772 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B0N 1B0, Canada
Great food at affordable prices! This landmark diner on the Bedford Highway is a local favourite. We offer fast, friendly service and great home-cooked meals. Specialties include seafood chowder, lobster sandwiches, assorted dinner platters & dessert!
Price of coffee is deceiving. The breakfast menu shows coffee at a cost of $1.50 Be aware that this price only applies to a few breakfast items at the top of the menu. For the rest of the breakfast menu the cost of coffee is $2.95. Something I only became aware of after I received my bill! This is a deceitful cash grab ploy, as it is not stated that the $1.50 cost only applies to a few breakfast items at the top of the menu. Why would the price of the coffee double based on what dish one orders? Nothing special about the breakfast. The eggs were tasteless and the coffee bitter.
My first time in this iconic diner on the Bedford Hwy. I had hoped it would have the charm and feel of the era it was built with a menu to match, it delivered on both fronts. The food was great and the wait staff super attentive. My coffee cup was never empty and the blueberry pancakes were everything I hoped they would be…we will be back
I've been here a few times with my parents, and it's always been a pleasant experience. The food is good, solid comfort food, and the service is friendly and efficient. The new (to me) deck, is a nice surprise considering it's right by the highway. My parents enjoyed the seafood chowder. I enjoyed the soup of the day with a BLT on romaine lettuce – it's made with fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, and just the right amount of mayo on perfectly toasted bread. My brother gave high praise to the hot turkey and fries. While it might not be my first choice for a solo dining experience, it's a great spot for a familiar and welcoming meal.
I stopped here for some lunch, very nice & clean diner, the staff were very welcoming. I ordered the Grilled haddock sandwich which tasted great. Reasonably priced too.
The food was bland, our fish and chips were not crispy. The waiter was also very indifferent, will not be coming back.
Very good seafood dishes. A small restaurant-dinner with average prices and very tasty food. Me and my wife ordered Seafood Casserole, Lobster rolls and a Featured pie with an ice cream for a dessert. I liked both main courses. The pie was generally tasty but small. Or if the size is normal, then the price is a little more expensive than it should be. Anyway, I really liked this place and I will definitely come back here to try their "famous Chowder".
Came here for some lobster rolls but unfortunately they're only doing it on Fridays. We ordered the mussels (good portion and tasty broth) and seafood chowder (loads of scallops, shrimp, and fish) instead. The chowder needed additional pepper and salt for me but it could be OK with you. Hubby also ordered a meatloaf dinner which took awhile to arrive... We came in the day before Thanksgiving so they have a turkey dinner special. We skipped that one but got their apple crisp dessert special instead. Another reviewer mentioned about mostly elders eating here. She's right. Half of the patrons were of that age. Could be menu special or some sort of discount. Anyways, by the time 5p rolled in, there's a line at the door.
I have been visiting Esquire Restaurant for 9 years as a customer. I arrived around 11 am today, and 5 minutes later, I asked the server for Eggs Benedict and Breakfast Combo, and 5 minutes later, a male customer was seated at the table behind us. 15 minutes later, the male customer behind us received his food from the server and started eating. We waited another 15 minutes, and I saw our server check our table 3 times. Finally, we received our food from the server, but after eating a few pieces of fries, a piece of toast, and an egg, we stopped eating. The fries were old fry oil smell and cold. The egg had a black and hard edge, and the toast was cold and mushy. Our server came to our table to check on our food and we told her that our food was cold. As soon as I finished talking, the server picked up my plate and dropped the knife on the table, and offered me a new dish. We were already feeling bad from the disappointment and declined the new food. We asked for a check to pay for the food, and the server only charged us half of the food we ordered. I did not speculate about the situation we experienced today while writing this review. However, our speculations are still in my head. I do not want to pay for a bad experience. Goodbye Esquire.
Waiters were friendly and helpful, great service, even though they were busy they managed to get my girlfriend and I a booth, food was fast and delicious. We will be returning.
Great Diner Food
Always an excellent experience. I enjoy every visit. Parking: Awesome staff. Food : 5/5 |
A really down home place for a good meal and great friendly service!
