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The Mint
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Himalayan/Nepalese Lounges, Himalayan/Nepalese [Edit]
1414 Douglas StVictoria, BC V8W 2G1
(250) 386-6468
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ, Background
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
18 reviews for The Mint
18 reviews in English
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Review from Beth C.
Victoria, BC
4/23/2012
Had a friend from out of town staying with us recently, and we took her to The Mint for dinner. We had cocktails, and everyone was happy with their choice.
The three of us shared a bunch of small plates - a butter chicken pizza (fantastic), a pesto pizza (pretty good), potato and spinach momos (pretty good), prawn cakes (delicious), a three-dip plate (not enough bread/crackers for the amount of olives/dips, but tasty), and something else I'm forgetting. Oh, samosas. They were dece,t but probably the least memorable of our choices. The food was all well-prepared and tastes fresh, with good flavour and seasoning and felt creative and well-finished.
Our waitress was pretty unsmiling, but was available and helpful, which I guess is more important anyway, and she knew her stuff when we had questions about the menu.
The DJ came on about a half hour before we left, and we enjoyed the level and selection of music a lot - it added to the experience rather than drowning it out.
My only real complaint is that there is "ambiance dark" and then there is "we had to feel our way to the table and get extra candles to see the menu" dark, and this was the latter. A bit silly.
Overall great, and I'll be back to try more of their offerings (I have my eye on the lamb curry). -
Review from Gabrielle P.
Brentwood Bay, BC
4/12/2012
Oh, The Mint. I've always wanted to love you. I first moved to Victoria when the Mint was just opening itself, and I was wooed by its fun drinks, momos, vegan options, and hip atmosphere. I was a bit younger then, so I didn't mind squinting at the menu as much as my crotchety 29-year-old self does now. I sipped delicious soups, drank wonderful cocktails, paired wine with excellent olives, and enjoyed momos and curries.
Then one day, my sister and I headed for a late night bite at the Mint, and she found a thumb tack in her soup. I'm going to say that I think this is a pretty big deal. Shit happens in kitchens, but in the room's dark, dark environment, she could have easily ingested it and I can only imagine how painful that would be. We immediately notified our server, who apologized and nothing more was said, and we frustratingly paid our bill that included the tack soup (which, she'd only taken a few bites of, and when the server took it away, she was never offered another). I was blown away.
In the last year, I've returned to The Mint several times to give them another chance, sticking with the momos, garlic plate, and on occasion, curries. I've never really found anything as tasty (and especially spicy) as it used to be, and always leave pretty unenthused. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I do think the vegan options could be much more exciting. I'll keep going back on occasion to see if anything changes (the new lunch service is intriguing), but it's not exactly somewhere I can recommend. -
Review from Steven S.
12/16/2011
Maybe I am spoiled, as most of the reviews here are really good. Yet I am having a tough time loving The Mint. I kinda confused by what The Mint is actually. Service moved at geologic speeds, it was so slow I swear the I could see the beard growing on our server. they do a great Martini and martini selection on Wends for 5$ which if you are going to the mint to get your booze bag on is great, your food bag is another story. We ordered a few dishes a couple were stand out like the Tampanade with Goat Cheese, hell anything with goat cheese is good, but these were soo good, I think I caught my partner in crime licking the plate. The samosas were greasy as hell and had that "I taste like freezer burn and cardboard packaging thing, which leads me to believe that a lot of the food is not freshly made. The Tibetan MoMos were Meh, Meh and how can something look greasy but taste dry?
I also ordered the Chorizo Naan Pizza which was small but amazing again with goat cheese woo hoo!
For a Himalayaian style joint you would think they would serve Chai tea fresh and ever be proud of it? Nope a tea bag and envelope and pot of water. Also rap style house music turned up at 9pm is not conducive for dining conversation.
Overall come for any dish with Goats cheese and maybe a curry, and do not trip when you are walking out staring at the sparkly stairs. -
Review from Leah C.
2/3/2012
Travel through the iron gate and down the stairs to this late night spot. DJs spin (really) loud beats; the atmosphere is dark, sexy, and hip. You won't go wrong with one of their spicy dip or olive plates, served with different breads and crackers, and one of their house cocktails. The gin rickey is worth a taste. Wide selection for the herbivores.
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Review from Pam S.
3/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I should really start writing reviews before I start drinking, because if I only remember the hangover, I may have a less stellar memory of the place.
