Toast The Holiday Season with A Ceremonial Tuborg Julebryg at Bier Markt Ottawa

Welcome to Day 5 of the
25 Days of Ottawa Life
Christmas Calendar.

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to keep checking under the
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Bier Markt is a popular spot on Sparks Street in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Just a block form Parliament Hill, it is a favourite with politicians, political staff, civil servants, members of the national press gallery, and tourists — all year long. Whether it’s at the busy bar in the front half or in the lower-key dining area in the back, with its comfortable booths and chairs, there's a real energy in the place. The décor is modern and pleasant and the staff are super friendly. Bier Markt kicked off the holiday 2017 season in grand style with a dark winter pilsner from Tuborg that will keep you hoppy — if not happy!

Julebryg is Tuborg's most celebrated Christmas beer and it's only made once a year to celebrate the holidays. The first tapping of the season is considered a national celebration in Denmark. The story behind the origin of the beer is pretty funny. Its popularity began with a simple but funny animated advertisement that was first broadcast in 1980 portraying Santa and Rudolph stopping their Christmas Eve deliveries in favour of following a truck full of Julebryg. The campaign was a hit and has run, unchanged, for the past 37 years. The good news is that you don't have to fly to Denmark to sample Julebryg. Drop by the Bier Markt to try this seasonal "licorice and black currant" libation. Julebryg is a strong, dark winter pilsner (5.6 per cent alcohol by volume) that will fuel your holiday festivities on a cold snowy day or evening. 

The Bier Markt is known for its large selection of beers (over 150 selections from 30 countries) which the informed staff will help you to pair with their wonderful and intriguing menu offerings of upscale pub food. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure about what to select as the servers are very knowledgeable about the beers ad willing to offer suggestions to help you decide where to start. It’s fun to head out with friends and spend a couple of hours trying different beers with different foods. The menu includes gluten-free and vegan choices too. Be sure to try the Markt sharing boards like charcuterie, sea-coterie, and cheese or the super foods like maple-roasted beet carpaccio or crispy curried chickpeas. The roasted cauliflower steak and Markt burger are house favourites and if you feel a little adventurous try the Island Curry. The Markt features big TV screens and every Thursday there is a DJ which makes for a pre-TGIF fun night out. They also feature live entertainment with their Weekend Music Series — visit the website for a full listing. It’s usually pretty easy to get in and mingle and find your spot, but depending on the time of year and day of the week, it can get busy.

Ottawans love their brunches and the Bier Markt is a definite weekend destination. Spice it up and try the eggs diablo or go for the classic eggs benedict (all washed down with a pint or two!). The desserts are made in-house and include a chocolate mousse cake or try the chocolate, bacon and pecan waffles. Yes . . . Chocolate bacon — who’da thought.

With 150 beers, menu offerings for meat eaters and vegans alike and entertainment, the Bier Markt Ottawa is a great time. Drop in for some holiday cheer and don't forget to try the new winter Tuborg Julebryg . . . Get your jingle on!

156 Sparks St, Ottawa, ON
Book your corporate or private event at (613) 780-7575
www.thebiermarkt.com