The Stubborn Goat Gastropub

My visit to The Stubborn Goat was for dinner and conversation with friends I haven’t seen in a while. If you were ever at the former Seven restaurant that took up this space 10 years ago the interior will look familiar. The current atmosphere, though, is rather different than what it once was. It is now definitely much more of a pub vibe, not a cocktail bar, and certainly not a restaurant despite the emphasis on food.
Their menu is vast for both food and drink choices. We had a few different craft beers along with some wine from a pretty decent list. Everything we ordered was well-​prepared and presented, and was very tasty. The way the food arrives is odd though, as it comes to your table somewhat randomly as it is ready. This led to one of our group’s soup course arriving long after his main, which just seems like poor organization in the kitchen. They advise you of this possibility when ordering, but I do not understand that aspect — other places can time their table service so I’m not sure why they cannot do that here.
The staff we encountered were all excellent, friendly, and extremely pleasant. Aside from the food timing, what’s not to like? A couple of things, not necessarily always negative but good to know: it is very much a pub atmosphere, for good and bad. We were upstairs and about a dozen guys arrived at an adjacent table about halfway through our visit who were loud and boisterous, even taking selfies with some of the good-​looking servers sitting on their laps. Fun for them, not so much for our conversation. There was some live music, not dance music but a singing duo, that started up around 7PM that also kept the conversation challenging. That seemed early for music but what do I know? Just be advised, the place can get loud, and it was not even close to full.
All in all, knowing what I know now I would go back but in a different context, as you can’t really have the kind of typical dinner conversation there once the music starts. I wonder if it would do better with that menu in more of a bar setting than that of a pub. The prices are certainly more in the upscale bar range — 2 appetizers, 4 mains, 3 craft beers and 3 glasses of wine was $ 200 including tip and tax — not outrageous by any means for 4 people but perhaps not quite with the atmosphere that would command in other venues. The noise and atmosphere is the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5.

I go to this place often, especially in the summer when i can chill on the patio.
The service is a little inconsistent, aswell as the food, but the atmosphere is awesome. Good place to watch sports they have some nice tv’s.
I don’t have as high expectations for the food as i do for most restaurants, seeing how it is a gastropub. They have more than 20 craft beers on tap and the mixed drinks are decent.
Great place to have some drinks and a little bit of grub.

Great ambiance, live music, a friendly bartender, and great food. Perfect combo after a long day in the office or any day for that matter.
We ordered the Moscow mule and martini to start. Scallops, chicken drums, truffle fries, and of course the lobster mac and cheese. Scallops were ginormous, cooked perfectly, and came with a squash purée and back bacon or some other cured pork. Mac and cheese was a creamy cheesy al dented pasta with lobster chunks. Chicken drums were spicy juicy saucy yumminess. It was all delicious food and great service.
I haven’t had a bad meal yet in Halifax. I could get used to this and it just might convince me to move out here from Toronto!