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Niche Lounge Supperclub
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants, Lounges [Edit]
1505 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 3K5
(902) 423-6632
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 6:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 6:30 am - 11 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Niche Lounge Supperclub
18 reviews in English
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Review from Kim And John R.
Halifax County, NS
4/1/2012
Happy Hour Heaven!
Friday afternoon, 5pm, Niche Supper Club Lounge.
The place was busy but we were seated immediately. We didn't like our table, as we couldn't sit kitty-corner to each other. When we asked to move our waitress was cool about it, no fuss no muss.
You can't beat these happy hour deals. Girly drinks (doubles!) for $6.50. 1/2 price appetizers. We would comment on the $3.25 draught beer, however, the only option is Keith's, and this is not a fave.
We ordered nacho's and calamari, which arrived at our table within minutes. The nachos were plentiful, covered in cheese (almost too much!) and lots of other toppings. The chips were delicious, not those thick yellowy round ones some places serve. The calamari was passable, not the best, nor the worst we have had, just deep fried and served with Tzatziki on the side.
The best part: Last call comes around (happy hour ends at 6:30) and we order 4 more drinks, with 2 almost full ones on the table, and the server doesn't bat an eye! Needless to say, we left happy, silly and excited to return! -
Review from Scott S.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2012
A large group of friends and I recently went here on very short notice to try to grab a group munch. We were a group of 20 plus and weren't optomistic that they'd be able to accomodate us but the staff did some serious shuffling and made it happen.
The excellent customer service continued throughout the evening. The staff was fast to refill our glasses, especially to squeeze a few more in during their awesome happy hour. We all really enjoyed our meals and found the price to be quite reasonable. Perhaps that had to do with most of our drinks being at happy hour prices but either way, we were pumped.
I had the lamb burger and loved it. Others with me were raving about the asparagus and prisciutto ravioli. I'd highly recommed both. I'm a bit of a calamari enthusiast....theirs was pretty good but could have been a bit crispier.
Overall we had a great time. Thumbs up! -
Review from Jill M.
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you're in the mood for sugary sweet "martinis" (and I mean that in the best way possible) then you should consider hitting up Niche. They have great happy hours, including $5 martinis on Thursdays.
I also really like the food at Niche. They have a great brunch, lots of tasty apps and a diverse menu. I've had a couple of nice pastas and they used to have a stuffed pork tenderloin I loved. The menu has changed a bit since I last had dinner there, so I'm eager to try it again. -
Review from Mike H.
West End, NS
5/6/2012
It's my first visit. I'm at the Ardmore Tea room having a little bit of fishcakes and home made beans with tea , I open the coast doin' a little read, and bam!!!...starting at noon Thursdays and Sundays $5 buck double martini???? WTH??? Well, it's 1145 and I'm thinkin i am just in time for opening gate... So off I go. Like I said first visit, very very deceiving from front. It's narrow entrance, down a few stairs, but as you enter, it opens up with cozy leather seats, beautiful modern decor, deep long visual comforting ambiance, which is a breath of fresh air to the majority of Irish themes in the city, the music is club/new/european/not loud. Martini's were fluid..lol...I did not over stay..or I'm thinking I didn't, in anycase, I will get back to you when i actually eat there. Oh..and they have a terrace, south facing...can't wait for the weather, I shall return.
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Review from Sorren I.
Dartmouth, NS
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was my first experience with niche since it first opened in 2004. I had not been back since then only because I found the food underwhelming based on the pricing. Unfortunately, this experience was way worse.
My fiancé and I met my two sisters and their two friends at niche on New Years Day at 11:15am. The restaurant was probably about 40% full and most of these people were finishing up their meals. My fiancé and I were sat down at 11:20am, the rest of our party arrived by 11:30. Once they arrived we all had our drink orders taken and the menus dropped off. We sat with these menus, waiting for our drinks for about 30 minutes, by this time the restaurant was near empty. The first two (a club sandwich and a classic breakfast) of six meals were delivered by 12:35pm, we were told the other four (eggs Benedict & hash browns) were going to be just another minute. Ten minutes later our waitress returned to inform us that "for some reason" the other 4 orders had never been put through and that it would just take a minute for the cook to "whip them up". The final four meals finally appeared around 12:45pm - an hour and fifteen minutes after we had all arrived. Not only that, but the final four meals were cold. The English muffins had been lightly warmed (cold by the time we got them), the hollandaise sauce was cold and a grayish colour, the eggs were cold, the "hash browns" were french fries.
