BEST OF OTTAWA 2019: Pubs & Taverns

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 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

Tavern on the Hill (1223 Alexandra Bridge)

The Major’s Hill Park location of this seasonal outdoor tavern is nothing less than stellar. Chow down on a specialty gourmet hot “dawg,” topped with a mountain of fresh and unique fixings, while enjoying a drink and uninterrupted views of the National Gallery and Parliament buildings. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the live jazz band playing.

Clocktower Brew Pub (Various locations)

With six locations across the city, including its newest location on Rideau, there is a Clocktower close to everyone. Their variety of beers range from raspberry wheat to stout and everything in between. Go here for a welcoming atmosphere and pub food that's the best kind of greasy.

Pour Boy Pub (495 Somerset St. W.)

This joint screams cool from the moment you see Francis Pratt’s spray painted mural of Bob Dylan on the outside wall. The menu is a mashup of influences–a fusion of everything like Asian, Tex-Mex and American comfort food. With their $5 pints and weekly trivia nights, you’ll become a regular in no time.

Mill St. Brew Pub (555 Wellington St.)

The Mill St. Brew Pub occupies the old Thompson-Perkins Mill, standing since 1850, next to Lebreton Flats. Their house-made beer is the star of the show, stocking a huge selection including a few brews specific to the Capital. The spot has tons of space for large parties and is especially great for overhearing live shows during Bluesfest.

Patty’s Pub (1186 Bank St.)

This casual watering hole is the perfect stop to not only have some high-quality brews, courtesy of Ashton Brewing Company, but also top notch food. Not only can you expect the usual pub fare like burgers and chicken wings, but also some more gourmet eats like salmon boxty and pasta. Patty’s also serves a mean breakfast on weekends!

The Lieutenant’s Pump (361 Elgin St.)

The Lieutenant’s Pump is a failsafe, always busy regardless of whether or not it’s a weekend. Tried and true, this British-style establishment is the go-to local joint of many. The pub is especially convenient given its prime location on vibrant Elgin Street. Some of their standout features include their three bars, patio and gluten-free menu.

James Street Pub (390 Bank St.)

Looking for a spot to watch the big game? James Street Pub is the place for you. This casual sports tavern is decked out with multiple TVs–so you can keep your eye on the game no matter where you’re sitting in the pub, a pool table and a menu of every beer imaginable and all your fave pub eats like burgers, wings, poutine and more.

Carleton Tavern (223 Armstrong St.)

Operating since 1935, the Carleton Tavern is a unique combination of amazing food, good prices and quality service. Though old, the city favourite has kept up to date, being decked out with HDTVs to ensure you don’t miss out on the big game. The feel is cool and casual and their breakfast specials cannot be beat. They even serve up authentic Montreal smoked meat!

Quinn’s Ale House (1070 Bank St.)

A classic pub, Quinn’s is a local favourite. This Bank Street Irish-style bar serves up both local and imported draught, so there really is a beer for everyone. Plus, you can’t beat their weekly deals and events, including Taco Tuesday, Wing Night, and their Sunday Open Mic Nights.

Heart & Crown (various locations)

The Heart & Crown is a local institution, providing top-notch Irish hospitality to Ottawa for 25 years. The center of the so-called “Irish Village”, the ByWard Market location is a sprawling space of five pubs in one. The pub boasts a wide range of spirits and brews that pay tribute to their Irish heritage. Also, don’t miss out on the regular live music performances.