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Gus' Pub & Grill
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Nightlife Bars Pubs Canadian (Traditional), Pubs [Edit]
2605 Agricola StHalifax, NS B3K 4C7
(902) 423-7786
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 2:30 am
Sun 12 pm - 2:30 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Gus' Pub & Grill
16 reviews in English
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Review from Sue A.
1/10/2012
Appearances can be deceiving as my first visit to Gus Pub revealed to me. Last Friday, I met a bunch of girlfriends for lunch who managed my expectations by telling it was a bit dive-y and not to expect the usual downtown lunch crowd.
I was pleased to find a very clean, eclectically decorated (lots of gilt framed mirrors), old school drinking establishment. The most intimidating part of my visit was getting past the sketchy, beat-up wooden doors on the way in. The only remotely creepy element was the leftover glassed in smoking room which now houses VLTs, but you can easily situate yourself away from this very public birds eye view of gamblers.
I had the two piece fish and chips for less than $7. We got some nachos for less than $6. I have to say the outstanding value award goes to the crunchy chicken burger and fries for $4.25 which my girlfriend ordered. Both the fish and the nachos were delicious (although the fries were a bit on the soggy side, but had been better on previous visits I was told by my friends). I'd like to try the clams, but they are only served when fresh--a nice sign of a commitment to quality. The only downside was that the drinks are almost as expensive as the food. $3 for a Diet Coke is a bit steep!
The service was great--nice, friendly and attentive. It's not conventionally upscale, but it's certainly more upscale than it appears.
I'd happily go back to see a show at night and I'll definitely be back for lunch. Good food at really great prices. -
Review from Scott D.
Halifax, NS
3/3/2012
Don't drink and dress. This is bar none one of the best bars in Halifax. Great music, minibeers and always great service,
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Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
10/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Okay, my fandom for this place comes with a serious disclaimer: this place is kind of sketch. But in a lovable neighbourhood pub kind of way.
It's pretty much the opposite of fancy, but no one is trying to be fancy here. They're just doing what they're doing and you can't help but respect that. This is the kind of place where I go to chill with friend, listen to live music and drink cheap beer. And it's usually the music I come for. You can pretty much see everything from techno-pop to punk bagpipes. I saw an amazeballs Jenocide/Ruby Jean show here.
What I really love about this place is it's lack of pretention, it's how the locals and the hipsterish types mix so well. No one gives a shit who you are or how you're dressed or even if your music isn't to their taste.
So thumbs up Gus' Pub! I'm not sure I'll ever eat at your establishment (I've yet to try any food), but I'll keep on coming back.Listed in: North Ending, 30 Days of Yelping, Boozetime.
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Review from Jeremy G.
Dartmouth, NS
I have to admit I was a little worried the first time I ordered food from Gus' Pub, but the price was right and I'll try anything once. Having been back a few times since then I have to say I am a fan.
Clams and chips are fantastic, but they only serve them fresh so you may not be able to get them certain days.
Wait staff are terrific.Listed in: Best Restaurants for Lunch
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Review from Erin P.
10/8/2011
if you're looking for fancy this is not the place for you. In fact it is the exact opposite of fancy. It has a certain simplicity about it, which I suppose is endearing. Its not fancy, its not complicated, heck its not even pretty. But I can see how it serves its purpose.
I can't say Gus' will turn into a regular go-to spot for me. I found the drink prices to be expensive for the location (almost $6 for a single shot?) - rumour has it the food is good, though we weren't there to eat. I was in recently to take in some live music and have to say, while the music wasn't exactly my taste, the acoustics I found to be awful. As a venue that apparently frequently hosts live musical entertainment you'd think they'd invest in making it more acoustically pleasing. Its a rather small space and the music just seems to bounce around it.
The frequenters that night ran the gamut. It seems to attract a wide variety of people.
An unpretentious, simple neighbourhood watering hole? Gus' fits the bill on that one. And if that is what you're looking for, you'll probably enjoy it. -
Review from Calvin H.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gus' is perhaps the best little pub off Spring Garden... Not a big, lavish place, but a humble little neighbourhood watering hole.
There's live entertainment almost all the time, which makes for great nights. -
Review from Bessy N.
Halifax, NS
10/5/2009
I'm not a regular but I can tell you they have great burgers for those days where you need just a bit of pub to get you through that lunch hour.
I've also heard they host great live music events. Will have to check it out. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/27/2010 1 photo
Ahh, Gus', a local watering hole actually worth traveling too... If you don't happen to live nearby that is!
An awesome place to go and hear some lesser known bands hailing from a pretty diverse set of genres. Cheap drinks as well especially on Monday as I recall.
Clams were extra special yummy! Must have had something to do with their hand dug local-ness! -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
4/2/2010 1 photo
Gus' has its own following being a staple of the north end. If you are looking for some live entertainment you will catch it here.
You have to appreciate Gus' and not be expecting 5 star interior etc. Gus' is just simply Gus'. It has it quirks, funked decor, small dance floor, strange characters, and a great burger.
It does get packed but all is in fun and it is a very casual attire. Gus' will usually give a fun night out, cheap bear and great laughs. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/30/2009
Cowboy Gus and his hilarious anicdotes attracted me to this place when I first arrived in Halifax and I have never had anything less than an awesome time at Gus' Pub. It's one of the last venues in the city that seems willing and excited to book anything.
This means on any given night you could walk into Gus' and see a metal show, a dance show, a hip hop show, anything! It's a very exciting venue for music. need I remind anybody about the Monotonix Pop Explosion show in 2008?
