Durty Nelly's

4.0 star rating
32 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Irish, Pubs  [Edit]

5221 Sackville St
Halifax, NS B3J
(902) 406-4670
Hours:

Mon-Wed, Sun 11:30 am - 1 am

Thu-Sat 11:30 am - 2 am

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Late Night, Dinner
Music:
Background, Live
Best Nights:
Sat
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Loud
Good For Dancing:
Yes
Has TV:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Hands down the best fish and chips I have ever had." In 5 reviews
  • user photo
    "...I mean that it was completely designed and built in Ireland." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "The tartar sauce is unique and always a crowd favorite." In 3 reviews
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32 reviews in English

  • Review from Maureen J.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    3/16/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    I can't believe it's taken me this long to write a review of one of my favorite bars in the city! In terms of food, I've only eaten at Dirty's on a few occasions but have yet to try something that I didn't like.

    What I enjoy most about Dirty Nelly's is the atmosphere. Whether your out for a night out with friends or just grabbing a drink with colleagues after work, it's one of the best places to go in the city. The crowd is more mature than some locations in the city so you never have to worry about rowdy or obnoxious patrons. So far I've been fairly lucky at snagging a seat on a busy Saturday night but I would definitely wait around to get in if necessary!

    The dance floor is small but great, the band is always energetic and the servers are fantastic! I went in one night with a few of the girls and our server blew us away with her drink choices. She made great drink suggestions and substitutions (including raspberry vodka instead of regular in a cosmo... do it!) that after a few orders we were just trusting in her to bring us something fun!

    You can't go wrong with a visit to Dirty's!

  • Review from Jill M.

    South End, NS

    4.0 star rating
    4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here

    There are things I love about Durty Nelly's, and things I hate. Let's start with the love:

    - A pretty decent menu. I tried the chicken wings recently and they were delicious!
    - A lovely outdoor patio.
    - Strongbow cider on tap!

    So I like Durty Nelly's for lunch, outdoor summer day-drinking, or early evening apps and drinks.

    But get me out of there by 9pm, or we'll have a problem.

    It can get too crowded for me, and getting to the bar for a drink becomes a mission. OK, I guess when I really think about it, that is my only complaint. But it's a big one. I've never been there late at night where I haven't left agitated about getting squished or stepped on every which way I turn.

  • Review from Danielle L.

    • 14 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This past weekend I ventured to" the dirty" ... No no not the Dome, but  Durty Nelly's.
    Durty nelly's claims to be an Irish bar, however it seems to me that it has zero irish  Celtic charm. Last I checked playing guns and roses durring the dinner rush isn't very irish nor Celtic.

    The overall layout of the place is a bit strange and not the most ideal come happy hour , when you're trying to fight your way through the crowds. Be advised by nine o'clock it's wall to wall packed, and the chance of getting a table are slim pickings.

    However Durty nelly's has a few things that are great.  The food is is mighty tasty, I ordered the chicken and  brie sandwich with a side spinach salad. Five stars for the meal !  They also have a fairly large beer selection of that's your thing , and the staff are friendly and helpful.

    All in all Durty nelly's is an ok spot for a late lunch or an after work beer. However if you are looking to try some Irish dishes or hear some Celtic tunes I suggest pu o elsewhere.

  • Review from Lesley-Anne S.

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    4/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    I feel like I'm alone in my lack of love for this bar. Everyone I know things it's terrific and they often exclaim, "let's go to Durty's!" when we try to decide on a bar. Maybe it's because I'm not a pub person. Or maybe it's because I hate how damn crowded it is every time I go (you can't move, let alone get a place to sit). The bit of food I have tried is good, but nothing to get me excited.

    I will give the joint this: despite the busyness, I will say that staff seem to be on their A game at all times and you don't feel like you're being ignored (so long as you can get near the bar or get a table to place an order).

  • Review from Ben B.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/16/2012 2 photos 7 Check-ins Here

    You know how I always complain that there are so few places to go out for a proper night on the town (and subsequent regrettable morning on the floor) once you pass the 19-22 phase of your life? No? Then clearly you haven't dedicated enough of your time to monitoring my many feelings. 'Cause I complain about that a lot.

