A Weekend Guide for Out of Towners

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Visiting for a few days and looking to nab some hot stops? From shopping, cafés, dinner, jaunts and nightlife, heres a playlist of local culture at its finest.

 1. The Coast Halifax's Weekly

5567 Cunard St
Halifax, NS B3K 6R7
(902) 422-6278

Category: Print Media

5.0 star rating
  Update - 7/8/2010

This post is somewhat of a personal disclosure.

With my previous review covering The Coast in a broader sense,  it is here where I delve a little deeper into my own demise. What is it about this weekly that keeps me smiling? Sure, Savage Love is a…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    3/18/2010

    I've become quite reliant on my weekly readings of The Coast. It does a thorough job in reporting… Read more »

 2. Trident Booksellers and Cafe

1256 Hollis St
Halifax, NS B3J 1T6
(902) 423-7100
5.0 star rating
  3/13/2010

A brilliant little nook for coffee drinkers and bookworms alike. The fusing of used books and hot beverages is a strategy deemed ideal.

The aesthetic borrows from the archives of old libraries with towering wooden shelves and dim lighting. Atmosphere…More »

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 3. Jane's On The Common

2394 Robie St
Halifax, NS B3K 4M7
(902) 431-5683
5.0 star rating
  Update - 4/10/2010

Fantastic dinner at Jane's the other night.

Lucky for us, it was a quiet Thursday evening and there were no line ups to stifle our appetites. I was out with a few friends from out of town who I hadn't seen in a while, so it was somewhat of a special…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    3/22/2010

    Wheat intolerance, eat your heart out! Jane's on the Common is a coming together of foods for the… Read more »

 4. Tom's Little Havana Cafe

5428 Doyle St
Halifax, NS B3J 1H9
(902) 423-8667
5.0 star rating
  Update - 5/13/2010

Its been a few months since my initial Tom's review; however, throughout this period, I've spent a substantial amount of time (and cash) here and wanted to provide an update as a reoccurring customer.

Day or night-- Tom's rocks. I've found daytime…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    3/9/2010

    Discretely positioned along a downtown side street resides the sure brilliance of Tom's Little… Read more »

 5. Fred Salon Cafe & Gallery

2606 Agricola St
Halifax, NS B3K 4C8
(902) 423-5400
5.0 star rating
  4/24/2010

I finally made it to this North End hotspot, and it was everything I'd envisioned and more. Fred's fusion of Cafe / Salon / Gallery is a well executed vision with the big city buzz.

Its quarters bring an energy that's unique to any spot in the city.…More »

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 6. Tarek's Cafe

3045 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3K 4P6
(902) 454-8723

Category: Middle Eastern

5.0 star rating
  5/7/2010

This is where my heart-on for Yelp rises high. Tarek's Cafe was but a needle in a hay stack; a grain of sand in the depths of the ocean's floor; a strand of hair in Lindsay Lohan's weave. It wasn't until reading a few scrumptious reviews on Yelp that…More »

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 7. Smiling Goat Organic Espresso Bar

1551 S Park St
Halifax, NS B3J 4B4
(902) 446-3366

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
  4/6/2010

I decided to branch out today. With so many coffee offerings around the city, I've been getting a bit bored of reporting the standard tea feedback. With a few exceptions, tea variety can be fairly mundane. And so with my first trip to The Smiling…More »

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 8. Halifax Farmers Market

1496 Lower Water St
Halifax, NS B3J 3R5
(902) 492-4043

Category: Farmers Market

4.0 star rating
  Update - 8/1/2010

The Farmers Market is gearing for some changes and will be adjusting to new quarters of the Pier 21 shortly. I sure will miss its sweet Hollis Street abode, but change can be fun, and it will be interesting to compare vibes.

A little further out,…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/18/2010

    Whether I've had a late night or just need a bit of catch up, it can be tough gathering ambition on… Read more »

 9. Historic Properties

1869 Upper Water St
Halifax, NS B3J 1S9
(902) 429-0530
4.0 star rating
  6/25/2010

Geared towards the folks from away, Historic Properties will leave visitors with lovely impressions and a taste of Nova Scotian Heritage. While mostly all of these shops are tourist centred, there is a genuine flavour to each and everyone!

Take a walk…More »

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 10. Morris East

5212 Morris St
Halifax, NS B3J 1B4
(902) 444-7663
5.0 star rating
  3/12/2010

Morris East is the best pizza I've had in Halifax by far. Its fresh and inspired with its combinations of toppings & spices. Pizza is cooked on in a wood-fired oven, creating heaven in bread form. Not too soft, not to crisp- its just right!

