Argyle Bar & Grill

3.5 star rating
21 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Pubs, Burgers  [Edit]

1575 Argyle St
Halifax, NS B3J 2B2
(902) 492-8844
Hours:

Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 10 pm

Thu-Sat 11 am - 11 pm

Takes Reservations:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Price Range:
$$
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Dinner
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Drive-Thru:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"...not talking pub-ish, good restaurant food with good service." (in 3 reviews)
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"...that the Argyle is much more than great music and a patio." (in 7 reviews)
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"Nice outdoor patio, and a rooftop patio in summer as well." (in 3 reviews)
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21 reviews in English

  • Review from Philip H.

    •  
    • 32 friends
    • 143 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    1/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Sunday brunch is the time to go.  I usually don't get the same thing each time I go to a restaurant, I love trying new things.  Here however I'm totally hooked on the breakfast pizza they call "Pizza Frittata".  They have an old stone pizza over that they use... SO GOOD.  Pizza dough, bacon, onions, green pepper, topped with mozzarella cheese, and a side of hollandaise sauce (ask for an extra, the little serving they give you is not enough for a full pizza).
    Service is OK, not stellar, depends on who you get I guess.  Sometimes they are excellent, other times not so much.  But as soon as my pizza comes my eyes glaze over and all is forgiven.
    No wi-fi and not very wheelchair friendly.

  • Review from Mel H.

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    12/21/2011

    I always forget about the Argyle. A friend was in town visiting recently and we needed a place to grab a bite to eat. Neither one of us was feeling super fancy, but we weren't looking for cheap and cheerful either. Lo and behold, the Argyle.

    The service can be hit or miss here I find, (sometimes beauty does not equate brains if you catch my drift) but our server was fantastic. Personable without being too cozy and just good at his job in general. The food was decent. It's not going to change your life, but it's not going to disappoint you either. We rolled in on a Friday a week before Christmas and the place was bumping with large groups, a private party as well as the normal Friday night dinner crowd. Our food still arrived quickly and was pretty tasty.

    Also, their dessert cabinet?! Holy eff word. Try the turtle cheesecake.

  • Review from Krista P.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 137 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    10/6/2011

    Some girlfriends and I came here one Saturday night a few weeks ago for dinner as part of my bachelorette party.  I had only been once a number of years prior and couldn't remember much about my initial experience (either it was just okay without being special enough to recall, or was so horrible I've blocked it completely from my memory.  However, since I actually had quite a good time here on my recent visit, I'm going to go with the former).

    There were 8 of us, we had a reservation, and I have to say it all went really smoothly (I get a little nervous with group reservations at times, especially with restaurants I'm not familiar with, as I've been burned before with lost reservations, etc.).  Our server was very nice, and the food was tasty.  I ordered a couple of peach bellinis and the nachos.  Other people's orders consisted of long island ice teas, banana daquairis, sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers.  All had good things to say about their choices.

    My nachos were quite tasty.  Warm, lots of cheese, not burnt at all (as so many restaurants are wont to do).  The bellinis were very nice as well, made just right.

    Overall, a great experience, and a really good kick-off (well, not including our awesome downtown scavenger hunt earlier that afternoon) to a super fun night.  And on the bright side, I don't have to repress any more memories this time around...at least I don't think I do...but how will I know?  Oh crap...

  • Review from Emma R.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Bedford, NS

    2.0 star rating
    9/11/2011

    I've been to the Argyle a few times for dinner in the past year, as they are one of the only bar/restaurants in Halifax that take large group bookings on the weekends. Their capacity is definitely a plus, but the experience has always been less than good.

    Firstly, why is it so dark? I understand low lighting is common in bars, but this place is terrible. Last time I was at The Argyle, I had to use my phone as a flashlight in order to read the menu. I mentioned this to the server, and she sort of just shrugged.

    Which brings me to the service. There are some nice servers, but the majority I've had have been miserable. It can be difficult to serve a large group of university students, but they could at least pretend to be pleasant.