    Luckily, Durty Nelly's came to my rescue. While before it was just a place I'd go for a great pub feed, a recent visit in its prime time showed me where all the cool people are hanging out. The casual, friendly party atmosphere felt just so right compared to every other bar blasting Pitbull as the soundtrack to one-night-stands in the making.

    Despite being crazy busy pretty much every night, bartenders, bouncers and servers all manage to not just keep their cool but also their personality. That is to say, we've found the holy grail of good times without the nasty 'hot spot' service that makes you want to stay in for the rest of your life.

    Listed in: Group-friendly!, Veggie Burgers!, Dublin' The Fun At Irish Pubs, Two-Person Pub Crawl 2012

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      5/25/2011

      Durty Nelly's has some serious cojonés.

      First, they open up in one of the most cursed downtown bar… Read more »

  • Review from Katelyn A.

    • 14 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2011

    I always have a great time at Dirty Nelly's! At 26, I've done the sticky dance floor, top 40 blasting, screaming froshers bar thing one too many times, and I'm pretty over the nightclub scene.

    Blame it on my new found maturity, but now when I go out I look for a lively pub with great music and adult'ish' conversation.

    Dirty Nelly's is my pub of choice for a few reasons:

    1. The location: I love being in the heart of downtown without having to deal with the usual downtown BS (long line-ups, cover charge, crying drunk girls fighting with musclehead boyfriends who wouldn't be caught dead without their bedazzled Affliction t-shirts... but I digress). Dirty Nelly's offers the best of both worlds.

    2. The staff: I have a few friends who work at Nelly's (so my opinion isn't totally unbiased), but the bartenders are always wicked fast and professional. They hire based on experience, so whether you want a Guinness or an unusual cocktail, these bartenders are sure to please.

    3. The patrons: The crowd at Nelly's is always boisterous, yet drama-free. Nelly's is also the favoured watering-hole for Halifax's Irish population, and that adds to its appeal - I just love an Irish accent!

    4. The food: This gastropub really has its s**t together! Their menu is simple, yet well-executed and I haven't been disappointed yet.

    In Sum: Maybe it's the luck of the Irish, but Dirty Nelly's makes me one very happy gal.

  • Review from Leslie F.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    3/4/2012

    Have you ever had the experience when you go to a restaurant that you're not really expecting much from, and then something on your plate catches you off guard and is so absolutely delicious that it makes you unreasonably happy and proud of yourself for making such a superb ordering decision? Well that happened to me recently when I went for brunch at Durty Nelly's. I just got the basic pub breakfast (not sure the actual name of the meal, but it was the standard eggs/hashbrowns/sausage/etc). It was the cheapest thing on the menu and a huge plate of food. It also came with this roasted tomato that I wasn't expecting to be so tasty, but turned out to be my favorite thing on the plate. It was just so good. I couldn't help but pat myself on the back for selecting such an ideal plate of food. Thanks Durty Nelly's for serving me such a satisfying dish and boosting my meal-ordering ego.

  • Review from Asheley R.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    10/7/2011 5 photos 4 Check-ins Here

    I've been to Durty Nelly's several times and each time I like it more and more. Who doesn't love a good Irish pub? The coolest part of this place is that it legit is Irish. By that I mean that it was completely designed and built in Ireland. Sayyy what? They built it piece-by-piece in Ireland and then reconstructed it across the Atlantic.

    The first time I came here I had a grilled chicken and baked brie panini which was amazing. Have it with sweet potato fries and your belly will thank you. The bread is grilled to perfection and the entire thing is health conscious with a little health check on the menu. The chicken is juicy and thick and the brie compliments it wonderfully. Who don't like a nice hunk of cheese with their meal?  Cheese please. I've had the panini probably 3 times since then and it is still as scrumptious over and over. What to wash it down with? Durty's bar is immaculate with plenty of sultry Irish beers (Guiness, hubba hubba) but this lady has a huge addiction to Caesar's. These guys make my second favorite Caesar in the city. It comes in a mason jar with a handle and a spicy bean.