Up to this point the restaurant had been mediocre at best, now I feel that it is overpriced, poorly staffed, poorly managed, and quite frankly, never the right choice. The only upside?? Their french fries were alright and waitress was decent enough to comp the four eggs Benedict, although the other two still had to pay. Needless to say, I never plan to return. -
Review from Ben B.
Updated - 10/25/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The good news: Niche brought back their eggs benny for the brunch menu, thus restoring the full glory of my best kept downtown breakfast secret. Guys...NO ONE IS EVER THERE. You walk in, you have your pick of seat (including comfy arm chairs), you eat a consistently tasty brunch. No waiting. Best best best.
The bad news: the servers continue to be varying degrees of hungover during the breakfast/brunch timeslot. Sometimes this is charming and makes for the laid-back, self-deprecating service that you might want if you share the condition. But sometimes, you really don't want your own queasiness mirrored back at you by the person bringing your food salvation.
The really bad news: they actually laughed when I asked if they had mimosas. MIMOSAS ARE NO LAUGHING MATTER.Listed in: Group-friendly!, 30-Day Yelp Challenge, Bringing Barrington Back!, Hungover Brunch, Patio Season
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/15/2010
I used to be one of the few people who could still sing Niche's praises. While I can't stand going… Read more »
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Review from Chrissy M.
Halifax, NS
12/7/2011
I knew the owner Labi, when I was a little kid.. if I ran into him now I'd give him a hug and then say "Labi, why does your menu at niche have hamburger steak? Why, when I ordered a ham sandwich sandwich and soup special, did it come as luncheon meat on two slices of white with yellow mustard. Why Labi, why?WHYYYYYYYYYYY!?? Did a nursing home take over the hotel?"
Then I would tell him that when I first started working in Maritime Centre in Aug 10, I had two wonderful meals. Shortly thereafter the chef or menu or something changed, I ordered the same meal and it looked completely different and tasted awful. I didn't go back for a long time. I went there for lunch today purely out of convenience.
I had the grilled club - the bread was a bit over buttery for me, but some people like that. The sandwich was delish. A fried ordered the Thai chicken Salad, which the server said "everybody loves it!". She didnt really love it. Frozen, battered chicken breast doesnt always bring people joy. My other friend ordered the mushroom risotto which was fabulous but very rich. I would need a nap after eating all of that.
I will go back and give it a chance here and there, but I really think they need to step it up a weeee bit. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Halifax, NS
9/19/2011
Unfortunately, my first experience dining at Niche wasn't a favorable one and I doubt I'll ever go back. While the food was decent (not great and not really worth the price tag) and our server was quite accommodating about an accidentally spilled glass of red wine, it was how we were treated after we left that put a bad taste in my mouth.
A member of our party had worked for a security company who are contracted by The Pacifico (directly underneath Niche). He inquired as to a discount for staff that we were told was no longer honored. All well and good. And the end of our meal our bill was brought to us, which I signed, and we left.
About an hour later when we were out celebrating a birthday, we were contacted by the same friend who said his boss at the security company had been called by the restaurant saying we didn't pay our bill. That's right. Instead of calling the phone number they had on the reservation (mine!) they decided to call our friend's boss, interrupt him from putting his children to bed to try and track us down. We were infuriated. Firstly because our friend's boss had been unnecessarily disturbed from his Saturday night AND made to believe we had skipped out on a cheque. Secondly because we had assumingly PAID the bill.
After making a lengthy trip downtown the following day, which was incredibly out of our way for a Sunday (we live in Clayton Park) we found out that this frequently happens because the restaurant shares a building with a hotel and they issue a separate bill if people want to charge to their room number, which was brought to us even though we weren't hotel guests, and many times people sign the wrong bill. No clarification of that was given to me by our server.
