After coming to Bartholomew’s Pub for several months, to play music BIngo on a thurs night, we got a real shock just before leaving. We also came with our autistic son(who only has a coke), and he likes to play Music Bingo. It also helps him to get out. Just before leaving the bar(thurs/March/3/2016) as in by an hour we were handed a business card from the waitress that had Bob Grays’ name on it and told to give him a call the next day. Which we did. Bob the owner then informed us because of the«bad review» we gave to the bar, we were no longer welcomed and banned. When asking why. We were told that we were also rude to the waitress and had threatened a member of the staff. We never did any such thing. Proof? We have had bad impressions on this bar on a few occasions, but came back always thinking it would be better. Bad impressions, from the changing of drink specials to food specials and one waitress saying one thing, another waitress saying a different thing each time we went back. NEVER once did one waitress even attempt to gather a smile. And if anything was rude to us on more than one occasion. Another waitress on the other side of the bar(who is no longer there) was very cordial to us each time we came in to her side of the bar. Friendly and greeting us with: «how you guys tonight?’ she was friendly. The other two were like dock workers expecting another shipment of goods. Bland, stone faced and looking like she hated to be there or serving anyone. Not to mention after one night hitting the back of my chair several times with her butt and not once apologizing. Her excuse will be it was crowed, which it was. But given the fact she never even once attempted to apologize, was insulting. The gist of this is that for us to have to call the Bar Operator to ascertain what the call was about when he could not talk to us first in person is also an insult to the hospitality industry on the whole. I have read some of the reviews here and I am guessing if you write a good revue then you are okay in the Operators eyes. But if you are three people who just want to enjoy music bingo, do NOT drink till they are drunk, keep to themselves, do not cause a disturbance as in rude, loud behaviours from being drunk, then you are banned. Oh yes we ride a motorcycle, heaven forbid! We are NOT bikers as in a motorcycle gang or anything else. The autistic son is quiet because he does not talk much at all actually and that is just the way he is. It would help staff here to stop and listen to their customers to actually hear what they might have to say. At one time there was customer service. Apparently this bar has not heard of that.
Jay S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Vancouver, Canada
Went there on a Friday night and it was a lot of fun. Got there around 830, and it was half full. But by 930, it was packed and rock’in with the live band. The dance floor was never empty, full of people just being themselves and having fun dancing. That was the wonderful thing about Bart’s — you and people in their 20’s to 60’s there, people dressed up, and people dressed down — nobody cared or judged. Everyone was there to just have fun and party and dance. We tried the Dry ribs, nancho’s(single serving) and the oysters baked with cheese and spinach; generally it was all decent but nothing to write home about. The bartender — the only guy — was very friendly and attentive. The female bartender and waitress were very busy and friendly, but definitely needed some lessons on how to smile — there weren’t rude, just needed to look less miserable. FYI — if you go there — you have to try«the shaft» shot — it is dangerous and delicious…
John P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Burnaby, Canada
Bart’s Pub was the first dinner venue for us during a recent stay in Victoria. We walked from our hotel, and when stepping inside and finding it so warm & welcoming, just knew we had found ‘the’ place we were seeking that evening! The food, drink, and service(our server was ‘Dean’ … you were a winner!!) sure did their thing on us — we left«pleased, full, and glowing» from the experience! What we(threesome) had and enjoyed: — the drink: for Mom, it was water w/lemon — for daughter and I, sleeves of Bart’s Lager … it was cool, clean, and crisp, and perfect for the time and our moods. — the food: for Mom, it was the meatloaf(a ‘stack’ — thick piece of meatloaf, on top of a bed of baby potatoes and veggies) — for daughter it was the smoked meat sandwich(w/fries, and a side of cole slaw), and for me, the shepherds pie(w/salad, and wow, what a great salad it was — two kinds of lettuce(no iceberg!!), plus, halved yellow and red cherry tomatoes, and with my choice of the balsamic vinegar dressing, a big yum). Daughter took some of her huge sandwich back to the hotel, otherwise, all plates & glasses were totally«almost licked» cleaned! A much-enjoyed dining experience — cool drinks, well-prepared food, and great service — sure enjoyed Bart’s!!!
Roji S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Victoria, Canada
Came for late lunch on a Friday, server was super friendly and the Bart’s Signature Double Seafood Caesar was amazing. We ordered some oysters both Fresh Shucked Local Oysters served with delicious Asian mignonette and Derryck’s Oysters Rockefeller which left my friend and I speechless. We wanted to try some more appetizers so the server suggested the ones listed on the«Appy Hour.» We ordered Classic Tuscan Flatbread Pizza with olives and salami, the crust was the my favorite part because it was thin and homemade. We also ordered garlic baby shrimp served with garlic bread which was an off the usual menu order. The baby shrimp tasted delicious so it would have been nice if it had a few more on the plate, lastly the garlic bread was the only disappointing part of our meal it didn’t taste bad but compared to everything else it could have been better. Defiantly going back, there are still so many things I want to try on the amazing menu!