The staff are a riot and always quick, which is surprising because this place can be packed! The ridiculous forest themed wall panels also add to the enjoyment of this North End staple.
One word of warning, however, often times there is a bowl of party mix on the bar that is free for all to enjoy. At first I bet you're thinking "Hey! Free chips!" but take a moment and note that these are located in close proximity to the bathroom and this place is full of drunk people who may forget to wash their hands.
Come for the music (and the Digby clams!), stay for the atmosphere, avoid the party mix. -
Review from Laura P.
3/20/2010
Gus' is the go-to spot for eclectic carryings of live music. When the weekend rolls around and the kids come out to play, this is a serious contender for kewl music and sweat-stained dance parties. Folks are dancing shoulder to shoulder, but nobody ever seems to mind. With the corner stage and a crowd as close as they can get, everyones just there to enjoy some sounds.
Garage rock, indie chills, thrash metal... Gus' is a music lover's local dream. The venue offers a fun energy, good crowds and inspired line-ups on the weekly. Comedy shows? Yep, Gus' wants you to crack a smile as well.
If your into shows and new explorations, Gus' is a sure bet. VLTs and a smoking room add tones of endearment, and all in all, this is a North End staple.Listed in: Culture Cool, Girls Night!, Night Timing
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Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/7/2009
I'm a fan but...
First of, just esthetically speaking, I hate the new red color to the place. I mean seriously, did they have a sale on red paint? But that won't change my review although I think it should to a very small degree.
The first time I was going to Gus' Pub & Grill, it saved my butt. So I have had a certain appreciation for it ever since. I was on a date and, well, we had nothing interesting to talk about with one another. I am artistic, and love talking creatively. She doesn't do anything in a creative way and is an Accountant. I'm not making this up. So it was a tough time needless to say. But thanks to the live bands at Gus' Pub, we had a nice distraction all night long!
I have never been in this Pub when it isn't playing live music. And if you've read some of my two hundred reviews, you'll know that I'm not really a fan of live music. But the exception would be Gus' Pub and I don't know why. Their Burgers are great for a Burger fanatic like myself and everything is priced quite reasonably. The atmosphere is cramped and a bit dark. And the staff are alright but not incredibly outstanding. So I don't know why I love it so much but perhaps when you put all the elements together, it is sort of like those times where the whole is greater than the parts if you know what I mean.
If you are a live band fan, this is where you should go. Its a bit gritty but everyone there are there to listen to music and have fun. It definitely deserves its four stars but its hard to put into words why. You have to see it for yourself. It is a bit on the darker side but once the music is playing and you are getting the beer into you, you're all set. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
6/22/2010 1 photo
Working down the street from Gus's ago I started a craving for their Cheeseburger platter with gravy and sauteed onions. YUM. I don't know but there is something about Pub food that is delicious. Maria always used to have it packed to go waiting for me.
It has been awhile since I was at Gus but a few friends went one night after work for some cold ones as well as some good. Well you know I had to get the burger and fries for old time sakes and it was just as good. Other things ordered were a clubhouse which looked good and who can not go without ordering fried peperoni.
Now like others have said that this place is not know for its lovely decor but for a place that has been around for years that everyone knows your name. Great live entertainment normally packs a full house with standing room only. But I think it they changed it that it would change the feel of the place.
One thing I can say is that please paint over that red out front. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/11/2010
Gus' is a Halifax standard in live music entertainment. If there's a show that's worth seeing, it will probably happen at Gus'. This small dive on the corner of North & Robie has been on the music scene in Halifax for a number of years. The place moonlights, or daylights as the case may be, as a regular run of the mill bar, serving pub fare and providing VLTs for the gambling inclined individuals.
Although Gus' highlights indie-pop-rock groups, I've also seen a couple of pretty sweet metal shows there not to mention danced my tush off at one of their many retro dance nights. Oh yes, and there are weekly stand-up comedy nights, which I have yet to see in person but have seen the abundance of posters on polls around town.
Regular nightly cheap bevies are a thing of the past, but on some of the specialty nights there are still some specials to get jazzed about. I like Gus'. It's casual and easy and a good place to take a load off while seeing some good music. -
Review from Val G.
1/11/2010
Go strictly to see local + Canadian indie bands play and the cheap beer. You are guaranteed to have a stellar night on the cheap. Cover is usually $5. There can be seedy people hanging around but it goes with the North St. territory. I won't mention the kind of strange propositions I received inside and in front of Gus'. There are always gambling addicts in their VLT room and sometimes the occasional crazy guy ranting and raving about Castro in the back of the room while the bands are on, but it adds to the colour of the whole place. The cheap beer, (I think it's Schooner) isn't even that bad. Go!
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/7/2009
Halifax has this thrash metal scene that I don't really understand and Gus' seems to be a popular place for noise rock shows to be held - unfortunate for me because I love this place and would like to go more often. However if something is going on that doesn't require me to wear ear plugs it's usually a great time. With its low ceilings and photo-realistic autumn woodland wallpaper, something about Gus' makes it feel like you're hanging out in a kick ass basement from the 1970s, or what I imagine that would be like as I was born in the '80s. The first thing I saw at Gus's was the CKDU student radio station's annual Hoserfest, where a jolly old Canadian time was had by all. I went to a few Halifax Pop Explosion shows and enjoyed myself immensely. Beer is inexpensive and cover is usually very affordable.
