Great food and atmosphere, especially on the patio in the summer and in the cozy basement in the winter, but quite possibly the worst service in Halifax. Nine times out of ten the server you land is short and unaccommodating. They don't take kindly to requests for even the smallest substitutions. For example, on my last visit (brunch) I asked that my eggs be poached medium vs. soft - a request that requires no extra steps aside from waiting an extra 30 seconds and it was met with the rudest response from our server (complete with an eye-roll to my face). Up until that point I had always been able to look past the mediocre service and view it as a part of its charm, hopefully you can too. I, however, will never go back for anything other than drinks. They make a mean Caesar. read more

The food is great. Period. Not gourmet - but great pub food (it's a pub after all). Probably the best burgers in Halifax by any measure, and the traditional British Pub fare is delicious too. I've even tried desserts on occasion, and the quality has been great (warm gingerbread with real whipped cream and mint sprigs). The downstairs pub has stone walls and great pub atmosphere, while the upstairs dining area is more formal, but not pretentious. The appearance of the upstairs might inspire thoughts of a gourmet dining experience. Don't be fooled, the same menu and kitchen serve both the pub and dining room. You are getting pub food, but really great pub food. Beer on tap from one of the oldest local producers (Granite Brewery) offers traditional British style ales. There are other good options, but not a huge list. Regulars drink the local craft brew. You can spot first timers with a bottle of mass-produced yellow beer once in while. read more

Henry House is difficult to review, I had the worst and slowest service multiple times on the first floor of the restaurant. - 1 star. However, the basement section of the restaurant is a completely different atmosphere, much more pub-style and had more efficient and welcoming staff. - 4 stars. read more

I went here last night for some dinner and I have yet to be disappointed. I didn't bring my purse with me, and required my ID to prove I am of age to be down in the basement area for eating and drinking. I had to run home (only a block away) to get my purse, with no problem, My boyfriend and I got the same meal, Haddock with Vegetables. It was salted and seasoned perfectly. I expected the potatoes to have more of a garlic punch, as they were listed as "Garlic Potatoes", but still tasty. The fish was quite a hefty size and filled me up. The breading / crisped outer layer was perfect and light. I always love the atmosphere in there, it really makes you feel secluded and warm. The fireplace was on and kept the space heated and welcoming. The service was great and our server was attentive to our needs. We will definitely be back again. read more

Went with a gang of 12 for Saturday brunch. First up, half the staff hadn't turned up, so those that had were worked off their feet. Orders were filled mostly accurately, but then we had a beer issue. Pints of Granite Best arrived which were opaque at all wavelengths. New barrel or remains of an old. It happens, but a professional outfit would never present the result to the customer. To really nail it, some idiot manager got a hump on and told our waitress that the guys who complained couldn't order another "cask conditioned" ale. Food and booze fine, but the management needs sorting. That is, firing! read more

This one's for you J. So i'd like to believe that i'm one of those who can admit when they've made a mistake; judged things too harshly as it were. Henry House, I condemned you too quickly. Now that i've frequented this spot a few more times (and had something to eat besides nachos) i've found this spot to be a lot more enjoyable. The ultimate burger is of particular note in the food department. I also really like the draught beer options at Henry House. Unique options such as the ringwood with lime and the amber and tan (best bitter mixed with the peculiar) are both delicious! Great ambience too especially on a Saturday night when there's live music! read more

Out of a party of 6, 2 of our meals contained a long strand of hair. Gross! Unacceptable! The wait staff attributed it to airborne contamination. Was also informed that there was no manager currently on duty. read more

