Granite Brewery (Halifax)

May 22, 2007
May 2007. Loved the ambiance...like a Victorian-era bar but clean and new at the same time....beautiful golden tin pressed ceiling, polished wood bar, 19-century era dark red wallpaper. Very slow when we visited, just a half-dozen or so patrons, none eating (it was a Tuesday night fairly late) and the service was good. I liked the beer quite a bit; most of it was on cask and while none were downright spectacular everything was drinkable, wtih the Peculiar probably my favorite. I’d say this or the Henry House would be my first re-visit if I’m ever in Halifax again.

February 13, 2007
Good selection of tap beers, including 4 on cask at any given time. The cask bitter is a must, and there are a number of other very good selections. Food is quite good, and the atmosphere feels authentic. Staff is always good, and service is typically quite quick. I don’t think I’ve ever been more than 5 minutes without a beer in front of me. Occasionally some very good musical acts, worth a stop.

September 16, 2006 [ Updated November 14, 2007 ]
Smallish pub, well not very wide but looked like it went far back with its long wooden bar. Looked like a good selection of ales on tap, however I only managed one. Boo hoo. Another pub I visited in Halifax with a dark grubby feel. But hey thats what I love in a pub. I miss carving my name into beer tables in a dingy corner. The Beatles were on in the background and I felt at home. Good drinking pub.

January 15, 2006
Ginger’s Tavern. I did most of my drinking in the downstairs section. Long immaculate wooden bar in the middle of a dark panelling and copper-coloured tile motif. I dig the tin ceiling in here as well. Low lighting, fairly chill music. The place was pretty empty when I was in there. Lots of old photos on the walls. Slightly smoky. I didn’t try the food, but the bartender was friendly enough and seemed to have a decent interest in craft beer. All the beers are pretty solid and hand pulled. Staff seems to know when you feel like chatting and when you want to be left alone... this is something I appreciate greatly. Nice place for a few drinks.

October 29, 2005 [ Updated May 1, 2006 ]
Update April 2006 Sigh. Last couple visits the beer has sucked. Yeasty as hell. Seems to be a problem lately if they aren’t moving quickly.

Gingers Tavern. Upstairs We were two of three people in there at the time, mind you we were there prior to a band playing and were super early by that standard. Beer was good, service friendly. Good spot to see a show. Was there mainly to pick up the pumpkin beer. Downstairs April 06: Very smokey unfortunately, and iwill probably keep me from going back. Kind of small when its busy. Food menu is limited but beef stew we had was delicious and reasonably priced. I think I prefer the upstairs.

September 8, 2005 [ Updated September 22, 2005 ]
Nice old world feeling spot. Nothing beats a hand pulled ale, in my books. Barkeep was very knowledgable, quick & attentive, but a bit condascending & insulting towards other beer & local brewers. Selection is great for me, but I have many friends who (sadly) would not be able to find a suitasble drink for them (their loss, macro swillers). Had lamb stew, very hearty and tasted like grandma’s. Good music, Dylan, the Dead, Cash...i likes...Nice spot, I’ll be back many times.

June 24, 2004
Rating is for combination of downstairs smoking room (now completed) and upstairs. All the Granite beers are there now, including the Ringberry, plus they have St. Amboise Oatmeal Stout(!) on nitro. Atmosphere downstairs is much nicer - more of a true pub. Upstairs they get some decent entertainment, a lot of acts outside the mainstream (Jazz, non-pop celtic) that don’t play elsewhere in Halifax.

January 21, 2004
When I visited the place was dead. The downstairs section was being renovated and the upstairs deserted. The service was quick and attentive but under the circumstances that's no surprise. I didn't eat. The beer list is all Granite of course, but four of them were on cask, which is better than either the Henry House or the Toronto Granite. Atmosphere needs work but to drink Granite beers in their true form, it works.