We were in the North End and wanted to grab a quick bite. Gus' pub was right across the street so I said "why don't we just go there?" She was skeptical because she never knew of anyone who actually ate there before. We've both been to shows, but had nothing more than beer! First glace at the menu and I was shocked. It does have your average pub style food... but the prices were so, so cheap!! and they were listed to INCLUDE tax! A hamburger and fries for like $5.50?! Fish and chips for $6.25?! Insane!! Insanely good! I got the fish and chips (I'm turning into my father, ordering it wherever I go, uhooo!). The pieces were large and the batter was perfect; you could tell the fish was fresh. The chips were home made and delicious. We were the only people in there besides the few gamblers in the games room and the staff. So, obviously our server was super attentive and speedy; he filled our water glasses for us about 4 times! It was awesome. I feel like Gus' pub is like the hidden gem of greasy pub style food. I will definitely return! read more

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Ahh, Gus', a local watering hole actually worth traveling too... If you don't happen to live nearby that is! An awesome place to go and hear some lesser known bands hailing from a pretty diverse set of genres. Cheap drinks as well especially on Monday as I recall. Clams were extra special yummy! Must have had something to do with their hand dug local-ness! read more

Gus' Pub & Grill - fire hydrant in front of a red building - American Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

The food is so good !! Service was awesome and trivia was soooo fun!! Great staff here and good vibes !

Gus' has its own following being a staple of the north end. If you are looking for some live entertainment you will catch it here. You have to appreciate Gus' and not be expecting 5 star interior etc. Gus' is just simply Gus'. It has it quirks, funked decor, small dance floor, strange characters, and a great burger. It does get packed but all is in fun and it is a very casual attire. Gus' will usually give a fun night out, cheap bear and great laughs. read more

Gus' Pub & Grill - American Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Working down the street from Gus's ago I started a craving for their Cheeseburger platter with gravy and sauteed onions. YUM. I don't know but there is something about Pub food that is delicious. Maria always used to have it packed to go waiting for me. It has been awhile since I was at Gus but a few friends went one night after work for some cold ones as well as some good. Well you know I had to get the burger and fries for old time sakes and it was just as good. Other things ordered were a clubhouse which looked good and who can not go without ordering fried peperoni. Now like others have said that this place is not know for its lovely decor but for a place that has been around for years that everyone knows your name. Great live entertainment normally packs a full house with standing room only. But I think it they changed it that it would change the feel of the place. One thing I can say is that please paint over that red out front. read more

Gus' Pub & Grill - he outside of the building - American Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Alright. I suppose I shouldn't get entirely caught up in the arrival of Ace Burger and start painting Gus' with too generous a brush. Tonight I arrived with a crowd varying between ten and fifteen people over the course of two hours - the one main party in the entire bar on a Friday night - with the intention of buying some beers, hanging out, and slipping quietly into the weekend. As a bar, Gus' continued to make this more difficult than it had to be. I'm okay with cash only given that there is an ATM within arm's reach from the bar. I would even have been okay with the refusal to set up a tab. All I needed was the ability to get a receipt for each of my purchases which I'm afraid was also refused. They said I could keep track on my own and request a receipt later. But, "if it's 11pm and busy, good luck getting one." Super. Short of refusing to serve me beer, this is the most difficult a bar could make it for me to spend my money there on a quiet Friday night. At least I know for next time. read more

Zero complaints to be had. Perhaps a little pricey with the cheapest burger being $6. Probably the best burger I've ever had, so it was worth it. Bar is in the opposite corner. Limited selection, mainly carries beer. Shots are average price. Bartender had a great sense of humour. Staff is awesome. Friendly and easy to talk to. Looks like they actually enjoy working here. Refreshing to think that not everybody hates their service industry job. Stage in the corner for live entertainment. Went to a comedy show and was impressed. Great to see the side of Halifax nightlife that doesn't include dirty dancing in questionably clean locales. The place does seem quite clean, though poorly lit. Not many tables but a great place to take friends for a night out. Wouldn't suggest it for a family get together or a date though. read more

Best dive bar in the city. Hipster-dive bar. Cozy and charming and fun. Also, awesome indie music. Gus' is a godamn institution. read more

I've been here three times. And every time it was primarily because of an Ace Burger craving. In fact before Ace moved in, I was more than a little intimidated of Gus' red walls. Rumor has it this place is rather beloved in the Halifax live music scene. I haven't seen a show, but I am surprised because the space at Gus' is much smaller than I imagined, and a little less than half the space is devoted to a glass encased VLT room. The bar takes cash only and service at the bar isn't exactly what I would describe as friendly. The beer selection is limited, but you can get a Stella. For me, if it weren't for Ace Burger and it's all around awesome, I probably would never visit dear old Gus. read more

