An Afternoon in North End Halifax

North End Halifax is working hard to become a cute and sought-after place to eat, shop, and wander. Spending an afternoon in the North End isn’t hard. There are loads of little shops, cafes, increasingly popular restaurants, and cheerful St-John’s-esque roads to walk down. Even in the snowy days of March, it’s a pretty place to spend some time.

I was able to spend this past Saturday poking around and found some particularly sweet spots to share with you:

Step 1: Brunch

Brunch in Halifax has become quite the thing in recent years. No longer is Halifax a city full of fish and chips and diners. An influx of immigrants has increased the flavour combinations and an influx of cash has diversified the restaurant options. North End Halifax in particular has been the site of funky restaurants, bars and cafes springing up and surviving the pandemic.

Almonak is a brunch, cafe, and dinner spot on Almon Street in Halifax. I love the diversity of the brunch menu. Not only do they offer the regular (and very popular) assortment of eggs benny for carnivores and vegetarians, but also an extensive menu of other options. My dish – veggie pakora with eggs, mango chutney, cilantro yogurt and paneer cheese – was the best brunch I’ve had in a long time.

If the restaurant is full, you might find a seat at the glossy wooden bar, or grab a coffee, pastry, and loaf of bread to go from the cafe side.

I loved the modern decor. Check out the light fixtures in the bathrooms – and the funky wallpaper, which I now want to find a place for somewhere in my house. Saturday brunch gets busy, so you might consider making a reservation using the online booking service.

Looking to leave Halifax and see more of Nova Scotia? Check out these easy day trips.

Step 2: Go Retro

Agricola Street has become a bit of a hub in North End Halifax for independent shops, bars, and cafes. Visit Local Source Market for groceries and edible souvenirs, Chain Yard for locally made cider, and Nurtured Baby for children’s clothing and accoutrements. Then head to Lost and Found for retro and vintage second-hand clothing and accessories.

Step 3: Read More

Agricola Street Books opened in the last couple of years in what has to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Halifax. Even if you don’t care a bit about books, go check out the high ceilings, funky fixtures, and wood trim in this little shop. Independent bookshops are increasingly rare, so this is ia real gem in North End Halifax.

Agricola Street Books has a full children’s section, discount books, second-hand options, and Canadian magazines and journals. You can certainly take your time browsing the stacks, and gazing through the large two-storey windows.

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