Their food is all frozen and then reheated. Frozen fries are deep fried (I think) and come out as salt sticks. I had a BLT, a hard sandwich to ruin but they managed it. Instead of using toast, they used a too thick, poor quality baguette, so each mouthful was a wodge of cheap bread. The music was too loud for lunch and we got attitude from the manager when we politely asked if it could be tuned down. Given how McRae's began as a neighborhood pub with fresh food, this "evolution" is most disappointing. We won't be back. read more

Upgrading McRae's to 5 stars because after 9+ years of coming here consistently, I still love it just as much (maybe more). When I was in college this was mine and my friend group's go to weekend brunch spot. We knew all the servers by name, they knew our orders, we were the weekend brunch regulars. Fast forward to 2020, everytime I visit Victoria, I still come here. To me, it's not a trip to Victoria without having at least one McRae's caesar. In the past, I usually stuck to the traditional breakfast, breakfast burrito, or the pulled pork burrito. However, I'm not eating meat these days, so I strayed from my usual and got the curry falafel wrap. It was delicious and jam packed with flavour in every bite. Pair this with a poutine, some $5 caesars and a round of shafts and I'm a happy camper with a very satisfied belly. Like I mentioned, in my previous review, you really can't go wrong with their menu. The only things I'd avoid are the burger and nachos as I feel like you can get a better bang for your buck with other dishes from their menu. Service has always consistently been fantastic. The staff that work here are gems and very down to earth. Kudos for always hiring great staff, McRae's! For Covid, they've extended their patio more out into the parking lot to accommodate more people outdoors and are only allowing 6 to a table (as per BC regulations). Thanks for always making me feel at home over the last 9+ years, McRae's. Love you long time. read more

Grubbed down majorly after an epic Saturday night of drinking. 10/10 recommend. I downloaded Yelp just to leave a good review. Cant wait to try the mimosa tower! read more

Unfortunately after ordering a take out and getting home, I found out that I got a piece of heavily burnt salmon that has a texture of a rock over a bed of salad that I didn't order. I ordered salmon burger without the bun. The burger comes with toppings that were not in the salad which was just some greens, sprouts and 1 cherry tomato. I called to check what happened and I was told the kitchen must have got confused and that the manager will give me a call to see what they can do. I never got a response back. I'm still not sure how a piece of salmon can be treated this way and even such a small portion for a main meal order that also got mixed up. read more

See all

McRae's is really heckin' good. It's an extremely common suggestion from me and I'm not ashamed to say that I have brought almost every person that has visited me in Victoria here for lunch or dinner at some point. I absolutely love their Caesars and their pulled pork burrito and I could probably tell you over half the items on the menu off the top of my head (I would say all of them but honestly, McRae's changes their menu a LOT). Alright, let's get into it: The menu has a great mash-up of classic comfort food, pub eats, and unique items. From New Orleans Po'Boys to Curry Falafel Wraps (one of my personal favs and a great vegetarian option), there's going to be something for everyone. However, as I said earlier, their constant menu changes are quite hard to keep up with, even for someone who frequents McRae's as much as I do. Additionally, sometimes they outright remove items that I reeeally like and although I know they're probably good business decisions, I just miss the Spinach and Artichoke dip SO MUCH. McRae's has an amazing vibe, communicated through their wood cabin-esque furnishings and decorations, lovely patio (perfect for Summer get-togethers with friends!) and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. I mean, even when the music isn't live, the playlist that they have on is rockin' but nothing beats the guitar, harmonica, and vocals of a weekend night at McRae's. Have to add a disclaimer though: I wouldn't recommend going in for a highly conversational dinner around these times because it gets LOUD inside. Wow, writing this has me longing for Summer days on the McRae's patio with good friends and a Caesar in hand... Sunshine come sooner! read more

McRae's - One of my favourite things about McRae's: their amazing Caesars! - American Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

