Are you ready to say goodbye to your phone and hello to real human connection? That’s the bold vision behind the latest addition to Victoria’s nightlife scene—Glitch Arcade Bar, a transformative project by three Vancouver bar owners with big dreams. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an age dominated by screens, can a bar truly become a haven for face-to-face interaction? Brothers Tom and Trevor Poirier, alongside contractor Dan Haines, are betting on it. They’ve acquired the former Yates Street Taphouse, nestled in the historic Dominion Hotel building at 759 Yates Street, and are turning it into a space that’s part arcade, part sports bar, part nightclub, and all about community.
This isn’t their first rodeo. The trio previously operated two Glitch locations in Vancouver, including one in Kitsilano that closed in 2024 due to rising rent—a challenge many businesses face. And this is the part most people miss: their decision to expand to Victoria wasn’t just about finding a new spot; it was about creating something bigger. ‘We’re not just opening another bar,’ Dan explains. ‘We want to build a place where people can put down their phones and genuinely connect.’
The 7,000-square-foot Victoria location is a nod to their past experiences and a leap into the future. ‘We’re calling it version 2.0 because we’ve learned from our mistakes,’ Trevor admits. One of those lessons? The lack of sports programming in their previous ventures. This time, they’re incorporating a sports bar vibe with booth seating, 20 bar stools, and five to seven televisions. But that’s just the beginning.
The space is divided into distinct areas, each designed to cater to different moods. The front features an arcade section, while the back includes a private room dubbed ‘The Miami Room,’ complete with pink flamingo wallpaper, palm trees, and gaming consoles for groups of up to 20. Here’s the kicker: they’re also adding a dedicated dance floor with a DJ booth and VIP bottle service—something their Kitsilano location sorely lacked. ‘Our friends in their early 30s kept saying they wanted a cooler, more upscale spot,’ Trevor shares. ‘We’re delivering that.’
But wait, there’s more. The downstairs area, long forgotten by previous owners, is being revitalized into a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge. With plush red velvet booths and a narrow, intimate corridor, it’s designed to appeal to an older crowd seeking a more relaxed vibe. ‘We see it as a place for hospitality workers to unwind after a stressful night,’ Trevor explains. The entire venue will accommodate 225 people upstairs and 50 downstairs, ensuring there’s room for everyone.
Renovations are underway, with plans to open by late spring 2026. General manager Julien Chevallier is relocating to Victoria to oversee the operation, and his vision aligns perfectly with the owners’ goals. ‘We want to bring back that feeling of gathering at your local spot,’ Julien says. ‘It’s about being present, sharing laughs, and creating memories together.’
Here’s the controversial question: Can a bar in 2026 truly compete with the allure of smartphones and social media? Or is this just a nostalgic dream? The owners of Glitch Arcade Bar are betting on the former, and they’re inviting you to be part of the experiment. Will you put down your phone and join them? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
For the latest updates, visit Glitch Victoria at https://glitchvic.com/.
