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The Bitter End
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ, Background
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Wed, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for The Bitter End
Review Highlights
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"Their martinis are terrific and generally service is..." In 10 reviews -
"It doesn't have a huge selection, but what they do offer..." In 3 reviews -
"My personal favorite, the sour-apple martini." In 2 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Sandra M.
2/17/2012
Last night, my husband and I picked up his brother and girlfriend from the airport. They flew in from Toronto for a weekend on the East coast.
To thank us for the 10:30pm pick up, they wanted to treat us to a drink, and hoped for an open kitchen. My husband and I had been to the Bitter End before and thought it a fitting location for them to experience as well.
I am always pleased by their calming atmosphere that is modern, yet makes great use of their natural features with just enough lighting. The music was there and upbeat, but not too loud. Their high speed hand-dryer and updated wash-rooms are also a big plus in my books.
For a Thursday night, they were not overly busy, and it was easy to hear the conversations while we caught up on the last 6 months.
For Drinks, I ordered the Lychee Martini. I would not say it was bad, but I hesitate to say it was good as I have had better and it didn't leave me wanting more. The same could be said for my husbands Ceaser. We have ordered in the past, loved the picked bean, but it was a bit lacking last night.
Our company enjoyed an Old Fashion and Envy Martini which they both enjoyed.
As for food, the naan bread pizza was great, the Pear salad well made with fresh greens, though the honey dijon vinaigrette would not be a future preference. The chicken nachos could have been layered with their toppings a bit more evenly, but we enjoyed the toppings which I believe included a spicy Thai sauce.
Overall, we were content, while not blown away, service was satisfactory and we will likely find ourselves back there again sometime over the summer for drinks and tappas on their patio.Listed in: Where to grab a Drink in Hali
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Review from Ben B.
Updated - 5/11/2012 3 photos
Fine. I concede: The Bitter End has long sunk below the five-star rating it once deserved in my books.
Once upon a time, this was a gorgeous, classy space where you could order one of the best cocktails in the city. Unfortunately over the years, the rest of the city has grown up and the Bitter End has stayed exactly the same.
Today, their martinis (that are actually sugary cocktails in martini glasses) fail to compete with some of the craft cocktails available elsewhere, the service often borders on apathetic, and the food never quite recovered from the menu reduction that happened several years ago. I could get over one or two of these things, but not all three at once.
It's not all bad though. Sometimes you'll get a nice server, you'll almost *always* get an attractive one, I dig the soundtrack and DJs that they bring in, and they do boast prime patio real estate in the summers.Listed in: Patio Season, My Second-Favourite Argyle, Making Every Night Martini…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/24/2011
You know what? Yeah - I'm ready to bring some love for The Bitter End. With gorgeous interior brick… Read more »
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Review from Ashlee F.
2/2/2012
I haven't been here too many times, but when I have I was taking advantage of their $4.00 appetizers! Four dollars... are they crazy? With a drink purchase of course, but who is going to go to the best martini bar in town and not get a drink, not me! (PS; this is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only!)
They have a lot of great appetizers and other food options to choose from. I will warn you, if it says is spicy, it is REALLY spicy. I love spicy food; I put Franks Red Hot Sauce on EVERYTHING! But, their spicy crab dip was so spicy I almost couldn't enjoy it.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Jill M.
1/11/2012
I have mixed feelings about the Bitter End. It used to be one of my favorite places to go, back when I was 19 and a half years old and just realizing that I WAY prefer this kind of atmosphere to that of a place like, say, The Dome. (Shudder.) And I do still really like the atmosphere here.
The menu is where I run into trouble. Drinks are hit and miss - at $7.50, champagne cocktails are a tasty option that don't hurt your wallet too much. (Though still a little.) But the "martini" style drinks? Overpriced, sugary and all named ridiculous things that made me too embarrassed to order them. Just because I don't want a Scotch on the rocks, does that mean I have to reduce myself to uttering the words "I'll have a 'Pink Pussy'"? It shouldn't! And that's an actual drink, you guys!
