Canada - Tell me about Ottawa...

So, I've just booked a trip to Ottawa from 9/29 until 10/3... I have been to Canada before (Toronto x2, Montréal x2, & Québec City), but never to the capital.

I'm definitely planning on going to Parliament Hill, the Museum of Civilization, and the War Museum... what are the other places that I should see? Anyone know about any "off the beaten path" type places? I'd also love to hear about any good restaurants you all may know about... really, I'm open to hearing all of your suggestions!

Thanks in advance!

So, I've just booked a trip to Ottawa from 9/29 until 10/3... I have been to Canada before (Toronto x2, Montréal x2, & Québec City), but never to the capital.

I'm definitely planning on going to Parliament Hill, the Museum of Civilization, and the War Museum... what are the other places that I should see? Anyone know about any "off the beaten path" type places? I'd also love to hear about any good restaurants you all may know about... really, I'm open to hearing all of your suggestions!

Thanks in advance!We haven't been there yet, but plan to visit Ottawa later this summer in order to see the Royal Mint. The Byward Market is supposed to be fun, too.

Hmm.... personally, I'd say that's far too long. The running joke: "The only good thing about Ottawa is that Montreal is 2 hours away."

There's also the National Art Museum but that's not really "off the beaten path". Downtown gets really dead at night, except for the Byward Market area. However, that's mostly restos and not much else to do. The Byward Market is fun during the day, but that'll last you all of about 1-2 hours - tops.

For restos, Ottawa does have a number of good French/Continental restos. I personally like Stella Osteria (in Byward) a lot. Stay away from any Asian restos as none of them are really good.

As for the Royal Mint, personally, I'd say skip the tour and go straight to the gift shop. That's where everyone wants to go to "lift" the bar of gold. It's also free. They charge $5-7 (can't remember) for the tour but you all just wait in a corner and they bring everyone in. No need to really pay and, if you do (like I did), you'd feel ripped off.

Hmm.... personally, I'd say that's far too long. The running joke: "The only good thing about Ottawa is that Montreal is 2 hours away."

There's also the National Art Museum but that's not really "off the beaten path". Downtown gets really dead at night, except for the Byward Market area. However, that's mostly restos and not much else to do. The Byward Market is fun during the day, but that'll last you all of about 1-2 hours - tops.

I respectfully disagree. While pretty much everyone from any other large Canadian city always mocks Ottawa as being a boring town, the city is actually quite pleasant and a lot of fun. There's a lot going on in the Byward Market at night, not just restaurants but also bars and clubs (albeit the crowd can tend more towards the student set) but that's far from the only place to hang out at night in town. There are a number of pubs and bars on Elgin, Bank and Somerset, many of which have a pretty active crowd late at night and even live music. I mean, don't expect to show up at 6:30pm on a Monday night and find a huge party going on, but there are certainly nightlife options.

Some options that immediately come to mind - the Lookout in the Byward Market is a nice, friendly gay pub located on the second floor of a building on York St, right in the heart of the market. The balcony has a great view and can be a fun place to hang out for a while. It's very near an old standby Zaphod Beeblebrox, which is kind of a student dive place for live music - may not be your cup of tea, but it's pretty much an Ottawa institution.

Another great thing about Ottawa is that it's such an outdoorsy city. You can bike/run along the Rideau Canal down to Dow's Lake and beyond. Also, you'll be very close to Gatineau Park, which is across the river in Quebec. The foliage might be great at that time, depending on the weather.

I agree with the above post. There's lots to do. Fall is a great time to visit.

This is a good place to start: http://www.ottawatourism.ca

Stay at the Chateau Laurier if you can. Somewhere downtown if you can't.

As for restaurants, there are lots of great ones. Even Asian, if you know where to look. ;) Give me a better sense as to your tastes and I can recommend a few.

If you have a car, you might want to check out some of the fall fairs in the area - I think the Metcalfe Fair is on during your stay. Day trips to Merrickville, Perth, Lanark, etc are great for shopping and exploring.