    I've also had Nelly's veggie burger and found that quite tasty as well. The side Caesar salad had a little too much dressing on it but other than that everything was delicious. The bigger better nelly's burger seems to always make it to the plate of my boyfriend. With a huge steak knife teetering two onion rings straight through the burger, what kind of person wouldn't want to tackle it? Vegetarians perhaps.

    Last but 100% not least, the Bruschetta flatbread is disgustingly delicious. I've had this as an appie to share but in reality I could've eaten it all. It's not too big but the feta and balsamic is the bomb. Pricing wise, I find everything to be middle of the road and not too pricey. Service has always been great each time I've been there.

    Not hungry? No worries, Nelly's brings in one heck of a crowd on Friday nights. So grab a 10 sheet and get your hiney a Guinness at Nelly's.

  • Review from Lori M.

    Dartmouth, NS

    4.0 star rating
    11/4/2011

    Enjoyed lunch at Durty Nelly's today. I had the ploughman's lunch, my husband had the Durty Nelly burger (with extras) and my friend had the BBQ steak pizza with Caesar salad.

    Mine was very tasty with a nice selection of greens, cheese and tasty ham. The whole wheat scone was delicious! The burger with the wedge fries were very good (according to reports from my husband). My friend really enjoyed the pizza and salad and was happily surprised that the salad had real bacon (unfortunately not all restaurants do). We all had coffee which was regular quality.

    Service was fine, a slight delay when getting our bill but nothing really to complain. All in all a fine establishment for a pub style restaurant.

    The menu is not pages and pages but honestly do we need a novel to select a lunch?

  • Review from Jennifer B.

    Dartmouth, NS

    4.0 star rating
    10/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    This is one of our usual after-work drinks and appies pub option.  The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, the space is large, and the drinks and appetizers are pretty great. I finally tried it for lunch and was just as pleased. The music, Irish in flavour, was a little loud for the lunch crowd, but lent to the homey feel that the rest of the decor gives.

    The most important part of any restaurant is, of course, the food.  Irish touches are all over the menu like a co-ed on a stranger at the seventh bar on St. Paddy's day.  Try one of their traditional pies, like the chicken pot pie, with a yummy creamy sauce and very flaky crust. If you want something a little more Americanized, try the steak sandwich. Sliced steak and cheddar in a sweet sauce loaded on a hoagie. Yum. Or, order the rustic potato chips if you're sharing. Kettle chips breed with potato skins to give you this addictive baby.  Wash any of it down with a few Limerick Lemonades and you're bound to turn any crappy day into a buzzed one.

    Sláinte agus táinte!

  • Review from Jennifer L.

    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    2/22/2012

    I am in love with this place. The decor and bar makes you feel like you've decided to get a pint in Dublin - very authentic feeling Irish setting. The fish & chips is probably my favourite in the city. Great live music on the weekends and friendly staff.

  • Review from Derek S.

    • 19 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Dartmouth, NS

    2.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    I would sum up Durty Nelly's in two words: Plastic Paddy.  Don't get me wrong: I understand the owners spent a great deal of money fixing the place up to look like some of the prototypical pubs of Ireland, and it shows: the place looks great.  The problem is, it's just a little too shiny for an Irish pub.  I expect an Irish pub to look like people have been smoking and spilling Guinness on the floor for the last 200 years, and this just ain't it.  So as great as it looks, it just doesn't have that authentic Irish pub feel.

    The beer selection also doesn't wow me: it's heavy on the Molson product, with most of the Irish standards, but pretty light on Microbrews.  The food is decent, but, in my view, overpriced for pub fare, especially compared to some of the better pubs in the city.  Service can be a bit slow and a bit arbitrary (you can end up waiting a bit while others who arrived after you get served).  

