back for more. Thanks for the warm atmosphere on our short stay.
This spot is located inside Chateau Victoria. The lounge was much more spacious than I thought it would be, with lots of seating. It seems like a popular spot for travelers and locals alike. We started off with cocktails. I ordered Little Tramp off the Tiki Cocktail menu. It came a fun Tiki container with mini umbrella. It was a strong, solid drink. Fun drink for a fun night out! My hubby also ordered from Tiki Cocktail, Jungle Bird. This one didn't come in a fun container, which was disappointing... I guess not all Tiki drinks are served in the fun cup. This one was strong too, flavorful and more fruity which I liked. For snacks, we wanted some kind of good "bar food" with the drinks, so we went with Clive's Poutine and House Made Angus Beef Slider to share. I somehow was expecting two or three sliders per order, but then they brought out just one... Well, I should have guessed with the low price tag, and it does say "slider" and not "sliders." They were both good, tasty and exactly the kind of bar food we wanted. We added cocktail orders, Solitude and Courtyard Fizz. Solitude was a real adult drink, strong and relaxing. Courtyard Fizz was not so great. First of all, the egg white was not whipped well, so it was disappearing by the seconds. The flavor of the drink was not that great either. It didn't really have any kind of noticeable taste, and it was not strong... Our server was really nice and friendly, she was very informative and took a good care of us. We had a nice evening drinks with good food. One of the drinks was not that great, but we liked the other orders. The poutine was really tasty, a great accompaniment to alcoholic beverages. I am glad we found a nice spot here in Victoria!
We were staying at the Chateau Victoria for our anniversary trip and Clive's is known for their drinks. My husband isn't a big drinker but we saw such high reviews about it as a whole, we thought we'd try it out. Our good friends wanted to take us out, so we suggested we try this place from Yelp reviews. That's where it goes downhill We had a nice waiter who you could feel, felt awkward. He asked 'are you here for a meal or drinks' We said we're here for dinner and he sat us in a quiet corner, away from the main bar. Our view was of a big stuffed fish! We were excited to see a lot of yummy options from the menu and fantastic cocktails and draught beer selections. I asked for a couple tasters from the beers on tap and my friend got the ginger beer cocktail. I really liked the English beer I chose, but my friends $14 ginger cocktail was small and full of ice. Once we asked for our menu items, honey chipotle chicken wings, calamari with garlic aioli, tuna tacos, blue cheese tater tots and the free house chips. My wings were covered in a powder...and the first bite...it was like someone had blow torched them? It tasted like propane with hot spicy powder. I think I inhaled the first one a bit too quick and the powder went down my throat, and it burned. Ruined everything for me and I asked to take them back. When I did that, the waiter informed us that they were having a bad day, something had happened in the kitchen and they weren't able to provide the service they normally offer. Granted....we totally understand those times! But he also totally forgot our dessert order of a Tirimisu and just handed us the bill. The other food was also bland, (tuna tacos had tuna, lettuce and tartar sauce)....except for the calamari! Which I was so thankful for! The waiter specifically said to us....reach out to me tomorrow and I'll make this up to you. So we did, I phoned from our room and said the story of what happened and if the waiter could bring the Tirimisu Dessert that we had ordered, that would be so appreciated. Sadly.....nothing. We had to leave a message and never heard anything. All in all....we were staying at the hotel for a couple days but decided we'd never return to Clives.
