Ottawa - Ontario

Ottawa is Canada’s capital, in the east of southern Ontario, near the city of Montréal and the U.S. border. Located between Toronto and Montreal, and just north of the eastern United States, getting to Ottawa is easy. And since the metropolitan region stretches across the Ottawa River to Gatineau, Québec, you can visit two provinces in one destination. Cross one of the bridges, take a boat across the river, or even ride the world’s first inter-provincial zip-line, Interzip Rogers. It has at its centre Parliament Hill, with grand Victorian architecture and museums such as the National Gallery of Canada, with noted collections of indigenous and other Canadian art. The park-lined Rideau Canal is filled with boats in summer and ice-skaters in winter for more information visit Ottawa Tourism.

The diverse culinary scene in Ottawa includes everything from food trucks to fine dining, as well as dozens of craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. Chefs and residents benefit from a bounty of fresh products from over 1,000 farms—more than Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver combined—and shop at popular farmers’ markets. Many local chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute (the famed school’s only official campus in North America) or in culinary programs at local colleges.

So why not visit the 35 (as of June 2022) Brewpubs and Breweries and create unforgettable memories in Ottawa, Canada’s capital!

Tooth and Nail Brewing Company, 3 Irving Ave

Tooth and Nail is a fantastic craft beer place, not too far from downtown, in the heart of Hintonburg, very close to Chinatown, and even closer to Beyond the Pale. The beer is legitimately good, but mostly because the atmosphere is excellent and everyone who works there is absolutely lovely. They sure do brew a mean brew. The selection is on point, with a wide range of flavour’s for different tastes. Ranging from refreshing fruity summer to dark comforting winter ales. The patio is intimate, but not crowded. Inside is a long narrow space and has lots of interior seating, it has a darker, almost grungier feel to it. Low-lit ambience, lots of wood, minimalist touch. Glass-enclosed brewery in the back. Friendly, astute service. Well worth a visit when in Ottawa.

Small Pony Barrel Works, 101 Schneider Rd, Kanata

This place is honestly amazing. The atmosphere, the staff, and especially the beers. Located quite far from the centre, but accessible via transit or a 20-25 minute Uber/Lyft ride, this place is definitely worth visiting. If you are looking for authentic barrel ages sour beers, this is one of the best places in the country for it. The beers are insanely good. The beers range from light sourness to pucker your cheeks sour. The staff know their beers and process very well, they love giving out samples so you know what you are buying. They also love to show off the brew-house. A great vibe drinking right near the barrels. If you're anywhere in the area, stop in for some samples, pick a few beers for home and I promise you won't regret it!

Dominion City Brewing Co. 5510 Canotek Rd Unit 15

One of the best breweries in Ontario. This is a small pub off the side of the brewery so it isn't a high capacity place. Great brews, amazing taproom and bottle shop. The staff are kind, knowledgeable and not too hard on the eyes! The kitchen is open most of the service hours (which is pretty rare?) the food while on a short menu is all incredibly flavourful, with all locally sourced ingredients from butchers and bakeries and such in the Ottawa area. In the summer time, a large patio awaits you. Go down and try them out!

Evergreen Craft Ales, 767 Silver Seven Rd #21

Definitely worth going! A great little spot near the CTC/Costco as well as conveniently located right beside a craft distillery and awesome bakery. This is a true nano garage brewery, in a residential neighbourhood. Limited hours so check their website first. It's easy to spend the day just visiting places in the same building, especially during the summer as they have a decent patio too. The beers are flavourful and easy drinking. They also make some simple food/snacks. A great experience!

Flora Hall Brewing, 37 Flora St

This is a quaint little brewery in the old downtown area, a bit south from the centre, but quite walk-able. This is nice neat taproom. Small enough to be cosy but big enough for customers. Downstairs there are seats around the bar and a few large communal tables and an upstairs seating area. Modern vibe meets Centennial building, well integrated. Solid brews, small pours available. The food menu is not extensive but has a good mix of items. Extremely friendly and hospitable service. Worth hitting when in Ottawa.

Shillow Beer Co. 1458 Cyrville Rd, Gloucester

A small, independent company committed to crafting interesting and delicious brews. Friendly service, nice new location. Highly recommended.

Good Prospects Brewing Company, 411 St. Laurent Blvd

An awesome craft brewery for delicious take home beers. The Gold Strike Grisette is one of the best Belgian style beers you can get!

Conspiracy Theory Brewing Company, 2172 Robertson Rd, Nepean

A small batch brewery currently located in Bells Corners. Craft beer brewed on-site, brew house visible in the back. Food menu is actually decent. Overall a cool hip environment.

Lowertown Brewery, Byward Market, 73 York St

A great looking spot in the Byward Market in the old Hard Rock, a central convenient location. Canadian comfort fare served with craft beer and cocktails in casual surroundings with a spacious patio.

