Newfoundland and Labrador’s most infamous food and drink are, respectively, the cod that tourists are often asked to kiss and the screech liquor (formerly a universal term to describe any cheap, high spirited alcohol, now rum is the standard) tourists are frequently asked to drink. Visitors who successfully consume both are considered honorary Newfoundlanders in the eyes of the locals. Other signature Newfoundland dishes include pickled pigs’ feet called ‘crubeens,’ biscuits known as ‘brewis,’ and the traditional family Jigg’s dinner. As the province with Canada‘s largest per capita alcohol consumption, Newfoundland is notorious for its lively bar scene even within its smallest communities.

Bars and Pubbing in Newfoundland and Labrador

No other thoroughfare in all of North America boasts more places to drink per capita than St. John’s George Street, whose bars often merge into one large party spot, especially during summer nights when it becomes a pedestrian-only zone after the sun sets. It may be difficult for first time visitors to choose just one bar among many, but the white Russians served at Lottie’s Place (3 George Street, St. John’s) are especially renowned. The Duke of Duckworth (325 Duckworth Street, St. John’s) English-style pub offers a more relaxing atmosphere, just one block from North America’s oldest street, Water Street, another Newfoundland and Labrador gem.

Many bars in Corner Brook are attached to hotels, including the Crown and Moose Pub (48 West Street, Corner Brook), a quintessential Canadian pub connected to the local Holiday Inn. The stately Glynmill Inn is home to King Henry’s Pub (1B Cobb Lane, Corner Brook), one of the few Corner Brook bars serving red pints of Smithwick’s.

Even many of Labrador’s isolated roadhouses boast impressive hard liquor selections. Although country music is the default at most Labrador bars, Zachery’s Piano Bar (96 Avalon Drive, Labrador City) is an exception where live music is played at Labrador City’s Two Seasons Inn. O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub and Eatery (500 Vanier Avenue, Labrador City) offers a more typical pub experience with specialty coffees and bar food.

Dining and Cuisine in Newfoundland and Labrador

Duckworth Street in St. John’s may be the easiest place in all of Newfoundland and Labrador to find dining options beyond fast food, fried meals, or seafood. The Sprout (364 Duckworth Street, St. John’s) is probably the best vegetarian restaurant in the area. However, those craving a more traditional Newfoundland and Labrador dinner should end their search at Leo’s Restaurant and Take Out (27 Freshwater Road, St. John’s), whose fish and chips have become a provincial institution.

Sorrento (18 Park Street, Corner Brook) is Corner Brook’s most elegant restaurant, specializing in generous portions of Italian cuisine and featuring live music at its sophisticated On the Rocks lounge and jazz piano bar. Mamateek Restaurant and Pub (93 Maple Valley Road, Corner Brook) serves up Corner Brook’s best baby back ribs alongside a stunning variety of seafood.

Non-chain restaurants are even harder to find in Labrador, but Cornelius Restaurant (118 Humphrey Road, Labrador City) serves up Labrador City’s greatest number of Italian dishes. One chain originating in Newfoundland and Labrador is Mary Brown’s Fried Chicken (210 Drake Avenue, Labrador City), famous for its Big Mary sandwich, chicken, and ‘taters,’ which has expanded into Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Alberta.