I normally love the Esquire but today I had a very bad experience with a rude waitress. This is the first time I have encountered this situation, the ladies are always lovely. This particular waitress is either new or I have nit encountered her before. She was sullen , rude and short none of these qualities are good in ant profession We were there today at around 1:30 and she had dark auburn hair. This is our favorite restaurant and it will remain so . This lady may need some customer service coaching.
Food and service were great
Servers are lovely. Hint, order the home cooking like meatloaf and go to a fish and chips place for those.
This place is a classic. The food is honest and good. The service is warm and friendly and the prices are decent. I visit every time Im in town.
Food was fine. Eggs Benedict were cooked skillfully and tasted great overall, but had horrible dried chives all over the top that I picked off. Breakfast sausages were not good, they had no flavor - do not recommend to order. And the breakfast potatoes.. some were small and looked like they had been fried 3x and others were the size of 1/4 of the whole potato and were barely cooked inside? Overall it was fine diner food for the price, but you can do better in other places in Halifax. Coffee was good and consistently refilled. The chairs and tables are in rough shape having tears and lots of scuff marks. We were sat next to a pole that had mold on it from a sink at the server station. Everything seemed clean otherwise.
Dont believe the on line menu photos ! I ordered the turkey meal. Instead of fresh vegetables I got small piles of mush which were supposed to be carrot and turnip. Yuk. I mentioned to the server and she said that they changed supplier and would mention my comments to management. Not impressed.
Are you kidding me. Hands down the best place for seafood chowder and lobster rolls in the greater Halifax area. Lot of other menu choices as well. Kid-friendliness: Kids always welcomed.
Lovely diner! Diner atmosphere. Great service, enjoyed our meals (seafood chowder, fish and chips) Parking: Right off the highway, decent amount of parking. Diner was pretty full and we didnt have a problem getting a spot. Kid-friendliness: Staff was very accommodating to young children. Great experience in that regard!
Unique diner with great east coast fare. I
Love this spot! So friendly and good, simple food.
Best Vintage Style restaurant
Great place to eat in Bedford area
Excellent restaurant homemade like food. Simple and prepared excellently. Consistently great food and service. Its like a family environment. People feel welcomed there. Vegetarian options: Yiu can get vegetables etc. Dietary restrictions: Dont have options except margarine that I am aware off. Parking: Next to the restaurant on both sides of the restaurant. Wheelchair accessibility: Ramps and on floor.
We had the most enjoyable dinner here tonight. Our server, Nora, was incredible. She was warm, kind, thoughtful, funny, and made us happy. The food was the Monday 2 Pan Fried Haddock with potato, carrots, broccoli, and coleslaw. The haddock had the best crispy breading and it was healthy(ish) and was made with care. We cant wait to go back to see Nora and enjoy some great food.
An old fashioned diner with fantastic old fashioned food Wheelchair accessibility: Loads outside Not sure once you get in try Food : 4/5 | Service
The food is very good.
Always love going to the Esquire. Good food and service are efficient and friendly. Prices are reasonable as well.
They are very warm and friendly towards expats and other nationalities
Lovely little spot. Service was great . Friendly people. Food was fantastic. We had the eggs Benedict and fish cake with beans.
The staff was friendly. We sat on the patio with our dog and food came quickly.
The grandchildren love the waffles!
Great food and service Favorite place to go to eat
super nice waitress!!
Nice mom and pop restaurant. When I sat down I noticed a lot of old people which is a good sign because they like good food and good value. Service was slow, took 10 - 15 minutes for them to take my order. I ordered fish and chips. The fish were good but the french fries were the Frozen type. Too bad they dont do hand-cut french fries
Quick service and friendly staff. However, my hot turkey sandwich was cold in the middle, and the corn chowder was quite bland and lacked seasoning
make sure you get the Esquire hash brown potatoes!!!! they are yummy, so good
The food was kind of bland, not bad, just bland. The price was ok, the service was fantastic, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
Clean, bright restaurant with amazing food at reasonable prices and the staff are fantastic. Would highly recommend.