In any case, we came here on a...night (Friday, I think) after dinner. Our friends had already gotten some good realty, so we joined.
They had also gotten a bottle of wine even though they were all drinking beer...weird. In any case, having wine plus tasty nibbles plus good friends plus Canadian boyfriend = win.
This seems like a good place to gather with a group of friends OR cuddle on a couch for a date. Either way, I think that you'll find stellar service.
And possibly a hangover.Listed in: Oh Canada...
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Review from Mel C.
Vancouver, BC
8/18/2011
What a delicious experience! This place absolutely exceeded my expectations, and all the mint cocktails were on special that night - not sure it could have gone better.
The palak paneer is of the gods, seriously. -
Review from Biz D.
Medicine Hat, AB
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hands down one of the best Curry's you can have..anywhere. Perfect food, great staff, good music and decent prices. Great beer list too. Go for the lamb: amazing, and make sure you start with the Samosas.
Also, as one of the few late night restaurants in Victoria, it's a no brainer after 10pm. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Mint has changed a lot since I first started descending the sparkly stairs for a good meal and drink.
I will say first off, their cocktails are fabulous. I have tried every drink they make and they are very good. The bartenders are attuned to what people want and seem willing to take suggestions.
For most of the time I've gone there I get the same goat cheese salad, It's been consistent over the years, the currys are also fabulous.
The atmosphere is dark (although they've added lights) and loud. It's a good place to come with people you dont mind yelling at while listening to a dj spin random tunes. I don't say that in a bad way, I really enjoy it, jst be aware.
Average priced for a place of it's kind, I'd say a meal and drinks could run you $23-25+.
Lovely staff, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for somewhere to go out on Victoria that doesn't involve dancing.Listed in: Culinary Tour of Victoria
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Review from Sheryl D.
4/6/2011
If management had given me a loyalty punch card for every time I've been there, I'd so be on the VIP list. I vividly remember several drunken birthdays being celebrated there with college friends, random dinners with friends before going to Cineplex Odeon on Yates, hanging out with out-of-town-guests, lots of great memories for sure, including one time when a homeless man was peeing at the top of the stairs as we were ascending, our bellies full of butter chicken, lamb curry and momo balls. He smelled like pea puree for some reason, no pun intended. God, do I miss the hobos in along Pandora and Johnson. The hobos in Vancouver just don't have that lovable factor that the Island homeless do.
Still one of my favorite joints in Victoria. It's always reminded me of late night underground restaurants in Toronto where it's perfectly acceptable to gorge on a full meal at 1 in the morning. (Note: They serve food only until midnight then it's drinks from then on.) Particularly in a place like Victoria, where restaurants are often closed at 9PM. Needless to say, their bartenders know their stuff, especially for their signature mint drinks. Most affordable drinks in town for me, for the quality you're getting, with an excellent DJ to boot (on select nights).
If you're in town, I suggest enjoying the weekend lounge scene at the Mint. Chill out with the DJ, revel with the smartly dressed people as you leisurely sip on your favorite martini. If you are looking for a hippie/vegan vibe, you're at the wrong place, not for lack of trying though. Their hybrid Tibetan/Indian cuisine tends to attract hippie colonies but for me, it's more an unpretentious yuppie atmosphere to eat, drink and be merry. -
Review from R S.
10/13/2011
Went here with a group of 6 for some food and drinks. Its a great place with a full bar and a pretty decent menu. The food didn't blow me away, I had some various appy's which i honestly don't even recall now. But the atmosphere and service was good. They had a dj playing live, and he kept the energy up with a good mix of music. I found myself having to yell at times so people could hear me, but overall I'd come here again for some drinks with friends.
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Review from Eric K.
5/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
When I first came to Mint a couple of years ago it was a pretty busy place. In fact it was packed. Back then pretty much everything on the menu tasted great and it was actually initially recommended to us as a dessert place.
Fast forward a couple of years and it appears Victoria has moved on from Mint. Last night it was not nearly as packed as before and definitely had a more casual atmosphere (not dressy/clubbing clothes like in the past). The interior is still amazing and they do still had the live DJ.
But the butter chicken pizza I had was just so-so. It didn't seem to have the great fresh ingredients which I remember from previous visits. And the flourless chocolate cake was definitely a run-of-the-mill dessert.
I'd still come here late at night since they are rumored to have the only food license in Victoria that lets them serve food until 2am. I probably should have known better when we saw all the people heading in the opposite direction when we were walking north towards Mint.Listed in: Victoria May 2010
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Review from Stacey E.