    Nonetheless, it seems to have attracted a loyal following, as it has been busy if not packed every time I've been in.  It tends to attract a more mature crowd (I'd say the 25 to 35 age range) than some of the downtown bars.  And they are usually in a mood to have a few drinks and a good time.  Sometimes a little too much of a good time: if you are averse to having a bit of beer spilled on you, DN may not be your hang out.  

    I will say this: they have nice washrooms.  I love the TV's and the high tech hand dryers.

    DN is generally not my cup of tea.  However, those who like it, as they say, seem to like it allot.

  • Review from Kim H.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    6/29/2011 ROTD 7/18/2011

    Considering there are so many pubs downtown, it can be tough to pick one and I imagine the competition for customers is fierce. However, there are a few places downtown that are "die-hards" for me and DN's has become one of those places.

    Anytime I have been there, it has been full of people conducting lively chatter and listening to a great band. To be honest, given this criteria, you could be in ANY pub downtown (they can all feel a little homogenous in that way). But one thing that sets DN's apart is their atmosphere - it feels so cozy and warm, like a library - all dark wood, amber/low lighting, and pretty stained-glass windows. You step inside, order a pint and are immediately transported to the Irish countryside. You almost expect to turn around the see a table of tweed-clad farmers discussing football or something.

    The last time I was there I had their sweet potato fries, which were delicious (give the Old Triangle's a run for their money!) and they have a good selection of beer. The service was quite prompt considering how busy it was. We sat inside, but I have sat on the patio before and it's in a nice location - you're blocked from the wind/damp coming off the harbour, and you are in line with the other colourful patios of the Argyle St district so there is usually some neat people-watching to be had and fun energy to absorb.

    However, the last time I was there it was also extremely loud - I had to yell at the people next to me in order for them to hear what I was saying, which was a little annoying, especially since we were on the opposite end of the bar from the band. So, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this as a place to have an extensive conversation (at least not on Saturday night) unless you are comfortable having your faces within inches of each other and yelling into one another's ears. But if you want to hear some great music, have a drink, snack and a few laughs, this is a great choice!

  • Review from Kimberly W.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2011 1 photo 3 Check-ins Here ROTD 11/13/2011

    The owners certainly went all out in their attempt to recreate an authentic Irish pub. From the refacing of a genuinely hideous building, to the gorgeous bar as centerpiece, to the fine glass work on the doors, and the spare but cozy furnishings the place just felt right. They even had the good sense to not demean their staff by requiring them to dress like serving wenches and stable boys (I'm looking at you Halifax Alehouse).

    The food is above average pub fare. Be sure to check out their annual Annual Irish Beer dinner in January.

  • Review from Sarah H.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    4/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here ROTD 4/13/2012

    I went to Dirty Nelly's with a friend to catch up. We started with the Rustic Potato chips, which are essentially Potato Skins made with Kettle Chips. They were  awesome. There were lots of them. Definitely enough for two to share, but I would say they would feed up to four.

    Then I had the Fish and Chips. They were decent. I've had bigger pieces of fish, but it was enough to fill me. They make their own tartar sauce, which (I think) was chipotle style. It was good, but I would have preferred normal tartar.

    My friend had the cheese steak sandwich. She liked hers as well. I tried it, and the sauce was a little too sweet for me.

    I really enjoyed the service. Our waitress never left us waiting, but was also not too over-bearing. Offered good advice, and the food was quick. Ambiance was perfect for catching up with a friend.

  • Review from Toby M.

    • 2 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    9/19/2011 ROTD 1/22/2012

    My husband and I find Durty Nelly's a great location for some pub food and a drink. I had to laugh at some of the reviews noting the age of the clientele, and I guess, at 52... I fit right in! :-) It is definitely not a hot-spot for the youth of Halifax. We arrived on a packed Saturday night, but our drinks and food arrived promptly. Food is actually quite good for pub food and the waitress was nice. We also took advantage of the 15% off food deal with our Neptune Theatre cards. The owner is there almost all the time, which, I think helps with the service and quality of the food preparation. Only complaint is that it could have been cleaner, but it was crazy, busy that night. Nice to see they were raising money for the Run for the Cure.