From the street, you just know you're going to love Henry House. This solid four-square Victorian is constructed with local stone in a style well-developed in Halifax in the 19th century. It contains three dining options: lower-level pub, main-level dining room and upper-level private dining room. I've only eaten in the pub - because I love it that much. The Henry House pub is accessed from the side. After you descend the stairs, you enter a cheerful bright room. One side wall is graced with a large fireplace, and tables and booths are arranged throughout the room. There are at least two large oval booths that are suitable for larger groups to relax and unwind with one of Henry House's authentic beers. The Henry House has a varied selection of tap and bottled beer. They feature six brews from the Granite Brewery as well as specialty beer blends. Try the Black and Tan - Best Bitter mixed with Keefe's Stout. Just thinking about it makes me want to ditch the computer for a outing. After a libation or two, you'll be interested in what's coming out from the kitchen. Henry House offers mainly Maritime foods prepared from scratch in their own kitchen. Try the steak and Guinness pie - melt in your mouth good. One of the nice things about Henry House is its location. It's close to downtown but away from the congestion that rules at the other end of Barrington St. It's also diagonal from the train and bus station, making it a perfect stop after a long trip. read more

A pub located in a historically preserved building. There were many areas to sit from the main dining room to the pub downstairs to the outdoor patio area. The patio looked nice, but we sat in the pub as it was slightly too chilly to dine out. Even though it was downstairs, the pub has windows that don't make it stuffy. Service was so-so, but we got what we wanted: our dinner. We started our meal with a vegetable beef soup that was a tad salty. However, the grilled haddock and fishcake with molasses baked beans as the entrées stood out as simple but delicious. The "Peculiar" ale from Granite Brewery went well with the fishcake. A good place for a casual time with friends and a decent meal. read more

The downstairs pub at the Henry House is a nice cozy spot for dinner and a beer with friends. Serving traditional British pub food, the menu offers a variety of options, but I tend to go with the burger. When in a pub, eat pub food, that's my rule of thumb, I guess. And the burger is good - not spectacular, but good. Local Granite Brewery beers are on tap, the Peculiar and Best Bitter being my favourites. Servers are always friendly without the fakery common to many restaurants. A nice, unpretentious pub. read more

I assume that the reason so many people patronize Henry House is that it's close to wherever a bunch of their people are. The atmosphere is pretty decent, but the food is unimpressive, and their liquor selection didn't wow me. I've had a few drinks here on a couple of occasions, but the first time I'd eaten anything was recently. In our party, everyone had a burger of some sort, and I chose a striploin steak. And while I don't have anything negative to say about the food, it was only "okay." Nobody at my table mentioned how great their meals were, which is usually a sign it was only "okay." And while I've never heard any rave reviews about the food at Henry House, I always hope my meal at a restaurant will exceed "okay." Really the worst part my experience is that I had set my whisky on the table behind us we REALLY didn't have room for my glass on the table anywhere near me (we were really packed in). There was nobody else in the restaurant, yet when they seated another table, the server took my scarcely-touched glass away without asking me if I'd finished with it. It was clearly mine, as there was nobody near us at all. When I finished my meal-- my favourite time to sip whisky-- I looked back and it was sadly gone! To their credit, I didn't mention this, and they probably would've given me another glass. Since I began eating meat again, I always ask the source of the meat I'm considering eating, as I won't eat any that's not local and/grass-fed and/or humanely-raised. The server knew the source of most of the meats right away, and she quickly took off to the kitchen to let me know that all their meat is from Nova Scotia, save for the lamb. This was a bright spot. The Henry Houses is fine and dandy, but nothing to get too excited about unless you like mediocre food in a dimly lit pub-- which is totally acceptable-- especially when you just wanna catch up with some pals for a time. read more

I came here with a large group of people during the week of my wedding for dinner and drinks around 8:00 pm on a Thursday evening. Despite the fact that my now hubby had talked to a manager well in advance of this event, when we showed up we felt very unwelcome. The owner specifically seemed to go out of her way to make the evening uncomfortable for us. I imagine this is based on her, but the wait staff was also very rigid. I got scolded quite rudely for walking with a diet coke in my hand. A. Diet. Coke. The food and drinks were delightful. I had the seafood chowder which was very delicious. My husband's server (we think his name was Scott?) was truly exceptional and we are very thankful to him. Overall, I found it very strange that this pub was so resistant to having any flexibility for us when our party easily generated more than $1000 in revenue. But the food and drink were good and they have a nice patio space for the Nova Scotia summers. read more