Appearances can be deceiving as my first visit to Gus Pub revealed to me. Last Friday, I met a bunch of girlfriends for lunch who managed my expectations by telling it was a bit dive-y and not to expect the usual downtown lunch crowd. I was pleased to find a very clean, eclectically decorated (lots of gilt framed mirrors), old school drinking establishment. The most intimidating part of my visit was getting past the sketchy, beat-up wooden doors on the way in. The only remotely creepy element was the leftover glassed in smoking room which now houses VLTs, but you can easily situate yourself away from this very public birds eye view of gamblers. I had the two piece fish and chips for less than $7. We got some nachos for less than $6. I have to say the outstanding value award goes to the crunchy chicken burger and fries for $4.25 which my girlfriend ordered. Both the fish and the nachos were delicious (although the fries were a bit on the soggy side, but had been better on previous visits I was told by my friends). I'd like to try the clams, but they are only served when fresh--a nice sign of a commitment to quality. The only downside was that the drinks are almost as expensive as the food. $3 for a Diet Coke is a bit steep! The service was great--nice, friendly and attentive. It's not conventionally upscale, but it's certainly more upscale than it appears. I'd happily go back to see a show at night and I'll definitely be back for lunch. Good food at really great prices. read more

Walked in. Looked around. Walked right back out. It is possible the food is good. It is possible the......beer was....beer, but eating on dirty tables that were cleaned, but still dirty no thanks. Every table was crooked and not level.. If we had gotten previously mentioned possibly good food it no doubt would have slid right off the table in to the floor. One mistake I'll not make, eating in Gus' Pub. Dark. Dirty. Unappealing. Repulsive. read more

Okay, my fandom for this place comes with a serious disclaimer: this place is kind of sketch. But in a lovable neighbourhood pub kind of way. It's pretty much the opposite of fancy, but no one is trying to be fancy here. They're just doing what they're doing and you can't help but respect that. This is the kind of place where I go to chill with friend, listen to live music and drink cheap beer. And it's usually the music I come for. You can pretty much see everything from techno-pop to punk bagpipes. I saw an amazeballs Jenocide/Ruby Jean show here. What I really love about this place is it's lack of pretention, it's how the locals and the hipsterish types mix so well. No one gives a shit who you are or how you're dressed or even if your music isn't to their taste. So thumbs up Gus' Pub! I'm not sure I'll ever eat at your establishment (I've yet to try any food), but I'll keep on coming back. read more

A beloved dive bar in the North End of Halifax, Gus' Pub is basically an institution. If you're into the local music scene, you've definitely been here and probably have some fond (and foggy) memories. Don't expect anything fancy. The bar takes cash only, and the selection is pretty limited. Most bars serve Strongbow cider these days, but Gus's doesn't - my one and only gripe with the place. I've never tried the food, but now that Ace Burger is housed inside, that's what I'll be getting. Ace's lamb burger + a cold, cheap beer from Gus's = bliss. read more

This place is more then welcoming. Typcially cash only but dont worry if you forget your cash there is a ATM on site! Limited selection of spirits but still a good selection. Good selection of beer..over all great envoriourment. Will definitely return read more

I'm not a regular but I can tell you they have great burgers for those days where you need just a bit of pub to get you through that lunch hour. I've also heard they host great live music events. Will have to check it out. read more

if you're looking for fancy this is not the place for you. In fact it is the exact opposite of fancy. It has a certain simplicity about it, which I suppose is endearing. Its not fancy, its not complicated, heck its not even pretty. But I can see how it serves its purpose. I can't say Gus' will turn into a regular go-to spot for me. I found the drink prices to be expensive for the location (almost $6 for a single shot?) - rumour has it the food is good, though we weren't there to eat. I was in recently to take in some live music and have to say, while the music wasn't exactly my taste, the acoustics I found to be awful. As a venue that apparently frequently hosts live musical entertainment you'd think they'd invest in making it more acoustically pleasing. Its a rather small space and the music just seems to bounce around it. The frequenters that night ran the gamut. It seems to attract a wide variety of people. An unpretentious, simple neighbourhood watering hole? Gus' fits the bill on that one. And if that is what you're looking for, you'll probably enjoy it. read more

There is one thing about the Halifax scene that bothers me downtown. A lot of the places are the same and it seems no matter where you go the band is a cover band. This is absolutely not true of Gus' Pub. I was a little worried the first time I got here because it's a little skeezy looking on the outside but once I got in, I felt much better. The place is clean, the service is with a smile and the bands that play there are unique and talented. Also, how is it so cheap to drink here? I can't believe it sometimes. I wish prices were like this in the entire city. That would be pretty epic. This isn't my "go to" spot by any means and I don't visit it often, but every time I do, I have a great time. read more

