Solomon's

I've been putting of writing this review for a while. Mostly because it's my favourite drinking establishment in Victoria and I want to do it justice. But also because it's one I can always write something about. And also because I might be accused of being a shill. I await my check if I am....

Still, Solomon's is a relatively new bar (just over a year old) a little out of the way on Herald Street. It's not passing trade that gets you in there, but word of mouth and recommendations. And the atomosphere and beer list keep me coming back. It's a small place, one frontage wide, a big long bar and seating for maybe 30-40 people. Bigger than some UK pubs I know of, mind.

The place specialises in two things... cocktails and beer. Solomon, the owner, has created a menu of his favourite cocktails, both self invented and old pre-prohibition classics, and they are all made with premium spirits and plenty of care. Service can take a little longer with the cocktails, but those who drink them seem to love them ... I've heard good things about the Hartland Landfill, and the Tequila Salsa concoction was an interesting use of tequila (as opposed to being poured by semi-naked, leather clad tequila girls, which is more an interesting use of marketing and leather rather than tequila).

The beer menu is (currently) 40-odd bottles long with 2-3 beers on tap. There's also an massive selection of neat spirits for selecting. The draft is normally 2 fresh, regular beers from Driftwood and a special. Recently it was an fantastic 12 (yes twelve) year old cheery lambic from Storm Brewing. Tart and sour and one of the most interesting beers I have ever drunk. But that went, and now it's Howe Sound's Winter Warmer ale. Next keg? Who knows.

I love the beer menu though. 40 bottles, in a variety of styles and a variety of prices. If your looking a great $7 bottle, they've got 'em (The Hop Rod Ale from Bear Republic Brewing is my top choice). If your a real beer ticker, try the Rogue Imperial Stout though. Yes it's well over $25, but you can sup it all night, and you'd pay that for a good wine. Between the two there's European imports, beers from south of the border and Canadian goodies. I think I've tried half the menu now with a good friend who knows his beer, and only one was so bad we swore never again (La Merle Saison from North Coast Brewing, in case you are wondering).

But if you do like a good beer, but not sure which one to try, the staff can help you decide and know what beers will suit which palates. Solomon knows his beers, flavours and styles, and flavours seem to be his passion. And a recommendation from Katie I've not seen miss yet. The other thing to try, maybe on a slower night, is a tasting selection of the spirits. $10 gets you 3 0.5oz samplers of the various whiskies, vodkas and distillations on the back bar. The staff will guide you through.

There is also food available. I used to love the Bottomless Chilli bowl, but that came off the menu, and was replaced by a selection of more novel (or nouvelle) cuisine. I tried the shrimp dumplings, which were good, but a little too doughy for my tastes. The lamb stew on a bed of couscous, olives and figs is, my friend tells me, one to 'die for'. Other choices include Beignets (doughy and sweet) and cheese cake (wonderfully tart and moist). The chef has big ideas to come, so that should be interesting.

Solomon doesn't have a TV, and he doesn't play loud chart music.  Wednesday night is Jazz night if you like a bit of live music. The place is designed for good tastings and good conversation. The place can get a little packed and a bit sweaty on a busy night, and service can be a little slower than other places. Cocktails can take time to serve, and if the company is good, and you have the time, it's not a problem. Prices aren't as cheap as Sopranos. But this isn't Sopranos...

Location : 542 Herald Street
Telephone : (250) - 590 - 7656
Website : http://www.solomons.ca/Solomons_Victoria_BC/Home.html