Prophesy

This downtown bar with a bit of a speakeasy vibe is certainly a happening place at happy hour. I was there on a Wednesday night, and the music was cranking from a live performer. The place was packed to the point where I ended up standing at the bar. I guess even the bar seats require a reservation.

There’s a lot of creative cocktail making going on here, and I enjoyed the drinks, but both of the drinks that I tried seemed simpler in actuality than their complex descriptions implied that they would be. Certainly, the Kelpie was well-named because it was like drinking ground-up nori. If you don’t like seaweed, you would not like this drink. The other drink I had was the Run Wild, which turned out to be an excellent espresso martini, but again not as complex as the ingredients might imply. It was perfectly assembled, though, and the float of cream on top of it was sublime.

During happy hour they were passing around various small bites, including their chili chicken and a truffle flatbread. Both were quite tasty and appreciated. The bartending was precise, but the volume level in the place precluded any form of socializing, so I can’t comment on the friendliness of the servers.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/prophecy-vancouver

Little Jumbo

This delightful little restaurant has a speak-easy feel without any affectation. \

Cocktail quality is front and center here, with an ever-changing list of thoughtful twists on classics and creative new concoctions.

The menu is equally well thought-out, with a varied list of starters and sharing plates, and a handful of impeccable entrees.

The staff were the real highlight, with friendly and efficient service. The entire restaurant was being handled by just two people; from front desk to bar to table service, and they made it look easy.

Highly recommended.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/little-jumbo-victoria?osq=Little+Jumbo