I used to really like the Mediterranean nachos, but the last few times I ordered them they were dry and didn't have enough cheese. I've also run into problems with the fact that the Bitter End shares a kitchen with the neighbouring pub the Loose Cannon. The Bitter End can be dead, but the food order you placed can take a really long time because the Loose Cannon is busy. Not ideal.
I went back and forth on whether to give this place 2 or 3 stars - it's probably a 2.5, but with other places available for cocktails like Onyx or The Middle Spoon, the Bitter End is no longer somewhere I particularly enjoy going.Listed in: It's Always Cocktail Hour, Argyle Love
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Review from Sarah B.
Halifax, NS
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really, I did, I did try to love it.. sadly, my experience fell very short. As we entered-- we immediately noticed the lovely walls and decor and the just as beautiful servers, but as soon as we sat down things went South.
I was in a playful mood, and when I prompted the server to surprise me with a popular Martini she replied, "Can't you see I'm busy?". Continuing on, this is a martini bar and the music was on overdrive. In a bar this isn't an issue, but I believe a martini bar should have a casual elegance not a.. cheap sticky floor feel.
After about two drinks, and the table next to us removing their shirts we quickly paid our tab and scurried away.
This experience left me confused. I believe the intention of this establishment was to bring a sort of Sex & The City vibe, but instead of Carrie and the girls you're left with greased back salesmen or rebellious students!Listed in: Martini Mania
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Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wavered between a two star and a three star on this one, and I think if I could, I'd rate it at 2.5 stars.
Here's the thing... I want to like the Bitter End, and it wins a few points for the drinks, but the food is somewhat underwhelming. For the price, I expect something with a bit more flair. The frites taste oily, and although my steak was cooked as ordered, the veg and potatoes were haphazardly tangled up on the plate and poorly displayed. Some potatoes were overcooked, others undercooked. (Also, why were there frites on the plate if I had potatoes?...)
It's got a decent vibe, although the servers are the generic "cute" males that you expect of this kind of joint. They appear passive, overall. (Anyone remember Kurt's "yummy bartenders" on Gilmore Girls? Kinda like that.)
So that's the "meh". The wishful half-star would go to their drinks and overall atmosphere. I have fond memories of sipping some of my first cocktails here years ago, and I think that the reason most people come is for the drinks.
If I return it will be on one of their discount drink nights. -
Review from Ashley M.
Halifax, NS
8/3/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I love the Biiter End. It's a classy place in a great location, good food, and a great atmosphere. The servers have always been friendly and the male bartenders, fun and flirty.
My new favorite part about the Bitter End is $4 appy's on Tues and Wed. The portions remain the same and you can get a gigantic meal for less than $10.
Check it out. -
Review from Abbie B.
Halifax, NS
9/24/2011
I have always been a fan of the Bitter End. Their martinis are terrific and generally service is fantastic. The pulled pork sliders are to die for.
However, last night my opinion was completely changed. We arrived after the Mooseheads hockey game, so while it was busy it wasn't packed and we were able to get a seat on the patio. After waiting over 5 minutes a server stopped by and said "Has so-and-so seen you yet", when we said no, she sighed and said "I guess I am taking all of his table tonight"...and then left. Moments later another server approached our table and asked for our order, we replied we still had yet to see a menu - we wanted both food and drinks. She swiped a menu off the neighbouring table and left - returning another five minutes later to take our order. Since it was busy and we were waiting for friends to arrive, we shrugged this off.
We ordered the saganaki to share, as well as martini's. The martini's didn't disappoint, but the saganaki was less than to be desired. I have had saganaki at many places, but this had excessive amounts of fat dripping off of it, and the bread was meant to be toasted, but I think that it sat under a lamp so long it just turned hard.
The waitress returned to see how we liked it, and we all commented that we didn't like it - it was obvious since only a couple of bites had been taken. She left it on the table. As a server, I am a believer that if I don't like something, I still should pay for it. If it is cooked the way it is meant to be cooked, then it is no ones fault that I didn't like it. However, when the rest of the people in our party showed up not one person enjoyed it, and everyone commented on the greasiness of it, compared to other places. I expect saganaki to have some grease, but I like a little grease with my cheese, not cheese with my grease. Instead of being apologetic, the server made a joke about no one liking it, and proceeded to put it on my bill. No apologies, no discount, nothing. She actually seemed mad that we didn't like it. I paid- no qualms, just mildly irritated.
