What's the vibe?
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Inside
21 photos
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Outside
6 photos
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All photos
37 photos
Review Highlights
“I used to go to Big Bad Johns 20 years ago and even left a bra there once.” in 12 reviews
“We were staying in the Strathcona Hotel connected to this bar and were excited to try it out.” in 2 reviews
“If you are a local or just visiting Victoria make sure you go to Big John's at least once you wont regret it!” in 2 reviews
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Location & Hours
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Amenities and More
About the Business
Beer, Peanuts, Socializing. BC's Oldest Bar that hasn't changed since the day it's opened.
Recommended Reviews
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Overall rating
66 reviews
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- Jadey K.Victoria, Canada305584Sep 9, 2019
What a great little underground pub. We grabbed a couple beers and were astounded by the amount of items that have made there way into these walls. If you are looking for a place that'll be a conversation starter, you've found it here! It's snug seating but it's all about atmosphere here. Service was okay and the food was higher priced and not very much served up to make this a destination for a meal.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Michael R.Fairview, Vancouver, Canada45Jun 2, 2024
Big Bad John's is a Victoria dive bar experience with its laid-back atmosphere and unique features like peanuts, bras hanging from the ceiling, and cheap beer. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Kyle J.Wainwright, Canada236Apr 8, 2024
Excellent place to sit & relax with friends, found it while working in the area.
Interesting wall artHelpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Caleb N.Seattle, WA264103Mar 24, 2024
Shit. Bar lady was rude as shit. Popped in for a couple of beers on the way out from the strathcona. The patrons were super friendly, but the bar lady made us feel as tho we were not welcomed.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - Katie M.Wasco, CA21151Jul 22, 2023
The dive-iest of dives If women's undergarments as decor bothers you, don't waste your time dropping by. BBJs has a great selection of Canadian beer, and don't forget to ask for a "shaft"...these cocktail suicides are only served in Victoria!!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Feb 27, 2023
What a quirky dive bar we happened upon! The decor is really something...fun pictures, bras on the wall, etc. it was very empty on a weekend evening so service was quick. Free bucket of peanuts as soon as you sit down, and lots of peanut shells on the floor too.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - 27581221Mar 28, 2018
Big Bad John's is a particular lounge, where you can get plenty of drinks made by the bartender but also get ciders and other bottles or canned alcoholic drinks, and local beers on draft.
Two other characteristics of Big Bad John's is the decoration and the shelled peanuts. The walls has stickers, hand written notes, pictures, and other artifacts, such as bottles and bras.
As for the shelled peanuts, you can get a bucket full of them and throw the empty shells on the ground. Don't worry, it's allowed!! At the end of the evening, the floor is full of shells and the only sound you hear is "CRUNCH."
The music is entirely country music!!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 3Oh no 0 - Feb 16, 2019
It is as promised and expected!
Connected with the rest of the block and delivers every bing you want from a dive bar.
Dark, peanuts, food if you want it, reasonable drinks.
Friendly staff and locals/regulars, happy hour.
For my American friends, there are some differences before you start complaining!
We can't free pour here - you can lose your liquor license. You're not gonna get a four ounce pour for $3 like some US dive bars.
Booze costs a lot more money here and is taxed higher, so suck it up and enjoy the current exchange rate you have.
Tips - $1 a drink is not ok :-)
You can traverse a few bars without going outside which is a plus.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - D G.London, Canada03Aug 29, 2020
One of a kind. Might be rough at first, but a cool spot all around.
Peanuts, hockey, country music, bras on the wall...Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Dawn B.Cincinnati, OH352500426Jun 11, 2018
Big Bad John's is the perfect watering hole. Dark and dimly lit, walls covered in random decor including women's bras and floors covered in peanut shells. It's a small bar that had a surprising amount of tables and seating space.
Drinks were good and cheap, and the service was friendly. Country music played constantly and the folks in the bar were good for people watching when we were looking at the stuff on the walls.
It's a must stop, even if it's to check it out for a minute.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mike S.Seattle, WA87257915Mar 30, 2016
This place is like a dive bar in the mall. Definitely has the most character out of any bar I went to in Victoria by far.
-Buckets with peanut shells on every table
-Fake spiders drop on people
-bras hanging from the ceilings
-an older/western looking decor
I liked the place, friendly staff, and the bar might be cash only.
Not the best for watching sports, but this bar is a hokey place to get drunk for sureHelpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0