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The Lower Deck
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Bars, Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
1869 Upper Water StHalifax, NS B3J
(902) 422-1289
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
25 reviews for The Lower Deck
Review Highlights
"...and Saturday evenings there's live music to enjoy while you..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...including performances by Signal Hill, Shameless, Corey..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Excellent pub food can be expected along with the same..."
(in 12 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Davey R.
2/18/2011
Sociable!
That's what they say in Nova Scotia to mean "cheers!" or "Party!". And if you're a visitor like I was, you'll really see what Happyfaxians are all about when they transfer a kitchen party over to a pub. Maritimers love good music and good beer, and both can be found in spades at this chateau-like drinking hole next to the waterfront. There's an outdoor "patio" where you can find live music and have an open area to dance. Inside, you'll get two floors of floor-stomping jig-like music, or Celtic/Seafaring Canadian rock.
The night I was there was filled with revelry. Hanging out with friends who were ready to party, free Stella Liege (Stella Light, can you believe there is such thing!?) being passed around, and best of all, Signal Hill live, all for a pittance of a cover if there even was one; can't remember.
Halifax is blessed with attracting good live music and getting large, friendly crowds to sing along to music in a way that just can't be equaled in the US.
Partying here sent me to 7th heaven, you vibe the open hearts of the locals and from that tourist perspective, you get a comfortable sense of what the maritimes are all about. Acts such as Great Big Sea and Spirit of the West frequent this place and play for loud, intimate crowds here all the time.
I loved it here. Try bar-hopping between here and Old Triangle FTW. -
Review from Teena D.
9/27/2011 4 photos
I was in town for a sales conference and we had supper at the Upper Deck (there were 65 of us). Apparently it is only open for events now.
Chris was our server and he took good care of us.
Our food choices were haddock, pork tenderloins and lobster. I'm not a fan of seafood so went with the pork. Of the ten people at our table, eight had ordered lobster. I had ordered the pork tenderloin ... it wasn't great. Dessert was chocolate cake ... it was just so-so.
I heard mixed reviews about the lobster ... some said it was delicious and others said it was tough and overcooked.
Afterwards half of us went downstairs to the Lower Deck after supper. There was a band that wasn't too bad playing cover tunes -
Review from Allison P.
Surrey, BC
9/8/2011
Worst. Pub. Ever.
The food was horrible; cold and completely unappetizing. We sent it back,which was a first. The barman looked at us as though we had two heads when we asked for a beer list; apparently you only drink Keith's (yuck) at the Lower Deck. There is no tab, you pay fir your drinks up front and a different waitress takes your food order. They take your credit card and don't give it back until you're done; there was no good explanation for this.
There are multiple better options within a few short steps of this embarrassing excuse for a pub - I suggest you skip this one entirely unless you have no taste buds. -
Review from Kevin H.
Halifax, NS
1/2/2012
Came here on a Wednesday night in September with some native Haligonians. Sat at a table outside for 20 minutes before a waiter appeared and when he did he looked at our empty table and said "You guys are good for beer?" and kept walking. I had to yell to get him to come back. It was a busy night, sure, but COME ON. I've been back a couple times since and it's been a pretty underwhelming experience every time. If you're into paying a ridiculous cover price to shout over a crappy bar band while some cougar asks you to move out of the way of the gambling machines, this is the place for you.
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Review from Ben B.
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ah yes, The Lower Deck. This one's about as east coast as it gets...not necessarily because that's what the east coast IS like, but definitely because that's what people who come to visit WANT the east coast to be like: big communal tables, enough draught beer to drown a sailor, every maritime drinking tune you can slur half the words to, and oh so very much tartan - this one's a definite crowd-pleaser.
From a local perspective? Well...yeah, I guess I like it. It's not really my scene or even what I want people to walk away from Halifax remembering (considering its direct relation to how many Ontario folks think we're all fishermen), but it still manages to attract a decent local crowd who just wants to get their waterfront drink on. The audience ranges from frat guys turning nineteen and getting sloppy to an older, more refined generation that's also getting sloppy.
Overall, I think this is why the Deck makes me a little uncomfortable...there's a lot of dodging overly personable drunk folk who swear they know you from X, Y or Z. And then there's the obvious presence of legit cougars on the prowl that never really sits well with me.
All that said, it is fun to watch the more 'festive' among the crowd clashing with the incredibly overzealous security staff who will not let you stand, walk by the band while it plays, or make any move that might suggest you' might. Now that wouldn't be a problem if the stage weren't in front of the clearest path to and from the bar, or if sitting close to the stage didn't then become an hour-long sentence before a man resembling a UFC superfan would stop pushing you back into your seat while you try to go pay your bill.