The rest…More »

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 11. The Wooden Monkey

1707 Grafton St
Halifax, NS B3J 2C6
(902) 444-3844
4.0 star rating
  Update - 5/1/2010

A much needed reaffirmation of my love for the Wooden Monk.

I set sail to this resto for a first date (ooh!) just recently. Points to my new friend for suggesting such a lovely setting, as it had been too long since I've graced its confines.

It wasn't…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    2/18/2010

    For those who prefer the full-on experience when dining out, the Wooden Monkey is a venue that… Read more »

 12. Heartwood

6250 Quinpool Rd
Halifax, NS B3L 1A3
(902) 425-2808
4.0 star rating
  Update - 3/31/2010

I went to Heartwood today and of course it was delightful.

We went at a quiet hour- only a few peeps in the restaurant. Undivided attention, hello! I ordered the broccoli & red cabbage salad which was good... but maybe a little too much cabbage. Pre…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    3/24/2010

    I heard about Heartwood in passing, but it wasn't until reading such rave reviews on Yelp that I… Read more »

 13. Twisted Muse

5486 Spring Garden Rd
Halifax, NS B3J 1G2
(902) 446-3662

Category: Fashion

5.0 star rating
  Update - 7/22/2010

Twisted Muse has opened its doors and is certainly making waves. Located in a freshly constructed unit above Mills Brothers, this is another sure thing for the savvy, Johanna Galipeau. (Who also owns Sweet Pea)

Its a boutique filled with urban cool.…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    5/26/2010 First to Review

    Attention to the fashion friendly.

    The owner of Sweet Pea Boutique is in preparations of opening a… Read more »

 14. Henhouse Home Decor & Antiques

5533 Young St
Halifax, NS B3K 1Z7
(902) 423-4499
4.0 star rating
  4/15/2010

Country Chic at its best.

Henhouse is a lovely little spot specializing in the construction of unique, one-of-a-kind kitchen furnishings. The store is showroom of its wonderfully rustic decor and a display of true craftsmanship. It really brings a…More »

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 15. Wildflower Clothing

5553 Clyde St
Halifax, NS B3J 3T5
(902) 420-0364
5.0 star rating
  5/13/2010

I am greeted by the sweetest little pup of life. Digger, a soft ball of fur and playful puppy of 5 months, is the owner's pet and boutique doorman. Learning the ways of retail, his cuteness is the perfect way to begin this endeavor.

What a sweet…More »

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 16. Black Market Boutique

1545 Grafton St
Halifax, NS B3J 2B9
(902) 423-5724

Category: Arts & Crafts

4.0 star rating
  3/10/2010

The Black Market is a fun little shop to drop into every now and again. Years ago when I'd come to the city to visit friends, it was always a staple shopping destination. Nowadays, I don't feel the need go in as often because their selection of…More »

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 17. Biscuit General Store

1661 Argyle St
Halifax, NS B3J 2B5
(902) 425-5436
4.0 star rating
  Update - 5/29/2010

Attention girls and boys, Biscuit is fully stocked with summertime goodness.

As I did a Saturday morning browse, my visit to Bisc assured a home run for warm weather classics. The store is looking great with all the semi-recent renovations, new…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    3/11/2010

    Biscuit General Store is a top rate boutique for Halifax's fashion friendly.  Throughout the years,… Read more »

 18. Point Pleasant Park

5718 Point Pleasant Dr
Halifax, NS B3H 1B5

5.0 star rating
  3/24/2010

Tis the season....

Spring is here and I am more than eager to get my run on. Point Pleasant is always a great spot to escape city landscapes and roam freely with nature. Judging by its deep forests and trail opportunity, you'd never guess its place on…More »

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 19. Joker's Comedy Club - CLOSED

5680 Spring Garden Rd
Halifax, NS B3K 3S9
(902) 421-5653

Category: Comedy Clubs

4.0 star rating
  6/8/2010

The lovely people of Picnik Face reeled me in for a first time Joker's experience. Sunday nights are improv and stand-up, and so it seems, that this group of jokesters attract a quite a crowd.

For $5, folks can take to this cosy basement lounge and…More »

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 20. Oxford Theatre

6408 Quinpool Rd
Halifax, NS B3L 1A8
(902) 423-7488

Category: Cinema

4.0 star rating
  9/11/2010

Cinema has not lost its certainty at this fine theater. A place to indulge in old-world tendencies and fine balcony seating, the Oxford emphasizes films through the spectrum to show.

Audrey Tatu as Coco Chanel was a lovely film to experience amongst…More »

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 21. Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation

39 Doyle St
Halifax, NS B3J 1H9
(902) 422-0580
5.0 star rating
  3/30/2010

With all of the wine and spirit shops in the area, is Port of Wines really worth the trip?

