Top Bars in St. John's, Canada

My wife and I were visiting St Johns a couple weeks ago and went to Saltwater after reading the reviews.
It did not disappoint.
The meal was delicious and the server was friendly and helpful.
Will return next time we are in the province

Would be 5 stars across the board, except for the gravy. Best fish I've had this trip 👍👌

Had the Pork Belly dish, the chef did a fabulous job. The server was extremely attentive. The food was very reasonably priced and had generous portions. Tried their beefeater blood orange drink was fantastic.y first time dinning inside and I’ll be sure to come back!

Great meal with decent beer selection, I thought they brewed their own but they just serve local beers. Unfortunately no IPA's were on tap and of the beers that were available the server didn't know much about a couple of them we asked about.

This restaurant has some of the best fish and chips I've ever had. They're so delicious.
The service is quite good and friendly! And the location is so cool! The only downside to this otherwise perfect visit, is that the portion sizes have shrunk a lot.

I went to this place during my first visit to NL. I loved the fish and chips there. The fries were so fresh. I had it with dressing and gravy. Highly recommended 👍

Stowed away at the juxtapose of Duckworth Street and McMurdo's Lane, The Duke of Duckworth is a famous haunt, and I knew not how famous until I read rave reviews about its fish and chips and its exclusive use in the local show, Republic of Doyle.
Fame apart, the Fish and Chips lived up to its hype, the fish almost melting in your mouth. We also tried honey garlic wings, which was done pretty well too. Didn't get to try the booze, will update once we go back!
Prices are on the higher side though, buoyed by the hype, I believe?
The atmosphere is quaint and refined, like polished old wood. Retro music plays in phases and completes the vibe. There's a few slot machines and a billiard board around. When we went at afternoon, the place wasn't crowded at all.
They always have some specials on offer, up on display right where you enter from. Service is prompt and good, albeit due to the low occupancy, I believe. The waiter made us a fair recommendation about what to try at the Duke's, since we went there for the first time.
Will go again!

This place is great. Many unique beer options. Came on a Saturday and a local band was playing, makes the entire place lively. Staff was friendly and overall the atmosphere was comforting.

A cool pub with slot machines and interesting esoteric decor. A great place to grab a local pint and the fish and chips are some of the best I've had in Newfoundland.

Food service and atmosphere were all fantastic. Wonderful waitstaff, super comfortable... but with long pauses between telling us things are out of stock and even longer pauses between bringing out food in parts, the experience was inconsistent across the table.

If you have a handful of people or more, be ready to watch your friends finish their food while you wait for yours.

The restaurant is roomy and is conveniently located in downtown. I had the lobster rolls and enjoyed them but they were too buttery. Fish and chips were good but not the best. I visited out of season (Oct 2023) so that could be why.

Pretty much a perfect business. Simple, uncomplicated menu extremely well-executed - tied for best fish & chips I had in the St-John's area. Reasonable portions and reasonable prices mean great value overall. Great selection of beverages, incredibly happy to come across such a selection of sour beers and similar for someone like me who doesn't really like regular beer. Gorgeous view, service and great atmosphere. Live music on Sunday afternoon. We went twice in a week!

Great beers with amazing views. We tried a couple of different beers and they were all great. The view is second to none and the fish and chips were pretty good. They had live Newfoundland music going on and they were excellent musicians. Great service, beers and views will have us returning.

One of the most beautiful breweries I've ever been to. The food was well priced and delicious. The beers were pretty good, and I got a glass with my Iceberg beer.

I took one star off for two reasons: the prices on the menu are not including tax, but the bill will include the tax on it - I got confused why it was more expensive. As well, they were grossly understaffed for their capacity - it was full and they only had 3 or 4 servers. I felt bad knowing everything was taking forever because of this fact.

We visited the QV brewery at the beginning of August. We sat on the patio so the view and atmosphere were lovely. The server brings your drinks but you go fetch your food yourself when it’s ready, which is ok. We ordered the seafood chowder which we thought was a bit small for the price but was still tasty. Cool beer selection too.

For tourists downtown in St John's, this place is a good brisk 40-minute walk away and involves a little bit of incline. We walked via the lake loop trail which did have a nice dedicated pedestrian path but wasn't as nice and scenic as you would think, passing by the large penitentiary and run down medical facilities. It did give us a nice chance to get a more complete feel for the town than just the tourist waterfront streets. You could always take a quick 5-minute cab ride. Arrived at an adorably cute little harbor (the one you imagined when you first thought of New Foundland) with the brewery right at the end with all the best views. Lots of personality and LOTS of beers with local ingredients (ex. Blueberries) and local themes (ex. Iceberg). Walk up a narrow staircase to the main brewery floor and bar. Place was full from a wedding event but we quickly grabbed seats at the bar. They were busy and hustling but we were quickly served our 16oz pour beers ($6.50 USD converted from CAD after taxes but before gratuity), which were delicious. Staff were helpful but too busy to be particularly "friendly" (aka. you may need to flag them to request your drink or check). Packed with friendly locals (not sure if any tourists) and great views of the boats and water. They were setting up for some local folk music (fiddle, guitar, tin whistle) which sounded like it would be amazing. Unfortunately we didn't have time to stick around but we can definitely say this would be our go-to brewery and is worth the effort to get to - don't miss it.