  • Review from Crystal E.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    4/7/2011

    WOW.  Now, if you used to frequent this spot when it was The Mercury (which, I unfortunately did), than you know what I am talking about.  Durty Nelly's is just absolutely stunning inside with it's traditional pub look, which I hear is actually pretty authentic as I was told they imported a lot of the wood structures in from Ireland.  I can tell you that I was just blown away by the change when I first walked into this place a few weeks ago on my visit to my hometown of Halifax.  The main bar is beautifully designed and the space is very clean, considering it's a pub and all.  I can tell you that I settled right into this atmosphere quite well!

    My friends told me that the food was good and I quite enjoyed my fish & chips, a large serving that was very filling.  Their tartar sauce is not the usual glop you get at restaurants, I actually ate this stuff with my fish - and I don't like tartar sauce usually.  Not sure what they add to it, but it was yum!  I also tried the yam fries (a friend's favourite) and found them to be quite tasty and perfectly crisp.  

    Our server was very friendly and the wait for food was not long at all.  It's always nice to have a server that's in a good mood in an environment like this one.  I also quite enjoyed the background music (Celtic/Irish & Maritime style), but that could be because I hadn't heard this style in quite some time - you know what they like in Calgary!  

    I was very pleased with my visit here and left still in awe of the changes inside.  Even if you never went to The Mercury, I can still guarantee that you will find the decor amazing.  My only wish is that I could have come here on a busier night to see it really come alive, next visit to Halifax for sure!

  • Review from Rosalyn A.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    6/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Hands down the best fish and chips I have ever had!!! Great services and awesome location!!! Too bad its unhealthy to eat fish and chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner ;)

    ALSO atmosphere of the pub was awesome, music and people were great!!

  • Review from Robyn P.

    Montréal, QC

    4.0 star rating
    3/4/2011

    Try the garlic fries, but be warned: your whole table has to share them. They are potent (and delicious)!

    Great staff, good beer selection, and a nice but unexpected find in historic properties.

  • Review from Chrissy M.

    • 9 friends
    • 75 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    11/7/2011

    Love! Love, love, love. I go here as often as possible. Food is great, drinks are fabulous and the owners are wonderful. Every once in a while I get a less than great server but everything else keeps me coming back. I go here with hfriends, with the after work crowd and for brunch too. Delish :)

  • Review from AJ M.

    • 1 friend
    • 30 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    10/13/2011

    I stayed in Halifax recently for a week. They say it has the most bars per capita in North America, I believe it. This was the best bar I was at the entire time there, I ended up going back on at least 3 separate occasions. Fantastic place, if I am ever in Halifax again I will gladly spend my money here.

  • Review from Philip H.

    • 35 friends
    • 162 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    4/7/2011 2 photos 3 Check-ins Here

    Such character, such atmosphere, such class.  So many "Irish" pubs come across tacky in their attempt to be traditional.  Not this place.  Natural wood everywhere, take a look at the back tables, they actually have tree trunks as table legs.  Cool.  Another small detail, coat hooks at the bar stools for your coat and hat... just like so many of the little pubs I've visited in Europe.  Oh, and the place is clean, despite the name.
    I've tried several dishes here, the burger is AMAZING.  The Steak & Guinness pie is more of a stew with a biscuit top, but delicious none the less.
    The service here is always friendly and attentive.  My server even recognized me (I think she more recognized my etch-a-sketch iphone case) which made me feel appreciated.
    Great beer selection hitting all of the popular Irish beers and some other excellent imports.
    They have wi-fi, but it's password protected, didn't ask if it was public.
    Not very accessible friendly I'm afraid.

  • Review from Michelle G.

    • 3 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Fall River, NS

    4.0 star rating
    7/26/2011

    awesome service! :)
    the Hot Spinach Dip was delicious!

  • Review from Laura P.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/14/2010

    Durty Nelly's is a little different than other Irish Pub's around the city, mainly because it was designed and built in Ireland itself.

