Good beer in Ottawa

robinvboyer · Post by **robinvboyer** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:55 pm

Ok, I KNOW this has been asked many times before, but I thought i would was again. I've been to the Black Tomato, and was dis appointed, they had a nice list on their menu, but they were out of half of the beers. The clock tower in the market is nice and shiny, but i tried 4 of their 5 beers, and they are pretty boring. I had high hopes for The Manx, and they had some Wellington, and Church Key, but the taps were for the most part dominated my macros. Lots of Creemore, and Killkenny, an Guinness, and Keiths. So i'm asking what is the best place in Ottawa? Would Pub italia be my best bet? Anyone have any other suggestions?

tupalev · Post by **tupalev** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 10:05 pm

Yes, Pub Italia, especially as you have visited the others you have mentioned. At least in my experience, locals may have something better now.

And whatever gets posted, this info would be very useful over here (the thread is still pretty current):

http://www.bartowel.com/board/viewtopic ... 5&start=15

SteelbackGuy · Post by **SteelbackGuy** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 10:10 pm

Yeah, try Pub Italia. My recent Black Tomato experience was lacking.

If you want a soild tap line up with good food, try the Wellington gastropub. They've got 5 micro taps, with some of the best food in Ottawa. If you're near the market, try Chez Lucien for some kick ass burgers with pints of local micro beers.

Cottage and a Kitchen is also worth a visit. They have odd hours, but they have 6 or 7 micro taps with good wholesome food. They dont use a deep frier and they use fresh ingredients.

Bytowner · Post by **Bytowner** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:34 am

Pub Italia has the biggest list, but their local offerings are pathetic.

Haven't been, but skip across the river to this place:
http://www.brasseursdutemps.com/

Johnny Farina's sometimes has a gem or two. Last time I was there they were out of De Koninck, but I had a nice glass of Erdinger Dunkel.

Ralphus · Post by **Ralphus** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:36 pm

Agree that Pub Italia has the best selection. If you like Belgians, a cozier atmosphere and you are in the market, don't overlook Vineyards. Prices are a high but sometimes its worth it not to have to deal with throngs of people.

If you are in the west end check out the Cheshire cat. Great local pub.

Have reservations for Brasseur du Temps this saturday.. will let you know how it goes.

Ralphus · Post by **Ralphus** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 12:30 am

I stopped into Johnny Farina's on Elgin tonight for a pint as I waited for a reserved time at a restaurant down the street. I was surprised at their tap selection. There were no macros and none of the generic imports which plague most Ottawa restaurants. Instead Delerium Tremens, Steigl Lager, Erdinger Dunkel and Weissbier, De koninck Flanders Ale, Mill St. Tankhouse and Organic were available.

I ordered a Delerium at the bar and received samples of two others without asking. The bar tenders were enthusiastic about the beer they had and it showed. The beer, service and atmosphere was good enough that I convinced my dinner party to cancel our existing reservation and switch locations. We were glad we did.. the food was great and so were the rest of our drinks.

If you haven't stopped into this place for a beer, give it a shot. What's visible from the outside doesn't do it justice.

Bytowner · Post by **Bytowner** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 9:30 am

Yeah Ralphus, it's a bit of a shocker, it certainly is not the type of place you expect to find Tremens or De Koninck on tap.

By the way, The Standard, which used to have a reliable stable of Mill Street beers along with a couple other locals, seems to have switched completely over to InBev and Molson offerings. Guinness was the most interesting thing they had last time I went by (and Beau's, but only in growlers).

Ralphus · Post by **Ralphus** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 10:50 am

That's a shame. All the bars on that stretch of Elgin seem to have pretty much the same tap list (aside from the Manx).

BTW I tried to visit Pub Italia yesterday and found it inaccessible by car from the north and the south due to construction. In the end I just left. From their website it looks like it's still business as usual though and apparently you can still get to the parking via a bit of a convoluted route.

Queef · Post by **Queef** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 11:09 am

Ralphus wrote:That's a shame. All the bars on that stretch of Elgin seem to have pretty much the same tap list (aside from the Manx).

BTW I tried to visit Pub Italia yesterday and found it inaccessible by car from the north and the south due to construction. In the end I just left. From their website it looks like it's still business as usual though and apparently you can still get to the parking via a bit of a convoluted route.

I believe if you go east a block to Rochester, Pamilla St (the corner Pub Italia is on), is a 2 way during construction, and the intersection at Preston is open to park in behind the pub which is still open yes. As well directly south of that block on Preston there the Moon Room is now open and has a small but tasty selection of taps, and bottles, and a cool funky layout

Brews Phillips · Post by **Brews Phillips** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:42 pm

My favourite subject......

For Pub Italia, there's a big pay parking lot on Beech around the corner from (Dear God!) the Prescott. Should be accessible from Rochester.

I agree with the Cheshire Cat suggestion. Cozy place with great fish and chips and a rotating cask. What is it with Ottawa and pub's named after felines from the British Isles?

Brasseurs du Temp in Gatineau seems to have three new beers (an Amber, a stout and an IPA) in addition to the three already in the lineup. Not sure if the food menu is back up and running yet, though.

And, for DDC fans, Marche Jovi is selling Rigor Mortis in bottles now.

AlanB · Post by **AlanB** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:57 pm

Ralphus wrote: BTW I tried to visit Pub Italia yesterday and found it inaccessible by car from the north and the south due to construction. In the end I just left. From their website it looks like it's still business as usual though and apparently you can still get to the parking via a bit of a convoluted route.

Yes, Preston St. is a bit of a mess. We were there this weekend, we just parked one street over and walked in. Despite the street construction, Pub Italia was quite busy.

modus_11 · Post by **modus_11** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:20 pm

I must say that BdT has quickly become my favorite beer destination in the Ottawa area. There are wonderful house brews and great Quebec Micros available as well. Perhaps most important for me is the stellar service and passion for beer exhibited by many of the staff. I am a repeat customer and do not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.

Pub Italia has a fantastic import list (definitely the best in town). But I must say that I find the service is often (not always) lacking, which is frustrating when you are paying in some cases upwards of $10 for bottles. Be sure to check out the fridge in the Abbey bar for the limited time offerings.