Matthew TremblaySo one day, me and my mates were brainstorming ways to make the most of the upcoming weekend. Being the beer buff of the bunch, I pitched a brilliant plan: let’s dive into Halifax’s brewery scene!
I mean, who wouldn’t want to peek behind the curtain of a brewery, right?
To my shock, the research unveiled a goldmine—more than 10 breweries across the city! Inspired, I whipped up a list of these beer havens, meant to be our roadmap for plotting our brewery conquests, one cold one at a time.
But suddenly, my modest list became the talk of the town. Next thing I knew, everyone from friends to frenemies was hankering for my list, thirsty for Halifax’s best brews.
But why keep all the fun to ourselves, eh? So, if you’ve never dipped your taste buds into the bubbling cauldron of the Halifax brewery scene, consider this your sign!
So come along with me as we traverse the city’s hoppy havens, where every pint spins a yarn and every sip is a tale waiting to be told!
- 1. North Brewing Company
- 2. Breton Brewing Co.
- 3. New Scotland Brewing Co
- 4. Unfiltered Brewing
- 5. Garrison Brewing Company
- 6. Burnside Brewing Company
- 7. Good Robot Brewing Company
- 8. Propeller Brewing Company
- 9. Brightwood Brewery
- 10. 2 Crows Brewing Co
- 11. Nine Locks Brewing Company
- 12. Bar Stillwell
- 13. Alexander Keith’s Brewery
1. North Brewing Company
Website: https://www.northbrewing.ca/
Address: 899 Portland St
Hours:
- Monday: 12 PM–7 PM (Retail shop only, taproom is closed)
- Tuesday: 12 PM–9 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12 PM–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Who needs a compass when you’ve got North Brewing Company? Right in Dartmouth, they brew beers that’ll have you navigating to their taproom faster than you can say “Cheers!”
Just picture yourself savoring classic brews while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. And don’t miss the Side Hustle Snack Bar for tasty bites to accompany your pint!
With Belgian-inspired craft brews that hit all the right notes, this place is like a delicious siren song calling you to its shores.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their Malternate Reality Wild New England IPA – it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! |
2. Breton Brewing Co.
Website: https://bretonbrewing.ca/
Address: 364 Keltic Dr
Phone: +1 902-270-4677
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM–8 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 12 PM–9 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM
Cape Breton Island’s hidden gem, Breton Brewing Co., is where the party’s at! We’ve got to confess: we can’t help but dive into their natural, unfiltered ales and lagers while enjoying live entertainment and trivia nights.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to catch their “Music OnTap” events for a good time along with your brew! |
3. New Scotland Brewing Co
Website: http://www.newscotlandbrewing.ca/
Address: 16 Portland St Unit 101
Phone: +1 902-406-2337
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4–11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
Time to embrace the heart of Dartmouth at New Scotland Brewing Co! Here, you can sip on their craft beer masterpieces while soaking in the harbor view.
With a stage for local talents and Stone Pizza next door, it’s a one-stop-shop for good times.
| Pro Tip: Order a pint of their Slow Burn Chocolate Chili Porter for a unique and spicy twist on traditional craft beer. |
4. Unfiltered Brewing
Website: http://unfuckingfiltered.com/
Address: 6041 North St
Phone: +1 902-717-8770
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12–10 PM
Unfiltered Brewing is where punk rock meets beer, and attitude is on tap. Despite the banner saying “This Place Sucks,” their brews are anything but!
Just dive into the bold flavors of their Exile on North Street and feel the rebel within. This small but spirited brewery is a haven for hop-heavy suds and a memorable experience!
| Pro Tip: Embrace the punk vibes and order a flight to experience their rebellious brews! |
5. Garrison Brewing Company
Website: http://www.garrisonbrewing.com/
Address: 1149 Marginal Rd
Phone: +1 902-406-2174
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM–8 PM
You’ve got to set sail for flavor at Garrison Brewing Company! Located on the Halifax Seaport, Garrison Brewing Company offers a diverse lineup of small-batch craft beers in a bustling waterfront setting!
