The Local Restaurant and Bar in Halifax

2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B1, Canada

★★★★☆
(582 reviews)
Categories: Pub Bar & grill
Website
facebook.com
Address
2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B1, Canada
Plus Code
MC29+F6 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Time Zone
America/Halifax

Business Hours

Monday
4 PM–2 AM
Tuesday
4 PM–2 AM
Wednesday
4 PM–2 AM
Thursday
4 PM–2 AM
Friday
4 PM–2 AM
Saturday
4 PM–2 AM
Sunday
4 PM–2 AM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Bar games Great cocktails Live music Live performances Quiz night
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Dancing Food Food at bar Spirits Wine
Dining options
Seating
Amenities
Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards

Photos

Reviews

4.3
★★★★☆
582 reviews

Most Mentioned

atmosphere (24) prices (16) patio (15) jazz (14) tacos (8) ping pong (5) wednesday (5) pool table (5) kitchen (5) kombucha (2)
5 stars
308
4 stars
180
3 stars
55
2 stars
15
1 stars
24
December 16, 2024

Dont go to this bar ever again. Bad experience ever. Went for a concert, bouncers were so bad they created a huge mess. People were getting kicked out for doing nothing. Myself, I didn't got kicked out I went out for a smoke with the permission from a girl on the entrance door. It happened on 15/12/2024. Soon as I got out, I tried to get back in they locked the front door, ai couldn't get for doing nothing.

★★★★
October 19, 2024

Cool spot for some bar eats and decent drinks options. You feel like you might be sitting inside a film set with the decor they've gone for.

★★★★★
August 7, 2024

Best bar in town by far! Great pub food, great local beer, & they are constant supporters of local music. Gin & Jazz every Wednesday! Fantastic spot.

★★★
June 23, 2024

We went here for supper and drinks before a concert in the Marquee. It was just okay. Ordered a drink each, nachos and cordon bleu handhelds. Food was tasty but was hoping for some sort of dip (salsa, sourcream,etc.) with the nachos. Was disappointed to learn that they no longer have my fave Delirium Tremens beer, yet the patio attached (Seahorse patio?), had a delirium tremens shade tent up over some tables. Later we asked if this patio had this beer and it was also a no... We waited for the waitress to come by for another drink for about 20 mins. Really did not see her very much, eventhough it was not yet that busy. So we decided to just get our second drinks directly from the bar instead - this was much faster. Anyways, may be back again, would like to try the tacos!

★★★★★
September 2, 2023

The Local was already incredible but once they had Wave Foods come in and operate the kitchen it took things to another level. Love Monday trivia nights, or just popping in any time for a Horsepower and to play cards.

★★★★★
October 25, 2022

Great ambience!! Love the drinks. Live music is so fun with tap dance, drums etc. Love the whole vibe of this place from decorations to wooden furniture 😍

★★★★
August 12, 2021

Best option at walking distance from our hotel but there was not much options available to pick from, if you'd wonder. The place is cool and beer varieties were good. We went for Burger which was fine (not the best) and a little bit spicy. The fries was nice & crispy especially the side sour sauce.

★★★
February 7, 2018

I like the Local a lot and the new patio that's been built on the side. True I wasn't into a salad that I had there, but I LOVE the fact that they serve kombucha now, my fav beverage and first time I saw it on tap anywhere in town (please add more flavours!).. there is a feeling of ease and the live music is high quality.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2024

Amazing place! Each season, the place has different vibes to offer! Best ambiance!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Fantastic food and drink menu!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Open late and a great atmosphere!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Such good vibes!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Great experience and good nibbles. Service was top notch.

August 22, 2024

Doorman at the front was very rude.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Good spot

★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Cheap and cheerful. Service can be hit or miss as but its a great atmosphere. The food is not fancy but for a quick bite and pint, it does the trick.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Came here with a big group of friends for a celebration. Eava was our server, and she was so remarkable, made the night memorable and fun and amazing. Cheap drinks, incredible service.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Super personable and attentive, Eava made our night!

