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Split Crow Pub
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 12:30 am
Thu-Sat 11 am - 1:30 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Split Crow Pub
Review Highlights
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"Come early, stay for the power hour, have a wonderful night." In 10 reviews -
"Live music is almost always on tap, usually of the Celtic..." In 6 reviews -
"...Crow when there wasn't a live band playing great music." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
A landmark in Halifax, the Split Crow has been around since I landed in this beautiful city 25 years ago, and has actually been in Halifax for 250 years (thanks Google!).
I don't go to a pub and expect fine dining service just as I don't expect valet at a gas station.
The Split Crow does that a pub should, fills your belly with beer and pub food, allows for an excellent social environment and has a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
Service is always good, not mind blowing, but friendly and usually prompt in getting a beer on your table when yours is empty and bringing your food when it's hot from the kitchen.
Only down size for me is when they have live bands. I LOVE live music, but in this small pub it's very loud. If you are going there for live music, bring ear plugs and save your ear drums.
Oh... lest not forget their lunch specials for only $4.95! I love it when your beer is more than your food... well most times. -
Review from Rosalyn A.
Halifax, NS
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
One a quiet night I really like this pub. My friends and I have gone a few times. We have always had great and fast service. Our servers last night WERE AWESOME and so friendly. I wish they had more options for the pitcher deals. Being that I'm not a fan of Canadian or Coors, it usually means my bill is going to be a bit higher then I want!
As for their choice to charge cover...not such a fan. I am all about supporting local bands and such but when its the end of the night and they're probably on their last song, don't ask me to pay $10 to come in. Also they should wave the cover charge for those who are there an hour or so before hand, who's to say they are staying for the show?
Over all not a bad pub for us being a 5 minute walk away! -
Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
8/23/2011
I've been putting off writing this review, because I knew I was going to give it give stars, which is may not truly deserve, but Split Crow is my favourite pub in the city. Yes paying cover sucks, yes during power hour the bathrooms are disgusting and no I never eat the food here, I'm tend to turn a blind eye to those things.
What I love about this pub is the time I have here, it's the bar equivalent of my grandmothers perogies, comfort food.
This was my University programs choice bar, and I frequented it during my college years. Two years after graduating, I visit less, but it still holds a special place in my heart At Split Crow I always know what type of night I'm going to have. I'm going to drink way too much cheap, not that great beer, catch-up with friends, run into people I know, get good service from the bar staff, sing along with the same songs they play every night and dance to Twist and Shout. And that's good enough for me :) -
Review from Teena D.
Updated - 9/23/2011 9 photos
I hadn't eaten since breakfast this morning and I was starving. So I walked to the Split Crow for supper.
It was a nice evening so I sat on the patio. Others had the same idea.
I ordered the Crow's Jumbo Wings (hot). I'm not a fan of battered or breaded wings and when I asked, I was assured that they weren't ... alas, there was a light batter on them. They were okay, not great. They were a good size, not exactly jumbo, though. There were ten wings to a pound ($11.50).
I also ordered some Garlic Herb Cheese Bread. It wasn't very herby and it could have stayed in the oven a bit longer as the cheese wasn't quite melted. For $7.25, you get a big serving and I only had a couple slices.
My opinion of the food was that it was just so-so ... not overly exciting and kinda blah. I won't be rushing back.
There was a mouse that was running around the patio that was kind of freaking me out.
There was a band called The Frequency playing at 9:45pm and I stayed for the first set. They were okay ... they played covers of older rockish songs1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/14/2010
My two friends and I wanted to hear some live music so ended up at the Split Crow Friday night.… Read more »
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Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
7/30/2011
Want to know how to really piss me off when you're running a pub?
Try to charge me cover at 8pm on a Thursday night for a cover band that doesn't even start playing until at least 9, and then have the audacity to try to charge me $7/pint for beer on top of that. Yes, I understand that power hour isn't a bad deal, but when I'm driving, it's not really a good idea for me. I just have to feel like there's a better way to do things.
I joined a group of people who were there for dinner as well, and while I didn't eat (let's face it, why would I eat at a pub when there are so many better options downtown?), I noted that there weren't many impressed people - orders were screwed up and so on, simple things like "no jalapenos on the nachos". Granted, I don't know why you wouldn't get jalapenos on nachos, but the customer is supposed to be right generally.
It comes down to this - this was my first trip to the Split Crow in about a year. And it was a pretty solid reminder of why it was my first trip in a while. And probably my last for a while, too. -
Review from Tiffany T.