Four of the five of us at the table are servers. When we moved on to the Carleton (with much better service) we discussed how when we are serving we do everything possible to try to give customers a good experience - - - servers should act like they WANT people to come back, not like they are an inconvenience to them.
The only reason I am giving the Bitter End two stars is because of my experiences there in the past, and the bartenders there are usually quick and amazing when you go up to the bar to order. -
Review from Erin P.
7/4/2011
I dig the decor and the general vibe of the place.
I don't dig the lackadaisical service.
The place wasn't that busy. We were one of maybe 3 or 4 tables in the place, all were twosomes. As we had eaten elsewhere we decided to stop here for some bevvies and girl talk - I mean, how perfect does that sound? Girl chit-chat and martinis!
We were presented with menus pretty quickly. For some reason I thought they had a larger martini menu. It had been quite some time since I last visited and could have sworn there was more to choose from. In my opinion, pickings were slim with this martini menu.
I had the caramel apple martini which was quite good and the Riviera which was meh. My friend had two of the I've Got A Secretinis which she said was good.
I dunno. I guess I expected the place voted best martinis in Halifax to have a bit more of a selection.
The service was ho-hum. Yeah, he was quick enough but he wasn't personable at all. He seemed very disinterested with the whole serving gig.
Overall I like it and will likely go back. -
Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I want to like you Bitter End, I do. There's nothing I love more than a cocktail in a martini glass (let's be honest, I do not pretend that I drink real martinis), but I do not love you Bitter End.
I revisited the place after a long hiatus and was reminded of why my hiatus existed. Not a huge selection of martini-style drinks, all with ridiculous names, mostly made up of half a dozen different liqueurs each and sold for $10. Which is a pricey way to spend an evening, seeing as I drink cocktails like they're juice.
I ordered my drink at the bar and it was a-ok service. The group I joined had kind of crumby service, but to be fair, it was a busy Saturday night and there was a large group ordering a lot of fancy mixed drinks. It sucks to wait for a drink, but I get that sometimes drinks can't come as fast as I want them to.
I haven't eaten here in over five years, so no comment on the food.
Overall, this recent visit was sort of like hooking up with an old boyfriend. The magic isn't there and you quickly remember all the reasons you broke up in the first place.Listed in: Boozetime.
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Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
10/7/2011
In university I used to be a semi-frequent patron of the Bitter End, I enjoyed relaxing with friends and working my way through the seemingly endless array of $5 cocktails. Real life came and when you're alarm goes off at 5:30 am each morning, Monday nights out don't seem like the best way to kick off the work week, so it had been a while. I
It was my cousins birthday, and after dinner we decided to pop in for a few drinks. It was around 10pm so we were easily able to find a spot. I have to admit, the first thing I thought when I walked in was a very curmudgeonly "was it always this loud in here"? It's a martini bar not a dance club. Anyway, my second thought was "prices have gone up", specials for Monday's are now $6.25. Not so great of a deal anymore. The menu has also been pared down (one of my favorite's the Root Beer Martini is no longer available) and still only the first 8 cocktails are on special, others you have to pay full price. I'm not cheap, but like Ben B., I've drank many martinis here in a single night and never felt anything but the slightest buzz, so there is no way I would pay $10 full price for one of those, No matter how much I enjoy a liquor soaked gummyworm. The drinks here while yummy, are heavy on the sugar and seem to be light on the good stuff.
I've always found the serves slightly spotty, but that could be because Monday nights are often standing room only.
My final curmudgeonly thought is that I find myself rolling my eyes at the drinks with names like "pink pussy" and "blue balls" and I refuse to order them.
Anyway, while the Bitter End is not my go to bar, if I were passing by on a Monday night, I wouldn't mind stopping in for a sour apple martini before continuing on with my nightListed in: 30 Day Challenge Lists
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Review from Hilary G.