Lots to explore in the Byward Market, and on Bank & Elgin Streets, for food and shopping. See if there are any performances at the National Arts Centre while you are in town. As mentioned previously, the other two real-must dos are the Museum of Civilization, War Museau, and the National Art Gallery. Maybe a tour of Rideau hall.

Hope you enjoy the visit. Happy to answer any detailed questions.

Cheers,

As for restaurants, there are lots of great ones. Even Asian, if you know where to look. ;) Give me a better sense as to your tastes and I can recommend a few.

As for this, I've been to Ottawa tons of times and have been brought to all sorts of different Asian restos by locals and other out-of-town colleagues. Both in the downtown core and outside. I still haven't found one I'd actually want to return to. But, being from YVR, I have really high standards.

In Ottawa, I pretty much just go to the French restos. And Dunn's, of course. ;)

[QUOTE There's also the National Art Museum but that's not really "off the beaten path". Downtown gets really dead at night, except for the Byward Market area[/QUOTE]

You chose an appropriate handle, Brain Drain! That would be the National Gallery of Canada:
http://www.gallery.ca/en/
The Van Gogh exhibition will be over by the time of your visit, but they have a great permanent collection - including many works by the Group of Seven.
The Chateau Laurier is a great stay recommendation. Check out the art deco pool and the afternoon tea!
The fall colours will be at their peak during your visit. Plan to do some walking or cycling (BIXI rental) in the Gatineau Park. The MacKenzie King Tea Room will be open during your visit:

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/places-to-visit/mackenzie-king-estate/mackenzie-king-tearoom

My favorite restaurant (Persian) is Hunter's Kabobs, 398 Kent Street (near inter-city bus depot). The food is reasonably priced, generous portions, and there only other locations are in LA!

...
As for restaurants, there are lots of great ones. Even Asian, if you know where to look. ;) Give me a better sense as to your tastes and I can recommend a few.
...

For real Asian restos head to Toronto or in the case of Thai and Viet, Montreal.

In Ottawa, I pretty much just go to the French restos. And Dunn's, of course. ;)

I'd be interested in knowing about French restaurants in Ottawa... I'm staying with a friend there and we lived in France together - so it'd be fun to treat her to a French resto as a "thank you" :)

Also, please enlighten me... what is Dunn's?

For restos, Ottawa does have a number of good French/Continental restos. I personally like Stella Osteria (in Byward) a lot. Stay away from any Asian restos as none of them are really good.

As for the Royal Mint, personally, I'd say skip the tour and go straight to the gift shop. That's where everyone wants to go to "lift" the bar of gold. It's also free. They charge $5-7 (can't remember) for the tour but you all just wait in a corner and they bring everyone in. No need to really pay and, if you do (like I did), you'd feel ripped off.

Thanks for the warning about the Royal Mint! Good to know!

Some options that immediately come to mind - the Lookout in the Byward Market is a nice, friendly gay pub located on the second floor of a building on York St, right in the heart of the market. The balcony has a great view and can be a fun place to hang out for a while. It's very near an old standby Zaphod Beeblebrox, which is kind of a student dive place for live music - may not be your cup of tea, but it's pretty much an Ottawa institution.

Another great thing about Ottawa is that it's such an outdoorsy city. You can bike/run along the Rideau Canal down to Dow's Lake and beyond. Also, you'll be very close to Gatineau Park, which is across the river in Quebec. The foliage might be great at that time, depending on the weather.

Will probably try to check out the Lookout - sounds like fun, and I love balconies. Hopefully it won't be too cold for that when I'm there. I also want to spend at least an afternoon in Gatineau so thank you for the suggestion! :)

That would be the National Gallery of Canada:
http://www.gallery.ca/en/
The Van Gogh exhibition will be over by the time of your visit, but they have a great permanent collection - including many works by the Group of Seven.
The Chateau Laurier is a great stay recommendation. Check out the art deco pool and the afternoon tea!
The fall colours will be at their peak during your visit. Plan to do some walking or cycling (BIXI rental) in the Gatineau Park. The MacKenzie King Tea Room will be open during your visit:

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/places-to-visit/mackenzie-king-estate/mackenzie-king-tearoom

My favorite restaurant (Persian) is Hunter's Kabobs, 398 Kent Street (near inter-city bus depot). The food is reasonably priced, generous portions, and there only other locations are in LA!