Great breakfast, server was great. First time in years Ive eaten there and really enjoyed it
Delicious homestyle breakfast. I recommend the Esquire Omlete with esquire homefries.
Quaint atmosphere. Friendly staff. Home styled cooking.
Great meals. Taste home cooked
Great diner food, soup is always good and sea food is fresh.
My go to place at least twice a month. Good food, awesome, helpful staff, very clean.
First time here and had a lovely dinner, my husband had a 2pc fish & chips. Great portion size for the fish with perfect amount of batter. I had the turkey dinner, it was delicious. Apple crisp was good too. Nora was our server and she was lovely. We will definitely be returning customers to try more of the menu. Prices are excellent for home cooked meals, hard to find little mom & pop diners like this.
I eat often here with my wife. We both love the staff and menu.
If you want that old home cooked meal experience this is the place to go.
A nice diner experience with a view of the Bedford Basin. Kid-friendliness: Great place to have a meal with the kids. Wheelchair accessibility: Fully accessible
The restaurant is very clean and run very efficiently. The staff were very kind, courteous and attentive. Best service Ive ever had! The food was delicious and served hot. It has a great family atmosphere. It was a really nice experience all the way around.
Great value for delicious home style food and great service
Had the lobster rolls. Overflowing with lobster.
Esquire always hit the spot!
Love the breakfast! The burger is big but no seasoning. Turkey dinner is quite nice. Would recommend eating here. Really enjoy this place!
I made a delivery order thru Uber and the portion of the seafood chowder that I paid $16.00 for was ridiculous. It was a cup size portion. The chowder itself was good but certainly not worth the price I paid. Very disappointing for sure.
Great family diner with excellent and very friendly service. Love the seafood chowder, meatloaf, and many other daily specials. Food
Very good old style Cafe.
Great service, good food
I love Esquire, it is a diner style restaurant, they have a great breakfast, the chowder is good, most everything Ive tried is good also the staff is very nice and efficient
Mediocre food
Busy but we were able to be seated within minutes, staff are friendly and good food. Highly recommend stopping in if youre out and about
Fantastic as always took my father in law for his 87th birthday. My son had the kids grill cheese... did not disappoint
Nice having fun together sometime!
Nice restaurant. Great food. Great staff.
Great home style meals.
Lovely, cheerful spot, great diner-style food!
Great old fashioned diner. Service is terrific. Food consistently good.
I like to come here with my wife. We tried almost every dish available and they all are very good. The waiters are kind and nice to talk to and the atmosphere is family friendly, classic like the dinners you see in the movies. There is a lot of space for parking and its right next to Bedford highway so it is easy to reach. This is a stop you must make if you are exploring the area.
Used to love this place for their chowders and breakfast. Went for breakfast today and while sipping my coffee saw a mouse running at me and then scurry under the area where the extra cutlery and dishes are stored. Left very quickly without ordering and wont be back.
Good food Good menu Good service Food : 4/5
Michelle was amazing . Best omelette I ever had . Food
Excellent chowder soup
Best ever cheese and bacon cheese burger
Had the pleasure of dining at the Esquire on the 9th of January. And it really was a pleasure! Our server was a lovely lady that took care of us from the appetizer to the dessert. Get the chowder! The very best on the East Coast! Sorry, St John s. :( A cup will suffice to leave room for a main course. Lots of fish, scallops, shrimp in a superb light cream broth. You don t need crackers added to this baby! Turkey dinner was excellent as always. As one of my guests remarked . Two apple crisps were divided into four portions. Plenty for all with just the right amount of cinnamon. Maybe a dash of nutmeg was what we tasted? Whatever it was, it was a beautiful end to a fine evening. Definitely we ll be returning when we re in the HRM. 6 stars!! Parking: Parking may be dicey if the restaurant is busy. Don t drive away!
Friendly staff, prompt service with follow-up. My breakfast plate was cooked perfectly and served hot.
Classic diner spot. Staff is always friendly, but the food can be hit and miss depending what you get. The lobster roll was tasty but pricy.
