Dining

APPLE BARREL RESTAURANT, THE--Casual atmosphere and an extensive menu of inexpensive meals, salads, snacks, finger food and all-day breakfast. Open 24-7.

BLUENOSE II RESTAURANT--Friendly diner-style atmosphere serving traditional Maritime fare, plus Greek and classic favourites. Famous in Halifax for its breakfasts.

BOSTON PIZZA--Sports-themed restaurant offering a unique style of pizza with the meat and vegetables atop the cheese. Also serves other family-restaurant fare such as wings, pasta and sandwiches.

BREWDEBAKERS TAP & GRILL--Casual family dining in the middle of Sleeman's full-service brewery. Popular menu items include spit-roasted chicken, baby back ribs and pizza. With a selection from BBQ shrimp to peppercorn meatloaf, there's something for everyone. Large variety of draught beers and imported bottles. Free parking.

CORA'S--Specializes in breakfast. Bright, cheery spot offering creative hearty dishes with lots of fresh fruit and specialties such as crepes, French toast, waffles and eggs prepared almost every way imaginable. Elaborate skillet and fruit dishes. Also serves lunch, with salads, sandwiches, burgers and more. Open Monday to Saturday, 6am to 3pm; Sunday, 7am to 3pm. Lunch served from 11am until closing.

EAST SIDE MARIO'S--American-Italian favourites as linguine chicken tettrazini and rotisserie chicken. All entrées served with unlimited soup or salad and fresh garlic homeloaf. Three locations.

FAVORITES CUISINE--Fresh new restaurant features Maritime cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Choose from lunch specials, fresh seafood, chowder, pastas and homemade desserts. Traditional turkey dinners on Sunday. Open daily.

JACK ASTOR'S BAR & GRILL--An off-the-wall atmosphere sets this fun, informal spot apart. Enjoy sizzling fajitas, grilled steaks, pasta and homemade hearth-baked thin-crust pizzas while being entertained by the liveliest staff in the business. Kitchen open until midnight. Open Mon. to Thurs. 11am to 1am, Fri. and Sat. to 2am, Sun. to midnight.

JIGGER'S SEAFOOD & GRILL--Casual family dining and homestyle East Coast cuisine. Offers fish and chips (in one-, two- and three-piece servings), pan-fried haddock and Newfie Scoff (featuring traditional Newfoundland dishes), plus steaks, pasta, burgers and a children's menu. Open daily, 11am to 8pm.

KEMPSTERS COOKHOUSE & EATERY--Homestyle cooking in a diner atmosphere. Offers an extensive menu featuring seafood, souvlaki, pizza, pasta, steaks, pork chops, meatloaf and corned beef hash. Plenty of free parking. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30am and features a cookhouse special for $3.75.