Find great Caesars at these Victoria watering holes
Caesars are a staple in Canadian cuisine; they're right up there with poutine, Nanaimo bars, maple syrup and Kraft Dinner. The unlikely combination of vodka, Clamato and Worcestershire sauce with some celery, asparagus or even bacon thrown in for the grand finale, doesn't sound like it should work. But it does. Here's where to go in Victoria to enjoy some of the best Caesars in town.
Heron Rock Bistro
4-435 Simcoe St, Victoria, BC V8V 4T4Heron Rock Bistro has a few unique Caesars on their drinks menu – but the Beefeater, Bacon and Blue Cheese Caesar stands out from the crowd. The drink comes garnished with a piece of crunchy bacon sticking out of the top, celery and a lime wedge. Gourmet cheese lovers may have found their favourite drink. The subtle taste of blue cheese blends with the tomato flavour to create a memorable drink you’ll want to order again.
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
180-911 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8V 4X3Bin 4 Burger is a gourmet burger joint serving high quality, juicy burgers. They also have an impressive drinks and cocktails menu – and the Bin 4 Caesar makes a strong impression. You might find the ingredient list intimidating, but intriguing: Absolut vodka, Tabasco, Worcestershire, Clamato, lime, salted rim, cracked pepper and two pickles, two bacon wrapped pepperoncini’s and a hot pickled pepper as garnish. The Tabasco sauce, pickle, and bacon wrapped pepperoncini give it a real backyard BBQ flavour.
Wheelies Motorcycles Cafe
2620 Rock Bay Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 4R7At first glance, Wheelies looks like a motorcycle-repair shop; and it is. But, it also does double duty as a café, which is a surprising but successful combo. You can admire their high-end bikes as you enjoy a gourmet lunch in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. They serve Sunday brunch and dinners every Friday and Saturday evening as well. Their small cocktail menu includes the Chipotle Caesar. The ingredients: Vodka, chipotle, Tabasco, Worcestershire, garnished with lime and house made pickles. It’s a smoky twist on the original recipe and it suits Wheelies’ personality well.
Ferris' Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar
536 A Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8Ferris Oyster Bar & Grill has an upscale menu that’s sure to please sophisticated palates. It features high quality, fresh seafood sourced from local BC waters, so it’s no surprise that their signature Caesar is a seafood Caesar. It’s made with vodka, fresh shucked oyster, marinated mussel and Clamato juice with spicy pickled green bean, piparra and fresh horseradish to take it up a notch. Seafood lovers will enjoy the delicious mix of seafood and spice.
Jam Cafe
542 Herald St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S6Ferris Oyster Bar & Grill has an upscale menu that’s sure to please sophisticated palates. It features high quality, fresh seafood sourced from local BC waters, so it’s no surprise that their signature Caesar is a seafood Caesar. It’s made with vodka, fresh shucked oyster, marinated mussel and Clamato juice with spicy pickled green bean, piparra and fresh horseradish to take it up a notch. Seafood lovers will enjoy the delicious mix of seafood and spice.
Mtb Gasto Inc
Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1L1SüLT Pierogi Bar specializes in – you guessed it – pierogies. Who would guess they also serve Caesars along with this traditional Eastern European comfort food? Of course, they make this Canadian classic drink their own way, adding their signature touch – a small deep-fried pierogi for garnish. The mini pierogi sticks out on top, looking appetizing and ready-to-eat. And the Caesar? It’s made just right, with the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours.
