Best Bars in Halifax
This guide lists the best bars and pubs in Halifax based on Google ratings and review counts as of October 2026. The selection covers a variety of neighbourhoods, with Downtown Halifax, the North End, and West End appearing most frequently. Price levels are mostly moderate, though several inexpensive options are included. Ratings are high across the board, ranging from 4.3 to 4.8, with The Narrows Public House, Dear Friend Bar, and Tusket Falls Beer Project all holding a 4.8 rating.
The list includes pubs, brewpubs, wine bars, and live music venues, each with at least 150 reviews. Reviewers often mention specific dishes, atmospheres, and amenities like patios or live music. The highest review count belongs to The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse with 3180 reviews. This provides a snapshot of where locals and visitors are consistently having good experiences, from casual pints to craft cocktails, based on recent crowd-sourced data.
| # | Name | Area | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Narrows Public House | North End | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 1,327 | $$ |
| 2 | Dear Friend Bar | Downtown Dartmouth | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 575 | $ |
| 3 | Stillwell | Downtown Halifax | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 910 | $$ |
| 4 | Good Robot Brewing (Robie St) - Pub - Craft Beer - Restaurant - Venue Rentals | North End | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 1,016 | $$ |
| 5 | The Brown Hound Public House | Downtown Halifax | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 858 | $$ |
| 6 | Tusket Falls Beer Project | North End | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 279 | |
| 7 | The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse | Downtown Halifax | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 3,180 | $$ |
| 8 | The Oxford Taproom | West End | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 358 | $$ |
| 9 | Tilted Tap Bar & Grill | Harbourview | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 598 | $ |
| 10 | Resolutes Amateur Athletics Club | South End | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 274 | $ |
| 11 | The Stillwell Freehouse | North End | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 361 | $ |
| 12 | Quinn's Arms Pub Inc. | West End | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 337 | $$ |
| 13 | Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs | Downtown Halifax | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 909 | $ |
| 14 | Stardust Bar + Kitchen | Downtown Halifax | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 165 | $ |
| 15 | Old Port Pub & Grill | Burnside | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 681 | $$ |
| 16 | Charlie's Club | North End | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 215 | $ |
| 17 | Peacock Wine Bar | Downtown Halifax | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 202 | $$ |
| 18 | The Beavers Den | West End | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 318 | $$ |
| 19 | The Local Restaurant and Bar | North End | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | 636 | $ |
| 20 | Trendz Gastro Pub | Burnside | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | 221 | $$ |
The Narrows Public House
It offers moderate prices and is open daily from 11:00. Reviewers often mention the fish and chips, live music, and deviled eggs. The space has outdoor seating and bar games.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-00:00
- Mon 11:00-00:00
- Wed 11:00-00:00
- Thu 11:00-00:00
- Fri 11:00-01:00
- Sat 11:00-01:00
Dear Friend Bar
Dear Friend Bar in Downtown Dartmouth is an inexpensive cocktail bar with a 4.8 rating from 575 reviews. It opens daily at 16:00. Reviewers frequently note the oysters, beef tartare, and intimate patio setting. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Opening hours
- Sun 16:00-22:00
- Mon 16:00-23:00
- Tue 16:00-23:00
- Wed 16:00-23:00
- Thu 16:00-00:00
- Fri 16:00-00:00
- Sat 16:00-00:00
Stillwell
Stillwell is a moderate-priced bar in Downtown Halifax, rated 4.7 from 910 reviews. It opens at 15:00 on Sundays and noon on weekends. Reviewers often highlight the craft beer selection, pinball machines, and smash burger. Takeout and delivery are available.
