Victoria Brunch Blog

1652 McRae Ave.
Brunch served Sun - Weds 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Thurs - Sat, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$7 - $10
www.mcraesbistro.com

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The Boiled Down

Don’t expect the gamut of brunch options, but do expect value for money. 

Nick’s rating: 7.5 breakfast beers out of 10
Jen’s rating: 7 hangovers out of 10

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The Slow Cooked

N: How many restaurants can say they were once a convenience store and then a florist? When McRae’s first started going up at the corner of Shelbourne and McRae, I wasn’t optimistic about its chances. The location didn’t exactly scream food hub, but so far they seem to be succeeding. We went on a Sunday morning around 10:30, the place about a quarter full, mostly hungover locals I’m thinking. McRae’s decor is something you’d expect to find in a roadside pub in Bute, Montana. It’s done well though, with an airy cabin-like feel.

J: McRae’s proximity to UVic and Camosun makes it a convenient location for students to get their post-partying fry-up and hair of the dog. The four dudes in the table next too us were looking pretty rough before they ordered their Caesars (and brunch). Maybe Clamato cures all, but I think I’ll stick with coffee.

N: It took them a few minutes to notice us, but once we were seated things moved quicker. 

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No espresso machine at McRae’s, so it was straight up coffee.

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N: Their angle is west coast fare. The brunch options don’t really reflect that, but I don’t think brunch is their forte. That doesn’t mean their offerings are weak though. Limited yes, with only four real brunch options on the menu. I chose the breakfast burrito. For a very reasonable price of $7.50 I got sausage crumble, scrambled egg, cheddar, pico de gallo and green pepper in a tomato tortilla. The quality of the burrito made up for the lack of quantity on the menu. The sausage was quite flavorful and stole the dish. I asked for avocado in the burrito, but they didn’t have any, only guacamole, which I went with, but then quickly realized it had to be a mix if they didn’t have avocados. It wasn’t worth the $2 extra.

I had hash on the side, which as far as brunch hash goes, was better than most. I like a smaller brown, and these were just my size and perfectly fried. One of the better sides I can remember in my brunch experience.

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What came first, the avocado or the guacamole?

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J: No, McRae’s Bistro might not boast the most attentive service, but their low prices definitely make it a worthwhile visit. I ordered the waffle topped with cinnamon apples, whipped cream and maple syrup. For just $7.50, it was a damn fine meal. Granted, it was pretty simple stuff, but the waffle was light and crispy and the apples had great flavour. Next time I’ll have to try one of the other waffle toppings: chocolate and banana or seasonal fruit. Mmmm seasonal.

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This morning’s forecast calls for mainly waffley skies with periods of whipped cream clouds.

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N: What they lacked in attentive service they made up for in music selection. I don’t normally notice the music in the brunch spots we visit, which makes me think it’s of the elevator variety, but McRae’s had a solid playlist. I would have figured Waylon Jennings with the decor (which would have been just fine), but they went indie.

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Brunch song of the week. New blog feature?

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J: Yes indeed, the tunes were ideal. A lazy Sunday morning spent sipping coffee and listening to Local Natives and Band of Horses is a wonderful thing. And judging by the number of TVs set amongst the wood paneled walls and recycled old window frames, McRae’s would also be a great place to grab a beer and watch a game. Too bad the Canucks don’t play in the a.m. more than a couple times per year - I bet hockey brunch could totally be a thing.

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Between us we polished off 50% of their brunch menu.