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Eava was the best and most personable and kind and also incredible serve I have ever had IN MY LIFE. I had my wedding party meet at the local and we were taken so well care of. Truly couldn t have wanted better.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

My bread and butter Chicken Big Mac sandwich goes crazy and tasty Love love love Food : 5/5

★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

The FFF gay mens after - work get together is well attended on the first Friday of every month

June 22, 2024

Only go there if youre white and willing to deal with peak foolishness.

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Great bar, I absolutely love the decor!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Easily one of the best bars/venues in the city. Try their gin and Jazz nights on Wednesdays!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

10/10 for the vegan chop cheese it was unreal!!! A must try!!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

A chill hang with consistently great live jazz, especially on Wednesdays

★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

The server we had was clearly the only person serving a very full restaurant. They did a fantastic job with this amount of work but the management should really be staffing more appropriately. Why would there only be one server mid burger week right after all of the universities finished exams. Food was good and I like the atmosphere there.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Cosy place, tasty food and local beer. If you have doubts what beer to take, they will give you a few to taste

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

It s literally my go to place every weekend!!! Great drinks and amazing service

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

This place is great, especially before a mooseheads game. Id definitely recommend a visit as a family or with friends. Food and vibe get 5 s.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Chill

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

This amazing place is perfect for hanging out with friends it has two separate areas for people who are drinking and for people who are just eating this separation allows enjoyment to both type of people involved.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Food/service and ambiance has definitely upgraded over the past year

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I have been going here over a year now. All kinds of people, vibes and atmosphere to explore and make friends. Feels cozy!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

There are almost always a lot of people, it is easy to find a company for the evening.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

OG Fried chicken was very good, no premade patties or burgers here! Fresh ingredients and crisp flavours. The Cowboy Caviar was cool and delicious.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

15$ pitcher of horsepower and walrus tusks

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

so fun! they just don t do reservations which can be annoying but love it here

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Large beer hall type pub and event space, with hipster vibes and good selection of beer. Close to the action without being in the middle of it, and not pretentious.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Good tunes and good drinks! Plenty of seating when I was there. The decor is a bit weird.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I love this bar because it is one of the coolest and most fun bars in Halifax. The vibe, staff and the decorations are all great. If you live in Halifax you should visit the Local.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Server was ultra uninterested... Slow, unfriendly. Definitely would not recommend this place.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Best vegan burger I have had in my life. Hands down - staff is friendly but we went too long without being checked up on (whether we needed anything else - beer, napkins, etc. Friends had non vegan burgers and had only good things to say. Vegetarian options: Vegan and vegetarian friendly

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Totally amazing ambiance on the tuesday nights when The Tuesday Night Band play!!! Great dancers! Excellent food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I really love the vibe here mostly on the weekends. They have billiards table winners to stay. Drinks are regular prices not too expensive. No food. 10/10 for the vibe.

★★
December 22, 2023

Do NOT go for the tacos on taco Tuesday! I didn t think tacos could be bad, but lo and behold tiny and terrible. Nice (unkempt) plants though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Best time in Halifax for all ages and people.

December 22, 2023

A small group of my friends and I were drinking and talking here, every so often a few of us would leave to smoke and then come back in, we had stamps so it wasn t a problem. That is until about an hour and a half into our visit, my partner and I were smoking outside and I headed back in before him. As soon as he tried to get back into the bar he was denied access for walking funny despite the fact that he d only had a beer that night and there was an entire full beer on our table waiting for him. When I went out to see what was holding him up the bouncers were very rude to me, I m a smaller woman so they obviously had no issue pushing me around and telling me that I was still welcome, but my significantly more sober partner wasnt. They would not let me get a word in to explain that his second beer of the night was still full and on our table, and became very visibly upset with me for questioning their authority. I was made to feel small and worthless and went home in tears, what started as a nice evening was completely cut short by these three men who surrounded me and shouted at me that they didn t have to explain anything to me, that their word goes and I better follow it. It was frightening and I definitely won t be going back ever again, just a cautionary tale for all those thinking of going.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

best bar in halifax; maybe my favourite bar anywhere; long live horsepower ; trivia monday is really fun ; they make a good cheap caesar ; bring back cheesy potatoes !!! Food

