Best spot in Halifax not even close, insanely cheap food, always good, lovely owners.

Super fast service and unbeatable price for a cheeseburger and fries $8.50! People are so nice and friendly. Awesome diner! read more

Westcliffe Diner - Cheeseburger and fries with a pickle spear $8.50 - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Westcliffe Diner is the ancestor from which all subsequent diners descended. To call it unpretentious would be a massive understatement. They serve the most comforting comfort food ever cooked. Their fish and chips are not haute cuisine, but hot goodness. Having peas and gravy topping my hot chicken was delightful. The Westcliffe Diner is where I go when I need relief from the mean old world. read more

For 25 years you can get standard fare here. Mom and Pop restaurant. You put your order on paper and hand it in. It's the only place I've found that serves a real hot chicken sandwich anymore. With pieces of chicken, not the dreaded pressed chicken roll. Burgers, fries, shakes, breakfast, rice pudding kind of place. You can watch them prepare your meal right in front of you. Nothing fancy here. But honest food. Fast service. Smiles and pleasant chat. And very very reasonable prices. Like the old days. I'll be back. read more

difficult to find better. service , food , creation .quality of dishes etc .it's difficult to describe , just go . Get the burger and leave a tip read more

Westcliffe Diner - Amazing burger. - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

We ordered 3 pieces fish & chips with onion rings, and their daily special (soup, chicken club, and rice pudding). We didn't order their burgers so can't comment on that. For the fish & chips, the batter was hard, not crispy, fish was harder than it should be, onion rings were from frozen, will not recommend. read more

This was a throw back. A true dining experience I would recommend to anyone. The owners were kind and friendly. I sat at the counter and enjoyed my cheeseburger & freshly made vanilla shake for a total of $6.50 Food was great & tremendous value. I'll be back. read more

Westcliffe Diner - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Although not actually one of the older diners in the city, the Westcliffe has the look and feel of a simple, old school diner and not a kitschy throwback to the 60s with linoleum everywhere and junk covering the walls. I'm talking about a yellowed menu board with blue lettering on it and a TV with knobs and rabbit ears; that's right kids, there was a point in time when buttons did not exist. Then there's the prices - you will not find anything cheaper and such good quality anywhere in the city. I wander in on a cold day, hungry and looking for something to eat. I actually get off the bus early because I've wanted to eat here for a while and didn't feel like the post-McDonald's shame. When I come in and sit down at the counter, there's only two other customers, both at the counter and chatting with the the only two staff here, Bev and Tyler. One of the gentlemen at the counter asks if I've been here before, I respond that I haven't, and he kindly explains the ordering process whereby you write your order on a small piece of paper and pass it to Bev. It seems a little odd, but it seems to suit the place. I order a cheeseburger with the works and poutine. Being the epitome of a mom and pop place, I order this knowing that I'm not going to get a fancy pants poutine or even a traditional poutine. The poutine arrive first and I was right; in lieu of cheese curds, there's shredded mozza and even some cheddar. I don't care. I'm cold and hungry, and I want some melted cheese, gravy and fries. Speaking of the those last two, the gravy is a little thinner than I generally like, but it tastes homemade and isn't too salty. The fries, although they're your generic, somewhat thick, from-frozen variety, are crisp and tasty and stand up well to the deluge of gravy and cheese. The burger is served straight from the griddle onto my plate of fries (where else does this even happen?) and Bev, noticing that she forgot to put the cheese on my burger, opens it up in front of me and slides it on in. I couldn't see this happening anywhere else, or accepting it anywhere else, but it's like your grandmother is fixing your burger, and how can you argue with that? The burger itself is delicious, and is everything a diner burger should be - good tasting beef in a hand made patty that gets a little bit of a crust from the flat top. The loose, crumbly texture is a nice change from pre-formed patties or places that grind their meat too finely which leaves you with a meat paste puck. Topped with mustard, relish and grilled onions, it's simple and not over done. The onions especially shine with a sweet richness to them. Forgoing getting a can of pop for myself from the cooler, I order a cup of coffee to fortify myself with caffeine and warmth before facing the cold January weather. I was happy that I finally stopped by the Westcliffe and that it was everything I wanted it to be - simple but great tasting diner food at rock bottom prices, with as a friendly environment as you could imagine. read more

