James Bay Inn Pub

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#54 of 711 Restaurants in VictoriaBar, Fusion, $$ - $$$

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James Bay Inn Pub

Review

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Website

+1 250-384-7151Improve this listing

About

Our goal is to provide you with delicious food in a relaxed, casual and pleasant atmosphere with friendly and cheerful service. We purchase only the freshest ingredients available in. We use zero trans-fat oil in our fryers, which is in turn recycled into fuel. Our soups, salads, gravies, chowders and most of our dressings are all homemade. Our food may take a little longer to prepare but we hope you will enjoy your experience. Bon Appétit Management & Staff

Features

CUISINES

Bar, Fusion, Canadian

Meal types

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly

FEATURES

Digital Payments

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Parking Available

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Street Parking

Table Service

Takeout

Television

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

260 Government St, Victoria, British Columbia V8V 2L2 Canada

James Bay

Parking Available, Street Parking

Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

Unsure

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Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 11:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Monday

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Wednesday

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Thursday

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Friday

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Saturday

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

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4.2

275 reviews

Excellent

112

Very good

113

Average

Poor

Terrible

Dasa40

Wolverhampton12 contributions

Thanksgiving Dinner

Oct 2022 • couples

I would have given it a "5" instead of a "4" and even though we had a wonderful meal at the James Bay Inn,when it came to paying our bill,our server brought our bill over for 82 dollars. When i asked him to change it to 90 dollars to include a tip,he pressed the 15% tip button which came to 94 dollars! Even though I'm here as a tourist,one thing i do know is that you don't tip on the tax! With the tax taken off,our basic bill with the 15% tip still came to 89 dollars! I just hope that this is an isolated incident. Our server was a tall,very slim guy with long wavy hair. A tip is a privilege and not a right!

Written October 10, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ricallen

Hey Dasa, technically speaking we are not supposed to add tips to the bill through the machine. It is a requirement that the guest do this to avoid the very situation that you speak of. Tips are neither a right or privilege, they are considered gifts and only the gifter is supposed to determine the gift. Thank you for sharing your experience, however please add your own tip in the future to avoid such issues. Cheers

Written October 23, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gary B

Caledonia96 contributions

Great food on two visits

Feb 2023 • none

Excellent food, excellent service, at a good price. How to go wrong? We visited one morning for a delicious breakfast, completely filling and well priced. The waitress who has been there for many years was attentive and personable, definitely an asset to the organization. We came back a week later for dinner....fish and chips, and hot turkey sandwich. Great filling servings, and well prepared. The price was also more than reasonable for the value of what we received. Same as the morning, the two servers that waited on us were fabulous, attentive, and personable, again, assets to the organization. Go to JBI for any meal you can't go wrong.

Written February 8, 2023

Ric Allen

Amazing review, thank you so much. See you next time. Cheers

Written May 13, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

A_V_Wedding_Lady

Rex435 contributions

Good service ~

Sep 2022 • couples

We did order a lot of American food, however there are other cuisines available. The things that we did order where perfect. I really enjoyed my chicken, my husband enjoyed his turkey and the ribs were delicious. Additionally our server Sheri told us about a drink special they had we never tried before it was delicious. Sheri was extremely friendly and helpful. Because of her this is a place I would return to.

Written September 11, 2022

ricallen

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We will be sure to share your kind words with Sherry and the rest of the team. See you next time.

Written October 23, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Papoux26

Quebec City118 contributions

Superbe pub ambiance and heavenly food

Jun 2023 • couples

I had a delicious Reuben sandwich and my wife, a spinach salad with homemade raspberry/balsamic vinaigrette - heavenly. Waitress was kind, smiling, courteous and made us feel right at home. Really, the place deserves to be discovered.

Written June 20, 2023

Roy Whitney

Thank you so much for sharing your kind words. It was a pleasure having you as our guest and we hope to see you again soon. Cheers

Written August 19, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jenbenScotland

Ayr184 contributions

Great local place in James Bay

Jun 2022 • couples

We came across this place as it was close to our hotel on the afternoon we arrived & saved us having to go into town & hung around. The pub seemed to be more of a locals place & sports bar oriented but staff were very friendly & the food we ordered there was some of the best we experienced in Victoria. The portions were generous, lots of salad to accompany your food & well presented. I had a salmon burger, grilled salmon fillet on brioche bun with all the trimmings. It was great!

