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!

First time here to see a comedian (Andrew Rivers-pretty funny). We don't typically go to bars, so…read moreweren't sure what to expect. Super nice and friendly folks. Bar in the front, set up chairs on what is apparently a dance floor. Performers were on a small stage in the back. Interesting setup where you can get food from the place next door--kind of like a starbucks/barnes & noble setup. This seemed fine until folks started to come in for drinks, at which point it got hard to hear the performers. I hear the place has new owners. TBH, it could use some sprucing up. The plaster is quite literally falling off the ceiling in a couple spots. None of us used the restrooms, so not sure what shape they are in. All in all, I'm glad it's available as an option, and hopefully the new folks will see fit to spruce it up a bit.

We went on a Wednesday night after seeing a bingo sign posted outside, and are so glad we did!…read moreEveryone was super friendly, and there was a great selection of drinks. There was a lot to do aside from the bingo, including darts, beer pong, and free pool. It was connected to the little bakery next door which stayed open late to allow people to order food from there, which was nice! Overall, a great place to chill!

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.

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.

The drinks are amazing! The aura of the bar is perfect, and music is a perfect level and the…read morebartender was a doll! Definitely coming back for the late night happy hour more often

Swing in before we visit the Lincoln Theater. Fun drink selection in a very cozy establishment…read more Finding a seat may be an issue and service is at a slower pace. Have only ever ordered appetizers but we're always good.

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! ;)

Stopped in before the Soul Asylum show. Live music was awesome. Lounge layout has something to be…read moredesired. Not much room to order a drink and with only two staff and no floor service, less of a lounge and unfortunately more of a bar feel. Great selection off the menue... just have to locate one. Bartenders were nice but over taxed. Comfortable chairs and nice place to relax.

They have more than just whiskey! Popped over for a drink or two solo at the bar top and was…read moregreeted right away. I was looking for champagne, which they had an unfamiliar brand but it was really light, more on the dry side, and crisp - exactly what I was looking for! The bartender was informative and kept busy during my time there. The ambiance is warm and loungey with lots of different seating options. Some facing the hotel lobby for people watching, a couple of intimate booths, group seating around the fireplace, and bar top seats. A group came in for whiskey, and played board games that were available in the seating area. The holiday decorations made it cozy and the perfect spot to read a book while sipping on a good champs!

Cute spot with the best drinks in Friday Harbor! Great for non alcoholic beverages too!read more

From the owner: Inventive cocktails and small bites, along with more organic choices for both food and drink. read more

TL;DR: A worthwhile cocktail bar with the right mood and…read moresolid 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.

A cozy cocktail bar with great drinks and appetizers. The service was outstanding. We enjoyed the…read moreSpanish Croquettes with a Cottage and a Negroni.

Always a nice experience. The servers are great and the menu is very salt spring and very niceread more

The best mussels I have had in a very long time. Local mussels, which are mostly very large in a…read morebroth with butter, white wine and crema fraiche. The focaccia that went with it was perfect. For entree the pork jowl had a nice combination of fatty skin that would melt in your mouth and also a lot of fresh tasty vegetables cooked to perfection. A very good variety of vegetables. The mushroom risotto was amazing too with the same set of vegetables. To close the desserts are pretty good too: the chocolate cake, the pear and the crepe brûlée. The best one was the crema brûlée.