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Blowers St Paperchase Newstand & Cafe
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Newspapers & Magazines Food Coffee & Tea Newspapers & Magazines, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
5228 Blowers StHalifax, NS B3J 1J7
(902) 423-0750
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 9 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for Blowers St Paperchase Newstand & Cafe
Review Highlights
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"The avocado melt was AMAZING." In 6 reviews -
"Great people-watching here." In 6 reviews -
"Lots of comfy couches and big chairs so whether you're with..." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Carolyn H.
Halifax, NS
4/27/2012
Everything I've had here was delicious. The veggie burgers are great, and the soups are always really good. My favourite is the mushroom barley. I also like the breakfast bagel sandwiches.
The only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that the owner is quite snappy at the servers right in front of customers, which is kind of awkward and inappropriate. -
Review from Jeremy M.
Halifax, NS
5/4/2012
Don't let my 3/5 fool you. The Paperchase is a top notch cafe, but sometimes the individual parts of a spot aren't quite what you get with the sum...
Atmosphere: 5/5
Super comfy, relax environment, light music. I wanted to stay all day and maybe even take a nap...
Customer Service: 4/5
Staff were very friendly and helpful. Not the least bit annoyed when a rank amateur like myself could not decide what to try for lunch, and very accommodating. Couldn't really tell who was working and who was just hanging out though...
Food: 4/5
Delicious. Healthy seeming. Not overly large portions, but big enough to get the job done.
Price: 2/5
You don't have to be rich to eat here, but you may if you get it everyday. $7 for a sandwich by itself? $3.50 for a teeny tiny soup? $1 extra for cheese, because no sandwiched come with it already? Hard to justify $12 for a ham sandwich and small soup... (I got a Black Forest Ham Sandwich, though most of the sandwiched seem to be about the same price...)
If you're looking for a chill place to meet, or a relaxing venue for a coffee (or your choice of caffeinated drink), or a place to just get away for a few minutes and surf the web (or write a yelp review), then the Paperchase is a great choice. Maybe not even so bad for a quick lunch date once in a while. But not quite the place for a daily lunch. -
Review from Robin S.
Halifax, NS
5/2/2012 1 photo
Paperchase is a good spot for a quick bite. I have a bit of a soft spot for the atmosphere, since it feels like there should be a backpacker hostel upstairs and you should look outside and see the Rockies or the Scottish highlands instead of Argyle. I love the garage doors so very much, especially on a nice, sunny day.
Prices are a tad on the high side for what you get, but I do dig the pakora burger. Staff aren't super friendly, though they're not off-putting either. I think cheerier staff on the level of say, Just Us! or TIBS would bring this spot from a three to a four. -
Review from Sarah B.
Halifax, NS
2/1/2012
Love isn't a strong enough word to convey how I feel about you Paperchase. I was forever turned off as you have to cut through a convenience store to stumble upon this cafe, but that soon changed. Their cappuccinos are simply one of a kind, but what really needs to be discussed is their sandwiches. They are served with ALL fresh and local meat and vegetables, and they are not cheap with their servings! It is simply HUGE and oozing with flavour!
Paperchase is a perfect spot to escape to. They make sure you're taken care of and then just leave you to your thoughts, work, music, company or food. I encourage you to sit your tush in this tucked away gem the next time you're feeling overwhelmed and sick of the mainstream joints. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
2/3/2012
How have I not made this a regular stop in my local coffee shop rotation?
I've only been a few times, but I just love the vibe. It's somewhat disheveled in appearance, but that's sort of the charm it has. And, if you can snag a window seat, you have a great view of the street below.
I like that you have to wind up the worn stairs at the back of the shop to get to the cafe, and I really like their tea selection. It's not looseleaf, but they have a long list to choose from. The oatcakes with the PB filling and a coating of chocolate are really yummy.
