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Pogue Fado Irish Public House
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Pogue Fado Irish Public House
18 reviews in English
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Review from John W.
Great service, fun atmosphere, and solid food.
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Review from Jim C.
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
What I want in a pub is low lighting, privacy and servers with short plaid skirts. Well this place is basically it.
Which means that it's very quiet in the afternoon and the clientele is very different in the afternoon than the after supper crowd.
Standard pub food, average price and moderate beer list. burger & beer was around 20$
Staff was friendly and was in & out pretty quick for a lunch time stop. -
Review from David H.
11/25/2011
Good live music.
Attractive college girls fill this entire bar.
Rude staff at the door. If this was my place I would have fired the woman taking the cover charge on the spot for her response.
Cover charge - I hate cover charges and they really need a great reason for them if I am buying overpriced drinks in addition to a cover.
Bouncers everywhere make you uneasy. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Dartmouth, NS
7/27/2011
If you're in the downtown area looking for a place to hang out for a beer and listen to some east coast tunes with some friends, the Pogue is a nice option. Nestled in on Barrington Street a stone's throw away from Pizza Corner, it's a central spot for your downtown outing.
Thick varnish-worn wooden tables and little booths for four (but can be crammed with more) decorated with stained glass line the perimeter of the pub. Larger tables with benches are available at the back and through the middle for bigger groups. Black and white photographs and random knick knacks that vaguely tie to the Emerald Isle line the ceiling, walls, and beams inside. It's dark and worn, but it makes it a great place for a beer because it lacks pretence. The side windows open up onto two little patios during the summer months.
More often than not, the place is pumping Celtic and east coast tunes to get the feet moving and the spoons rapping. It often gets full on peak nights so it feels crowded and loud, not a place for intimate conversation. Come early, stake your claim on a table, and guard it with your life; you move you lose when it gets as crowded as it does. I've been there a few times with groups of friends for birthdays or just a night out for drinks, as it always makes our short list of good places to hang.
If you're going out for lunch or dinner for food, the place will do in a pinch but don't expect to find it in the Michelin guide. It's got your standard pub fare, like nachos, burgers, and salads. They boast some of the cheapest wings in town between 7:30 and 9:30 most nights, which are decent but I've had better. Thrown into the mix are a few Irish dishes, although the limited number is surprising for an Irish pub (calling a garden salad Killarney doesn't make it Irish). Classic meals like shepard's pie and irish stew are available. The food is alright, but won't blow your socks off by any means.
On my last visit, I ordered the Pogue Fado Seafood Chowder. It was delivered with a nice skin on top, a sign it had been sitting under the heat lamps a little too long in the back kitchen. A reflection of the decent but often times slow service, whether the place is packed to the rafters or barely populated with a few early diners. While too salty for my liking, it was still decent chowder. It is what it is, food from a place that specializes in pouring drinks to the drunken east-coast masses.
So, on the short list for a few beers with friends, but not one of the top places I'd consider for a meal. -
Review from Jim G.
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was playing pub roulette on a damp night in Halifax, walking the streets, looking for a place to plant myself, when the rain started coming down hard and I picked Pogue Fado because it was right there. It was a decent choice, with tasty local beer, friendly wait staff, and a student pub kind of look about it. (I understand from other reviews that this bar is a Dalhousie standard.) I had a good couple of hours at the bar watching the ball game and chatting to the locals. I left when I started getting a little too warmed by the pints and found out on my way out the door that I was going to miss out on trivia night, which would have been fun.
The reason why my review isn't higher is because the food didn't win me over. I tried the stuffed haddock at $14. The portion was small and there really wasn't a lot of haddock in the haddock. I ate it because it was put in front of me, but it was disappointing and I wouldn't order it again. Other items on the menu might have proven better, but I didn't have the opportunity to go back.
I'd go back for pints and perhaps to try the finger food, but I'd skip the meal. -
Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
4/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Not to huge fan of the atmosphere in this place. I think the decor is a bit on the tacky side and it looses it's authentic Irish pub feel. When comparing it to the other Irish public houses in town it just doesn't measure up.
The food is OK, nothing that really knocked my socks off though. Seems to be more of a student hangout-bar than a pub.
Service leaves a bit to be desired, if you're there for a beverage it's much better just to go to the bar and get it yourself.
No wi-fi and not very accessible for the mobility challenged. -
Review from Sarah B.
Halifax, NS
4/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you're arms ever get tired, and ya need a fresh set of wings, your best bet is The Pogue!
The wings are HUGE so huge they can literally be mistaken for clubs, and the list of sauces isn't small either. You actually receive a hefty amount of meat per wing, which means you'll actually feel as if you've eaten substance not deep fried skin. Secondly, Mon-Fri they are priced insanely cheap, I think 10 comes to 5 dollars? Toss a jug of beer in the mix and you're living high for 20 bucks. However, on those discount days you do NOT receive any vegetables with the wings which is a huge let down-- and in my opinion makes the establishment look cheap; especially since we requested vege's on a Friday and they threw an extra 2 bucks on the bill! C'mon, the economy couldn't have made those carrots and celery sticks that expensive!