Cheers for the suggestions! Will keep those in mind!

also as a follow-up: anyone know of good places to get Poutine in Ottawa? I have a tradition of getting at least one poutine whenever I'm in Canada ;)

I spent a few days there about 15 years ago. Did the main sights you are planning. Also took a boat tour on the river which was pleasant enough. Nice views of Parliament, etc.

Also wandered along the Rideau Canal. Seem to recall riding a boat on the canal too. But my memory is a little fuzzy on that. It's a nice little city. I recall it being very walkable. Nice area over by Carleton Univ.

Will probably try to check out the Lookout - sounds like fun, and I love balconies. Hopefully it won't be too cold for that when I'm there. I also want to spend at least an afternoon in Gatineau so thank you for the suggestion! :)

It certainly won't be freezing - you're going in early fall, not February! Ottawa isn't in the Arctic :p

Definitely check out the National Gallery. It's no longer free (:td::td::td:), but as a previous poster already noted, they have an outstanding collection of Group of Seven and Tom Thomson paintings. If you're not Canadian or an art collector, you've probably never heard of them - but they're among my favorite painters, period. The gallery also has really good temporary exhibits - I don't know what's showing during your visit, but in the past I've seen a wonderful Klimt exhibit and an excellent one of Picasso's portraits, among others.

Also, please enlighten me... what is Dunn's?

Montreal based deli chain that does smoked meat sandwiches. Smoked Meat is a Montreal speciality, well worth going out of your way to have. In Canada anyway, you can get packages of Dunn's smoked meat at Costco.
http://www.dunnsfamous.com/

they have an outstanding collection of Group of Seven and Tom Thomson paintings. If you're not Canadian or an art collector, you've probably never heard of them - but they're among my favorite painters, period.
My favourite Canadian artist is Alex Colville, especially some of his stuff that is at the war museum.

Montreal based deli chain that does smoked meat sandwiches. Smoked Meat is a Montreal speciality, well worth going out of your way to have. In Canada anyway, you can get packages of Dunn's smoked meat at Costco.
http://www.dunnsfamous.com/

Ahh, another smoked meat place... got it. I loved Schwartz's when I was in Montréal... my mouth is watering just thinking about it ;)

also as a follow-up: anyone know of good places to get Poutine in Ottawa? I have a tradition of getting at least one poutine whenever I'm in Canada ;)

I worked for a summer job at Stats Canada several years ago, and went once with a coworker to Ga-Ga Patates in Gatineau - he swore by it, and I thought the poutine there was fantastic. Of course, that was some time ago (I think summer of 2005), so I can't really say much about it since then.

I was in Ottawa for two days in February and am going again in a few weeks for Bluesfest and the Van Gogh exhibit. Since I hated the city the first time I went and am now going twice in five months, needless to say I kind of like it now.

I've reached the point where I travel alone a lot and just like to hang out in whichever city I'm in. In February, I spent most of my time hanging out around the Rideau Centre and the Byward Market, attended a (rock (!)) concert at the NAC (my actual purpose for travelling to Ottawa), and debated skating on the Rideau Canal but never made it. This won't be an option for you in September!

I'm going to have to go look at the Art Deco pool at the Chateau Laurier, even though this time I'm staying at the full-service Marriott rather than the Courtyard. I will hopefully also see a museum other than the National Gallery of Canada.

I don't know if I've actually been to Parliament, but that should tell you how memorable it is.

Ottawa is a beautiful city.

IMO the ByWard Market restaurants are a bit overrated. The price does not equate to their quality. (They're not bad just meh).

Becta, just south of downtown, is one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at anywhere. Warning it is not cheap.

