You just arrived in Halifax. Your parents took you to Pier 21 and Citadel Hill. And sure, it’s a colourful mosaic of maritime culture. Now, where do you get a good drink? It’s a burning question for many newcomers to the city, especially as fall draws near and the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air. Worry no more, dear reader. To help you answer that question we took on the extremely difficult task of drinking lots of coffee and beer. Here is The Watch’s recommended cafe and bar guide to help you navigate your decaffeinated depravity and help you take the edge off after a long week.
Cafes
Wired Monk
This one is for the south siders, the downtowners, and anyone looking to step out of the collegiate west end and get some damn good coffee. One time, I told the barista about some eggnog ice cream I had just had. I explained how it put me in the mood for an eggnog latte–standard small talk. After a chorus of “eggnog ice cream?” from everyone in the cafe, I was suddenly telling the whole room about this seasonal delicacy. If you’re looking for a hometown kind of cafe, this is it. The Wired Monk isn’t usually as busy as some other spots on the list, and with a downstairs room full of seating and tables, it makes a great new go-to on your “study spots” list.
Glitter Bean
Oh, Glitter Bean. These guys might not have invented the sweet tooth, but they certainly perfected it. Their drinks may not be cheap, and their tea lattes are certainly better than their coffee, but they’re a worker-owned co-op offering a safe space for Halifax’s Queer community, so we love it anyway. If you take your coffee ridiculously sweet, then you’ll be right at home here. Go study in their massive antique-style backroom or check out the vintage shop upstairs. Find something hip and you might find yourself featured on The Look.
Trident
We love Trident so much we almost didn’t tell you about it. The coffee is great, but more than that, their selection of used books is affordable and filled with fun treasures. Trident is the perfect mix of affordability and vibes. It has been cemented in the student culture for generations. So much so that FYP alumni and Dalhousie Professor Christopher Snook fondly remembers writing many of his undergraduate papers there. “Once I began teaching in FYP I did heaps of class prep and marking at the Trident. I even wrote most of my first collection of poetry at their Hollis St location,” said Snook. So, bring your friends, split a teapot, and enjoy what is possibly the coziest cafe in the city.
Tart and Soul
The Galley may be the campus cafe, but Tart and Soul is the student’s cafe. Located just across Coburg road, Tart and Soul caffeinates and feeds an epic number of patrons during their (frustratingly) brief opening hours. While the hours may not meet your cafe needs, the convenience can’t be beat, and their daily soups (a cup for only $4.50) are nothing to scoff at. But if you choose to visit make sure you have a minute. They are always packed so be ready for a line.
Bars & Taprooms
Oxford Taproom
This joint holds a special spot on this list. It’s a great cafe. It’s a great bar. The popcorn is cheap. And they let dogs in. Whether you’re looking to play darts with some friends, listen to live Celtic music (Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m.), or ask every stranger if you can pet their dog, you can do it all here with a nice Garrison brew or coffee in hand. They also let you bring in outside food. What else do I need to say? Go there. It’s the best.
Durty Nelly’s
Durty Nelly’s is a staff favourite here at The Watch. This Irish pub is not the cheapest watering hole in the city, but it is one of the coolest. They have terrific live music, regularly host viewing parties for the Liverpool Football Club, and have even treated patrons to fantastic giveaways with the top prize often being a trip to Ireland. If you’re going on a weekend, plan to go early since the line gets long—and for good reason. Have a Guinness Saturday night and an Irish Coffee Sunday morning. Durty Nelly’s is always the right choice.
Split Crow Bar
Affectionately nicknamed “Splitty’s,” the first person to tell me about the Split Crow Bar was an airline pilot who frequented it in the ‘90s. Well, 30 years later, it is still a must-visit for your next bar crawl. Make it a Thursday night and get there for Power Hour: droughts for only $2.50 and you can get them by the platter (30 beers a piece). The music can be a little loud, but it is a bar, and the price can’t be beat.
The Local
If you’re looking for the quintessence of King’s bar culture, go to The Local. Wednesday night is Gin and Jazz, and the place is packed with students. They have pool tables, ping pong, checkers sets, cheap gin and great music. You’ll run into everyone you know and you won’t stop talking about it until you go again the next week.
Antojo Tacos + Tequila
If you’re looking for a break from the, oh I don’t know, one hundred thousand Irish/British pubs in this city, make your way down to Antojo Tacos + Tequila. They may have a margarita Mondays special, but they’re special every night. Their portions are respectable and the tequila list is something to get lost in. Antojo is the perfect spot for date night, celebrations, or if you’re just looking to split some nachos and have a few rounds.