Halifax, NS
7/25/2011
To my dearest Split Crow,
This past power hour you made me feel old. Why, you ask? Last time I (over) indulged in power hour it was $5 for 3 Molson beer now $7.50 for 3. I suppose it has been a while since I wandered in for that awesome hour, so I will let it slide. But please, don't jack those prices up anymore! Well, ok it makes sense I suppose, $2.50 beer isn't that bad. Wait, it's actually a really good drink special better than the rest, perhaps? At least cover is the same, unlike ALL the other bars in Halifax.
So my dearest Split Crow, my love for you has been rekindled. Although I will not (over) indulge in your love like I used to I will be around to see you every once in a while when the mood strikes.
Much love,
TiffanyListed in: Before the Hangover
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Review from Ben B.
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is so not my kind of place. But that's not necessarily a bad thing considering I am what you might consider old and crotchety at heart. I'm the kind of person who so rarely goes to places like this that when we were asked to pay cover, I almost didn't know what she meant. Don't you mean you want me to pay for way overpriced fancy drinks so that I don't have to pay cover? No? Alright then.
The Crow is much smaller than I remembered from the only ever time I visited which meant that by 9pm on a Thursday night, the only option was to hover around a spot at the bar for a place to lay our drinks down. On the plus side, we had prime bar real estate staked out with pretty attentive for bartenders at a university pub. It didn't take long to get their attention, get a drink, and get settled up.
The crowd, while yes - definitely a younger bunch, was decidedly less douchey than it would be at one of the late-night bars like the Dome or the Palace. It was a nice way to be able to relax with your beer instead of always be bracing yourself for a fight!
The highlight? Well, it has to be the oddly time-traveled from the nineties cover band with Silverchair hair, faux-flanel shirts and a repetoire that spanned the Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty, Kanye West, and east coast drinking songs. Rock on, boys.Listed in: Pub Crawl, The Five-Day Retox!, Granville Courtyard
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Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
9/29/2010
Tempting fate with $2.50 drinks is always a fantastic idea on a Thursday night out. This place is usually jammed packed with college kids between 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., but the cheap drinks are worth it.
When I visited, a live band was serenading the crowd with some traditional Newfoundland music. I had found my new home. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
11/7/2009
Believe it or not... 'Split Crow' used to be even cheaper than it is now. Between 4:30-5:30pm every Saturday you used to be able to get 3 mugs of Molson for $5. That's $1.67 each! For some unknown reason the liquor inspector has decided that this promotes drinking to excess. Naw...
Power Hour at Split Crow these days will run you a hefty $5 for two mugs or $65 for a tray of 26. Man, doesn't the liquor inspector know: we're in a recession! Needless to say you can still get afternoon drunk at Split Crow. Be prepared to feel like a fool when you leave and start staggering down the street in front of families and old people, all just heading out for dinner.
Split Crow also lays claim to being one of the best live music spots in the city! Very 'maritimey' and sing a long friendly. Honestly, Split Crow is a guaranteed good time just check your pride/dignity at home perhaps. I'd make reference to the grub, but I honestly can't recall what it tastes like. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/10/2009 2 photos
"Oh the year was 1778, how I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!"
If you are from Halifax, you would be laughing right about now with a lyric like the one I just wrote. If you aren't from Halifax or just simply don't know what the heck Sherbrooke is, I'll explain. There is a song that is infamous in Halifax called Barrett's Privateers. And it is sung in many pubs and bars throughout Halifax. It has, I believe around seventeen versus and tells the tales of sailors in the 17th Century living and working in Nova Scotia. I promise you it is a catchy tune. So why am I teaching you great Canadian folk music? Well this song can mostly be heard at the Split Crow in downtown Halifax and is one of many reasons why you should check this bar / pub out when you get a chance.
The Split Crow is a lively, fun bar! The staff work very hard to maneuver through this small but mighty pub. I haven't been to the Split Crow when there wasn't a live band playing great music. The music is mainly Irish and Celtic themed music that everyone can stomp their feet to, but they also play some rock music from time to time. The staff are very hard workers and seemed to be very experienced as they run all over the place serving beer after beer all night long. I have had too many great experiences with their Wait staff to remember just one. So its best just to expect great service every time you walk in.
Their menu is typical for a pub such as this but they do put quality into their food. Their pricing is also very reasonable. I'm a big fan of ordering a cheeseburger anywhere I go and the Split Crow Burger Platter can definitely satisfy me in that department. You also wouldn't think that a pub this size would need bouncers, but they really do get filled to capacity on the weekends an for good reason. How can you not go to a place that has great live bands, good food, great staff and great beer? -
Review from Laura P.
