A guide to Halifax’s best independent shops and restaurants

MAP OF HALIFAX INSIDE!

iLoveLocalHFX.com

BRING YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE

my-waterfront.ca#mywaterfront

Our place by the ocean gives the world a reason to know us.

Come explore the tastes, sights and sounds of the waterfronts. Enjoy signature events, local programming and visiting ships.

We all see messages about supporting local businesses

& local farmers – but perhaps you wonder what kind of

difference it really makes, or what you can do.

Shifting 10% of your spending doesn’t cost more – it just

takes a little effort. In fact, if you think about how you’re

spending your money each time you open your wallet, you

may indeed spend less.

Nova Scotians spend $13 billion annually on food and

consumer goods. Shifting 10% of your consumption would

mean $1.3 billion would flow back into local businesses

& local farmers. Those businesses and farms are run by

your friends, neighbors and families. Those businesses are

also the ones that donate about twice as much to local

charitable organizations & sports teams than multi-national

retailers.

$1.3 billion sounds like a lot of money, because it is.

But it can happen by making a lot of small choices.

• a crisp Annapolis Valley apple instead of an imported one

• a locally roasted coffee at a locally owned café instead of

a chain

• a pair of sneakers from the locally owned shoe store that

sponsors the road race you’re taking part in.

• dining at one of our fabulous chef-owned restaurants that

turn our wonderful farmers’ meats and vegetables into

truly fantastic food.

• Buying your next t-shirt from a local store, designed by a

local graphic artist instead of online from someone you’ll

never meet.

• Buying your wine at a local retailer and meeting the

winemaker that picked the grapes and crafted the wine.

Tell a better story than “I went to the Industrial Park and

got five pounds of potato chips.” Teach your children that

things are still made here, that food is still grown here and

that cooking does not require a microwave or freezer.

So, today, take the pledge to SHIFT 10% of your shopping

– make your own choices – think about your community –

make a difference.

And most importantly,

Thank You

www.michelledoucette.ca

Featuring comfort food inspired by Canada’s seasons & culture,

next to & from the owners of Chives Canadian Bistro. Open for

lunch and dinner.

Brooklyn Warehouse’s Kid Bro. Ace has been slingin’ classic

burgers to a ton of fan fare since popping-up for the inaugural

Open City. The indie burger joint now permanently resides

inside of Gus’ Pub. Grass fed, free range, NS product is what

we’re about. It makes the menu that much more delicious!

A neighborhood restaurant in the heart of downtown Halifax

1533 Barrington St. www.go2doorsdown.com902.422.4224 @2DoorsDownHFX

Handcrafted Flatiron Burgers

2doorsdownfood+wine

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2605 Agricola St. (Inside Gus’ Pub) www.aceburger.ca902.406.8050 @AceBurgerCo

Amos Pewter designs and hand-crafts pewter gifts and keepsakes, inspired by nature and our seaside surroundings. We are located on the historic waterfront in Halifax, Picturesque Peggy’s Cove and on the South Shore in scenic Mahone Bay. Visit our artisans for live demonstrations. See how molten pewter is cast into sculptures, candle holders, jewelry, collectible ornaments and other keepsakes.

Halifax Waterfront www.amospewter.com1.800.565.3369 @AmosPewter

Nova Scotia Handcrafted

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Thousands of magazines: The Economist, Darling, New Criterion

& so many more. Our customers tell us we have Halifax’s best

selection of Art Cards including lots of local artists. Postcards

and stamps available too. We have over 2000 same day print on

demand newspapers that take 7 minutes to be “hot off the press.”

5560 Morris St. (corner of Queen) www.atlanticnews.ns.ca902.429.5468 @magsstore

Many Marvellous Magazines

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Featuring brands you love, plus emerging designers including

Free People, Levi’s, Mink Pink, RVLT, Ben Sherman, small

Canadian designers and more. Biscuit General Store offers a

carefully chosen selection of clothing for everyone, along with

shoes, accessories, jewelry, books and perfect gifts.