Written June 26, 2022

ricallen

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words. Till next time,,,,,cheers

Written October 23, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Glori P

10 contributions

Not satisfied

Aug 2021 • couples

My husband and I went to the James bay restaurant all the time the food portions are getting smaller. I was charged 50 cents for a small amount of sauce. Iwe had fish and chips the portions were very smalll my husband fish was all batter no fish. I had liver it was very touch. The service is good but the food portions are small. It is expensive enough and they are cutting back on the portions. We are very disappointed and not sure if we will be back. The staff is wonderful and I really like Courtney she is a exceptional manager and deserves a big raise. I wanted to bring this matter to your attention.

Written August 13, 2021

ricallen

Thank you very much for taking the time to review us. We would also like to express our gratitude for your coming in to visit daily as of late. As for your concerns, we would like to address them individually. .𝟱𝟬 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗲: To keep food costs down, we do charge .50 for sauce. This price has not changed in a long time, and it is standard in the industry to charge for extras, including house-made dips and sauces that are not included with any specific dish. 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: The size of our Fish and Chips has not become smaller. No two orders can be the same size, and you may have gotten a smaller piece. If at any time you feel you have not received value for what you have ordered, kindly speak to your friendly server, and we will do all we can to address your concerns. 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: At the JBI we always balance price with value. Food costs have skyrocketed over the past year, but the JBI proudly continues to offer the best value for dining out in our local area and one of the best in the Greater Victoria Area. To confirm, we have not raised our prices in quite some time, and we are not shrinking our portions. 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘆: Thank you so much for your kind words about Courtenay. She has been a rock over the many years that we have had the pleasure of having her as our manager. Her leadership skills and dedication to customer satisfaction spills to her staff, and we are grateful to have her as part of our family. In conclusion, we value your feedback and will take some time to reflect to see how we can improve. Again, thank you for your regular visits of late, and we hope that your future visits will meet your needs. Cheers!

Written August 25, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

James Q

Vancouver2 contributions

Nostalgic food in a haunted pub

Jul 2020 • friends

We came to do some ghost-hunting and we weren't disappointed! It is a very well-known location in Victoria for ghosts and is even on the Ghostly Walks Tour, though the waitress had no clue what we were talking about haha! Our ghost-communicating app was off the charts, though. The food itself was decent, straightforward and nothing fancy (everything comes with boiled vegetables and mashed potatoes and gravy), but I enjoyed it. Some of the staff were a bit rude, but at least our server was trying to keep up a happy appearance.

Written July 22, 2020

ricallen

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We would like to hear more details of how we could do better. Feel free to drop us an email at roy@jbibpub.com. Cheers

Written September 16, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mz B

8 contributions

Didn't have the best of time. Should have played some darts

Sep 2020 • none

Came here for a light dinner around 7, and were promptly seated at a table which was close to the open door at entrance, under a very bright set of lights. Asked if we could sit up in the back area, was told "no." Our server asked us what we wanted for drinks before we even had a chance to sit down. I'm not from the area, had no idea. In all fairness didn't get the impression staff was used to the pub being busy, it was pretty packed. Food and drinks served promptly, although it was chilly with the door open all night, noticed a few patrons sitting in coats so I know it wasn't just me. I wondered if I had opportunity to try the dart board I might have warmed up a bit ;) Food was average - salsa was not very good - very salty. Wings were ok. Thanks

Written October 5, 2020

ricallen

We are sorry that you did not have the best time at our friendly pub. We do understand that visiting a pub nowadays can cause a bit of confusion as to why certain decisions must be made. This is especially true with seating in bars and restaurants as we must follow strict protocols. As a business that cares about our community, we will always meet or exceed all current health and safety guidelines. We do miss the good old days when everyone could sit anywhere they wish. Until those days come back, we will do our best to accommodate seating requests according to what is best for our community as a whole. We are pleased to hear that even while we were busy, that our experienced staff served your food and drinks promptly. The JBI would like to extend our apologies for falling short on the salsa, this is not the norm and there is no excuse. We wish that we would have known earlier so we could have had the opportunity to make it right. All feedback is extremely valuable in our goal to constantly improve. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your concerns and your compliments. We hope that you will try us again soon. Cheers

Written October 10, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

tjmU4374LJ

San Juan Islands927 contributions

Delightful pub in neighborhood

Apr 2023 • couples

The hotel staff on walking in tried to steer us to the restaurant (same menu and prices) but we were glad to go instead to the nearby pub : a bit of local color and perfectly fine service. Moderate selection of draft beers. Very good pan-fried oyster burger as well as salmon burger. Surprise hit was delicious cole slaw with carrots and red pepper, nicely seasoned. Will be back.

