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LOUNGE LIZARD: Happy hour in Victoria

Our incognito Lounge Lizard checks out what's hot and new in the Victoria's world of cocktails

It’s a new world as Happy Hour descends upon Victoria. I hold Seattle as mecca for great drinks and eats in the late afternoon.

This time out I thought I would start with several chains. Cactus Club offers a beer or choice of two overly sweet cocktails for $4. No food deals.

At Romeo’s (I went there for a family-friendly affair), food deals were terrific, and drink prices reduced on a selection of beer, wine and cocktails.

I think I’ll need to be on Happy Hour watch for the next few columns.

And while having absolutely nothing to do with the new liquor laws, new spots are popping onto the drinks scene...Drake Eatery has Pacific Northwest beers but alas, no cocktails. The Duke Saloon proclaims beer, bourbon and country bands. Bodega should also be open by the time this column hits the page. At Lacey-Lou Tapas Lounge, along with cocktails you’ll find live music, improv and spoken word. Might this be a scene in the making?

The Churchill has a cocktail list created by local bartender, rep and entrepreneur Ryan Malcolm but it too leans more to beer with lots on tap. Come on cocktail people – I worry we’re losing ground with all the overpriced cocktails and too-precious drinks.

Final note: Ryan Malcolm and frère will add ginger ale to their spectacular New Theatre tonic so it might be time to bring back your dad’s favourite – rye & ginger – hmmm, p’raps not. And coincidentally, Phillips Brewery, maker of a delicious ginger ale, will add tonic to their repertoire.

Oh Victorians, such expansion monkeys.