Seriously, Westcliffe, I how did I not know about you! I probably drove by you 1000 times in my life and didn't even this twice about what you were. I am so glad some one at my man's who suggested you, otherwise I may have drove by another 1000 times! Obviously, being Westcliffe newbs we were surprised when a man yelled from behind the counter to come get a sheet and pencil to write down our order - okay! This small cozy resto was packed with chatting people, all who I am guessing go here fairly regular! We both had the burgers and added cheese, he got fries and I got onion rings. Those onion rings knocked any onion ring I have ever had right our of the park. My burger was suupppper nessy and hard to eat as it kept falling about (as homemade burgers often do) but it was delish! I also had a chocolate milkshake and he had a pop... The milkshake wasn't thick like I read in some other reviews but it was a good milkshake! The damage... Less then $20!!! For both of us!!! I felt like I ripped them off! read more

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The Westcliffe is about a thirty-second walk from my front door, and yet for years after I moved to this neighbourhood, I had never set foot in the place. I guess that was because the exterior of the restaurant is nothing short of run-down, and the interior - minimal in terms of warmth. But, guess what - I found out after finally being convinced to give it a try - it's not about the atmosphere. It's about the food: old-school grill foods like burgers, fries, onion rings and - of course - old fashioned banana splits. And let me just say that the burgers are exactly what you crave when you crave a burger. Greasy, yes. But meaty, salty and delicious. I always say it's a bit like stepping back in time at the Westcliffe - especially when you look at the prices. Two people can walk away with full bellies without spending much more than ten dollars between them. It's also fun to watch the owners bicker like a married couple (although, apparently, they're not). And there's no ceremony when it comes to ordering. Write your order out on a pad of paper and hand it over to the lady at the grill. Added bonus: they call you "Hon." read more

Westcliffe Diner - fish and chips - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Westcliffe has been here for over 11 years. Who knew? I should have, I grew up around the corner. I have to admit I have driven by numerous times, but I guess the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover". My mistake and full apologies to Beverly Griswold and Tyler Slaunwhite (the owners) for not stopping by sooner. Warning, when you walk through the doors of the Diner , you will think you just came through to another era. The interior and the prices are from back in the day. Funny enough I heard the owner saying to a customer, yes" we feel we are stuck in time". Well lucky for us!!! I was lucky enough to see the diner in full action. I went in at lunch time. I was the outsider , everyone else there were regulars. None the less, I was welcomed. I took a seat in one of the booths, I am such a booth junkie. Even though it was just me, I took the booth. Tyler came over to take my order, or so I thought. No , he brought me a piece of paper and said, when you are ready, write down your order. Hmm, that is different. So I was told about the famous Cheese Burger and Fries for $3.99. I proceeded to write it down and then Bev says , hey sweetie you have to bring that to me. Oh yes, you will have to go retrieve the order as well. It is part of the charm. I thought wow , this is an experience. In comes another regular, he ordered ahead ( called in), smart guy. He had a friend with him, first time. They order the cheese burger and fries, However, as he pointed out, " a cheese burger is not a burger without the bacon" my mistake, I did not get bacon. Oh, I went all out , I ordered the Chocolate Milk Shake, $1.75. It was awesome. The cheese burger was juicy and tasted great. One of the best burgers I have had. It is made from Fresh Meat , Not Frozen Patties. The fries hit home as well, although they were not homemade, they were not greasy. I have to say, between the comedy act between Bev and Tyler, or Tyler signing and dancing behind the counter, or maybe just the talk about the kids from the locals, Westcliffe will give you a full tummy, satisfied taste-buds and you will definitely have a smile on your face throughout your meal. We have a few Celebrity owners here, they were written up in Readers Digest around five years ago. Of course a good review. The were also in The Chronicle Herald and The Coast. All these reviews were deserving for this "Diner". Especially this one! Yes you can go here and eat : One Cheese Burger and Fries with a Chocolate Shake = $6.50 Yes , I even took a picture of the menu on the wall for all you nonbelievers. Oh yes, on Thursdays you can have the homemade lunch from 11:30am , $6.00, cornbeef and cabbage (2 week cycle) then beef (2 week cycle) Now , I have promised to make a mention, and I believe this has been put out as a challenge from Beverly. She said that "THEY HAVE THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS IN TOWN". It is fresh Haddock with a homemade batter. Sounds good , and I can say the two things that were flying off the menu when I was there, were the cheeseburger and the fish and chips. So, it is now part of my research to order the fish and chips when I return. Yes I will go back. PS: The Diner does a Rockin Business on Good Friday with the Fish and Chips. So if you are lookin for a place to go , try it. read more

