Victoria’s Best Unexpected Cocktail Spots

Victoria has no shortage of cocktail bars. We all know where to go when we’re craving a perfectly crafted martini or an over-the-top speakeasy experience.

But what about the places you wouldn’t necessarily think of for cocktails?

I’m talking about the breweries quietly serving some of the city’s most creative drinks. The restaurants known for their food that somehow aren’t getting enough credit for what’s happening behind the bar. The spots where you show up for one thing and leave wondering why nobody warned you about the cocktail menu.

If you’re looking to switch up your usual happy hour routine, here are some of my favourite hidden gem spots for cocktails and mocktails in Victoria right now.

Café Malabar

Let’s start with what might be Victoria’s most underrated cocktail program.

Most people think of Café Malabar for their incredible South Indian food (and rightfully so), but if you’ve never looked at their drink menu, you’re missing out.

Their cocktails feel thoughtful and intentional rather than like an afterthought added to the menu. You’ll find flavour combinations inspired by the spices and ingredients used throughout the kitchen, creating drinks that pair beautifully with the food.

If you’re not drinking, their mocktail selection is equally impressive. This isn’t a place where you’re getting sparkling water with a lime wedge and being told it’s a mocktail. They put just as much care into their alcohol-free options as they do their cocktails.

Order a few dishes for the table, grab a cocktail, and thank me later.

Cocktail I love here: Mystic Kodai

Small Gods Brewing

Let’s get one thing straight: yes, Small Gods is a brewery.

But if you think that means you’re limited to beer, you’re seriously missing out.

Most people walk through the doors expecting great beer, cozy bookshop vibes, and maybe one of their incredible sandwiches. What they don’t expect is a cocktail menu that’s quietly one of the most interesting in the city.

The cocktails here feel thoughtful, creative, and completely in line with the personality of the space. They’re the kind of drinks that make you pause after the first sip and immediately tell whoever you’re with, “Okay, you neeeeeeeeeeed to try this.”

It’s one of those places where you come for a beer and end up leaving with a new favourite cocktail. Victoria’s brewery scene is evolving, and Small Gods is proving that great drinks don’t always have to come from a traditional cocktail bar.

Cocktail I love here: Spicy Marg

Hanks

When most people talk about Hanks, they’re talking about the food.

Honestly? Fair. The menu is fantastic!

But every time I go, I’m reminded that their cocktail program deserves way more attention than it gets.

The drinks here feel like an extension of the kitchen. Seasonal ingredients, balanced flavours, and creative combinations that somehow never feel overcomplicated.

It’s the kind of place where you order one cocktail, immediately start eyeing what everyone else is drinking, and end up ordering a second because you’re too curious not to.

If you’ve only ever focused on what’s coming out of the kitchen, next time spend a little extra time reading the drink menu.

Cocktail I love here: Baja Blast Margs on their Taco Bell Night!

Old Spaghetti Factory

This one might surprise some people.

When someone says “cocktail destination,” I don’t think many of us immediately picture Old Spaghetti Factory, but that’s exactly why it deserves a spot on this list.

Tucked away on the Inner Harbour, they have a surprisingly solid cocktail and mocktail menu that’s perfect if you’re looking for a casual night out without the downtown cocktail bar prices.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the location is hard to beat, and the drinks are consistently good.

Sometimes hidden gems aren’t about being flashy. They’re about finding a great cocktail somewhere nobody expects.

Cocktail I love here: New York Sour

End Dive

End Dive is one of those places that feels like you’re letting someone in on a secret when you recommend it.

Known for incredible food and a laid-back neighbourhood vibe, they’ve also put together a cocktail menu that deserves far more recognition.

The drinks are approachable, creative, and incredibly well executed. Nothing feels overly complicated or pretentious. Just really good cocktails made by people who know what they’re doing.

It’s the perfect spot when you want a cocktail that feels elevated without feeling like you need to dress up for the occasion.

Honestly, if you haven’t been yet, move this one to the top of your list.

Cocktail I love here: Sorry I forgot your name.

Final Sip

Victoria’s cocktail scene is so much bigger than the places that typically show up on every “best cocktail bars” list.

Some of the city’s most interesting drinks are hiding in breweries, neighbourhood restaurants, and spots that are known for something completely different.

Next time you’re deciding where to meet friends for drinks, skip the obvious choice and try somewhere unexpected.

You might just find your new favourite cocktail waiting in a place you never thought to look.

And if you know another hidden gem that’s flying under the radar, send me a message. I’m always looking for my next great cocktail—or mocktail.