Sometimes you go somewhere without a clue what to expect and you leave feeling disappointed... This is not one of those times. As a pre-show get together for the Canada Heritage moments at the Carbon Arc (note to self: remember that review too), Meegan and I met some fellow yelpers here for some nosh and wine. We were the first to arrive (around 5ish) and if I can give anyone a little piece of advice about going to check this place out for the first time let it be this - that was the perfect time to be there. There were only a few patrons inside so we were able to get some great service (both fast and super friendly). As it is a music bar and grill they seem to have an extensive list of upcoming events but when we went all was quiet. While the menu can seem a little pricey we happened to go in during happy hour (4-6). Appetizers are 2 for 1, house wine $5 = Happy Tara! There seems to be a lot of talk about the grilled cheese sandwich this place serves up but Meegan and I opted to for the lamb lollipops ($10ish), the torpedo shrimp ($9ish but remember we were there for happy hour) and then shared the Chipotle Chicken Sandwich with Avocado ($11ish). It was plenty of food for the both of us and I really thought everything was very good. The house red was nothing to shake a stick at either (and three glasses later it was even better). I loved the look of the place. Dark wood and plenty of seating without feeling like you're bumping into one another. Located on the corner of Argyle and Prince it's looks to be an awesome place to hang out especially on the patio during the summer. If you go let me know how the grilled cheese sandwich is. read more

The Carleton - Chipotle Chicken Sandwich with Avocado (with Southwest Hash) - Bars Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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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! read more

The Carleton - Vegan heaven at The Carleton! - Bars Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

service was good and people were nice. apparently I need 85 characters so I shall tap it away with this useless sentence

I love updating a 5 star review with another 5 star review. That way you can really tell a place holds true to its rating. This time, I'm topping my 5 review with the fries. I'm pretty crazy over the fry situation at the Carleton. They're shoe string (so if you like steak cut GTFO) these are seasoned to perfection and the mountain of fries comes with garlic aioli. It's basically my dream fry scenario since I cut out the ketchup (which you still get). I mean, I don't know what else to say. The beer selection is great, it's still the best place to grab a show, and while you're there, grab a plate of fries and tell me how you really feel. read more

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! read more

Oh, Carleton. I want to love you so much. So, so much Your food is delicious, your wine is chilled to perfection, but your service....oh, the service. Why must you be so slow. WHY??? I have been here for lunch, I have been here for dinner, I have been here for a fundraiser, I have been here for a busy Saturday night. And it doesn't matter. I am always left sitting waiting for my chilled wine or my delicious food for WAY too long. It just makes me sad. What makes me sadder is that I will continue to come back to you and wait for eons for my food and drink, all the while complaining about it to my dining companions and yet devouring my delicious food when it finally arrives. read more

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! read more

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... read more

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. read more

Tried this place for my birthday last night! I had a sangria and it was okay, wasn't fruity enough for me personally. I ordered the half rack ribs and they were delicious, as for the fries they were good but way too salty. I was a little disappointed with the service as I tried to call to move my reservation to 5 as it was at 4 and no one would answer. Called 3 or 4 times and had to leave a message. Finally got someone after 4, to my knowledge it was busy but when we arrived we were the only ones there. Great place ! read more

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. read more

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? read more

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! read more

They need a cook! This was my 3rd time at the Carleton and I want to like the place because they support local and great musicians. She ordered a pasta and I ordered the strip loin medium rare. She said hers was overcooked 5 minutes. My strip loin was super thin, medium well done and the mashed potatoes were horrible. More like lumps because the cook was lazy. They offered another glass of wine, nice but did not show off any cooking skills. There was no salad, bread or veggies in a just meat and potatoes for $28.50. Had better for about half the price. House red was pleasant, especially the 2nd glass. read more

The carlton is a great music bar I find its best for live acoustic shows more then anything the staff are great and the food is awsome weekends there is normally a cover ($5) but we'll worth it I would recommend this place to anyone read more

The Carleton - Bars Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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. read more