Opening hours
- Sun 15:00-23:00
- Mon 16:00-00:00
- Tue 16:00-00:00
- Wed 16:00-00:00
- Thu 16:00-00:00
- Fri 12:00-01:00
- Sat 12:00-01:00
Good Robot Brewing (Robie St) - Pub - Craft Beer - Restaurant - Venue Rentals
It opens at noon on weekends. Reviewers frequently mention the dog-friendly patio, nachos, and comedy shows. The venue offers delivery and takeout.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-21:00
- Mon 16:00-22:00
- Tue 16:00-22:00
- Wed 16:00-22:00
- Thu 16:00-23:00
- Fri 12:00-00:00
- Sat 12:00-00:00
The Brown Hound Public House
The Brown Hound Public House is a Downtown Halifax pub with an 4.6 rating from 858 reviews. It has moderate prices and opens daily at 11:00. Reviewers often talk about the fish and chips, lobster roll, and patio. It offers takeout and is wheelchair accessible.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-00:00
- Mon 11:30-00:00
- Tue 11:00-00:00
- Wed 11:00-00:00
- Thu 11:00-00:00
- Fri 11:00-00:30
- Sat 11:00-00:30
Tusket Falls Beer Project
Tusket Falls Beer Project is a North End brewery with a top 4.8 rating from 279 reviews. It opens daily at noon. Reviewers frequently mention burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and the patio. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-22:00
- Mon 12:00-22:00
- Tue 12:00-22:00
- Wed 12:00-22:00
- Thu 12:00-23:00
- Fri 12:00-00:00
- Sat 12:00-00:00
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
It offers moderate prices and opens daily at 11:00. Reviewers often note the live music, lobster roll, and gingerbread cake. Takeout is available.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-23:00
- Mon 11:00-22:30
- Tue 11:00-23:30
- Wed 11:00-23:30
- Thu 11:00-23:30
- Fri 11:00-01:00
- Sat 11:00-01:00
The Oxford Taproom
The Oxford Taproom in the West End has a 4.7 rating from 358 reviews and moderate pricing. Reviewers often mention the dog-friendly patio, craft beer, and friendly staff. It hosts trivia nights.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-23:00
- Mon 08:00-23:00
- Tue 08:00-23:00
- Wed 08:00-23:00
- Thu 08:00-23:00
- Fri 08:00-00:00
- Sat 08:00-00:00
Tilted Tap Bar & Grill
Tilted Tap Bar & Grill in Harbourview is inexpensive and rated 4.6 from 598 reviews. It opens at 10:00 daily. Reviewers frequently highlight the Tilted Burger, fish and chips, and garlic aioli. It offers delivery, takeout, and has bar games.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-23:00
- Mon 10:00-23:00
- Tue 10:00-23:00
- Wed 10:00-00:00
- Thu 10:00-00:00
- Fri 10:00-00:00
- Sat 10:00-00:00
Resolutes Amateur Athletics Club
Resolutes Amateur Athletics Club is an inexpensive South End bar with a 4.6 rating from 274 reviews. It opens at 11:00 daily. Reviewers often mention the friendly staff, pool tables, and shuffleboard. It's suited for watching sports and has live music.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-00:00
- Mon 11:00-00:00
- Tue 11:00-00:00
- Wed 11:00-00:00
- Thu 11:00-00:00
- Fri 11:00-02:00
- Sat 11:00-02:00
The Stillwell Freehouse
The Stillwell Freehouse is an inexpensive North End pub rated 4.5 from 361 reviews. It opens at noon on weekends. Reviewers often talk about the nachos, cask beer, and live music. The venue hosts trivia nights and has outdoor seating.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-22:00
- Mon 16:00-00:00
- Tue 16:00-00:00
- Wed 16:00-00:00
- Thu 16:00-00:00
- Fri 12:00-01:00
- Sat 12:00-01:00
Quinn's Arms Pub Inc.
Quinn's Arms Pub in the West End has a 4.5 rating from 337 reviews and moderate prices. It opens daily around 11:30. Reviewers frequently mention the Sunday roast, spice bag, and lamb vindaloo. It has outdoor seating and live music.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-23:00
- Mon 11:30-23:00
- Tue 11:30-23:00
- Wed 11:30-23:00
- Thu 11:30-23:00
- Fri 11:30-00:00
- Sat 11:30-00:00
Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs
Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs is an inexpensive live music bar in Downtown Halifax, rated 4.4 from 909 reviews. It opens at noon on weekends. Reviewers often highlight the blues music, karaoke, ribs, and pool tables. It's known as a dive bar.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-00:00
- Mon 16:00-00:00
- Tue 16:00-00:00
- Wed 16:00-02:00
- Thu 16:00-00:00
- Fri 12:00-02:00
- Sat 12:00-02:00
Stardust Bar + Kitchen
Stardust Bar + Kitchen is a women-owned gay bar in Downtown Halifax with a 4.6 rating from 165 reviews. It is inexpensive and opens at 11:00 on weekends. It features karaoke nights, bar games, and outdoor seating. Takeout is available.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-00:00
- Wed 15:00-00:00
- Thu 15:00-00:00
- Fri 15:00-02:00
- Sat 11:00-02:00
Old Port Pub & Grill
Old Port Pub & Grill in Burnside has a 4.4 rating from 681 reviews and moderate prices. It opens at 11:00 daily but closes by 22:00. Reviewers often mention wings, wing night, and the patio. It is suitable for watching sports.
