Bowman's Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Ottawa

Was looking for a restaurant that was good for kids and happened upon the yelp reviews for Bowman's. Walked in and was a bit concerned as it wasn't very full. This ended up being a totally ridiculous concern. We were a party of 6 with 2 infants, and got greeted very warmly as though you were being introduced to new friends. We had the luck of having the owner serving us. As imposing as his stature was, he was funny, pleasant, and by the end of the evening was even holding our 4 month old daughter for a few laps of the restaurant so my wife could eat her dessert undisturbed. Felt less like a restaurant and more like the embodiment of the Cheers bar from television.

So we liked the atmosphere, this much I hope I made very clear, but what about the food? I have memorized our entire table's order, if that says anything. We all started on the veggie nachos. I could tell I would like this place right away solely on this appetizer. I loathe nachos that have a big pile of chips where the top 10 chips have all the toppings, and a center of virgin chips are relegated to a bland and dismal life. This was not the case. The chips were all equally spaced out and dusted with loving heaps of cheese and pico, with a wall of beans cutting across the entire tray as though Trump was attempting to keep blandness out of the dish to make nachos great again (but F Trump, amirite?). Did I seriously write an entire paragraph about the nachos? I guess I did. Have the nachos.

We had 6 mains, 3 of their signature burgers, 1 fish taco plate, 1 chicken and waffles, 1 pork belly clubhouse, 2 people had their soup as the side, 1 had fries, and 1 tater tots. Now, although all the dishes were drizzled with praise by the table, I can only speak to what I tried. My wife and I split the chicken and waffles and the burger. The chicken was wonderfully moist and crispy, and because they used thigh meat was rich and delicious. The waffle had a savoury aspect to it that worked great with the chicken and syrup. The burger though. As soon as I had my first bite I realized I had made a great mistake. I should not have split it with my wife. I wanted the whole thing. They must make it on a flat top because the crust on the outside of the patty was fantastic, and the burger remained juicy and flavourful. Their pickle mayo is very pickley, which was a boon to me but a bane to my wife who hates pickles(more pickles for me!), so we had asked for it on the side. This ended up being great as I then had ample pickle mayo to dip my tater tots in.

Throughout the entire meal, the owner checked on us to ensure we were enjoying ourselves and the food was okay. It was at the point that dessert arrived that our 4 month old daughter started channeling her Miss Fussy-Pants. I was just asking my wife if she wanted me to walk her around a bit that the owner came by and asked if he could hold her. He had a 3 month old daughter of his own, so knew what he was doing. While my wife finished her blackberry cheesecake (which was great!) he took her for a few laps around the restaurant (change tables are in the men's bathroom btw).

I have 1 regret about this restaurant, their terrase looks almost as big as the restaurant itself and I wish I had discovered this place during the summer instead of a nippy, rainy, fall evening. We packed up and headed out as they started setting up the live music, and made haste lest our now slumbering daughter get yanked from the Land of Nod. Will be back, will tell people...

I love EVERYTHING about this place. Honestly, Bowmans does everything so well. Don't let the outside deceive you. I think I found this place on Yelp because it's nearby my home and had good reviews and I was craving a burger. From the exterior, I probably wouldn't be drawn in to Bowmans, but don't let it deceive you. Now, Bowmans burgers are the ONLY burgers I crave.

First, the service is unparalelled. Mike, our typical server, is the nicest, most friendly guy. He deserves a raise. He cares about his job and his clients and it really shows. In fact, I suspected he was the owner for a while.

The patio in the summer gets loads of sun. Nothing better than sipping an ice cold beer on a sunny day. Great patio.

Decor inside is lovely. Exposed brick, a cool chevron pattern of wine above the bar. A great ambience, and a great crowd. It's a mixed group of people but seems to attract those between 30 and 60.

Amazing food and beer. Like. The best. ABC brewing company is one of my favourites in Ottawa and a little hard to find, so I was thrilled to find out they serve it here. Funnel cake is delicious. The burger is easily the best I have ever had. It has the most juicy, fresh flavour.

Seriously, my favourite spot. I'm a bit of a "foodie" so it seems unlikely my favourite spot would be a pub-type spot, but dammit, they do everything so well. Please visit this place. Tell all your friends. You won't be...

Heard Bowman's had the best nachos in the city and they had expanded their patio into their parking lot so went to check it out. First, they were busy but there was very regular turn over of tables so didn't have a problem getting one. The expanded patio also has a nice tent to keep the sun off of you too. The fully loaded nachos were disappointing only because they are definitely not the best in the city but they are good. They just didn't live up to the hype. The pickle chips, fish tacos, poutine, and chicken sandwich though were all excellent and beat expectations, hence I'm keeping this review as 5 stars. The draft beer selection is great and all from local craft breweries. They happen to have the dominion city early grey marmalade beer which is one of my favorites plus they have a halcyon sour (although not great) and another sour (whitewater blood moon - a little better option) coming soon. Great service. Tables got cleaned well between customers. Would be nice if chairs did too. Servers wore shields although I don't think they come down far enough to cover their mouths well so masks might be more appropriate. Great community feel here. Lots of locals from the neighborhood dropping in on foot or by bicycle. That is amazing and great to see. I would...