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Obladee Wine Bar
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 4 pm - 12 am
Thu 4 pm - 1 am
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Obladee Wine Bar
Review Highlights
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"And the charcuterie boards are fantastic." In 4 reviews -
"An excellent spot for the after work or pre-theatre crowd." In 3 reviews -
"8) And the cheeses from everywhere." In 5 reviews
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 3/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think I love this place. No, no thinking is required. I LOVE this place.
Obladee is becoming my de-facto drinking establishment for more than a few reasons:
1) Service. Hands down, the best staff around. They love chatting with their patrons, and even when the noise level is rising, they catch the funniest parts of your conversation. I guarantee you that they'll have something funny to add to your conversation.
2) Atmosphere. There's not a lot of places that I'd consider having a drink solo, but this is one place I'd feel 100% comfortable. Everyone's got different thoughts on this, but the bar is a great solo location, or meet some new people at one of the larger seating areas. Basically, there's only a couple tables that seat a small number of guests, so you are bound to meet new friends.
3) Food and Drink. Great picks of both wine and awesome chartucerie selection. Since it's a one-of-a-kind option in Halifax, they really have free reign on what they offer, and it's nice to see the offerings get freshened up as the seasons change / as time goes on.
This is now my favorite place to bring out-of-town guests; they are always impressed, and it gives me another excuse to stop in!Listed in: Date Night!, Night on the Town
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/10/2011
There is something very charming about Obladee, that I just can't get enough of. Although they are a… Read more »
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Review from Ashley L.
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good for Halifax! You got a wine bar!! WHOOT! It took honestly, wayyy too long.
To start, I have a lot of positive things to say:
- Great wine with local and world wine selections
- Prices are surprisingly reasonable
- OH.MY.GOD the bread and olive oil platter.... just oh.my.god
- The staff are amazing - friendly, efficient, knowledgeable
- The washroom is really nice
As you can see, I really do like Obladee.... I love wine and I'm overjoyed with there being a wine bar -finally- in Halifax.
Now my quarrels with the joint... Lighting. I understand that the lighting is all about the ambiance of the place, but when you can't read the menu because it's so dark, then it becomes an issue. Perhaps more overhead dimmed lighting along with the candles would work best. Also, this place is quite a popular spot so seating for groups can be difficult and awkward. Best for a group of two or three. -
Review from Constantinos L.
Bedford, NS
4/10/2012
I think the reason Obladee is rated so highly is because it's viewed as so unique in the Halifax nightlife scene. Taken at its actual value (food, wine and atmosphere) it is a decidedly "meh" venue; and there are in fact better options.
Onyx is the first one that comes to mind - the interiors are more chic and the service is just as friendly with the added benefit of not coming off as arrogant. Plus the wine selection is just as extensive.
As for the Charcuterie cuisine, I've heard that Ratinaud French Cuisine specializes in the experience.
In short, Obladee is a centrally located wine bar with mediocre food and sub par atmosphere - there are other options in the city and I recommend people try them out. -
Review from Krista R.
Lower Sackville, NS
3/18/2012
It has been a few months since my last visit to Obladee, but I still remember it freshly in my mind, and memory as being one the best bar/ atmosphere places in Halifax to date.
The night I went to Obladee, the only thing I would have to say was slightly ify was the table choices, of when my party as I arrived there. We had to sit at the long tables across from the fridges and prep area, which was o.k ... but not my first choice.
Other than this slight bump in the road, the service was outstanding for a busy night, the food was excellent, and what a great selection I must say. It is very nice to see that Obladee keeps things as Local (N.S.) as possible, a def. plus in my books, for the wine/ spirits and food selections.
Great atmosphere, and a will return is in order to this fine place. If you are looking for a place for a good few drinks, and some wonderful sides to enjoy along with it, this is the place to go. (they also do offer some beer, and non-alcoholic choices too in case you are wondering)
Enjoy folks, this one is a keeper!Listed in: Restaurants
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Review from Jill M.
I can't believe I'd yet to review Obladee! I'm a huge fan.
I'm not a big wine drinker, so you'd think this place might not be my cup of tea (or glass of wine - I don't know, there's a crappy pun in there somewhere). Not so! I don't think you can ever go wrong with a glass of bubbly and, of course, a cheese plate. Holy crap, do I love a cheese board from Obladee.
