15 Best Places in North End Halifax to Catch Up with an Old Friend During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a perfect time to reconnect with old friends, and the North End of Halifax offers a variety of cozy spots to reminisce and make new memories. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual coffee, a hearty meal, or a festive drink, here are some of the best places to catch up with an old friend in this vibrant neighborhood.

North End Halifax Local watering-holes, perfect for a casual drink:

1. The Local

For those who enjoy craft beer and a laid-back vibe, The Local on Gottingen Street is a fantastic choice. Known for its wide selection of local brews and live music performances, this pub is a great place to unwind and chat. The friendly crowd and lively atmosphere make it easy to spend hours catching up. Visit The Local at 2037 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax.

The Local Restaurant & Bar, 2037 Gottingen St, North End Halifax

2. The Narrows Public House

The Narrows Public House is a traditional maritime public house that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and offers craft beers and cocktails. Its warm atmosphere makes it an ideal place for enjoying hearty meals with friends, whether during weekend brunch or dinner, creating memorable experiences. Visit The Narrows Public House at 2720 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax.

The Narrows Public House 2720 Gottingen St, North End Halifax

3. Chain Yard Taproom

Chainyard Taproom is a must-visit for cider enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxed catch-up spot. Known for its locally crafted ciders, this taproom offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends. Whether you opt for a tasting flight to explore the diverse flavors or settle in with a favorite, Chainyard Taproom provides a refreshing twist on the traditional pub experience. Visit Chain Yard Taproom at 2606 Agricola Street, North End Halifax.

Chain Yard Taproom, 2606 Agricola St, North End Halifax

4. The Duke's Public House

The Duke's Public House is a welcoming establishment that offers patrons a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Known for its rustic charm and friendly service, it has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a fun Trivia Night event and good company. Visit them at 2057 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax.

The Duke's Public House, 2057 Gottingen St, North End Halifax

5. Driftwood Coastal Diner

Driftwood Coastal Diner is a delightful spot, ideal for reconnecting with an old friend. Here, you can sip on local beverages and enjoy live music performances, which set the perfect background for meaningful conversations. Visit them at 2103 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax.

BONUS: The North End of Halifax is home to MANY craft brewers and distillers! Check out these local taprooms:

• Propeller Brewery Gottingen Taproom

• Tusket Falls Beer Project

• Smokehouse Brewery Agricola Taproom

• Good Robot Robie Street Taproom

• Compass Distillers

• The Stillwell Freehouse

Good Robot, 2736 Robie St, North End Halifax

Cozy Cafes for catching up:

6. Cafe Lara

For a unique coffee experience, visit Cafe Lara on Agricola Street, renowned for artisan brews and yummy pastries. With a warm atmosphere and friendly baristas, it's ideal for relaxing, catching up with friends, or working, thanks to cozy seating and free Wi-Fi. Visit Cafe Lara at 2347 Agricola Street, North End Halifax.

Cafe Lara 2347 Agricola St, North End Halifax

7. Ramblers

A cozy spot known for its inviting ambiance and good coffee. Ramblers provides the perfect backdrop for catching up with friends over a warm cup of coffee and freshly made dishes. Its friendly staff and community-focused vibe make it a must-visit during the holiday season. Visit Ramblers at 5576 Nora Bernard Street, North End Halifax.

8. Suda Table

A charming cafe that brings South Korean coffee culture to North End Halifax. The cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for catching up with an old friend, allowing for enjoyable conversations over a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Visit Suda Table at 5520 Almon Street, North End Halifax.

Suda Table, 5520 Almon St, North End Halifax

9. Creative Cup Cafe

Creative Cup Cafe stands out as a charming and inviting spot, perfect for reconnecting with old friends. This quaint cafe is known for its warm ambiance, friendly service, and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Make sure to follow them on socials, so you can stay up-to-date on their daily specials! Visit them at 2792 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax.

10. Cafe Byron

The North End's newest cafe, Cafe Byron, is a cozy and inviting community hub located on Agricola Street. Inspired by Byron Bay in Australia, this cafe offers a delightful fusion of locally sourced ingredients and international vibes, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. Visit Cafe Byron at 2456 Agricola Street, North End Halifax.

Something a little more upscale:

11. Agricola Street Brasserie

If you're looking to enjoy a blend of modern and traditional cuisine, Agricola Street Brasserie offers a relaxing dining experience with an emphasis on exceeding expectations, and their menu features a variety of innovative dishes crafted from local ingredients. It's a wonderful choice for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner with an old friend. Visit the Agricola Street Brasseries at 2540 Agricola Street, North End Halifax.

Agricola Street Brasseerie, 2540 Agricola St, North End Halifax. Photo credit: Lora Pope

12. Field Guide

Field Guide is a delightful addition, offering a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. They are dedicated to bridging the gap between diners and their food through an open concept kitchen and passionate service. Field Guide also transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season! Whether you're catching up with an old friend or celebrating with family, Field Guide's combination of delicious food and stunning holiday decorations makes it a perfect destination to embrace the festive season. Visit Field Guide at 2076 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax.

Field Guide 2076 Gottingen St, North End Halifax Photo retrieved from instagram.com/fieldguidehfx

13. Bar Kismet

Bar Kismet is a celebrated (and award-winning!) culinary destination in North End Halifax, known for its inventive seafood dishes and vibrant atmosphere. This charming eatery offers a cozy yet sophisticated dining experience, perfect for those seeking a unique and memorable meal. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely dinner or a night out with friends, Bar Kismet's warm ambiance and exceptional cuisine make it a must-visit spot in the neighborhood. Visit Bar Kismet at 2733 Agricola Street, North End Halifax.

Breakfast & Brunch:

14. Almonak

Almonak is a modern cafe and brunch restaurant that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for reconnecting with an old friend. Everything is made from scratch, with an emphasis on rich flavours and beautiful presentation. Almonak's cozy setting and delicious offerings provide a perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and cherished memories. Visit Almonak at 5659 Almon Street, North End Halifax.

Almonak 5659 Almon Street, North End Halifax

15. EDNA

Edna offers a more upscale dining experience, perfect for a special reunion dinner or brunch. Renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes, this restaurant provides a cozy yet sophisticated setting. Sharing a meal at Edna is a wonderful way to enjoy great food and even greater conversation. Visit EDNA at 2053 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax.

EDNA, 2053 Gottingen St, North End Halifax

Keep your eye out for the North End Halifax In-Store Shopping Contest while you're out holiday shopping!

For a full list of North End Halifax eateries, click here.