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A proven combination of quality, speed, service and value. Great little greasy spoon diner. read more

If you're looking for a cheap place to chow some hamburgers and sip milkshakes, this is your place. We ordered a cheese burger and a clubhouse sandwich (or "club sandwich" as Westcliffe calls it), a regular poutine, and a choc milkshake. What impressed me: First of all I enjoyed my club sandwich. A good amount of turkey and bacon, fresh tomatoes and lettuce. I had a bite of my hubby's cheese burger. Wow the patty was so moist and juicy. What didn't impress me: despite the juicy patty, the entire burger tasted bland as if they forgot to season it. Also, they used processed cheese, not the real deal. Their poutine...well, let's just say whoever invented poutine probably would roll over his grave. It's more like fries covered with Tex-mex cheese blend and gravy. Again, the gravy tasted like they forgot the salt. Overall it was an okay experience. read more

Westcliffe Diner - Club sandwich - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

The best classic cheeseburger in Halifax. Handmade patties and grilled perfectly. Spend the extra $1.25 and get the onion rings, although the fries are great as well. But the onion rings are perfect. When you order, fill it out on the provided paper and put it on the counter for them. You can also call your order in and pick it up. The owners are wonderful people and are friendly even when it's busy. read more

A greasy spoon type place, that unless I had reviews of, I would never have visited. They always have the blinds down in the window, so you can't tell what it's like until you go in. You can help yourself to the fridge at the back for a drink, but I can't go to Westcliffe and not get a milkshake, thick, delicious and cheap. I don't eat red meat so I can't comment on the cheeseburgers, but my friend said his was delicious. I had the chicken fingers and fries combo, and while basic was very tasty, the chicken actually had some taste to it, and the fries were nice and crispy. The onion rings were yummy as well, they are the thinner diner style, compared to the thick battered style A&W and other places serve. The prices are incredibly cheap, which means they keep their costs low by not having any service staff, mismatched plates etc. If you're looking for a cheap, but delicious dive food, this is a great spot. Warning, they close early, around 6! read more

Last summer, a friend and I made a habit of trying out new diners for lunch every couple of days. Nothing we tried compared to the first place we visited, the Westcliffe. It's the epitome of a mom & pop type place. Dingy, tacky, and filled with regulars. I think my friend and I were the only people in the place who didn't know the owners by name. The first visit can be a little disconcerting - you have to write down your order on a scrap of paper and hand it to the cook, and if you want a can of pop don't wait for anyone to get it for you. So why go? Food and prices. Seriously, I think I could order every item on the menu and still get change from a $50. The menu is just chock full of delicious, greasy, diner classics. Cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, fish & chips, grilled cheese...you name it, they make it. Get french fries AND onion rings! You might as well, they're so damn cheap! read more

I guess it's like a poorly kept secret how awesome the Westcliffe is. I head it from a friend ages ago, and today finally got to try it out. The recommendation was more than warranted. We went well after the lunch rush so it was pretty quiet when we arrived. I had heard before about the slip ordering system, so I wasn't surprised. The owners were gracious and friendly and the service was quick for us. The diner itself isn't fast, greasy spoon is definitely accuarate. They've always been a favourite of mine. Two booths (unfortunately full when we arrived) a long diner counter and some cafeteria style table are the seating options. After dropping our order slip off we chatted while our food was prepped. The owners chatted with us and other patrons and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed. I ordered the Clubhouse and onion rings with a Strawberry milkshake and my boyfriend had a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate shake. Everything was delicious. The chicken was real, the onion rings and fries cooked perfectly. The burger was grilled nicely. It was simply food done incredibly well. It's not fancy food, it's not a fancy restauarant, it's not expensive, but it is a place we will visit again or again. Our experience couldn't have been better. read more

