Haven & Hull in Suffolk offers beer, wine and a ‘snackle’ box charcuterie

Dining out doesn't always have to mean a big meal. Sometimes, a charcuterie assortment, a glass of good wine or beer and a cozy table for two on a sidewalk patio are the only ingredients needed for a pleasant fall afternoon.

Haven & Hull, which describes itself as a beer and wine sanctuary, is a shop in downtown Suffolk with a well-curated selection of wines and craft beers to enjoy on site or take home.

When I called ahead to ask about food options, I learned that the shop doesn't currently offer sandwiches but does sell a "snackle box" — a small tackle box filled with meats, cheeses and crackers instead of fishing bobbers and hooks. I reserved two boxes for my husband and I to nosh on during a visit the next day.

Each snackle box ($9.99) was a clear plastic box, about eight inches long and four inches wide, generously stuffed with delightfully salty slices of salami, prosciutto and ham, plus wedges of a spreadable cheese, cubes of a harder cheese and several kinds of crackers.

Shop staff let us know that sushi aka, a Japanese fusion restaurant across the street, would deliver to Haven & Hull if we wanted to order dinner. But our snackle boxes were hearty enough that we didn't feel the need for more food.

Of course, we supplemented our snacks by sipping on beverages suited to the cooler autumn weather as we relaxed on the patio. The upscale, inviting bottle shop also had a few high-top wood-and-metal tables inside.

As soon as we arrived at the shop, Jay picked out a can of Persnickety Witch Pumpkin Ale ($3.99) by Tradition Brewing in Newport News. This seasonal, full-bodied golden-brown ale smelled of ginger and had strong notes of hops.

I knew I wanted a red wine on the dry side but otherwise wasn't feeling very decisive. A staffer suggested one wine and poured me a generous sample to taste. When it wasn't quite to my liking, she quickly found another wine she pronounced "phenomenal."

She was right. I started with one glass of the 2020 Costers Del Sio Petit Sios but ended up deciding to buy the entire bottle ($20) so I could enjoy the rest of this Spanish Tempranillo-Garnacha-Cabernet Sauvignon blend later at home. The wine was fruity yet dry, smooth and balanced.

The next time I’m headed to one of downtown Suffolk's restaurants, I’ll be tempted to stop by Haven & Hull first for a tipple and a snackle box to share as an appetizer.

Sonja Barisic, [email protected]

The spot

Haven & Hull, 115 W. Washington St., Suffolk

The vibe

Upscale, inviting bottle shop great for date night or leisurely afternoon hangout

To try

Snackle box

If you go

Hours: Tuesday 2 p.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 2 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday noon-10 p.m., -Saturday noon-9 p.m., Sunday 1 pm.-6 p.m., Monday closed.

Cost: Snackle box $9.99, plus a wide range of wines and beers

Child friendly? This is a wine and craft beer tasting room catering to adults.

More info: (757) 539-5397

Follow Us