The Parkside isn’t just another pub on the “dark side” of Halifax. The Dartmouth establishment is a rare “southern barbecue” and rib joint in Atlantic Canada that manages at the same time to exude an air of “pure Canadiana.”
Not as well known as Halifax’s iconic Lower Deck (read our Travel Industry Today review),
the Parkside is nevertheless a lively neighbourhood hangout known for its colourful characters and atmosphere, live music, and friendly bar staff. A quick peak at the pub’s Facebook page reveals a robust roster of performers, theme nights, and events, such as “rock and roll bingo and wing night,” and karaoke Fridays.
Formerly the Parkside Pub & Grill, the venue changed its name to Parkside Pub & Smokehouse after installing smokers (imported from Tennessee) in 2013. The menu naturally changed too to feature southern-style ribs, brisket, and pulled pork (all slow cooked), though there is also pasta, salad, chicken, steak and a requisite slate of pub grub: wings, potato skins, nachos, poutine, burgers, and fish & chips.
The bar, meanwhile, serves Canadian and international beers, plus wine and coolers – all of which can be enjoyed on the large patio when weather allows.
All of which is to say, if you’re going over to the dark side, don’t forget the Parkside.
Located at 14 Highfield Park Dr., near Albro Lake Park, the pub is open Sun-Tues., 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
“Pub Crawl” is an ongoing series in which we reveal some of our favourite public houses, both at home and abroad – and, in the spirit of the establishment, invite you to share with us yours. Send suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com.