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The Carleton
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Music Venues, Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
1685 Argyle StHalifax, NS B3J 2B5
(902) 422-6335
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Fri
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
21 reviews for The Carleton
Review Highlights
21 reviews in English
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Review from James F.
Dartmouth, NS
10/11/2011
I've never had a trip to the Carleton that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.
I love the atmosphere, the class, and the food.
Sorry this review isn't very long - I just want to say that this place is an awesome hang-out spot... Especially on a warm summer night. -
Review from Robin S.
Halifax, NS
12/7/2011
I visited The Carleton last weekend for the first time. My friend and I were looking for somewhere neither of us had frequented very often (or at all.) For a self-confessed foodie who lives downtown, that was (and continues to be) a tall order.
All in all, the whole experience can be summed up with: pretty good. Nothing to complain about, but nothing deeply impressed me either. I had the burger and fries. The fries would probably be the thing to coax me back, even though they were a bit on the salty side. The burger, well, it was good. I admit to cheating on that burger by imagining the Goggle Burger as I ate it, though.
I've never caught a live music act at The Carleton, but I'd like to. Now that I know the layout, I'll be sure to come early to get a table with a good view of the stage. -
Review from Navoda S.
Dartmouth, NS
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
A new mom and I recently hit up the Carleton for a little food celebration. When we walked in it was pretty dead and were warned they were closing early for a private function. No worries on our end cause we had places to go and people to see. We were celebrating though and asked for a drink menu. Granted it was weekday and around 1:30, but the look of overall disapproval from the waitress was slightly uncalled for. Good thing we left the baby at home eh? My friend had an old school cocktail (and since she had not been drinking for well over a year was slightly tipsy after a few sips - highly amusing, I know), I chose a good glass of malbec.
We ordered their platter of custom appetizers and ended up picking some torpedo shrimp, lamb lollipops and the infamous Carleton frites. All were delicious - the dipping sauces were especially fantastic.
Although they were closing early, they didn't rush us which we appreciated. The waitress though was a little pissy for some reason and gave us some attitude when we asked for change. Um, your service did not qualify for a 10 dollar tip lady - sorry. Overall, we walked out smelling like garlic and slightly warm and light headed - a good day if I ever saw one! -
Review from Ben B.
Updated - 12/1/2011 5 Check-ins Here
The Carleton and I have had a pretty rough go lately. I love this place in the summer, but I love it even more as a winter hang-out given the warm atmosphere, good drinks, and incredible frites, so I've been popping in almost weekly for the past month or so. I hate to say it, but each time I've left feeling less than positive about my experience.
First, credit where credit is due: there's a tall server with a shaved head who is so professional, so attentive, and so good at what he does. When he's the one to drop off my menu's, I know everything is going to be okay.
Unfortunately, most other staff that have helped over the past few weeks have made me feel like an inconvenience whether I've been in at 5pm for cocktails and appetizers, or later in the night for drinks with friends. Not saying anything and just walking away after I tell you what drink I'd like doesn't sit well with me. Maybe at a dive bar...but not here.
Last night, however, was disastrous. I get that Prince was playing and that things were busy. Totally understandable. But when the bartender asks what we'd like to drink and I say, "we're looking for vodka cocktails, what would you recommend?" the appropriate answer is definitely not "Ugh. I'm not playing that game," and turning your back to us. When I mention that there were no drink menus in sight so how could we order a drink, walking by me four times with drink menus in hands is a bit unnecessary. And when I order the drinks, and you spend eight minutes fiddling with an iPod before coming back to get the drink order from me again after forgetting, well, that just about pushes me out the door.
I'm not giving up on The Carleton -I know every place can have an off-night or two, but I am a little gunshy after the past few visits. I sincerely hope they can bring it back to the standard of service that made this place feel so wonderful.Listed in: I'll never stop wine-ing., Patio Season, My Second-Favourite Argyle, The Birthday: 26
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2011
The Carleton is dreamy. If it were a person, I would chase after it longingly until being told that… Read more »
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Review from Chrissy M.
Halifax, NS
12/1/2011
Oy vey. I love The Carleton - but last night, oh last night... I was slightly let down.
Food was wonderful as usual, I had a delicious Cancun Chicken Wrap - the lime mayo was a bit strong for me, but it didnt deter me from enjoying it. As per usual, the frites were salty and peppery and amazingly crispy. I have had the ribs and pulled pork in the past, also faaahbulous choices.
The service is what let me down last night. We went right after work and the place wasnt yet packed, pre-Prince concert. It took forever for our drinks to arrive and the waitress blamed the bartender. I don't like when people pass it off on someone else, a quick apology will do. As the evening went on, we realized it was definitely our server lacking the skill, not the poor bartender! She would pass us by and not bring us refills, after we asked for them she still forgot them and when I asked what the dessert menu was and said we just needed a minute to decide, she showed up 10 mins later with the bills - not with the right question "did you decide on dessert?".