When asking around (and searching Yelp) for good craft cocktails in Victoria BC, the sentiment was near unanimous: "Go to Clive's. Go directly to Clive's. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Spend it on cocktails at Clive's instead." And I did. All of it. Well, okay. That's not completely true. In the 3 visits to Clyde's over a 3 day period I can say that I probably spent more than just $200. Yes, Clive's makes some amazing cocktails. In fact, the Bartenders at Clive's could hold their own against some of the top dogs on the west coast if not all over. I'd venture to say that these guys are on par with the likes of Teardrop, Rickhouse, Clyde Common, Tavern Law, etc... the list goes on. And you know what? These guys know it. This bar may be in Canada but the bartenders are as confident as many of the alpha-male cocktologists I've met at various cocktail comps, conventions and bars. If your swag was that strong, wouldn't you be? That said, these guys are plenty friendly too. They offer an old-school class of service that should be accompanied by a red tuxedo blazer or a white collared shirt with suspenders and a handlebar mustache. Even in the midst of a crazy rush these guys turn out delicious, perfectly-balanced cocktails like a machine and still find the time to direct a staff of cocktail waitresses who seem barely able to keep up. I had the very distinct pleasure of sampling a wide array of cocktails from the menu - mostly bartender creations - as well as some dealer's choice drinks. All of them were top-notch. Stand-outs include the Southern Belle (Bulleit Bourbon & Amaretto, with a dash of house cherry tincture & peach bitters), Classic Brooklyn, Toronto, Usual Suspects (Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Punt e Mes, Giffard Grapefruit & Bitter Truth Xocolat Bitters), Old Switcharoo (Bulleit Bourbon, Calvados, Maraschino with Extinct Chemical Co. Acid Phosphate and Clive's Switchel) and Hanky Panky. One sip of the menu drinks and I knew I could feel safe asking for a dealer's choice. Never did a drink fail me. And in the $10-$12 range for most drinks, I didn't feel like I was paying much more than I would in Portland. The food here is pretty decent as well. I sampled some of the small plate bar bites and was decently satisfied. But honestly, the food here plays second, or even third-fiddle to the drinks. The space is not quite my style. I'm a bit more of a fan of the throwback style that graces most craft-cocktail lounges - dark wood, edison lights, brick, leather, etc. Clive's has more of that upscale hotel bar feel to it (and don't get me wrong, that's what it is). But the drinks transcend this. I'm thankful that this bar exists in Victoria. Especially since most of the other bars in the area seemed to be douche-y or touristy. Clives offers honst cocktails and beyond that, cocktails that I'd be happy to drink even across from the top-notch juice I get in PDX.
Loved it! Made a perfect Old Fashioned for my husband and I enjoyed 2 fantastic Tiki Drinks. Beautifully garnished...great snacks (really liked the Brussels sprouts and pork belly!) Service was friendly and pleasant. Decor was attractive and comfortable. Price was fair for the product received. We will certainly go back.
What a fun experience. When we walked in for a nightcap on Christmas night the place was packed except for a couple seats at the fireplace. Sitting there was Vince, the day cook who just had just been worked by a what was a very busy Christmas shift in the kitchen for him. He was a riot. He guided us to a couple good cocktails and made us feel right at home. They obviously take great pride in their spirit selection, including the 15 year Pappy. Usually saved for a special occasion, but isn't Christmas exactly that? After chatting with Vince for a while we moved to the bar and the bartender was equally as friendly. He made a great Old Fashioned. A hidden gem we will be back on our next visit to Victoria!
A server at another spot recommended this place as being one of the top whiskey cocktail places to check out in dt Victoria. She was not wrong, the drinks are top notch! Loved the Empress Gin and tonic! You literally can't have a regular G&T after having one here. Tons of amazing cocktails to choose from and a swanky, chill vibe. Can't wait to go back :)
We came by this evening as we had read about the remodel/menu revamp that was celebrated a few days ago. As we walked in we were greeted and invited to have a seat anywhere that we would like. Knowing that we would have questions about the signature drinks and being able to see what was being made for others, we chose a couple of empty seats at the bar. There is something for everybody on the cocktail menu and if you have an allergy, such as to grains, describe the flavor/characteristic you are looking for and a cocktail will be custom-made for you. Jayce and Katie were phenomenal and they have incredible abilities to create wonderful libations. We enjoyed the cocktails and atmosphere enough that we went back a second time during our stay in Victoria.
The bartender here has a lot of pride in their selection of spirits and rightfully so. Whether you're a whiskey, scotch or gin drinker, you're likely to find a pretty substantial list of spirits that are excellent finds. They can customize the flights based on your preferences and are willing to share their vast knowledge and provide recommendations. The food was pretty good, but not as outstanding as the bar.
TL;DR: A worthwhile cocktail bar with the right mood and solid execution. Setting your expectations correctly is key here. Drinks: We had four cocktails between the two of us. All were good and well made, but a couple felt slightly out of balance, keeping them from hitting the excellent tier. Service: Attentive, professional, and engaged. The bartender knew what they were doing and kept things moving smoothly. Vibe: Dark, old-school, and moody in the best way. You quickly forget you're in a hotel once inside. Comfortable and easy to settle into. What could be better: Tighter balance and consistency in the cocktails. A small refinement would make a noticeable difference here. read more
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Ali T.
