Greg Nash runs up the narrow metal stairs in Halifax’s Hart & Thistle brew pub, his 30th trip up and down since arriving at 8:30am. “Some people exercise, I make beer,” he jokes. Kneeling next to a steaming copper vat, he taps a dial on the heat exchanger and watches the needle on the thermometre […]
Drink
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Drink like an Irishman
From the hallowed, boozy days of Sam Mallone and Ernie “Coach” Pantusso on Cheers to weekly armchair visits to MacLaren’s, the haunt of Barney Stinson and the rest of the gang on How I Met Your Mother, our culture loves to celebrate the neighbourhood pub. But more than that, we like to go to a […]
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Green beer cheer
If you’re not sure where to go this year for green beer and Irish food, here are a few emeralds. Hart & Thistle Hart & Thistle’s owners happen to be the same as O’Carroll’s—the beloved Irish pub that’s closed for renovations. “St. Paddy’s was always a grand time at Halifax’s first Irish pub, and we’d […]
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Olympic bar run
Elephant & Castle General manager Jennifer Halpin has extended Elephant & Castle’s happy hour for the Olympic run—what normally ended at 7pm now goes to close. So park yourself in front of E&C’s four flatscreen TVs to watch the games and munch away. Canadian flags dot the bar for those of you concerned with patriotic […]
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Canuck Cocktails
Mosaic Social Dining Lounge Nothing could be more strong and free than Cooper Tardivel’s award-winning True North martini. Tardivel concocted the drink using a maple dessert wine from Jost, garnished with maple-candied apple balls. “It’s a dessert cocktail…in other words, great for warming up in the ski lodge after a gold medal run,” writes Tardivel. […]
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Valentine’s pick-me-ups
Reflections Cabaret Voted Best Pick Up Bar in last year’s Best of Halifax poll, Reflections is going all out for V-day. Saturday brings Red: The Love Ball, a theme party where staff at the club “go nuts making the place look awesome with red decor, lighting and special effects, and you can go nuts with […]
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Superbowl Sunday shindigs
Winston’s If you’re looking for a Louisiana-style, all-you-can-eat tailgate party, Winston’s is the spot. There’ll be hot dogs, smokies, hamburgers, New Orleans snake bites and rajun-Cajun mussels served by the Bud Girls. You’ll also have a chance to win a trip for two to next year’s Super Bowl (and other prizes). It all starts at […]
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Pedal to the mellow
Gus’ Pub & Grill “Whenever we have big metal shows, we order extra Olands,” says Jake Cuming, a bartender at Gus’. He stresses Olands, Olands, and more Olands. Plus cheap draughts. And whiskey shots—“The hard stuff.” 2605 Agricola Street, 423-7786 The Company House CoHo owner Mary Ann Daye suggests a bit of the hard stuff […]
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All those jazz bars
Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs You can get your fill of some killer blues music pretty much every night of the week at Bearly’s. It boasts such local acts as Morgan Davis, Roger Howse and Garett Mason. At this classic-looking joint, you’ll always feel welcome as you mix with a crowd of young and […]
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Fruit flavoured beers: Brews with bite
Halifax Alehouse The Alehouse has plenty to choose from when it comes to pleasing your beer belly. But for those less enthusiastic about traditional flavours, the bar’s Pump House Blueberry Ale is sure to satisfy all tastes. It’s light, refreshing and flavourful—a yummy treat for anyone who prefers a fruitier drink. 1717 Brunswick Street, 423-6113 […]
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Members-only Bars: private drinking in Halifax.
Resolutes Club Membership is $10/year. Members get access to free pool, free darts, shuffleboard and the ultimate giveaway: occasional free drink tickets! Two members are needed to represent newbies, but don’t cause a ruckus and you can count yourself in. You can visit three times before signing up and are always sure to find a […]
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Lower Decked Out for 35th Birthday bash
"I hired Great Big Sea16 years ago for their first show on the mainland, so they were the first band I called to see if they'd consider coming and doing a show for us; they accepted our offer to come and make it a real celebration," says Mike Condy, owner of the Lower Deck. Great […]