    Lastly, the food is terrible. Sure, there's some okay burgers (albeit with sloppy, often not fresh toppings), but anything outside of basic pub fare is embarrassing. Do NOT order the Grilled Peanut Chicken. I've seen it served several times now, and the most recent visit my entire table was shocked at how disgusting and poorly prepared it was. Literally a pile of browning, tasteless iceberg lecture with a mound of rubbery chicken in a vulgar, obviously bottled sauce. The red onion was inconsistently cut, and the mounds of shredded cheddar made it look like something made by an 18 year old just learning how to cook.

    Honestly, Halifax can do better. The culinary team is clearly not skilled enough to churn out the large menu, and even the servers seem a little unhappy to be there. If it wasn't for their large dining room, I would never willingly go back to The Argyle.

  • Review from Kim H.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The Argyle is one of those "fallback" places for me. If we need a place to eat in downtown that is tasty, has a good atmosphere and is affordable, this is one of the places I keep in mind.

    I went here for brunch for the first time this past weekend, and it was just as good as dinner! There were lots of great choices on the menu, but I went with the Bruschetta Bagel and the boy had Eggs Florentine. Both tasted fresh and full of flavour, and came out within minutes! I was really impressed with the speed (although it wasn't very busy at the time - I think it was around noon Sunday).

    I was really impressed with the prices as well - each of our dishes was only about $10, and the portions were large - plenty to keep us full most of the day. There is a good mix of food on the menu - alot of Italian-style things, but lots of other influences. Most of their dishes are traditional with a twist, which I like.

    We sat inside because it was a little cloudy, but I would definitely recommend sitting on the patio if you can - they have one at the front on street level, and one on the rooftop and both have lots of seating and a great view of the hustle and bustle of downtown Halifax. The location is awesome if you are doing anything downtown. It's good for evening drinks too, though I haven't been there in the evening in a while.

  • Review from Ben B.

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    4/13/2011

    I have to admit, I have a big ole mushy soft spot for the Argyle. It was one of the first restaurants I started going to when I was just a pup, finally learning how to dine out without the accompaniment of parental units. Back then, the Argyle was my fancy destination. We'd dig into their massive pastas, lust over their fired pizzas, and laugh about not being able to order drinks. Ahhhh to be young again...

    Today? Well, it seems to have become a restaurant of the past for me. While all the dishes are as consistent as they once were, dining elsewhere has taught me just how unnecessarily oily their pastas and pizzas are, how everything's probably a dollar or two more expensive than it actually merits, and that low-lit and rumbly with noise doesn't equate ambiance.

    Still, it's a great spot to go with a group given the space and decent service, the appetizers are still as good a way as any to kick off a night, and it has a patio that can't be beat once summer hits.

    This three-star really does reflect 'A-OK' status, but I do think I've largely outgrown my back-in-the-day favourite.

  • Review from Jill M.

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    4/18/2011

    I think the Argyle is a little underrated.

    Yeah, the downstairs nightclub is weird. But the upstairs patio is fun! And yeah, some items on the menu are a little overpriced. But have you tried their desserts? Sometimes I like to hit the Argyle late at night just to order drinks and cake. Because, you know, I'm health conscious like that.

    One of my favorite things to order is a side Cesar and a thin crust pizza. They have a lot of great pizza options, so everyone can find something they like. Another surprise? Their spanikopita. I love it.

    The best thing about the Argyle is that it's huge. Have you ever had the kind of night where you're starving, you didn't make a reservation, and every darn restaurant in Halifax has told you it'll be about half an hour? You don't have to resort to McDonalds! You can go to the Argyle!

    The Argyle might not be the best place to eat in this city, but on a hot summer evening it's a great place to meet up with friends to relax on the spacious rooftop patio, sip a giant margarita and eat some decent food.

  • Review from Joel K.

    Halifax, NS

    2.0 star rating
    4/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The Argyle, unfortunately, is only okay. The food is pretty good. The service is hit or miss. The atmosphere is, well, there isn't one.