Across the river in Gatineau is Jacob's Ladder which has really nice French food. Again not too cheap but more reasonable.

It's not a bad idea to take a trip up the Peace Tower (in centre block of Parliament Hill). It is free to go up and you get a great view of the city, the river, and Gatineau.

Have a great trip!

Hmm.... personally, I'd say that's far too long. The running joke: "The only good thing about Ottawa is that Montreal is 2 hours away."

There's also the National Art Museum but that's not really "off the beaten path". Downtown gets really dead at night, except for the Byward Market area. However, that's mostly restos and not much else to do. The Byward Market is fun during the day, but that'll last you all of about 1-2 hours - tops.

For restos, Ottawa does have a number of good French/Continental restos. I personally like Stella Osteria (in Byward) a lot. Stay away from any Asian restos as none of them are really good.

As for the Royal Mint, personally, I'd say skip the tour and go straight to the gift shop. That's where everyone wants to go to "lift" the bar of gold. It's also free. They charge $5-7 (can't remember) for the tour but you all just wait in a corner and they bring everyone in. No need to really pay and, if you do (like I did), you'd feel ripped off.

eriquita0115, as a native Ottawan, I hope you have a lovely time in the Capital.

Umm, Braindrain, Ottawa has not only tonnes of stuff to do, but also many excellent Asian restaurants. Of course you have to look a little harder than in Vancouver for good sushi but it is around. Bambu near the airport has sushi that's almost as good as you'll get out west. Also, Ottawa has more restaurants per capita (read: not crap from chains), than any other city in Canada. Ottawa-Gatineau is also home to 1 of only 5 AAA/CAA rated 5 diamond restaurants - Le Barraca (see: http://www.businessreviewcanada.ca/top_ten/top-10-business/top-10-canadian-restaurants-of-2012), which is something neither Vancouver, nor Toronto, nor Calgary, nor Edmonton can claim...and I'm not bashing any of these places as I enjoy going to all of these cities.

eriquita0115, you could easily fill four days alone visiting the museums, but if you want something off the beaten path, check out the Diefenbunker in the far west-end of the city. Also, you'll just need a light jacket while you're here in late September. Temps in Celsius, are usually in the high teens or low 20s at that time of year, but sometimes are in the single digits at that time.

Lastly, no visit to Ottawa is complete without having a Beavertail, which can be found on George St. in the Byward Market.

Hope you have a great time.

Umm, Braindrain, Ottawa has not only tonnes of stuff to do, but also many excellent Asian restaurants. Of course you have to look a little harder than in Vancouver for good sushi but it is around.

Any around downtown? I'm serious. I really want to try to find a good one. Was just there again last week and some "regulars" took me to Green Papaya swearing it has improved. Well, it hasn't. I can't find a decent Asian resto downtown, anywhere. A colleague took me to a dim sum place out of the downtown core (and he knows Vancouver pretty well). A place he called "pretty good". Unfortunately, it was anything but.

Hey, I'm really not trying to bash Ottawa. Again, they've got some really good French/Continental restos and that's what I mainly eat when I travel there. That, and the occasional guilty pleasure at Dunn's. Le Barraca is in the casino so that's a bit of a trek. I don't go there unless I'm staying at the Hilton. And, I just don't understand the obsession with Milestone's. ;)

As for my "it's within 2 hours of Montreal" comment, that's what all the native Ottawatonians tell me.

Sorry Ottawa, you have good French continental cuisine but the Asian food capital of Canada is a battle between Toronto and Vancouver.

Any around downtown? I'm serious. I really want to try to find a good one. Was just there again last week and some "regulars" took me to Green Papaya swearing it has improved. Well, it hasn't. I can't find a decent Asian resto downtown, anywhere. A colleague took me to a dim sum place out of the downtown core (and he knows Vancouver pretty well). A place he called "pretty good". Unfortunately, it was anything but.

