The Bar Towel

http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/otta ... arkt.shtml

Sorry if this already got discussed, but this struck me as an aggressive move this morning.

What do you guys think?

Ian

iguenard wrote:http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/otta ... arkt.shtml

Sorry if this already got discussed, but this struck me as an aggressive move this morning.

What do you guys think?

I think... I don't know French.

If I get the gist, Bier Markt is opening a location in Ottawa in a former Zeller's store. What's so "aggressive" about it?

Don't know about "aggressive", but it is kind of bold. It's a prime spot in Ottawa, on Sparks sreet, close to the Hill. More interestingly, it's just down the road from the new 3 Brewers that opened at the beginning of the summer. Also down the street from D'Arcy McGee's flagship pub, which is a hot spot for the poli crowd and currently has the best beer selection of the chains in Ottawa.

Its also a high-rent, huge location.

I rarely patronize Bier Markt as I don't feel they are good value for money, but it seems like it would be the sort of demographic they would pursue.

iguenard wrote:Its also a high-rent, huge location.

Ya but that fits in with their location in Toronto.

Also have to say not expecting too much but will definitely be willing to check it out. The one in Toronto used to have a decent selection on tap and in bottles before turning into more of a meat market.

pushkinwow wrote:The one in Toronto used to have a decent selection on tap and in bottles before turning into more of a meat market.

I would still say that the Toronto location(s) have a pretty decent beer selection. Not as adventurous and ever-changing as other places that have opened in the last few years, but when I do end up at Bier Markt, I rarely have any problem finding some great stuff to choose from.

GregClow wrote:

pushkinwow wrote:The one in Toronto used to have a decent selection on tap and in bottles before turning into more of a meat market.

I would still say that the Toronto location(s) have a pretty decent beer selection. Not as adventurous and ever-changing as other places that have opened in the last few years, but when I do end up at Bier Markt, I rarely have any problem finding some great stuff to choose from.

Fair enough - maybe its just that the selection in Toronto has gotten much better so its fallen further down the list.

Yeah, obviously if you are on The Esplanade in downtown Toronto you can find a few better options within five minutes' walk. But don't forget Bier Markt now has locations out on the Queensway by the 427 and in Don Mills - both of which are way better than anything else in the area. Sounds like that might be the case on Sparks Street mall too?

midlife crisis wrote:Yeah, obviously if you are on The Esplanade in downtown Toronto you can find a few better options within five minutes' walk. But don't forget Bier Markt now has locations out on the Queensway by the 427 and in Don Mills - both of which are way better than anything else in the area. Sounds like that might be the case on Sparks Street mall too?

Will depend on their selection. Brothers in the market has a good but somewhat expensive selection of taps and good bottles not too mention great food and a good atmosphere...not too much else around though (will not count 3 brasseurs).

Pretty sure you can count on their selection being identical to the other outlets. It is pretty extensive, though perhaps a bit light on Ontario brewers.

midlife crisis wrote:Pretty sure you can count on their selection being identical to the other outlets. It is pretty extensive, though perhaps a bit light on Ontario brewers.

Yeah, as I mentioned D'Arcy's is the main competition I think, and they have a pretty dynamic beer menu along with good daily deals.