They're probably meant to be shared, but whatever - just eat light all day and then hoard one for yourself. That's healthy, right? I also suggest asking staff for recommendations. They're super knowledgeable and always happy to help.Listed in: It's Always Cocktail Hour, Barrington Bliss
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Review from Asheley R.
Halifax, NS
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Confession: I want to pretend I'm a regular at Obladee.
2nd Confession: I have a cheese problem.
For reals though, I've been wanting to hit up Obladee for a long long time. The fabulous Aimee from the lovely Food Je t'Aimee, met up with me there after work for some flights and boards.
The atmosphere of this place just oozed wine to me. Wine often makes me feel mellow and floaty. I sense the same kind of feeling through their atmosphere. It's really neat! Nice and dark with tea lights accentuating the menus and a great view of barrington.
The menu can certainly be overwhelming if you haven't been there before or don't know what you're doing. No prob bob, the service is bang on too. I let them know I was new and they were great in answering my questions and telling me whats up.
Flights are super neat because you get to taste 3 different wines. Boards are even neater because you get baguette, relish, olives, and your choice of 3 cheeses or meats.
If you're looking for some amazing cheeses you have to check Obladee out. They have a kick ass cow's aged smoked cheddar. My favorite wine from the flight? Sonoma-Cutrer Chard :)
Another neat aspect here is that they have a good selection of both local and imported cheeses/wines. Always a great to see. Why not have a little bit of Spain and NS in one bite. -
Review from Sarah B.
Halifax, NS
11/14/2011
If they'd allow it, I'd own a table. Not one person could ever sit there. Better yet, I'd have a tent and live there. Okay, I may be exaggerating but holy cow this place was designed and opened just for me.
The lights are dim, the wait staff are awesome and knowledgeable, and their cheese and meat selection are to die for! It's a fantastic place to go with some friends and catch up, or to go to wind down after a busy night or week.
Honesty is the best policy and I'd be lying if I said you could get a seat, but really the wait is worth it! Also, the seating is different; you do have your tables, but once they are filled up, you're left with a long table. This means, that if you need to get out you're disturbing strangers-- which isn't always the most comfortable task. Lastly, it is a bit on the costly side-- but your getting cheese and meat, I'd pay with limbs. -
Review from Melanie M.
Dartmouth, NS
I heart Obladee Wine Bar. This place was so needed in downtown Halifax. It's so lovely to head down for a glass of wine after work or start an evening there before heading out to dinner. They have an excellent selection of wines by the glass, covering many price points. I love that their wine list is ever changing, so there's always something new to try. The servers have always given excellent recommendations if I'm unsure. And the charcuterie boards are fantastic. You can choose a combination of meats and cheeses, which are provided with bread and condiments. These boards are the perfect size for sharing with a couple friends, and the combination choices are almost endless. You'll find a lot of local meat and cheese options, and even the boards themselves were made in the province.
The atmosphere, both inside and on the sidewalk patio, is conducive to both intimate chats/dates and group conversations among friends. The service has always been very friendly, fun and so helpful.
You can tell a lot of time, thought and heart went into creating this place. Halifax is lucky to reap the rewards.Listed in: 30 Days of Yelp
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Review from Jennie B.
10/17/2011
I finally made it to Obladee this past week and I am sad that I missed a whole year (as they are celebrating 1 year this week) of their goodies and wine. A small group of us visited last week all enjoyed a glass (or 2) of wine and shared a cheese & charcuterie Boards. Our 2 cheeses (a cheddar and a gouda) and a Honey Kielbasa all worked wonderfully together and stood up on their own. The additions of olives, pickle, mango chutney and the perfect loaf of bread all enhanced the flavours yet again.
The wine was also very good and they offered a nice selection. Personally I had the Blomidon Rosé, which for me was a safe choice because I am not a regular wine drinker. On my next visit I think I will take advantage of the Flight option and get to try 3 new wines to help find a new favourite. -
Review from Navoda S.
11/10/2011
I drive by this place every day on my way to work and had been dying to go in. FInally managed to and it did not disappoint! The atmosphere is lovely and the staff are a great help.
