Swans Brew Pub

Worth the trip to Canada on its own. Food is killer. The only real issue is that the drive from Vegas is to far to eat there again. The duck burger was awesomeness on a bun. Even the extremely picky 3 year old in our group enjoyed his meal, and that is saying something.

Great pub, superb patio area, restaurant quality food, everything I’ve ever eaten at Swans has been excellent, large beer selection — all delicious, friendly and funny servers, and live bands!

We walked to Swans during our first evening in Victoria recently. It was about 5:30 pm, and finding a cold beverage, and possibly light dinner, was on our minds. This was our first time to Swans.
The pub was very busy, and warm when we arrived, but thankfully, we were able to catch a table next to one of the windows open to the outside patio, and were able to get some fresh (er) air. After scrutinizing food and drink menus, we decided our visit would be a beverage break only.
Daughter and I decided to try a flight of their beers, and opted for what they call the ‘Taster Nest’ — which included: India Pale Ale, Arctic Kolsch, S.O.S. Swans Oatmeal Stout, and Berry Ale.
Mom craved a root beer float, but had no idea her craving could or would be satisfied. When daughter told our server, a root beer float it was to be, but with a rather cool addition — stout! She’s not much of a beer drinker, but heh, this was a float, and she enjoyed it!
I cannot say that daughter and I were as excited by our flight of tasters — they were just ‘ok’. We wished each of their «personalities» had been more distinctive — the flavours seem a touch subdued, and a little ‘flat’. If I had to pick what we enjoyed the most — for me, it was the India Pale Ale, and for she, the Berry Ale.
It was fun to finally see and experience Swans, we had missed getting there during our past February stay in Victoria.

The beer was so so but the food we had wasn’t very good we ordered a margarita pizza that was tasteless this was on February 4^th 2016 would not go back again

My husband and I went to Swans recently in Victoria. We usually make a stop there being from the states because of food, ambience and great waitstaff. We were slightly disappointed this time. Pizza no longer offers a standard tomato sauce, only bechamel (white sauce) UGH! They used to have comfortable chairs but for some reason switched to some uncomfortable old chairs. The food overall is very good and great beer. They have a wonderful waitstaff person named Carol! She has waited on us for many years (seems every time we went to Swans). Don’t know how long she has been there but is one of the reasons we like to return. She is friendly, fun, professional and seems to run her butt off when they have large crowds) and somehow pulls it off professionally and still makes us feel special. We look forward to returning soon.

Front desk agent was excellent. Waitress was good. Restaurant manager was a complete jerk. Food was mediocre but beer selection was good.

Decent variety of food and drinks, almost diner — like atmosphere with a great corner view. I had the Asian chicken salad, a bit of a hodge podge of hot chicken and veggies piled on top of lettuce, could have been presented better as it became more of a stir fry salad.

I had breakfast here with my wife and youngest son today. It was tasty, but the waitress got my order wrong. Also, be aware that while they allow children they don’t have a kid’s menu. The beer jelly doesn’t spread well and tastes funky (not in a good way). Also, WTF is up with putting green onions on pancakes. Breakfast for the three of us cost the same as it does to feed six of us at Hideaway. The art is lovely, but we won’t be back for breakfast.

We stopped in here just for a few minutes to catch a drink or two and I have to say, it was a lively and fun spot to stop. We could have spent more time there, but we had dinner reservations elsewhere so we were unable to stay for too long. What a fun place though and the drinks were good and reasonably priced.

Nice staff. Great local brews. Amazing how the place suddenly got almost packed after ten on a Sunday night.

Best french toast I’ve had in a long time. Hearty brunch every Sunday, Brew master special is also delish. Limited menu, but all homemade quality. Ask for a side of beer jelly with your ale bread toast.

We intended to go for dinner but the live music proved to be quite disruptive and I couldn’t converse with my boyfriend sitting less than a foot away. That being said, we stayed for a 6 piece beer sampler and it was lovely! The berry ale is my favourite, a must try! Our waitress was very attentive and friendly and I do regret not staying for a bite. A good option for those looking to dance the night away and enjoy delicious hand crafted beer.

