Wind Cries Mary
Sat – Sun
Hours
3PM – 1AM
Mon – Fri
Hours
4PM – 1AM
Happy Hour
Daily
4PM – 5PM
Address
45 Bastion Square.
Victoria
Quick Review
A dimly lit basement gem tucked beneath Bastion Square — exposed brick, candlelight, cozy fireplaces, and some of the most creative cocktails in Victoria. Wind Cries Mary is a genuinely special night out, with local small plates, an impressive mocktail selection, and a happy hour that’s one of the best deals downtown. One of those places that feels like a discovery every time.
Atmosphere
The journey to Wind Cries Mary is part of the experience — a stroll down beautifully lit Bastion Square followed by a secretive descent down the stairs into a dimly lit haven of exposed brick, candlelight, and grand fireplaces. It’s a coastal cabin aesthetic done with real flair, intimate and romantic without feeling stuffy. Whether it’s a date night or a catch-up with friends, the space wraps around you in exactly the right way.
Menu
The food menu is a love letter to local produce, built around a nose-to-tail philosophy that makes the most of everything the region has to offer. Small plates designed for sharing make it easy and fun to explore the whole menu with your group. If you’re feeling indecisive, let the house take the reins with the chef’s selection served family-style — though the whole table needs to be on board.
The cocktail menu is genuinely exciting — an extensive lineup of creative, carefully crafted drinks alongside a great selection of wine, beer, ciders, and local non-alcoholic beverages. Most cocktails are also available as mocktails.
Service
Honestly, Wind Cries Mary has had its ups and downs with service over the years — but it’s worth saying that things have noticeably improved. The service now is fast, knowledgeable, and gracious, which makes a real difference in a space this intimate. It’s the kind of attentive hospitality the atmosphere deserves, and it’s great to see it delivered consistently.
Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible in the basement space — patio on Bastion Square is accessible in spring and summer
- Tables are relatively close together and can get loud when busy — worth keeping in mind for those sensitive to noise
- Physical menus available
- Any downtown bus will get you here
- Lots of street parking and parkade nearby
- Bike-friendly location
- Active social media with lots of updates
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Quick response time on social online
- Mid to higher price range — small plates format means you control your spend
- Food menu is more suited towards family style eating
What Makes It Unique
Wind Cries Mary earns its reputation through atmosphere alone, the exposed brick basement, candlelight, fireplaces, and nautical touches create one of the most visually stunning dining rooms in Victoria. Pair that with genuinely creative cocktails, a nose-to-tail local menu, a secret cocktail menu, and a $12 happy hour, and you have a spot that rewards every visit. The tater tots, by the way, are legendary, don’t leave without them.
Find them online
Wind Cries Mary
45 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1J1
