Timothy W.
Yelp
Preface: Some of the best food I have had in the 1.5 years living in Ottawa/Canada.
My wife had been here a few times and said I should try it. They just started their Brunch today (Nov 26th) and we decided to give it a try.
First, yes, this place is a "Dive Bar." I put this in quotations for two reasons:
a) It's actually really hard to find a dive bar in Ottawa. I am an American, and have been living in Ottawa for about a year. Every place I have been to seems overly (and in most cases unnecessarily) polished. So many places seem to be clamoring for the business of diplomats, ambassadors, parliamentarians, political aides, and lobbyists with their ostentatious get up. Too often it comes off tacky. I was happy to see a real, relaxed, well priced DIVE BAR. The place has a great atmosphere for what it is. I was surprised to find out later that it was a regional chain...since Ottawa has so many local chains (to remain nameless) that serve mediocre food and drinks. Side note...why does Ottawa have so many damn local chains? It almost feels like someone went through the town copying and pasting the same 5 businesses over and over again.
b) While it is a dive bar, you would not guess it by their brunch menu. Their regular bar menu is rough around the edges - sure - I wouldn't want it any other way, but the brunch menu is top notch.
Second, the Southern US style brunch was amazing. talk about down home, good old fashioned cooking. I've spent a good amount of time in the South, and lived for a time in New Orleans. I had the Pour Boy Benedict; poached eggs on english muffins with hollandaise sauce and ham, side of home fries and a small fruit salad. Also grabbed up the side of cornbread with pepper jelly. I could take or leave the pepper jelly, but that cornbread was real nice. My wife had the pulled pork stuffed waffles. She got full and I finished them off too. Reminded me of what I would grab in the mornings for a hangover cure while living down south. They also offered classics like chicken and waffles and eggs benedict with shrimp. Oh, also the mimosas.
Third, the staff was relaxed and attentive - not disappearing, or coming by every five seconds to ask how everything is while you have food in your mouth.
Fourth, the prices were perfect. I don't know many places in Ottawa where you can get such a god meal and drinks for such a good price. We had 2 mimosas, 2 meals, plus and extra side...came to less than $40. Price plus tip was still cheaper than what we would pay at most other places for just food.
CRITICISMS:
Yes, I do have a couple criticisms.
1) They need to get some real good creamy butter to give with the corn bread, and waffles. Down South everything comes with butter, as it should.
2) They need to get some hot sauce to go with them eggs, pulled pork, waffles, and fried chicken. Having a few varieties of hot sauce would go a long way too. You can't throw a rock without hitting a hot sauce bottle in New Orleans, this place could take a cue.