Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Stillwell Beer Bar

    4.4 (108 reviews)
    ModerateBars
    Open 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Stillwell Beer Bar Photos

    Business Info

    STILLWELL BEER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Hipster
    Trendy
    Casual

    More like Stillwell Beer Bar

    Recommended Reviews - Stillwell Beer Bar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    5.20.2018
    David M.

    Best tap house in Halifax. An outstanding variety of craft beers sourced with care and rotated frequently. We stopped here twice for bites and beer and also made it over to the Stillwell Beer Garden as well. while the beers were awesome, the food was completely delicious. Best corn dog ever. After two visits this is for sure in rotation for next time I find myself in the area. Slight downside for the music and the staff on the second night. The music was so bad I witnessed several groups pop in and roll right back out. The staff, that was so cool the first night, was replaced by a couple who seemed to just barely care to be at all helpful. We placed a food order that took about 45 minutes to come out, on a relatively slow night. I guess those things happen and it did not take away from how excellent the beer was and how ridiculously tasty the food was.

    Owen R.

    Very friendly and informative staff. Cool bathroom area, 2 pinball machines, subway seats.. Large windows, clean.

    Rotating tap menu
    Kat M.

    Cute little hipster bar on Barrington Street in Halifax. Loved the fact they have rotating taps - keeps it interesting! Nice casual vibe at the bar, easy listening music and dim lighting to set the scene - what more could you want?!?! Fast service and an abundance of seating - at the bar, booth and high top communal tables. I decided to have a tasting flight - and you can pick any 4 of the beers on tap for your sampler. They have a good variety of beers on tap, including IPAS, Stout, Pils, Cider, sour beer, and Europeans Tyler beers such as doppelbock and Schwarz bier. If you can't decide on a beer from the 12 rotating taps, get a tasting flight! They also serve wine and spirits incase you're not a beer drinker, but definitely worth a stop if you've got a hankering for craft beer.

    June 14th selection
    Murray W.

    Recently bereft of any of the big restaurant and bar openings of 2013/early 2014 (ie. 2 Doors Down, EDNA, Field Guide, Stillwell senior), Halifax was eagerly anticipating Stillwell's ambitious beer garden that they planned to open up right on Halifax's boardwalk, and last week that wait ended. Located directly behind Sackville Place, the Stillwell crew put in a lot of work converting the little amphitheatre to a useable space for a bar. There's now 20ish picnic tables, although the levels of the amphitheatre still comprises most of their seating. What is probably the most functional shipping container in the city (sorry, I Heart Bikes!) operates as their bar and kitchen. Painted fire engine red, it's sure to stand out on the boardwalk no matter what the weather is and has a very cool, laser-cut metal work of their funky logo. Given the huge capacity of the beer garden, they're keeping things relatively simple here, with 10 beers available on my visit, written in familiar chalk of course, and three locally-made sausages for your non-liquid desires. I thought pretzels were going to be one of their fixtures, so I was a bit disappointed to see them absent, although an empty spot on the menu suggested I may have arrived too late. There was a cool-ish day, so we clung to a sliver of light as the sinking sun peeked around the corner of the office building. Seated on one of the lower levels of the amphitheatre, we chatted and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the boardwalk, including an interesting fellow who put his coffee on a railing and then promptly open-hand slapped it, still filled with coffee, although it luckily went in the opposite direction of us. Given the location here, I think Stillwell will have the double-edged sword that Fickle Frog has - fantastic people watching, but you're going to be right in the thick of it for sketchy people as well. They need to get their garbage/organics/recyclables system sorted out a bit better, as there was only one spot where they had the trifecta of disposal containers and many people were throwing the compostable cups in the garbage despite the note next to it saying not to. Also, if you were wondering, "How do I pee here?" the answer is two porto-potties. Stillwell showed some great entrepreneurial initiative in approaching the WDC to get the beer garden going, and I look forward to many summer days here enjoying beer, people watching and hopefully a pretzel or two.

    White Tropical IPA
    Rolex X.

    Been several times, decent spot. Service is extremely minimal and the people are not friendly nor helpful. Zero table service leaves you walking to the bar for every single beer, and they still expect a tip after charging $9 per pint. Shit value, shit service, decent beer

    Craft lineup
    Mat B.

