Saint John Ale House

Bar, Eatery

1 Market Sq
Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4Z6
Canada

(506) 657-2337 | map
saintjohnalehouse.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.97
Reviews:
5
Ratings:
5
pDev:
6.3%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews.
Photo of chopolds
Reviewed by chopolds from New Jersey

4.41/5  rDev +11.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
A welcome Oasis after a few days on a cruise ship! I noticed it as I was shopping, and had to try it out. Very pleased to find a knowledgable bartender (Eric?), pleasant, as well. He recommended some very nice local brews, Pumphoue and Picarroons, loved the Bitters, and Dark and Stormy. Food was Ok, mussels were a bit small and not nearly enough of them, but tasty none the less. Should have been served with some crusty bread to soak up the juice.
The only small complaint, is that the beer was served VERY cold. Flavors opened up when they warmed a bit.
Oct 03, 2013
Photo of tigg924
Reviewed by tigg924 from Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +1.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
The St. John Alehouse is a lively pub right in the heart of the port of St. John. There was a concert right outside of the bar on the Wednesday night I was there, so the atmosphere was exciting and young. Even on a Wednesday, the bar really did not start to thin out until 11:45. The bar itself is well lit, open, and very woody. It is comforting in the fact that it felt real and not cookie cutter. Service was very good. I asked the waiter for recommendations and his were spot on. Even on a very busy night, he made sure that when my glass was empty, he was there asking me if I wanted another—major kudos there. When we returned later and sat by the bar, the bar keep was much the same way. The food was a bit of a downer. For the price the portions are small. The chicken curry I had was not bad, but could have had a bit more spice. My friend felt much the same way about his beef sandwich. The beer list is about as good as I have seen in Canada. 31 drafts, several more bottles. Most of the taps highlighted Atlantic Canada’s microbreweries. What I desire when I go to a new place is to find somewhere where I can taste the region and St. John Alehouse delivers. Love the atmosphere and the beer. This is certainly a must stop bar when I am in New Brunswick.
Sep 02, 2011
Photo of socon67
Reviewed by socon67 from New York

3.95/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Was here while on a cruise and recommended by fellow BA's.

Midweek it was relatively quiet. We were seated promptly and looked at the beer list. They have pretty much all the craft beers in the area available. I tried the Propeller ESB and Picaroon's Dark and Stormy. Nice view of the port while we ate and drank. Food selection is good, though the price range is on the high end of average. But the balance is that you are here for the beer and they have plenty of it.

If in port I would recommend this as a place to get to try the local offerings without venturing all over.
Sep 11, 2010
Photo of CHADMC3
Reviewed by CHADMC3 from Connecticut

3.65/5  rDev -8.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
This is the best spot to my knowledge to have a decent beer in St. John. Not the traditional American beer bar, but certainly the best around in the city.

Large variety of Canadian (and some American) macros, but also some good regional Canadian offerings such as Picaroon's. Good variation of taps and bottles alike, and also other mixed drinks if you're with others that appreciate that.

The atmosphere is part Irish pub, part night club, part semi-upscale restaurant. Service was quick and very attentive, and knowledge of beers was decent.

We tried the "award winning" wings, which I felt were average compared to what I am used to, but perhaps their excellent for NB. The beer bread is very good and I recommend this as an app.

Overall, this is a pretty neat place, just don't expect to be blown away by the selection or the atmosphere. Certainly worth a visit.
Jul 02, 2009
Photo of cjbmcdon
Reviewed by cjbmcdon from Canada (NS)

3.83/5  rDev -3.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
The SJAH purports to have the largest selection of beers in the province, and I believe them. With ~30 taps, and 30+ bottles, they have a fine list of offerings. Their taps have the usual macros, but also have 3-5 each Pump House and Picaroons beers (standards as well as seasonals). Bottles include the aforementioned NB microbrews, as well as Halifax's Garrison and Propeller breweries.

During my visit, I tried the PH Rye Pale Ale and Picaroons Maple Cream. Both pints were $7 each. I also had the Welsh Rarebit and Caesar salad, both of which were very good. Easter Monday night, ~ 4 tables of guests, and the one bartender/server was more interested in the basketball game than checking up on us (that's ok, so was I).

Total with tax and tip was $35, so not cheap, but did allow me to try two seasonals I had missed elsewhere. I'll return next time I'm in Saint John.
Apr 15, 2009
Saint John Ale House in Saint John, NB, Canada
Place rating: 3.97 out of 5 with 5 ratings