Ethan BrownThere’s something very comforting about going to pubs after a stressful week (even after a happy one, to be honest). Maybe it’s the great food, the refreshing drinks, or just the friendly atmosphere, but a pub visit always feels like a reward for your efforts.
Luckily, Ottawa offers heaps of pubs for both residents and tourists to enjoy. And we’re more than happy to guide you through the best ones that you should visit at least once!
Clocktower Brew Pub
Address: 418 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0G2, Canada
Website: https://www.clocktower.ca/
Contact details: 613 680 5983, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Established in 1996, Clocktower Brew Pub is one of Ottawa’s longest-running full-service craft breweries. Even after over 25 years, the pub remains a local favourite mainly because of its crazy good food and refreshing beers.
The pub makes its own craft beer in-house, ensuring its patrons experience a pub experience like no other. Their flagship beer brand, Kölsch, will surely quench your thirst, so make sure to give it a try along with its flavoured versions!
The food is also just as impressive, offering a range of options, including kimchi fries, nachos, onion soup, and crispy wings that we can’t get enough of. Pair all these with a large patio and sunny afternoon, and you’re in for a good time!
| Pro Tip: Clocktower Brew Pub hosts Happy Hour from Sunday to Thursday, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy good beer and food at a cheaper price! The event lasts from 2:00 to 5:00 PM and again from 9:00 PM until the pub closes. |
Irene’s Pub
Address: 885 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W4, Canada
Website: http://irenespub.ca/
Contact details: 613 230 4474, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Offering a lively experience, Irene’s Pub in The Glebe has rightfully earned its reputation as one of Ottawa’s best pubs. The pub frequently hosts live performances from local talents, creating an unparalleled atmosphere for music enthusiasts.
Beyond its live performances, Irene’s Pub is also well-loved for its exceptional menu, which offers a range of appetizers, entrees, burgers, and sandwiches. The kale Caesar is a crowd-pleaser that you can’t help but order whenever you visit the pub.
Irene’s also has an extensive range of beers, from draught to canned and bottled. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, try their Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc, Folonari Rose Pinot Grigio, or Smokey Bay Shiraz from their wine list.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to purchase tickets to the show at the door, make sure to bring cash because that’s the only mode of payment they accept for tickets. For food and drink, though, you can use both cards and cash. |
The Manx
Address: The Leading Note Studios, 370 Elgin St, Suite No. 1, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Website: http://manxpub.com/
Contact details: +1 613 231 2070
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The Manx Pub in Elgin Street is a hidden gem you have to visit at least once. The pub is located in a basement, so it can be pretty easy to miss, but trust us when we say you’ll find yourself walking back to that same basement a few times after one visit.
The pub serves lunch and dinner menus filled with delicious and reasonably priced meals. The Lamb Curry Wrap and Huevos Rancheros are Manx staples that pair well with any drink, so give them a try if you can’t decide what to order.
Manx also serves loads of draught beers, both domestic and imported, so there are a lot of options for diners. Don’t forget to also browse its whiskey list, which is just as extensive as its beer list!
| Pro Tip: The Manx serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. If you’re planning to try out their brunch menu, come early because it’s quite popular in the city! |
Pub Italia
Address: 434 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4, Canada
Website: http://www.pubitalia.ca/
Contact details: 613 232 2326
Operating hours:
Monday: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Pub Italia is a church-themed pub that’s designed to be a combination of Irish pubs and Italian trattorias. This is the perfect place to relax and hang out with loved ones while enjoying delicious Italian cuisine and a bottle of cold beer.
As with any Italian diner, Pub Italia’s pizzas and pasta are nothing short of impressive, especially the Margherita pizza. If you’re coming in a group, Nonna’s Meatballs are the perfect shareable!
The pub’s beer menu, or Beer Bible as they call it, also deserves much praise. It’s an extensive list offering draft and beer bottles from different parts of the world, like Guinness Draught, Delirium Tremens, 1164 Blanc, and Radeberger Pilsner.
| Pro Tip: The pub gets really busy even during weekdays, so make sure to book a reservation to avoid waiting! |
Sir John A Pub
Address: 284 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M3, Canada
Website: https://www.sirjohna.ca/
Contact details: 613 567 2746
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Another awesome pub to visit on Elgin Street is Sir John A Pub, named after Canada’s first prime minister. Loved for its relaxed, comfortable, and friendly atmosphere, the pub is the perfect spot to relax after a tough day at work.
The pub offers the largest draft beer menu in Centretown, ranging from local brews to imports from other countries. You can warm up with a Waterloo Grapefruit Radler from Ontario, then move to Erdinger Weissbräu from Germany or a Stiegl from Austria.