Hey, I'm really not trying to bash Ottawa. Again, they've got some really good French/Continental restos and that's what I mainly eat when I travel there. That, and the occasional guilty pleasure at Dunn's. Le Barraca is in the casino so that's a bit of a trek. I don't go there unless I'm staying at the Hilton. And, I just don't understand the obsession with Milestone's. ;)

As for my "it's within 2 hours of Montreal" comment, that's what all the native Ottawatonians tell me.

I agree Green Papaya is just so-so. Ever tried Sum Tum on Kent? Most of the good Asian restaurants are outside of downtown in my opinion. Also, what is Asian? Japanese? Vietnamese? Chinese? If Chinese, what part of China?, etc.

Another highly popular cuisine around Ottawa & Montreal is middle eastern thanks to each city's large Lebanese populations. Mediterranean/Greek is also very popular. I'm counting the days to Greekfest. :p

ps: if they're calling themselves "Ottawatonians", clearly they aren't native Ottawans. ;)

pps: if Indian comes into the equation, the best Indian restaurant I think I've ever been to in Canada is in Kingston.

I agree Green Papaya is just so-so.

You are far too generous. I left one dish virtually uneaten and the other didn't fare much better.

Ever tried Sum Tum on Kent?

Nope, but I'll give it a try if you promise it's really good. If not, trust me, I'll be back to this thread and complain. ;)


I call them Ottawatonians. They can call themselves whatever they want.

As for Asian cuisine, I haven't found any good Japanese / Vietnamese / Chinese / whatever restos. For the record, the couple of Vietnamese restos I went to even screwed up pho! How do you do that? I certainly don't consider pho to be that high on the Vietnamese culinary ladder but getting the broth all wrong is just criminal. And, Chinatown isn't even really Chinese but don't get me started on that....

I remember going to some "higher end" (at least, that's what my colleague called it) Japanese place I think kiddie corner or really close to the old Delta. Personally, I would never return (and haven't). What takes the cake is the lady owner (Vietnamese lady) was showing off her new sushi chef - who wasn't even Japanese. I didn't have the heart to tell her she had been taken for a ride.

You are far too generous. I left one dish virtually uneaten and the other didn't fare much better.



Nope, but I'll give it a try if you promise it's really good. If not, trust me, I'll be back to this thread and complain. ;)


I call them Ottawatonians. They can call themselves whatever they want.

As for Asian cuisine, I haven't found any good Japanese / Vietnamese / Chinese / whatever restos. For the record, the couple of Vietnamese restos I went to even screwed up pho! How do you do that? I certainly don't consider pho to be that high on the Vietnamese culinary ladder but getting the broth all wrong is just criminal. And, Chinatown isn't even really Chinese but don't get me started on that....

I remember going to some "higher end" (at least, that's what my colleague called it) Japanese place I think kiddie corner or really close to the old Delta. Personally, I would never return (and haven't). What takes the cake is the lady owner (Vietnamese lady) was showing off her new sushi chef - who wasn't even Japanese. I didn't have the heart to tell her she had been taken for a ride.

Sum Tum on Kent? Forced to dine there twice, I guess it is shame on me.

My test, when walking in Sushi resto, greet the guys behind the counter with "Konichiwa". If you don't get any response, go somewhere else.
OR
Listen to what language they are communicating to each other in. Japanese top, next is Korean and Taiwanese.

You are far too generous. I left one dish virtually uneaten and the other didn't fare much better.



Nope, but I'll give it a try if you promise it's really good. If not, trust me, I'll be back to this thread and complain. ;)


I call them Ottawatonians. They can call themselves whatever they want.

As for Asian cuisine, I haven't found any good Japanese / Vietnamese / Chinese / whatever restos. For the record, the couple of Vietnamese restos I went to even screwed up pho! How do you do that? I certainly don't consider pho to be that high on the Vietnamese culinary ladder but getting the broth all wrong is just criminal. And, Chinatown isn't even really Chinese but don't get me started on that....

I remember going to some "higher end" (at least, that's what my colleague called it) Japanese place I think kiddie corner or really close to the old Delta. Personally, I would never return (and haven't). What takes the cake is the lady owner (Vietnamese lady) was showing off her new sushi chef - who wasn't even Japanese. I didn't have the heart to tell her she had been taken for a ride.