While the food was delicious, the restaurant was too dark to enjoy a nice afternoon meal and I found the food to be too expensive for what we received. We tried the lobster rolls, the fish and chips and the grilled salmon - the salmon was the best of the three. Because of this I can only give 4 stars for the experience.

Ate here on the recommendation of our St. John's Walking Tours guide, who told us this is the best place in the city to eat fish and chips. Although I cannot say if this is true, I can confirm that my family loved the fish and chips here. In particular, my son--who adores fried fish--told me that Duke's served the best fish and chips during our 1 1/2 week long trip in Newfoundland.

While visiting Quidi Vidi, the brewery was a must according to friends. After a stroll around the village, stopped for lunch and up the stairs we went (the brewery part if downstairs). The place was fairly packed and we had to wait to be seated. One of the reasons for such great numbers was that the President and First Lady of Iceland and entourage were visiting and getting “screeched in”. What lucky timing for us and especially me! We both ordered the two-piece fish and chips (each $14.99) with side of gravy as well as a bottle and draft of Iceberg beer. Love the blue bottle. Now I’m not a beer drinker but it was so smooth and refreshing tasting that I finished the whole bottle (I never do!). The fish and chips were delicious – crispy and flaky inside. The gravy was dark and thick which I always favour. The homemade tartar sauce was great and not vinegary. The environment was full of friendly people celebrating and talking with typical upbeat NL music in the background. One thing I truly noticed and appreciated was there were no t.v.’s that I could see. Bonus points! There’s a covered patio outside overlooking the water (and protected from wind windows) so lots of seating. Parking is nearby. A truly fun place with very reasonable prices and the charm of Newfoundland folks.

The Duke is a really authentic irish pub located a few blocks from the local action on Water/George. We stopped in for dinner and drinks on Sunday night. Our server was friendly and patient with our questions and we got to know her as the night went on. The pub itself has great ambience and decor and the bartender was also friendly.

We ordered a caesar and a pint of Murphy's stout, both really good. We shared the chowder, a piece of fish, and the hot turkey sandwich. The chowder was chock full of cod and has a lovely, herby cream base. The fish was probably the best we tasted in NL after having sampled 5 other places; not greasy at all, light and crispy batter, moist and meaty cod. They win this round for sure. The turkey in the turkey sandwich was tasty and moist, but that was all that was between the bread. The bread was smothered in the gravy so it all got a bit homogenous. The fries were good, but again you have to be a fan of soggy fries to enjoy. The dressing did not add anything, and I'm confused by this local menu choice.

Note that the kitchen is only open till 8pm, so plan ahead. I'm glad we did!

Title: A Seafood Delight with a Bumpy Start

I recently dined at a seafood restaurant that left me with a mix of emotions, but ultimately won me over with its delectable offerings. Upon arrival, I couldn't help but notice the slow service that initially dampened our spirits. However, the server quickly diffused the situation with a sincere apology, explaining the shortage of staff. This thoughtful gesture set the tone for a dining experience that would leave a lasting impression.

As a connoisseur of Caesar drinks, I was pleasantly surprised to find the best rendition I've ever encountered. The blend of flavors was nothing short of extraordinary, making it an instant favorite. Despite the initial hiccup, the affordable price of the drink further added to the restaurant's appeal.

The culinary journey continued on a high note with the seafood chowder—a rich, creamy concoction bursting with the flavors of the ocean. Every spoonful was a testament to the chef's skill, and the impeccable balance of ingredients made it a standout dish. The lobster rolls that followed were equally impressive, showcasing succulent pieces of lobster ensconced in perfectly toasted buns.

Regrettably, I must extend my apologies for not providing photos of the dishes I enjoyed. The undeniable hunger brought on by the tantalizing aromas made it impossible to resist diving into the delectable creations before capturing them on camera.

Despite the initial service setback and my hasty dive into the delightful dishes, the restaurant's commitment to delivering exceptional seafood experiences was undeniable. The top-notch quality of every dish, combined with reasonable prices, makes this establishment a hidden gem worth discovering. With the server's genuine apology and the unforgettable flavors that followed, I left the restaurant with a sense of satisfaction and a newfound appreciation for the culinary mastery on display.

In town for work and needed a place to eat/unwind after a lengthy layover in Halifax. So went on a recommendation from a buddy. The place was used for Republic of Doyle for sone of the bar scenes so it was cool to be in a pub used for a show. Menu was decent and since I can’t have fish I went with the traditional club.
Delicious.
Also I had a local pint and it was great. Don’t remember which one but I enjoyed my meal and drink.
It was also cheap drafts so when we got there the place was packed but eventually it emptied out quickly when the happy hour was over.
Place could use sone better lighting and seating but when you’re at the bar it doesn’t matter. Great chats with the servers/bartender.