Whether you prefer hop-forward options or malty brews, Garrison has something to satisfy every taste bud.
| Pro Tip: Enjoy a sunny day on their outdoor patio with a refreshing Pucker Up Sour in hand! |
6. Burnside Brewing Company
Website: https://www.burnsidebrewing.com/
Address: 21 Frazee Ave
Phone: +1 902-703-7438
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 12–6 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–4:30 PM
Formerly known as Spindrift Brewing Co., Burnside Brewing Company in Dartmouth stays true to its coastal roots with consistently well-crafted small-batch beers.
Here, you get to indulge in their pure and simple brews brewed the old-fashioned way, from pure waters and quality ingredients!
| Pro Tip: Savor the sea breeze with their Sea Glass North East IPA – it’s like a taste of maritime magic! |
7. Good Robot Brewing Company
Website: https://www.goodrobotbrewing.ca/
Address: 2736 Robie St
Phone: +1 902-446-1692
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 12–10 PM
- Thursday: 12–11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–1 AM
Run by a group of self-proclaimed misfits, Good Robot Brewing Company in Halifax promises an eclectic beer journey with vegan and gluten-reduced options.
Just embrace the quirky atmosphere and indulge in their innovative brews while soaking up the summer sun in their stunning beer garden!
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss their Banana Wizard Chocolate Banana Porter – it’s like dessert in a glass! |
8. Propeller Brewing Company
Website: http://www.drinkpropeller.ca/
Address: 2015 Gottingen St
Phone: +1 902-468-1026
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–12 AM
As one of Halifax’s oldest micro-breweries, Propeller Brewing Company boasts a rich history of brewing all-natural British ales. Just stop by their waterfront taproom to sample their quality brews, including the beloved Galaxy IPA and ESB!
| Pro Tip: Take advantage of their arcade downstairs for a fun-filled brewery experience. |
9. Brightwood Brewery
Website: https://www.brightwoodbrewery.com/
Address: 35 Portland St
Phone: +1 902-466-6006
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM–9 PM
- Thursday: 12–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12–11 PM
What started as a basement nano-brewery has blossomed into Brightwood Brewery, a vibrant addition to downtown Dartmouth’s brewery scene. So go ahead, drown yourself in the community vibe as you enjoy their selection of craft beers and local snacks!
| Pro Tip: Get their Big Lift American IPA for a taste of Dartmouth’s brewing revolution. |
10. 2 Crows Brewing Co
Website: http://2crowsbrewing.com/
Address: 1932 Brunswick St
Phone: +1 902-422-0222
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12–11 PM
- Sunday: 12–10 PM
Now prepare for a flight of fancy at 2 Crows Brewing Co., where modern beers take center stage! With a mission celebrating diversity and community, every sip feels like a toast to inclusivity.
| Pro Tip: Dive into the fruity goodness of their Jamboree Fruited Sour – it’s like a party in your mouth! |
11. Nine Locks Brewing Company
Website: http://www.ninelocksbrewing.ca/
Address: 5686 Spring Garden Rd
Phone: +1 902-423-2938
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–12 AM
Dartmouth’s own Nine Locks Brewing Company stands out with its commitment to brewing small batches using all-natural ingredients.
Just dive into their unfiltered and preservative-free beers while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of their taproom!
| Pro Tip: Order a pint of their Dirty Blonde for a smooth and satisfying brew! |
12. Bar Stillwell
Website: http://www.barstillwell.com/
Address: 1672 Barrington St
Phone: +1 902-421-1672
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–1 AM
- Sunday: 12–11 PM
Bar Stillwell, a family-run craft beer haven, welcomes you to its fresh Kempt Road location with open arms and a stellar beer selection. With a rotating tap list and an ambiance that’s both lofty and welcoming, it’s a pint above the rest.
| Pro Tip: Try the Stilly Pils and let the good times roll! |
13. Alexander Keith’s Brewery
Media credit: zoe_april
Website: http://keiths.ca/
Address: 1496 Lower Water St #312
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
Steeped in history since 1820, Alexander Keith’s Brewery remains a Halifax icon, offering a taste of tradition with a modern twist. Here, you get to explore their diverse craft beer lineup and embark on a brewery tour for a journey through time and taste.
From their iconic India Pale Ale to their engaging brewery tours, it’s a taste of Halifax’s brewing heritage.
| Pro Tip: Try getting at least two of each beer, but our favorite six-pack is the Coffee & Cacao Stout! |