You do get a hint of library vibe in here - the music (if any?) is soft and it feels like wannabe authors must be in the midst, typing away on their laptops. Don't come here if you want to have a loud conversation with your LOL girlfriend, but do come if you want a quiet spot to hang and just chill.Listed in: Coffee is my life blood
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Review from Ben B.
Ohhhh Paperchase! My love for this café went pretty much from zero to sixty in the span of about three visits and it's never going back.
First off, by comparison to just about every other café in the city worth going to, this one is actually quiet and calm pretty much all day. Since it has become my homebase in between meetings downtown, the chill environment helps me regroup, get some work done, and actually relax a little bit.
That's not to say it's not the right place for a boisterous catch-up with old friends - because it is - it's just that it's not constantly swarmed with 20 people long line-ups, loud espresso equipment, or crashing dishes.
Second, ohmysweetbabyjesus the food! I nabbed the Avocado Melt on Teresa F's recommendation and pretty much go back weekly for more. It's the perfect lunch! It's satisfying but won't weigh you down, it doesn't give you weird breath or bits stuck in your teeth, it doesn't take long to eat, and with fresh, identifiable ingredients that you can see with your own two eyes, there's nothing weird or processed lurking in the shadows.
The spanakopita square was a nice, authentic bite too and I can't wait to dig into the all-day breakfast.
The rest of my old review still stands. It's awesome to have your drink delivered to your table, the staff have a super balance between hip and friendly (that's right - you can still wear ironic tees without having to roll your eyes at me through your vanity glasses), and the vibe is just fantastic.Listed in: Vegetarian Bliss, Coffee Shop Stops, Cheap Halifax Lunches, Outsourced Workplaces, Seeking Out Sammiches
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/22/2011
I never used to feel cool enough to hang out at the Paperchase. I felt like it was a place for… Read more »
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Review from Joe H.
So while one the lookout for a place to feed my caffeine fix I came across a "patio" (more like a double garage... In the air). Paperchase cafe is a little newsstand/convience store that had a secret identity as a coffeehouse/sandwich/kitchen.
During the summers you'll have their airborne garage doors open for ventilation allowing to gaze upon pizza corner on your stool of power. No but actually it's pretty nice up here as I type this review. After a row of "window seats" are a lounge of couches and a little eating area.
Their coffee is alright. It's not the best I've ever had, but the atmosphere is exactly what I'm looking for.
This place would be off the hook with some live jazz on the 2nd floor. Now it's time to nap on their sofas... Don't wake me. -
Review from Jesse M.
3/7/2011
Excellent selection of newspapers, magazines and cafe food
Key Takeaways:
-The perfect place to spend an afternoon reading.
-Excellent food, especially for those who are health conscious or vegetarian.
-Great views of the street and comfortable tables and couches.
-Visiting the Paperchase will make you smarter.
Editors note: I have been visiting the Paperchase in its various incarnations for over 20 years so may be slightly biased. -
Review from Teresa F.
Halifax, NS
Paper Chase has MANY things to offer a cafe lover. The open and airy, art filled, two-level space offers a wide variety of seating options, which is something I really treasure in a cafe. You may sit at a retro two seater table with attached royal blue spinning chairs, a regular 4-seater table with traditional chairs, plush couches (yes, multiple!), mega plush and roomy chairs, as well as long high tables with stools and a view overlooking Argyle Street! Oh, I almost forgot... there are computer chairs for the many internet capable computers that cost mere cents to use.
If that doesn't bring you in, let me tell you that there are PLENTY of vegan food options here. Also, you needn't worry about the barista's ability to froth your hot soy based coffee beverage. Paper Chase soy cappuccinos and soy lattes are well frothed in wide mouthed mugs for all your brown sugar dusting (or clumping) pleasures.
Shall we begin? Their bean salad is ah-mazing, as is the couscous salad. Both are vegan. I've been frequenting Paper Chase for oh, yanno... 7 years or more... so trust me when I tell you if you like them, you always will. They have never changed and I consider this a good thing! If it's not broken don't fix it, right?