Very nice brewery and amazing fish and chips! The service was amazing! The view was very nice during sunset which is when I was there. I sat at their covered patio and it was beautiful!

The batter for the fish and chips was just so good, it had the texture and crispiness similar to Popeyes chicken which I found very unique. I have never had fish and chips with a thicker batter but it wasn’t hard at all. The tarter sauce that was served with the fish and chips was just so amazing I kept asking the server to bring more of it for my fries. The fries were also very delicious! Highly recommend not skipping the fish and chips here!

The only odd thing with this brewery is that you need to walk downstairs to get your food from the kitchen. I am not sure why the servers don’t bring the food to the tables. I wonder how those with disability or mobility issues get their food.

Highly recommend eating here if you are stopping by.

Located next to the DoubleTree hotel, this beer garden had a small menu but large array of beverages on tap. With refillable options and beverages to go, there is a lot to try. We had a great time with the food and amazing soundtrack while dining at Brewdock.

During our visit, we tried the Landwash Brackish, a refreshing Sour Ale infused with authentic Newfoundland Sea Salt. For something a little different, the Brewdock Gimlet is a delicious cocktail mixed with NL Distillery Cloudberry Gin and sea buckthorn berries. Their food menu is small but delicious. We could not resist trying the Spicy Cod Sandwich and the Spicy Shrimp Po Boy which were great choices. Tossed in the famous dry rub from the Fat Puffin Co, the chicken wings were amazing. We ordered it with ranch dip but came as BBQ which was not bad. The only minor downside we encountered was that the menu items do not come with sides like salad or fries so it was a bit more expensive for the quantity you received.

There was ample beer garden space located in the lower floor with picnic tables. However, if you are not in the mood for the outdoor weather, Brewdock indoor dining space on the entrance ground floor where you can order at the bar and conveniently pay with a credit card.

I was hesitant after reading some of the reviews but went for it. And I cannot be more thrilled that I did! Our server, Russell, was the ABSOLUTE best. Fun and attentive and just top notch all around. We had the chowder and burger and oysters and lobster roll. After living in Boston and Florida for fifteen years, I can say that this was HANDS DOWN the best lobster roll I have ever had, and I am what some would call a food snob. I would recommend to ANYONE.

Great beer selection. Great location. Cool beer garden. However. Service is inept. We waited over 25 minutes for 2 beers. Server brought both of us the wrong beers, probably forgot since it was over 25 minutes. Apologized and brought my wife the right one, but said he thought mine might have been what I ordered? Taproom only had 9 tables, so not busy. I’ll take my business elsewhere.

I really enjoy their food! I wish they had more cocktail drink options or cider on tap for people who don't like beer. Their Moscow mules are good.

The Iceberg Lager Beer is very fresh and it's the best beer we ever drink. We ordered fish cake which was delicious. The service was great too. The place was very busy and we had a short wait for the seating inside, then as soon as a table was available outside, we moved to outside. It's absolutely delightful drinking the beer while enjoying the beautiful lake views.

We had beers in the beer garden with the guys for a bachelor party last week and it was awesome! Ryan, the server, did a great job keeping the jugs going. Some of the guys had fries and other apps which looked great. The huge selection of beers on tap and having a spot to sit outside made it a really awesome time. I can't wait to sit outside there this summer. Highly recommend!

I tried their original burger, I'll be honest I was expecting something tasty because I'd read the reviews before, but I was suprised by how tasteless it was. It wasn't bad at all, but there wasn't a lot of flavor. I don't think I'll eat there again but I'd like to try more of their beers. There was a beer I wanted but they didn't have it. I was not that impressed either by their draft beer selection/variety. I'll give it another try one day, hopefully on their terasse but it's not a priority.

We had the lobster rolls. Were good. Buns were delicious and heated properly. Basalmic glaze was added to the plate for aesthetics but it made the lobster rolls hard to eat - kept getting vinegar on our hands!

Ate here the other night, the food was phenomenal. They do staple foods but in a high end way. I had the Chicken Amaretto, the chicken was tender, the sauce was delicious, overall a fantastic meal. The server was also very friendly, helpful and nice!
Will be back again!

Update: went back again with larger group, the food was amazing. Scallops were absolutely perfect, good drinks, tacos were fantastic, pasta was amazing and the tiramisu was probably one of the best desserts I have ever had. Service was amazing, bartender was very accommodating to requests. New top favorite restaurants in St. John's!

Was really impressed by this place! Stopped in for a drink and snack before our reservation and was blown away! The beers on top are varied and unique. Ordering from the bar made our stay easy, and at our own pace. The Chips and Dip, while on the higher end of the price point, we're fantastic and definitely worth the money. I would recommend this spot to anyone, will be back for sure!