Pubs
Tom's Little Havana
A small, cozy tavern attached to Rogues Roost different ownership, serving local beer and a mix of cocktails, but strangely, no mojitos.
The Economy Shoe Shop
On argyle is a beautiful and popular restaurant and pub.
Gus's Pub
2605 agricola street north end. no-nonsense local pub with hockey on the tv and cheap beer, but they also host a remarkably eclectic selection of local live bands.
The Henry House
Barrington street, (http://www.henryhouse.ca). formerly known as the granite brewery. contains a wide range of local micro-brewery beer originally granite ales, but now carries a much wider stock. excellent food in an english pub-type atmosphere.
Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs
Is a mellow and low-key pub on barrington street. great live music!
The Halifax Alehouse
Is a traditional and popular pub, usually with live music starting at midnight. features staff in period costumes. 1717 brunswick street, +1 902 423-6113.
The Seahorse Tavern
Halifax's oldest extant tavern. 1665 argyle street, +1 902 423-7200.
The Split Crow
1855 granville. +1 902 422-4366. a true maritime experience.
Your Father's Moustache
5686 spring garden rd., for a good atmosphere and decently priced food. +1 902 423-6766.
Until a couple of decades ago, Halifax retained old British laws about the serving of alcoholic beverages. For example, if an establishment served hard liquor, it had to provide live entertainment; if it served draft beer, it also had to serve food. The heritage of those laws is a great deal of live entertainment and some very good deals on "pub food" which is priced low to get people in the door. Most "pub food" originates not far from the grill and deep fryer. Pubs that specialize in traditional-style music have "open mic" nights. Performers who attend will bring in their fiddles and bagpipes to jam---they are paid in drinks and food.
Rogues Roost
Spring garden rd., is a warm microbrew pub where you can order a tasting tray with a sample of 6 of their award-winning brews. live music some nights, they also have an open-mic night.
Nightclubs
Pacifico
A relatively more up-scale establishment, catering to a diverse crowd.
The Palace
A club on Brunswick Street.
Reflections Cabaret
A busy club, catering especially to the LGBT community. Their busiest night, by far, is Saturday where the cover charge enters the double digits. Electronic, techno and house mix, depending on the night.
Taboo Nightclub
Located on grafton st. this is halifax's most upscale nightclub with a strict dress-code and expensive drink menu. however, if you're looking for a place that attracts a classier crowd than the dome or the palace then taboo is a must see.
Dome/Cheers
Grafton st. also known as the dirty dome. two different establishments all linked together. customers pay cover at the doors to either one of the two bars and gain access to both. cheers is a bar atmosphere which features live bands. the dome is a standard nightclub with a large dance floor, famous for cheap drinks and infamous for brawls. wednesdays are student nights, with cover waived if you show a student card.
There are a large number of good cafes, pubs, and other eateries all throughout downtown. Of particular note are those on Granville St.
Liquor purchases for private consumption are regulated by the provincially owned liquor monopoly called the NSLC Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. Stores can be found in stand-alone locations, malls, and grocery stores. Selection is often surprisingly large, but be prepared to pay: a twelve-pack of beer can range from $17-20, and a pint of rum or vodka will set you back $12-14. All prices quoted include taxes and recycling deposits. Most stores close at 10 PM Monday to Saturday and 5 PM on Sundays. Stores are closed for holidays. The exception has been the sole drive-through outlet near the in Dartmouth end of the MacDonald Bridge; it is frequently open holidays, but for drive-through service only. Port of Wines and several other micro-breweries are also permitted to sell their products from their outlets.