Needless to say, we asked to speak to a manager after everything was cleared up and the bill had been properly paid. She said that they called my friend's employer because they didn't want to disturb us on our night out...... really. Other than that, they seemed very unapologetic for the incredible inconvenience and embarrassment they had caused.
I understand that server's must get anxious when they can't process a table's bill as it ultimately comes out of their wages, but this was ridiculous. Either they change the billing process, or they get servers to explain where to authorize payment on the bill for non-hotel guests. Outrageous.
I will never go back. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Dartmouth, NS
8/25/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Niche is housed in my office building, so that's why it's often the most convenient choice for a celebratory lunch. I've been here dozens of times, and my experiences there have varied from "Hey, this is the cat's meow!" to "My mussels smell like poop. Let's go."
What's consistent is the slow service. Whether the place is full or only has a few occupied table, it often takes a long time to get our food or get service from the wait staff. It's not that the wait for food is indicative of finely crafted dishes that require extensive time to concoct, because often when the food finally arrives it is lukewarm. However, I've had experiences that redeemed Niche with efficient service and fast food. So, in essence, it's a crap shoot. But be warned, if you decide to nab a spot outside, the service will slow down. It's almost as if they forget about you out there.
However, if you're out for cocktails, the only thing you need to worry about is having your glass topped frequently. They have good martinis which are affordable on certain nights. The food satisfies, and for the most part is decently priced. Their dessserts shine, though, with beautifully presented cakes. Their cookies and cream cake is an orgasm on a plate.
It'll remain as an adequate location for work functions, but unless their martini nights move to a weeknight when I can take full advantage without worrying about the consequences bleeding into my work day, I'll skip out on it for dinner. -
Review from Mel H.
7/15/2011
$5 martinis? Sign me up. Gotta say, I didn't try any of the food, but the drinks were quite delicious. Service was a-ok.
Um, and did I mention $5 martinis? -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Halifax, NS
7/1/2011
The Niche is in my building so when I first started working here I wanted to try it out. The service at that time was terrible and so was the food, so we never went back. Fast forward 3 years later, my office was hungry one day and it was raining out so we thought we'd try it again.
Definitely was worth the try. The service was great, refills on drinks were quick, the staff was friendly.
My usual order is the fish and chips, which are great, with an appetizer of coconut shrimp.
The fish is nicely battered , not over done to burn-fection and it's not still running with batter inside.
The fries are hand cut , a little too much salt for me, but may be fine for other people, I just dont cook with salt or salt my food. So not a good judge on what is too salty when it comes to food.
The coconut shrimp appetizer is soooooo good, my mouth is watering thinking about it. The shrimp are huge, you get a nice portion to share and the homemade salsa for dipping is amazing, just the right amount of zing to the spices.
I've never been part of the supper crowd so I dont know what service is like then, however, definitely if you are downtown near the Maritime Center, at lunch time, you need to take this place in for lunch. -
Review from Ashley M.
Halifax, NS
2/18/2011
Niche is one of my favorite places for dinner. My favorite dish is calamari with a Greek salad. The appetizers are great. The atmosphere and decor is ecclectic. I love seeing Mike Cowie and hearing jazz music.
The not so great part about Niche is the breakfast/brunch. They are not cheap and what they offer is not even comparable to most breakfast places. The toast was not fresh, hard jam in the packets, the eggs and bacon were OK, and the menu selection very minimal. If they want to continue to charge the price that most other hotels charge, they need to revamp the menu.
Overall, still one of my favorite places to dine but definitely not for breakfast. -
Review from Rhia P.
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Niche has two personas. The laid-back lunchtime atmosphere caters to travellers at the Four Points and people who work in the office tower. The service is friendly, the food good enough. The prices are ... OK, maybe a touch steep for some things.
In the evening, the lounge atmosphere is just not quite there. Improvisational jazz, a bit too loud, and not particularly descript food.
It's a nice option to have if you work in the building- you'll have a comfortable stay and leave satisfied. -
Review from Lacey H.
2/18/2010
Hmmm... this place is a little bit of an odd duck. At first glance, it seems chic and hip, with some neat décor and an interesting layout. However, I don't know if Niche knows what it's going for.