    The best that can be said for it, sadly, is that in the summer the patio is a godsend. But that's not saying that much, is it?

  • Review from Teena D.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    11/14/2010 2 photos

    My two friends, sister and I had supper here last night.  We were craving pizza and my sister said it was a good place to go.

    I had the Spicy Italian pizza and it was delicious!  My sister and a friend also had pizza and enjoyed theirs.  My other friend had a Mediterranean platter and love it (he husband is Lebanese).

    Our server was friendly and made sure we were taken care of.

    I'd definitely go back there again if I'm craving pizza!

  • Review from Rob B.

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    • 10 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Bedford, NS

    4.0 star rating
    3/26/2011

    Allright....I eat here a lot.  Like 4 times a month a lot.  And I only ever order one thing:  Blackened Chicken Pizza.  I know it all sounds a bit Rainman but it's a really good pizza.  Plus the staff is always good and the place has a good vibe.  There are other things on the menu and people who dine with me eat and enjoy them but I'm sticking to the Pizza with a soda water or beer.  The Argyle's a great choice:  unpretentious, attractive and makes a great blackened chicken pizza.

  • Review from Ang M.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 242 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    10/27/2009

    I always wish the food was better here, because I really like the location. Right at the intersection of Argyle and Blowers, it's a great spot for a cold beer if you're downtown and just want to relax for a bit. Nice outdoor patio, and a rooftop patio in summer as well.  

    I haven't been to the rooftop patio in a while, but i know in the past they've unfortunately had inane promotions like a "hot tub" for bikini-clad bimbos.... sigh.

    Aaaanyway. The food. The menu has pretensions to greatness ("Tortellini Tuscana", "Blackened Salmon" and the like), but it's just too big, and the end result is food that's just passable. Even the pizzas should be better, given that they're cooked in a wood-fired oven and all... and they're okay, but nothing to write home about.

    The interior has nice big booths, so you can have a very intimate dinner if that's what you're after.

  • Review from Laura P.

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    • 138 friends
    • 592 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    4/19/2010

    I recently accompanied my sister and a few of her pals for a lunch at the Argyle. Not my ideal spot for a bite, but majority rules and good company was at stake.

    After my first visit, I'm pleased to report the general atmosphere as pretty low-key. It was a cold and dreary day, and coming into this relaxed vibe was, indeed, complimentary.

    Our initial greeting was a less than friendly, as three young hostesses eyed us with notable attitudes. Being seated seemed like a hassle; however, our sweetie-pie server made up for it tenfold! She was accommodating, efficient, sweet and bubbly. It was easy to forget the lack of love just moments earlier.

    The menu is not exactly veggie friendly, as its typical pub-style food. Lots of burgers, sandwiches, mediocre salads, etc. I threw all my cautions to the wind and ordered the chicken cob sandwich, sans bacon. (And a stomach ache for later.)

    The sandwich was ok. The chicken was a bit thick and awkward for its place under this kaiser bun;  however, once I cut it in half it was manageable. The sandwich's blue cheese and guacamole were a yummy combo, although it was too strong of a taste to endure the entire thing. The fries were quite delicious, I must say.

    Overall, the food is pretty good if you're into pub-style dining. This isn't a spot I'd choose to go again, but more because its just not my thing. With excellent service (for the most part), and some interesting twists to the menu, its a decent spot to chow down.

  • Review from Courtney M.

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    • 115 friends
    • 412 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    10/16/2009 1 photo

    Argyle gets a bit of a mixed review from me.

    Their breakfast/brunch is definitely worth heading in for! Delicious options that come garnished with real fruit at very reasonable prices.

    I don't know if Argyle just has a different set of evening vs. day staff but the contrast is notable. I was at Argyle for a friends birthday a couple weeks ago and there were numerous issues... For one, we were a table of 10 so I fail to see why our server would have been handed us plus an apparently full section of deuces, fours, etc. This is clearly a management issue since you can't reasonably expect one poor person to be in multiple places at once. My dinner was also just so so.