My experience was great here. Got a decent deal at the hotel then had a couple ciders in the pub (which were great). The fries with cheese and gravy were great as the wings were too. Nothing fancy with apps, but checking around. The entrees looked tasty and well prepared. Hearing other ppl around the pub, the beer is well received also. Which they brew on site. I’ll be back if paths cross again.

We came to Swans for brunch because the wait for Mole’s was an hour and we had a ferry to catch.
First of all, the location and patio was perfect. Super homely and inviting. The restaurant is part of a hotel and liquor store. It was not that busy but it took forever to get our drinks (and we had to ask 3 times for water).
I ordered 1 egg ($ 2.50), half of a tomato ($ 2.50), a GF bun ($ 3.00), and a side of hash browns ($ 3.50). The food was ok but it’s so ridiculous when places up charge for food. Especially mediocre food.
My friend ordered the pancake stake that comes in a cast iron pan with bacon, blueberries, and green onions. It also comes with syrup on it but it was definitely dry. They do not provide any more syrup unless you specifically ask for it.
My other friend ordered the margarita pizza which she enjoyed.
The last meal was the Brewmaster’s Breakfast (two eggs any style, choice of double smoked, bacon, bangers or chorizo sausage, breakfast potatoes, Swans special ale toast, beer jelly). It was a good size but the «beer jelly» was gross. It smelled like feet and she did not think it was right.
Service was not good, especially for it not being that busy. The manager (a guy with an accent) was inappropriate. He was doing pull ups at the bar and when we left, he told us to have a good day. We said thank you and he responded with a smart comment. It made us uncomfortable.

Service was solid but the food leaves MUCH to be desired. We had the nachos and upgraded to chicken and guacamole which made for a $ 24 plate of zero taste, not even the salt you crave from tortilla chips! Ordered the fried pickles and they were pretty good, but if the appetizers tell you what’s next, pay your tab and hit the next bar. Only perk was the raspberry «Berry Ale» was a good fruity beer for a warm afternoon.

In terms of food and service, it is much below average. Great ambience though. We ordered Asian stir fry and chicken thai curry. These were not even close to how they are supposed to be. Portions are small and not filling. And the service is not polite… V even had to ask for refill of water and our cutlery.

I’d been sitting at the bar for about an hour, ordered a couple beer, chatted with the bartender she was an inport from Calgary. I decided to go for a smoke. I got the bartenders attention and told her where I was going and left my keys next to my bottle of beer, a gesture that I was intending to return. I was gone a total of 10 minutes tops. In that time someone else took my seat. The bar was not busy. When I asked the person where my drink was I was told the bartender moved you so we could have these seats. TOTALLY FUCKING UNCOOL. Perhaps the inport from Calgary should try something more to here skill level. I’m thinking fry cook at McDonald’s.

I didn’t eat a proper meal but the beer and yams fries were amazing. Great atmosphere and fun live music. Worth checking out for a drink and snack.

Fun atmosphere — Great food — Excellent people watching
Dropped in on a cold and miserable night and enjoyed the experience. The food was delightful and the portions VERY generous, which means our group over-​ordered and over-​ate.
We had the sweet potato chips and queso dip as appetizers — we should have just ordered one, but both were delicious.
Entrees included the veggie wraps (with onion rings), burger, and halibut. All were delicious. It was a great place to sit and talk and watch people hurry past to get out of the brutal cold.
Our server was efficient, attentive, and allowed us to savor our food and linger over the drinks.

Liked the beer. Really liked the scotch ale. The stout is pretty good as well. The other four I sampled were fine, but nothing like the first two in terms of quality and uniqueness. So give them a try. Also, get some Yam fries. these were some of the best I’ve ever had. The sauce they serve with them is a winner as well. They don’t give you much and want a $ 1 for another ramekin. Which I sort of understand, but that does generate some ill will, when you don’t serve a reasonable amount and then charge for more.
Also got a salad, with berries. Other than the dressing coming off a truck it was pretty good. Supposed to be a vinaigrette but more like some creamy mess. Also had the smoked salmon pizza. Calling it a pizza is a bit of a sin. The crust is basically some preformed prepackaged cardboard. But the toppings were pretty good. But I think the capers on there was a bit of a miss. So stay away from the smoked salmon pizza and go for the dark beers and yam fries.