When I was there the other night the music was fairly loud for an early meal, and the genres booming were all over the map. From classical to electronica - it seemed like the sound system was having an identity crisis. I had a Martini, which was over $10 and tasted like adult tang/kool-aid. It was fine, but not worth the money at all. I then shared a Mediterranean Pizza with a friend. It was fairly inexpensive, which was good because the quality was simply blah. A few people I was with ordered the Warm Goat Cheese Salad, but it didn't seem to be goat cheese in the least - more like Philly Cream Cheese.
In the end, I had a fine time, but if I'm spending money at a place that seems to posit itself as shi-shi, I want good quality food, and better bevie ingredients for my dollar. -
Review from Laura P.
5/8/2010
Niche is great in theory, but mediocre in its reality. This lounge styled venue of polished surroundings and musical endeavors are an excellent fusion of interest; however, after dining in its quarters, I cannot allot for anything particularly stand-out about Niche.
With some company, I tried Niche during a Friday $5 Martini Night, as seen in an advertisement. The seating was comfy, and the music was very lounge-esque. Yet something was off... the vibe of Niche seems a bit trying. Its as if someone came up with the concept for a great lounge bar, but didn't bring the substance to back it. It just felt a bit hollow.
The martinis were nothing fancy. Five dollar special or not, when I go out to order a cocktail, I expect expertise. Especially with the weight Niche puts on its martinis through advertisements. I did not opt to eat, nor was I interested.
Niche is just a bit of a miss. Its got a great idea, but the backing just isn't there. A nice venue and decent service, I'd like to see this place revamp the foundation of its makeup. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/11/2010 1 photo
I've only been to Niche twice, and I've oddly enough never eaten a meal there. It's been in the back of my mind that I should try it out for awhile, I've always heard good things from friends and from passing on Barrington Street I've admired the spacious patio.
The first time I tried to go to Niche it was 11pm on a Saturday night and me and a friend wanted to find a new and cool spot to get a drink. To our surprise this lounge was just about to close. Why would you have a happy hour every Friday and call yourself a "Lounge" if you have to close before my youngest sister's curfew?
The next time I visited Niche was only slightly more successful. I took my mom for breakfast on her birthday and discovered that the cheapest breakfast at Niche is $10. For the exact breakfast special that is served practically everywhere else in this city for a consistent $5.29. Needless to say we quietly left and found breakfast somewhere cheaper. I can't comment on the food or service quality because I've never seen either a meal or the staff and from my first impressions of Niche, I don't think I ever will.
Hot Hint: Happy hour as I mentioned is on Fridays from 4:30-6:00pm. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/22/2009 1 photo
My friends and I spent New Years Eve here last year, on account of some of us being HUGE jazz fans, and the house band being Mike Cowie and the Waterbabies, who are some pretty darned good jazz musicians.
But in fact, we could have chosen it for the food, which was, as I recall, delicious. Uh, I can't recall EXACTLY what I had, because, like I said, it was New Years Eve. But I DO remember it being very, very good.
I also remember that I had been there once before, during the summer months, and that I enjoyed sitting on their outdoor patio and dining on some delicious risotto crab cakes, and a bit of mediteranean pizza. So there, I do remember the food. Ha! And I also recall that we had a very friendly and helpful waitress that evening. And that there was jazz that night, too, and it was also awesome. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/20/2010 1 photo
Niche is a spot that, as far as I can tell, has yet to actually find its niche. It has a lot of alright ideas that a lot of other bars are doing just as well around town. So while there's nothing wrong with this place, there's nothing that really allows it to stand out.
The food we had when we went here was alright, but certainly not worth the price. It also took quite a while to arrive. Considering the place wasn't very busy this was a little annoying.
The drink menu was extensive and had a number of Martini's which were tasty. Thursday nights they have drink specials, so if you're interested in trying a new Martini, that would be the night to check it out.
Niche also has a lot of smooth jazz, both live and piped in, playing all the time. The problem is that it's not exciting jazz, it's more like Kenny G...so, you know...be warned.
Niche is a fine restaurant. The food is fine, the decor is fine, the staff, everything is fine, but nothing really rises above that level. I hope Niche can find it's niche because it does have a lot of potential.