10/27/2011 2 photos
I don't understand the low marks for this place. I went on a Wednesday night and loved the amazing $4 appetizer deals. I ordered two thinking they were tapas size and boy was I wrong! The crab cake sliders are a good size and I loved the aioli sauce that came on them (add $2 for shoestring fries). The spicy crab dip is definitely spicy and comes with a good amount of pita triangles. I tried 2 of the champagne cocktails which were reasonably priced at $7.50 -the champagne supernova (vodka) and the grand champagne (grand marnier) are both well done. There weren't many people around but the service was good. My friend had the artichoke and chicken entree which came out very artfully plated. I definitely have plans to return to the Bitter End - love the swanky vibe and dark atmosphere.
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Review from Caitlin J.
Halifax, NS
11/7/2011
I'm so torn because I want to love it, but I just can't.
The interior is stunning and it really is a beautiful space however, the food was average and the service was shameful. I feel as though they may have only hired for looks, as our waitress was a little sour... perhaps she had too many apple martini's?
Over all, it was a bitter end for the Bitter End. Maybe I'll do as some people here have suggested and go purely for the liquid diet - as the Sail Away Martini was a winner! -
Review from Lacey H.
3/31/2010
Expensive cocktails: Check
Tons of choice: Check
Inventive options: Check
It's only noon, but just thinking about martinis, I've got a lunch time craving! This joint dishes up some fancy and tasty concoctions, loaded with fresh ingredients and booze for days. The Satsuma Martini, The Buddha's Banshee - the unique list goes on, with inspired menu items to boot.
The food is pretty good. I don't ooh and ahh over it, but it's satisfying and different fare from some of the other surrounding establishments. I've had the hummus trio, which was fine as well as the spanakopita, which was pretty good.
The service is good, pretty efficient and friendly. Sometimes, when it's smoking busy, it can be a little lax, but that's just the nature of the beast I think.
Conclusion states: Booze prices are high. Food prices are fair. Ambiance is great and service is good. A nice place to check out if you're cruising the Argyle strip. -
Review from Gizela B.
Halifax, NS
9/7/2011
After a bad experience at the Bitter End many years ago I thought I'd give it the benefit of the doubt and try it out again last night. Bad decision.
I was lured in by the $4 appetizers, but that turned out to be a bust. My friends and I split the calamari and the pulled pork sliders. The calamari was grossly salty and the pulled pork sliders were only mediocre.
The martini menu was much smaller than I remembered, and all of the drinks seemed very similar liqueur wise, not what I would expect from the # 1 martini bar in Halifax. The martinis were also very expensive, selling for $10 a pop.
The only reason I am giving this place 2 stars is because it has nice decor and the service was decent. That is not enough to tempt me for another visit though. Next time I head out for martinis I will head back to the Fireside, where the appetizers are always delicious and so are the martinis, which sell for much cheaper ($6.99). -
Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
10/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been here twice in the past few weeks, and they make killer martinis. I watched a friend order a Pink Pussy without flinching, and the bartender accepted it nonchalantly.
There's a great selection of food as well. For the vegetarian, the dumplings or hummus trio take the edge off. Yummy crab and mussel dishes on the cheap are available for snacking while boozing. Don't go hungry kids, we all need a good base.
Great, mellow ambiance with dim lighting. Most people who come here are dressed for a night out. My last visit, I was sitting near the wall when hot wax started pouring all over me from the candle above. Apparently it's only ever happened once before, but hey, maybe sit somewhere more central. -
Review from Kris O.
Halifax, NS
10/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Bitter End is quite the spot. The elegant decor immediately sets the mood for your evening. The moderately dim lighting is complimented by the teacup candles placed on each table, creating a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy cocktails and conversation with friends.
Martini Monday's are always a good choice!! Whether you're just out for a casual drink or a full night, there is a great selection of cocktails to choose from. My personal favorite, the sour-apple martini! The gummy worm at the bottom was a nice treat.
They have a decent selection of appetizers including Mediterranean Nachos, Spicy Crab Dip and Vegetarian Spring Rolls which are a nice change from the usual pub food you will find around town. There isn't a huge selection of mains but the ones that are offered are certainly worth a try if you come for dinner.