Opening hours
- Mon 11:00-20:00
- Tue 11:00-21:00
- Wed 11:00-21:00
- Thu 11:00-22:00
- Fri 11:00-22:00
- Sat 11:00-21:00
Charlie's Club
Charlie's Club is an inexpensive North End bar with a 4.5 rating from 215 reviews. It opens daily at noon. Reviewers frequently mention the pool tables, karaoke, jukebox, and describe it as a cozy, queer-friendly spot.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-01:00
- Mon 12:00-01:00
- Tue 12:00-01:00
- Wed 12:00-01:00
- Thu 12:00-01:00
- Fri 12:00-01:00
- Sat 12:00-01:00
Peacock Wine Bar
Peacock Wine Bar in Downtown Halifax is a moderate-priced venue rated 4.5 from 202 reviews. It opens at 16:00 from Tuesday to Saturday. Reviewers often highlight oysters, steak tartare, and focaccia. It is wheelchair accessible.
Opening hours
- Tue 16:00-23:00
- Wed 16:00-23:00
- Thu 16:00-23:00
- Fri 16:00-00:00
- Sat 16:00-00:00
The Beavers Den
The Beavers Den is a women-owned pub in the West End with a 4.4 rating from 318 reviews and moderate prices. It opens at 11:30 daily. Reviewers often mention the patio, brisket, BBQ, and live music. Delivery and takeout are available.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:30-02:00, 11:30-23:00
- Mon 11:30-23:00
- Tue 11:30-23:00
- Wed 11:30-23:00
- Thu 11:30-00:00
- Fri 11:30-00:00
- Sat 00:30-02:00, 11:30-00:00
The Local Restaurant and Bar
The Local Restaurant and Bar is an inexpensive North End pub rated 4.3 from 636 reviews. It opens at 18:00 Sunday and 16:00 weekdays. Reviewers often talk about live jazz, the patio, pool, and vegan options.
Opening hours
- Sun 18:00-00:00
- Mon 16:00-02:00
- Tue 16:00-02:00
- Wed 16:00-02:00
- Thu 16:00-02:00
- Fri 16:00-02:00
- Sat 16:00-02:00
Trendz Gastro Pub
Trendz Gastro Pub in Burnside has a 4.3 rating from 221 reviews and moderate pricing. Hours vary, opening as early as 11:30. Reviewers frequently mention wings, sticky toffee pudding, and fish and chips. It offers curbside pickup and delivery.
Opening hours
- Sun 16:00-21:00
- Mon 16:00-21:00
- Tue 16:00-21:00
- Wed 11:30-21:00
- Thu 11:30-22:00
- Fri 11:30-22:00
- Sat 16:00-22:00
Tips before you go
- Check opening hours, as many places open later in the afternoon, especially on Sundays and Mondays.
- Moderate is the most common price level, but there are several inexpensive pubs and bars across the city.
- Many bars in the North End, Downtown Halifax, and West End have patios or outdoor seating.
- For live music, look to pubs like The Narrows, The Old Triangle, Bearly's, and The Local.
- Several venues, including Tilted Tap and Trendz Gastro Pub, offer delivery and takeout options.
- If you need wheelchair accessibility, confirm with the venue, as features like entrances and restrooms vary.
How we made this list
This list was created using Google ratings and review counts as of October 22, 2026. A weighted rating was applied so that places with very few reviews did not rank unfairly high. Only establishments with at least 150 Google reviews were considered. Finally, the list includes only places that were open and operating at the time of compilation. This method ensures the rankings reflect consistent, crowd-verified quality.
Questions about bars in Halifax
Which bar has the highest rating?
Three bars share the highest rating of 4.8: The Narrows Public House (1327 reviews), Dear Friend Bar (575 reviews), and Tusket Falls Beer Project (279 reviews). They are in the North End, Downtown Dartmouth, and North End respectively. Their price points and offerings are quite different, from pub food to cocktails to brewery fare.
Are there good options for craft beer?
Yes. Stillwell in Downtown Halifax is frequently mentioned for its craft and draft beer selection, with a 4.7 rating from 910 reviews. Good Robot Brewing and The Stillwell Freehouse, both in the North End, are also noted for their local brews and cask beer. The Oxford Taproom in the West End is another spot reviewers highlight for craft beer.
Where can I find live music or entertainment?
Several bars feature live music. The Narrows Public House and The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse are often mentioned for live music. Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs has blues and karaoke, and The Local has jazz. Charlie's Club has karaoke and a jukebox, while others like The Stillwell Freehouse host trivia nights.
What neighbourhoods have the most bars on this list?
Downtown Halifax has the most entries with five bars, including Stillwell and The Brown Hound. The North End is also well-represented with six venues like The Narrows and Good Robot. Other areas include the West End with three, Burnside and Downtown Dartmouth with two each, and single entries from Harbourview and the South End.
More in Halifax
Bars in other cities
Ratings, review counts, prices and hours come from Google Maps listings as of 2026-10-22 and change over time. Call ahead or check the venue's own site before you go. Nobody pays to be on these lists.