One of my favourite restaurants in Halifax in the summer. Has a really nice patio with lots of shade. I especially like the fish and chips , reuben sandwich and Ultimate burger. The other thing I like is the sampler of beer. $2 buys you a 5 oz sample so for the price of 1 beer you can sample 3-4 beer, they have about 6 choices available. Great for someone who is not up on the tastes of a lot of beer. Service was great also. One thing a lot of people do not know is that there is some parking behind the building. read more

Henry House has a great patio and some amazing food. The daily special always sound Delicious and are often made from local ingredients. Word to the wise, this place is very strict about "holding tables" on the patio while you wait for friends to arrive (i.e.: if you arrive along, you can't sit at a large table and wait for your friends to arrive, you have to take the smallest table). This can be very annoying, especially when they enforce it on an almost empty patio! read more

The gentleman waiting on us was great. The burger is truly worth ordering. Very tasty one of the best. The other items on the menu were not good at all we tried several others on different occasions. I would recommend it for a good burger but that's all. It also is very slow. Maybe because it was a weekend. The second time we went the service was great. The chowder is the best in Halifax the burger is fantastic also. That chowder was 5 star. Just needs to be a larger portion , would not be considered a meal portion but close to it. read more

Started going there years ago (early '90s) during university days when it was the only game in town for bitters and stouts and loved it. Stayed a regular of sorts over the years but have had such a bad experience with staff and management in recent years that I will never, ever, return (unless I hear of new ownership/management). One awesome example: some friends were there with us but left earlier than the rest. When it was time to go the waitstaff presented us with their bill as well as ours. Bit of a surprise. They accused our friends of not paying. We thought it was odd but what could we do so we paid their bill. When we got home we gave our friends a call, they verified online that their card was charged for their meals and drinks. Sooooo we go back the next morning when they are open. The grumpy owner/manager lady doesn't believe us and goes upstairs to run through the previous nights transactions and we're left sitting at the bar twiddling our thumbs. Eventually, a waitstaff thinks it might be a good idea to offer us a coffee (not sure if it would be gratis or not) which we decline. So, she comes back down, makes some excuse or other and gives us our money back. Not even an apology. Nothing. Just. Here is your money. Never. Again. And that is just one example. There were a few others that I could mention that led up to this but we liked the actual place so much we overlooked them and made excuses, but after this, what can you do? I hear the burgers are still pretty good, though, but Bearly's has Ace Burgers now so why bother? Note to Owner/Management: if a customer has to take the time and effort to revisit your establishment the following morning after dining at your business, at least have the courtesy to offer them a coffee while they wait(not leave it to your staff standing there awkwardly to think about doing it after fifteen minutes of standing there in silence) and maybe offer a, oh I don't know, free meal, something, anything, other than 'sorry'...here is your money...and turn your back to them and walk away. How are you even still owning this place? read more

Very disappointed with my recent visit to the Henry House. Took a few sips of my wine and it was not good. I had gotten a bad glass. Mentioned it to the waitress and was met with attitude. She said she would "do a test". Came back and told me it was a new bottle so the wine should be fine. She asked if I wanted a different wine. Annoyed, I declined and had water instead :( The bill arrived and had been charged for the bad glass of wine. Again, got attitude from the waitress who begrudgingly adjusted the bill. Good customer service would have been a new glass of wine minus the attitude. I tried to contact the Henry House to let them know what happened but manager did not return my call. Their website is "under construction" and no email is listed. ..... very disappointing. They have a great patio and fabulous nachos but not worth enduring the attitude of the wait staff :( read more

We showed up a bit inebriated already so I was slightly afraid of how our visit was going to go, for the servers sake, but thankfully they were gracious about it. I ordered the smoked salmon sandwich and creme brule. Both were delicious, at $14 and $8 respectively, a little on the expensive side but definitely not terrible. I also had a glass of Stella for $6 (I think). Our waiter was attentive and had a healthy sense of humour when I carried on with him about our super drunk friend who spilled some water. I always enjoy myself when I go to the Henry House. They don't serve monster portions, but a respectable amount, so I've never left feeling hungry and the service is good. I return here quite often on the weekends for a cold brew. Finally, the real fire place on a cold winter evening seals the whole deal for me. read more