Their version of the Big Mac is quite tasty as well! They created their own special sauce, and the patties on the burger are much thicker than that of the Golden Arches, and it does carry that homemade taste. A real surprise in this pub if you ask me!
A quick tip is to arrive early if you want any type of seat, and lets be honest, service. The Pogue draws the young university crowd which seems to overwhelm the just as young servers-- so if you want a relaxed snack arrive early and get out before the drunken antics begin!Listed in: Pleased to Meat You.
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Review from Ben B.
3/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I don't know if it's because the Pogue does what it does so well, or not so much that made it a less obvious choice when I went to review all the Irish joints in town for St. Patrick's Day week. I think it's the former though because it works as just another Halifax pub just as well as it can ramp up the accents and greenery for the big day.
The good: I really enjoy the food here. The fries are slammin' and there's a veggie sandwich with nice balsamic on it to keep me happy while my friends get all kinds of inappropriate with their food during happy hour wings. Respectable people do questionable things for 25 cent wings. Massive booths also make it easy to dine as a crowd and if you think bigger is better, the Pogue is great to work with for special events!
The bad: Cheap drinks and wings bring in a big crowd, so get ready to be a lurker if you want to get a table. Servers sometimes have a tough time keeping up with everyone too but if you've got patience on your side, then you shouldn't have any problems.
I've never really done the late shift here but it's a pretty good time! The restaurant becomes a hot spot for good ole maritime jams with an Irish twist. It's a pretty young crowd from what I can remember but it's not a bad spot to start your night! -
Review from Ayla H.
Halifax, NS
12/10/2009
(Pogue Fado-Shmogue Fado - this review's for the Frigate.)
If you're in law school or are connected to the law school crowd, you know the Frigate as the home of Domus. If you're not part of this crowd, don't try to get in on a Thursday night. I've only been there on Thursdays though, so my opinion is steeped in law culture bias.
As I'm new to the Maritimes I still have a weakness for kitschy sea-themed paraphernalia, and the Frigate does this style up right. Nets, buoys and fake marine animals cover the walls, giving you the feel of being down at the wharf. The fact that most people are as drunk as old sailors adds to the atmosphere. -
Review from Lacey H.
5/25/2010
I just can't. I cannot do it anymore. Not that the opportunities for Pogue visits are perpetually presented to me much these day, still I feel all too privy to the goings on since I witness the insanity whenever I attend a late night Khyber function.
The outfits. The language. The intoxication. It's all a little much, isn't it? Last time I visited, I was with a few friends who for one reason or another, decided that this would be our final destination. The cover band was hilarious. So sincerely rocking out their heavy handed pop hits. The clientele left everything to be desired - bumping and thrashing and sloshing liquids everywhere. It's like a circus where when the night ends, people are shrieking and falling over and looking for their belonging which they've either lost or had stolen.
So I paint a tainted picture of uber blahness and disgust. It's just not my scene, especially late into the night. Perhaps a grand place if you feel like getting wild and losing all inhibitions. If this is your favorite place, I commend you. You're more of a party animal than I! -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/5/2010
The Pogue Fado (or, simply, the Pogue) is a happy little Republic of Ireland set down in the middle of Halifax.
Almost everything on the menu carries overtones of the old country, and the surroundings are as Irish as they come. plank tables included.
You can't go wrong no matter what you choose, but I recommend the potato and leek soup - seasoned perfectly everytime.
The Pogue has a great deal going for events - you can rent the downstairs for as little as $1 (assuming you meet all other criteria). One other deal? All-you-can-eat ribs, Saturdays from 4pm.
It's not blarney to say that the Pogue offers up great Irish food at great prices, with atmosphere and service well represented. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
6/24/2010
Well if you ever want to beat the rush of Thursday night wing night try Pogue for Wednesday night as it is wing night as well smart hey. My son took me out and wanted to take me down here as he said it was one of the better places to go for wings. I really didn't know where this place was but now I do.
Your typical nightclub kind of atmosphere with a dance floor that I am told is pretty tightly packed on the weekend with a much younger crowd then myself drinking the night away, oh to remember those days, maybe this is why I gave up the night life DT. Live music as well as DJ rocks this place an occasions and Pogue has an outside patio on Barrington Street so that is a nice touch.
Wings here are really great, large meaty and breaded with hot sauce I was very impressed I think it was 20 wings for $5.00 something like that. It is always nice to wash it down with a cold one. Service was actually fast and the girl was very friendly but I think that had to do with my son.
I just seen in one of the review that they have rib night on Sat now that might be worth the visit. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
1/23/2010
I must admit, over the years... The atmosphere at The Pogue has started to ware on me a bit. I fear I might be a few short years away from yelling out my window at rowdy teenagers at 11pm on weekends.
Try to ignore the 'bro' (as my sister not so affectionately labels them) crowd that seems to flock to this establishment.