You can have the salads alone or with a veggie samosa or pakora! YAY PAKORAS! I love me some deep fried carbs and spices. The salads also come as a side with the wonderful curried veggie burger. The patty itself is moist, thick, and flavourful. Not a spicy hot curry, just a pleasant curry you can have at lunch and not worry about offending anyone afterwards. It's one of those Halifax vegan treats that I could never reproduce at home.. it's magical. 99% of the time I go to Paper Chase I get the curried veggie burger. That statement is so true that the majority of the staff know exactly what to punch in the till as soon as they see me walk up the stairs.
For breakfast there are a wide variety of vegan smoothies! My favourite is the Roasted Oat Breakfast Smoothie! It has roasted oats, maple syrup, soy milk, and your choice of strawberries or blueberries. It is so thick and flavourful (oats and maple! dreeeeeamboat!) I consider it to be a full meal! It's so hard to choose between blueberries and strawberries though. And no, Paper Chase won't do a mix!
Most of their soups are vegan and change daily! Don't hesitate to ask for a sample to make sure you'll enjoy your meal! (: The veggie chili is also vegan as is the cornbread.
As you can see, you're going to love it here!
If you want something vegetarian and cheesy, I hear their avocado melts are top-notch. So is their super affordable all day breakfast!
The only reason I am not giving my beloved people-watching, newspaper reading, internetting cafe 5 stars is the owner. Way more than often she is in a sour mood accompanied with a poor attitude. The way she openly "treats" (read: disrespects) the staff is abrasive, abrupt, and uncomfortable to be around. Once upon a time, years ago, she lied to me about her margarine being vegan. I pressed her for the truth and she was unnecessarily defensive and wouldn't budge even though I knew very well she was using Verve which contains Whey!
Whatever though!
Long live Paper Chase! I kinda need you in my life. -
Review from Gabrielle B.
Halifax, NS
1/16/2011
The food here is delicious and homey whether or not you can convince yourself to try something other than the avocado melt (rarely happens) . The decore is a student europe and If you are easily distracted by endless parades of good-looking twenty-somethin year olds this might not be the spot to do homework. This was a sad realization for me.
The only reason I won't give this place five stars is because the owner or manager (not sure) is often impatient and disrespectful to her staff who have always been friendly, hardworking and professional when I'm there. She immediately switches on the sweetness when speaking to her patrons. Would it be so hard to just be a genuinely respectful person all round? -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 11/24/2010 2 photos
It has been a year since I wrote my first review for the Paperchase. Everything I said before stays the same but there is always one small thing that I didn't mention which continues to give me a small itch in the back of my head. One of the Managers or Owners just always seems to be in a bad, stressed out mood. Which isn't great since the rest of the staff are doing a great job from a customers point of view. I would recommend Yoga or Wayne Dyer because the coffeeshop is busy, successful and fun to write reviews in. I just hope the Manager who stresses out a lot, which in turn stresses the staff and customers out, will start drinking some of their own lovely green tea. Because its great and proved to be relaxing.
Aside from that, no other coffee shop in Halifax is like the Paperchase. I highly recommend it.Listed in: Best Downtown Coffee shops
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2009 First to Review
Want the best muffins in the city? Head straight to Paperchase!
It took years before I found the best… Read more »
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Review from Laura S.
Halifax, NS
11/22/2010
It would be great if another coffee shop opened in this area that gave the Paperchase a reason to try a little harder.
The location really is ideal, and their setup is endearing (it almost feels like a secret having to sneak through the store and up the stairs), but I find it confusing if you aren't a regular to understand their process for ordering/paying/waiting/sitting etc. I guess it always seems disorganized and lacking in rules, which ultimately works with their hipster don't-try-too-hard-to-be-cool interior.
The food is yummy, and offers a solid hand of options for vegans or health-concious eaters. In all honesty though, I have rarely ordered anything other than their avocado melt. Beauty.in.my.mouth.