I was wary of this place after some negative Yelp comments about the service. If those problems truly existed, they have since been remedied. Our service was attentive and enthusiastic, even in a packed house. The delicious ales, especially those from a cask, were served at the right temperature and through a well maintained system. They were perfect, especially when paired up with a great plate of bangers and mash. I wish my Halifax visit was just one day longer so I could've spent a second evening in Henry House's basement. read more

I recently visited The Henry House this past Labour Day Weekend. It was, without a doubt, the worst restaurant experience I've ever had. I had made a reservation for a group of friends on the recommendation of one of the friends included in the reservation. When we arrived for our reservation, no one greeted us. We patiently waited for approx 5 min and then asked about our table. We ended up seating ourselves. Shortly after seating ourselves we were greeted by our waitress and quickly learned that this was her second day on the job. I'm a patient person and would have gladly did what I could to make our waitress more comfortable; however, she had no personality and was not interested in our efforts. After directing us on how she would take our orders, our orders were taken. We then waited.... and waited... and waited some more. Approximately an hour after we arrived, I approached the bar to enquire about our food. The gentleman at the bar asked if he could help. However, when I indicated that I was checking on our food, his immediate and mumbled reply was "can't help you" He then completely ignored me - I was flabbergasted. I returned to the table and relayed what had just happened. We soon decided that continuing to wait was not an option and chose to leave. Prior to leaving, one of my friends advised the waitress of our intent to leave. The waitress chose to take this personally and repeatedly told us she was doing her best. My friend then asked to speak with the manager to advise her that we would be leaving and why. The manager, very unfortunately (and unwisely, in my opinion) chose to verbally attack my friend (at a volume loud enough that the entire and fully packed restaurant could hear). The manager was incredibly unprofessional, insulting, and aggressive. To say that I was shocked was an understatement. In the midst of all of this, I learned that the patio was full and that everyone on the patio was served food, while the EVERYONE inside was left waiting. I'd also like to add that we arrived at opening and were the first ones to arrive. I find it unfortunate and disappointing that my one and only visit to this restaurant began and ended so poorly. Regardless of the many positive reviews that this establishment has received, I will NEVER visit there again. read more

So I've been coming to Henry House for years. The food is above average pub fare, that I have never been disappointed with! Their brunch is delicious! I just had the eggs benedict today, and the eggs were perfectly cooked(whites were firm but the yolk was runny), and the hollandaise sauce was perfect with a bit of a kick, not spicy but just had a little something to cut the often overwhelming richness. They have two floors; the main floor makes me think of a cross between a pub and diner, and downstairs is much more rustic, with stone walls, big heavy pub tables and a much more in line with what you think of for a pub in Halifax. They have a great selection of beer, and you really can't go wrong with the menu. The service is pretty average, they are usually on top of things, but it can get slow on the weekends. Over all though I would highly recommend a visit to the Henry House! Especially for brunch, it's my favorite in town. read more

Charming historic home converted to a pub/restaurant. Serving traditional British faire as well as burgers. Enjoyed a smoked salmon BLT and warm apple crisp. Friendly staff and comfortable setting in a casual dining atmosphere. read more

Dropped in for a beer with a couple of friends. It was a little dark in the basement but not too bad. The waitress recomended a beer we were a little disapoointed with, those the risks you take on a recomendation. Definitely not my cup of tea for a place to grab a beer but hay that is just me read more