Pair your beer with the pub’s nachos, chicken tenders, or fish and chips for the complete pub experience. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, the pub’s mouthwatering burgers and pizzas will fill you up!
| Pro Tip: The pub hosts watch parties for major sports events like the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup. If you want to join them, make sure to reserve a seat, as they get really packed during these parties. |
Heart & Crown Pub
Address: 67 Clarence Street., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada
Website: http://www.heartandcrown.pub/
Contact details: 613 562 0674
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
ByWard Market is known for its vibrant and bustling streets, so it’s not surprising that it’s also home to some of Ottawa’s best pubs. Right at Clarence Street in Byward is Heart & Crown, a local favourite that’s been serving great food and drinks for 30 years.
This Irish pub is complete with every pub essential, such as Guinness, Jameson, fish and chips, wings, and more. The drink menu also includes a list of cocktails, sangria, and whiskeys for non-beer fans and mocktails for those trying to stay sober.
The live music playing from the pub also makes the atmosphere feel more alive and vibrant, so you can always look forward to a fun night whenever you come to visit!
| Pro Tip: The Guinness Beef Stew is one of Heart & Crown’s most famous dishes, and it’s for a good reason. Make sure to try it when you visit! |
Patty’s Pub
Address: 1186 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X9, Canada
Website: https://www.ashtonbrewingcompany.com/pattys-pub-glebe/
Contact details: 613 730 2434
Operating hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 4:00 PM to Late
Wednesday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to Late
Patty’s Pub has been offering authentic Irish pub experience in Ottawa since 1975. With its relocation to a larger space in Bank Street, the pub can now accommodate new beer enthusiasts visiting it on top of its loyal customer base.
Patty’s offers traditional pub dishes, such as nachos, fries, chicken wings, fish and chips, burgers, and so much more. The crowd favourite, though, is its vegetarian boxty that’s served with house salad, so you can go with that if you’re not sure what to order.
The real highlight of Patty’s, though, is its long list of Ashton Brewing Company (ABC) beers. The beers are made through open fermentation, resulting in healthier yeast and a unique character that makes them special!
| Pro Tip: The pub sometimes closes early, so make sure to check their Instagram or Facebook account for updates! |
Deacon Brodies Pub
Address: 247 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 0G1, Canada
Website: https://deaconbrodies.ca/
Contact details: 613 236 6464
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Deacon Brodies Pub is pretty different compared to the other pubs in this list. The pub is more well-known for its whiskey list rather than beer, which is one of the main reasons it’s a must-visit when in Ottawa.
They boast over 400 bottles of whiskeys, made both inside and outside of Canada. Patrons can go on a whiskey adventure in the pub and try American, Irish, Scottish, Swedish, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese whiskeys that are quite hard to find in Canada.
If someone in your group isn’t a huge whiskey fan, Deacon also has other drinks for them to try. Whether they’re into draught beers, wine, or cocktails, Deacon offers a fun time for everyone!
| Pro Tip: If you love Deacon Brodies’ regular menu, come after 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The pub serves brunch during weekends from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so the regular menu will only be available by 2. |
The Third
– From @mimi.munches
Address: 1017 Wellington Street. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y1, Canada
Website: https://thethird.ca/
Contact details: 613 728 2965, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
The Third’s name comes from the people’s need for a third place where they can simply enjoy, away from their first (home) and second (work) place. And that’s exactly what the pub is all about: serving good food and drink for a fun and enjoyable stay.
The menu is composed of comfort-food favourites, like chicken sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, roasted brisket, chicken wings, fries, nachos, and more. They even have desserts for those with a sweet tooth!
The Third’s drinks menu isn’t as extensive as other pubs on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s inferior to them. The selection, despite being small, has almost everything you’ll need from a pub, from draft beers to bottled ones.
| Pro Tip: For those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their home, The Third can deliver your food and drinks straight to your home! Just head over to their website and place your order there. |
Aulde Dubliner & Pour House
Address: 62 William Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A3, Canada
Website: http://www.heartandcrown.pub/
Contact details: 613 241 0066
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Aulde Dubliner & Pour House is from the same team behind Heart & Crowns, so you can expect nothing short of impressive when you come to visit. It offers the same Irish hospitality, just on William Street.
Like Heart & Crowns, Aulde Dubliner takes pride in its yummy pub fares. If you’re having a hard time choosing from its extensive menu list, the seafood chowder and short rib are safe bets that won’t disappoint!
This is a two-storey pub that offers a different atmosphere on each floor. If you want a more intimate and relaxed vibe, stay on the first floor, as the second floor tends to be very energetic and lively.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the perfect spot to watch your favourite sports games, like NBA and NHL, this is the place to go! Monitor their page for information on the games they’ll broadcast. |