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fun spot to grab drinks on the outskirts of downtown Halifax

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Lovely neighbourhood bar. Perfect to study, for a date, or spending time with friends. Lots of different options for drinks as well as a large n/a section. The food is rotating but whatever I ve had has always been great. They host fun events and have friendly staff. It s a large space so there s options to have a quieter time or meet people play pool etc.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great, comfortable place with very friendly staff and good food and drinks for reasonable prices.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

What a dump

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

A1

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I love the decor and the entertainment.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Live music, cheap pool, over-all a great place.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Friendly staff, great beers, but I think a more diversified food menu would be good too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great place

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I usually have decent service here to be honest, but on my last trip the drinks took forever to show up for each round and the servers had to ask who ordered what. Also, the kitchen was not open because of a cook not showing up.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Have been going to this wonderful spot for years but unfortunately will probably take a pause. The last few times that we went in, the service was lacking. Extremely long wait times for service and was never checked on after receiving the first drink. I did appreciate the waiter telling us not to bother ordering food because the wait time would be way over an hour. A lot of people around us just got up and left without being waited on after 30 minutes. We decided to go up to the bar and pay our tab since no one came back to the atrium. I understand bars are short staffed but this was beyond. I hope to come back when I hear things are better!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great jazz scoobity bop bo pop

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great to be back after so long.My cousin was performing.One of the staff couldve been a bit friendlier

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

This was a lovely place for a date night with my girl.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Future Spring is always top notch

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Why spend time visiting boring bars when you could spend time at an interesting bar like this ?

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Fun evening of jazz (Wednesdays)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Went there to check out fat Sunday and was not disappointed! Didnt try the food but the drinks were great and the place itself is very cool! The Jazz band we saw were top-notch! Will definitely be going back next time we are in Halifax.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great live jazz on Wednesdays.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Not a high class dive but if you are interested in cheap drinks while hanging with the coolest people then this is the spot. They have a small patio designed like a garden if you can find a table give it a try. If sitting inside turn your head and look up. You will enjoy the vintage decorations

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Party atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Love this joint

★★★★
December 22, 2022

Definitely getting alot better, our hostess Jen was fantastic, food was great

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Horse power is nice enjoy this place with my friends very much

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Came in from out of town and was surprised with how rude the person at the front was. Im not used to people being so strict about the legal drinking so seeing someone take IDs at the front was a shock. When my first of four friends took out his proof of ID and sat down for a drink my next and oldest friend (26) took out his Quebec health card the man at the front refused to let him in. After a bit of arguing with the guy at the front we ended up leaving and going to Guss which was far more fun than this place seemed to be anyway. I would not recommend this place. Very rude. If your from out of town go to Charlies, Guss or anywhere else but this place truly made me have a horrible feeling during my vacation.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Pretty nice staff and looks really cool inside. Pretty loud but I think thats to be expected. Disappointed you have to pay to go in the basement. Didnt know that and was a bit confused because theres stairs you can walk down but youre not actually allowed down them? You have to go outside and then pay to enter? Little confusing, but overall nice staff and good vibes

December 22, 2022

Terrible. The staff were incredibly unfriendly and the service was mediocre at best.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

great service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Me likey. Cool vibes, hipsters delight. Pool table is only a dollhair.. cheers!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Unique, authentic, vibrant, and friendly. The Local never fails to deliver a fun night out. The food menu, though limited, is consistently on point. But the atmosphere is always the highlight.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good dive bar look and feel, food and craft beer selection were just Ok

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Support local

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Absolutely ! It is a complex there are several bars associated with the Local. Good shows!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

The chicken burger is a certified slay

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good place for music n fun, not extra expensive!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Fun spot for music. Not great food.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Pretty great spot, cant go wrong with the Local if youre just looking for some casual drinks any night of the week.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Best bar in Halifax, sooo casual and chill, great place for a multitude of activities whether youre celebrating, reading or just looking for a quick beer, its perfect! Live music frequently and jazz night is a hit! Trivia is also pretty fun, staff are kind and interested