Very friendly service, excellent food
Very good food.
Came just for the lobster roll and it did not disappoint. Overall a great diner spot for lunch, the chowder was good too!
Never had bad food or service. Love thus place Parking: Guessing 30-40 Food : 5/5 |
Had the Eggs Benedict with Peameal Bacon. Have been craving peameal bacon for a while now. So so good! My Dad loves a good chowder, so he had a bowl of that, along with their pan-fried haddock. He deemed his lunch EXCELLENT! Will definitely be back.
Always good old-fashioned food and also really good experienced service.
Very professional staff, their mussels dish is very good, after that their lobster sandwich is good, but it is totally unacceptable that their calamari dish is calamari taken directly from a deep-frozen bag and the same goes for their French fries, even with their vegetables, which are all taken from frozen bags. For a restaurant in Halifax where youre not looking for fast food, they serve calamari that I can enjoy at home just by taking it out of a bag and frying it. Forget frozen food, increase price of your dishes and your gonna be the king of your area with happy customer and same profits.
Always good food, great service.
Its my guilty pleasure, i love the Esquire. I have taken the kids a few times. Great milkshakes, good food and alot of it. Theres an older crowd who respect the value, and it takes me to a simpler small town time.
Very cozy, Family friendly place. Chowder was fantastic. Server was very friendly and helpful. Loved this place. Will go back More.
Great service. Tasty food but a little too much salt in my chicken penne dish. I dont handle salt well. The 3 others totally enjoyed the salt cod dinner. Parking: Very convenient. Handicapped parking too. Wheelchair accessibility: Yes
The seafood chowder was very good. This place is quiet and comfortable. We really enjoyed it. Great local spot. The service was excellent!
Good food
Always a great experience at the Esquire Restaurant. The staff are amazing and the food is always great.
Excellent food and service. Coming from a landlocked city, I forgot that seafood was supposed to taste like this. We had the seafood chowder and fish&chips. The shellfish felt like butter in my mouth and the dish flaked easily but still moist. The chowder was not thick but rather like a cream soup. The fish and chips was light and not oily. Service was very friendly and attentive. Had the feel of a seafood dinner with its relaxed local atmosphere. Price point is decent for the quality of the food. The presentation is what you expect for a diner but the flavour is far above.
Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access with my rollator. Food
Great home style cooki g
Always good food and service. And they have brought back old time favorites, like cream lobster on toast and more only until the end of May.
Old school feel and great home cooked food.
Great diner experience, food, and service always great.
Liver and onions forever!!!! Service is slow but worth the wait
Service and main foods are ok and above. Both corn chowder soup and lobster bisque are worse not hot and watery. They are not recommended and I will not order these soups again
Service was slow, had to go get my own cuttlery. Portions have shrunk, prices increased.
Really, really good diner food. Reasonably priced, nice servers. One of my favourite places in HRM.
It was great
The first place we had our food in halifax. And was a wonderful experience. The ambience and food is simply awesome.
Great food for the price. The value is there for sure. Its been thirty years since my last visit, and it is definitely a destination of mine in the future. I had the seafood chowder (stuffed with seafood) and grilled cheese, while my spouse had the corn chowder and cheese bread. The only issue was my mother-in-law had a turkey sandwich and it was very difficult to find the turkey. There was almost none on the sandwich. While reflecting on the visit, we never had a coffee refill. They serve a normal mug but at 2.50ish a cup, I want a refill. Oh damn, I forgot that the server gave us our bill and never came back with the machine like she said she would. After 15 min with an empty coffee cup, we flagged another serve to take payment. All of this aside, it wasnt a bad experience and will return.
Delicious grilled haddock sandwich! Would recommend! I witnessed one member of staff being really kind to a sweet old couple and then again very kind to a disabled customer and their carer who arrived after closing time (people were still in the restaurant finishing their meals) and she still served them take away dessert so they didnt have to find somewhere else. Plenty of off road parking too. Kid-friendliness: Amazing milkshakes!
Great service and great food at a fair price!! Had my family of four out and we absolutely loved it.