Sigh. She was sweet but seemed to be clueless.. this always brings me down! -
Review from Sue A.
8/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Carleton and I have a complicated relationship. I'm not so fond of the food and when I've attended shows there, I have found both the food and service sadly wanting.
But today was a different story. I popped in this sunny Hali. afternoon to have some snacks and won the Happy Hour jackpot. From 4 to 6pm, appetizers are 2 for 1 and local beer, Stella and house wine are $5. A perfectly reasonable price point to make anyone's Friday afternoon.
Being hungry and lovers of bargains, we ordered two plates of garlic and white wine mussels. One order was much better cooked than the other where we had to pry the meat from the shells but hey, it was a deal. We also had the deep fried shrimp which at the regular price of $10 for six shrimp is a bit of a rip, but at Happy Hour pricing more than pleasing to the palate.
The highlight and best item on the Carleton's generally uninteresting and mediocrely executed menu is the frites. These are without a doubt the best fries in town. The delicate, shoestring cut fries are amazing and the garlic aioli they are served with is a perfect condiment.
The service was great and even though we were dropped towards the end of our stay, we had a nice apology from our friendly waitress.
I will caution you, though, if you go for a show.
The shows themselves are great. The Carleton is a unique venue in Halifax, supporting local musicians and attracting solid out-of-town acts. True supporters of the arts scene, all ticket sales go to the artists. And the "talk during the performance and be ejected" rule is fantastic ensuring that you can actually hear the performer you paid to hear.
For some reason, the service during shows is terrible. I have been left waiting for menus, waiting for drinks, being served less than hot food that is not that tasty and often very salty, and then waiting some more to pay a highish bill in addition to what I paid for the show.
So, yes, not so keen on the dinner and show option, but like to make a dinner reservation for shows so I get a better seat for the performance.
As for Happy Hour, definitely give it a shot. You can try out the laid back ambiance and in summer, the super sunny patio, and make up your mind about the food while sampling reasonably priced apps. Cheers! -
Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
7/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Another Halifax gem on Argyle Street. This area is being dubbed Halifax's entertainment strip for a good reason!
What first struck me as odd about the Carlton was the lay-out. Basically it's like a big V with the stage area in the narrow part (joining part) of the V. Not very acoustic. They solved this by having dozens of small but powerful speakers all around the bar, so you get a perfect surround sound, even in the back corners. Genius!
The food there is great. I really like the frits; REAL shoe string fries, light and crispy. Plenty of good selection of beers and wines, shooter specials, and rock-a-billy on Thursday nights.
Not very wheel chair friendly though with the tight washrooms and narrow spots around the tables. -
Review from Mel H.
6/15/2011
Best grilled cheese of LIFE. Hands down. And those delicious tiny frites....
Great patio, great music and great atmosphere. I dig this place.Listed in: The reasons why I love this…
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Review from Eleanor M.
Point Edward, NS
6/25/2011
Came here on a nice hot day in May when it was one of the only patios actually open and ready for business.
I can say this: lovely!
My friends and I had already had lunch at Dharma but were still hungry so the answer to our question was frites. Never have I ever seen such skinny cute little fries, but oh so crispy and delicious to fatten me up. They come with aioli sauce (Which, I must say, they could provide a bit more. We covered our fries in this stuff!) and they (frites) are priced quite decently! I paid more for my sangria than my appetizer (the sangria was also delicious and beautiful!).
Anyway, the bottom line is: Go there! (Especially if the patio is open) -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
5/1/2011
If I only ever got to attend one more live music performance in my life, I'd head straight to the Carleton, and see whoever was playing. There is something incredibly special about this place; so special that I almost don't want to let newcomers in on the secret.
The Carleton brings a fantastic selection of musicians into a small and intimate space that feels extremely homey. I love when some of my favourite lesser known performers play here, because I know that the show will be a guaranteed good time. Frankly, all the acts are so good, that if you are looking to hear something new, just pick any show, and it'll probably make you fall in love on first listen. The place is magic, I tell ya.
If you've never been to the Carleton, here's a few rules for a successful time:
1) Get your tickets in advance. Most shows sell out, so day of tickets are becoming less and less common. If you're with a small group, or going solo you'll likely be seated with some other people - make new friends!
2) Learn to love the "silent while performer plays" rule. It's a respect thing, and Mike & Mike won't be afraid to tell you to shut up.
3) Sign up for the mailing list - that's the only way to keep up on who's coming and how to get tickets fast.
