Since opening in 2016, The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar has established itself as one of Halifax’s go-to restaurants for one of the best dining experiences in the city.
Low lighting and luxurious decor give the place a warm, welcoming feeling, while traditional dishes with exciting new twists leave guests with no doubt that this downtown restaurant is a cut above the rest (how could I pass up the rare opportunity to throw in a steak pun!?).
The Barrington embraces its heritage, celebrating its central location within Halifax’s downtown core, and the businesses that came before its time as a restaurant. Antique irons hang in the lounge while a large mural of an ad for a local laundromat adorns the dining room wall; a tribute to the building’s previous lives throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Read on to discover why the restaurant uses irons as decor, what it takes to curate a great wine list, and where to find the most secluded patio in Halifax. Here are 10 things you likely didn’t know about The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar.
1 – The building that houses The Barrington Steakhouse hasn’t always been the stunning dining venue that it is today!
The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar is located at 1662 Barrington Street, right in the heart of Downtown Halifax. Barrington Street is one of the city’s most historic streets, and was considered the main commercial district of the city by the 19th century.
Throughout the years, the building has housed a number of businesses, including Ungar’s Steam Laundry and Dye Works from 1893 to the 1940s. During this time, the space functioned as a laundromat and antique iron installation on the main level.
Today, The Barrington pays tribute to the building’s history with a mural in the dining room of an original advertisement for Ungar’s that was found in the Nova Scotia archives, as well as a collection of antique irons hanging in the lower level.
2 – There’s a secret patio hidden from the street.
The Barrington’s courtyard patio is hidden away from the street, nestled between the buildings in the centre of downtown Halifax.
The patio at The Barrington can host guests for dinner or cocktail receptions. Capacity is 16 for sit down dinner and 30 for stand up reception.
3 – The beef served at The Barrington is completely locally-sourced.
All beef served at The Barrington is Atlantic Beef, sourced primarily from P.E.I., so you know your steak is extremely fresh, having traveled a very short distance to arrive at your table. The same is true for the oysters, which come from P.E.I., New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Learn more about the varieties of oysters served at The Barrington.
4 – The Barrington is vegan-friendly!
Yes, you read that correctly – this steakhouse accommodates vegans too! That may not have been something you thought you’d learn about this East Coast steakhouse.
Let the staff know of any dietary preferences, restrictions or allergies in advance when you make your reservation (either online or by phone at 902-407-5001), and they’ll be happy to accommodate your needs. For vegans and vegetarians, Chef Alex Jolin might whip up a savoury mushroom risotto or a succulent pasta dish, depending on seasonal ingredients, and your dietary preferences.
Check out more vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Halifax.
5 – Eating at The Barrington makes you a better person!
The Good Deed Burger is a $10 all-Atlantic beef burger made in house and sold to support local charities. The full $10 from each burger goes to a local charity chosen by the staff at The Barrington. When 100 burgers are sold, a donation of $1,000 is made to the selected charity.
The Good Deed Burger is served from 11am-4pm Monday to Saturday, available for eat-in or take-out. Learn more.
6 – Enjoy dinner AND a show with live music 3 nights a week.
The Barrington hosts local musicians every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, adding something even more special to your dining experience.
Find out who is playing at The Barrington on their website or Facebook.
7 – The charcuterie boards are 100% made in-house.
If you find it on a charcuterie board at The Barrington, it’s been made in-house! From the breads to the pickles and meats, Chef Alex Jolin makes everything on-site at The Barrington.
8 – The wine list is on point.
See this Q&A with The Barrington’s Sommelier, Thomas Spooner to find out what it takes to curate a great wine list and which wines he’s excited for people to try!
See the Wine Menu for The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
9 – The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar is fully accessible.
The Barrington is fully wheelchair accessible on the lounge level, dining room and patio.
If you have any specific questions or concerns about accessibility or mobility within the space, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Executive Reservations & Sales Manager, Haley Clarke either by phone at 902-407-5001 or email.
10 – The Barrington’s Red Room private dining room is a Legacy Room.
Legacy Spaces are an initiative of The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), and are dedicated to sharing the story of the Canadian residential school system and the history of Indigenous Peoples.
The DWF is part of Gord Downie’s legacy and embodies his commitment, and that of both the Downie and Wenjack families, to encourage Canadians to learn and act in solidarity with Indigenous peoples of this land.
The existence of a Legacy Room at The Barrington Steakhouse means that they are committed to providing accurate information regarding Indigenous history and ongoing training to their staff.
Learn more about The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and Legacy Spaces.
Read more about the Legacy Room at The Barrington.
MENUS:
OYSTERS | LUNCH/LOUNGE | DINNER | DESSERT | DRINK | WINE
BOOK A TABLE AT THE BARRINGTON STEAKHOUSE & OYSTER BAR
Photography provided by The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
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