Cheap prices, quality food with a side of real diner charm. It's like the Westcliffe has time traveled from 1987 in a big ass Deloren or at least the prices have. Great handmade burgers and hot and cold sandwiches. Get the grilled onions on their burgers. Their chicken sandwiches and clubs use "real" chicken. Milkshakes and onion rings are great accompaniments. The owners, Tyler and Bev will sometimes squabble in front of the customers but that, along with the cracked seats and mismatched plates, is just part of the charm. Bev might be gruff sometimes but has a heart of gold. I witnessed her offering to front lunch to someone that was locked out of their house and couldn't cash. One heads up is that you write out your own order and leave it on the lunch counter. Yeah weird I know.... but it *is* the Westcliffe. read more

Great food, cheap. What more do you want? I came here last night looking for something cheap and tasty for lunch - Westcliffe delivered! When I walked in, it didn't look busy until I saw the giant stack of papers they had of different people's orders. So it might be a good idea to call ahead of time to place an order. This place is simple, and old fashioned. You write down what you want on a card and hand it to the cook, and voila. You got yourself a meal for under $10. I ordered a cheeseburger with the works, a cup of gravy and french fries. The works consists of ketchup, mustard, relish and fried onions. Simple but awesome! The french fries were fine, I can't complain about them because the price is amazing ($1 for a small). They were plain and from a bag, but the gravy made them oh so delicious! The gravy is flavorful but not too salty. The cheeseburger was the highlight for sure. Totally simple, type of food you'd find at a 60s diner (so says my mom). The cheeseburger was cooked to perfection and the condiments, even though they weren't anything fancy you'd find at the works, compliment the charcoal-y, almost burnt (in a good way), flavor of the burger patty. read more

I had heard all this buzz about this place being the best place to eat. "Oh isn't it cute how the couple who own it seem disorganized" No actually I can't say I was impressed with this place. We stopped in for lunch one day. We put in our order. A fish and chips and a burger with two milkshakes. Forty minutes later (count 'em, 40!) we got our food, which I now needed wrapped to go so I could go back to work. After the two owners proceeding to argue over if they needed to hire a waitress, they told us it's best to call ahead if we wanted food on our lunch hour and they'd have it ready. Of course this was contrary to the fact there were two other people who had both called in their order, and yet they were there for about a half hour waiting for their food. Anyways, I figure, "alright this is a busy day for them" and I assume the food will make up for the disaster in service. Wrong again. The batter didn't stay on my fish and chips and really... meh. In a city where you can get fish and chips everywhere, they were nothing special. The milkshake was good, but, man was it ever not worth the hassle. read more

One of the best place to get a cheeseburger in Halifax hands down, if not THE best. Hand made patties, not flippin' machine pressed. Chicken fingers are nice an big (sadly not hand made, but delicious none the less), fish hand battered. And sides ( fries and rings) quite plentiful. The decor is not most professional, it has a great down home feeling though. Bev and Tyler are a great pair to get to know, my daughter loves visiting them just to say "hi". Sure gets busy during lunch though, but with the fry and one fry top, it can be alittle slow. Have patience and you end up with a great cheap eat. This is the greasy spoon that beats all other 'spoons in Halifax for cost and taste. read more

I had to try this place based on a recommendation of a local. Halifax's best kept secret. I think not, as this place appears to get allot of press coverage. In absence of being a local or reading a review, it is easily a place where most would walk by without a second thought. The decor looks like a deconstructed convenience store mashed up with a diner from the 70's. It has a casual almost family feel as locals banter with the owners. The food is on par with the location however you can't beat the prices. It showcases all the standard fare; burgers & fries, fish & chips and all day breakfast. Looking for a quick meal that brings you back to your childhood, pop on in and order the burger and fries. read more

This place is a landmark. I had been told to go here for many moons, so one day I did! We went for lunch and luckily my companion had been so they knew the way to do business! Now, the prices are great and the food is fantastic! You don't go in for service necessarily but for me that is what was missing! There is a great couple who runs this happening spot and, because they do it all, there are some missed opportunities! (Like having one person work cash and orders only) you write out your own order and it took me a while to figure things out. I like chill and low key spots, but this takes the cake for "laid back vibe" Don't get me wrong, I highly suggest eating there, it is delish, just expect low interaction and writing your own order out! (Which for some could be the best part!) read more