Best grilled cheese of LIFE. Hands down. And those delicious tiny frites.... Great patio, great music and great atmosphere. I dig this place. read more

I'm a little wary of giving the Carleton the coveted 5-star rating as my review is only based on one experience, and I noticed some other not so great ratings on here. That being said though, my experience was really awesome and I have nothing but good things to say! I went to the Carleton on a Friday evening around 8 o'clock with a girlfriend. We were promptly greeted upon sitting down at one of the only tables available. Would have been tough if there were more of us. I really liked the look of the cocktail/martini menu and had trouble deciding, everything looked so yummy. I ended up getting the Emergency and it was delish. This was followed by a different martini which was equally delicious. For food, we decided to split three appetizers. An option they offer for 25$. We had: Lamb Lollipops: Divine!!! So yummy! I think they are very popular Mussels: Fantastic! Great dipping! Artichoke dip: Some of the best I've tasted I loved the atmosphere in here. I have never been to see a band here, but really look forward to coming again for this different experience. Food and service were great, will definitely be back!! read more

I've been to The Carleton a number of times over the past few years and have enjoyed it greatly each time. The combination of great food, atmosphere and music are enough to bring you in... but the frites... the glorious frites are the reason you will return. Guaranteed. I'm not a french fry person but mother of God, the peppery frite goodness served up at The Carleton is hard to resist. Pair it with their tried, tested and true grown-up grilled cheese made with smoked gouda, old cheddar and paprika mayo, and you'll plotting your return visit before the bill even arrives. There is another grilled cheese on the menu now, as well... but the original is still the best in my books. read more

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. read more

The 2 star rating is due to a few reasons. The food is lacklustre. I ordered the Carlton grilled cheese with frites and slaw. The sandwich was soggy which made it very difficult to eat. The frites were beyond salty, I couldn't even eat them. I told the waitstaff and she offered me unsalted frites but by that time my tongue was irritated too much to bother. "Drinks" (I dont drink alcohol so I get "mocktails" were just okay for 3.00 They didnt have any signage for the washrooms. They arn't very disability friendly. Getting around was very difficult due to the lack of space and lean lighting. The music was good..but thats about it. read more

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! read more

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) read more

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. read more

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. read more

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? read more

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! read more

The place has won awards from East Coast Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia for best venue for a reason. It's one of the few places in the city where you can go to a show, listen to music and have people around you not chatting up a storm like what happens at many other venues. The expectation is that this is a listening room and you don't talk during the set. Also if you have bought a ticket in advance, try to reserve an earlier time (maybe an hour to half hour before the show) if you want a good seat and not end up at the back of the venue. The venue makes their money off food and drink sales, so the earlier you get there to eat, the better. Feeling kind of cash strapped? The frites are very affordable and very delicious. You'll get a heaping mound of them for around $6. Lots of notable Halifax musicians love the venue so don't be surprised if Joel Plaskett or Matt Mays show up to play a song or two with whoever is playing that night. read more

If it were possible to rate this place 100 stars I would! I absoutley love the Carleton! I just started going here recently on word of mouth and literally havent stopped for about 2 months now, we are here every Saturday night on the patio! I have fallen in love with the margerhita pizza! This is the most delicious cheesy pizza I have eaten in all of Halifax! YEP I SAID IT!**************BEST PIZZA IN HALIFAX*********************** man oh man, I want it now! read more

What's not to love here? I've been many many times for music evenings, seen everything from Lenny Gallant to the March Hare to the astoundingly rude Fred Eaglesmith. EVERY time, we are greetied as friends, seated well,and served quickly and so smoothly around the crowded tables it's a pleasure to watch. I've loved everything I've eaten here but the frites are a must, as is the grilled cheese. Wine is served in goldfish-sized glasses. Beer is always tasty. Best of all, the music is always good, the sound quality is excellent wherever you sit in the place (Careful design), and people listen. I love going here and keep looking for reasons to visit... read more