Hi Julian, Really appreciate the great review. Glad you enjoyed the…
9 months ago
A cozy cocktail bar with great drinks and appetizers. The service was outstanding. We enjoyed the Spanish Croquettes with a Cottage and a Negroni. read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
This is an adults' only lounge with a wide menu of alcoholic drinks and a few food options to go with them. Our server was absolutely brilliant! I wish I had gotten her name, but she had a couple nose piercings and straight light brown hair. Her drink recommendations based on the little information we gave her blew us away, and it absolutely made me want to return the next time we're in town. read more
Local Favorite Tiki Cocktail destination Location: In the lobby of Chateau Victoria, we found a fun cocktail and bar food with faux fireplaces. The lounge creates a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. We were on a cruise, we stopped over in Victoria, Canada for a few hours during our summer vacation. After so much food on the cruise, we searched for a good option for food and cocktails in Victoria. Cocktails: We looked immediately at the Tiki Cocktail menu. We ordered the Little Tramp for $16. All the Tiki drinks can be ordered individually, or for two. It is made with rum, apricot liqueur, scotch, sloe gin, lime juice, and white chocolate syrup. This drink was solid and it came with a fun pink umbrella. We also ordered Jungle Bird for $15. This one is made with rum, campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. This one was fruity and strong as well. For the Bold & Pure cocktail section, we ordered the Solitude for $14, made with Suntory toki whisky, kirsch cherry liqueur, cinnamon-pear dark balsamic, honey, aloe juice, and cardamom bitters. This was a solid strong drink. We like egg white drinks so we ordered Courtyard Fizz for $14. It is made with taboo absinthe, crème de cacao, lime juice, soda, egg white, and mint. This one was the only miss of all three. Food: For the "bar food", we ordered Clive's Poutine, The Classic for $10.25 and a House Made Angus Beef Slider for $3.50. The classic Poutine comes with house-made chicken gravy. They use local cheese curds, and it was tasty. The slider was an okay size but we only shared one. Overall: The location was filled with locals and tourists so it definitely keeps people coming back for more. Thanks for the warm atmosphere on our short stay. read more
This spot is located inside Chateau Victoria. The lounge was much more spacious than I thought it would be, with lots of seating. It seems like a popular spot for travelers and locals alike. We started off with cocktails. I ordered Little Tramp off the Tiki Cocktail menu. It came a fun Tiki container with mini umbrella. It was a strong, solid drink. Fun drink for a fun night out! My hubby also ordered from Tiki Cocktail, Jungle Bird. This one didn't come in a fun container, which was disappointing... I guess not all Tiki drinks are served in the fun cup. This one was strong too, flavorful and more fruity which I liked. For snacks, we wanted some kind of good "bar food" with the drinks, so we went with Clive's Poutine and House Made Angus Beef Slider to share. I somehow was expecting two or three sliders per order, but then they brought out just one... Well, I should have guessed with the low price tag, and it does say "slider" and not "sliders." They were both good, tasty and exactly the kind of bar food we wanted. We added cocktail orders, Solitude and Courtyard Fizz. Solitude was a real adult drink, strong and relaxing. Courtyard Fizz was not so great. First of all, the egg white was not whipped well, so it was disappearing by the seconds. The flavor of the drink was not that great either. It didn't really have any kind of noticeable taste, and it was not strong... Our server was really nice and friendly, she was very informative and took a good care of us. We had a nice evening drinks with good food. One of the drinks was not that great, but we liked the other orders. The poutine was really tasty, a great accompaniment to alcoholic beverages. I am glad we found a nice spot here in Victoria! read more
7 years ago
We were staying at the Chateau Victoria for our anniversary trip and Clive's is known for their drinks. My husband isn't a big drinker but we saw such high reviews about it as a whole, we thought we'd try it out. Our good friends wanted to take us out, so we suggested we try this place from Yelp reviews. That's where it goes downhill We had a nice waiter who you could feel, felt awkward. He asked 'are you here for a meal or drinks' We said we're here for dinner and he sat us in a quiet corner, away from the main bar. Our view was of a big stuffed fish! We were excited to see a lot of yummy options from the menu and fantastic cocktails and draught beer selections. I asked for a couple tasters from the beers on tap and my friend got the ginger beer cocktail. I really liked the English beer I chose, but my friends $14 ginger cocktail was small and full of ice. Once we asked for our menu items, honey chipotle chicken wings, calamari with garlic aioli, tuna tacos, blue cheese tater tots and the free house chips. My wings were covered in a powder...and the first bite...it was like someone had blow torched them? It tasted like propane with hot spicy powder. I think I inhaled the first one a bit too quick and the powder went down my throat, and it burned. Ruined everything for me and I asked to take them back. When I did that, the waiter informed us that they were having a bad day, something had happened in the kitchen and they weren't able to provide the service they normally offer. Granted....we totally understand those times! But he also totally forgot our dessert order of a Tirimisu and just handed us the bill. The other food was also bland, (tuna tacos had tuna, lettuce and tartar sauce)....except for the calamari! Which I was so thankful for! The waiter specifically said to us....reach out to me tomorrow and I'll make this up to you. So we did, I phoned from our room and said the story of what happened and if the waiter could bring the Tirimisu Dessert that we had ordered, that would be so appreciated. Sadly.....nothing. We had to leave a message and never heard anything. All in all....we were staying at the hotel for a couple days but decided we'd never return to Clives. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