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great local pub.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great spot to spend some time with friends, grab some great brews! (Horsepower!) And play some pool, listen to great music, and meet amazing people! Would highly recommend a visit if youre from the area, or just visiting for a weekend! Always some good shows in the basement too.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

What a great spot! I mean where else in the city can you find a bigger group of dead end losers in one place?? My guess is locals refers to miserable 30 somethings with nothing going for them. Treat yourself to the rancid $3 beer to get the full experience.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Great service and Amazing entertainment!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

lovely patio & atmosphere

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

This place has a super cool atmosphere, I recommend trying to get a seat in the atrium. It has lots of plants and even cooler atmosphere. We sat here in the winter and only imagine how much cooler it is in the summer when they open up the all the sliding windows. If you want a cheap beer go for the horsepower. I wont lie and say its a tasty beer, but its probably the cheapest beer youll find in the city.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great atmosphere, quirky decorating. Loved the rhubarb sour cocktail!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Good place for late night drinks. Dont expect too much food wise. If you want a snack totally fine, but dont expect a 5 star meal. Great dynamic with a group of friends and its known for their 3$ pints of Horse Power and single Pool table in the back (come early if you want to play). Covid safe so make sure you have your mask on you if you intend to stand/walk around.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Got taco s for taco Tuesday. The quality of the food was good however I was disappointed with the portion size compared to the price. I was quite confused about where i was supposed to go when it came to ordering takeout and didn t get approached by staff for a bit to help. I m guessing take out isn t a common thing for this restaurant since my order came wrapped in foil on a paper plate.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Best patio in Halifax. Great music venue. Great place to meet friends, family and hang out!

December 22, 2021

The worst waiter I ve ever had so rude. Got my order wrong and got my bill wrong do not recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Come for jazz night or blues night or anything its amazing, beautiful place, great vibe

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Cheap beer, and a chill atmosphere. The service was friendly and prompt. The interior has a very unique style that will keep you looking around at the varied decor. Frequently had live music and a great outdoor patio.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great atmosphere good for cheap beers and music, the food a hit or a miss. A DJ was playing the last time we were in which was overly loud, not good for chatting with your table. Otherwise always a good place to go for beers and a good time.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Friendly, great music on blues night - other than some somewhat excessive fruit flies I absolutely love this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

This is my favourite bar in the city. Horsepower! Need i say more?

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Solid, eclectic... And many ppls actual local :)

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Simple, inexpensive, fun, good!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Love this place! Just the right mix of friendly and sketchy.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Michael had the smoked meat. He hasn t stopped talking about how good it was.

Local Guide
December 22, 2021

One of the worst pizza ever !!!! and waited 45 mn for it... I asked for a alcohol free cocktail and I was proposed a Sprite... Music is usualy super loud... I went also once for a Burger and it was good... also waited 45 mn for this one...

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

The best bar on the peninsula

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Great atmosphere!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Great people, great service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Best place in town

Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Got our drinks then waited 1.5 hrs for the waitress to take our menu off the table and not ask our order. Had to flag down a guy 20 mins later just to pay our bill. Wanted to walk out and we should have.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Our server Kyle was AMAZING and the tacos from Wave taco were the best Ive ever had.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

so great, even the bouncer was super nice!

December 22, 2020

Some of the worst customer service I have ever had. Nowhere else have I been belittled for asking about the menu. There is nothing extraordinary about this place other then the rudeness of its staff.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

one of my favourite places in halifax to go listen to music or enjoy time with your friends. friendly staff and good prices. cant ask for more than that!

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

The food is not good at all and the service is very slow.

★★★
December 22, 2020

The drink service was little slow

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Excellent

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

I definitely recommend it

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Great venue with good food and amazing atmosphere

★★★★
December 22, 2020

Good service and great variety for Nachos week.