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Economy Shoe Shop Review

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Economy Shoe Shop

$-$$, Eclectic, Halifax

User Rating: *** 3.1

Fodor's Review:

Variety rules at this chaotic, ever-popular establishment with a bar and three restaurants. Start with an imported beer in the Belgian bar, enjoy tapas in the Atrium, head to Backstage to dine among the fake trees and other theatrical decorations, and enjoy the private cave in the Diamond for after-dinner coffee or, in summer, sit on the deck, which is always packed with locals. Food at the Shoe Shop is adventurous -- though not haute cuisine -- and portions are generous.

Member Reviews & Ratings:

meh

Posted by jimmiecat from Toronto on 11/20/07

If you want to show a friend visiting from out of town how "cool" Halifax is - bring them here - but DON'T let them eat the food. The food is mediocre at best and I wouldn't even say portions are generous for what you pay; the food is bland and even little things like salad dressing or mustard tastes like the junk you can buy from the grocery store...the worst of cooks could put this together at home. There really isn't anything redeeming when you see/taste what you're paid for. (the smoked meat sandwich is probably the worst I've ever had...big let down, though that'll teach me to not to order smoked meat anywhere east of Quebec) They could really benefit from getting their menu redone by someone who knows how to cook or flavour dishes. Have you ever been some place where you read the menu and your meal arrives and you're delighted that the meal exceeds what you were expecting?...Not here..it's the opposite - and with the lack of tantilizing description in the menu, it seemed impossible to not beat it. I was really shocked that even the basic description wasn't met: "pickle on the side" = 2 thin circular slices of pickles on a toothpick on top of each half of the sandwich - um, gee, thanx for busting the bank on me. Otherwise, for sure if you're looking to catch up on old times and tie a few on, the place is great and spacious; tables aren't cramped in and the music is at a nice level, so there's plenty of privacy. The decor is pretty cool and if you like looking at hipsters, this is the place. Order a Hoegarden (bier), it comes in a ~30oz glass (seriously - huge - yum - $7), by the time you finish it your waiter will be back. (slow service)
FOOD: 2.0
ATMOSPHERE: 4.0
SERVICE: 2.0
VALUE: 2.0
RATING: 2.4

The Nachos and Atmosphere make the night

Posted by newtohalifax from Halifax on 9/12/07

Casually dining on the deck with nachos and a beer are a great night in Halifax. I've had a great experience each time I've been here.
FOOD: 4.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 4.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 4.4

Skip It!

Posted by alisampson from Halifax on 4/16/07

This restaurant is completely overrated. The food is mediocre at best. You can get much better food for the same price or cheaper at most places downtown. While the server seemed reasonably informed, he was super slow and did not check in with us at all. The atmosphere came across as super trendy and uncomfortable. My advice is to skip it and try somewhere else.
FOOD: 3.0
ATMOSPHERE: 1.0
SERVICE: 3.0
VALUE: 2.0
RATING: 2.4

 

INFO

  • Address: 1663 Argyle St., Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Phone: 902/423-7463
  • Credit Cards: AE, D, DC, MC, V

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