    I've been to Argyle late as well and the bartender working was either a) anti-social or b) not on his game. I asked for a shot of 1/2 baileys and 1/2 jagger. Not unheard of! His response was: 'That sounds awful but sure.' A smart bartender would have said: 'huh, interesting... i'll make myself one and try it' or 'sure thing, i'll be sure to try that later.'

    Overall, head to Argyle for breakfast but there's just too many good dinner spots in Halifax to settle for mediocrity at suppertime.

  • Review from cheryl d.

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    • 12 friends
    • 579 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    7/30/2010 1 photo

    Argyle Bar and Grill has been around for years and I remember being downtown at this location dancing the night away with not a care in the world.

    Well Saturday after the Pride Parade we all went down to Argyle and wow was it nice out. you know that hot weather that when you sit out on the patio you say why did I not sit inside. Well thank god we did this day and not that it was any cooler inside cause it was HOT! I don't think the air conditioner was on I can tell you.

    We were a bit late so some of the party actually ordered and were eating so we had some visual food orders to go by. The Philly steak which looked delicious, like a toasted Chiba's bun with steak and cheese and sauce stacked with tasty fries. Lasagna and garlic bread and then someone order noodle dish something pow can't remember.  All the food was really good and great hearty  helpings.  I actually had the blacked Cajun chicken pizza which was thin crust and very tasty. Actually it was delicious.  The BF had a cheeseburger and fires out meal came to $40.00 which included one beer

    One thing that  I was warned about when we sat down was that the waitress was in a bad mood. Great !  Well it did take some time for us to get our order and that was for a beer and water.  I would hate to see if  it was really busy.  The food order was faster believe it or not.

    Would I go back well yes I would have to say so but I would pick a different table cause after the Pride Parade what a damper the service was.

  • Review from Bethany J.

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    • 10 friends
    • 254 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    4/22/2010

    I have to confess:  I've only been to the Aqua Lounge, and have never eaten upstairs.  From what I hear, it's a great place to people watch, and the menu looks intriguing.  Prices are a bit on the high side, but not unreasonably so for downtown hotspots.

    Downstairs is where the party's definitely at.   The Aqua Lounge is one of the premium martini destinations in Halifax.  All sorts of concoctions are available, from The Mailman to the Twisted Melon Ball to whatever you can imagine.

    I don't go to the Argyle often anymore;  truth be told, my dj-partying days are pretty much behind me now.  But for those seeking a great martini and the vibes to match, The Argyle simply has to be on your list of destinations.

  • Review from Jackie V.

    •  
    • 50 friends
    • 118 reviews

    State College, PA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    9/6/2008

    When I first walked in, I was instantly reminded of Georgetown's "The Tombs".

    Something about the smell (the sort of stale/sweet smell of day-after-beer+dancing mixing with the scent of burgers on the grill), the dim lighting, the slightly regatta-esque decor, and all the wooden beams really just brought me right back to DC....To be honest, if it wasn't a holiday and the streets were nearly bare, I'm not totally sure we would have stopped in here, but I'm glad we did!

    Overall, it was a really pleasant dining experience. The food was tasty, the drinks weren't outrageously priced, and the servers were really friendly! Not only did our server recommend some great apps, but she also clued us visitors in to the $1 drafts / $2 well drink specials that were happening down the street later that evening. Score!!

    Thumbs up, Argyle, your tasty food & fun staff really turned this "meh" into a "Yay! I'm a fan"

  • Review from Joshua Y.

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    • 21 friends
    • 270 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    11/2/2009 1 photo

    I could not decide whether to give three stars or four.

    Unfortunately the thing that tipped the vote in favor for less stars was the service. The Argyle is a consistently busy bar in downtown Halifax. However, being busy doesn't necessarily mean they are doing everything right. There is definite room for improvement but I will start out with what I love about this place.

