Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland
St. John's
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Christian's Bar
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Christian's Bar

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Christian's Bar
4.5
242 reviews
#1 of 12 Nightlife in St. John's
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About
Best place to get Screeched In in Newfoundland. “A place that sense of occasion” New York Times Travel Magazine. #1 Screech In Ceremony (The Scope) Top 5 Deatinations in Atlantic Canada (Travelocity)
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
Best nearby
Restaurants
262 within 3 miles
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Chinched
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Attractions
87 within 6 miles
Harbourside Park
57
0.1 miBodies of Water • Parks
City of St. John’s Visitor Information Centre
77
266 ftVisitor Centers
Emma Butler Gallery
2
478 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Jellybean Row Houses
320
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
George Street
864
0.2 miNeighborhoods
Mary Brown's Centre
48
0.1 miArenas & Stadiums
Memorial University of Newfoundland
55
0.1 miArt Galleries • Theaters
The Rooms
1,877
0.3 miObservation Decks & Towers • Art Museums
Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
146
0.3 miReligious Sites
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
388
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
242 reviews
Excellent
198
Very good
26
Average
4
Poor
7
Terrible
7
KTKowal
Halifax, Canada14 contributions
Best Authentic Pub and Place To Get Screetched In!!
May 2022
My family and I were screetched in on a Saturday evening and it was the highlight of our trip! It was an amazing experience and the bartender was super friendly and passionate about the ceremony. We actually learned a lot about NFLD as well. Whatsmore, there had to have been 20 of us there and he remembered each one of our names (after only telling him our names once). If you're looking for a real and authentic Newfie/ Irish pub night experience go to Christian's Bar!
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
puckstopper31
Edmonton, Canada714 contributions
The Best place to get “Screeched In”
Apr 2022
Brian is such a true Newfy, a genuinely nice guy and a hell of a Bar Keep. Saw this place on YouTube months ago and knew this was where we wanted to be accepted as CFA’s…(come from always)…We got there hours early on purpose to have a few pints and grab some food. Everyone of the locals treated us like locals as we enjoyed good banter, funny jokes and cold beers. Not going to ride on the Anthony Bourdain thing, but there’s a reason he stopped here. Sure there are other places to become a local but no matter who we spoke to they all said Christian’s was the best..cannot say enough about how Brian made it a great experience and fun night for us. Please…put this on your todo list. But phone to get on his in advance!
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R K L
Seattle, WA2,385 contributions
Once in a lifetime experience...
Jun 2022 • Couples
Getting "screeched in" at Christian's Bar was a once in a lifetime experience. Although kissing a cod was not something I either relished or saw myself doing, the ceremony was actually really great fun. It was so popular that advance reservations were a must.
Written May 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
guydorge
Vernon, Canada33 contributions
Best Genuine Newfoundland Experience!
Jul 2022 • Couples
A Genuine Newfoundland Experience that Any Visitor Must Enjoy. The owner, Bryan, gave an incredible indoctrination into Newfoundland Culture and well-earned Pride. Do NOT miss this opportunity. He personalized the Screeched-In Ceremony and made it Special for Each one of us. His Ode to his Idol Tony Bourdain was heartwarming and his mention of how to be KIND to everyone because you Never know What someone is going through at any given time, showed the Heart of this small business owner. Cheers Bryan. We are now Proud Newfoundlanders.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheNewBrunswicker
Moncton, Canada55 contributions
Get screeched in!
Aug 2020 • Couples
Christians bar has so much character! We called in advance to book our screeching in ceremony. It was a Monday night so there were only 6 of us total. The smaller group made it very comfortable as he closed the bar for the duration of the ceremony. The ceremony was funny, informative, and memorable. Yes, you can tell he’s done it a million times but he still does it well. Kissing the cod during COVID-19 simply meant either wearing a mask (see photo attached) or placing a mask on the cod. We left with our certificates and we’re even allowed to bring the shot glass home as a souvenir. The bar was clean but the prices were a little steep so we didn’t stay much longer.

I was told by several people to go to Christians to be screeched in and now I will continue to recommend this bar as well. Well done!
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian D
Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to do this:)
Written August 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Olive Hugh
4 contributions
No other place to get screeched!
Jun 2022
There is nothing to compare it to. I have been to Newfoundland probably over 10 years ago and got screeched with co-workers while on an iceberg tour. This time around I travelled my my adult children and wife as this was on my bucket list to do with my family.

This was an amazing experience as if you were part of a show. No comparison to my first experience and along my travels in the province that week as we met other tourists, we compared notes on where they have gotten screeched and they could not believe the video I showed them.

I was impressed that with probably over 30 to 40 customers that evening all names were remembered. We got to keep the shot glass as a memento along with certificate. We were even provided with a holder for certificate and shot glass. Gladly accommodate a non alcoholic drink for screech in as my wife and son cannot drink alcohol.

Thank you for such an am amazing time and memories.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica M
13 contributions
Best place to be Screeched-In!
Aug 2022 • Friends
We had an awesome time here. We went mainly to be ‘screeched-in’ as honourably Newfoundlanders and it exceeded our expectations. The bartender & screech-in instructor, “Chef Lukey”, was hilarious but also accommodating to the bar patrons. It was an entertaining but informative speech that I am glad I was a part of during my time here in Newfoundland.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William T
Toronto, Canada47 contributions
Screeching after being Schreeched In
Sep 2022
This is an absolute treasure, not to be missed. The bar staff make you feel welcomed as you hesitently sign up for the Schreech In Ceremony. Skipper Lukey takes the floor and then goes around to get the names of all participants. Interestingly you either have to be a participant or supporter,or they will ask you to leave. They actually put a clsed sign on te door.

Luke tells a story, does some magic with Newfoundland steak, and the ceremony begins. Absolutely joyous and so much comraderie and fun for all. And incredibly, Lukey calls everyone by name after just meeting us.

Don't miss your chance. Thanks s much guys!
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen047
Victoria, Canada91 contributions
A wonderful and fun experience!
Aug 2021
My sister and I got "screeched in" here last evening and it was so much fun! Chef Lukie was a great host and so entertaining. The fact that the cod has to wear a mask and participants cover their lips with a napkin because of Covid protocols was a bit of a relief - locking lips with a frozen fish was never on my bucket list - but it does take away some of the daring involved in the ceremony. However, the entire evening was an entirely great experience. Further, as a fan of Anthony Bourdain, Lukie's tribute to him at the end of the ceremony was poignant and appropriate given these strange times but in no way did it diminish the wonderful evening. What a great time we had!!
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesli
67 contributions
Best place to get Screeched In in Newfoundland.
Oct 2021
Had great fun even in the midst of the pandemic. Brian was great. He does this a couple of times a day everyday but still made us feel like he was having a good time! The mask on the cod was classic and the Newfoundland steak was.... Newfoundland steak!! Thanks Brian... Best place to get Screeched In in Newfoundland.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Christian's Bar (St. John's) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Christian's Bar