    A while back I was in Halifax visiting family. My brother said I am going to take you out for the best fried chicken you have ever had. To which I responded that is a bold statement. Needless to say he took me to Stillwell a quaint indie pub downtown Halifax. As soon I stepped in I loved the place. From the rustic decor to the giant chalkboard menus, to the lineup of craft beer on tap from light to dark along the wall. We tried them all, to take in the full experience. ..and of course ordered this legendary fried chicken. All I can say is I did not say a word through the entire meal as I was totally immersed in the flavor. Have to say my brother was right. 8 months later and I can't wait to go back east and have another bite. To be honest, It's rare to say, but there was not a thing I didn't enjoy about this place. There is no doubt I will be back at my earliest convenience

    Awesome
    C H.

    I f'ng love this place. Great sampler beer platters. Homemade burgers gourmet locally sourced ingredients. Awesome service. Have to find a standing or sitting spots but be patient & you'll share a spot next to new friends. Strike up a conversation. Try the fancy burger with blue cheese & bacon jam, black pepper parmesan popcorn, fries plate. Love it. New favourite.

    The parm and pepper got everywhere but my mouth :(
    TJ M.

    My favorite place in Halifax to grab a drink. Especially if that drink is awesome beer. I was downtown for a weekend event and liked Stillwell so much I managed to cram in three trips. Stillwell is a beer geek's heaven! For any craft brew fan it is MUST try. Interior is minimalist with dark wood and industrial light fixtures yet there are casual influences to stop it from being too harsh. The focus is the beer from microbrews around NS, PEI and Quebec. I went in the late afternoon and there was plenty of seating but I picked the bar so I could get a close look at taps and get some background on new beers. If there is some hipster pretentiousness I must have been in too early experience it; I certainly didn't get it from the staff. I found bartenders were friendly and super knowledgeable. With 12 taps, I recommend getting a flight to your go-to styles and then zeroing in on a pint or two of your favorite. I tried some of the Quebec beers and was damn glad I did. They were unique; each was true to style yet had some individuality. Stillwell was great opportunity to try some of the more distant NS breweries (from Halifax) The menu is eclectic small bites which compliments the beer. The tried the popcorn, fries and the burger. The Atari fries were obviously handcut and the Japanese-flavoured mayo was an excellent accompaniment. They came out almost too hot to eat- just the way I like them! The burger less so as I found it small and the way it was packaged made the bun rest in a pool of grease. Soggy buns are sad buns. The popcorn tasted okay but the huge dusting of parm and pepper just slid off the corn and got all over me, the bar and the floor, so on and so on. Perhaps if the popcorn was tossed with the toppings in a bit of olive oil they'd stick to it and I would have enjoyed it more. Even with 2/3's of the food hits and misses being misses I can't give this place less than top marks. I mean it is all about the beer experience after all. My only regret about Stillwell is that I took so long to experience it.

    What's on tap?!
    Tara N.

    Really enjoyed our time here! We all ordered the fried chicken as I saw the photos from previous yelpers and couldn't resist but to try it. It was D E L I C I O U S!!!! Surprised to see a Belgian Kriek on the beer menu so I just had to order it. Kinda pricey at $19 per bottle but I truly enjoyed it. Also tried the Belgian ale on tap and that was also vey fresh and flavourful!!!! The only negative is that you have to order at the bar and they'll bring it out to you... Super cool interior, cozy and dark. Definitely a hipster joint. Friendly staff as well!! I highly recommend you trying out this place.

    Soniya U.

    Had the Stowford Press Cider which was a recommendation from the helpful bar tender. Ate the cauliflower and the fried chicken with some colleagues. Very cool atmosphere and awesome beer selection on tap. Obviously the management is trying to keep a unique and authentic vibe and they've succeeded. Open late too which is unique for the downtown area which usually closes around ten.

    Marc F.

    This place has a great selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles. We walked in as a group of 8 based on reviews and this place didn't disappoint. The food was surprisingly amazing. The Satay Burger blew our minds and might just be the best burger we'd had. The cheese toast was also incredible - it's made of beer infused cheese. I'd come back here just to get the burger with a beer! The atmosphere was great!