For a much better experience, head downstairs to The Friggate! Live music and big benches allow for groups to sit and chill without necessarily be forced to dance. -There isn't a ton of seating upstairs.
Overall, live music in both but you'll enjoy the Friggate more if you're looking for a more chill atmosphere! -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2009
Great, live music and staff! Just hard to breath.
Pogue Fado is a very, very busy Irish pub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. And for good reason. The live bands at the Pogue do the best jobs at playing cover songs than I have seen anywhere! They also have a lower level with a DJ that is also great! But when I say this place is packed, I mean it! Think shoulder-to-shoulder almost all the time. And they tend to attract a more lively, rowdy crowd than other places. Think Rugby player crowd as opposed to Irish fiddle player crowds. Makes sense I hope.
But lets step out of the nighttime party theme for a bit and talk about their food. Its good! And they have a great variety as well. Their Nachos are alright but I am a loyal fan of their Southwest Jack Burger. It is very big and very tasty. And you can substitute your potato with sweet potato fries! Now if you haven't had sweet potato fries, this isn't a bad place to start!
During lunch hours, they have plenty of room inside or outside to eat. The staff are very friendly, especially during these non-busy times. I have had almost consistent great staff but from time to time a few weren't in the best of spirits. So there is room to improve but I'm still a satisfied customer. I wouldn't recommend their salads to be honest. This is an Irish Pub first off. And chances are the person making the salad is a carnivore. I tend to believe Vegetarians know best on how to make salads and if you aren't going to a Vegetarian restaurant, you are taking your chances. But I'd like to suggest, if Pogue wants to really show love and support for the Veggie People out there, talk to some Vegetarian chefs and figure out how to make some amazing salads.
I have been to the Pogue both day and night. I'm not a big fan of crowded places and having to yell across the table so the other person can hear me. But I know many people are. So I won't count that as a fault. The food is great and the staff are very hard workers. The live bands are amazing and know how to keep a crowd dancing! So for just plain, old fun, head to the Pogue! -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/31/2009
I've always felt like there just aren't enough popped collars in my life, luckily I have the Pogue Fado to fill that quota.
This is a weird spot for me. I don't consciously like it, I would never suggest it, but I always have fun when I'm there. I think that may have more to do with who I'm with rather than the bar itself, but a good time is a good time.
The Pogue is a hot spot for pub crawls and cover bands so it can get a little crowded. Be prepared to wait outside in line on the busy nights and also keep in mind that there is a downstairs portion of the Pogue called The Frigate that is smaller and easier to get inside.
As I said, this certainly isn't a place I'd actively seek out, it's crowded and I don't love Halifax's generic cover band scene, but I do have fun when I end up here. -
Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
3/25/2010
Not one for embracing late night musicality of Halifax's pub type settings, I'm immediately a bit bias. Its just not my cup of tea, and I've come to terms with that. But there have been a few times when I've wound up at the Pogue, and I've got to say. Its not so bad.
I liked the layout. Large main bar and a room divide opposing the selection of booths. There is a dance floor for grooves and another back bar of equal size. Getting a drink never seems to be an issue and its a spot that accommodates the dancing queens as well as wallflowers.
While the music isn't the greatest, I've heard they have live music sometimes as well. Could be alright? The place has been filled to the brim whenever I've ventured and staff seems happy to be there.
I wouldn't pick this spot for a night out, but if a group of friends were heading that way, I'd go and have fun with it. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
1/22/2010 2 photos
You can't go wrong with cheap wings. Everyone loves a good wing night! And that's what Pogue Fado is good for. They have cheap wings every night after 7:30. So, you don't have to wonder where to go for wing night no matter what day of the week it is.
And what's even better than the wings starting at 7:30 is that happy hour runs until that time. So, you can drink a bunch at happy hour prices, then finish the night by filling your belly with yummy, gooey, nice and cheap wings.
The drinks are cheap and so is the food, but that doesn't really make up for the crummy service. I swear the waitress didn't look at me once, even when I was ordering my drinks. I politely asked for another beer and she actually looked at someone else like they were ordering. When I repeated myself so she knew it was me talking, she still didn't look at me. Thankfully the drink arrived... 5 minutes later.
Not only was the service kind of slow and scattered, but at the end up the night each person had one too many drinks on their tab. I'll give it to the waitress that she was nice enough to split the bill between 9 people, but where were these drinks coming from. It was like she thought we wouldn't notice one extra drink on each bill, but we did. We actually had her bring all new tabs for everyone at the table. Not cool.
Yes, they have good cheap wings, and yes extended happy hour is awesome. But the service isn't that great so it really takes away from the experience. I'll probably still go back for the mouth-watering wings. -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
9/23/2009
The Pogue Fado is a great place to go for a fun night out on the town. The Irish bar consists of two floors, upstairs is the "Pogue Fado" and on the bottom floor is "The Frigate". One cover charge grants you access to both floors. With live entertainment playing covers of all the all-time classics (e.g. Van Morrison, Johnny Cash, The Eagles), put on your dancing shoes and head on down on a Friday or Saturday night.
