“The other place is done. It went out with a bang, but we’re happy here,” says Midtown co-owner Eric Grant of his establishment, which was much beloved at its previous location—for 60 years at the corner of Grafton and Prince. Since the beginning of September it’s just a block north of there at 1744 Grafton, right on the corner of George Street, across from the Metro Centre. Grant describes the new location as “unbelievable” in terms of its traffic and appeal to both its traditional customer base and newcomers. “Everybody loves it,” he says, explaining that with the large windows in front, people wander by and see all the friendly faces within and want to join them. “It’s new-customer-friendly and lady-friendly,” says Grant. The ease of access to the Metro Centre is certainly a plus for them, too. “We were only a block further away before, but now [customers] hang around for an extra drink” before the hockey game or the concert. “And when the Mooseheads win, they come back afterward.” But Grant assures Shoptalk and all the former denizens of the Midtown that if we drop in we will find very little about the place changed, aside from the locale and 25 extra seats. Also keep in mind, Boomers Lounge still exists at the same location, the club kicking into gear every night after 10:30pm.
This article appears in Dec 17-23, 2009.
I’ve been in 3 times since it opened at the new location. Nothings changed food wise, it’s just like I remember , the place is a bit brighter & larger… I like it particularly the ‘specials’ & will be going back next time I’m in Halifax.
Went by Boomers the other night… “booming” alright, with about four people in there in total! Line up to the Dome / Cheers was packed, of course.
I have visited Midtown several times. Usually very great service and very good food. On May 29th, however, I was very disappointed when I informed the ‘waiter’ I had a shellfish allergy, and he immediately said ‘I can’t guarantee anything’. I always inform waiters of my allergy and this is the first time at your establishment that I’ve been told that there was a concern. I ordered nachos, which seemed like a fairly safe dish so I was not concerned nor expecting that type of response, in the manner it was given. Certainly I did not feel comfortable eating at your establishment after a comment like that – are you concerned that your wait staff has no confidence in your kitchen staff? Or is there something going on in the kitchen that frozen scallops are contaminating everything? The only shellfish I saw on your menu were scallops and it surprised me that he wouldn’t even go to the kitchen to ask if it was possible to make me nachos without contaminating them with scallops. Are they a new item? I was with a group of people so I stayed while they ate. I enjoyed my visit to your restaurant, because of the people I was with, but I will not be visiting your establishment in the future.