Even though Ottawatonians is completely wrong, I'll settle for Vancouverlanderings in return. :p

I've eaten at Sum Tum on Kent at least a dozen times and enjoyed it every time.

The Japanese place on Kent, Festival Japan, is fine for lunch during the work day, but is nothing special. There is a sushi place further down Kent called Tokyo Sushi, which I've never been to, but appears to be run by a Japanese family just from my observations walking down the street.

Regarding Japanese / Vietnamese / Chinese, here's an example of each that I like for what it's worth:

Japanese - Bambu at Hunt Club & Riverside - Asian fusion resto and the guys making the sushi are Japanese. Also, Kinki in the Market is pretty good, at least what I've had from their menu.
Vietnamese - Pho Kam Long on Riverside and New Mee Fung on Booth
Chinese - Mandarin Court on Baseline - run by the same Chinese family for over 30 years and Asia River on River Rd. - hole in the wall kind of place
Thai - Sweet Basil and Bank & Heron and Aiyara on Walkley

Again, these are some places I've gone to many times that I enjoy in terms of some Asian cuisines in Ottawa; you may disagree, which is fine, I'll still eat there.

Yes, Ottawa is not the Asian food capital of Canada, but there are, at least in my opinion, a lot of good places around town. Again, Ottawa has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the country, with as many different cuisines as any other city. Some are great, some are okay, some suck, just like in any other city.

I call them Ottawatonians. They can call themselves whatever they want.


I figured that Vancouverioters would know what to call Ottawans but I guess not. Adding a -tonian suffix though is very low though, we don't have any aspirations of living in the centre of the universe.

Back to the original post though...

If you are looking for some off the beaten path food head out to Hintonburg. Check out Hintonburger (voted Ottawa's best burger in a newspaper poll) or Taco Lot and then head to Suzy Qs for desert (doughnut place whose specialty is maple bacon but my favourites are raspberry white chocolate and blueberry). You can get here on the #2 bus from downtown.

If you want really off the beaten track and are after a sandwich or pasta for $5 head out to DiRienzo's at Beech and Champagne. I think that you are here too late to watch the bike polo in the park. To get here you can take the O-Train and get off at the Carleton stop.

Even though Ottawatonians is completely wrong, I'll settle for Vancouverlanderings in return. :p

You're sure it's not Vancouverlaunderings? ;)

I figured that Vancouverioters would know what to call Ottawans but I guess not. Adding a -tonian suffix though is very low though, we don't have any aspirations of living in the centre of the universe.

National Capital Region ring a bell? Not the centre of the universe? At least aspirations to be the centre? :D


I'll try some of the places you guys mentioned although I'm loathe to go outside of downtown as I always get back to my hotel late after meetings.

I'll try some of the places you guys mentioned although I'm loathe to go outside of downtown as I always get back to my hotel late after meetings.

I would not recommend any of the places that I mentioned if you are going there fairly late unless you have a car. I've only been at those places during the day but I don't think they stay open very late (this is Ottawa remember).

Good to know. ^

I can't believe in all the suggestions for restaurants that no one mentioned Preston Street. It is the heart of Little Italy in Ottawa, but in fact you will find many different cuisines there. My favorite on Preston St. is Big Easy's (http://www.bigeasys.ca/), mostly seafood with a New Orleans vibe.

Someone else has already mentioned Beckta (http://www.beckta.com/), one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. Certainly worth a visit if you enjoy fine dining.

For more modest meals, there are The Works (http://www.worksburger.com/)restaurants for local burgers, and ZaZaZa (http://www.zazazapizza.com/) for gourmet pizza.

In terms of neighbourhoods to visit, in addition to the Byward Market and Elgin/Somerset Streets, there is the Glebe, and also Westboro, both of which have unique shops, bars, and restaurants. Another favourite restaurant for me is The Wellington Gastropub (http://www.thewellingtongastropub.com/) in Westboro.