I've seen 4 or 5 different shows here, and each and every one was fantastic. Service is awesome, staff are fantastic, and although I haven't deep-dived into the menu, what I've sampled has been delicious.
So what are you waiting for?Listed in: Night on the Town
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Review from Jill M.
2/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Where to begin with The Carleton? Music? Food? Atmosphere? This place is a serious triple threat.
But let's talk about food.
You haven't lived until you've eaten the white wine risotto. I recommend ordering the stuffed chicken breast, which is amazing (panko breadcrumbs make everything delicious) and then upgrade the rice, or potatoes, or whatever it is the common folk eat to the risotto. If you don't, then I'm not sure why you'd even continue on living. It's that good.
Also - and take note, because these aren't words you'll hear from me very often - they have a phenomenal salad. I know. Salad. The combination of mango and toasted pecans is just delightful, and since I'm all about upgrading, I'd suggest paying a little extra to add goat cheese. Because really, when does goat cheese ever hurt a meal?
As for music, if you're anything like me you might be a little intimidated when you look at the website and realize how pathetically little you know about great local talent. (Oh, that's just me? Well, indulge me anyway.) But just take a gamble and check this place out when there is live music - they seem to have great taste, and you'll be in for a delightful surprise.Listed in: The way to my heart..., It's Always Cocktail Hour, Argyle Love
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Review from Joel K.
4/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Carleton is the best place to go for drinks after a date. That's the best way I can think to describe it.
The food is delicious if you're going for dinner, though! But it's got a lovely atmosphere, great bar staff, and it's the kind of place you can dress up for, or go in casual, and not feel weird either way.
Vegan/veggie friendly, too!Listed in: Drink Your Face Off (or on?)
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Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
2/4/2011
Oh Carleton, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1.) The food. Oh the food. My mouth waters just thinking about it. They have the best steak I have ever eaten in my life (AAA Ribeye), cooked to perfection (medium rare, in my case) and deliciously marbled. Served with yummy frites (those tiny shoestring fries) and aioli. Mmmmmmm. If you like steak you can't go wrong with this one. I generally don't even eat red meat, but I adore this meal.
For appetizers Mike and I almost always have the lamb lollipops (dijon and honey marinated) for an appetizer. Wow. Tastiest. Thing. Ever. So tender and flavourful. They're like a party in my mouth.
The Carleton does offer a few vegetarian options as well.
2.) The live music. The acoustics are great here, and I generally find people are pretty respectful about not talking loudly and such during the shows. They host frequent performances, and also offer open mic nights, and a number of really decent acts have played here (and will hopefully continue to do so).
3.) The atmosphere. Small enough so that during live perfomances, you pretty much always feel like you're close to the action; overall, a very intimate space. Classy, but relaxed. It's one of those great places that you can wear whatever you feel like (well, within reason...), and fit in. You can pull out the swankier duds for when you want to dress it up a bit, or you can show up in jeans and your most comfortable t-shirt, and either way, you won't feel out of place.
So thank you, Carleton, for all that you do. Soon we shall meet again, of this I am certain. Until then, I will be dreaming of you. You and your ridiculously delicious food. My stomach doth grumble just thinking about it...Listed in: Good Eats!
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Review from Paul B.
3/10/2011
OK - so you missed the best show in Halifax this year - Matt Andersen at the Carleton!! The Carleton is the prima venue in the Province for music, food and of course drink.
It holds only about 60 people, the stage is raised, as are the two back areas with tables, so sight lines are fantastic. Jon Cornwall has the sound system tweaked so that the audio matches the video (you know what I mean). The martinis, wine, beer are all top notch. Martinis in a cold glass, wines not found in the NSLC so they are a bit different than what you might be used to.
The food is excellent - plentiful, well presented and scrumptious.
Now some tips:
Get there early. Although all seats have good sight lines and sound, an early arrival means that you can pick a table close enough to pluck a guitar string on stage - if you wish - not that I am recommending this behaviour.
If you are there for a show, make sure to pay your bill a couple of songs before the encore. It will save you the after-show rush and staff seem to appreciate the thought.
The final tip is to get on their mailing list. This is one place that provides special info to their mailing list that never makes it out to the public - like the fact that Matt Anderson was playing.
If you have never been there, pick a show and check it out. You will not be disappointed.Listed in: Locations for live music…
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
11/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
My first taste of east coast live music - on the east coast! I walked into The Carleton just as a show was about to begin. I hadn't actually set out to see a show, I just wanted to drink a glass of wine in a friendly atmosphere and so, in a friendly way, they let the $23 cover slide (many thanks for that!).
The music was so amazing and the people so pleasant, that I ended up staying for the whole show.