Bishop’s Cellar is Halifax’s leading private wine, craft beer &

spirits shop. Located on the historic waterfront, you’ll find the

best local & international bottles for every taste & budget, plus

a growler station with rotating craft beer selections. Open until

midnight Fridays & Saturdays.

Wine, craft beer & spirits with top notch service.

A modern boutique department store for fashion and gifts.

1661 Argyle St. www.BiscuitGeneralStore.com902.425.5436 @BiscuitGeneral

1477 Lr Water St. (Bishop’s Landing) www.bishopscellar.com902.490.2675 @BishopsCellar

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Savour artisan brick oven pizza and chill with local favorites

on tap in our new 60-seat eatery and beer bar. Quality local

ingredients and house-made recipes make our food delicious

and healthy for you. Inspired pizza creations, salads, paninis

and wraps paired with an array of craft beer and wines. Gluten

free and vegan selections too.

Tastefully different. Locally sourced.

6169 Quinpool Rd. www.bramoso.com902.425.2222 @BramosoPizza

We create memorable experiences by engaging our guests in a

atmosphere of warm, authentic hospitality. Locally owned and

fiercely independent, we are committed to our community by

providing support to numerous charitable causes such as Feed

Nova Scotia and the QEII Foundation.

Stay, Meet, Dine & Unwind Downtown Different

1980 Robie St. www.atlanticahotelhalifax.com 902.423.1161 @AtlanticaHFX

www.michelledoucette.ca

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The Brooklyn Warehouse takes its cue from simple, honest

food and strives to bring you an affordable indulgence in a

market driven menu with laid-back bistro style. In the last 8

years, this attitude has produced remarkable service and a

nationally recognized award winning cuisine.

Market Driven Comfort Food

2795 Windsor St. www.brooklynwarehouse.ca902.446.8181 @BrooklynHalifax

A booklover’s destination since 1989, we have been providing

Halifax with a carefully curated selection of books & interesting

bookish gift items in an award-winning fashion. Named by the

Vinyl Café’s Stuart McLean as one of his favourite bookstores,

visit us & share our passion for community, knowledge and

reading.

Independently owned… Independently minded.

5686 Spring Garden Rd. www.bookmarkreads.ca902.423.0419 @BookmarkHalifax

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Offering a unique twist on Canadian cuisine with the careful

use of local, seasonal ingredients. Our menus are created

using the best and the freshest from the farms and waters of

Nova Scotia and the Maritimes. Our restaurant boasts a warm

and unpretentious décor that captures the unique feel of the

Canadian landscape and old world bistros and cafes. Open 7

days a week from 5:00 pm onward.

Extraordinary Casual Dining

1537 Barrington St. www.chives.ca902.420.9626 @ChivesTalkin

Giving you the best service and selection has been

Cyclesmith’s focus since 1986 and has established us as the

premier bike store in Halifax and Atlantic Canada. Cyclesmith

is inspired by the bicycle and the people who ride them. We

want to share with you the sense of freedom that the bike

offers. Whether you commute or compete, we understand,

and share that same passion. We all live in the community and

believe we need to support our community like the community

supports us.

Your neighbourhood bicycle shop since 1986.

2553 Agricola Street www.cyclesmith.ca902.425.1756 @CyclesmithHFX

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The Discovery Shop offers the best educational gifts for all

ages, with science kits, mind bending games, LEGO® products

and more as part non-profit organization, the Discovery Centre.

The shop will be re-opening at the new Discovery Centre on

the Halifax Waterfront in 2017.

The smartest place to shop!

1217 Lr Water St. www.thediscoverycentre.ca 902.492.4422 @Discovery_Shop

Since 1997, Garrison has strived to create exceptional Craft Beer –

real beer made with passion, hard work and East Coast pride.

Their beers are premium, distinctive and always full of flavour with an

exceptional range crafted in the historic and vibrant Halifax Seaport.

2015 Atlantic Canadian Brewery of the Year. 100% Seaport Brewed!

Garrison Brewing Company is Real Beer, East Coast Brewed.

