Halifax, an Atlantic Ocean port in eastern Canada, is the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. Compared to conurbations such as Vancouver and Toronto, Halifax barely qualifies as a city, but this seaside town punches well above its size: it's dotted with red-brick heritage buildings, public parks and a landmark citadel, blessed with some first-rate museums, and home to a truly epic 4km seafront boardwalk, with waterfront warehouses known as the Historic Properties recall Halifax’s days as a trading hub for privateers, notably during the War of 1812. A major business centre, it’s also known for its maritime history. The city’s dominated by the hilltop Citadel, perched atop the grassy hillock looming over town, this star-shaped fort played a key role in Halifax's founding. Construction began in 1749; the current citadel is the fourth, built from 1818 to 1861. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 There's an argument that this dockside museum is Canada's most important institution. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the Canadian version of the USA's Ellis Island, where all prospective immigrants arrived. Halifax is a lovable city: its small size, fresh air and easy-going lifestyle. The nightlife and dining scene has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years: there are 12 craft breweries (June 2022) and locavore bistros galore, especially around the trendy North End. For more information check out the cities web-site.
Propeller Brewing Company, 2015 Gottingen St
Propeller Brewing Company inc; Gottingen Tap Room and Cold Beer Store. Is such a great spot to stop in for a quick growler fill or a 4-pack of their latest release, or stay a while in the topside tap room, or venture to the basement to relive your youth in their Propeller Arcade with Pinball, Cabinets, Skeeball, and more! Prices ranging from 25c to a dollar per play (Also dependent on if you are playing solo, or vs!) The brewery is also available for tours and tastings. Located 10 minutes walk north of downtown and they have a pretty good range of opening hours. An excellent craft brewery. A comfy bar with all their current products on tap. Flights of four beers (your choice) are available so you can taste all the products without getting "fatigued".
Unfiltered Brewing & Charm School Pub, 6041 North St
Probably finest beer in Halifax? The bartenders are friendly and attentive. A great place for conversation with friends or a quiet afternoon pint. Unfiltered’s pub, Charm School (if you know us you’ll get that right away) is located right next to the brewery. Seven or eight beers (occasionally a special guest) on tap, very nice locally-made snacks, and a fine sound system await. No f*cking TV's to spoil conversation. No WI-FI and no bullshit. An unpretentious space with a kind of Scandinavian meets industrial vibe. A nice patio out front, and some great food options with Jessy's and Chicken Chop right next door. Get in there!
Good Robot Brewing Co. 2736 Robie St
A wonderful place to enjoy with great decorations. The staff are super friendly make you feel very comfortable. A funky looking brewery and neighbourhood pub, with a rebellious robot look! But with an eclectic mix of olde world furniture making a cosy seating area. A nice size patio. There are two entries for the tap room with a mezzanine, plus another one for the store. The ambience, the menu and the whole design have been thought through down to the smallest detail. Absolutely worth visiting. A unique spot.
Garrison Brewing Company, 1149 Marginal Rd
Garrison is located all the way along the coast next to the farmers market.This location is perfect for dog owners as it’s dog friendly. Inside it is rather impressive space with the brewery taking centre stage. They have a decent sized shop, bar and patio area. All the beers are fresh and very drinkable. The staff are very knowledgeable. The shop is loaded with merch and full of special release beers. A relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy your drink in the table area outside. After your ship arrives go directly to Garrison, you won't regret? A Halifax must-visit for sure.
2 Crows Brewing Co. 1932 Brunswick St
An industrial-chic brewpub with a great wooden contrast in the tap room, inventive craft brews and good snacks. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable and while the place is rarely super crowded, it's a great place to unwind with some friends or simply to go pick up the some of the best beers Halifax has to offer. The patio is great and intimate.
Alexander Keith's, 1496 Lower Water St
Check out the AK brewery tour while downtown Halifax. They have lots of history and the tour dives into Alexander Keith’s history and how the beer is made. There were some fun facts presented. Definitely fun for tourists to partake in. You get multiple free beers throughout the tour. The staff are super energetic and entertaining. They make the tour awesome. Alexander Keith's is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev. The brewery was founded in 1820 by Alexander Keith who had immigrated from Scotland three years previously.
Boxing Rock Brewing Company, 218 Water St, Shelburne
What a surprise in the Town of Shelburne. This place is worth a special visit. They started in 2013 and are nestled in the woods on the outskirts of Shelburne. An excellent selection of really creative and delicious beers, an unexpected delight in such a small town! Better than many big-city breweries visited. A large modern venue, with a shop with some great swag, nice homely bar area, with big bright windows and a cool atmosphere. Flights of 6 available. Good menu that they will pair with the beers. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable too, which is also great!
Gahan House Nova Centre, 5239 Sackville St
With a total of six locations across Atlantic Canada, Gahan House has become an East Coast staple dedicated to creating memorable experiences. They began as a brewpub, and they stay true to their beginnings by having a brew system in-house, ensuring that the beer they serve is as fresh as possible. With a delicious menu, and handcrafted ales you can't go wrong. The Halifax location has got a welcoming atmosphere and the restaurant itself is nicely laid out and decorated. When trying out their beer, you also have the option of purchasing some to go which is convenient especially after trying their great flavours. The Blueberry Ale is great!
Serpent Brewing, South Side Shopping Centre, 5 Sussex St
What an gem this place is and the Belgian inspired ales are amazing, the Beer is some of the best Nova Scotia has to offer! The atmosphere and vibe, along with the great selection delicious beer and the serving staff who are always super friendly and helpful, such a great spot and a fantastic addition to Spryfield. Inside its quite spartan with no frills furniture and old wooden casks and small bar area and a great enclosed patio. Also Great events like Comedy nights and live music and food trucks on the weekend.
Tusket Falls Beer Project, 2220 Gottingen St
A delightful little brewpub located in the North End. A great atmosphere and a beer for every taste. The staff are very knowledgeable about the different varieties and the brewing processes. A nice modern space with pots of inlaid wooden tables with black leather comfy chairs and a cool patio that create a laid back and relaxed atmosphere so you can really enjoy yourself. They have 12 taps and you can also get take out. A wonderful addition to Halifax. You must stop by and have a pint.
Bulwark Cider House, 1518 Dresden Row
Bulwark Cider House has both a store and a sit in area where you can order a flight of their ciders or individual glasses of ciders. A few 4-person and 2-person tables are available throughout the small shop. Quite a chill spot and the ambiance is good. They serve pizza on certain nights which is a plus if you’re hungry at the same time.
Chain Yard Urban Cidery, 2606 Agricola St
A rustic local cider maker's taproom for flights or pints, plus local craft beers and hearty Nova Scotian eats. The taproom has a rough, barn-like ambiance, and rustic furniture. A very casual cosy open feel, nice lighting. The food is fantastic. The staff are really warm and attentive, it seems like the staff really enjoy working there? This spot showcases a good variety of ciders to choose from, and really exemplifies how different apples create different flavour profiles when fermented. Very much recommend.
Sourwood Cider, 5576 Cornwallis St
This is a great new addition to the North End. It's has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, focusing on reusing/upcycling materials. They do serve food, but their menu is fairly small, so this place is definitely more of a place to get some cider with friends. It's not a huge spot, so make sure to get there early to grab a seat. All of their brews bring your taste buds way past the bench mark of the generic ciders we've seen popularize the shelves of supermarkets. The staff are friendly and helpful.
I hope you found my guide to the brewpubs and bars in Halifax - Nova Scotia useful?
Now you just need to get yourself out there and start the beer adventure for yourself!
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