And it was during this time that I discovered something only a west coaster like me could on her first trip to the east coast... in the dark and narrow murmur of glassing clinking, cellos tuning and people talking, I discovered where Canada keeps it's patriotism percolating. Misty eyed songster recounting tales of growing up on the east coast, boisterous applause and a standing O later, I too was feeling that proud-to-be-Canadian feeling thumping through my soles. I digress...
The following afternoon I was back at The Carleton for a lunch date. And there I enjoyed the best frites I've had in ages along with battered haddock. The tarter sauce was tangy to perfection, the batter was quite crisp (although I could have used a little less crunch), and the coleslaw was alright. Nothing special enough to recall.
I do believe The Carleton is where it's at for drinks and songs all evening long! -
Review from Teresa F.
Halifax, NS
All is well at The Carleton. Never do I hesitate to send my clients to The Carleton for exceptional food (the frites!) and outstanding musical performances. The staff here are chipper, genuine, and on the ball as well.
For vegans the frites are THE BEST FRIES IN THE CITY. HANDS DOWN. Those long, skinny, salty sticks of deliciousness would grace my palate thrice weekly in my own personal foodie heaven. Also, the spinach salad with the pecans, mango, and ginger soy dressing will not disappoint. It is flavourful and filling, and I would bet that it's also gluten free ! Bonus points :D I always ask how the other dishes are when I hear someone has recently gone to The Carleton. I have heard nothing but enthusiastic reviews of the other more carnivorous dishes they offer.
The best part at The Carleton is truly the music. Everyone is politely denied the use of their chatterboxes while the performer(s) are doing their thing. This way everyone wins, we are all graced with auditory perfection and love it all the more. Heck, there are even great speakers in the bathrooms so if you have to visit in the middle of a show you won't miss a beat! Genius!
I appreciate how particular The Carlton is when they choose their musical performers. It seems clear that anyone who graces that beautiful stage is the cream of the crop. I love buying random tickets for artists I have never heard of before because it always blows my mind and I walk away at the end of the evening with a new favourite!
All in all, if you haven't gone- GO.
If you're humming and hawwing about going again- YOU'RE SILLY. Just buy the ticket and dedicate yourself to an awesome evening at The Carleton! -
Review from Dr. H.
Halifax, NS
8/26/2011
7 of us went on a Friday night, so you never know what to expect. BUT, the food was great ( I had the fish n chips) and our server (don't remember his name) was excellent...knowledgable, courteous and sense of humour...would reccomend for sure!
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Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
3/17/2010
The Carleton is a feel good spot. Its aesthetic is warm and inviting, and plays on a mellow atmosphere that any age group can dig. (Over the age of 19, that is.)
It holds a pub-like style, but with a refined, more relaxed energy. Live music is a big part The Carleton, with lots of local and Canadian touring talent. And it really is a great venue for a show because of its lovely intimate setting. Although tickets tend get snatched up quickly since they cannot house much more than 100 guests. Even if its a band I haven't particularly warmed to or heard of, its almost always a worthy investment.
Theres great attention to cocktails, wine and beer. It seems like the staff/ owners are very thoughtful about what they offer. I find that it always seems to show when businesses approach their endeavours with genuine passion. And The Carleton strikes me as this sort.
Great service, very professional and an overall great atmosphere. Its more expensive than your local pub, matching more along the lines of the classy martini bar sort. But with the great vibes and relaxed feel, its definitely worthwhile. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
11/10/2009
The Carleton is a fantastic venue for singer/songwriters and comedians, or any act that works well in an intimate setting. But if you go to see someone perform, you'd better know this beforehand: if you talk during the performance you will be roundly shushed. That's the whole idea behind this place - it's a restaurant that loves performers enough to enforce a respectful silence.
They get some fantastic acts, and the venue is small enough to make for a great audience experience. The other bonus is that the food here is really good - especially the ribs. Unbelievable. I was totally surprised to find such great ribs here. Who knew? -
Review from Ayla H.
Halifax, NS
1/23/2010
Had a nice little brunch here with my boyfriend on a lazy Saturday morning this summer. The food wasn't quite amazing enough to make us forget our house hunting stress, but it was tasty. Eating at bar-restaurants for brunch is dangerous for me - I am always tempted by mimosas that I definitely don't need. Something about champagne in the morning is just so indulgent. Anyways, the point is that the Carleton's got mimosas, and other boozy breakfast drinks as well if I remember correctly. I managed to avoid them though, and had a delicious bruschetta instead which I was very pleased with.
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Review from Carrie M.
Halifax, NS
4/4/2010
This place has such a nice atmosphere, great food and a wonderful selection of musical acts passing through just about every night. One of my most favourite places.
