Browns Socialhouse Centretown — Restaurant in Ottawa

There was so much to like at Elgin Street Brown’s social House! Parking was easy and available. The food was great quality, delicious, and the right quantity. I felt like I was being “fed” and not just teased with a tiny bit of food as most restaurants are doing these days. The prices were most reasonable… And here was what I am paying for in addition to Great Food: Excellent service where the waiter made sure to be friendly and provide us with what we needed. He made suggestions and he was definitely personable and enjoying himself. But not trying to be the center of attention. I also checked out the bathrooms and they were immaculate! That tells me everything I need to know - that the kitchen would be immaculate as well! The design and the decor of the place were impressive. I love the materials used and the layout which was conducive to accommodating a lot of people, but not creating a noisy, messy, or crowded atmosphere. Excellent shows on the television… I was starstruck watching the big wave surfing! What a welcome treat that hardly any restaurants in Ottawa provide! For the record I had the lettuce wraps which featured an incredible, slightly spicy sauce, extremely fresh and crispy lettuce that actually separated into small little bowl-sized pieces that I could scoop the chicken and vegetables into quite easily! Lettuce wraps often come with completely immovable parts… But clearly at Brown’s social house, somebody has already tested the dish to see that it is functional and usable and doable! (and easily edible, especially when you have to put your own food together! ) Good job! It wasn’t messy or sloppy and I was able to really enjoy my lettuce wrap. This might sound a little bit overly detailed but I wanted to make sure that you know I noticed these small things… because I am a very, very picky diner! Nobody rushed us to pay our bill. We had a wonderful time and I will be back again! Basically ticked all the...

Edit: I modified my review to 3 stars because the restaurant manager reached out to me, spoke to staff about our experience, and offered some compensation for our negative experience. We will try the restaurant a second time.

Original review: Had a reservation for 6 PM under my name but only arrived at 6:15 PM to dine with my mother - we had a show at 8 pm at the NAC next door. No server came to take our orders or even serve us water after more than 20 minutes, and then we continued to feel unwelcome.

My mom who had a weak leg got exhausted of waiting and stood up waiving her arms in the air to get a server's attention and asked whether we should order poke bowls because we told her we had only 1 hour left. The server, who look annoyed of being called, said she'd ask the kitchen.

Server took 10 minutes to come back (this time with only one glass of water) and replied that the poke takes time because some ingredients need to be cooked still. My mom replied to the server that we now have 45 minutes, and asked her what was the fastest meal. Server replied that she didn't know and that she'd go back to the kitchen and ask.

Meanwhile we noticed that another couple at a table across who arrived slightly after us had already had received their plates.

10 minutes later said server only came back when my mother waived her arms again a second time, and that server said that the fastest meal would be pasta.

Not looking pleased, my mom asked if there was any solution, like asking the kitchen if they could prioritize us since we've been waiting for so long. I mentioned that we only have 35 minutes left now, and replied, you know what, let's go elsewhere.

We left and the server did not seem to bat an eye. After walking for a block, we ended up having to grab a subway next door in order to not arrive late to the NAC concert. The concert was great but our dining experience was terrible. I don't think I want to go back at...

Arrived very tired and jet lagged form multiple connecting flights. It was 4 degrees and due to the protests most places to eat eat were closed. We googled places open near us and found browns social house was a block away. They had a very eclectic menu and let me clarify being from the south, it was only 4 degrees, so location ment alot, and it was open. Outside looked awesome if it was summer time, inside was a mix of class and elegance with hipster bar. It was warm and comfortable. Due to the mandates, it was empty. We had to show proof of vaccination just to enter, but honestly I loved to quiet atmosphere and personal attention. Menu is crazy original. We had pork dumplings in chili sauce for appetizer. No picture because we devoured them so quickly. Some of the best burgers I've ever tasted. Honestly, top 10 burger of all time no matter what country. Also got a gralic butter steak cooked exactly as requested and very delicious. Now the drinks. Most of you know my reviews on drinks is considered on how well you can make a basic margarita. Its an easy drink but can be messed up just as easily. I also judge on simple options such as sugar on the rim verse salt and is there a fresh lime or orange or none at all etc. So simply put, top 3 margarita ever. And I've had alot. Staff was incredible, atmosphere was great and food delicious. If visiting Ottawa I recommend this place. It is however very popular we found out at night. We tried to go back for drinks and it was packed, reservation only. This shows just how popular to the locals it is as well. In a city full of great food and bars, browns social house nears the top of the list of all...