If you're situated close by, it's certainly a great option for a coffee/chatty/people-watching/loungy kind of place (and the store downstairs is quite convenient), but I would never find myself going out of my way to seek refuge within their garage-door style walls. -
Review from GreyCatOlympics R.
1/12/2011
Every time I visit Halifax I try and hit up the cafe on the 2nd floor. Not sure about the coffee here, but there are always great soups. Fantastic in the cold winters. I also love the other veggie items.
Often a bit messy but nice space, cool views, and friendly staff. This is my first re-charge stop after my long flight to Halifax.
I suppose they sell magazines on the bottom floor and have a great selection, but it is the cafe I always visit. -
Review from Laura P.
Updated - 5/26/2010
Paperchase has become my regular daylight haunt. Whether its a book, a little work, or a private chat with a friend-- this easy atmosphere is one I find most enjoyable.
From the downstairs convenience counter to the upstairs café, the service is exceptional. Quiet but polite staffers put out the good vibes, and visitors can breathe, relax, enjoy.
Lately I've been just ordering tea, but with the hot weather at our feet, I may start getting back into the smoothies. Comfy couches and chairs on the upper level are my favourite location, especially when they slide open the gigantic windows on sunny days.
The crowd here seems to attract those of creative professions. Old and young; casual business meetings and study dates are popular at the Paperchase. Large groups and obnoxious conversationalists are frowned upon here for the most part. While its a welcoming spot to everybody, the fact is that you're likely to be surrounded in relaxed and studious folk-- not always, but most of the time.
Certainly one of my most loved Halifax spots. After a bite, a sip, and a read, I'll pop downstairs for a magazine browse, and be on my way.Listed in: Flying Solo, Tea Time
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/11/2010
Two words: Avocado Melt.
A friend introduced me to Paperchase a few years back, and to her I am… Read more »
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Review from Cadence M.
Halifax, NS
8/23/2011
One of my favorite places to get lunch or breakfast if Im in a rush to get to work. Lots of vegetarian options (yay!) and great smoothies :)
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Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/14/2009 1 photo
I like a good magazine store, and I like a good coffee shop, so it's nice when a shop can combine the two for me in a comfortable way. The magazine selection downstairs is surprisingly good, considering the limited space available. Good selection of art mags, no doubt a nod to the shop's proximity to the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University.
Upstairs is a comfortable cafe with some nice sofas and plenty of tables that overlook busy Argyle and Blowers streets. Great people-watching here. Coffee's nothing to write home about, but it's a nice spot to meet a friend and chat away an afternoon. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/25/2010
The Paperchase is a great news stand on Blowers street in downtown Halifax. But wait, there's more than meets the eye here. If you check out the upstairs you will find a cafe with internet access and a really nice view of Argyle Street.
In the summer time it's great to sit up here and watch the b'ys installing the patio fronts. In the winter it's nice to watch people gingerly negotiate the sloping side walks. This view is an ideal people watching point, there is always something to see from the top floor of the Paper Chase.
They also serve the best Avacado Melt in the city. It comes with a delicious three bean salad and is worth checking out. Sure, there are other options on the menu, but I always come back to good ol' Avacado. While you're waiting for your meal there are a few board games kicking around that can be fun to play with a gang. The games and a little company can really turn a quick jaunt in for lunch into a lengthy affair.
The staff is friendly, the food is good, the view is nice, we are definitely lucky to have the Paper Chase in our fair city. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/9/2009 3 photos
I must admit it's been at least 15 years since I was last in The Paperchase Cafe, upstairs from their extensive magazine and newspaper section. My daughter was a Dal student who lived just up the hill and this was a favorite haunt of hers. The place she'd takes us to before any others when we were in for a visit.
So I was curious about what it was like now. It's huge, lots of computers with internet access in case you don't have your own. Lots of comfy couches and big chairs so whether you're with a crowd or by yourself, there's plenty of seating.