4/3/2010
Split Crow is a staple venue for the university crowd looking to get spilly over cheap beers. With a standard Irish Pub style and clutch downtown locale, it offers mass appeal to the greater Halifax population.
My own Split Crow encounters settle more like a bad dream, but if you've read any of my other reviews you'd know I'm just not the jovial pub-going kind. Power Hour. Imagine the horror in finding myself stuffed, nose to nose, in the dreary basement of beer induced belligerence. With nowhere to sit and just a few places to stand, it felt more like a mission than a place for good times. At the peak of insanity, I watched a boy climb a table and use his belt to stop a dripping ceiling pipe. Enough said.
While the infamous power hour has ceased, my impressions remain tainted. I'm sure its an okay place during other circumstances, however I haven't been able to bring myself back for another try. In the summertime they house a lovely patio, which overlooks the cobblestone courtyard and arts infested area. That could be nice.
It'd probably be a decent place to grab a beer and a bite if thats what you like. Split Crow always seems to have live music happening and a strong community following, so if you're a pub dweller this may be a fun place to hit. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
5/9/2010
I make a point to pop into Split Crow every now and then for one of their filling $4.95 lunch specials. I like to end up there on Thursdays, their fish cakes and beans taste just as good as my dad used to make.
Although Split Crow is a great little family pub during the day, at night (due it part to it's great downtown location) this place can get crowded and loud. If you are planning on going to Split Crow's infamous Power Hour (Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:30) you should plan to show up early, seats are very limited and there isn't great standing areas.
A perfect place to grab a few drinks in the summer and take in any of the bevy of Celtic bands that call our city home. -
Review from Blair M.
Ottawa, ON
4/5/2011
Ate here because needed something quick for lunch. They were quick, but food was quite bad. Worst chowder ever.
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Review from Nik C.
Halifax, NS
7/1/2010
A fairly run of the mill pub that has a few things going for it that automatically jump up the ratings: cheap beer, a great patio, and a good location near the waterfront on a historic cobblestone street.
The food is typical mediocre pub fare, but odds are you came to drink beer and hang out, not marvel at culinary revelations. -
Review from Kris O.
Halifax, NS
10/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Split Crow is a landmark in Halifax and favorite of many university students. With plenty of the standard pub foods and daily beer specials, including everyone's favorite $2.50 draught. Given this, it's not hard to see why this place is so busy all of the time.
The fact that the Split Crow can get so busy might be it's biggest downfall. It's not exactly the largest venue in town so once the number of customers reaches a certain point you can't really move without spilling a drink or getting one spilled on you.
You'll easily see why this place is such a hot spot when you get there in time to grab seats for pour hour and the band is playing everyone's favorite songs. This is just a formula that you can't go wrong with.
On another note this Friday (today October 22, 2010) marks the Split Crow's 31st birthday where they will have live music and power hour all day long. This is a simultaneous celebration with the opening of a second location in Truro. It's not often that you see a popular pub around town take the bold move of opening another location, especially one that's in a different town. However with the reputation that the Split Crow has built for itself over these past 31 years, if any business can do it, it would be this one. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/15/2010
Fun fact, the Split Crow is the home of Nova Scotia's first murder charge! With a history like that, what's not to love?!
While the Split Crow remains a rowdy spot, the murders have drastically decreased in recent years as the price of beer has increased. It's still a great spot to have a few (too many) in the afternoon during their legendary Power Hour or to start a great evening on the town. As I write this review more than a few of those nights are going through my mind.
The bands that roll through here play your typical generic maritime tunes, it can be fun when you're with a group and drinking, but can be annoying if you're just looking to grab some food.
Cover can also be a little ridiculous when bands are playing, but if you're eager to get in that probably won't stop you.
Come early, stay for the power hour, have a wonderful night! -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
3/26/2010
Is there anything better than a hot summer's afternoon spent on the patio of your local pub, sharing some beverages and listening to the house band?
If you're a Maritimer, the only thing better is a kitchen party, of course - and the Split Crow does it's darndest to instill the flavour of kitchen into the atmosphere. Live music is almost always on tap, usually of the Celtic variety. The kitchen is quick and proficient. Lunch specials are surprisingly affordable, ranging beween $5 - 8 dollars for a generous portion. Dinner specials are also offered, most tied to a beverage purchase (but that's not so difficult, is it?).