We went there twice, but never again! A shame, since we live close by. Food wasn't very good, too costly for such poor quality, salad had bugs in it and no compensation for that other than not charging for it. Spend the same money for much better food elsewhere! read more

Wow!! The food's not bad but this place has the worst service in town! Every single waitress in the place looked down right pissed off that anybody have the audacity to step foot in there place of business to eat food. Definitely won't be back! read more

McRae's Bistro. Misleading name. Not a bistro. It's a sports bar. TVs, headbanger playlist. I had a decent curry falafel wrap. Good size. Not cheap, but not outrageous. I won't be back but only because I don't like places full of TVs. Not my style for dining. read more

I like this place a lot. It's a comfortable and casual room with a nice blend of people. The big thing for me is the value. I can't think of another place in town where I can grab a few pints and a straight forward, tasty meal for this decent of a price. At least not a place I can sit down in anyway. Highlights for me: -Full size pint glasses are a nice touch in a town of rapidly dwindling places that serve 20oz pours. -taco night -short rib Sammie. A basic beauty. -I don't have to go downtown. read more

Really gone down hill! We used to eat here frequently but hadn't in a while. Now I remember why we stopped going. The food was terrible, small portions, they even screwed up caesar salad. The fish tacos were particularly bad. They were tasteless and covered in a sauce with a weird spice that made them inedible But, that's not all! My wife ordered a grey goose and soda. Thankfully, we watched the bartender poor the vodka because otherwise we wouldn't have known. He poured it into a pint glass and filled it with soda water. Who does that? You buy a premium drink like grey goose to taste the vodka not the soda. Couldn't taste anything but soda. Overall a terrible experience we won't be back anytime soon. Very disappointing!!!!!!! read more

I've set my review into a couple categories for readability: Food: we ordered a chorizo hash, which consisted of a small amount of cheap frozen hash browns (the kind that taste like previously frozen mashed potato pressed into little pellets), along with some sliced "chorizo" (which looked and tasted like a sliced up boiled hot dog weiner), as well as some tasteless scrambled eggs and a couple garnishes. Really uninspiring stuff. We also ordered the basic breakfast which came with over toasted cheap quality brown bread, more of those little reconstituted previously frozen mashed potato hash brown thingy's, and some bacon, which was very average quality. The eggs were also pretty average. Again, a pretty uninspiring and tasteless breakfast made with obviously cheap and previously frozen ingredients. Drinks: Had some tall cans, so there isn't much to screw up here. We also ordered a sangria, which is without question the worst sangria I've ever had. It was essentially half a glass of reconstituted/previously frozen orange juice topped up with some cheap red cooking wine. Almost undrinkable. Service: the staff are friendly enough but their inexperience shows. We were frequently left waiting . Anyways, they need to up their food game here. The quantities were smallish and the ingredients were of low quality. Definitely won't be back. read more

Definitely a decent place for drinks and food. They've got a good menu selection of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, wings, and the like. Should be something for everyone. Really good atmosphere indoors- good if you're looking for a sports pub, or want to take your date out, or even for a family outing. Their patio is great- sun spots if you'd like, or shady cooler spots for the taking. Mac and cheese def used to be better- had more of a crusty bake to it before, but now it seems more run of the mill creamier Mac and cheese mixed together in a stove top pot. One of the few pubs outside of the DT area, so definitely stop by if you want a change of scenery. Overall, good eats and bevies at affordable prices! Nothing mind blowing but your taste buds will still thank you! read more

McRae's - Yam fries - American Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

See all

I came here with my boyfriend and his parents before going to my dance show - we were pleasantly surprised! We'd been meaning to come here for almost a year and never got around to it, and this is our last weekend in Victoria so it was a perfect time to come! The staff was nice, though not terribly outgoing - and the food was delicious! My boyfriend and I got the traditional breakfast (the hashbrowns were delicious!) and his parents had salad and a vegetarian sandwich. They loved it too. I'd definitely come back! The atmosphere is great and so is the food - what else could you ask for?! read more