As others have suggested, make sure to spend some time outdoors, along the canal, the Ottawa River, or in the Gatineaus. Enjoy your trip!

Many major Ottawa attractions are closed on weekends or on Mondays. Do your research first.

And for the love of god, don't visit the "Canada" Science and Technology Museum. Despite being funded by national taxpayers, it's basically a daycare for Ottawa residents.

For SPG'ers: Sheraton Four Points in Gatineau, Quebec and Westin Ottawa are good deals for points or points & cash.

For more modest meals, there are The Works (http://www.worksburger.com/)restaurants for local burgers, and ZaZaZa (http://www.zazazapizza.com/) for gourmet pizza.


Skip the Works and go down the street to Hintonburger. The Works isn't nearly as good as it used to be.

Skip the Works and go down the street to Hintonburger. The Works isn't nearly as good as it used to be.

There are several Works restaurants, and I've never been disappointed. On the other hand, I've never had a Hintonburger. It was very recently rated the best burger in Ottawa (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/burger/index.html) in a close race with The Works.

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions :)

There are several Works restaurants, and I've never been disappointed. On the other hand, I've never had a Hintonburger. It was very recently rated the best burger in Ottawa (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/burger/index.html) in a close race with The Works.

Also, if you want an 'exotic' burger made with meats such as ostrich and kangaroo, try Dick's Dip & Dairy Bar on Merivale.

Also, if you want an 'exotic' burger made with meats such as ostrich and kangaroo, try Dick's Dip & Dairy Bar on Merivale.

^^^ to Dick's for exotic burgers.

Joke:

Why are Ottawa burgers better tasting?

More fat in Ottawa. (substitute any capital city)

Ba-Da-Boom Rimshot

One more recommendation - Trailer Pork Boys. They serve pulled pork and ribs from a trailer in a parking lot at the former site of the Lucky Key (Merivale and Carling). I was loathe to recommend it before trying it but it exceeded my expectations.

Back on to burgers, one other spot to check out is the Baja Burger Shack at Britannia Beach. I would rate it a close second to Hintonburger.

Skip the Works and go down the street to Hintonburger. The Works isn't nearly as good as it used to be.

That is EXACTLY what I was about to post. I dream about Hintonburger. As a friend said, "Go to Hintonburger if you want the best burger ever. Go to the Works if you want Kraft dinner on a burger. Up to you." There is also a doughnut place down the street in the old Hintonburger location that is really good.

And beaver tails! I want a beaver tail right now. There's a little stand in the market that's good.

EDIT: Suzy Q is the name of the doughnut place. I always think of it as "the fancy doughnut place" but realize that may not be sufficient information for geolocation :)

Definitely worth checking out The Works. They have a whole bunch of different (and wierd) burgers, while not the best burger in the world, it's worth checking out.

A long the same line is Wild Wing. It's another Ontario chain that is different. They have something like 101 different flavours of wings. It's hard to decide but its great when there's a group of people so that you can try a bunch of different ones. A favourite of mine is called "Blue Eyed Blond" or "Red Hot and Blue" which is blue cheese and bbq sauce. I never liked blue cheese until I tried some of the blue cheese wings there.

If good looking waitresses and decent food is what you're looking for try Moxies. I think it's a Canadian chain.

And if good looking waitresses and awesome steak or prime rib is your fancy I suggest The Keg. It's another Canadian chain. I've never had a bad meal there. And if you like hot horseradish with your prime rib, there's is to die for.

For the Key, I wouldn't quite call it an "awesome steak". They're consistently ok, but not awesome.

Earl's, Moxie's, Milestones, et al have passable food. They're all chains, so the food preparation is not going to be stellar.

Thank you so much for this valuable information. Very useful indeed. . .

Headed to Ottawa for thanksgiving. Any suggestions for two guys 20-21 years of age?