Written April 22, 2023

Ric Allen

Thank you for being our guest and for sharing your experience. Please come back and visit us again soon.

Written May 13, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Glori P

10 contributions

Very disappointed

Jul 2020 • couples

i had complained to the manger of the restaurant about having two cold meals in one day, she had not offered us a free meal for the two cold ones. She had said she would tell the kitchen to warm the plates. We tried again on Friday and the waitress was really rude to my husband. To me that is not good customer service at all

Written July 12, 2020

ricallen

Oh no, this doesn't sound good. We would love to hear more about your experience so we can learn from our mistakes. Please feel free to reach out at roy@jbipub.com Cheers

Written September 16, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jordan L.

Kelowna13 contributions

Thanksgiving dinner done right

Oct 2020 • none

We were just getting into town on Thanksgiving Day and we were searching for a good dinner that would make us feel like we were at home with our families, and James Bay did not disappoint. Although slightly small portions, it came with a 3-course meal, and the pumpkin pie was to DIE for! My husband even ordered a second piece. As for family friendly.. we were the youngest people there by about 50 years. Although the seniors loved our baby, if she would have been crying, we would have gotten stares for sure.

Written October 14, 2020

ricallen

Awe shucks Jordan thank you so much for being our guest during Thanksgiving. Your amazing review brings smiles to all of us. We look forward to having you visit us again. Cheers

Written October 20, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

105jimk

Saskatoon330 contributions

Good venue with decent food and drink

Mar 2020 • none

My wife and I had two occasions to eat in the James Bay Inn Pub, and we enjoyed both. One occasion was with friends who eat their routinely once each week. We enjoyed both occasions and found the beer to be good and the food to be quite acceptable pub food. The service for us was excellent. The pub does have a dinner deal of starter, main course and dessert for $20, although we did not have it. There seems to be a fair number of regulars attending the pub. Some were playing darts.

Written March 17, 2020

ricallen

Thank you for sharing your kind words and knowledge of the JBI. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Cheers

Written September 16, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

RobertMJThompson

Victoria849 contributions

Date Night

Oct 2024 • couples

This is a well managed pub with some history. You notice the character of the place as you enter this space that dates from 1911. The woodwork is well kept, tables are clean and plentiful. Play billiards, darts, gamble or watch sports on one of the monitors. I chose to gaze into my bride's eyes as she enjoyed a cocktail and some calamari. We walked here, but there is plenty of parking; on street or in the hotel lot. I'm not a bar-type person but this was a comfortable spot to have a date with someone you care about.

Written October 4, 2024

Jayclo

Victoria32 contributions

In the heart of 'olde' Victoria.

Jan 2020 • none

I have frequented the restaurant of this century+ old inn for over fifty years so they must be doing something right! I have eaten breakfasts, lunches, dinners and attended special functions over that period and enjoyed cleanliness, pleasant atmosphere, good service and friendly staff. The food ain't bad either. The menu is varied. The prices are reasonable. I'm not crazy about their cooked veggies except they make good roasted potatoes. Americans will say the veggies are overcooked and even an old 'Limey' like me might have the same complaint so I simply request a double portion of potatoes and have an included side salad. Visitors to Victoria will definitely appreciate the location. It's a short walk to the ocean- front to the South or a short walk to the 'Inner Harbour' to the North with lots to see in between.

Written January 4, 2020

ricallen

Thank you for your fair review. It is always a pleasure to hear what we did well as well as where we can improve. We look forward to your next visit. Cheers

Written September 24, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gardiner W

Vancouver537 contributions

Comfortably old fashioned with traditional menu...

Oct 2020 • none

We had been to the pub before but not the cafe so met some friends for lunch. A very traditional menu - liver and onions on the menu - and very tasty. Had one of the lunch specials - hot turkey sandwich which was tasty enough although my wife tuna salad sandwich with accompanying salad and dressing was better. Great friendly service and very comfortable environment. Just the place for a relaxing lunch in beautiful James Bay. We will be back to try other menu items.

Written October 23, 2020

ricallen

Thanks Gardiner for taking the time to share such a wonderful review. Come back soon :-0

Written October 26, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.