As a university city, Halifax caters to its student population with a wide variety of bars, pubs, and clubs in the downtown area. Whether looking to listen to jazz while sipping a martini, order local Halifax draft, or party until 4am, Halifax offers visitors extensive nightlife options.
Best Halifax Bars to Sip a Martini
For a more relaxed evening in Halifax, head to one of the Halifax martini bars that are also close to Halifax theaters. Look for weeknight drink specials and great snacking options to accompany a martini—shaken or stirred. These bars offer martinis, but all also serve up quality wines (look for local Nova Scotia wines) and imported and local draft beers:
- Bitter End makes a mean martini and as a result the relatively small bar can fill up quickly. 1572 Argyle St., (902) 425-3039
- The Fireside serves martini specials in a bar that evokes a hidden-feeling. Luckily, this gem is close to Spring Garden Road. 1500 Brunswick St., (902) 423-5995
- Economy Shoe Shop also serves fine-quality beers and a strong selection of wines in a cleverly conceived venue. With many nooks, rooms, and sections, visitors are sure to find a spot to savor a Halifax night. 1663 Argyle St., (902) 423-7463
Great Halifax Brew Pubs and Casual Pubs
Some of the best nightlife spots in Halifax combine a casual atmosphere with great music, friendly service and often a historic setting. Venture to these casual pubs for local beer and a eclectic evening of local characters:
- Rogue’s Roost offers a cozy environment with great food and occasional entertainment—not to mention the amazingly crafted house beer. 5435 Spring Garden Rd., (902) 492-2337
- Henry House delivers local beers in an almost creepily historic stone building. Plus the service is always friendly. 1222 Barrington St., (902) 423-5660
- Maxwell’s Plum offers a myriad of beer varieties with all-you-can-eat peanuts. 1600 Grafton St., (902) 423-5090
- Pogue Fado serves up Irish-style fun in what can be a particularly busy bar. 1581 Barrington St., (902) 429-6222
- Split Crow promises legendary drink specials on Wednesdays and Thursdays and often hosts live music. 1855 Granville St., (902) 422-4366
Best Halifax Live Music Bars
For east coast music (both traditional and contemporary), there are select options for visitors hoping to catch a show:
- The Old Triangle is a favorite of those looking for fiddle tunes. 5136 Prince St., (902) 492-4900
- Bearly’s House of Blues showcases east-coast artists in a rough-edges venue. 1269 Barrington St., (902) 423-2526
- Ginger’s Tavern presents a wide-range of musicians and perfectly complements the tunes with locally made beer. 1662 Barrington St., (902) 425-5020
Halifax Dance Clubs
Although better known for casual bars that nightclubs, there are a few of the latter in Halifax that consistently serve-up fantastic DJs, drink specials, and dancing into the early-morning hours. Note that bars in Halifax with a cabaret license remain open until 4am.
- Reflections Cabaret ranks as a top spot to dance and is also the heart of Halifax's downtown gay and lesbian bar scene. 5184 Sackville St., (902) 422-2957
- The Argyle morphs from a restaurant into a club serving drink specials into the wee-hours, including on its rooftop patio. 1575 Argyle St., (902) 492-8844
- Halifax Alehouse blends the no-fuss attitude of a pub with the party-spirit of a popular club. 1717 Brunswick St, (902) 423-6113
Tips for a Halifax Night on the Town
A great way to begin discovering the local nightlife is with a Halifax brewery tour. Whether it’s the popular and theatrical Alexander Keith’s tour or the malt-of-the-earth Propeller Brewery tour, discovering the history and process of Halifax brews will warm visitors up for a night out.
After a visit to a local pub or club, grab a slice of Halifax pizza at the heart of the after-party—pizza corner. There visitors can also sample a Halifax delicacy: an infamous Halifax donair.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