Vegetarian options: Not many
Old people food is the best food.
It just wasnt as good as it used to be. My seafood was ok but the fish was small. My wifes potato was ice cold. Probably will skip by the next time. The young lady serving was attentive and good at her job. Food
The Esquire is a Bedford traditional restaurant that used to be associated with the motel across the street that has last year been converted to a more modern restaurant mecca. We went for breakfast and had the Number 3 - 2 eggs done as you like them, a choice of meat (sausage, ham, bacon and even bologna) and a choice of toast (white or whole wheat) or a tea biscuit. The food was good. They have many other breakfast options, including pancakes, omelets, french toast, and so on. Maybe avoid scrambled eggs - could be a mix instead of freshly cracked eggs. If you are allergic to scrambled egg mixes, ask, and I am sure they will be happy to start with eggs for you. They also have a dinner menu with 2fers (2 meals for $20) Monday to Wednesday and other specials too each days. The Esquire is one of those homey places with friendly staff who are not afraid to joke with customers. For example, when my sister pointed out the absence of utensils at her place, the waitress said with a smile, What? You arent going to use your hands? Parking: Many spots. Never full as it is so large.. Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair parking spots and an accessible entrance.
Great food and service.
This place is very popular among golden aged people. I had a lobster roll: nothing special really, but a price of nearly $30 for it (with fries) was not fair
Homestyle restaurant with honestly food. great place for a casual dinning experience. Weekend hours have been extended to 8am from 9am.
Did not get to eat the food to give it a rating after waiting 45 minutes with my wife & 2 grandchildren & the waitresses sat many others that came in after us so after being snubbed we took the kids elsewhere. There are too many options and resturants looking to feed people to put up with this silliness. Never again!!
Great food, huge portions, great service, incredible prices!
Favourite place to eat when in the Halifax area
I had a cheese burger and poutine, both were yummy. The staff were all friendly and chatted with us. We made arrangements to meet us again there in two weeks for lunch again. The strawberry shortcake looked good but we were too full to order dessert.
The eggs Benedict was great and the kids breakfast was huge. Great breakfast!
Delicious - had the Chowder and how delicious was it. Also strawberry shortcake did not disappoint!
Good food.
Chowder was not salty. I order one, however server splited for two of us. Lobster roll was splited too. Everything was perfect and above than we expected.
The food was good as always, nothing flashy but a good comfort food menu. Service was good. The restaurant could use a little TLC, its dated and could use some repairs which takes away from the atmosphere but all in all what I expect when I visit.
This is a cozy restaurant along the bedford coast. I go there very often since its close to my work place. I am curious to know why mostly elders eat there! Its normally full at peak time. The food is not too bad and reasonably priced. I like the coffee which is refilled. My friend Cyntia absolutely love the coconut pie cake. Parking: Parking is not an issue at all. There is plenty of parking space even at peak time.
Always a great experience here...very friendly staff , great food and very clean
The gravy had an odd taste on the hot turkey sandwich and food was on the cold side.
Quick service/takeout. Generous seafood chowder. Keep up the good work and cooking.
Ive been going here since I was a kid. The atmosphere has always stayed the same , the food was great had a 2 piece fish and chips . The fish was a little small though otherwise had a great meal
Great place that really hasnt changed in forever. Seems to be a staple for the older crowd going out to dinner and many of the menu items cater to that. That being said, the food is all very good and very affordable.
Had take out...spinach salad was delicious
I have only eaten here once. My food was good and the waitress was nice. I would eat there again.
Food is delicious but portions are smaller and prices are higher!
Pretty nice and reasonably priced chowder, thats true. The buns that came with it couldve been better. The staff was nice, but the dishes they gave us were a bit dirty (the ones under the main dishes with food), which is okay but still a bit unpleasant... The restaurant is close to the highway, so sitting outside is hardly a very enjoyable experience. The indoor area seems to be cute.
Good chowder, but a little slow on the service.
Worst. Burger. Ever. Tiny dried up patty. Yum.
I found the food, very greasy.