1149 Marginal Rd. www.garrisonbrewing.com 902.453.5343 @GarrisonBrewing

at Discovery Centre

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Halifax’s oldest vegetarian restaurant offers a plant-based menu

inspired by local growers and clientele. Our scrumptious recipes

are time-tested using the highest quality ingredients available.

“Eating healthy” has never been so easy and delicious!

Nourishing Halifax since 1995

6250 Quinpool Rd. www.iloveheartwood.ca902.425.2808 @HeartwoodRestau

Open year round, Halifax Seed supplies gardeners with all the

tools, supplies and tips they need. Their urban garden centre

is packed full with vegetables, flowers and more. Just starting

out? The experts at Halifax Seed can help with any questions

you may have, check out the seminar schedule.

Your source for everything gardening since 1866.

5860 Kane St. www.halifaxseed.ca902.454.7456 @HalifaxSeed

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Explore our delightful selection of items for the home and for

hosting, including home décor, gifts, barware, bath & body

products, grooming supplies, local goods, cookbooks, small

furnishings, kitchen wares and brilliant new gadgets. It’s kinda

like Old World Quality meets New World Innovation.

Local Purveyor of all things exquisite.

2091 Gottingen St. 902.425.8462 @IndieMercantile

Krave sources our award winning, grass fed beef burgers

locally, and exclusively pours Propeller’s Krave Lager. Our

commitment to the Halifax community runs deep, including

chef created monthly features supporting local charities.

Fresh, tasty and local; you’ll be left Kraving more. #KraveIt

Kraving a fresh, local burger? Join us at Krave.

5680 Spring Garden Rd. www.kraveburger.com902.407.5728 @KraveBurger

A truly unique clothing company - all of our designs feature

authentic reproductions of vintage Nova Scotia logos. Each

design celebrates a unique Nova Scotia company, brand, or

sports team. We pride ourselves on sharing the story behind

the logo.

Nova Scotia Heritage Clothing

On the Halifax Waterfront www.thelostcod.com902.431.3101 @LostCod

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A destination store showcasing contemporary, high-quality,

handcrafted art, craft and specialty items made in the

Canadian Maritimes.

Where locals buy local.

5527 Young St. (Hydrostone Market) www.madeinthemaritimes.com 902.406.3232 @MadeMaritimes

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1 - 2 Doors Down Food & Wine 10 - Bookmark 19 - Lost Cod Clothing Co. 28 - Spot Eyewear

2 - Ace Burger 11 - Chives 20 - Made in the Maritimes 29 - Stories Restaurant

3 - Amos Pewter 12 - Cyclesmith 21 - Morris East 30 - Stubborn Goat

4 - Atlantic News 13 - Discovery Shop 22 - Neptune Theatre 31 - Sugah!

6 15 - Halifax Seed Company 24 - The Old Apothecary - Biscuit 33 - Uncommon Grounds

7 - Bishop’s Cellar 16 - Heartwood 25 - Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory 34 - Uncommon Grounds

8 - Bramoso 17 - The Independent Mercantile Company 26 - Scanway Catering 35 - Uncommon Grounds

5 - Atlantica Hotels 14 - Garrison Brewing 23 - Nurtured 32 - Sugah!

9 - Brooklyn Warehouse 18 - Krave Burger 27 - Spirit Spa 36 - Wildflower Clothing

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Press play to live theatre that is commercial free and can never

be duplicated! From musicals to world & Canadian premieres,

to dramas and popular comedies, our playbill has something

for everyone on our Fountain Hall or Scotiabank Studio stages.

Or explore acting yourself, with our Theatre School!

Tune into hi-def, widescreen, 3D, live theatre

1593 Argyle St. www.neptunetheatre.com902.429.7300 @neptunetheatre

Join us for artisanal pizzas, luscious cocktails, delicious lunches,

memorable wines. Lovely patio with harbour views.

Creative Neighbourhood Restaurant

5212 Morris St. www.morriseast.com902.444.7663 @MorrisEast

Nurtured is your community resource for navigating the road

of parenthood - or even just green-ing your routine. Discover

an array of carefully selected products from organic beds to

the only Canadian made car seats. Plus, support systems for

pre/postnatal bodies, cloth diapers, babywearing and more.