We picked a bottle of red wine from Chile and then asked the waiter to recommend a cheese and charcuterie board that would compliment the wine. He admitted immediately that this was not something he could do as he was new but then went back to the chef and asked him/her to do it. What came out was exciting and delicious. The waiter explained everything on the board (and where it was all from), de-corked our wine and let us be, to enjoy. And we definitely did! The only fault I can find with the establishment is that it can run a little pricey if you are going all out. But honestly, I think its worth it.
This is a great date spot or a fun night on the town with your friends. Check it out!Listed in: Pub-tastic!
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Review from Cheryl C.
11/8/2011
I love this place. The wines are so lovely and well chosen, the charcuterie boards are so tasty. It's gorgeous, warm and the perfect place to head after work.
This is a great local business which I am always happy to support. -
Review from Sylvia C.
Halifax, NS
4/3/2011
I'm not going to lie. I've been dying to check out Obladee Wine Bar ever since I heard they were coming to town, but it took me way longer to get there than I had hoped.
Finally the perfect occasion presented itself and my girlfriends and a couple of their mom's headed to Obladee after dinner.
Despite being packed we were able to snag a table in the front window after a couple of ladies graciously scooted over to accommodate us.
The wine list had something for everyone and our waiter was fantastic in helping us make the right selection. I highly recommend the wine flight. It was a great way to try new wines that you would normally not be drawn towards. Not only that but they come in cute little wine glasses that have their own rack. Everyone loves things when they're mini - and this is no exception.
The decor of Obladee is fabulous. They have done a stand up job in turning in what could be an awkward room and turning it into a true gathering place. The communal table forces people to get cozy, enjoy great wine, and maybe even engage in conversation with someone you just met.
Obladee welcomes a wide range of ages through it's doors but still maintains a great vibe that doesn't feel meat market-esque.
A big hats off to the crew at Obladee for bringing something fresh to Halifax and far exceeding our expectations! -
Review from Mel H.
8/23/2011
Bread, cheese, wine. DELICIOUS.
Seriously. What more is there to say? Great spot, great atmosphere and great service.Listed in: The reasons why I love this…
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Review from Anthony C.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Why haven't I written a review for this glorious haven for oenophiles?
I have tweeted, raved, praised and, on one occasion, cried about the splendor that is Obladee Wine Bar so it only makes sense to Yelp about it. With an impressive array of wines, cheese and charcuterie (which is just another way of saying high end deli meats), I have spent an obscene amount of time in this wine bar. So much so that the incredibly friendly staff now know me by name - or at least by wine preference.
I think that's what I love most about Obladee: the friendly ambiance. The lighting is plentiful but not too bright, the seating arranged in a lovely pub like style that forces interaction and the staff are more than willing to give a recommendation if you're stuck. Personally, I love a glass of the La Linda Viognier for white and if I'm feeling a little red, I rely on the Pares Balta. My only complaints about the interior are the front door and its awful knack for blasting you with cold air if you're sat near it and how this new treasure of Halifax can become instantly full in the evenings. I love seeing a new business thrive, and the staff are more than capable of handling a large crowd, but I just like to be able to move without rubbing faces with someone. Call me old fashioned.
Pro Tip: they have wi-fi. Oh yeah, you can forget about finding me in Starbucks on a late weeknight huddled over my computer, clicking away at the keys as I try to build a blogging empire and score a book deal. No, I've taken to writing and working at Obladee and when you think about it, that just makes sense. The bar is quiet, plays soothing music, has cheese readily available and did I mention wine helps me write?
If you're aiming for some cheese and snacks, I recommend ordering a board that you can design with any three menu items. Usually, I stick with all cheese and order some Dragon's Breath Blue, Clothbound Cheddar and the 1608 with cucumber salsa on the side. All that delicioiusness is only going to cost you $15. Try and tell me I'm wrong. -
Review from Ben B.
It doesn't take much to realize that this new addition to our city was MADE for me. Wine, cheese and bread? Sign me up.
We checked out Obladee with a group of five that then grew to about eight as the night progressed. While there are no reservations, we were able to grab one of the few tables before it filled up (5:30pm on a Saturday).
The table had a dangerous slant to it - especially once filled with red wine - and the floor had a suspicious slippery spot, but all was forgotten once we saw the dozens of wines available by the glass, all listed between $6.50-12.50. The servers seemed to work nicely as a team and were all knowledgeable, attentive, and ready to refund our glasses if we didn't like their recommendations. But of course, their recos were to die for.
