You can just forget about those lists that only scratch the surface of Halifax’s bar scene — I’m here to serve up more than just the usual suspects!
When I first landed in this town, I hit up the typical hotspots like everyone else. Sure, they were fun, but I needed more spice in my nightlife recipe.
So, I took it upon myself to uncover the coolest bars in Halifax, from the well-known joints to the hidden hotspots tucked away in the city’s nooks and crannies.
My only qualifier? These bars had to be as cool as the ice in cocktail shakers.
Thus, this epic list was born — packed with spots that’ll make you raise your eyebrows in surprise and your glass in celebration. If you’re thirsty for a taste of the eclectic escapades in Halifax, consider this your insider’s guide to shaking things up!
The Carleton
Media credit: careltonhalifax
Website: http://www.thecarleton.ca/
Address: 1685 Argyle St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Saturday: 4 PM–12 AM
- Sunday: 4–10 PM
The Carleton is Halifax’s legendary live music hotspot that dishes out comfort food so good it should be illegal. Nestled in one of the city’s oldest buildings, this joint is a history buff’s paradise with walls dating back to 1759.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ask your server about the latest craft beers. And pair your poison with a Carleton Burger! |
Buck Ugly’s
Media credit: buckuglys
Website: http://buckuglys.ca/
Address: 5287 Prince St
Hours:
- Open daily from 6 PM–2 AM
Buck Ugly’s has an insane lineup that includes local artists, drag shows, cover bands, and DJs — practically guaranteeing your nights are never dull!
Don’t forget to pair the entertainment with locally crafted beer, Nova Scotian wine, and cocktails that pack a punch — you’ve got yourself a party!
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Ugly Buck Burger — it’s actually a beautiful beast! |
Pacifico
Media credit: pacificohalifax
Website: http://www.pacificohalifax.com/
Address: 5171 George St
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Wednesday
- Thursday: 4–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 4 PM–2 AM
Pacifico Bar is your go-to when you need some fuel — for yourself or for the people around you. Here, you can round up some friends for a cocktail or two and nibble on small plates that’ll keep you grooving!
Pro Tip: Sip the jolly Avalon and munch on the bar’s pineapple and chorizo burger. You’re welcome! |
Bar Sofia
Media credit: barsofia.hfx
Website: http://barsofia.ca/
Address: 1709 Lower Water St #104
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–2 AM
Bar Sofia is the ultimate hotspot for Latin cooking, where shared plates and cocktails will have you (well, actually your taste buds) doing the cha-cha!
Under the genius of Chef Anthony Walsh, this gem is a nod to his Argentinian roots and a shoutout to all the foodies, artists, and adventurers out there.
Pro Tip: The Gaucho Pie Co. Beef Empanadas are a must-try — pair them with a cheeky cocktail of your choice and you’ll be dancing on the table in no time. |
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
Media credit: oldtrianglehfx
Website: http://www.oldtriangle.com/welcome/
Address: 5136 Prince St
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM–11:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
The Old Triangle is where you part with a few loonies and grab a pint of your favorite import, local, or craft beer — your perfect poison. Pair it with some hearty Irish pub grub, and you’ll be living your best life!
Pro Tip: Expect live music every night of the week, with toe-tapping fiddle tunes that might just inspire you to try some Irish set dancing. |
Bulwark Cider House
Media credit: bulwarkciderhouse
Website: http://bulwarkciderhouse.ca/
Address: 1518 Dresden Row
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
Bulwark Cider House is on a mission to keep you intrigued with their authentic, natural, and downright delicious cider housed in a charming 1800s historical spot.
With over 20 ciders to choose from, along with local beers, vodka sodas, and mouthwatering gourmet pizzas, it’s a flavor fiesta you won’t want to miss!
Pro Tip: Grab a limited edition flight or a pint and soak in the vibes on their cozy front or backyard patio! |
The Lower Deck
Media credit: thelowerdeckhfx
Website: http://www.lowerdeck.ca/
Address: 1887 Upper Water St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 5 PM–12 AM
- Thursday, Sunday: 5 PM–12:30 AM
The Lower Deck is for anyone craving traditional pub grub and a pint with a killer view of the harbor. And if you’re lucky enough to visit in the summer, their legendary courtyard patio parties are a must!
Pro Tip: They’ve got new drinks all the time — and a lot pair perfectly with their smoky back ribs! |
Lot Six Bar & Restaurant
Media credit: lotsixbar
Website: http://www.lotsix.ca/
Address: 1685 Argyle St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Thursday: 4–11 PM
- Friday: 4 PM–1 AM
- Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM–3 PM
Just step into the marvelous Lot Six Bar & Restaurant and prepare to be whisked away to Europe without ever leaving Halifax.
With its stunning glass-ceilinged atrium, this spot is the epitome of chic. Sip on their divine cocktails and savor the killer menu offerings while basking in the European vibes!