The US Thanksgiving weekend is not exactly prime time in YOW! It has been a very warm autumn (today it reached 68% F or 30% C!), so hopefully zero chance of snow! It is also Grey Cup weekend, with the finale of both college football and the pro CFL underway in YYZ (that is where I will be!). Other suggestions:
- rent a car and drive north of Ottawa to see the Gatineau Park, late autumn colors, etc.
- if you are feeling adventurous, go visit the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield & catch Monkey Junk:
http://tickets.theblacksheepinn.com/
- have dinner at Mia's Indian Restaurant, in west end of the city:
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155004-d3170520-Reviews-Mia_s_indian_Cuisine-Ottawa_Ontario.html

Headed to Ottawa for thanksgiving. Any suggestions for two guys 20-21 years of age?

Hang out in Byward Market. It's near U of O and has a lot of fun pubs and places to hang out. People are friendly.

(today it reached 68% F or 30% C!), so hopefully zero chance of snow!

68'F = 20'C ........... Though 30'C in November would be a treat!!

68'F = 20'C ........... Though 30'C in November would be a treat!!

That 21C day in late November was unheard of, just like the record 17.9C recorded yesterday in December! This was not just a record for December 4th, but in recorded history for the entire month of December for Ottawa...nuts! I was outside without a jacket on yesterday afternoon. Just an hour down the road in Brockville it was even warmer at 19.5!!

Today though, it's back to reality with a nighttime low of -10C forecast. It's been weird lately with cold temps, then suddenly a couple of days of extremely warm weather for this time of year.

As for what to do in Ottawa at this time of year? All the usual indoor stuff (i.e. museums, Parliament, etc.) is still around, albeit with reduced shoulder season operating hours. It's the lull time of year activity-wise in the Capital though before winter activities kick into full gear. The new (added late last skating season) cool looking (at night) outdoor rink that's at City Hall is back and will be a permanent winter fixture from now on. There's also the beautiful 250,000 Christmas lights in downtown and in Hull at this time of year.

A few of the area ski hill are already open thanks to making a lot of fake snow during the cold snap. No sign of snow ''sticking" around' yet for Ottawa. We had 4cm last week that lasted about 4 days until the warm weather came around.

The air force has a museum.

Byward Market is not bad either.

Known as "the City that fun forgot".
But great for bike trails and calm....

Art-is-in Bakery. WOW. Just on the fringe of downtown, great French cafe. Try the tuna melt, or a pain au chocolat..better yet, the chocolate-almond croissant. Hours suck (typical French)...most nights they close around 6 pm so plan for a breakfast/brunch/lunch.

Love the scene, menu, drink selection at The Manx on Elgin. Usually packed--so warning about a possible wait. Underground, has an anonymous, low-key vibe for quality victuals and experience.

The Wellington area is pedestrian friendly and has a trendy artsy vibe with a nice variety of restaurants and shops.

For some awesome Canadian souvenirs, the best tourist shop I've come across is Four Corners downtown on Sparks St.

And of course in the Byward, Planet Coffee has a great atmosphere, and good tea and sweets. It's tucked away in a courtyard across The Brig. Grab some French cheese for cheap in the Market. Buy maple butter for souvenir gifts. Avoid buying baguettes at Moulin de Provence, the big French bakery in the Market--stale!

For poutine...this is more of a student scene, but truly Canadian, go to La Maison by Ottawa U! Vegetarian gravy too--wooh!

Hooley's on Elgin was renovated in the past year. Cheap eats, typical pub fare, does turn into a dance floor late some nights.

Grab a pint of Keith's red. Simply the best.

There's a small country rugged little bar with an outdoor patio too and live music on Bank St called Irene's. Go there for a pint (not the food...run across the street for a bagel at Kettleman's).

The automotive museum is pretty interesting. I also love the Byward Market and having a beer and wings at one of the many places on Elgin

The automotive museum is pretty interesting. I also love the Byward Market and having a beer and wings at one of the many places on Elgin

Picks for Elgin:
Hooley's (renos and new menu, have yet to experience)
The Manx


I frequent others but none are real stand-outs: just what's there and available for kids to meet up.