    Prior to my first frequent, I'd actually heard an interview on CBC Radio with a company in Ireland who outsources the Irish Pub experience to international business owners looking for authentic flavour. It was quite an interesting listen, and it wasn't until visiting Durty Nelly's that I realized this was the same company behind it all.

    Esthetically pleasing, Nelly's boasts ample seating, one gigantic bar, a sectioned "deck" for live music, and a relaxed sense of ambiance. A balance of rich woods and marbled accents ad a nice touch. With a large flat screen towards the back, and the vast amounts of comfortable seating, this would be a fine place to watch the game with a few beers.

    Points for the washrooms as well. Pristinely clean with marbled countertops are not the typical pub style loo. There is even a flat screen built into the wall, and stationed to the women's network-- if you're not interested in the game. One of my male accomplices reported flat screens above every urinal in the mens washroom. Wow... can't anybody wait for the commercials anymore?

    All in all, Durty Nelly's unites class with casual. The design is well thought out, as it keeps things fresh but maintains a traditional Irish Pub feel.

    The menu appears as upscale pub food, nothing too wild, but passing platters appeared to have nice presentation and appeal. Friendly staff-- the bartender had no problem getting me a new drink after I asked him if there was a extra flavouring in my vodka water with lime. And he remembered for the second time as well! Even the bouncers were nice here.

    Although this is not a spot I'll likely frequent, it served as a great time and I was very impressed in every way possible. (considering this type venue isn't my forté) Durty Nelly's is a smart and respectable establishment with a cultivated Irish experience.

  • Review from Joshua Y.

    • 22 friends
    • 274 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    10/3/2009

    As good as Irish Pub's get!

    First off, I would love to give this place a few less stars but not for good reasons. I lived up top of this Pub while it was being constructed for nine months. Trying to sleep while someone is drilling below your bed at 7am is not something I would recommend to anyone. After they were finished I was expecting a thank you note from the owner to everyone on our floor or at least a free meal. Nothing.

    Later on, I sucked it up, let it go and went to this Pub. I still have some "not so good" feelings about the lack of consideration they showed me, but I was honestly blown away by their food and their environment. This Pub is beautiful on the inside! Their staff are very fast and friendly and their food along with pricing is perfect!

    Durty Nelly's is on one of the busiest and most competitive streets in Halifax, Argyle street. I think they knew that competition was high and that they would have to ensure they had a beautiful, unique restaurant that was competitive with the rest of the pricing and food quality on the street. And they did. Big time! It wasn't soon after they opened that they had special events and performer's come in and entertain live for the customer's. Once again they are batting at one hundred as their shows are top notch!

    As I've mentioned before, I'd love to find fault because this restaurant caused me to lose nine months or so of sleep without apologies. But strictly as a restaurant reviewer, this place is one of the best in Halifax. If you want some of the best, authentic, Irish Pub food in the city, head to Durty Nelly's!

  • Review from Lindsay K.

    • 71 friends
    • 485 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2010

    Do they know they spelled dirty wrong?  Just wondering.

    I've really enjoyed the couple times I've been here.  I find it a great place to kick back with a beer and friends and just chill out.

    I haven't actually tried anything from the menu, but I'm sure I'll eventually snack on something.  We usually just go here for drinks for a bit.  I enjoy the pub very much.  I think it's pretty interesting inside and has some really great people in it.  It's pretty huge with a lot of seating, so, more often than not, you're going to be able to find a table in here.

    I didn't realize that everything was handmade in Ireland, but that makes it all the more unique.  Whenever we're in the area we like to stop by for a beer or two... or three.

  • Review from Candice W.

    • 62 friends
    • 46 reviews

    St John's, NL

    3.0 star rating
    9/29/2010

    I've visited this place a few times and it's usually pretty quiet, with a more mature crowd and often live music. The first bartender I experienced was a little rude and scoffed at my inquiry about drink specials, saying, "This is an adult bar." Hey, I like my alcohol cheap. But other than that one incident, the service is usually great.

  • Review from Yukari T.

