The Toronto Blue Jays entered the conventional off-season in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night, with an 11th-inning victory over Baltimore in the play-in game.
Now it’s a rematch of last year’s divisional series against the Texas Rangers.
But here’s the catch: Thursday’s game #1 is at 1:30pm and Friday’s game #2 is set for just after 10am our time. So it might require some clever work/life balance, and you’ll need a nearby pub or restaurant to help out
Prairie Inn
This ultra-popular Peninsula venue has been a fan favourite for decades. And for good reason. The award-winning kitchen serves up delicious meals and appetizers, and their beer, wine and spirits collection is top-notch. They open at 10am on weekdays.
Address: 7806 East Saanich Rd. on the Peninsula
Phone: 250-652-1575
TVs: 19 – not all screens will show the game, but the main TV’s will.
Sound: Surround sound will be on in the pub area, not the dining.
Yates Street Taphouse
There is no bad seat in the house, as the Taphouse has over 25 HD TVs, and at least three distinct sections. They will open earlier than normal on Friday, for the 10am game.
Address: Downtown at 759 Yates St., Victoria 19+ No minors
Phone: 250-590-5253 – accepts table reservations
TVs: 25+ TVs
Sound: Yes
Strathcona Hotel – Sticky Wicket and the Games Room
There is no shortage of options here. The hard-core sports fan will enjoy the Games Room, with its massive projection big-screen, huge sound, and many other large-screen TVs. The Sticky Wicket and the Clubhouse will also have Thursday’s game on, but you’ll need to inquire about sound there. The Games Room will be the only area open for the Friday 10am game, so enter from their dedicated door up Courtney Street a bit, near the alley.
Address: Downtown at 919 Douglas St., Victoria 19+ No minors (except in family dining area)
Phone: 250-383-7137
TVs: 25+ TVs
Sound: Yes – in Games Room or more if demand dictates
Boston Pizza – All locations. ** awaiting confirmation of early opening Friday
This is a great family option. Kids of all ages are welcome in all parts of the restaurant, including the lounge. Nobody has a larger food menu than Boston Pizza. And they are an official Blue Jays supporter, so you know they do the games right.
Address: All locations with the exception of the Hillside location which is closed for renos.
Phone: various
TVs: plenty
Sound: Yes – in lounges
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFPLcjSj6Bu/
Darcy’s Pub – Westshore
This might be the coolest spot in the Westshore. A whole lot of local beers and your national favourites and imports on tap too. Darcy’s will open early – at 10:00am – on Friday for the game.
Address: 737 Goldstream, Langford 19+ No minors
Phone: 250-391-8597
TVs: 12 +
Sound: Yes
Irish Times Pub
This local favourite is now open at 9am every day. And they are famous for their extensive beer selection.
Address: 1200 Government St., downtown
Phone: 250-383-7775
TVs: 9 – all throughout the bar.
Sound: YES
Frankie’s Modern Diner
This one is the new kid on the block. Open at 7am daily, you’ll want to phone in a reservation to Frankie’s if you want to watch the game in their lounge area. Limited seating, so call it in now.
Address: 910 Government St., downtown
Phone: 778-265-8575
TVs: 1 – in the entry lounge.
Sound: YES
