How to Go Out in Halifax Like a Local

When it comes to dining in Halifax, reservations are encouraged to be made ahead of time. Many mid-range and upscale restaurants reach capacity quickly, with peak dining happening from Thursday to Sunday. Keep in mind that many restaurants are closed on Mondays in Halifax.

Reservations can usually be made through the restaurant’s website via OpenTable, Resy, or by phone. Some restaurants may require reservations for larger groups (typically 6 or more people) to be requested via phone or email. Most bars and pubs will not require reservations; however, many upscale cocktail bars are known to fill up quickly during weekend nights.

Halifax’s dining scene is relaxed, yet refined, and the dress code reflects it. Locals tend to dress comfortably when eating at casual restaurants. Even mid-range and upscale restaurants and bars are quite relaxed when it comes to attire; smart casual attire is appropriate for fine dining restaurants, which typically includes collared shirts, dress pants or jeans for men, while women may opt for dresses, skirts, or dressy tops paired with jeans or dress pants.

In Halifax, it’s customary to tip between 15% to 20% of the total bill before taxes. This applies to both dine-in and takeout orders. If you received exceptional service, you may choose to tip on the higher end of the spectrum or even beyond 20%. Tipping is seen as a way to express appreciation for good service.

For larger groups (typically 6 or more people), some restaurants may automatically include a gratuity or service charge on the bill, so be sure to review your bill carefully to avoid double-tipping.

When it comes to dressing for a night out in Halifax, the vibe is fairly casual.

Bars, pubs, and casual eateries have a very relaxed dress code; locals tend to dress comfortably. Nightclubs in Halifax are also fairly easygoing when it comes to enforcing dress codes; some people prefer to dress up, while others tend to keep their style simple. It’s not unusual to hop from a casual pub to an energetic nightclub in the same evening, so all types of attire are welcome in Halifax’s nightlife scene.

In Halifax, the timing of when bars start to get busy can vary depending on the day of the week, the specific neighbourhood, and even the season. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Weekdays: On weekdays, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, bars tend to start getting busier in the early evening hours, typically around 7pm to 9pm. This is when people often gather after work or school to unwind and socialize.

Weekend Evenings: Friday and Saturday nights are typically the busiest nights for bars and nightlife in Halifax. Crowds tend to start forming earlier, around 9pm to 10pm, as people head out for dinner and drinks or to attend events or parties. Bars and clubs may reach peak capacity later in the night, around midnight to 1am, especially around the entertainment district on Argyle Street.

Sunday Evenings: Sunday evenings can be quieter compared to Fridays and Saturdays, but some bars may still attract crowds, particularly those offering specials or hosting events. Bars may start to get busier in the early evening, around 6pm to 8pm, and remain active until around midnight.

After a night out, locals tend to make their way to Pizza Corner for a late-night snack. Pizza Corner is home to a variety of eateries and food vendors, from Indian street food to donairs, Halifax’s official food of Halifax. Willy’s Fresh Cut is a favourite spot among locals looking to get their poutine fix – it’s not unusual to see a long line of people waiting to order at the takeout window. Most food vendors around Pizza Corner stay open past midnight on weekdays, and will stay open as late as 4am on weekends.