Brothers Beer Bistro - Ottawa

[Bytowner]

Yup, but realy, that's the best tap list in the city, as crappy as that is to say. Food is a lot more expensive than I was expecting as well. Definitely not the kind of place I'd make a regular destination, unless the tap list improves significantly.

Is it really the best tap list in the city? Serious question. With the exception of the DDCs and that Koning'en (awesome) everything is available somewhere else in Ottawa I think. A couple places might even have them all.

[tyler90]

Yup, but realy, that's the best tap list in the city, as crappy as that is to say. Food is a lot more expensive than I was expecting as well. Definitely not the kind of place I'd make a regular destination, unless the tap list improves significantly.

Is it really the best tap list in the city? Serious question. With the exception of the DDCs and that Koning'en (awesome) everything is available somewhere else in Ottawa I think. A couple places might even have them all.

Arrow and loon generally has a pretty decent selection of Ontario beers (and casks) and personally I think gives it a run for its money. However the staff is generally not knowledgeable which detracts from the experience.

This is definitely a bit underwhelming, I was hoping for a decent tap list that could rival Volo (a bit wishful thinking)

Actually something I just noticed: they're still updating the bottle list. Stay hopeful!

[Bytowner]

Oh yah, still reason to be optimistic, once they develop relationships with breweries things should improve... That said, those food prices will hold me back until there's something worth going for.

[esprit]

For what it's worth, the guys at Brother's have ordered a variety of Belgians from us which should start appearing in the next month or so. Their hearts appear to be in the right place so give them some time.

[rejtable]

Yup, but realy, that's the best tap list in the city, as crappy as that is to say. Food is a lot more expensive than I was expecting as well. Definitely not the kind of place I'd make a regular destination, unless the tap list improves significantly.

Is it really the best tap list in the city? Serious question. With the exception of the DDCs and that Koning'en (awesome) everything is available somewhere else in Ottawa I think. A couple places might even have them all.

Aside from A&L who else has that many "tasty" taps? I am asking honestly as well, plenty of places have a few good choices, but pretty much just these guys and A&L, right?

I guess you'd have to do a side by side with A&L, but last time I was there compared to this list, I think I'd go to BBB, but it would be close. Food prices will kill BBB for me. 90% of my pub experience these days has kids in tow.

[iguenard]

Yup, but realy, that's the best tap list in the city, as crappy as that is to say. Food is a lot more expensive than I was expecting as well. Definitely not the kind of place I'd make a regular destination, unless the tap list improves significantly.

Is it really the best tap list in the city? Serious question. With the exception of the DDCs and that Koning'en (awesome) everything is available somewhere else in Ottawa I think. A couple places might even have them all.

Aside from A&L who else has that many "tasty" taps? I am asking honestly as well, plenty of places have a few good choices, but pretty much just these guys and A&L, right?

Good taps lists in Ottawa and its region... (including Gatineau)

- Autre Oeil (Grimbergen dubbel, Chimay, DDCs, Trois Pistoles, etc)
- Black Tomato (Smashbomb, Beaver River, Mad Tom, MacAuslan Ste-Ambroise Stout/Apricot/Cream/Pale, Spearhead)
- BDT 20 House beers + 1 guest beer (currently; Scotch ale, brandy barrel aged impy stout, charlevoix Vache Folle, Imperial IPA, and a "special" cinnamon/chilli beer called Belle Empoisonneuse)
- Highlander Pub (Barking Squirrel, Sam Adams seasonal, Wychwood, always some nice bitters)

[rejtable]

Good taps lists in Ottawa and its region... (including Gatineau)

- Autre Oeil (Grimbergen dubbel, Chimay, DDCs, Trois Pistoles, etc)
- Black Tomato (Smashbomb, Beaver River, Mad Tom, MacAuslan Ste-Ambroise Stout/Apricot/Cream/Pale, Spearhead)
- BDT 20 House beers + 1 guest beer (currently; Scotch ale, brandy barrel aged impy stout, charlevoix Vache Folle, Imperial IPA, and a "special" cinnamon/chilli beer called Belle Empoisonneuse)
- Highlander Pub (Barking Squirrel, Sam Adams seasonal, Wychwood, always some nice bitters)

Yeah, I was specifically just talking about Ottawa. Best tap list around is probably BDT. L'autre Oeil has tasty taps too.

[tyler90]

Good taps lists in Ottawa and its region... (including Gatineau)

- Autre Oeil (Grimbergen dubbel, Chimay, DDCs, Trois Pistoles, etc)
- Black Tomato (Smashbomb, Beaver River, Mad Tom, MacAuslan Ste-Ambroise Stout/Apricot/Cream/Pale, Spearhead)
- BDT 20 House beers + 1 guest beer (currently; Scotch ale, brandy barrel aged impy stout, charlevoix Vache Folle, Imperial IPA, and a "special" cinnamon/chilli beer called Belle Empoisonneuse)
- Highlander Pub (Barking Squirrel, Sam Adams seasonal, Wychwood, always some nice bitters)

Yeah, I was specifically just talking about Ottawa. Best tap list around is probably BDT. L'autre Oeil has tasty taps too.

I'd consider l'autre oeil my hidden gem of the area. If you have a way there, they have an enormous bottle list, incredibly cheap Cantillon, and a regular rotation of great taps. Biked there from Kanata just last weekend.

[Bytowner]

I'd add to the list:

Wellington Gastropub
Manx
Sir John A's
Cheshire Cat

[rejtable]

I love the Manx, but the tap list is pretty dull. I had totally forgotten about the Cheshire Cat. Last time I was there the tap list was every bit as good as anything going on at A&L. Love the place. But it's too damned far!!

[The Mick]

Was in over the weekend for some beers and thought it was a great place. The menu was a little pricier than a pub as others mentioned, but the food being offered is definitely higher caliber than your average pub. Duck rillets or octopus aren't something you'll find in places that offer you this much beer selection. I had already eaten so I only had the soup, which was really good. I also thought it was cool that the butters that accompany the breads are flavoured with hops and malt: one cascade hop butter, one choc malt butter, both good, choc one is the best though. Sure the selection could be a bit deeper, but that will come. I will definitely be stopping by here for pints and the occasional meal through the summer.




I'm also a big fan of the Manx and wish their taps would get a little more adventurous as well.