Where to Eat Near Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax
Dinner near Casino Nova Scotia: how to walk to Barrios on Barrington Street, what to order before a show, and where to eat late after the casino on Friday and Saturday.
Barrios Restaurant & Bar
10/18/20263 min read
Where to Eat Near Casino Nova Scotia: Filipino Dinner on Barrington Street
Casino Nova Scotia sits on Upper Water Street, on the Halifax waterfront. Whether you are going for a show in the Schooner Showroom or a night on the casino floor, a proper dinner downtown turns it into a full evening.
If you are looking for a restaurant near Casino Nova Scotia, Barrios Kitchen & Bar is a Filipino restaurant at 1571 Barrington Street, on the west side of Barrington just south of Sackville Street. Here is how to fit us in before or after the casino.
Getting from the casino to Barrios
From the casino, head south on Upper Water Street, walk up George Street or Prince Street to Barrington, and turn left. From George Street it is about two to three blocks south, past Prince and Sackville. From Prince Street it is about a block and a half to two blocks to Sackville, and we are just past it.
Walking time depends on your pace and the weather, so check a map app before you set out. If you have show tickets, give yourself extra time.
Dinner before a show
Book a table early enough that you are not watching the clock, and tell your server when you need to leave.
If you want one plate each, these are full meals on their own:
Chicken inasal, $22. Grilled chicken marinated in citrus, garlic and spices, with garlic rice, a soy vinegar dip and pickled daikon and carrots.
Beef tapa, $18. Our tapsilog: thin-sliced beef marinated in soy sauce and spices, pan-fried until the edges caramelise, with garlic rice and two eggs.
Pancit bihon, $17. Thin rice noodles with vegetables in a light savoury sauce, with your choice of grilled chicken, crispy pork belly or shrimp.
If the table wants to share, start with spring rolls ($9 for four) and add two or three of these:
Pork sisig, $20. Chopped roasted pork with soy sauce and chili, sizzling on a cast iron plate, with steamed rice. Mix the raw egg on top through the pork while the plate is still hot, then squeeze the lemon over.
Kare-kare, $22. Our version uses crispy pork belly, with vegetables in a rich peanut sauce, steamed rice and bagoong, a salty shrimp paste, on the side. It contains peanut and shrimp.
Crispy pata, $27. Pork hocks simmered in spices until tender, then deep-fried, with a homemade soy vinegar dip. Rice is not included, so add steamed rice ($2.50) or garlic rice ($2.75).
Dinner after the casino
For a late dinner, Friday and Saturday are the nights. We are open until 11 PM, the last seating is at 10 PM, and the chef usually calls last orders around 10:30 PM. Saturday nights usually have live music, from an acoustic set to a full band or a singer.
Tuesday to Thursday we close at 9 PM. The last booked table is at 8 PM, and walk-ins are seated until about 8 to 8:30 PM depending on the night.
If you are winding down rather than eating a full meal, the drinks list has Nova Scotia beer on tap, including Propeller Galaxy and Nine Locks Dirty Blonde, and cocktails such as the Manga-Rita, tequila with lime and mango, at $13. The designated driver can have a mocktail like the Minted Mango Fizz, $7.
Coming as a group
The restaurant seats up to 60 at dining tables, with no bar seating, so book ahead for a group. There is no room fee and no minimum spend. For a big table, call so we can plan it with you.
Sunday and Monday
Sunday is Filipino brunch only, from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, at $29 per adult. There is no dinner service on Sunday, so pair a Sunday afternoon at the casino with brunch instead. We are closed on Mondays.
Visit Barrios
We are at 1571 Barrington Street, open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM. Book a table or call 902-444-2515. The full menu is online. Prices shown are from our current menu and may change.
Quick answers
Can I walk from Casino Nova Scotia to Barrios?
Yes. Head south on Upper Water Street, go up George or Prince Street to Barrington, and turn left. We are just south of Sackville Street. Check a map app for the walking time.
Is Barrios open late after the casino?
Friday and Saturday are the late nights. Tuesday to Thursday we close earlier, so book ahead if you are coming after a show.
What should I order before a show?
One plate each keeps it simple: chicken inasal, beef tapa or pancit bihon. Tell your server when you need to leave.
Can I pay in US dollars?
Yes, in cash, at par. Change is given in Canadian dollars.
Is Barrios open on Sunday night?
No. Sunday is brunch only, with no dinner service.