Gus' is the go-to spot for eclectic carryings of live music. When the weekend rolls around and the kids come out to play, this is a serious contender for kewl music and sweat-stained dance parties. Folks are dancing shoulder to shoulder, but nobody ever seems to mind. With the corner stage and a crowd as close as they can get, everyones just there to enjoy some sounds. Garage rock, indie chills, thrash metal... Gus' is a music lover's local dream. The venue offers a fun energy, good crowds and inspired line-ups on the weekly. Comedy shows? Yep, Gus' wants you to crack a smile as well. If your into shows and new explorations, Gus' is a sure bet. VLTs and a smoking room add tones of endearment, and all in all, this is a North End staple. read more

Lot's of great shows happen here. The venue seems more suited for checking out bands that can rock a little or quieter bands that have lots of instruments. If you're just a solo performer with a guitar, you may be disappointed to hear people talking over your performance. Some of the best sweaty shows I've seen here include Cousins, Rich Aucoin and Hooded Fang. Now that the place has Ace Burger, shows are even more enjoyable if you need to pause from rocking out and grab a bite to re-energize. Don't take your girlfriend here for a date, but feel free to get trashed with friends here. VLT machines, bars, burger joint....this place is a little bit of everything. A strange thing that has to be seen to be believed. read more

Back at Gus last weekend, must say this is one of my favourite little hangouts! Good eats and terrific service. Come one or come all,it's always a fun pub night, especially when the live indie bands are playing in the back. I like bringing my buddies from out of town here to get a different flavour of fun for less than 20 bucks a person :) read more

Cowboy Gus and his hilarious anicdotes attracted me to this place when I first arrived in Halifax and I have never had anything less than an awesome time at Gus' Pub. It's one of the last venues in the city that seems willing and excited to book anything. This means on any given night you could walk into Gus' and see a metal show, a dance show, a hip hop show, anything! It's a very exciting venue for music. need I remind anybody about the Monotonix Pop Explosion show in 2008? The staff are a riot and always quick, which is surprising because this place can be packed! The ridiculous forest themed wall panels also add to the enjoyment of this North End staple. One word of warning, however, often times there is a bowl of party mix on the bar that is free for all to enjoy. At first I bet you're thinking "Hey! Free chips!" but take a moment and note that these are located in close proximity to the bathroom and this place is full of drunk people who may forget to wash their hands. Come for the music (and the Digby clams!), stay for the atmosphere, avoid the party mix. read more

Gus' is perhaps the best little pub off Spring Garden... Not a big, lavish place, but a humble little neighbourhood watering hole. There's live entertainment almost all the time, which makes for great nights. read more

I'm a fan but... First of, just esthetically speaking, I hate the new red color to the place. I mean seriously, did they have a sale on red paint? But that won't change my review although I think it should to a very small degree. The first time I was going to Gus' Pub & Grill, it saved my butt. So I have had a certain appreciation for it ever since. I was on a date and, well, we had nothing interesting to talk about with one another. I am artistic, and love talking creatively. She doesn't do anything in a creative way and is an Accountant. I'm not making this up. So it was a tough time needless to say. But thanks to the live bands at Gus' Pub, we had a nice distraction all night long! I have never been in this Pub when it isn't playing live music. And if you've read some of my two hundred reviews, you'll know that I'm not really a fan of live music. But the exception would be Gus' Pub and I don't know why. Their Burgers are great for a Burger fanatic like myself and everything is priced quite reasonably. The atmosphere is cramped and a bit dark. And the staff are alright but not incredibly outstanding. So I don't know why I love it so much but perhaps when you put all the elements together, it is sort of like those times where the whole is greater than the parts if you know what I mean. If you are a live band fan, this is where you should go. Its a bit gritty but everyone there are there to listen to music and have fun. It definitely deserves its four stars but its hard to put into words why. You have to see it for yourself. It is a bit on the darker side but once the music is playing and you are getting the beer into you, you're all set. read more

Gus' is a Halifax standard in live music entertainment. If there's a show that's worth seeing, it will probably happen at Gus'. This small dive on the corner of North & Robie has been on the music scene in Halifax for a number of years. The place moonlights, or daylights as the case may be, as a regular run of the mill bar, serving pub fare and providing VLTs for the gambling inclined individuals. Although Gus' highlights indie-pop-rock groups, I've also seen a couple of pretty sweet metal shows there not to mention danced my tush off at one of their many retro dance nights. Oh yes, and there are weekly stand-up comedy nights, which I have yet to see in person but have seen the abundance of posters on polls around town. Regular nightly cheap bevies are a thing of the past, but on some of the specialty nights there are still some specials to get jazzed about. I like Gus'. It's casual and easy and a good place to take a load off while seeing some good music. read more