Amazing chowder place, fresh ingredients, it was the best one i ever had!
Our guest this day told us she had breakfast here on her honeymoon more than 60 years ago. On the day of our visit I had Lobster solder the special of the day.
I go to this restaurant every time Im in Nova Scotia...I absolutely love the food and the people
Good squash soup and spinach salad for lunch. Good value, friendly service. Havent been in a while and like the updated decor.
Dont know what food is like, we were pleasantly seated, but then not acknowledged after. Table of 2 sat after us...greeted warmly and than waited on. Table outside waited on. We left, hopefully this had nothing to do with the color of my husbands skin!!
Great fish food
Food was average. No taste. Over priced. Just an mom and pop diner for regulars
Beautiful staff Food taste amazing, must try there lobster roll Their strawberry shortcake is seasonal. But it made my day Food : 5/5
Great home cooked food. Food
I love this place! Ive been coming here with my grandparents since I was a little kid and they remember them by name! The staff are super friendly and helpful, they make the experience amazing:)
Sat us down but too busy to serve our table, so we left.
It had been quite some time since I have visited and thought I would revisit. I ordered a ruben sandwich which was tasey, but there was no much brisket on it. It would of been nice to have an option of additional meat for a fee which I would of gladly paid for if it was reasonable. Due to the lack of brisket the value was lacking. The service was fantastic. Our waitress was on her toes and knew her job well. Our food came out quick at the same time and it was hot. Keep up the great work The atmosphere is an older ma pa style open diner. There is nothing wrong with that but I did find the tables were quite close together so there was not a lot of privacy if you were trying to have a conversation. Personally I think booths would work a lot better in this space than regular tables/chairs. Just some food for thought. We were all hungry when we arrives so I forgot to take pictures of the food. Next time I will take some and update
Nice brunch place. Friendly staff and food was good.
Service was prompt and my waitress was very kind! I was impressed with the coffee and eggs benedict I ordered, the location is family friendly with a vintage charm to it. Their food prices are very reasonable and payment was made quick and easy when I was leaving. Would highly recommend anyone passing through to stop by this place! You ll love the retro restaurant sign on the roof of the restaurant, theres just something about this style of restaurant that feels like home.
Best seafood chowder we had on our 3 week Nova Scotia holiday and we had many.
Polite and friendly staff and excellent customer service and great food
The building looks a little run down. The food was awful and made me and my friends feel sick for a while afterwards. The waitresses were nice however.
Great Breakfast
My first time here. Highly recommended. I was quite pleased with my breakfast. Ill definitely return.
Great family style restaurant with consistent great homestyle meals.
Always pay a visit to Esquire when we are in Halifax. Restaurant is very clean and comfortable. Plenty of spacious parking. Friendly staff and top notch food. Parking: Outside the restaurant on both sides. At least 25 spots.
Food food and friendly staff
It was very busy for a mid afternoon on a Thursday. I ordered the Octoberfest special, coffee and apple crisp. All was very home made style wonderful. We have come here for years, and have never, ever had a bad meal or poor service.
Classic dinner, great dependable food
A trusted diner with great food and fair prices.
A good place for a meal always
Fun, old school experience.
Great spot for breakfast. Food was great and reasonably priced. Service took awhile given how busy it is.
Worst takeout food we ever received. Pathetic is the only qors to describe it. For neatly 50$...
A friend and I had breakfast here for the first time and it was delicious we both said it was the best omelet we had in a while, hashbrowns were so good too! The service was great! 10 out of 10 would come again!
Lovely location . I had the maple glased salmon with rice ,and it was realy good . the service exceptoinal as well . Ainsliy was my server and she was very sweet , I had a good laugh after talking with her.
A great diner dining experience on the Bedford Hwy.
We used to love the Esquire, but they have gone way downhill since Covid. The times we have tried it, the seafood was old. My salmon was burnt. The fries were cold. Not warm. Cold.
Staff are friendly and helpful The food is downhome good
Great place to eat!
Delicious chowder!
What a great casual dining experience! Really great service and the seafood chowder is delicious.