It was a cold day so I hunkered down near the roaring fireplace. The jazz playing softly overhead while I was sipping my very robust cappuccino all conspired to making my stay very pleasant.
I notices lots of food choices from salads, soups and soups to baked goods, but managed to contain myself and stick to cappuccino.
Bottom line, I think I like it even better today! -
Review from Lacey H.
4/10/2010
Tasty snacks. Good reads. Zippy coffee. The Paperchase has a good thing going on along with a great downtown location.
If you need to hop onto the internet but are sans computer, they've got them available to use. You can grab a sammy or some fresh salad (beans, grains, veggies, you name it), order a cuppa-joe, and cozy up in a corner chair and take a load off. There are great window seats that give you a nice view of Argyle for people watching or cloud watching - you choose.
The service is usually pretty good, sometimes slightly slack, but maybe that's because it always seems like they're just cleaning up after a mega-rush whenever I head in.
Buy a read downstairs and bring it on up so you can peruse while you snack. This is a good spot to meet your amigos, grab an afternoon tea, or hang out and study or read. -
Review from Christine L.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2011
Was worried when I walked in but the food was great and it was a cozy spot to work.....
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
10/28/2009
'Paperchase Cafe' is one of those places that has such a throng of dedicated regulars and students that they don't really need to try very hard to secure new clientele. They also have an absolutely prime location on top of being the only place for blocks that sells tobacco. I've been told by my smoker friends that coffee & cigarettes go together like PB&J so you can see how 'Paperchase' manages to stay out of the red.
I headed over to 'Paperchase' in the hopes of getting some breakfast and some work done. I opted for a breakfast burrito and coffee, and neither were very good. The brownie I opted for hours later was super rich to the point of tasting vegan. -no cream, etc to offset the chocolate. Overall not a very rewarding experience food/bev wise.
I did thoroughly enjoy sitting and periodically gazing out over argyle street. At one point there was some interpretive dance going on, which was of particular note. Overall, the free wifi, locale, and cheap drinks will probably be enough to get me back to Paperchase. I'll avoid the food next time though. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
12/16/2009 3 photos
The Paperchase has been around forever it seems. It has its followers.
I use to frequent this more, back in the day.
Not much has changed it seems. It is a good thing people are curious enough to ask about the upstairs.
I have a look at the menu, it looked pretty good. The magazines were the reason I went there. Lots to choose from for a small place. -
Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
5/14/2010
it's so rare that a barista/cafe server actually offers to bring you your beverage in major cities. service here reminds me that i'm in the east coast :)
java blend brewed and pulled well.
apple sesame muffins are crusty on the outside and a bit dense on the inside. i like this combo; makes me feel healthful (please don't correct me if i'm wrong).
free wifi (with password) and plenty of outlets.
lots of comfy-oldish seating; couches, chairs around tables, and stools with a view.
quiet work area on workdays.
kitchen looks like home. never tried the food-food, but i'm told it's homey (re: decent).
odd entrance through convenience store.
convenient location, but not wheelchair accessible. -
Review from Meghan D.
Dartmouth, NS
5/28/2011
Walking into the dark wooded space of Paperchase, I could hardly contain my excitement! I'd heard about this cafe multiple times from a dear friend of mine and couldn't wait to try it out. The manfriend and I admired the glass casings of fresh looking salads, sandwiches and other yummy looking goodies that ranged from samosas to spanakopita. I had been recommended the avocado melt, so we ordered that and a small couscous salad. The salad was quite good: it tasted extremely fresh, and was fairly simple with well seasoned buttery couscous and a few other simple ingredients. The avocado melt was AMAZING! I couldn't stop myself from eating its deliciousness as fast as I could. On a triangular toasted bun perfectly ripe avocado, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are all melted together! There was a sort of pesto ish spread on the bun, and I couldn't quite figure out the flavor, although it was delightful. We didn't have any of their multitude of drinks available, but I would certainly like to return and try some more! This is an awesome breakfast or lunch spot.