The table service however was questionable at my last visit. We were seated and given drink menus fairly quickly but then waited 30 minutes before I had to ask for us to be served. That being said, they did apologize and were fairly prompt with service from then on, but this is not the first I've heard of this type of experience.
All in all this is a great spot if you want to get a little more gussied up than usual and have a semi-classy night out with friends. Perfect for a date or celebration dinner with a small to medium sized group. It can get a little expensive unless you are taking advantage of Monday's special, but you are certainly getting what you paid for.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Laura P.
3/17/2010
The Bitter End highlights smooth flow and high-ranking cocktails. Its a nice addition to the Argyle strip with its easy elegance and ambient buzz.
They put emphasis on the martini/ cocktail selection here and it works well. Beyond Martini Night Mondays, this is a great spot to go for interesting and well made drink variety. I tried the Envy & Sinful Bliss martinis during my last visit and was very much satisfied.
Although I haven't tried the food, the menu looks enticing. It doesn't have a huge selection, but what they do offer appears rich and thoughtful. I'm very curious to give the Fresh Pear Salad and Maple Glazed Salmon a whirl!
This is a pretty safe bet if you are looking for a classy joint to enjoy a few beverages. The only downside is that on a regular night, drinks are a bit on the pricey side. So depending on your budget, this may be a place better suited for special occasions. Regardless, with its overall good vibes and a slew of other bars and restaurants in an arms length, I'd highly suggest popping in for a try.Listed in: Girls Night!
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Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/29/2010
Bitter End is the winner of the Best Martini in Halifax in the Coast for eight straight years. I stopped in for a friend's birthday and I have to admit that they deserve the honor; they do make a mean martini. The martinis are available in a variety of flavors; I had one or two (or three) green apple flavored drinks with gummy worms for garnish. When I got my bill I almost choked on the aforementioned gummy worms. Drinks here are good, but very pricey so pre-game accordingly.
The bartenders that were working were really funny and kept us entertained as we sat at the bar waiting for some guests to arrive. The place has a cool modern vibe, and it feels a little bit intimate. The one downside is that unlike other Argyle St. bars, Bitter End doesn't have a rooftop patio, and the roadside patio leaves something to be desired. (No one feels classy sipping a martini with drunken people knocking into your table while passing by).
Hot Hints: Bitter End is host to the nicest washroom that I've seen in a public building downtown. It almost justifies paying out your nose for drinks. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
9/26/2009
Having not been to the Bitter End for a few months I was really looking forward to enjoying some martinis and presumably some good food as well! I'll take on some of the responsibility in terms of my disappointment in that I went to a martini bar/restaurant and ordered a steak, but nonetheless... dinner for four people took around 45 minutes to arrive and when it did it was uncreative at best. My Steak was overdone, with a small piece of chard, possibly 6 nugget potato halves and a few slices of grilled red pepper. A friend of mine ordered the same and was equally disappointed. The rest of our group did thoroughly enjoy the quarter chicken with rice, mussels and spinach salad respectively though so perhaps just avoid the steak... I figured I could end on a high note by ordering cheesecake for dessert but was unimpressed again. It tasted exactly as though I was eating plain cream cheese with no other ingredients mixed in...
All in all I would thoroughly recommend hitting the Bitter End for cocktails though! With an extremely large selection there is something for everyone and a lot of inventive, unique options as well. The price is a little higher than average though with most two ounce cocktails costing around $12. I should mention that our server was apologetic about the wait time for dinner and generally very attentive. The Bitter End has also won the Coast's annual 'best martini' for the last 8 years running so definitely stop by and give one a try! -
Review from Jonathan W.
Calgary, AB
10/4/2009
Busy night, bar on both sides with limited seating. Seems a bit up scale for your usual Maritime scene. But the bartenders are pretty slick and mixed some good Martini's. Didn't try the food but enjoyed my drinks.
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Review from Allison K.
Halifax, NS
10/22/2010
I agree with the other posters, it's all about the drinks here. I have eaten here a few times and the food was good and I would go back again and eat but it's the drinks that are the draw. I always have an easy time finding a veggie dish, even if we are just sharing appetizers. I think that they have a cheap night though, maybe mondays?