Best spot to listen to live music and have a cold one. Things tend to get weird at the later part of the night but that is the bar life for you. I have witnessed the bartenders dealing with problems really well so tip them good. They deserve it. read more

Went to a live show last night - all of maybe 10 people there. We were approached by 2 separate employees saying "do you see anyone else talking here"....No, in fact I don't see anyone at all? We were absolutely speaking at a reasonable level and asked a second time to keep it down. I understand it's a listening room, but there were 2 of us. Leaning in to each other to speak. Definitely not causing a rucus. Snotty staff and an 11$ Tom Collins in a mason jar. Is it any wonder it's doing poorly? read more

Meh. A friend and I popped in here after dinner not too long ago. Dinner (elsewhere) wasn't so great so we figured we'd cap the night off with a beverage. We wandered Argyle looking for a spot and decided on The Carleton. We grabbed a seat out on the patio and waited for a server to arrive. And we waited some more. And then we waited some more. Finally someone arrived, we placed our order then chatted while we tried to wrap our heads our the debacle that was dinner. Eventually our drinks came and they were TERRIBLE. Neither of us enjoyed what we ordered. And neither of us drank very much. Eventually our server reappeared, we told her we were finished and were ready for the bill. I cant comment on the food or the interior of the place. But I can tell you the service is quite slow, which reading other reviews seems to be par for the course with this place. I'm not a big fan and likely won't make it a point to go back. read more

Came back for the first time in a couple of years. Once again, steak was perfect, beer was cold and this time I stuck around for the music. I'm not a music connoisseur but in this case I really enjoyed it. The sound was amazing. Great food, wonderful staff, solid music. Still my favourite place downtown! Nothing to dislike at the Carlton. Wish this place was on the left coast. read more

What a disappointment the Carleton's New Years Eve event was! The ad read: '.... rather than a formal, 3 course meal, we'll be providing loads of Caribbean food throughout the evening as well as some very colourful cocktails and other things we haven't even thought of yet. Tickets will be $100 and will include your show, pretty much all you can eat, taxes and the tip on your food. If you can find a better deal in Halifax, I suggest you take it.' And boy do we wish we had! We arrived a little after 8, received very little in the way of food ... 6 drumlets of chicken (that's the heftier part of a wing) for 6 people! A couple of scallops, a shrimp... a half cup of curried mouton to share. There was only plenty of one plate... beans and rice. Because we hadn't eaten enough, the wine, we were paying for ourselves, was having its affect and having four friends who together had lived over 60 years in the Caribbean, we were expecting some great fun! How surprised we were to learn that talking was frowned upon! Here we were expecting it being a NYE Caribbean Party that it might have been a place to dance... hard to imagine a Caribbean New Year without shaking just a little. The music was woeful for NYE. A ukulele player that would have been fun at a back mountain barbq opened and Danny Michel, whose music is lovely but never on NYE! And he was not fun, we were hungry, we could not dance, we could not talk or laugh. When we chose to leave at 11:30 to make the house party we should have saved $600 by going to, we asked about the 'very colorful cocktails' that were included in the ticket price. We were given a glass of punch each and while drinking it at the bar, were asked to move because we were blocking someone's view. We had never been to the Carleton. And as new patrons paying that kind of price, I would have appreciated knowing what to expect. This is NOT the place for a New Years Eve party. We left hungry and frustrated, much the way a lot of other patrons felt who expressed their angst openly in the washroom. That was as far from a Caribbean New Years as one could manage to get!!! read more

Great local spot. Went with a group of friends. Service was great. Food decent. Pub menu. Love music.