The answer is YES. Besides a well ranged body of wine and an inviting store space, the staff here are incredibly accommodating. The last time I was in, I…More »

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 22. Tribeca Bistro Bar - CLOSED

1588 Granville St
Halifax, NS B3J 1X1
(902) 492-4036

Categories: Bars, Dance Clubs

5.0 star rating
  Update - 5/22/2010

Dear Tribecs,

I've become accustomed to your retro car-seat perch along the upper bar wall. Cosy, comfy and the ultimate view for a voyeur. While Saturday nights are most hyped, I find myself clipping down Granville for a Friday fix of dancing and…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/17/2010

    Tribeca is always a fun night out. Its a spot to indulge in a little 'dance like nobody's watching'… Read more »

 23. The Seahorse Tavern

1665 Argyle St
Halifax, NS B3J 1A1
(902) 423-7200

Categories: Music Venues, Pubs

4.0 star rating
  3/11/2010

The Seahorse is a bit of a dive but its a great spot to go for live music and friendly times. Cover is generally pretty cheap compared to other late night venues and the range in music is pretty vast. Hip-hop, dub step, bluesy funk, electro madness-…More »

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 24. The Paragon Theatre - CLOSED

2037 Gottingen St
Halifax, NS B3K

Category: Music Venues

5.0 star rating
  3/15/2010

The Paragon has proved to be a staple venue for music lovers and cool kids of the night. Its survived rumoured closures, questionable renovations, a new name, and lucky for us- just plain refuses to stop groovin'.

The space is a bit long and narrow,…More »

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 25. Casino Taxi

3558 Novalea Dr
Halifax, NS B3K 3E8
(902) 425-6666

Category: Taxis

4.0 star rating
  6/13/2010

Casino is always my first choice when catching a cab. Such dedication is partially due to the sheer simplicity of its telephone number: 429-6666. An easy one for the ol' memory box, no?

Throughout many trips, both day and night, I've noticed a…More »

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 26. Sicilian Pizza Donairs Subs

5245 Blowers St
Halifax, NS B3J 1J8
(902) 423-5555

Category: Pizza

3.0 star rating
  5/19/2010

Late night pizza fix-- Sicilian is a staple spot. Located conveniently on the downtown Pizza Corner plateau, late night scallywags and hunger stricken mongrels can find their flavour here.

Always an open door, and a brightly colored interior, Sicilian…More »

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Recently updated lists from Laura P.

Girls Night! (10)

Here are some spots to hit on a night out with the gals. Bachelorette parties, birthdays, or just a random night of togetherness-- these places can accommodate the much needed girl time.

Flying Solo (9)

Table for one, please! Whether its academia, work related or just some quiet time to ones self, these are some local haunts to embrace the solo experience.

The Sushi Experience (7)

A recent 5 day sushi binge has inspired a list of the best spots to grab up.

Mindful Eating (12)

Halifax restaurants offering delicious options for gluten free, vegan, Vegetarian and health conscious dishes

Namaste (10)

Awaken some zen with these great spots. Yoga, pilates, dance, gear - all things within the realms of holistic wellness. (More to come)

Tea Time (8)

Steep yourself amongst these hot water hubs! Top notch-- to a Tea.

There's No Place Like Home(made) (9)

Nothing tastes as good as homemade. Here is a listing of yummy Halifax spots with the best of breads, sammis, pastries and other delicious goodies-- all with the wholesome, homemade flavour. Just like Mom used to make.

Best Veggie Pizzas (5)

The best pizzas are made from good old fashioned TLC. Here are some of the top spots serving some magnificent 'za for the veggie friendly.

Culture Cool (17)

Some of Halifax's all around best flavors.

Art World (10)

A listing of artistically inclined spots around the city to inspire and provoke.

See all 17 lists »

Former Scout

Review votes:
1821 Useful, 386 Funny, and 1156 Cool

Location

Toronto, ON

Yelping Since

February 2010

Things I Love

cycling, music, film, wine, treats, ambient lighting.

Find Me In

Kensington, LIttle Italy, the Annex.

My Hometown

Rothesay, NB / Halifax, NS

My Blog Or Website

http://www.lolanovella... /   http://twitter.com/#!/...

Why You Should Read My Reviews

curious george and fly on the wall

The Last Great Book I Read

The Fran Lebowitz Reader

My First Concert

The Beach Boy(s)

My Favourite Movie

The Dreamers, Trios Coleurs Trilogy

My Last Meal On Earth

apple crumble with hot tea.

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

i'll lick my plate

Most Recent Discovery

raw cacao... in my smoothie.