Henry House — Restaurant in Halifax

Step Back in Time at The Henry House, A Must-Visit Halifax Gem

If you’re ever in Halifax and looking for an experience that transcends time, The Henry House is not just a restaurant, it’s a portal to the past.

Housed in a beautifully preserved stone building dating back to the early 1830s, this historic inn oozes charm and character from every beam and brick. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the stories whispering through the walls. But it’s not just about the building, it’s what happens inside that truly makes this place unforgettable.

We had the absolute pleasure of dining in the basement pub, which feels like a cozy old tavern straight out of the 1840s. Candlelit tables, rustic stonework, and low wooden ceilings made it feel like we were sharing a pint with Halifax’s earliest settlers. And then there was Mike, our guide, our server, our storyteller. This man is The Henry House. He walked us through the food and drinks with passion and knowledge, and even shared ghost stories and secrets hidden within the house’s long history.

But the real magic happens when you follow Mike’s advice and venture up to the third floor. Hidden away like a secret whispered across centuries is one of the most authentic speakeasies we’ve ever seen. It’s like stepping into a dream, the lighting is warm and low, the music is soft and vintage. We were seated in a private back room, a perfect little haven that felt completely untouched by modern time. Every cocktail was a work of art, every moment steeped in atmosphere.

The food? Impeccable. From hearty, well-crafted comfort dishes to rich flavors that feel like they were pulled from a grandmother’s handwritten cookbook, every bite honored the history of the place while still feeling fresh and exciting.

The Henry House is more than dinner. It’s a journey into Halifax’s soul, one filled with warmth, history, hospitality, and a touch of the supernatural. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is one of those rare places that leaves a mark on your memory.

Do yourself a favor: ask for Mike, explore every floor, indulge in the stories, and whatever you do, don’t miss...

It's sad to see a dear old friend decline, but that is exactly what is happening at Henry House. It has been a regular go to pub for me, with good, if predictable food. Sadly, this past Sunday my food arrived with elements on a plate that never should have left the kitchen. Cremated French fries and a terrible presentation. The waitress, God bless her, did her best to replace things on our plate that were only fir for compost, but the damage was done. I had heard from friends that things had gone downhill...I never realized how much.

I see from the 'reply' posted by Henry House that they employ a writer of some small talent to rebut any criticism of their restaurant that may be posted. It's a good corporate move, oppose any criticism and give no ground.

Their writer seems to feel that I am too critical, but upon reflection, I realize that when served burnt compost, I should have paid the bill and simply gotten out of there. So, obviously my standards are not high enough. The writer in question also says that the kitchen was hot, therefore the food was far below standards. Since I have had excellent meals at both McKelvies and The Old Triangle during the current 'heat wave', I can surmise that summer only comes to the Henry House kitchens.

The writer does make one good point. Perhaps I had been to harsh in judging the restaurant by one meal, however bad. So, I went back and ordered something i have never had there before, the classic fish and chips. How could anyone go wrong with that? Well, it was not bad, but it was exceptionally bland and a bit greasy. Several establishments in the city, even Phils on Quinpool, produce a far superior product. So, I would advise anyone looking for great fish and chips to go elsewhere. Perhaps it is too soon to write the obituary for Henry House, but I fear that it may soon be: Henry...

I’ve been here to the Henry House British Pub a few times since arriving in Halifax last week, and every visit has been a real treat. The staff are all so friendly and immediately made me feel welcomed, as if they were expecting me.

This was the first place in town I went to, while waiting to check in to my hotel, and I was exhausted, sore all over, emotionally spent, and starving - and being in this fragile state, if the waitress hadn’t been so wonderfully friendly and amiable, i might have been miserable for my first couple, three days (missing my sister and my little doggie, feeling like I didn’t belong, like a fish out of water- I’ve never traveled before-)...

...But she was just so great that coming here turned out to be the best thing I could have done: the ambience of the place, and my Coke and fish & chips, were manna from heaven for me just then. Starting on such an up note, it’s not surprising that I’d continue to come here.

The food at Henry House is always brilliant- I highly recommend the supper specials because they really go out of their way to make sure it’s something the patrons will enjoy (the crab cakes & summer salad was the best thing I’ve eaten in Halifax so far). And from the house menu, I cannot praise highly enough their bangers & mash (the house gravy is stellar), with a big glass of icy orange juice, followed by the sticky toffee pudding for afters (you can see for yourself from the other reviews just how yummy THAT is).

Each visit, I’ve always left happy and I always look forward to coming back. (It should also be mentioned that the prices are VERY reasonable for a 2019 summer in Nova Scotia.) And I haven’t even had a pint of their...