Extremely dirty bathroom, can't be up to code. Open mike, unorganized, no sign up sheet, started…read moretoo late. Great idea, but make a few improvements.

Under new management. Brian and great staff deliver superior customer service in this small bar…read morein the heart of Nanaimo. Lovely place to rest and enjoy a beverage. No food sold yet but you can bring in your own or order from a great kiosk a couple doors down. Give them a try - you won't be disappointed.

Could not be happier that the Arbutus Lounge exists (and the distillery) in our town. This place…read morerivals the best quality cocktails I've had in major cities, and when you factor in the INCREDIBLY low price, it truly can't be beat. From the classic martini to the weird and wonderful Where the Wild Things Are, and everything in between, the drink list is unique and exciting with something for everyone. The mixologists are amazing, and they even have board games and snacks available. They also do a happy hour, but I can never get there in time so can't speak to it. By far the best kept secret in Nanaimo!

Just discovered this place! Awesome craft cocktails from a serious mixologist. Never even knew this…read moreplace was here, as it's kinda hiding out of sight on a bit of an industrial park road. Nice cozy eclectic atmosphere with herbs and flowers drying all around. The cocktail menu is lengthy and def has something for everyone. Each drink has a chart letting you know sweet, herbal, boozy, etc. Not very busy on a Friday night, I imagine people haven't discovered it just like we didn't! Check it out!

Drove a little over 7.5 hours (traffic sucked in Seattle) to get here. It was late and was looking…read morefor some food and we were told that the Mallard Lounge was still serving food, it was only 10pm. Located in the Fairmont Hotel, we heard live music playing and much to our surprised, it was coming from the Mallard Lounge. Was just one guy playing guitar/harmonica and singing. Wasn't too loud and was able to have a conversation without yelling. Server said we could sit anywhere so we sat in some comfy chairs and ordered some beers and a Chorizo Pizza. I'll admit, I'm boring when it comes to pizza. This pizza was good but it's something I typically wouldn't order. Do people really enjoy Arugula on their pizza?? Then again, I'm one of those who likes pineapple on pizza.

This place was packed when we arrived so it was a little tricky to find a place for our party of…read morefour, but we eventually snagged a couch, chairs, and table to relax and unwind with some food. The burger was good and so was the Egyptian lemonade. It's a very welcoming, cozy place and the service was excellent. Live music was starting up in the evening as well.

Just went to the bar for some drinks and listen to some live music. Had 3 different whiskey drinks…read more Bartender, wish I remembered his name, nice dude, recommended the Winters Calling. Love it. Then had a Whiskey Sour and finally The Grand Desire. Nothing came close to that Winters Calling though. Very unique drink. Also got to sit and listen to some of the most angelic voices I've heard in a long time. It was a nice, chill place where I could escape for a bit. Definite highlight on my trip from Seattle.

The Pacific Lounge is a great place to meet friends and coworkers near the heart of Victoria. The…read morelounge is replete with tons of cozy loungers and is illuminated as such that u may carry on discrete conversations while enjoying a beer or single malt. Despite the convenience of this being primarily a hotel bar, I would recommend this for locals seeking a waypoint as they make their way to the abundant local culture - be it the parliament building, bay, or BC museum.

The location is a little hidden right next to the old spaghetti factory. The lounge is pretty…read moredark with a layback feel. There are several screens for watching a game, pool table and couch. Wings were advertised to be 65 cents between 12-3 for happy hour. Regular is only 80 cents so good price. They have happy hour beer also. Service was good from Lisa, a super sweet gal! Prompt service. Would come back for apres skiing when there is a game and when my friends wanted to shop before dinner. we ordered 20 wings. Salt and paper and honey. Would suggest the salt and pepper. Nice and crispy and have the sauce on the side.

February 2026: Was excited to check out Crystal Lounge's happy hour from noon to 3pm. Wings are…read morenormally $0.80 and sold in sets of 10, so Happy Hour is $1.50 discount. I got them salt & pepper style, they aren't big, but they are excellent and came out quickly. Stick to the wings since the poutine was salty enough to give me indigestion. I think they would've been much better if I had thought to ask to hold off on salting the fries. Pricing is quite reasonable. Otherwise, ambience is very laid back, not too loud at lunchtime, and nice having the Olympic hockey game on. My server, Ellie, was totally nice AND efficient. Kudos for her! I would visit again.

Food 10/10 service the same. Always stops on he way through to Vic from Ukee…read more Sprouts chicken n tostadas. Caesars are banging

They hav3 the tastiest burgers and home style fries with aioli dip ever! Also love their fried…read morechicken

Got a little thirsty so decided to drop by at the lounge. I ordered the Fruit Shrub which consists…read moreof seasonal fruit, sugar, vinegar and soda. Very refreshing. Very courteous service and a lovely place to rest my feet after the museum.

We love coming here every time we come to the island. Which has been a few times a month these last…read moreseveral months! We love sitting on the couch by the fire or in the lounge by the windows overlooking the bay. I love the appetizers...especially the oysters and the lettuce wraps. They also have a couple of lively barrel aged beverages. They normally have a barrel aged Manhattan (The Manhattan project) and a barrel aged Sazerac. So good! The burger is great too. Juicy and delicious. Also the steak salad. Really good! Have a great time and tell them Tim sent ya! ;)

Back for another visit after 11 months. Still Excellent food and service! Classy vibe and zen feel!…read more Cheers!

A self proclaimed celeb hangout…read more A modern sophisticated decor and layout. It is comfortable to dress to impress here. Waitress was cordial but nothing more than taking the order then disappeared. Burrata & beets had no beets. Instead were raspberries which is not the same. A cool spot to have a few drinks with friends.

Love the place very friendly and good serves the owner is a a hoot a great person I recommend it…read morehighly give it a try and tell her Leo says Hi

Had SO much fun!! Delicious cocktails, clean comfortable space, and the staff are the best. Thanks…read moreto Jason for taking care of us on our night out in Nanaimo! We had the best time! Love forever! ^_^