The Stillwell Freehouse — Restaurant in Halifax

Tried here for lunch on a cloudy Monday in early December. Found street parking quite easily, although I imagine at night it may be more difficult. (this is the old Lion & Bright location). Standard but nice atmosphere with green walls, large wooden bar, a few booths in the front, sectioned off tables in the back if you want a bit cozier and darker feel. Friendly staff. Good selection of beers. For food, I tried their 'Requisite Nova Scotia Pub Nachos' - 'freshly fried corn tortilla chips, herbs, salsas, good cheese, veggies' their words - $19. They are definitely pretty and colorful topped with shaved radish, cilantro, some kind of hot saucey drizzle, splash of sour cream, few chunks of perhaps feta? Good portion size where I was full, and appreciate that they are meant to be different than your typical nachos, but didn't blow me away. Nothing wrong with them, just left me craving the more boring standard nachos with tons of stretchy cheese on it, peppers, tomato, etc. My friend had the 'Very British Pie' - roasted chicken potpie $16. It was good, rectangular shaped, burnt a bit on the corners, tad watery inside, simple but satisfying enough. We debated trying dessert but were actually full from the beer and entrees. I'd still go back here anytime and try something else...

The vibe of the place is great - the decor is beautiful while the atmosphere remains extremely comfortable for an evening or an afternoon enjoying the fantastic beer selection, maybe best described as a wide variety of classics.

Favourites on the food menu include the chicken pot pie, the caesar salad with deep fried egg, the steak, the wings, and all of the pizzas (which are the perfect size to share). The food menu is a nice mix of high quality pub classics and interesting non-standard fare, which makes it a good place to take a group of people with varying tastes. You won't find a Sysco frozen lobster mac 'n cheese or spinach dip on the menu, but the homemade cheese ball is to die for.

The food, the vibe, the pub games, and the beer list will make you want to stay all afternoon, and that's before you discover the room in the back airing sports. Finally, there is a place in Halifax where you can watch a game and eat food that doesn't taste like the inside of a poorly-cleaned deep fryer, and drink a beer from a brewery that didn't need to plaster the bar in free merch to be served there. Definitely one of a kind in the city and a great addition to the...

I don't write poor reviews but my intentions are to inspire change, I absolutely love the Stillwell downtown so I know there is potential here. Last night I took my gf on a date to have our first burger week burger and we were very disappointed. Our server did not seem to care much for service we only seen her at the beginning and at the end when it was time to go; both encounters there was no welcoming greeting or conversation from her. We waited an hour for our burgers and when it came out it was luke warm and almost cold, we actually seen orders go out from people who ordered long after us so we thought maybe they forgot about us. The save though was a good beer selection and cozy atmosphere which lives up to the Stillwell standards! Hoping it was just a bad night but sadly we won't be going back to this...