I was hestitant to try this place, despite good reviews, because of the exterior. PLEASE do not let it fool you. This place is adorable and cheap and they make THE BEST burger in town. Milkshakes are awesome, burgers are awesome and it's the cheapest you're likely to find in the city! GO ALREADY! read more

It is a small "hole in the wall" place that harks back 20 or 30 years. The hamburger and fires are cheaper than MacDonalds yet tastes as good as a stove top grilled hamburger gets. Yes you have to write down your order on a slip and hand it in and if the owners are busy you should go get your food. Most of the regulars clean up after themselves too BUT the three of us had cheeseburger, fries and milkshakes and got change back from a twenty. Good old fashion food, nothing fancy but filling. read more

I love the burgers here. No I cant eat the bun, but who needs bread anyway? I used to go here when I lived a block up from this place, then called "SmartCart" the burgers are so good, Bev makes me just how I like em :) Great food, great prices :) read more

I have been going to Westcliffes since I first discovered it when I was 16, I only go once every 3-4 years and it never disappoints! Bev and Tyler are all around amazing people. They remember me every time I stop in and they remember every detail of our last conversation. If you are looking for fine dinning this is not your place!! If you are looking for delicious food in a mom and pop shop for a great price, drop everything you are doing now and head over! I highly recommend the cheeseburger and onion rings with a chocolate shake. read more

The Westcliffe epitomizes the mom & pop diner experience. Totally unassuming on the corner of Oxford and Bayers Rd. You've definitely driven by it a hundred times without noticing. This place has it all. Tyler and Beverley are running the whole show, so they leave you to seat yourself, get your own menus, write your own order, and come pick it up when it's ready. You've made your mark when they start calling you by name when they have questions about your order. Tyler loves kids and is always making faces and making them laugh. And you can not beat the prices. Cheeseburger and fries for $3.99, milkshakes for $1.67. Everything is homemade. They use local beef for the burgers and make them themselves. It has all the creature comforts of a mom and pop operation, a prominently displayed lost and found if you leave something behind, a buy and sell if you are in need of buying or selling motorhomes, chainsaws, or lawnmowing service, and a space heater by table number 4 if you're a little chilled. read more

BEST CHEESEBURGER! so yummy, home made and not "over done" to heck with all these gourmet pop up places, $4 for a delicious homemade bacon cheese burger will have you coming back! They also make amazing homemade milkshakes. There is nothing fancy about the Westcliffe, but who cares! it is clean delicious and the two lovely people who run it are amazingly friendly. You really feel happy and at home. Also, the fish and chips are super yummy too. Go! Eat! Spend less then $10 and be merry :) read more

Bev and Tyler rock the entire joint themselves. No table service here but that is part of the charm. Flat out the best value for your dollar in the city. Cheaper than McDonalds. They keep it old school diner real. Reminds me of "mom and pop" lunch counters that dotted the urban centres of Canada back in the 80's and 90's. Most people get the Burger or Cheeseburger platter. Other popular orders are the Hot Hamburger Sandwich, Milkshakes, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Fries, Onion Rings and Poutine. No frills here. Just diner food done right. FYI: The gravy has a crack like substance in it! read more

Two words: west cliff Wanted a quick delicious supper after work so we thought we'd try this spot as we'd heard they have good burgers and onion rings. So we ordered just that and in my opinion as I like basic burgers homemade style and not fancy, it was my favorite burger to date! I regret not getting onions and bacon on my burger but next time I will! Awesome job westcliffe! They closed at 6 and we walked in just before 6 and got and ate our food by 6:15! Can't wait to go back!!! read more