Check out the live music schedule at their website so you can visit on a night when your favourite band takes the stage. It's loud, so consider yourself fore-warned,
The Split Crow is the quintessential Halifax pub - conveniently located near transit stops (bus and ferry) for the pub crawlers who neglected to nominate a designated driver, cheap beer, great food and loud music. You've got to stop in - preferably on that aforementioned hot Saturday afternoon. If you can't make it in then, check out the Power Hour: $2.50 draughts on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 - 10pm, and on Saturday from 4:30 - 5:30.
Eat. Drink. Be social! -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
7/31/2010 1 photo
Oh I can remember closing this place on a few occasions. For some reason those Saturday afternoons on the decks listening to the Matinees turned into late nights still listings to whatever the band was playing.
Nestled on the cobble stone of the downtown area you will find one of the most well known pubs around. And let me tell you they have the best fried peperoni in town. Make this a stop on your pub tour as you will love it. Service is great and the kitchen in open until 10 pm. Cold beer on tap will always make you want more. Split crow is not a huge space but there is dancing at the bar, door or even on the way to the bathroom I think the whole place is used as the dance floor when this place heats up.
Enjoy some good beer friendly service and some good friends. -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
9/24/2009
The Split Crow is a great place to go for some draught and for some live entertainment, particularly during the summer season. In the summer-time the outdoor patio is open and you can watch the busy tourists parading the street. Another great time to go to the Crow is on Saint Patty's Day - beware - it will be packed, but you'll have a great time.
While the Crow's location and atmosphere are fun and inviting, the food there typically is not. To be honest, I haven't eaten anything there that is worth writing home about. Okay.... so the pizzas aren't bad, but definitely avoid trying the weekend brunch. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
1/23/2010
The Split Crow Pub, is a great place for a Saturday afternoon, especially in the summer, out on the patio.
I am not sure there is anyone living in Halifax of age, that can say they have not frequented here.
Be prepared to be partially deaf when you leave after the live bands, the loud banter and the people trying out for Canadian Idol. Wow, it is amazing how many people come out of their shell after a keg of beer.
You will have fun here and the food is good. That is saying something for a pub. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/13/2010
I can sum up the experience at Split Crow in three phrases:
- It's cheap drinking
- The bands are great
- The place is crowded and fun
There are a lot of other bonuses where Split Crow is involved, but those are the main ones that come to mind for me. I can also say that they have pretty good food as far as pubs go, and the staff seems extremely nice and pretty patient with their customers. If you're looking to have a couple drinks before heading out to the club, or just want to unwind after a hard day, Split Crow is definitely a great place to go! -
Review from Lacey H.
4/1/2010
People love this place, especially students looking to gorge themselves on cheaply flowing booze. Gone are the days of the insane power hour, but I'm pretty sure this place is still rocking some good deals.
Like The Lower Deck, this pub is in a great location. It's down by the harbour, on a cobblestone street - sounds darn near perfect! The rowdy college crowds, the loud hoedown music; the Split Crow is a purveyor of Nova Scotia vibes...
I say all this, but I don't feel it in my heart. Oh golly, I can't go on like this. I shall proclaim from the rooftops: I'm not a fan of this place. Maybe if you take all of the patrons out, and perhaps let me choose the music and the levels, yes, I'd probably enjoy myself quite a bit.
There's always live music, and you can bounce around and jostle about and drink as much as you can stomach. Again, it sounds good in theory but I'm not a proponent of the Maritime facade scene. I mean, it's fine and good natured, maybe, but somehow the whole situation is lost on me.
I think this joint is only suitable for people between the ages of 19-20. Yes, not much room for movement there, and maybe you don't agree, but happily for me, I hold the talking stick right now.
The Split Crow is loud, fairly obnoxious, and basically centered around getting as drunk as possible. With that - I'll leave the rest of my opinions lurking in the shadow and turn this one into a "choose your own adventure" conclusion. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/22/2009 1 photo
The Split Crow is a famous (some would say "infamous") downtown watering hole, of the noisy-busy-cheap-draught variety. Let's just say you don't go to the Split Crow for the food. You go for the view of the street (ie, to check out the passing hot bods). You go for the bands (if the celtic-flavoured good-ole-boy McGinty and Clam Chowder type of music floats your boat). Or you go because ALL of your friends are already hanging out there. Just save yourself a bit of grief and don't order a burger, which may or may not have been a part of someone's shoe the night before.