Victoria O.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Newbury Park, CA
Food was good. Drinks were great and atmosphere was outstanding! Had a ball on a Thursday night
Ray H.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Carmichael, CA
Heard this place was highly recommended, by whom not to sure. Really was hoping for some good food. Unfortunately burgers are only served well-done so very dry — including world famous Bart’s Burger. Had chowder instead of fries — bad choose. Décor was very nice. Will try it this weekend to hear the live music and see if that’s any good. But questionable if risking to order any food, again.
Gerald K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Coquitlam, Canada
«Bart’s“One of my favorite pubs in Victoria. Great food very pleasant atmosphere., Friendly staff. Don’t miss the great bands on weekends. I’m coming back!
Lan S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Asheville, NC
«Bart’s» is in the basement of the Doubletree Hotel, a newly renovated version of an existing hotel that is conveniently located just behind the Empress and about a block from the inner harbor. This Irish-style pub has been at this location for years. It’s busy, popular with locals and visitors alike, and loud, although we ate in the courtyard outside, which is quieter. I had the Bart’s burger, which was excellent, along with a draft local beer and world-class fries. The only thing I didn’t care for about the burger was the«Bart’s sauce.» Next time, I’ll ask for mayo. This is not a gourmet spot, but the service was excellent, and the food was very good. I suggest you eat in the courtyard section, unless you bring earplugs!
Eric R.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Seattle, WA
Came here for the night life on a Saturday. It was pretty tame overall. The crowd was definitely older(a 40 year old would be called«son» here). They had a live soul music group playing with no cover which was nice cause live music’s always rockin’. Seems like it could be a pretty cool place and has a great location but I don’t get the true British-y feeling I feel like it should have(no Boddington’s?).
Patrick W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sunnyvale, CA
Fantastic hole-in-the-wall bar, full of friendly locals. Great service — we went there every night while in Victoria! Love the place.
Shanie D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Maspeth, NY
Fantastic service! Loved the Shepards Pie! The atmosphere is fun. I came on a Saturday and loved the crowd. The bartenders were friendly with great recommendations!
Nathalie B.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Vancouver, Canada
Random night out in Victoria. Saw this place had re-opened. Venue is nice enough and food was pretty good for pub style … Service was terrible!
John S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Santa Cruz, CA
We love Bart’s. This was our third visit to Vic BC and Bart’s has become a regular stop for us in the afternoon next to our hotel. We always meet great people there and the staff make you feel right at home.
Gladys M.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Victoria, Canada
Ordered Halibut encrusted with pistachio. The halibut was overcooked and dry. The pistachio looked like a burnt piece of toast sitting atop of the halibut. The presentation rated 4 pointsout of 10 as did the taste. The plate looked greasy.
Holly M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Vancouver, Canada
Three stars for food, four stars for atmosphere, service and value. This place does a great job at being British — but with the bonus that it has recently been renovated and is therefore much, much less sticky than a real English pub. The pub is pretty large but maintains a cosy look and feel, with dark wood, red velvet and stained glass features. We were greeted warmly here on the Sunday evening of a long weekend and thought it seemed a little quiet. Turns out we were just early — the pub was packed full of people of all kinds having a great time by 9pm. Jackson Triggs’ merlot was on special at $ 3.70 a glass, which was amazing. How can you turn that down? The beer was also great value. The food was pretty averagely priced for Victoria — maybe a dollar or two more than some of the other pubs I visited. I ordered the turkey ‘sandwich’, which is actually turkey layered on top of stuffing. It was a little disappointing — the gravy and stuffing lacked flavour. But a decent meal nonetheless. My boyfriend’s club sandwich was also reviewed as being pretty average. But all in all we had a great time here because of the atmosphere and service — oh, and the $ 3.70 wine.
Andria C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Victoria, Canada
I adore the atmosphere. They recently had a renovation which has given it a clean English pub vibe. You can tell a ton of the older locals come here, and I love that! They have AMAZING food! I don’t think I can expr as how well cooked this meal was. I had the chicken pot pie and my partner had the bangers and mash. They hit it out of the park with authenticity! The service was also very well executed. And, at the end of the night a live band started playing and they were very good. All in all, I would spend all of my free money and time at Bartholomews if I could.
Kevin B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 James Bay, Canada
We tried them for lunch after they had been closed for a while. Nice English pub atmosphere. Food was great and the service was good. We will definitely go back again.
Basil R.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Saratoga, CA
Tried this pub because of its close proximity to the Empress Hotel. The server was friendly and very efficient, helpful, and all the things she should have been. The décor was eh… no great shakes, but not bad. The selection of local(and other) beers was quite good. Tried«Race Rocks» for the first time and was very impressed. The fish and chips were a bit disappointing. The fish was ling cod, but the portions were too small. The batter seemed good but the fact that the whole thing was overcooked ruined its chance to shine. I think that Penny Farthing in Oak Bay is still a better choice all around, but«Bart’s» will do when you don’t want to make that trek out to Oak Bay.
Jacob C.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Vancouver, Canada
THISPLACEISCLOSED! Walked halfway cross town for nothing. Did i mention that it’s closed? It’s closed. Is Unilocal happy with the length of my review now?
Dave D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Victoria, Canada
Awesome service. While not the cheapest pub in the city, it offers great value and spot-on food.