Leopold’s Tavern
570 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8
Leo’s Party Line: 1 (855) 522-LEOS for any location
Good Food, Good Beer, and Good Times!
I was recently reading a local food blog and saw that the burgers at Leopold’s Tavern are touted to be some of the best in town. “That’s it",” I thought, “I have to check it out!”
While I’m at it, I’ll wear my Girl About About Town hat, and do an accessibility review - my job is such a drag!
Leo’s came to Victoria a couple of years ago but this franchise is a well-oiled machine that started up in Regina, Saskatchewan nine years ago and has grown to twelve locations across western Canada. They describe themselves as suppliers of good food, good beer and good times and I wholeheartedly agree, but with one significant caveat: at the Victoria location there’s only ONE table in the entire restaurant that can accommodate a person in a wheelchair or scooter. The vast majority of tables and chairs are the tall ‘bistro’ style and therefore inaccessible for wheelchair users.
So I reached out to management at Leopold’s Tavern to draw attention to the problem and they responded to me quickly, thanked me for bringing it to their attention, and assured me that they were aware and would be adding another low table to the floor plan ASAP. They also were mentioning that they have created a new way to build picnic tables to ensure that they have some accessible spots on the patio as well, which they hope will be in place for the summer.
This is great news! As one of my able-bodied readers recently said, Accessibility is Kick Ass!
On another very positive side, the bathroom at Leo’s is spacious, clean and easily able to accommodate a scooter, wheelchair or even large power chair, so “Well done, guys, and thank you for your commitment to inclusivity!”
Leo’s has great atmosphere and is decorated with coloured lights and lanterns everywhere, art and music paraphernalia is crammed on to every available wall surface, and several flat screen TV’s play whatever pro sport you fancy. The place has a fun, rock ‘n’ roll vibe and the servers are accommodating and friendly. It can be loud and a bit raucous so if that’s not your thing, avoid the evening hours and do lunch. In fact, Leo’s has affordable lunch specials, featuring some of their most popular menu items.
It’s time to talk about food, and I feel strongly that if you’re a hungry human being, you won’t be disappointed. With sixteen different flavours of wings, seven different flavours of poutine (I double-dog dare you to try the Punchbowl Poutine!) and delicious burger and sandwich choices galore, you can’t go wrong.
Doing the meatless thing lately? There are several great looking plant-based selections, such as the Plant-based Impossible Poutine, plus tried and true omnivore faves such as Mac and Cheese, Dill Pickle Fish and Chips, and their Anytime Breakfast.
Gluten Free? You’re good with LOTS of options. Honestly, the menu at Leo’s is extensive and impressive, from pre-dinner snacks like flaming hot perogies, a bucket of bacon (100% Maple syrup dip) to fried pickles, and beyond. There’s no way you’ll go away hungry or disappointed. My friend had the Dill Pickle Burger (outstanding) and I had the Classic Cheeseburger and fries (super yummy) - Best in town?
Hmmm…. definitely getting there but I have to keep sampling, haha!
Monday evenings 3pm to close Appetizer Buckets are $7.50, Tuesday is Tacos and Tequila (and Corona), and Wednesday’s Wings are on special from 3pm to closing. On the weekends and stat holidays Leo’s Breakfast Club serves great brunches.
I’ve got my eyes on the Hangover Cure 2.0. Don’t laugh.
I need to say a word here about drinks. First of all, Leo’s is a proud supporter of local craft breweries and displays a rotating chalkboard of what’s on tap. There’s wine, bubbly drinks, “Divey Cocktails” and non alcoholic beverages as well. Don’t forget, happy hour is between 3 and 6 PM Monday to Friday. If you’re looking for fun, this is the place to be, just sayin’.
What I liked about it:
Fun atmosphere and excellent food selection.
Accessibility Features:
Entrance is a little snug but the restaurant is all on the ground level. As mentioned, currently there’s only one accessible table with four movable chairs, which is disappointing but another low table is on the way. The bathroom is large and accommodating.
Final Verdict:
Since Leo’s has committed to adding another low table, I do recommend them as a fun place to go. If you are a wheelchair user then you should call ahead to reserve a low table to avoid being disappointed.