Broadhead Brewing Company, 1680 Vimont Ct Unit 106, Orléans

A tiny brewery, location in an industrial mall with a cool "tasting" bar up front. Nice patio in front. Food is from Meatings, so more bbq oriented.

Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way Unit 4, Orléans

Located in an industrial area in Orleans, this place is very modern, small and cosy, probably a max of 40 patrons? The owners make you feel right at home. Good craft beer, great value, and they support local businesses. No food is served, but they encourage you to bring in anything. Check their website as they have many events. Dogs are welcome. I believe there is a Facebook page of pictures of dogs who have visited Stray Dog.

Orleans Brewing Co. - OBC, 4380 Innes Rd, Orléans

Located on the Innes Rd commercial strip, this taproom is solid. The taproom has 2 levels, modern decor, 6 tables on second level, a few tables and bar seating on first floor. Always a great selection of different types of beer. They like to experiment, so always something new to try too, if you like that. Their wheat beer and IPA are great standards. Good food menu from the small kitchen, delicious pretzels that came with 3 different & amazing homemade mustards! The Ottawa area is fortunate to have a community of young entrepreneurs who make great beer and help each other out. Behind every beer poured is a curated food menu item that focuses on community. Whether it is a way of gathering their neighbours or supporting their local farmers and small businesses.

Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, 250 City Centre Ave Bay 106

Located in a giant parking lot with a large outdoor patio, this is a cool spot with long hours, open daily. You go in to order. Custom flights of 5 available. Bottle and swag shop through the main entrance, bar and tables on the other side, usually with 10 taps. They don't serve food but encourage you to buy things from the great Art-is-in bakery next door, and you can order any delivery into the place (reminds me of places in Chicago). They frequently have special events so check their Twitter feed or Facebook, and have started to have some food trucks parked for the weekends which is a nice bonus.

Spark Beer, 702 Somerset St W

A great local spot, right in the heart of Chinatown. Spark Beer opened in 2020 with a goal to produce and serve the best hoppy, sour and Belgian influenced beers possible. Friendly staff, affordable local beers with wide range of flavours! Free popcorn is a nice touch. You will love the laid back music, the plants, and the vintage decor. 10 or so taps, with flights of 4 available for variable pricing. No food but you are free to order take-out and enjoy it in their tasting room. There are many amazing restaurants nearby! Just a comfortable place to be and an unforgettable experience.

Brew Revolution, 6081 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville

If you are a fan of Breweries, Music and an amazing atmosphere, super staff and great food, stop by Brew Revolution and try everything. You will not be disappointed! Located in a newer strip mall, this place is awesome, with 30 taps offering a huge variety of house-made beer plus numerous guest taps. Flights of 4 or 6 available. This is definitely one of the cutest beer flight you will ever have! Really fun branding and imagination with the beer menu. Food is good simple, sandwiches, grilles and such. Great venue, great beer and everyone is really friendly.

Covered Bridge Brewing, 119 Iber Rd #6, Stittsville

A microbrewery out in Stittsville that was established in 2013. A simple little spot, with a small tasting room at the back of the brewery to enjoy a beverage. Fun names on many of their regular beer. Inside just a counter and a few tables and chairs, lots of board games to play, plus a fridge filled with 32oz and 64oz growlers. Twelve beers are available (six popular brews from the regular line-up, plus a variety of seasonal and small batch brews). A great place to get a perfect little flight of delicious craft beers to pass some time. Very friendly service. They now have a permanent Food Truck located on the patio, Jerk On Wheels offers a great selection of Jerk food and food truck staples. They have strong philanthropic interests and dedicate some of their brews each year to supporting local charities (how cool is that). A bit far out but well worth a visit. Book a tour as well for that all round brewery experience. 

Mill St. Brew Pub, 555 Wellington St

Set in a beautiful old building, located on the Outaouais River, right at the bridge to Gatineau. Beautiful inside too. Great mix of rustic and modern decorations, an expansive place with lots of seating, inside and outside. It sort of feels like a polished Anglophone Ottawa echo of Brasseurs du Temp in many ways - the view of the river from the men’s room being a big one of them, the relatively large open areas being another! A good choice of house beer (which are not bad) and full pub style menu which is OK. Prices are fair for location. With great service from all the staff.

Vimy Brewing Company, 830 Industrial Ave Unit 11

A rally cool spot. Located just off the main strip in Hintonburg. The tap room is big and nice, also a private lounge area. The beers they have on tap are solid and they do cool one off's. The staff are very nice. The brewery is named after the Canadian victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917, a truly Canadian achievement, seen by many as a defining moment when Canada came of age and demonstrated its independence. I would highly recommend.

Bicycle Craft Brewery, 850 Industrial Ave #12

A good local microbrewery with up-to-date beer styles and good variety. Located in the middle of an industrial park in the East end of Ottawa. The tap is fairly big and sample flights are available 4 X 4 ounces. Velociraptor is their signature beer, and let me tell you it’s one hell of a nice IPA. They have a decent snack menu too, the staff are pretty knowledgeable plus growlers are available at a reasonable price. Founded in 2014 Bicycle Craft Brewery is about natural, well-crafted and delicious beer. Sourcing locally grown ingredients when available, donating all of our spent grain to local farms, and working with the community on collaboration beers, fundraisers and pairings.

