Written by Payton McPhee

Thumbnail Photo by Justin Aikin on Unsplash

Is there anything better than a hot summer day spent on a patio with friends? I don’t think so! In Halifax, patio season does not disappoint, being that there are over 70 patios in just the downtown area alone, and these patios all have something unique and exciting to offer. Some patios offer an amazing atmosphere that makes you never want to leave, while others have entertainment that makes you feel like you’re at a concert. On the other hand, there are some patios that are just great because of their cheap drink and snack deals. This article aims to offer Haligonians a non-exhaustive list of the best patios in and around the Peninsula so this summer can be spent the right way: sitting on a lovely patio with your closest friends.

The Stubborn Goat Beer Garden: Location. Atmosphere. Views. There is little to no debate on whether or not the Stubborn Goat Beer Garden is the ultimate summer patio. Located on the waterfront, this patio knows how to make you feel as though you never want to leave. The Beer Garden consists of two levels of cozy tables, firepits and twinkle lights scattered around the venue, and it is completely outdoors. Unfortunately, the popularity of this patio creates several downsides: long wait times to get a table, lengthy lines to use the washrooms, and the overpriced and under-filled drinks. However, although we all know these negatives of spending a day at the Beer Garden, we seem to always go back. It seems that patio-goers are fine with waiting and paying extra simply because of the amazing atmosphere this place offers.

Address: 1599 Lower Water Street

The Lower Deck: Every person in Halifax knows about The Lower Deck, no matter what age they are. The Lower Deck is known to be bustling with people of all ages at any given night, but especially Sundays. Their patio is beautiful and is located in such a quaint area on Upper Water Street. The Lower Deck is also known for having some of the best and consistent entertainment around, with Signal Hill performing almost every Sunday. On these busy Sundays, The Lower Deck turns into a night-long party with customers singing and pedestrians dancing outside on the sidewalk.

Address: 1887 Upper Water Street

Niche BBQ and Beer Yard: If you are looking for a unique and picturesque patio, Niche is the place to go. Niche’s patio is situated in a courtyard-type area within the Sheraton Four Points hotel on Salter Street which makes this patio feel so secluded and hidden. They offer couch-style seating, as well as cozy tables, that are all directed toward a massive projector screen. Niche is the ultimate place to gather with friends and watch any important upcoming hockey, soccer or football game!

Address: Side entrance of The Four Points on Salter Street

Your Father’s Moustache Beer Garden: Spring Garden Road is known as the busiest pedestrian street and shopping district in Atlantic Canada, which means that it must be one of the best places to grab a meal and a drink with friends. What could be better than sitting on a patio on the bustling Spring Garden Road? Sitting on a patio above Spring Garden Road! Your Father’s Moustache boasts a rooftop patio that overlooks the busy street below and it is the perfect location to cool off after a warm day of summer shopping.

Address: 5686 Spring Garden Road

Birch & Anchor: Situated on the very edge of the Bedford Basin, Birch & Anchor’s location gives off a backyard barbecue feel - in the best type of way! The grounds offer seating at picnic tables that are distributed along the shore of the water which allows customers to forget that the Bedford Highway is just behind them. The view and atmosphere is incredibly homey and breathtaking all at once.

Address: 367 Bedford Highway

Garrison Brewing Company: This patio is unlike any other. Located away from any other patio, bar or restaurant, Garrison Brewing Company feels like a hidden gem. Although it is only located at Halifax’s Seaport, it seems like it is outside of the city. Garrison brews their beer onsite and there is something so intriguing about sitting a few steps away from where the beer you are drinking is brewed. It almost makes you feel like you are a part of the process. While on their patio, customers can listen to the trains coming and going from the nearby train yard, visit Halifax’s Seaport Farmers Market and visit the many other local shops nearby. Garrison’s patio is enticing because they haven’t succumbed to any of the norms that a patio is thought to have. For example, they don’t offer pitchers and instead, they only offer glasses or flights of beer. They also do not serve any snacks or food. If you are interested in visiting Garrison’s patio, I personally recommend ordering their Georgia Peach Pale Ale.

Address: 1149 Marginal Road

The Brown Hound Public House: This restaurant, and their patio, is proof that not every eatery needs to be busy and provide beautiful views to be worth the experience. The Brown Hound is nestled in a quiet and secluded street that is tucked in between Hollis and Upper Water Street. In fact, the building is often difficult to find and very easy to miss being that it is located on Ironstone Lane, a small side street between Hollis and Lower Water Street. Their patio offers a rustic and comforting presence within the backyard of a historic building which makes you feel as though you are miles away from any city (even though it is in the middle of Downtown Halifax!). The Brown Hound has happy hour daily from 4:30-6:30 and their food is worthy of telling your friends about.

Address: 1450 Ironstone Lane

Stone’s Throw: Sometimes it is the hidden patios that prove to be the best! Stone’s Throw Patio is located inside the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel and is overlooking the water and the boardwalk. The patio is situated above the boardwalk which makes this spot great for people watching and taking in views of the harbour. They offer a daily happy hour that lasts all day which means that Haligonians can grab a $5 craft beer or cocktail while soaking in the summer sun. Stone’s Throw also hosts Trivia Nights throughout the summer which makes for loads of fun!

Address: 1919 Upper Water Street

Photo by Maritime Beer Report. Brightwood Brewery patio.

Brightwood Brewery Beer Garden: The downside of being in Halifax is not being able to really see Halifax. Combat this by visiting Brightwood Brewery in Dartmouth, which is situated on the water's edge and displays Halifax’s beautiful skyline. Brightwood Brewery offers amazing views, both in the daytime and at night, and their beer is top-quality. Once your evening is finished, customers can just hop on the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry next door and return to the city within 5 minutes!

Address: 35 Portland Street, Dartmouth

Battery Park Beer Bar and Eatery: Just across the MacDonald bridge in Downtown Dartmouth, Battery Park can be found. While it’s indoor dining is enough to make anyone want to come back for a second time, their outdoor beer bar is just as intriguing (if not more!). With an award-winning farm-to-table chef and over 15 local beers rotating on tap, the Beer Bar is designed for deliciousness. The Beer Bar is another patio that can be difficult to find, but that is what makes it so charming. The vibe of the patio makes customers feel as though they are in their backyard with friends rather than a restaurant in Downtown Dartmouth. Notably, there is a North Brewing Co. cold beer store located within the restaurant itself which allows for customers to purchase any drinks they may have enjoyed and take them home.

Address: 62 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth

Halifax is known to be a foodie’s paradise and their patio and outdoor dining options don’t disappoint. There are so many places that deserve recognition as great patios but they simply can’t all fit onto this list. Spend this summer the right way by checking out the patios that Halifax has to offer; not only will it lead to a great day, but it will also financially help these businesses that have been closed for so long due to COVID-19.

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