I went to Henry House last night with a larger group. Since they don't take reservations on Fridays, we were told to arrive around 5. 6 out of 8 people arrived and we spread out a bit to save a couple seats for late arrivers. The waitress immediatly came over to try to move us to a table for 6 so that the other table could be used. After we refused to do that (and the extra 2 diners showed up after a whole), she was snarky for the whole service. To top it off, our group was then automatically charged a gratuity because of the size of the group. Now, I don't mind tipping but one should not be forced to tip, especially if the service is awful and certainly not in a pub.If they want to have this policy it should be written on the menu or a sign somewhere in the place. The waitress tried to "explain" the policy of adding this to bill because people dine and dash and if they do, the staff have to pay for it out of their tips. HA. read more

A year ago I would have been throwing stars around this joint like a ninja. The atmosphere is still pretty awesome, the Ultimate Burger is still pretty great but the staff is either lazy or surly or both. When you stray on the menu to proper entrees things are really patchy and inconsistent. I used to go a lot but now not so much. Go for a drink, enjoy the room but eat somewhere else....they're just not trying anymore. read more

The HH is the most authentic Brit-style pub in Halifax. The building itself is ironstone and granite, and it's a handsome old bugger that houses three levels: a basement pub, a main-level, more formal dining room and a third level with two lovely rooms that can be booked for private parties (and are frequently open for cocktails). The absolute best space of the three levels is the basement pub. Original beams, a crackling fireplace and a big ol' bar never fail to make you feel like you just stumbled into a sleepy British country watering hole after a long hike on the moors. In the Summer it can be either too dingy (it's pretty dark, being a basement and all) or a deliciously cool retreat, depending on your preference - but if it's the former there's an excellent, shaded side-patio. It's got a great atmosphere and it's the perfect spot for social beers with good buddies or a cozy date. I've had a few of very serious conversations in here (with friends-in-trouble and even some relationship-smoothing); there's something about the space that fits both the boisterous drinking crowd and the intimate conversation crew. The food is EXCELLENT - think next-level bar food. It's not quite gastro-pub but consistent in quality and well-priced. A great selection of British pies (the Cornish Pasty is wonderful) and typical bar food, often with a twist (nachos with pineapple? Yes please!). Minor quibble - the daily specials are way overpriced). Based on the ambience, pub food and great selection of local beers and the lovely old interiors of all three levels (I've never eaten in the main-level dining room) I'd give this a five star review for sure. But it's a four for a reason. The service is usually just average and often pretty atrocious. I am friendly with a few of the servers (due to the, ahem, frequency of my visits...), but it seems that they are ALWAYS understaffed (this place is usually full), resulting in long waits for drinks. More often than not I find myself having to constatntly try and make eye contact or track someone down to order (especially if you are in one of the super-cute but incredibly tiny and hidden-from-view church pew-style booths). It is, however, a great spot in general so if you're willing to overlook the service issues it's definitely recommended. read more

Stopped in for a bite to eat around 5, and sat on the patio.... Great patio by the way! Had the smoked salmon club, and it was fantastic. Creamy dill cream cheese on the club with the salmon made for a great sandwich! With an apricot wheat ale it was the perfect small meal in a hurry. The service was great as always, I will surely be back as this place has been one of my favorite spots for some time now! read more

3 concepts under one roof. We went to the old English pub for a beer, then dinner in the dining room then upstairs to the whiskey and cocktail bar. Some really great retro cocktail and a cozy room. We will be back. read more

The food and service was awsome. We had the kids with us and the staff was great with them. The waiter hit the spot with the draft selection and was happy to receive another. Well done and we would be back for sure. read more

We have lived just a few blocks away for a year now but this is the first time we've actually been to the Henry House. I'm sad that we waited so long because I really enjoyed having dinner there! The patio is gorgeous with flower boxes, ivy crawling up the building and cute fairy lights for when it gets dark. My husband had the Rueben and I had the Supreme Burger - both were delicious! The portions are quite big, so come with an appetite! I can't wait to go back, especially in the winter when I'll be more inclined to try some of the heavier meals. read more