The food's fine for a pub, the beer is beer (although like Nick B says, it's overpriced), and the crowdy is rowdy for good ole fashioned maritime drinking (whatever that is).Listed in: Group-friendly!, Pub Crawl, The Waterfront Strip
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Review from Leslie F.
7/6/2011
Well Lower Deck, you are certainly one of the most ideally located patios in Halifax. I can see the water, people-watch, and breathe in the aroma of the nearby Cows ice cream shop, all while indulging in some pub food and beer. You are a busy place, so your service is only so-so, and your waterfront location makes you a little pricey for a pub - but I know I'm paying for the view, not the food.
A note to future Lower Deck-goers: When you're on the patio in the summer - they take food and drink orders separately. You have to start a tab for your drinks or pay right away. We started a tab, but when they combined our food and drink bill at the end of our dinner, they didn't actually give me an itemized receipt, they just rang the card through so I was presented with a total amount but no record of what things cost. I wasn't such a fan of that practice. A burger, fishcakes, 2 draft beers and tip came to a little over $40. How much were the beers? I don't know exactly - somewhere in the range of $5-$6 which seems like a lot for draft. But I suppose there are greater tragedies in life. All in all it's a great location, and a good place to take out-of-towners to experience some casual waterfront dining. -
Review from Joe J.
10/5/2010
This place is pretty famous in Halifax, though we were not very impressed. It is a multi-room affair in a an old stone building that is a part of one of the waterside shopping centers. Apparently it is quite a lively place in the evenings during the season. While we were there (lunchtime), it was rather dead.
We had fish and chips and beers from Alexander Keiths. Since Keiths is the local large brewery (owned by one of the large Canadian companies), we ordered a sampler of all of their beers. With all due respect, it tastes like production beer: bland flavors and light body. The fish was very thickly battered and greasy. It was not appealing and the mild fish was overwhelmed by the batter.
The place is kind of grungy and the patio chairs are cheap plastic. The staff ranged from mildly pleasant to bored and sarcastic. There are better pub choices in Halifax. -
Review from Kris O.
Halifax, NS
11/4/2010 1 photo
So it's Sunday night , you've got the next morning free and you're looking to head out for some good times. Chances are the lower deck is going to be on your list of potential venues. Even if you're new to Halifax one of the first things you will learn is that Signal Hill (one of the city's most popular cover bands) will be rocking out everyone's favorite tunes on Sundays.
The Lower Deck caters to a wide audience, from your party hard university students, to the slightly older crowd looking to blow off some steam after a long work week. Early Friday and Saturday evenings there's live music to enjoy while you grab a bite and a brew. In addition to the regular power hours you can order four Jager Bombs for $22. However I would recommend that if you like those shots, it's best to share this special with some friends.
If you're not the biggest fan of the live bands you can always head upstairs for some more popular dance music. Just want to sit down in a booth and enjoy some quality time with friends? Well head to the back off the dance floor and that's no problem either.
When this place gets busy it really gets busy. Downstairs when watching the band it can be a little tough to get up and dance with such a large crowd packed into a relatively small space. Upstairs can get packed too but it's usually a little more comfortable as there aren't large tables taking up most of the room.
All in all The Lower Deck can be a great choice almost any night of the week. With the exception of potentially long lines on busy weekend nights and overcrowding once you get in, there isn't a whole lot of negatives about this place.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
9/17/2010
Yes, the Lower Deck is one of those places you have to go if you visit Halifax, because everyone will ask you if you went. Go on a night with a decent band, but bring your wallet. $6 for a pint of Keith's is ridiculous when you think about it.
Don't get tunnel vision and forget that there are some other excellent pubs in the city, particularly those where you can get a fine selection of smaller breweries' products. Check out the Henry House, the Loose Cannon, and so on as well. -
Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
4/5/2010
The Lower Deck seems to be an upgraded version of the Ale House. Its got the Irish pub, beers 'n' cheers sort of vibe happening, but perhaps at a more tolerable pace? With an emphasis on live Maritime folk music, The Lower Deck is a popular spot for many city dwellers. And while it isn't my own cup-o-tea, I can understand the appeal.
So for those who like it loud, rowdy and of Irish roots, this place is a great spot. Its got a great location on the waterfront with a comfortable, celtic esthetic. There are lots of choices for hanging out with the upstairs and downstairs and nooks all over. Let the mingling begin!
From my experience, people are there to let loose and have a good time. Not quite as obnoxious as The Ale House, but along the same lines. Its not my idea of a night out, but for those who love good jig with their brew, The Lower Deck is a spot to hit. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/25/2009 1 photo
I do not like The Lower Deck but I know why everyone else does.