8/20/2008
Most will agree this is the only appropriate location to adjourn your evening debauchery to for some high quality tasty Nepal inspired fusion food. The decor is reasonably classy and the drink menu is quite good. The service is often touch and go but the food usually delivers.
The music is often a blend of re-hashed late 90s house - I sure hope someone is looking into it. -
Review from christine c.
Victoria, BC
11/9/2009 1 photo
The Mint is all over the map as far as star factor goes. Let's start at the top.
5 bright, sparkling, glimmering stars for the momos. Momos are hand rolled dumplings made with either beef, chicken, pork or potato and spinach. If I were to create a list of my favourite food items ever these little guys would squeeze right in.
4.5 solid stars for the interior and ambiance. Walking down the dark stairs off Douglas you don't know quite what to expect. But once you get down there you're greeted by a funky atmosphere with white fairy lights on the ceiling, candlelit wooden tables, brick walls and perhaps a live dj depending on the night.
3.5 to 4 stars for the cocktails. For mint lovers only. $5.50 gets you a minty drink in a small tumbler. They have anything from mint caesars to mint pimms, to your traditional juleps and mojitos. Very delicious and consistent.
Between 1 and 3.5 stars for the thunder spaghetti. So every Thursday is half price thunder spag, bringing the cost from $14 to $7. They serve up a yummy spaghetti and meatballs, but nothing to write home about. I've eaten it on several Thursdays, but unfortunately one time it gave me food poisoning. Such a shame seeing as it is a great option if you're not in the mood to cook on a Thursday night. I may try it again, but haven't since...
2.5 wavering stars for the curries. I've tried every curry they offer and they range from lackluster to very good. I'd recommend the lamb curry as a solid option.
If you're wanting an interesting place to pre-drink and eat some appies before a night on the town then the Mint fits the bill. Otherwise it wouldn't be on my shortlist for a full meal. -
Review from danna m.
Victoria, BC
8/19/2010 2 Check-ins Here
once upon a time in the sleepy city of Victoria 'team E&D' needed sustenance at the late hour of 9:00pm. most of their favored hangouts were closing up for the night which left E&D driving aimlessly around downtown shouting out establishments that left them scrunching up their noses and saying 'meh'.
And then they remembered THE MINT.
With rockstar parking right in front, E&D got out of the jetta chariot with a hop in their step. Skipping through th efront door (ok that was just me) we were happily greeted by the staff and seated in a very busy underground lair of other laid back patrons. The music was pumping and thanks be to some newly added Christmas lights, the lighting was perfect.
We couldn't decide on what to eat, so we shared the amazing butter chicken and the curry soup. The butter chicken was tender, moist and not swimming in a sauce that has the layer of oil on the top. Instead it was - of course - made with love. the accoutrements or rice, naan, steamed greens with garlic, carrot-potato-peanut salad and dips were equally outstanding and rounded out the large portion plate for $15. The soup was beautifully crafted with coconut milk and topped with fresh cilantro and peanuts. I could have done without the udon noodles and just a side of naan to dip into the soup instead, but I also could have been too full from the butter chicken to eat all those noodles.
A great experience with a fab beer and wine list to boot.
You must explore the seediness of Douglas after dark and find THE MINT! -
Review from Ryan S.
Victoria, BC
4/7/2009
This is a great spot for late-night drinks and appetizers. A nice selection of tapas-style dishes is complimented by an extensive drink menu. The atmosphere is what makes it, though -- funky, chilled out and nicely lit with plenty of interesting art on the walls. They frequently have live DJs spinning house, dub, downtempo, etc.
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Review from Morgan W.
Victoria, BC
11/2/2009
Go to the Mint for great drinks and tapas, but don't bother with the entrees. They make a great mojito.
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Review from Amy E.
BC
4/7/2010
I love the mint. They have fantastic cocktails and a nice wine selection, they have amazing food, great DJ's (definitely get you pumped up for a night out), and the service is great too. All around this is a must do in Victoria. I always try to stop in here. Its hard to talk as it's really loud but still great!
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Review from Ryan N.
3/11/2010
This is one of my favorite Victoria places. To be honest, it's the atmosphere and layout that keeps me coming back. They have a large menu of cocktails, but that's not really my thing. The food is good. This would probably be one of the first places I would recommend to someone for drinks near downtown.
