From The Fairmont Empress Best Nearby Lounge (Nightlife) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Victoria, BC Upstairs Cabaret (Nightlife - Lounge) 15 Bastion Sq, Victoria  BC  V8W 1T7 • 250-385-5483 Distance: ~0.505 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. Situated above Darcy's Pub, the Upstairs Cabaret is a mostly live music venue that attracts a more mature crowd to enjoy the offerings of blues, jazz and top 40. A classy space with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and an abundance of local art, the bar also provides a full range of beers, wines and cocktails. Aura Restaurant (Nightlife - Lounge) 680 Montreal St Laurel Point Inn, Victoria  BC  V8V 1Z8 • 250-386-8721 Distance: ~0.642 km         Description: JAMES BAY. Often called Victoria's most romantic lounge, Cook's Landing is also one of the best places to enjoy live, local musicians. Once you're done admiring the amazing view of the Inner Harbour and the city skyline, you can relax with a cocktail or a light meal. Prism Lounge (Nightlife - Lounge) 642 Johnson St, Victoria  BC  V8W 1M6 • 250-388-0505 Distance: ~0.670 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. Victoria's only gay club supplies good times with karaoke, drag shows, pool tournaments and drink specials. Music, supplied by talented local DJs, ranges from top 40 to house. The Mint (Nightlife - Lounge) 1414 Douglas St, Victoria  BC  V8W 2G1 • 250-386-6468 Distance: ~0.702 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. The Mint employs several specialty chefs to prepare authentic and delicious international foods. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, but meat eaters aren't neglected. Start with badam sandheko – spicy roasted peanuts with ginger and cilantro. Or create your own starter platter, choosing from over 40 meats, cheeses, vegetables and dips. Main dishes hail from several countries: spaghetti with spicy Italian sausage, Asian udon noodle soup, piquant Indian curries, even a kicky Nepalese chicken-and-chiles concoction. The space is stylishly East-meets-West, with low lighting, dark woods and spicy splashes of color. Entertainment provided by live bands or DJs runs the gamut of world music, from bossanova to reggae to dub. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.