After a week of chilly, rainy weather I was finally able to take in some rays on Monday and hit up a patio. My lunch companion and I decided to try the newest brewery to hit downtown Ottawa, Lowertown Brewery. Located on the lower level of what used to be the Hard Rock Café, this new hotspot, located on York Street in the heart of the Byward Market, offers a large patio with a rustic feel. Our server informed us that while their beers are currently being brewed close to Toronto and sent to Ottawa, they will soon be brewing on site.
Unfortunately, as we went on Monday, they had sold out of their seasonal beers over the weekend, but we tried the Lowertown Dark and Lowertown’s Caesar, which included a splash of IPA. The lowertown dark was delicious and not overwhelming. I usually shy away from darker beers, but I really enjoyed it and its price tag, ringing in at only $5.97 for a pint. The Caesar was interesting. Foregoing the traditional celery salt rim, the spiced rim, cheese and tomato garnish were enjoyable and not too spicy. I was very intrigued by their cocktail menu and if I weren’t driving, I would have definitely wanted to try their Cucumber Quencher.
Their menu isn’t huge, but offers variety. There are a number of snacks listed that would be perfect to share over a couple of pints. They also offer sandwiches and sides, rotisserie chicken and butcher platters. Everything is served à la carte, so you can choose your sides separately.
We opted for the butcher’s gravy poutine and the roast turkey sandwich. The poutine was delicious – the gravy was flavourful and there was a good ratio of potato/cheese (so important, am I right?). My date told me that the turkey sandwich was good, but she found the candied bacon really overwhelmed the taste and she was unsure if she would order it again. We both agreed that when we re-visit, we will get some pints and try out the snack items, because every time the beer nuts or popcorn were walked by us to other tables, we were jealous we hadn’t ordered them.
Overall, our experience at Lowertown Brewery was positive. Our service was fast and friendly, the food was good and the beer (the main feature) was well priced and delicious. I will definitely be back and look forward to trying more beers from the Lowertown collection!
Lowertown Brewery
73 York Street
Open: 11am-2am, daily
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