We ordered a smaller board that was fun to share as a group before the owner mistook me for someone named Christophe which then led to a night pretending to be a european gigolo. All in all, Obladee was the restaurant experience that just kept on giving! -
Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
2/4/2011 15 Check-ins Here
What a fantastic addition to Halifax's downtown. I'd heard complaints about the service, but I've never had any problems. I've been a few times and it's been great. Even when it's packed (and it often is), I've been able to catch the eye of the wait staff and be served. They usually come around to see how I'm doing at just the right moment in my glass (i.e. when I'm a few sips away from needing another).
I haven't asked for a recommendation from the staff yet, but I've enjoyed all the wine I've ordered and I love the boards of nibbly cheeses and breads. So tasty. This isn't a place to go when you're starving and in need of a meal, but great when you're looking for a nibble while enjoying your wine.
If I had to have a complaint, it's that I don't love the seating arrangements. I'm not fond of giant public tables, but that's just me being anti-social when I drink. However, the seating won't stop me from returning.Listed in: Treat Yo' Self, Boozetime.
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Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
10/18/2010
I've seen the signs advertising the opening of this wine bar for weeks since I arrived in Halifax, and was happy to be there just a few hours after opening day on October 18, 2010.
I admit I'm not a wine person (ask me why sometime), so I stuck to some Garrison brew. I did try a platter of carefully chosen cheese and charcuterie from the Maritimes, however, and loved every minute of it. The owner herself took the time out to explain to me the different toppings, like the delicious chutney. She also really appreciated our feedback.
The place is decorated with class, and has a soft, quiet atmosphere ideal for getting to know someone. While there are a few kinks to work out (keg trouble!), I'm positive Obladee will be a successful new venture in the city. -
Review from Rhia P.
3/18/2011
How do I love thee, Obladee? Let me count the ways:
1) You bring a touch of class to a part of Barrington that needed one
2) You have a delightful and lengthy selection of wines by the glass
3) Little plates of nibbles? Cheese and Charcuterie? Need I say more?
4) Gorgeous furniture
5) Amazing ambiance
6) Truly friendly wait staff who go out of their way to serve with a smile and who remember your orders from visit to visit
7) Did I mention the wine?
8) And the cheeses from everywhere?
9) And the Duck Prosciutto?
10) The way they really engage with customers on Twitter.
And so many more. I really love the place. I do.Listed in: Downtown Gems, Girl's Night!
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Review from Bessy N.
Halifax, NS
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wanted to wait a while before reviewing Obladee, knowing I would be spending much time there. Any new establishment needs a bit of time to work out the kinks (fair enough, I'm not picky). So with that all said, I've been to Obladee a dozen times over the last 2-3 months - so yes I'm a fan.
Excellent wine, knowledgable staff, LOVE the concept of the boards (I've been screaming for charcuterie in Halifax since my introduction to it 3 years ago in Boston), the decor is very contemporary yet warm, and the light fixtures are to DIE for (if you're into that sort of thing). Oh and the crowd is excellent. If you are a young / urban / professional and have no desire to mingle with children or listen to obnoxious music, you will enjoy.
There are however 2 things to caution you about.
1 - they don't have a POS system (as of this post) - so the whole method of payment involves the patron having to go to the bar to pay. When there are line ups - it's frustrating and frankly annoying. For those of you who know me, momma don't wait in lines.. ;)
2 - the service (while I now know the staff so they're excellent to me) I've been told it could be better. I've had many folk tell me they've had to beckon staff to take their orders.. and have been frustrated when they notice bar staff mingling amongst themselves behind the bar when the shop is full.
All that said, Obladee is an EXCELLENT addition to Halifax. I suspect it will be here for a while. -
Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
After our delicious dinner at Opa our group still wanted to have a drink before heading home for the night. I was surprised by the news of a new wine bar opening, so naturally my friends brought me here.
Nice little place inside, amazing how they can change the space from a retail store to what it is now. We sat in the window spot that faces right on the street, which I really liked because I could people watch inside and out. Our server was ok, not overly pleasant but not rude. We had some non-wine drinkers in our group so I could sense a little tone from him though. We didn't wait long for our drinks and were left with space to enjoy our conversation and such.