A nice casual place to grab a bite to eat. There isn't anything too exceptional about them, and it doesn't have the greatest atmosphere, but if you need a place to eat on the go, it's a good place to stop. read more

Just ate lunch at Mcraes with my girlfriend she ate the roasted chicken Caesar wrap and I had the beef dip and my beef dip was seriously amazing best beef dip in town! read more

McRae's - 2:34pm on a Monday at Mcraes - American Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Always enjoy going to Mcreas. The staff are friendly, the vibe is great while the food and drinks are resonable priced.

We left feeling disappointed and completely unsatisfied. We ordered the cod tacos and the burrito. Both were way under seasoned and lacked any flavour. The tacos were not only incredibly small but I could barely locate where the fish was in them. The server did not ask us how our food was. I have felt underwhelmed but the food here before but because we were driving past and very hungry went in anyway. You won't find me eating here again. read more

Want to have good food at affordable prices? This is absolutely ideal place to eat here. Its service is fast and efficient and the servers are also pretty. You would love this place and bring your mates around to enjoy your time here read more

Have been coming here semi regularly for the last 2 years, usually good service, reasonable prices, good draught beer However my last 2 visits have been less then spectacular. On both these occasions the wait staff seemed confused and almost as if we were causing them an inconvenience by being there. Had appetizers served after main dishes had arrived. Waited at least five minutes to be acknowledged, only to be told they would be a few minutes yet, no drinks, just sit and wait. Also of note is the "cup"(more like a thimbleful)of soup was an additional $3.50 which seemed odd as a side (soup, salad or fries) is generally included with a main menu item. Also my partner ordered a coffee, no cream or sugar provided or offered. May still stop in for a beer now and then, as the bar staff has always been prompt and pleasant, but won't be coming back for lunch or dinner anytime soon. Get the wait staff in line and you'll have a goldmine! read more

Food is ok. A bit pedestrian. I'm not sure if it's trying to be an urban lounge or family restaurant. Definately will give it another try though. read more

I wish I could say I love this place, because it's just around the corner from my house, but I don't. The portions are small and the food average. Nothing really jumps out at me as being exceptional or great when I dine there. Have bean a few times over the past couple years and although the service was pleasant and the atmosphere okay, the food needs more focus. read more

Busy lunch crowd today but well managed by the staff. As noted before, you will find great value for good food here. Had the Kung Pao which was delicious and filling. Our server was Denise who was friendly and very efficient. It's always nice to feel welcome and appreciated by staff and Denise did this very well. Definitely recommend. read more

Hi, I've been to this place several times since it opened and was always impressed. However, I haven't visited for a while (was out of town, moved to different part of city, new friends) until last night. I must say I am disappointed. I ordered seared mahi mahi on rice and veggies, and my best rating is that it was edible. Tuna was not seared but cooked all the way through and the rice was delicious but I think only because it was salty. I could have made a better meal at home. After we left the restaurant, nobody in the party really made any comments about the food, and that made me think that it really didn't leave an impression. I wasn't gonna pretend it was good so I stayed silent as well. That all being said, burgers looked good and they have many choice of sides (which are not included with the meal). If I go back, I'll probably get a burger and hope it's not just average. read more

Decent food, good drinks, lousy service = 3 stars. The food is pretty standard pub food, for the price it's good. Some things better than others, don't bother paying extra for their off tasting guacamole which is obviously purchased in tub size from costco, my friend was also surprised to see that the Frank's hot sauce she asked for with her tacos was on her bill for 0.85... really? The po boy is great, burrito and the potato wedges are delicious as well. The service seems as it is going downhill, my last two visits it has been a bit painful to order drinks, then order food, request the bill, then wait again for the card machine. It was a bit busy, but the server's attention just wasn't there. I'll keep coming back, maybe just less often and on slower nights. read more

Nice pub eatery with a stable menu and seasonal plates as well. The mcrae's mojito is pretty classic :) i always come on Wednesday nights for the wings deal read more

Great local stop for some good eats, drinks, and live entertainment. Service is always good, and cool decor! I'd recommend this place for a casual dinner and drink with family or friends. read more

Good food, good service and good atmosphere. Seems that the hidden secret in Victoria isn't that hidden anymore. Highly recommend it!