    • 58 friends
    • 112 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    9/11/2010

    Fun place with lots of space and a variety of seating options.  The clientele was pretty mixed on a Friday evening.  Looked like everyone from 15 year olds with fake IDs to 70 year old retirees.  Me and my colleague had a good time people watching and sharing some laughs.  There was a live band on but we were still able to talk over them.  I had a 20 oz (an imperial pint) of the Pump House Blueberry Ale from New Brunswick.  I was a bit confused about the sizes because the choices are 14 oz, 20 oz or 60 oz.  American pints are 16 oz.  The waitress said there are over 20 beers on tap and I wish I could have tried a few more local brews but that imperial pint filled me up pretty good!

  • Review from Courtney M.

    • 115 friends
    • 412 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    10/23/2009

    I know i'll be in the minority on this one, but I have to say, I expected something different out of the ambience at Durty Nelly's.

    Call me crazy but when I heard that the woodwork for this bar was all being done in Ireland and then shipped out to Halifax I had a far different image from what Durty Nelly's has churned out. I pictured wood stained the colour of guiness, a kindly older gentleman polishing glassware and the faint aroma of pipe smoke. (I know, I know, you can't smoke in pubs anymore but still!) Instead, the interior of Durty Nelly's has more of a new west coast feel to it. What i'd expect out of an Olympic venue up at Whistler.

    Needless to say, I was prepared to put preconceived notions aside a  month ago when I went to Durty Nelly's with Mark and his family for his Dad's birthday.

    First of all, I know that Durty Nelly's has gone out of its way to hire servers with very little experience in order that they be able to train them themselves. I find this an odd notion. Why do the work that someone else has already gone to the trouble of doing and hire the experienced servers and then familiarize them with your particular protocol? I say this for the following reasons: Several minor occurrences took place over the course of the meal which a more experienced server would have been unlikely to overlook: 1) I ordered a bottle of Keith's and was brought a pint instead. If our server didn't hear me properly, why not just ask: pint or bottle? (so easy and avoids errors) 2) We had to ask repeatedly for water refills and 3) Mark's little sister's meal went almost untouched she was so unimpressed with it. I was amazed that our server hadn't noticed this when she came around on her 'quality check.' Some people don't want to complain about their food, but if you catch something like that, you can set the situation right and guarantee repeat clientele. All such easy steps to take...

    Aside from the Shrimp, Crab and Spin dip, everyone else was reasonably impressed with the Durty Nelly's Burger, Pan-friend Haddock and the Kilkenny battered fish and chips. I was feeling unadventurous so just went with the Torpedo Shrimp, which were good.

    I should also mention the lack of anything resembling a healthy choice. ie- two salad options and not a lot else. At least lull me into a false sense of security with SOMETHING I can believe isn't terrible for me. Durty Nelly's also refers to their in house fries as "Fat Chips." Just in case you thought they were going to be good for you...

    Overall, I would recommend heading to Durty Nelly's for a pint and an appy as opposed to dinner. The house Nachos which we all shared were pretty darn good!

    The bathrooms are very nice as well with tv's for your viewing pleasure.

  • Review from James H.

    • 142 friends
    • 552 reviews

    Savannah, GA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    8/21/2010

    I had a great time here. Good ambiance, drinks, and service.

  • Review from Nathalie C.

    • 6 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Moncton, NB

    5.0 star rating
    8/26/2010

    Best Fish and Chips in the city! The tartar sauce is unique and always a crowd favorite!

  • Review from Anna H.

    • 20 friends
    • 251 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    2.0 star rating
    1/19/2010

    I went to DN's to meet up with some friends after the Nocturne street festival this year and got a taste of the less-than-classy side of Halifax. Average clientele age on the night I went was probably in the 30-35 range - which is a fine age to be, but not the time in your life where you want to be dressing like you're 20, doing shots at the bar, and grabbing my boyfriend's ass as he goes to the bathroom. (True story! Poor guy, he was traumatized.) It was a trashy scene, but we sucked it up and drank enough to ignore it.  

    Friends who were also there that night told me that they returned on another day and things were better, but I have yet to see that for myself and I can't say I'm too tempted to return.

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