The Carleton is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Halifax. Their food, atmosphere, and staff are always excellent. This summer I think I had lunch there almost every week and the waitresses always knew what I wanted (ice tea and Brushetta or the pulled pork Sandwich and Frites). Sitting on their Argyle St. patio is the perfect place to people watch and I always seem to run into someone I know when I go there! Their prices are reasonable and they have a fantastic selection of food on their menu! read more

I would never return to this establishment. The food was mediocre at best, and the service was abysmal- and it wasn't very busy. Our party of five was extremely disappointed. read more

Between my undying love for The Carlton and my less-than-expected experience the other evening, I'm torn. If you were looking to grab a bite, a drink, listen to music or eat the best grill cheese sandwich of your life, I would recommend the Carlton to anyone. However, from what appeared to be a not very busy Friday evening, the service has left me wavering. While I know it my heart The Carlton truly one of the greatest venue Halifax has to offer, but Friday evening left something to be desired. Not feeling the love from the waitress, we frequently sat waiting for someone to notice our empty glasses. The appetizers were delicious and showed up quickly, but after they were removed we waited 45-minutes for our waitress to come take our dinner order. With a hypersensitive and hungry stomach, it seemed from that point on every meal that came out of the kitchen was anyone's but ours. Perhaps there was already a bad taste in our mouth, but our food didn't take that away. Sticking to what I know, I was ready to cry when my grill cheese - cheddar, smoked gouda and mayo - didn't live up to my expectations or my reviews for the other third of the table who ordered the same. It was unanimous around the table the meals (grill cheese and beyond) weren't hot or up to par; cheeses and sauces had that 'been sitting around' taste. In the staff's defense, we were a large group of 8-10. I will go back to The Carlton for the music, food and atmosphere but word to the wise, maybe leave the larger groups at home and reserve The Carlton for a more intimate evening. read more

I love this place. I really do. I love what they are trying to do with the music scene, and appreciate them for bringing me great new (and old) artists and reasonable prices. Thank you for that. FIVE stars. But the food. Oh the food. I noticed a few months back that it was going down hill. But I though meh, that's not their things really...the cocktails (delish) and drinks are their things, that accompanies the music. However, then I see they re-vamped their menu, calling on Jane (from the on Commons) to help. I thought this was definitely in need of checking out. As well, they were offering 30% off for a period of time. So off we go, prior to a hockey game (and yes we did give ourselves a lot of time). Luckily it was the tail end of happy hour so the shitty beer brands and wine (good wine though) were on for $5, good deal. The servers, as usual, I find are spread thin, and we could tell by looking at other tables, that after our drinks it was going to be a while to get the food. The new menu looked promising. I opted for the fish and frites, because I love their fries and I really felt like fish, R. got the bowl of seafood chowder. As we wait (a long time......) the table next to us gets their food in stages, with apologies. Then two of the people send it back because it wasn't cooked thoroughly. The table in front of us also sends their appetizer back, and the table beside us has to go out of their way to find service. As we sit and wait, the two tables that came in after us got their food and were well into their meals before us. Usually we are not sticklers for time, but we had somewhere to be (so did the table beside us), and had already been there a while. Finally our food arrives, the fish looks good. It is heavily battered, but that was fine, it was yummy. The tartar sauce being the best part. I usually ask for vinegar but alas our server was no where to be found. The frites were great as always. R.'s chowder looked promising, full of seafood with a nice thick broth, however the taste was nothing....absolutely nothing. So bland. Not a spice to be had. So as we sit and wait for our bill the people beside us flag another server down to ask for their and the server said "well who was your server" and the table said "we have no idea because two people served us and no one came back". Which is exactly how we felt. So disappointed in The Carleton. My used to go to fav. So the bill never comes, it's getting on game time. We have been in this resto for a while. I head up to the debit machine, I notice another man joins me and as my server is ringing me in (wrong, which needed correction), the man says "no one has come back to our table, we need our bill please". So this seemed to be the general feel across the resto. And they were not even full up that night. So being 30% we thought we were going to get away with a cheap night, somehow with two $5 drinks, a $10.50 bowl of chowder, and a $14 fish and chips. It came to more than it should have. Around $40. As I looked at the bill, I noticed the chowder was $2 more on the bill than the menu. Hah. I couldn't be bothered saying anything. Oh well....keep going with the music, really do. Halifax thanks you for that. But maybe cut the menu to delicious bites, apps, and shareables or try some new cooks. read more