Only problem was that when we wanted to leave, 2 of us didn't have cash to pay for our drinks so we went to the bar to try and pay with debit. We were ignored at the bar for quite some time before someone acknowledged us to pay (keeping in mind the rest of our friends were now outside waiting). This interaction at the bar made me and a friend feel like we were bothering them by wanting to pay, not a great feeling at any establishment. I will probably return when I am in Halifax again to try the cheese pairings and such, hopefully service will be a little less pretentious. -
Review from Greg B.
Dartmouth, NS
2/5/2011
Having read the other reviews of Obladee, I can add little other than validation to what others have noted. It is a great place that satisfies a segment of the Halifax market that has been ignored.
I'll get my negatives out of the way first. I am not a fan of the communal table. It seems to me that a wine bar would be more of a couples/small group space and that the area would be better used if it was carved up into 4 or 5 smaller surfaces. But maybe that's just me. Also, as others have noted, paying your tab can be a bit of a pain because they don't yet have a proper bar POS system - hopefully they are making lots of money and can invest in one soon. Finally, I have had coworkers complain about difficulties getting served, though I have not had that experience myself.
With that out of the way, let's move on to all the great things about Obladee. The wine selection is fabulous, and they have 30+ choices by the glass and many more if you want to buy a bottle. Even better, their choices are based on quality and value, not just what some wine store is trying to flog at the moment. Add to that a good profile of Nova Scotia wines and you won't be thirsty.
That segues nicely into the other thing I really like about Obladee. Their snacks are mostly local/regional and all I have tried are of very high quality -- this isn't stuff you find anywhere else. Much of it is artisinal and available only at the Farmers Market. Huge kudos to them for supporting our local producers in such a major way.
Obladee has a very comfortable vibe to it. Early word about it was spread by social media and as a result the typical crowd is one that is in tune with that sort of thing. The proprietors are friendly and appreciative, and the staff helpful. It all just feels right to me. I don't go downtown to drink very much any more, but when I do, this is my place. -
Review from Meghan W.
8/7/2011
Finally got there this week for the first time, the Milagrosa Milcampos Tempranillo blew my mind. I really enjoyed the effort that goes into sourcing so many local cheeses and meats. I would only suggest they offer more sizes of cheese boards, 3 for $15, 4 for $20 etc.
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Review from Taylor O.
The glow of incandescent lights in spherical orbs draws me in generally and in this case specifically to Obladee to discover a lively atmosphere even early at 4pm, happy conversations among smiling friends infused with reinforcing glasses of red and white liquid. I saddled up to the bar in the manner I do riding lone on this adventure to the coast and what should I order but a Wolftrap wine in honor of the moment. Accompanying this was a charcuterie board of veal/sweetbread pate, land jager and honey sausage. In retrospect I would have done just one dried meat but they were all fantastic, the veal being the highlight. To finish my second glass of the Wolf, a gluten-free pair of truffles were added, a deliciously smooth mouth covering layer of awesome.
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Review from Holly B.
Dartmouth, NS
7/12/2011
Great place, lots of wine to choose from. We had the 'flight' which was a perfect way to try three new wines. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Very warm and more Maritime pub-like atmosphere than trendy wine bar.
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Review from Michelle Y.
Halifax, NS
1/30/2011
Wine goes on here!
I wish I could give this 4 1/2 stars but 1/2 stars aren't possible other than in the average of the ratings. Why not five, you ask? In many respects, it is a five star establishment: great wine list by the glass and the bottle, a decent offering of beers for the non-wine drinkers, charcuterie boards with their awesome selection of meats, cheeses and breads and not to mention the friendly service. The fifth star is eluded with the lack of a computerized POS system. Staff kept track of orders with a notepad and when it came time to pay, you had to wait for the person who was serving you to add everything up and then wait for the credit/debit machine to be free...but I'm a patient person and this would only be worth a 1/2 star deduction.
I've been there with a group a couple of times on busy nights. The place was packed each time but on one occasion we shared the long table with another group of people and, this being Halifax, we were soon conversing with the other group!
Great wine, awesome charcuterie, good conversation (you must supply good friends in your group for this if the staff are too busy to contribute) and a comfortable, cool setting (not cool as in temperature...actually, it could use some air conditioning as it was really hot in there the first time I went) makes Obladee an awesome place to be! -
Review from Kimberly W.
Halifax, NS
Love the atmosphere, wine selection, and cheese board. Will definitely be returning. An excellent spot for the after work or pre-theatre crowd.
