The Stubborn Goat Gastropub — Restaurant in Halifax

Came for Mac Monday around 7 and it was 15 minutes before anyone brought us menus or even came over, despite them telling us which table to sit at. Ordered two drinks and requested waters when the menus were brought. Drinks came in another 15, but no waters. Meanwhile, tables around us were turned over and promptly brought menus and waters.

We had been there for around 40 minutes at this point before even being checked on. We finally were able to flag someone down to take our mac and cheese order and was told the kitchen was backed up because “everyone ordered at once.” Sure would have been great if we could have ordered when we got there instead of being ignored. The server said it would be 35-45 minutes for any new order put in! Meanwhile, a table that was seated 15 minutes after us was just getting their food.

The server had the audacity to inform us that “next time come earlier or later” because apparently it’s our fault? I guess the dinner rush means they have terrible service and a basic dish like mac and cheese for some reason takes almost an hour to expedite from order to table.

Beyond the serving issues, the mac didn’t even come out hot! Lots of cold spots in the noodles, like literally cold from a fridge, not just room temp cool. It was weird coming out in a skillet, but the edges are cold. As though it isn’t really put in the oven and cooked in the skillet like the plating makes you think it is? If we are waiting 40 minutes for our food to come out, the food better be piping hot as theoretically it was just completely made to order.

For a restaurant doing a mac and cheese special day and not be able to promptly execute some noodles with sauce on it is wild to me. Clearly they are unprepared and lack guidance and order in the kitchen. All in all, we were at the restaurant for about two hours and, frankly, should have left after the drinks took so long and we couldn’t even get menus without calling someone over.

Wanted to report a better experience, but we...

Went in on Saturday to catch some live music around 9pm. We were let in right away but immediately put on a wait list for a table. We were told there were 3 groups ahead of us. We managed to sit up at the bar for the time being and had a drink while we waited. In the half an hour we sat there, we watched a couple tables open up. We inquired about the first table and we were told it was reserved. No problem. Next table opened up and we didn’t even inquire, just figured they would start to sit the wait list. There were also two empty 2 top tables open this entire time. So there were now atleast 4 open tables, none of which were being sat and not all reserved.

We kind of sat here completely baffled as to why we were still sitting at the bar, waiting for a table when 5 were open. We looked at one of the servers while she cleaned off what would be the 6, 7 and 8th open tables and out loud she commented about us “staring at her” to her manager. You work in the service industry, maybe keep those comments to yourself.

We finally get moved to a table. The host called us and brought us over. A new server came over to take a drink order & all was well. 25 mins later the bartender comes over and asks us to settle up with him as we moved to a table. This was so odd to me. Why don’t you just transfer the bill to the server OR better yet, why didn’t your host tell us to settle up at the bar before moving? I’ve always had a bill transferred if I’ve moved from the bar to a table. Having the bartender come over to us and request us to settle was super distasteful.

Oh also these tables that were reserved, didn’t get sat until 10:45pm. Tell me why you would hold tables for a reservations for over an hour and 45 mins? Makes 0 sense to me.

Music was good. Staff had bad attitudes. I recommend investing in some “reserved” signs to put on the tables so guests aren’t left wondering why they aren’t being sat when there are 5+ tables that...

Oh, my darling gastronomes, gather 'round and allow me to regale you with a tale of my recent escapade at the whimsically titled establishment, “Stubborn Goat.” A name that conjures images of both tenacity and charm, much like the ambiance that envelops you upon entry—subtle, yet imbued with a warmth that wraps around you like a cashmere shawl on a crisp autumn evening.

Now, let us turn our attention to the pièce de résistance of this experience: the food! I indulged in a fried mushroom burger that transcended the ordinary, a marvel of culinary craftsmanship that tickled my palate with every sumptuous bite. It was as if the forest itself had conspired to create a masterpiece, and I was but a humble admirer. And let us not forget those truffle fries—oh, those glorious, golden strands of joy! Each fry was a crisp morsel of decadence, draped in the luxurious essence of truffle, a true celebration of flavor that danced upon my taste buds like an exuberant soirée.

But, my dear friends, what truly elevated this experience to the pantheon of the extraordinary was the service, graciously delivered by the effervescent Jacqueline. A veritable enchantress of hospitality, she attended to our every desire with the finesse of a seasoned curator. When we revealed it was a friend’s birthday, she worked her magic and unearthed a delightful cake that was the cherry on top of an already splendid soirée. Jacqueline, you are a beacon of brilliance, and your commitment to making our celebration unforgettable was nothing short of spectacular!

In summation, if you find yourself in pursuit of an eclectic dining experience that tantalizes the senses and warms the soul, look no further than the Stubborn Goat. I shall undoubtedly return, perhaps adorned in something fabulous and with a grand appetite for more of those splendid truffle fries! Bravo, and may your culinary adventures be ever...