Their food is great for a bar and pub, their staff, quick and friendly. So why am I giving it four stars yet clearly not a fan? Because I recognize why others like it and maybe why you will to.
I'm not a fan of loud, live bands playing in confined spaces. But almost everyone I know is. So if you are alright with being squished between strangers in a packed room, listening to great original or cover bands, then this is for you. I'm not a big fan of live bands or being cramped while being hit-on by women fifteen years older than me. Which is why I don't go Friday nights at 7pm. When i do go with friends it is for the purpose of eating their nachos which are very good and fairly priced. Their chicken is also well done. The good news is you also have the choice to eat away from the live band. The ambiance isn't amazing in the eating areas. But it has the Scottish feel to it that is expected in this particular pub. They have an outside patio where you can people watch and the bar is right on the beautiful Halifax waterfront.
This is a great place for people who love live music and want to be surrounded by a lot of people while the band plays. I'm not one of those people but I look around and always see others having a great time. Strange review, I know. lol. Its sort of like me reviewing a country music song. I hate most country music, but I can respect that it is an art and has a strong following for good reason. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
10/30/2009 1 photo
I don't expect you'll be able to find a pub with more of a 'Maritime' feel in all of Nova Scotia!
Lower deck is a great place to go if you're up for live bands like: McGinty's, Singal Hill and Wreckhouse. Most of these bands play favorites like: tequila sunrise, here for a good time as well as barrett's privateers and farewell to Nova Scotia.
Be prepared to squeeze in at Lower Deck as it's packed weekend nights.
I'm not a big fan of this bar's upstairs portion which is predictably named: Upper Deck. Expect more smarmy men on the upper level watching the fresh university meat dance to Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, etc.
Definitely head into Lower Deck for a few pints though and some old live favorites. -
Review from Nathalie C.
Moncton, NB
8/26/2010
The Lower Deck is a great spot, inside and out. The inside is a bit small for the busier nights (Friday/Saturday), but the deck is always a great choice. The only downfall is that it closes at 1AM.
Another thing that is a bit annoying is that there is a different waiter/waitress for drinks and food. It would be nice to have one waiter/waitress for everything instead of trying to track down more than one person.
Other than that, it's a great spot for a nice cold brew! -
Review from Lacey H.
4/1/2010
When I was in my early teens, walking past this pub midsummer, I'd think "boy, I can't wait to go there when I'm old enough." Well the 19th birthday came and went and so did my desire to head on into The Lower Deck.
I mean sure, a Nova Scotch yehaw time is great, but I'm just not a huge fan of this place. I will say that the location and old stone building housing the pub is simply delightful. Smack dab on the waterfront, boardwalk underfoot - this place has perfect location written all over it.
I have enjoyed myself here on occasion. If you're in the mood for "traditional" Nova Scotia music, paired with very drunk people doing jigs, then yes, this place can be quite grand. However, it's always very busy and I've had some not so pleasant experiences when dealing with the bouncers.
I suppose my stance is such: It's often loud and "maritimey," with loads of people having a good time. I guess it doesn't sound so bad when I put it like that....
Still, I've never taken an out-of-towner here. Just not my little old cuppa-tea, I suppose. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
6/3/2010 1 photo
The Lower Deck is always rocking on the weekends. Now in the summer time you can hear it before you see it. The outside deck is filled with tables and umbrellas with hundreds of people and alot of beer.
Lower deck is actually made up of a few different sections lower, middle and upper and they are always rocking with some live music. Maritime favourites are always able to get a crowd rocking and when it it is outside in the summer the Historic Properties comes alive. If you are not comfortable with crowds that get really close then this is not a place for you as it can get packed tight. And to have a room full Maritimers with pictures of beer flowing can be very overwhelming to some. This is a must to visit on a Saturday night in the summer, enjoy. -
Review from Ayla H.
Halifax, NS
12/5/2009
The Lower Deck is one of those places that I never want to go to, because I think it's pretty touristy, but once I'm there I always end up having a good time. Booze may be responsible for that, but the place is usually full of people who are singing and getting trashed, and that's a pretty infectious mood.
Whether you end up mocking the trashy house band (Hellooooo, soul patches!), getting your grind on (eww) upstairs, or defending your virtue from that huge drunk with the missing teeth, The Lower Deck has lots of exciting experiences on offer. Bartenders here have always been rllll nice, and I've only had a couple beers spilled on me by strangers. It's loud, but no one's complaining. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/3/2010 2 photos
Now that the weather is getting warmer, the Lower Deck is a great place to lounge away a Saturday afternoon.