Always a favourite place to stop for a pint and a snack and maybe another pint, I don't make it down to the Henry House as often as I might like as it's a little off my usual beaten track. As a student a few years ago this was the watering hole of choice, and this weekend I made plans to stop in with a group of the same friends now that we're all out in the working world. No one wanted to suggest anywhere else. The pub in the basement is always cozy and inviting, a bit dim, but with the fire going it's very comfortable and pleasant. The whole place is furnished in dark wood, with a short bar that looks like it belongs at an English pub and generally has a couple of locals perched on the tall stools. The service has been generally good in my experience, fairly attentive as they're usually keeping an eye on pint glasses in order to refill you when necessary. Our experience this weekend was even better than usual, with a waiter who really paid attention to everything we needed, even for a group of 7 who ordered food and rounds of drinks at different times. He got my BBQ chicken sandwich just right, without tomatoes (why bother in the winter?) and with cheddar swapped for swiss cheese. It's nice not to have to deal with an exasperated server who doesn't really want to make sure you get your meal the way you'd like. I often grab an apricot wheat (St Ambroise) as you can't find it on tap many places, and a Ringwood with lime is a nice alternative to regular lager or fruity wheats too. I'd give it 4.5 stars if possible. read more

I want to love the Henry House so badly. I like the beer, the food's great, and the atmosphere downstairs is just so cool. But the service is so beyond inconsistent it makes it hard to love. I like it, but I don't love it. Sometimes you have the best server ever who makes everything fabulous, and sometimes you have someone who seems to wish nothing but harm upon you. And that's a shame. read more

This is a review for the upstairs cocktail bar. They know what they are doing, and honestly, i don't know why it isn't full (I suppose it might have something to do with the price of the cocktails). The barstaff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the drinks are really well made. The decor is dark wood paneling and a fireplace, the lights are low, and it is the perfect place for a date or to catch up with friends. read more

Excellent place to relax, have a bite and a pint! They have great food - I got the fish cakes and they were delicious. The pub downstairs is very mellow and enjoyable in the afternoon. Great place to enjoy a beer and chat with the very friendly staff. Definitely recommend. Plus the history and atmosphere make for a very pleasant time. read more

OH henry house...I have a love hate relationship with you. Your atmosphere is great, I love the up stairs dinning room. But the no reservations on weekends or holiday? WHAT?! The staff could but more effort into service as well. read more

Was there for dinner and some drinks with my girlfriend and a bunch of our friends. We sat in the basement but it was quite cosy. I had some local craft beer to go along with my crab cakes (which were terrific) and she had seafood chowder. Service was pretty good. read more

If you're looking for good food quality and a wide selection of classic English pub style drinks and food, then this is the place for you. The atmosphere mixes both class and relaxation, depending on which floor, and the servers are hyper knowledgeable about the food and drinks that are offered. I have yet to be disappointed. read more

I visited the Henry House on the recommendation of a former Halifax resident on my last trip there, and I'm happy that I went. Great pub food, delicious pint and stereotypical pub service were slightly unexpected after a few days of being served by relatively hopeless but friendly university students in the area around Dal. I had a chicken pie, served with hand-cut chips and a half pint of Peculiar which were both delicious incredibly memorable, given the visit was over a year ago. I look forward to returning on my next visit to the city. read more

Excellent service, good food. Great atmosphere.

Staffing is key at Henry House. I've gone there dozens of times over the past few years and the service has ranged from horrendous (they once refused to serve me food because I forgot my ID - it was somewhere around 8 PM and I wasn't ordering alcohol, but they wouldn't even serve me upstairs in the restaurant!) to pretty good. I do love the food though, so I keep going back. More often than not, the staff is disinterested or downright rude, and they are not going to check in on you very frequently (if at all) so be prepared to live with what you get. The quality of service almost never commands a tip, maybe that's why they're so grumpy and it's an endless loop. The potato skins in particular are enough for two meals for me, and I love their greasy goodness. It's good pub food, decent pub beer and generally poor customer service. It's a good place to bring a couple friends if you're willing to fight for a seat and don't mind being ignored by your servers. Sharing meals is the best plan, so you get a little bit of all the yummy greasy things. read more