Reviews for Swans Pub in Victoria, BC
My extended family had brunch at Swan's last Saturday. 4 kids 2 adults - everyone was hungry after a morning of downtown... wandering. We were warmly greeted, the service was prompt, the team was very kind and attentive and made thoughtfulrecommendations when it came time to ordering.. One of my benchmarks for good service is attentiveness to water service duringa meal. The Swan's team was on it. They supplied several bottles for the table and checked back often. The food was excellentand we noted the menu was easy to navigate and had a good selection of gluten free and vegan options and options that worked forkids and adults. I have often enjoyed Swan's as an evening destination but this was first brunch there and it was excellent. Read more
Overall good experience, though overpriced and using low quality ingredients. We visited for lunch and a beer and split the... messy fish burger (beaded haddock with tartar sauce and pickled red onion on a bun) and a flight of beers. First of, there'snothing but praise for the beers - all excellent! The burger tasted delicious and the right amount of tartar sauce and pickledred onion gave it a nice, tangy, creamy taste and texture. Unfortunately, the fish was clearly frozen fish sticks and I foundthat very disappointing given the apparent care for the other ingredients. The fish was a bit tough and lacked the amplemoisture of a fresh piece of fish. My bad, I should have known that having haddock on the menu would mean it was frozen, butwith so much great seafood on the island, why go frozen!?!? This really let down the sandwich. The salad was fresh with crispygreens, and while the taste of the vinaigrette was pleasant, it had an oily mouth feel that left something to bedesired. Overall a good visit though overpriced given the quality of ingredients. Read more
This is not a review of the pub but of the manager Graham. I met him in a parking lot today where he helped me with some car... troubles while I was struggling to keep it together. I know the impact that online reviews and social media can have onbusinesses, and I wanted to make sure that Graham got the recognition he deserves for being such a wonderful human being. I havebeen to Swan's multiple times, have never been disappointed and will continue to visit them especially knowing what a truly kindperson they have managing the pub. Keep up the great work! Read more
Comfortable pub with a neighbourhood-pub feel. They make their own beers and also offer several guest beers. I like that there... is a separate Vegan section on the menu. The vegan quesadillas made a good meal. Read more
I went there for the first time in more than two decades and was happy to see not much change there. House brewed beers were... great and food and service were all satisfactory. The bar facing the street is a very nice place to relax whether you are aloneor with friends. Read more
I'm usually here only for holiday staff parties over the years. Decent atmosphere, servers are alright. I find the food barely... average. Quite disappointed for the braised beef shank. I was hoping for the center bone with the marrow but it wasn't therewhile the sauce and mustard masks the semi overcooked meat. Not a good value considering the price, portion, taste ratio. Myboyfriend's poutine tasted average. I guess other reviewers give higher ratings for the alcoholic drinks. Stayed for the crew,otherwise no particular reason to stick around. Read more
I haven't been here in a decade, and although there have been some changes, the feel is the same, if only because of the... portrait of PET on the wall, peering into my Québécois soul, like the portrait that comes to life in Ghostbusters 2. Anywho,the beers are great, with a lot of variety. 4 beers served on nitro, you don't see that very often anymore. Great service,didn't try the food this time. Specials were good value. Just a classic brewpub to visit when you're in town. Read more
Last minute family dinner on Thanksgiving weekend... five people and one had to be gone at a set time. Our server was super... friendly, efficient and accurate, and made sure that we stayed on schedule without us feeling pushed. Our food was delicious --everyone really enjoyed their meals, the Happy Hour drinks specials made it more affordable, and the atmosphere was warm,inviting with a good music playlist. I was very impressed and pleased with our experience. Read more