Gus is my go-to bar pretty much every weekend. I don't like the place in particular nor the people who attends to the concerts but unfortunately it is pretty much the only viable place to listen to certain genres of music. The bouncer is unbelievably rude, the place is small and when you have more people than usual (I have never seen more than 50 people there) it becomes almost impossible to walk to the bar and make safe to the table without spilling the beverages. I'll keep going to Gus, just because I don't have a better option. But it could certainly use some improvements. read more

Had the special which was the Po'boy made with fresh Haddock. Came with tarter sauce, chopped pickles and pickled onions. Awesome sandwich and I would recommend this place to anyone who visits Halifax. read more

Only went here for a show and beer. Didn't eat any food. The beer was really great. Had a great hoppy beer and a good selection. The beer was really on the pricey side. All beers are $5.75 and up which I thought was alot of a divey bar. It's a small intimate bar with a little stage. Pretty good place for a show. They also have a little gambling room. We played $10 bucks on the slots for fun and walked out with $37.00 in my pocket. read more

Don't drink and dress. This is bar none one of the best bars in Halifax. Great music, minibeers and always great service,

I love the nightlife of this bar. You get the great people and make great friends there, the local bands that come and play there are great. I have never eatin from ACE though but I heard great things read more

This place is a wasted gold mine. Great spot, great bands, but far too much seating area wasted to arcade machines. I'd get rid of the glass enclosed arcade increase the seating area add at the bar seating and increase the ligour selection and make a fortune. If they ever want to sell look me up! read more

Go strictly to see local + Canadian indie bands play and the cheap beer. You are guaranteed to have a stellar night on the cheap. Cover is usually $5. There can be seedy people hanging around but it goes with the North St. territory. I won't mention the kind of strange propositions I received inside and in front of Gus'. There are always gambling addicts in their VLT room and sometimes the occasional crazy guy ranting and raving about Castro in the back of the room while the bands are on, but it adds to the colour of the whole place. The cheap beer, (I think it's Schooner) isn't even that bad. Go! read more

Good beer specials for pitchers everyday from the local breweries. We went on a Wednesday and enjoyed the $2.99 wings. Service was a little slow though, the server took a while to take our order. Liked the place, will definitely be going back again. read more

Burgers were OK but watch out for the miserable guy behind the 'bar'. He's running a short change scam. I ordered 3 (very small) beers for $6.75 and handed over a $20 dollar note. I was given change for $10. When I questioned him he showed 'attitude' and strongly disagreed. I know I only had $20 dollar notes as had just been to an ATM. I can afford to donate $10 to this place as it would go a long way to improving the decor. However the owners should be aware that their barman is ripping off their customers - I hope this helps future customers - BEWARE. read more

Halifax has this thrash metal scene that I don't really understand and Gus' seems to be a popular place for noise rock shows to be held - unfortunate for me because I love this place and would like to go more often. However if something is going on that doesn't require me to wear ear plugs it's usually a great time. With its low ceilings and photo-realistic autumn woodland wallpaper, something about Gus' makes it feel like you're hanging out in a kick ass basement from the 1970s, or what I imagine that would be like as I was born in the '80s. The first thing I saw at Gus's was the CKDU student radio station's annual Hoserfest, where a jolly old Canadian time was had by all. I went to a few Halifax Pop Explosion shows and enjoyed myself immensely. Beer is inexpensive and cover is usually very affordable. read more

In the past I've enjoyed a few band shows there, so when I got booked to DJ a bass music show there was a bit surprised. The manager and staff were hostile to the visiting crowd all night, seemingly looking down their long metal noses at this curious and different event (a dj show). The opening act played pretty loud and by the time I was up to headline the night, the staff were turning the sound way down because of an apparent noise complaint (at a bar). 20 minutes into my set, Demo, the manager/owner came up and asked the music to be turned down so low it was unenjoyable, but did not ask me to just shut it off. I told him there was no point in me continuing to play, and that I had come from Toronto to play this show, that if he didn't enjoy our music and our event they should not have booked us and to be professional. He called me a pig and was aggressive and threatening, I stood my ground and 22 minutes into the set I was asked to leave Gus' Pub. I will never go back and I'm happy to share what a prick the management there is. He treated me like a child even though I've been doing my job for 17 years, and laughed at the notion that I had an opinion and was trying to do a good job myself. Gus' Pub=a shoddy bar run by a tyrant who will treat you like shit if you're an "honoured" guest and not part of his tight little click. Very disappointing to see how they operate behind the curtain. Played many a show from Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Black Rock, Chicago, Montreal, to Halifax and Cape Breton and never been treated with this much disrespect before. Will never, ever recommend an artist try to work here. read more