The local choice for the eco-conscious family.

2543 Agricola St. www.nurtured.ca902.405.4367 @NurturedMom

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The Old Apothecary Bakery & Cafe bakes all of our pastries,

breads and cakes on site from scratch, using the highest

quality ingredients available. We are proud to provide bread

to our restaurant partners downtown and buy from local

farmers whenever possible, including locally roasted, fair

trade coffee.

Friendly local bakery to get your butter fix.

1549 Barrington St. www.theoldapothecary.com902.423.1500 @TOA_Bakery

We’ve built a reputation on supporting local and using the

freshest ingredients. At our cozy bakery we offer daily, house-

made doughnuts and wonderful coffee; fresh bread, grilled

sandwiches, soups from scratch and delicious salads; famous

desserts and pastries. The list goes on and on. See you soon!

Making Halifax’s favourite desserts for 35 years.

1567 Grafton St. www.scanwaycatering.com902.425.0683 @Scanway

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If you’re looking for a tasty way to eat up Nova Scotian history, then Rum Runners is just what you’re looking for. Inside Rum Runners you’ll be transported back in time to the days of Prohibition. We’ll tell you all about what it was like to get a drink during those days and then we’ll let you taste a little too. Now, don’t get us wrong, we’re only letting you taste the cake, but one taste and you’ll know just what we’ve hidden inside that rich golden batter - rum, glorious rum.

A delicious piece of Nova Scotia history.

1477 Lr Water St. (Bishop’s Landing) www.rumrunners.ca902.421.6079 @RumRunnersNS

Visit Spirit and let our spa and salon professionals provide

individual care and attention to your beauty and wellness

needs. Noted as one of the top spas in Canada by Canadian

Living and voted Best Spa in the Coast Reader’s Poll, Spirit is

the perfect place to relax, unwind & rejuvenate.

Spirit Celebrating 10 years in Downtown Halifax.

5150 Salter St. www.spiritspa.ca902.431.8100 @SpiritSpaHFX

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For great frames, including exclusive and unique designs

from around the world, visit Spot Eyewear. For a lifetime of

healthy, sharp sight, book an eye care consultation at Insight

Optometry, conveniently located next to Spot Eyewear in the

Cambridge Suites Plaza.

Spot a fresh new look. Innovative frame designs, with a personal touch.

1575 Brunswick St. www.spoteyewear.ca 902.422.4444 @SpotEyeWear

www.michelledoucette.ca

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A trio of early 19th century townhouses have been cleverly

combined to create this charming boutique hotel. Contemporary

amenities and personalized service in a historic setting make The

Halliburton a favorite downtown retreat for visitors and locals.

Recommended in the 2013 edition of Where to Eat in Canada,

Stories offers innovative seafood and game in intimate rooms.

Tucked under a canopy of mature elms, a hidden garden court is

a refreshing escape from the busy downtown.

Halifax’s Historic Boutique Hotel & an unexpected off the lobby restaurant

5184 Morris St. 902.444.4400www.storiesdining.com @StoriesRestowww.thehalliburton.com @HaliburtonHotel

We’re known for delicious, upscale comfort food featuring

the best of Nova Scotia, local craft beers on tap, a great wine

selection and the best vibe in town. Join us for lunch, dinner or

weekend brunch.

Halifax’s favourite place to eat, drink and be social.

1579 Grafton St. www.stubborngoat.ca 902.405.4554 @TheStubbornGoat

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At Sugah! our confections are crafted by hand in Nova Scotia

using century old techniques and pure, simple ingredients.

Dairy fresh butter & cream, sugar & nuts are cooked in our old-

fashioned copper kettle and worked on our marble slabs. Our

chocolates feature the finest Belgian chocolate and mix classic

old flavors with more modern, inventive combinations..

Crafted by Hand in Nova Scotia.

1477 Lr Water St. (Bishop’s Landing) www.theuncommongroup.com902.421.6079 @SugahHFX

At our Public Gardens location, you can get all of our famous

confections as well as our unique hand paddled ice cream.