    *my star rating is more so based on the food* The atmosphere of very casual and almost a communal feel in the sense that it's a small space, and the seatings are very close together ;which to some is a hard pass, but it gives a friendly/social feel where it's very easy to interact with ppl. The bartenders/servers are really friendly and, during my wait, they were very interactive with customers, I.e. hanging around their tables and talking to them while they weren't needed elsewhere. I order the southern fried chicken and Tokyo fries to go, and they were AMAZING! First off, absolutely the best fried chicken I've ever had in Halifax thus far. Also one of the best chicken; flavour wise, in Halifax for sure. I was sceptical about having it with both the honey AND white kimchi but they paired surprisingly great together. The Tokyo fries had a nice kick of heat to them without being overbearing. I'd definitely recommend these two items to anyone. I haven't tried any other food item yet but these two made me pretty eager to try the other items. I'll definitely be visiting more!

    See all

    Photo of Tara H.
    320
    939
    1941

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Owen R.
    598
    3065
    14045

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rolex X.
    6
    371
    1523

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mat B.
    27
    14
    7

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan B.
    5
    69
    6

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C H.
    0
    10
    17

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Soniya U.
    13
    14
    28

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Seanzor F.
    29
    146
    71

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tanner C.
    4
    124
    100

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rae S.
    108
    4
    1

    12 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kate S.
    21
    18
    11

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C S.
    9
    59
    1

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Philip H.
    73
    254
    141

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Review Highlights - Stillwell Beer Bar

    Don't over look their menu, so many great small fair, the burgers are amazing, Atari fries are a must-try.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bars 185 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Narrows - Narrows house

    The Narrows

    5.0(1 review)
    2.1 kmNorth End

    I can't believe The Narrows Public House isn't here in Yelp, and I may regret adding it. This place…read moreis a special dining experience. Even though we knew about where it was, we walked right past the beautiful two-story historic house initially. We knew by taking a look at the website they do not accept reservations, which was fine with us. We were, however, going on a Friday night. On walking into the main entry, that space was packed wall-to-wall. Within a few short minutes, one of the staff greeted us. They don't exactly have a formal wait list here, from what I could tell. The staff member offered us the drinks menu and asked if we'd like to order something while we waited on a table. We ordered up a couple of pints, then looked around for some open space to stand. They have two standing bar rails, one in the main area near the bar itself and another one in the middle dining area. This place has about the most creative layout of booths and tables I've ever seen. They do have an outdoor patio out back, but we didn't take a look at that. They have quite a few very comfy two-person booths around the interior. It appeared the way the wait list worked was that they either have a phenomenal memory, or they actually use the bar tab you open to work like a wait list. It seems to really be more about how many you have in your party, and the exact size of any tables/booths that open up. We might have waited about 30 minutes or so for our table for two up in the front of the main dining room. Every single person on the wait staff here is amazing. Let me just get that out of the way. The beer list is great, loaded up with so many good local and Nova Scotia craft beer options. The food menu is what really makes this place special, though. We were on vacation, so we may have a tendency for our eyes to be bigger than our stomachs can handle. There was just so many amazing looking dishes. We started out with a pickle jar, fried taters, and the tomatoes appetizers. I have to say, and my wife agrees, the tomatoes dish was the best of everything we had. Its made up of sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, shallots, capers, and garlic chips. All that is sitting on top of creme fraiche. By the time you're finishing the dish, you start thinking about a straw to finish up that creme fraiche. Good grief, that was so good. Don't pass on the fried taters, though. Those seemed to be mashed potatoes formed into rectangular big fries, cooked almost like panko and served with horseradish sour cream. After all that, we could only muster splitting the deli style chop salad with cold water shrimp on it. Our great waitress talked us into an order of the brown bread, a very soft kind of Irish soda bread I believe. That bread just melts in your mouth. If you decide to venture out to The Narrows, you're in for a total experience. You'll feel like you stepped back in time to a real British pub... the house must be from somewhere around the mid 1800s. Every room is warm and cozy, with beautiful woodwork and curious antiques in all sorts of nooks and crannies. You may have quite a long wait depending on the size of your party and how busy the place is, but trust me... its worth every minute.

    Photos
    The Narrows - Narrows drink menu

    Narrows drink menu

    The Narrows - Narrows sign out front

    Narrows sign out front

    The Narrows - Narrows dinner menu

    See all

    Narrows dinner menu

    Stillwell Beer Bar - bars - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...