When asking around (and searching Yelp) for good craft cocktails in Victoria BC, the sentiment was near unanimous: "Go to Clive's. Go directly to Clive's. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Spend it on cocktails at Clive's instead." And I did. All of it. Well, okay. That's not completely true. In the 3 visits to Clyde's over a 3 day period I can say that I probably spent more than just $200. Yes, Clive's makes some amazing cocktails. In fact, the Bartenders at Clive's could hold their own against some of the top dogs on the west coast if not all over. I'd venture to say that these guys are on par with the likes of Teardrop, Rickhouse, Clyde Common, Tavern Law, etc... the list goes on. And you know what? These guys know it. This bar may be in Canada but the bartenders are as confident as many of the alpha-male cocktologists I've met at various cocktail comps, conventions and bars. If your swag was that strong, wouldn't you be? That said, these guys are plenty friendly too. They offer an old-school class of service that should be accompanied by a red tuxedo blazer or a white collared shirt with suspenders and a handlebar mustache. Even in the midst of a crazy rush these guys turn out delicious, perfectly-balanced cocktails like a machine and still find the time to direct a staff of cocktail waitresses who seem barely able to keep up. I had the very distinct pleasure of sampling a wide array of cocktails from the menu - mostly bartender creations - as well as some dealer's choice drinks. All of them were top-notch. Stand-outs include the Southern Belle (Bulleit Bourbon & Amaretto, with a dash of house cherry tincture & peach bitters), Classic Brooklyn, Toronto, Usual Suspects (Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Punt e Mes, Giffard Grapefruit & Bitter Truth Xocolat Bitters), Old Switcharoo (Bulleit Bourbon, Calvados, Maraschino with Extinct Chemical Co. Acid Phosphate and Clive's Switchel) and Hanky Panky. One sip of the menu drinks and I knew I could feel safe asking for a dealer's choice. Never did a drink fail me. And in the $10-$12 range for most drinks, I didn't feel like I was paying much more than I would in Portland. The food here is pretty decent as well. I sampled some of the small plate bar bites and was decently satisfied. But honestly, the food here plays second, or even third-fiddle to the drinks. The space is not quite my style. I'm a bit more of a fan of the throwback style that graces most craft-cocktail lounges - dark wood, edison lights, brick, leather, etc. Clive's has more of that upscale hotel bar feel to it (and don't get me wrong, that's what it is). But the drinks transcend this. I'm thankful that this bar exists in Victoria. Especially since most of the other bars in the area seemed to be douche-y or touristy. Clives offers honst cocktails and beyond that, cocktails that I'd be happy to drink even across from the top-notch juice I get in PDX. read more
9 years ago
Loved it! Made a perfect Old Fashioned for my husband and I enjoyed 2 fantastic Tiki Drinks. Beautifully garnished...great snacks (really liked the Brussels sprouts and pork belly!) Service was friendly and pleasant. Decor was attractive and comfortable. Price was fair for the product received. We will certainly go back. read more
What a fun experience. When we walked in for a nightcap on Christmas night the place was packed except for a couple seats at the fireplace. Sitting there was Vince, the day cook who just had just been worked by a what was a very busy Christmas shift in the kitchen for him. He was a riot. He guided us to a couple good cocktails and made us feel right at home. They obviously take great pride in their spirit selection, including the 15 year Pappy. Usually saved for a special occasion, but isn't Christmas exactly that? After chatting with Vince for a while we moved to the bar and the bartender was equally as friendly. He made a great Old Fashioned. A hidden gem we will be back on our next visit to Victoria! read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
A server at another spot recommended this place as being one of the top whiskey cocktail places to check out in dt Victoria. She was not wrong, the drinks are top notch! Loved the Empress Gin and tonic! You literally can't have a regular G&T after having one here. Tons of amazing cocktails to choose from and a swanky, chill vibe. Can't wait to go back :) read more
12 years ago
We came by this evening as we had read about the remodel/menu revamp that was celebrated a few days ago. As we walked in we were greeted and invited to have a seat anywhere that we would like. Knowing that we would have questions about the signature drinks and being able to see what was being made for others, we chose a couple of empty seats at the bar. There is something for everybody on the cocktail menu and if you have an allergy, such as to grains, describe the flavor/characteristic you are looking for and a cocktail will be custom-made for you. Jayce and Katie were phenomenal and they have incredible abilities to create wonderful libations. We enjoyed the cocktails and atmosphere enough that we went back a second time during our stay in Victoria. read more
