O'Connell's Irish Pub — Restaurant in Ottawa

Incredibly strange experience. Went in the early afternoon for a pint because we had just finished a half marathon and the food and drinks looked good.

I Felt like we had walked into a party in someone’s basement where everyone refused to acknowledge you. Front door had a staff member blocking the entrance while flipping through channels- oddly enough while a band was playing? We asked him over and over again if we could be seated but he kept flipping channels and couldn’t hear us over the music even though we were inches away.

We went around back to possibly find another staff member after waiting a while for the possible door man to notice us. On the patio there was a waiter who told us to seat ourselves. After 20 minutes, we never got a menu, or anything even though we repeatedly asked for service. We would wave him down, he would say one sec I’ll be there soon and go to someone who had just arrived. He served multiple tables multiple times before even acknowledging us even though he told us to sit. he sat people after us and knew their drink order and they got their beverages and food before we even got menus. We finally left before getting anything.

Seems like this place cares more about having their staff get drunk with their regulars than having even bare minimum service. It was clear everyone here working or being served was blasted and it was not even dinner yet.

Odd...

I had high hopes for this pub, but unfortunately, it was a huge disappointment. I ordered the fish and chips, and it was by far one of the worst I’ve ever had.

The fish was bland, greasy, and lacked any seasoning, while the chips were soggy and lifeless.

To make matters worse, the portion size was laughable—with only one tiny piece of fish barely enough to feed a child—yet they charged an outrageously high price for it. I left feeling hungry and ripped off.

That being said, I must give credit to the staff. They were friendly and polite, and it’s clear they’re doing their best.

Unfortunately, no amount of great service can make up for subpar food and ridiculous pricing.

I won’t be coming back, and I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for a...

Came here for lunch, and got a chicken Caesar salad. I didn't realize when I'd come in, but it's the same kitchen and menu as Fil's next door. Service was decent, chicken breast was grilled and juicy. Croutons could have been better, and the garlic bread was a squished hamburger bun that barely tasted of garlic.

I have a hard time reviewing because what I ordered at Fil's was decent, and good for the price, but I found the Caesar salad overpriced and not great, so it's difficult to rate this dish rather than the restaurant as a whole, where I already reviewed Fil's. But based on the dish I got, I wouldn't recommend coming here for...