    First off, their brunch, pizza and deserts are all really good. If you try their pizza, I suggest the Thai Chicken. I went with my girlfriend and a group of friends and all my girlfriend and I wanted was enough for two people. So we asked the Waitress if one pizza is big enough for two people. She said it is only nine inches so its more of a personal pizza and wouldn't be enough for the two of us. Well she was definitely wrong on that one. When my gf and I got our individual pizza's our first question was, "how do we eat all this?" The second pizza came home with us basically. I don't know if the staff are encouraged to up-sell but it just didn't look like the Waitress had good judgement in the end on what we should eat and how much of it would be enough for two of us average to skinny customer's.

    So in general, the food is good. Some of it is surprisingly good like the Thai Chicken and others, like the brunch eggs and bacon, are average but a positive average. We had a group of ten of us go to the Argyle and if there was one thing we have all seen consistently at this place is forgetful staff. My gf had to ask for her Orange Juice four times while another friend of ours had to keep asking for whole wheat toast along with over-easy eggs. In the end she got her whole wheat toast but the eggs remained scrambled. With that being said, the staff are friendly and our Waitress did apologize a little later on.

    So the food can go from average to very good but the staff have a lot of improvement to make the experience better. They generally smile more than enough and have a pleasant demeanor. But their daily dosage of Ginko Biloba needs to be doubled up or something so that we can actually get what we ordered.

  • Review from Adam B.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 258 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    12/16/2009

    Recently some friends and I went to the Argyle for a birthday celebration. This was not my first time there, but it was certainly the best experience I have had. Staff was friendly and fast, the food was good and filling and the atmosphere was enjoyable (except for the series of buckets hanging from the roof.

    If this had been my first time at the Argyle, my review would be glowing, but this was not my first time at the Argyle. This may be a sign of a new leaf being turned, and I hope it is, because in the past I've had experiences that weren't so great.

    The time prior to my last visit was plagued by slow service and either incompetence or lies on behalf of our waiter. When she arrived at our table to finally take our drink orders, she claimed a certain drink was not available upstairs. Initially this was fine, but as the evening went on  and we saw this particular drink being made and distributed at the bar upstairs it was hard to not be annoyed. Anyone who reads my reviews should notice the pattern that good service is key to a good review...and this was not good service.

    So now I am torn, the last time I ate here, it was great, the time before it was very frustrating, before that it was just ok. I'm optimistic that things are getting better and I will be sure to check this place out again (The Grilled Chicken Cobb Sandwich was especially great). When I do expect another update!

  • Review from Krista L.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 200 reviews

    Westphal, NS

    4.0 star rating
    9/29/2009 1 photo

    For years I had gone to the Argyle on Thursday nights for a great night out on the town. The bar was, and continues to be, the happening place to be on Thursday nights.

    The Argyle is situated on two floors with the DJ and dance floor on the lower level. But in the summertime, where you really want to be, is up on the fun and spacious roof-top patio.

    You may, however, be very surprised to learn that the Argyle is much more than great music and a patio. It actually serves really good food, and I'm not talking pub-ish, good restaurant food with good service. My personal favorites there are the Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and the Traditional-style Pizza, and since I've began eating there I've ran into a few people who have told me that the Argyle is actually their favorite restaurant. It's definitely a spot worth checking out!

  • Review from Hazel P.

    North York, ON

    4.0 star rating
    9/15/2010

    Went to The Argyle after wandering around looking at the menu's of other bars. We were drawn to the Mediterranean Grill so we ordered that. What a lot of food! Good thing we intended to share it. Most sharing plates are not that large but with this we were both stuffed. Waitress was polite & professional. But they were a little busy that night so we didn't see her as often as we might have liked. Otherwise, great food, convenient location & great service!

  • Review from Dave Q.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Maple, ON

    4.0 star rating
    9/7/2009

    I had the Greek bruschetta burger and the  mozzarella mushroom burger and both very good at lunch. Calamari was also very good.

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