Wind Cries Mary

Atmosphere 

Step into Wind Cries Mary, where romance meets the allure of a hidden dungeon – in the most delightful way, of course! Starting with the stroll down the

beautifully lit Bastion Square, to what feels like a secretive descent down the Wind Cries Mary stairs, you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit haven of exposed brick and a grandiose bar. This basement treasure trove is not your average dining spot – it’s a cozy rendezvous with classy nautical decor and the warm glow of candles and beautiful fireplaces. Wind Cries Mary boasts a coastal cabin – and boy do they deliver it!

Menu

Their food menu is practically a love letter to the local bounty. With a nose-to-tail approach, they’ve mastered the art of utilizing every bit of goodness the region has to offer, making it perfect for a small plate-sharing experience for you and your party.

*However, they don’t list all menu ingredients on the menu, so you do need to make sure to inform your server about any allergies.

If you are feeling indecisive they have the option where the house takes the reins, presenting you with a tasting of the chef’s selections served up family-style (the whole table needs to be on board with this option though).

They have an extensive and delicious cocktail menu with an array of options that can make your head spin (in the best way possible). Plus they have a great list of wine, beer, and ciders. They have a good selection of local non-alcoholic beverages, plus you can enjoy a large portion of their cocktails as mocktails. Rumour has it, there’s a secret cocktail menu for the adventurous souls out there.

Wind Cries Mary does have a Happy Hour- from 4 pm to 5 pm daily, almost everything on the menu is a steal at $11. Late-night revellers, stay tuned for a post solely dedicated to the Birdman transformation – it’s a whole different level of after-hours shenanigans!

Service 

Ah, my tale of the Wind Cries Mary service rollercoaster! Buckle up, because it’s been a wild ride.

First, let’s rewind to the golden days of my initial visit – the pre-Victoria Taste Buds era. The stars aligned, and the service was nothing short of stellar. Attentive servers and menu maestros – it was an experience that had me hooked and craving for more.

Then came the second act, a bit of a stumble. The server seemed to miss the memo on menu mastery, leaving my date and me with more questions than a pop quiz. The wrong drink and a meal that felt like I was rushed to order was not the encore I was expecting.

Cue the third visit – the one where sitting at the bar was touted as the game-changer. I walked into this visit with high hopes, I was alone and excited to be at my most comfortable seat in any restaurant or pub ( more on bar seating will come in a blog soon). Once seated I let the bartender know my excitement to try a few of the cocktails I hadn’t had before and to order the appetizers that friends had raved me. Only to have the bartender pull off the impressive feat of serving both my drink and bill simultaneously. Confused, anxious, and unable to finish my only drink, I was left pondering the mysteries of Wind Cries Mary’s service strategy.

Fast forward to the fourth chapter – Dine Around. I took the plunge going back with a top-shelf squad, thinking maybe the power of numbers would turn the tide. I had my bar set pretty low and somehow it was limbo’d under. The hope for a triumphant finale faded.

Accessibility 

Physical
🔸Not wheelchair accessible – until Spring/Summer when their Bastion Square patio is open
🔸Any downtown bus will get you here
🔸Lots of parking (parkade nearby and street parking)
🔸Bike-Friendly
🔸Tables are relatively close together
🔸Can get loud because of the proximity of tables and amount of people here
🔸They have physical menus

Digital
🔸Good online presence on social media
🔸Website is up-to-date with menus

Other
🔸45 Bastion Square
Open everyday 4 PM-1 AM

Uniqueness

At Wind Cries Mary, the enchanting decor and irresistible tater tots form a dynamic duo that steals the spotlight for me. The exposed brick, dimly lit charm, and classy nautical touches create a beautiful visual, transforming each visit into a cozy escape reminiscent of a secret coastal hideaway. I wish I could write more in this section because there is so much potential here.