The Vicious Poodle
726 Johnson St,
Victoria, BC

Hours:
Weekdays Noon to 10pm
Weekends: 11:00am to 10pm

On a quiet day, nobody would immediately know the Vicious Poodle pub is one of the new centres where LGBTQ can find terrific eats and enjoy an evening burlesque or drag show. One look at the menu, the focus is obvious. Also, the decor tells all. After my visit to nerd row, I was hungry and didn’t want to hit any of my regular food spots.

Any dining operation can struggle to stay afloat during a pandemic. Not every patron is willing to “come out” to support their favourite diner, especially with all the stay safe for your health restrictions in place. When owner/operator Socrates Diamant worked on converting the Sockeye Sushi Japanese diner (it had a lot of box seating) space and made it open spaced and inviting, my heterosexuality was not challenged. Instead, I saw my quest for perfect French fries ongoing. After the first bite, I was ready to sing ou la la and do the can-can.

I was torn between having a burger, their staple Vicious Poodle or a main, a Gaymazing Fried Rice. I settled for the sandwich as the thought of a pretzel bun over other styles intrigued me. Instead of those traditional button mushrooms, I’m fairly sure I tasted portobello. Their in-house sauce made for a decent bite.

As I said before, the garlic fries were fabulous and when considering I waited nearly half an hour for this order to arrive, I suspect a fresh potato was sliced up, fried and refried to give that oh so perfect crust. Several licks of the cup was not enough when I reached the bottom. I want it all! Yes, I have a one track mind, and to pour all that oil down the fry certainly sated a nasty craving I had in my mind.

While regular patrons come here for a frolicking good time with the drag shows taking place evenings, I’ll be certain to come back for the food!

4 Stars out of 5