Solomon's officially closed its doors in late January after nearly a year and a half of serving up some of Victoria's most sought after cocktails. Photo © VibrantVictoria.ca.

“Ultimately Solomon’s was a success,” writes Solomon Siegel as part of the latest entry on his recently closed cocktail bar’s official website.

Solomon’s, named after Siegel, opened in 2008 to much fanfare from local foodies and Victorians who knew the difference between a standard cocktail and one created by someone versed in the “art of cocktails,” as Siegel put it.  Dubbed as a cocktail pioneer in Victoria, Solomon’s quickly became known for its unique alcoholic concoctions, a vast offering of beers and an acclaimed menu, adding up to what became a unique experience in a city dominated by traditional bars and restaurants.  But that wasn’t enough to keep the operation in business.

“We were packed on Friday nights in January,” Siegel said, speaking of Solomon’s draw during the slowest season of the year.  Unfortunately busy weekends couldn’t keep such an operation financed throughout an entire month.  “We needed more space, more seats, and if I could get drinks out faster then I could have sold more of them,” he added, referring to Solomon’s sometimes slow, but “signature” refill rate, as some called it.

But it wasn’t just the operating costs and the lack of seating that led to the closure of his business.  Siegel cited problems with the liquor board, an organization that he referred to as “corrupt” and as “more difficult to work with than the mafia.”  Recently Solomon’s received a $2,000 fine and a four day closure due to a complaint to the liquor board from an individual Siegel claimed was a tenant in his building, located in the 500-block of Herald Street.  The complaint was frivolous, Siegel said, but nonetheless he was slapped with a bill that ultimately pushed his whole operation over the edge.

Siegel is keeping his chin up, however.  With experience in running a bar and many years spent working for his father Howie and uncle David Siegel at Pagliacci’s, a popular downtown Victoria restaurant, Siegel is optimistic he will one day open another bar.  “I’ve already spoken to investors who are interested in financing a reincarnation of Solomon’s,” he said, but quickly adding that he is also excited about opportunities to pursue his interests in teaching the “art of cocktails.”  “Closing the bar will give me more time to do more consulting and educating, especially in the realm of cocktails.  I love doing classes and people have a lot of fun learning about cocktails,” he said.  Siegel is also looking forward to exploring managerial opportunities with local bars or training bar staff.

Siegel says he is looking forward to doing some work, and in time, perhaps, Victoria’s cocktail bar pioneer will make a much celebrated comeback.

To discuss Solomon’s on the VibrantVictoria.ca discussion forum, click here.  To view Solomon Siegel’s website, click here.

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