Pro Tip: We’re all for the Kingdom of Hearts, but if you’re into pitchers, then Paloma it is! |
The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Media credit: thepressganghfx
Website: http://thepressgang.net/
Address: 5218 Prince St
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Monday
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 5–10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 5–11 PM
The Press Gang is your jam when looking for great fresh oysters and cocktails! Sit back, relax, and let the tunes from Gerry Carruthers and Mike Cowie wash over you as you savor every bite and sip.
Pro Tip: Since they’ve got over 235 whiskies, you’ve got a lot of visits to try all of them. Our take? Get the bright lemony Killyloch 1967 with just enough darkness to soothe souls! |
Stillwell
Media credit: stillwellbeergarden
Website: http://www.barstillwell.com/beergarden
Address: 5688 Spring Garden Rd
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–1 AM
- Sunday: 12–11 PM
Stillwell is decked out in industrial chic and crowned the king of Halifax in 2016 by snagging the title of the best bar in the city. And when the sun’s out, hit up their beer garden — it’s so hip, it practically has its own fan club.
Pro Tip: Want to impress your crew? Check out Stillwell’s rotating tap menu online before you go so you can drop some beer knowledge bombs like a true connoisseur. |
The Loose Cannon
Media credit: theloose.cannon
Website: http://theloosecannon.ca/
Address: 1566 Argyle St
Hours:
- Open daily from 4 PM–2 AM
The Loose Cannon is Halifax’s own little piece of Scotland, where the scotch flows as freely as gossip at a highland ceilidh.
Why wallow in your woes with a mere pint when you can drown them in one of over 75 varieties of scotch? And pair your drink with hearty Scottish fare a rich steak and ale stew!
Pro Tip: Haggis, fish and chips, or Shepherd’s pie? All of them are pure comfort on a plate! |
Peacock Wine Bar
Media credit: peacockwinebar.hfx
Website: https://www.peacockwinebar.ca/
Address: 1715 Lower Water St #134
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM–12 AM
- Thursday to Friday: 4 PM–1 AM
- Saturday: 11 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 12 AM–1 PM, 4 PM–12 AM
Peacock is your hip hangout in town if you’re a wine lover — or a social butterfly. Right in the Queen’s Marque district, this wine bar offers a blend of laid-back vibes and a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a casual drink or a wild night out.
Pro Tip: One sip of their Immortal Genovese and you’ll feel like you found the elixir of youth! |
The Split Crow Pub
Media credit: splitcrowhali
Website: http://www.splitcrow.com/
Address: 1855 Granville St
Hours:
- Open daily from 11:30 AM–12 AM
The Split Crow has roots dating back to 1749 and this place practically invented pub culture in Nova Scotia! Just grab a pitcher of local brews to share on the patio and pair it with classic pub grub.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to snag a spot on the cobblestone streets for prime people-watching! We like to keep it light so we go for their signature Halifax Harbour Breeze. |
The Village Taphouse
Media credit: thevillagetaphouse
Website: https://villagetaphouse.ca/
Address: 11 Bloom Ln Unit 107
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3–11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 2 PM–12 AM
- Sunday: 2–9 PM
The Village Taphouse is your boozy playground with 35 taps overflowing with over 80 different local libations. We’re talking beers, ciders, wines, mead, cocktails, and spirits — all proudly brewed right here in Nova Scotia!
Pro Tip: Go when there’s live music to DJ-fueled dance parties, trivia nights that’ll test your brain cells, and music bingo where luck might just be on your side! |
Economy Shoe Shop
Media credit: econshoeshop
Website: http://www.economyshoeshop.ca/
Address: 1663 Argyle St
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–3:30 AM
The Economy Shoe Shop is the place where the drinks are ice-cold and the music’s sizzling! Since 1995, this gem has been shaking up cocktails and serving donair dip like it’s going out of style!
Pro Tip: Get their famous Dirty Burger ASAP and down it with one tap beer of the day — and you’re in for a night to remember! |
Tapestry Beer Bar
Media credit: tapestrybeerbar
Website: http://tapestrybeerbar.com/
Address: 833 Sackville Dr unit 102
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4–10 PM
- Friday: 4–11 PM
- Saturday: 3–11 PM
- Sunday: 3–8 PM
Tapestry Beer Bar has a whopping 20 taps showcasing the best brews the province has to offer — they’re all about keeping it local. From beer to cider, wine, and even non-alcoholic options, they’ve got something to tickle every taste bud!
Pro Tip: They’ve got daily specials that’ll make your wallet sing, Flight School Fridays for those looking to spread their beer wings, and events that’ll keep you entertained all week long! |
5 Social
Media credit: global_canuck
Website: https://5socialhfx.com/
Address: 1740 Argyle St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday: 4–9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 4–10 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
5 Social is the cooler sibling to the fancier 5 Fisherman Restaurant next door. Here, you’ll find cocktails that are as curated as your Instagram feed, seafood dishes so creative they might just write a novel, and seasonal menus that keep things fresh!
The vibe is as laid-back as a Sunday morning, with a stunning live edge bar and the kind of ambiance only a 200-year-old stone foundation can provide.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying their signature cocktail—it’s the perfect way to toast to good times and great company! |