Connor's Irish Pub & Shararat Kitchen — Restaurant in Ottawa

They're one of a kind in a world where that is rare. Irish pubs are mostly cookie cutters, which is what they are supposed to be. Not Connor's.

Oh they still have the kind of service you wish you got but don't and the kitschy ninaks that are supposed to make you feel like home.

And the color scheme, well it's green and dark stained wood.

If you take a tour around and check out the family crests on the walls, you probably will come across a few names you have heard of before.

The bartender/Connor was dressed for an Irish wake and the atmosphere was not even near as rowdy as that wake would be.

There is a charm about the place, but damned if I could find it. Well hidden. I doubt it would be worth anything but finding it sure as heck would be some kind of bragging rights.

All kidding aside. No really. Laugh and you were probably talking about something other than, politics. The glares and stares.

The bartender/Connor brought up a case of Jameson. I said wow, you'll go through all that this weekend? He said he plans on drinking them all tonight.

It's just like my old stomping grounds of the first Connor's on Bank Street. I may have been one of the very first customers there and I was one of the very last. If not the first and last.

Proprietor Scotty, Connors dad. Connor was 5 when I first met him. He's now 27 (sorry, it dates me more than you).

Wow. I'm so happy to these guys are in a far off land (Orleans). But still doing what they do incredibly well. Welcoming people who come rich, sober and happy. Leave broke, drunk and depressed. But somehow, you felt like family. Yep that's family fighting at Thanksgiving dinner.

My buddy who had never experienced the Connor's experience asked the bartender/Connor what he recommends on the menu. To my dismay Connor responded with some choice recommendations. No no no, he has not learnt a thing from his pops. The answer was always... Somewhere else.

I warned my buddy before we got there, no matter what, do not under any circumstance...

An amazing experience on my 1st visit here! Shanel gave me excellent recommendations for ordering and truly exceptional, friendly service! Well done!

I deeply enjoy "pub grub" and selected the Lamb Sausages with gravy & mash plus a side upgrade to a French Onion Soup. CHEATCODE: Every pub uses their own signature ingredients and a different recipe.

The French Onion Soup was awesome! I identified one secret ingredient they used that made it so wonderful...but I'm keeping their secret. Sorry. You'll have to taste it yourself to see why it's so yummy and familiar.

Shanel brought the mint sauce I requested for the lamb. It's a meat that sometimes has a bitter game-meat flavour that can be strong if you don't pair it with a sweet, tangy sauce or a good gravy. I experienced some Lamb Sausage by itself to taste its herbs, then some mint sauce, then again with their gravy. Wow! Lean, not greasy, and packed with flavour.

The mash with gravy was almost the star of the show on an amazing plate...I plan to try to come back for a helping of their Irish Stew. Yummy and filling.

I saved room for dessert. They have a special baker who proudly honours them with her finest. Tonight tht was the Cookie Cheesecake. Shanel was right on the money with her suggestion! A large slice for the price and with a rich, home-made flavour. Impossible to eat it fast since so rich and good with a great crust and a quarter-inch thick chocolate top layer. The real whipped cream to the sides helped cut the richness. It tasted nothing like store-bought cheesecakes.

And bonus...live music event! ...

The reason for the one-star is the metaphoric middle finger I have been given these last few months in resolving the issue of my winter coat being burnt on their broken baseboard heater. I left copious details of contact with Shanel at the meal when this happened (and she took pictures of the coat.) I have left numerous voice messages with staff and have emailed repeatedly. I have been ignored; the sour taste has grown. The group of ladies I was with that day in March will never return nor will we encourage anyone else to go. The coat is not a easy fix and have been working with alteration professionals to get it repaired. It is almost $200 to repair and I have more than enough of my time involved. (And from my interactions with Shanel I was not the only person who had their coat burnt on their damaged/faulty and frankly unsafe heater.) I was raised in a family business and have always worked for independent entrepreneurs. I value the guts and stamina it takes to make it in business. I know that the customer is king and excel at customer service. And in return expect a minimum of that family business/customer service interaction from those I choose to spend my hard earn dollars with. It is why I commend Connors and the family for weathering the last few years as still standing. But now am left with the bitterness of this whole incident. This situation was an easy fix, but all has been left to fester. This type of service reflects on the business, tone, atmosphere, and quality of everything Connors represents. And sadly, they're no...