Crafted by Hand in Nova Scotia.

Public Gardens, Spring Garden Rd. www.theuncommongroup.com 902.420.1562 @SugahHFX

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Our location in the heart of SOMO, the jewel of the South End

of Barrington St. is where you can go to relax in our welcoming

atmosphere, or get a quick joe to go. Stop by for lunch and

grab one of our freshly made, grilled sandwiches.

Halifax. Caffeinated.

1237 Barrington St. www.theuncommongroup.com902.404.7288 @UncommonHFX

Our South Park St. flagship store is the heart of the south end.

Here, our talented bakers turn out glorious baked goods every

morning. The perfect accompaniment to our locally roasted,

small batch coffees and everything you need to start your day

off on the right foot. Amazing grilled sandwiches make us the

perfect spot for lunch too!

Halifax. Caffeinated.

1030 South Park St. www.theuncommongroup.com902.404.3124 @UncommonHFX

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The ever popular Public Gardens boasts one of the most

stunning patios in Halifax. Our location in historic Horticultural

Hall offers the beautiful backdrop of gardens in full bloom and

provides a quiet respite from the otherwise bustling Spring

Garden Rd. Open from April to October, this is the perfect

location to get away from it all and ponder the meaning of life.

Halifax. Caffeinated.

Public Gardens, Spring Garden Rd. www.theuncommongroup.com902.420.1562 @UncommonHFX

Wildflower is a destination boutique with a reputation for fresh,

unique finds and exceptional service. Proudly independent

for over a decade, we pride ourselves on getting to know

our clientele and tailor our merchandise and suggestions

accordingly. Take a step off Spring Garden Road and discover

your new local gem.

Contemporary Clothing for Contemporary Women

5553 Clyde St. www.wildflowerclothing.com902.420.0364 @WildflowerHFX

The premier waterfront destination for locals and visitors alike.

Lower Water Street | bishopslanding.com

Exceptional shopping, dining and living on the Halifax waterfront just got better.

Presenting Haskapa and Little Oak,NEW to Bishop’s Landing!

What does “local” mean & why does it matter?

The word local can mean entirely different things to

different people.

When it comes to agricultural products, it’s a little easier

- but is grown within 100 miles, or within Nova Scotia, or

Atlantic Canada, or Canada your definition? What about

a foreign grown product that’s been processed locally - or

conversely a locally grown or harvested product that’s

been shipped overseas for processing?

When it comes to our shopping, drinking & dining choices

- the definition becomes that much harder. The point is

that each person is going to have their own perception

of what “local” means - none of them are wrong. What

is important is that we think about our consumption

choices. The more you think before you buy, the happier

you’ll be with what you buy.

So, what makes the businesses in this guide “local”

and why does it matter. For us, it’s all about people &

community. The faces you see in this guide are your

neighbours - they are the owners & managers of these

businesses. They are the people that run their business

every day thinking more about their community than the

bottom line.

The businesses in this guide are owned by Nova

Scotians, they were created by Nova Scotians. There

is no corporate head office where money is sent every

month, decisions on sourcing are made here, decisions on

new menus are made in consultation with local farmers,

local brewmasters, local wineries, decisions on what

organizations to support in our community are made here.

This matters because “community” is the most important

thing to our overall quality of life. Our community is

where we all live, it’s where our children will hopefully

live, it’s where our daily interactions define our lives. But

community is not about geography, community is

something that we all help to shape & define in the way we

live.

Thank you for sharing our belief that local matters & that

community matters.

I Love Local (HFX) is a group of community

minded independent businesses that are

committed to supporting and strengthening our

community and to making Halifax an exciting

and vibrant place to shop, eat, and live.

Our mission is to highlight the great

independent businesses in Halifax and to bring

our customers new and exciting products,

tastes and services every day.

Whether you are from Halifax or Helsinki, this

collection of businesses is here to serve your

every need and will ensure that your Halifax

experience is a unique one, one that will reward

your curiosity.

Get out and explore our Halifax. Shop, eat, enjoy!

Welcome to our home.

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