After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have
a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer.
In this weekly summer series, we’ll share our picks with you –
our top hotels, live music venues, local brews,
bands and more. Check, share and discuss
#OLMBest every week!
By: Kat Walcott and Anna Jonas
Overflow Brewing Company (277 Kaladar Ave.)
Overflow is one of the city’s newest breweries and it does not disappoint! Their signature line of beers includes a diverse range of pale ales, pilsners and more, with unique names like “Roger That” and “Bangkok Crosswalk.” Not only can you buy it on-site at their awesome taproom on Kaladar Avenue, but you can also order online and get the brews delivered straight to your door!
Beau’s All-Natural Brewing Company (10 Terry Fox Dr., Vankleek Hill)
A family-run brewery, Beau’s certified organic beer is made with spring water and sustainability in mind. Clearly they’re doing something right, having won over 100 awards since they launched. The lug-tread, an ale/lager hybrid, is a local classic.
Dominion City Brewing (15-5510 Canotek Rd.)
Dominion City is the first brewery in Canada to be funded through Kickstarter. Using organic grain from the Ottawa Valley, they create a collection of experimental brews, often in forgotten styles. They offer three mainstays, a selection of specialty beers and a series of flavours each built around a local, star ingredient.
Orléans Brewing Co. (4380 Innes Rd.)
Orléans Brewing Co., or OBC for short, is gaining popularity in the region for their unique craft beers made with unique ingredients. One of their stand-out brews, among the various flavours and styles, is “Koffee Kolsch” – a lagered ale made with cold-pressed coffee.
Top Shelf Distillers (14 Warren Crescent, Perth)
The Top Shelf Distillers’ headquarters is in Perth, but they are so active in the Ottawa beverage scene we couldn’t leave them off of this list. Not only do they produce some of the most top notch spirits we’ve ever had, but they do it all for a great cause, planting a tree for every bottle bought. Some favoured spirits include their collection of flavoured moonshine and their signature gin.
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company (250 City Centre Ave.)
Founded in 2012 by three local men with old brew equipment and a dream, Beyond the Pale is quite the rapid success story. In the 7 years since they opened, they’ve expanded so much so that their quality beers are widely available at local restaurants and bars. Make sure to try Pink Fuzz, their Grapefruit American Wheat.
Bicycle Craft Brewery (850 Industrial Ave. Unit #12)
Bicycle Craft Brewery started from a humble love for the art of brewing and has blossomed into one of the region’s most unique craft beer companies. With options like “Margarita Gose,” brewed with pink Himalayan salt, coriander and lime zest, and “On the Lam IPA,” brewed with malt and oats, there’s a beer for everyone.
Waller St. Brewing (14 Waller St.)
This brewery lives and breathes by their topic of inspiration – prohibition. Their underground basement space has a speakeasy style tasting bar. Even the names of their brews are a shout out to the roaring twenties. All their beers are crafted to match their three main values: flavourful, balanced, and innovative. We like the Juice Joint Sour.
Lowertown Brewery (73 York St.)
Lowertown Brewery is situated in the heart of the ByWard Market, so you definitely want to stop by if you’re downtown for a night out. With lagers, ales and IPAs, they have all the cred of a larger brewery. Their accompanying restaurant is located right on site, so enjoy a yummy bite with your beer as well!
Flora Hall Brewing (37 Flora St.)
Flora Hall founder Dave Longbottom combined decades of globetrotting experiences in Flora Hall. The company spent a year transforming the derelict 1927 space, building on its warehouse heritage – including an authentic garage door, open when the weather is nice. The result is a new and unique gathering space meant to bring neighbours together for quality drink and conversation with an international influence.