The Lower Deck is located on the Halifax Harbour Walk and is always crowded once the weather turns. This means it can be difficult to get a seat (especially on the patio), but if you can grab one you're in for a treat.
The food here is tasty, standard pub fair. I personally enjoy their club. It's not going to set the world on fire, but the decent food and excellent atmosphere can make for a great time. This is definitely the place to check out with some friends the next warm day you come across.
Hot Hint: The Lower Deck features great live bands every night during the summer. -
Review from Jonathan W.
Calgary, AB
10/4/2009
Great crowd, two floors, so really a great scene for anyone.
First floor, just a great example of the friendly boisterous Halifax party. Wall to wall people, a live band with blaring music too loud to hear your neighbor say anything, true maritime style with people hooting and hollering. But, this scene isn't for everyone, although I would argue, when in Rome.
If you're more like a city folk (i.e. TO, Montreal), don't fret; if you can't sing the ol' sea songs, just mosey on upstairs for a whole different scene. The DJ there spins the hip-hop and old school Snoop. Didn't really eat anything. Although the shooter girls came by with medicine cups of something that didn't taste to bad.
Overall, I don't think you will be disappointed. There is something here for everyone and you have your choice or Keith's or Stella. -
Review from Jay D.
7/11/2010 2 photos
Rude management. Amazing town, but junky horrid establishment, pass and go some where else. Tons of fun breweries, no need to waste your time here. I'm amazed by the flip-flop move the manager just made on me and my party. Were a group of 20! Wow! PASS on this place, Yelpers. Lame. Poor selection of beers too.
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Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
12/29/2009
If you are going to the Lower Deck, be prepared to feel like a sardine in a can. It is just that packed. The seating is a little strange, it is like super large picnic tables, with bench seats. a little hard to get in and out of , especially after a few beer.
But if you want to have fun, go here. The bands are live and great. The crowd usually gets into the signing on most songs. There is a small spot, and I say spot to dance. I don't think it is for dance, but some people do anyway.
The lighting is very dim, but this is good. Not too many people look that good after hours of drinking.
The food is good. Large portions and you can even eat out on the deck and people watch. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/2/2010
We dove into the Lower Deck one sunny afternoon after a couple of hours whiling our time away on the waterfront. The cool interior was welcome after the hot sun and after our eyes adjusted to the dim light, we made our way to one of the circular booths to the left of the entrance.
The Lower Deck must have been having a slow day; if I recall correctly there were maybe 3 or 4 other tables in there with us. We ordered our meals and sat back waiting for the food to arrive.
It didn't disappoint. My boyfriend stayed true to his roots and got the fish and chips; beer battered, it was light and flaky all the way through. My not-father-in-law ordered the chowder and was impressed with both the size of the serving and the flavour of the seafood. I had the nachos and aside from the banana peppers (hello hotness!) they were great.
You're not going to find flights of culinary prowess here, but what they do serve, they serve well. The beer's cold, the food's good - so what's keeping from the Lower Deck? -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
9/22/2009
The Lower Deck is by far one of my all-time favorite places to go in Halifax. Overlooking the Halifax Harbour, the Lower Deck is a true-maritime bar in every way, shape and form. With Maritime Celtic music filling the air, and staff dressed in kilts, everything about the bar says "welcome to the Maritimes".
The bar frequently has live entertainment including performances by Signal Hill, Shameless, Corey Tetford (from Crush) and even Great Big Sea. So whether you're going down for a Keith's beer, or for an evening of live entertainment, you're sure to have a great time. -
Review from Bpower W.
Whitby, ON
9/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Classic, well known bar on the waterfront. Good fish and chips, good beer and great music. Service was slow and they have a weird habit of taking drink and food orders separately. Very annoying and confused a lot of tourists around us. But...classic Halifax and well worth the visit.
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Review from Stacy G.
9/16/2010
This place is a "MUST VISIT" whenever you are in the Halifax, Nova Scotia region. It's a little known secret about the bar under the restaurant. The bands are awesome. When we were there, Signal Hill was the band that night. They are the best! Irish pub tunes mixed with rock tunes, you can't go wrong.
Beers are icy cold and the crowd is hot. Perfect mix for a night out. By the end of the night, we were all singing Irish songs and toasting everything in sight! -
Review from Darren G.
Lower Sackville, NS
3/18/2010
I Love the 1st floor of the lower deck, the big worn wooden tables and benches, this is the quintessential maritime pub. Always the hot spot for live entertainment just drop by on a Saturday afternoon. Excellent pub food can be expected along with the same service. One of my fav spot in Halifax.