Braumeister Bierhalle, 175 Carruthers Ave

The Bierhalle is truly a Bierhalle! A Bavarian-inspired craft brewery with a taproom and garden. In line with the brewery in Carleton Place, the theme here is Germany. Inside as you would expect it's wooden walls and separators, making for a cosy intimate atmosphere. Beers are German offerings, made in Carleton Place. The beer, is served in 500ml and 1L ceramic steins, ans is wonderful! While the food service is a separate business, it is equally delicious! The schnitzel and the pirogies are wonderful. Great taste of Bavaria in the middle of Ottawa since 2013!

Overflow Brewing Company (Canada), 2477 Kaladar Ave

a Laid-back brewery with an industrial vibe offering barbecue, shared plates and craft beer.

3 Brewers Sparks, 240 Sparks St. Local C215

A beautiful location near Parliament. The place is vibrant, with a killer patio and view, with extensive seating and they brew their own beer. Food is good and service is outstanding. Part of a large chain of clone brewpubs!

3 Brewers Kanata, 565 Kanata Avenue, Kanata

Nice location in old Kanata, lots of parking. Another 3 Brasseurs /Brewers fiting the mold of the chain, while still being pleasing to the eye, a vast area over two floors, good food offered, which is exclusive to 3B, decent beer. A nice addition to initiate beer virgins!!

Calabogie Brewing Co. - Kanata, 105 Schneider Rd Unit 130, Kanata

Just a minute or two walking from Small Pony, come here over Big Rig. Pleasantly spacious interior and patio terrace facing Legget Rd, but often full. Great ambiance for lunch. Pizzas are awesome. Recommended for eating and tasting. Tap room is very decent as well. A small tap list, maybe 5-6 beers on. Flights of 4 available. Very friendly and efficient service. Worth it if in the area?

Big Rig Brewery, 103 Schneider Rd, Kanata

A roomy, industrial-chic brewpub with tours, housemade beers on tap and a food menu.

Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery - Iris, 2750 Iris St

A chill, brick-lined haunt pairing pub comfort foods with house-brewed craft beers, plus delivery.

Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery - Ogilvie, 1980 Ogilvie Rd #115, Gloucester,

An watery serving global fare, Big Rig beers and cocktails in an industrial-chic space with a patio.

Kichesippi Beer Co, 2265 Robertson Rd, Nepean

Located a bit out of town, but on the way to Small Pony. There is a large seating area, nice décor, big patio outside; their beers are getting better in quality, although not adventurous, flights are cheap, taco food truck on site, right next to the Trans Canada bike trailway. Plenty of parking, and since pandemic, they also have a Ontario craft beer store, with decent offering. When in the area.

Nita Beer Company, 190 Colonnade Rd #17, Nepean

A cute little brewery with a nice patio for the warmer months. Located in a commercial mall in an industrial zone. Plenty of parking. A small tasting room with couple of seats. Good selection of single cans with some sampler trays also available. Lots of cool swag to choose from and they have a fantastic Xmas beer calendar showcasing a lot of other Ottawa region breweries. Prices are fair. Worth a stop if in the area.

Whiprsnapr Brewing Co. 14 Bexley Pl, Nepean

A little out of the centre but easy enough to access. Big patio out front, loads of taps, flights of 4 available, nothing too complex here as far as beers. Friendly service and comfy, homey place.

Clocktower Brew Pub Glebe, 575 Bank St

This relaxed brewpub features pints of its own brand of craft beer. This is the only survivor of the original 4 brewpubs in Ottawa! The Bank street location is nice and cosy, with the 5 originals brews, and "macro crap" on tap. The food never dissapoints, upscale pub grub, with great happy hour specials on appetizers.      Part of a large chain of clone brewpubs! More Ottawa Locations below;

Clocktower Brew Pub Orleans, 2010 Trim Rd, Orléans

Brewpub with a creative food menu and offering great home brewed craft beers plus beer to-go.

Clocktower Brew Pub Westboro, 418 Richmond Rd

The Westboro location is a busy spot. Think this is the newest location in the Clocktower family. Fairly similar to the others. The staff are very friendly and attentive.

Clocktower Brew Pub Elgin, 200 Elgin St, Ottawa

Nice atmosphere. Staff are friendly and outgoing. Not overly busy during the day so nice place to visit with friends and chat over food and drinks. The craft beers on tap are excellent.

Clocktower Brew Pub New Edinburgh, 422 MacKay St

A pub should be a home away from home. The amazing stuff work very hard to provide just such a warm and welcoming space. The ambience is always fantastic, the bartenders are terrific souls and play great music while always being attentive of a good pour. The food here is comforting and delicious as well.