The bartender here has a lot of pride in their selection of spirits and rightfully so. Whether you're a whiskey, scotch or gin drinker, you're likely to find a pretty substantial list of spirits that are excellent finds. They can customize the flights based on your preferences and are willing to share their vast knowledge and provide recommendations. The food was pretty good, but not as outstanding as the bar. read more
This review is only for cocktails. We stayed at Chateau Victoria and Clive's is on the first floor to the left of the registration desk. But don't be fooled, this is no regular hotel bar...As the name suggests Clive's is definitely a classy bar with modern, upscale decor. The menu has 12 pages worth of unique cocktails organized by types of liquor including many international ones...sooo many to choose from! There is something for everyone and everything our group ordered was delicious. They have a wonderful staff to who can give you recommendations if you don't know where to begin. So many different bitters! I posted some photos but I'm going to have to update this review with the names of the drinks. This place is a must try if you're visiting Victoria! read more
8 years ago
6 years ago
9 years ago
4 years ago
9 years ago
7 years ago
Intimate and romantic is this hotel lounge (which also happens to be at the Chateau Victoria, the one I stayed at). This lounge is the only reason I would step back into this hotel. I usually stay away from hotel lounges but I think the hotel was built around this lounge and not the other way around. We had spent the whole day walking and shopping and looking and all those touristy type things. The streets of Victoria at this point were starting to remind me a little of the Las Vegas strip.. I was ready to sit down with my sweetie and have me a cold one.. and not a beer. The server handed us these drink menus and I just could not decide which incredible concoction I wanted. I love my gin martinis and usually am quite satisfied with that choice. However I just could not miss out on having one of their cocktails.. I was so confused though and I told her what I usually drink. I asked her if I decided to go with this one would I miss my martini. Nope - and she was so right on. The drink I had was actually poured over a ball of ice. (I would love that in my martinis!). It really was pretty amazing and I have pictures to prove it. Doug wanted to try absinthe and they had so many options for them. Again the server recommended a particular type of absinthe and Doug was so on it. We got into a conversation about prohibition and absinthe history with the bartender after that.. something more in those drinks is all I can say. I really loved their drink menu heading though the best - Libations and Spirit Guide. Indeed their drinks are heavenly. read more
What a cocktail lounge! Their 12 page menu has so many options that if you cannot find something to drink here, you have no hope. This is a beautiful classic bar that has some amazing drinks! We had a party of six and found an amazing couch in the corner that was dimly lit. There is tons of space for walk ins here, so it is good for an after dinner drink. We really enjoyed ourselves! The music makes the atmosphere perfect, with good oldies that move you in your seat. They also know how to serve a drink with the right glasses, ice cubes and every single tiny detail is right which is important to those of us who are a little obsessive :) They have every alcohol you can think of, but their wine selection isn't the best. Though I am a wine drinker, I explain to our server what I liked and she came back with a drink that I loved! My husband had the 23 year Ron Zacapa and our friends had the old fashioned and the seasonal drink with cloves in it (can't remember the name). Food smelled amazing but didn't actually eat any, but would love to try the pasta! They have a lot of achievements, see my pictures for details. read more
16 years ago
13 years ago
13 years ago
Only had time for a quick one, had to catch the tour bus! The Saskatoon Julep was perfect - royally packed into a rocks glass with pelletized ice - I had to slow down and savor this one! Man, if only I could stop time ... I'd stay forever read more
16 years ago
7 years ago
13 years ago
If you're looking for a nice haunt to grab a cocktail in Victoria, Clive's is a nice spot. Granted I've only tasted a few, their bartenders offer a number of interesting signature drinks that satisfied my craving. Otherwise, I would describe it as hotel lobby bar meets speakeasy. And fret not, as with most places in the city, the place doesn't take itself too seriously. You just have to check out its painting of Clive on the wall near the bar. Cheers! read more
10 years ago
We were told to check this place for their unique drinks and we were not let down. This place was wonderful and we would go back in a heartbeat. Our waiter George was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make our evening enjoyable. read more
14 years ago
9 years ago
This place was awesome! Great signature drinks, ambience was quaint, prices were decent. Definitely some place to at least start your night. read more
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