Came here for lunch twice in the last couple of months, as it's right up the road from my office and I like simple diner food. On my first visit, I just took a table and thought customers would be served that way, but then realized there are pieces of white paper and pens on the counter near the cash register. You write down your order here and hand it off to the staff/owners/Bev and Tyler? You grab a pop from the large fridge in the back yourself and take a table. There are maybe a dozen tables & booths, and it was busy both times I was there, but we were lucky to get the last table at the end. Very simple old school diner with nothing fancy, they are cooking right in front of you on the grill. Basic menu items. The club sandwiich and onion rings were good, frozen rings, nothing special, but nothing wrong with it and was filling. The cheeseburger was better, homemade patty, the 'works' I notice was relish but didn't open the bun to see exactly what else was there (if ketchup, mustard?) no lettuce and tomato, but didn't really need it. Also frozen fries. The chocolate shake I had wasn't very thick, but was still decent. The best thing about here is how cheap everything is, as my bill came to $10 for the cheeseburger, fries & shake, and I was FULL. My friend upgraded his to poutine and it was thin turkey gravy? I prefer that kind of gravy, so would've liked that, although some may not. There seem to be some regulars here, many older folk, probably from the neighborhood. Although there's nothing great about it, it's exactly what you would expect, and I still would go back. I'd like to try the breakfast but the menu says it's only served from 10:30 to 11:00? read more

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This is a hidden gem! If you haven't tried it, I suggest you get here and eat! Where else in the city can you go get a HOMEMADE burger and fries for something like 6 bucks! This is like a dinner and a show watching Bev & Tyler work together. Never been disappointed yet and I'm sure the food here will never disappoint me! read more

Went to the Westcliffe for the first time a couple weeks ago. I had never been there before. But they had really good food and service for the price! My husband and I both had a cheeseburger and fries and a shake, and it was great! Definitely will return. read more

Westcliffe is the little hole in the wall place you pass by everyday but never enter. Let's face it - it's kind of a dive. I had heard amazing things about their cheeseburgers, so I decided I just had to try it out. I was not aware of the "system" on that first visit. It was a busy supper rush. I sat at the counter. And waited. And waited some more. It wasn't until someone else arrived later and ordered that I realized you had to write your order down on the piece of paper and then give it to the cook. Once I got that out of the way there was a sort of comedy of errors with my order. Particularly the milk shake. The owner started making my shake at least 5 times but kept getting distracted by phone calls etc. When I finally got it, it was the wrong flavour. He made a new one - no problem. Both owners were a little gruff and there was lots of hollering going on between them (partially just to be heard over the noise), but it's all part of the experience I guess. I'll admit by the end of my first visit, I couldn't wait to be out of there. But the food? Excellent. Amazing burger, yummy onion rings, and a fantastic shake. And on the cheap too. Since that first visit, I started working not far from the diner. So I've grabbed takeout a couple more times. I call ahead and order, pick up without having to deal with the ordering system, and enjoy the food in the comfort and quiet of my apartment (or car if I can't wait that long!). read more

Garbage place ran by garbage people Hate this place so much. Bev and Tyler are rude old buzzards. They make you write down your order instead of just telling them (even if you are the only person in the restaurant) and then squint and make you read it to them. French fries are Wholesale Club frozens, and their burgers are bland and boring. They think they run some kind of posh Schwartz's style place but it's the kind of food that tastes like you went to someone's BBQ and got food poisoning. Milkshakes are mostly milk, and when you walk in things just don't look clean. I'm sure some people would say that is charm but they are just lazy slobs. If you want cheap garbage food and you're in the area just go to Burger King, place is also garbage but it's better garbage that Westcliffe. All their positive press stuff is taped to the wall, just an ego boost. Trash that doesn't know it's trash. Also, they clearly had WiFi (my phone picked up Westcliffe Guest) and they denied it and would not give me a password. read more

Great little place, once you get past the dirt factor. Old and a retro it's got a great diner feel. I had a burger and fries and they were delicious. I'll defiantly be going back. Only "real" diner I've found since moving to the city. read more

Westcliffe Diner - Burger and fries with the works. - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Amazing cheeseburgers and great prices. Get burgers with lettuce, tomatoes and mayo and they're even better! I also LOVE the milkshakes.

Best damn burger and shakes in town -- made fresh and unbeatable value... McDonald's costs more! Wish I knew about sooner - making up for lost time on our near weekly visits. read more

Probably one of the best kept secrets in Halifax. Delicious food at a reasonable price. Highly recommended!