McRaes is a great neighborhood pub. My husband and I come here often, at least once a month and often more than that, and the food and drinks are consistent. Pub food with a west coast twist. The mac and cheese is delicious, and the lettuce wraps are great for a lighter dinner. The roasted burrito is huge and tasty, and the pulled pork sandwich is amazing. The quinoa salad is also surprisingly good, and they give you a good sized portion of quinoa. The servers have always been friendly to us. Highly recommend. We will be back again soon. read more

There are times and places in ones life that resonate. Little moments. The comfort of a memory. The dry, aromatic air in a summer pine forest. A laconic day at the lake with warm rocks and cool water and the promise of a tug on the line. Cooking smells and stories in the kitchen, leaning on counters and sitting on tables... a guitar, a song, another story. Friends and kinship. Generations bonded by familiarity and comfort. Nostalgic perhaps, but such was my experience at Macraes. Lovely staff. Engaging. Like old friends well met. Great food... the coldest Lucky's in Victoria. Thank you for the amazing experience:) read more

Must say the service is in free fall. Ok for beer at the bar but wait staff at table's is terrible. Attended at a slack time 1:30...very few patrons ...waitress had no flow she appeared uninterested in what she was doing. Observed other patron finding the waitress for some service and perhaps a menu...last two or three visits have been the same...poor service and felt unappreciated..left a small tip....waitress was miffed and got more than she deserved...questioned if there was something wrong with her service...what service? read more

Awesome place to visit with my family and friends, or just with an old friend to drink a beer or two with. I love how kid friendly it is, they even keep some board games handy. Food is great and they have a lot of inexpensive small dishes, including things like mac and cheese for the younger set. read more

Lame. I live close by and each time I go the service sucks. They hire pretty girls who do not give a flying FK about you. I ordered fries along with my meal, no ketchup brought. Ordered wings, one napkin given to my friend, not me, no water refill, had to go find napkins for myself, the server asked my friend how her meal was did not ask me. I asked for price of cheese added to a club sandwich, wrong price quoted then said it would be added free. Full cheese price was on my bill. It's like this every time... They charge the same prices as say Moxie's. This club sandwich had almost no bacon or turkey in it. For $14 I can go somewhere else. The wings are very small $6 for ten on Mon, their wing night. Do not pay more than that or your getting ripped off. Just disapointing. If u have low customer service standards and don't mind your server not making eye contact, not caring if you have what you need to eat, not refilling your water or getting your bill right, then you won't miss a thing. If you want to be treated like you exist, go somewhere else where they don't think that their being 'hot' is all that matters. read more

Very slow! Bad survive! Half the food was good like the salad and sides but they really messed up the chicken wings. They were soupy and greasy. Yuck! Server didn't care when I told her they were undercooked, She did nothing. read more

Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Very nice local pub. Oh and good beer on tap too!

Went to dinner with my boyfriend looking for something different. The portions weren't too big which was fine for me but he wanted some more food. Fortunately the food wasn't very pricy and you can add 2 sides for $5. The potato wedges were the best I've ever had and the lasagne was delicious! Not bad service, neat place overall read more

I go here about once a week and have never been disappointed with the service (although the bar service is more attentive than the table service). Good selection of beer, decent prices, solid food. Also a good crowd - this place has a nice mix of college kids, professionals, working class folks, young families, and retirees. Two thumbs up. read more

Ok food good service a place to go if you are next door for something else. Nice selection of beer , did not try the wine. Nice tv placement to watch the game. read more