Quinn's Ale House — Restaurant in Ottawa

I love this place so much! I spent WAY too much time here when I was a Carleton grad student, largely because of the easy walking distance from on-campus residence but also because it's such a neat place- and I've recently been happy to see that it hasn't changed much. The first thing to note is that, during the colder season (i.e. non-patio season), this is NOT the place to come if you've got a large group of people- especially if there's live entertainment- because there's a good probability that you're not going to all get a place to sit. I think the capacity of the interior section of Quinn's can't be more than 20 or so patrons (please correct me if I'm wrong!). Yeah, it's TINY... and yet if you just want to come here with one or two other people, this place has an indescribable and inarticulable little charm, a unique little quality, really cozy and just a warm friendly place to be. This is the place you go if you're in Old Ottawa South on a cold winter's night, on a random Tuesday or Sunday or some offbeat night of the week and you just want a place to chill with a buddy or two. Alternatively, if you're in the neighborhood for the summer, then the back patio opens up and I swear the capacity of the establishment pretty much doubles. This is such an awesome patio, because you're right on Bank and have access to whatever Bank grants you (parking, public transport, proximity to Carleton, a good starting point to wherever you need to walk after, etc.); and yet, the patio does not directly face Bank (it's on Euclid) and it's in a fairly quiet and well-to-do area of Old Ottawa South, so it's just a great place to go on a warm summer's night and while away the hours on a relaxed low-noise patio when you don't have an early morning the next day. I've always really enjoyed the food, and a few years back they swapped out most of their "brand name" (for lack of a better term) beer for a bunch of Ashton Brewing Company (ABC) microbrew, which is different but nonetheless really good. I don't think Mr. Quinn himself is around too much nowadays, but he was frequently tending bar back when I was at Carleton and he's a great guy if you have the chance to meet him. I highly, highly recommend this place if you're in the mood for sort of a "niche" pub (i.e. for reasons other than those you'd go to nearby Patty's or Georgetown), to anyone living in Old Ottawa South, or to anyone living at Carleton (students who like chill places, Ceremonial...

I was a regular here for a few years in my university days, 2010-2014. Played the open mic a few times and generally enjoyed it. Popped in for a pint on a whim on Saturday night and was pretty disappointed. I wanted a beer to pass the time so I sat at the bar. There was only one person working and they were flipping two tables, so no problem, I'll wait. Tables settled, beers poured, ok. Next food comes up for another table so no problem. Then a keg runs out so ok still waiting but all very understandable so far. At this point the bartender starts texting someone and doesn't say anything to me so I wait. They take some orders from a table that has been seated for a while. They pour a beer from a tap literally right next to me and don't even meet my eye. This happens a few times and now I've been sitting here for almost 30 minutes without so much as a hello. Eventually I get my beer and take the bill. Was tempted to leave a full pint and walk out on principle. I don't believe in wasting beer. Extra star for nostalgias sake, pretty disappointed considering all the good memories I have...

This dimly lit, cozy tavern seats only about 25 lucky souls at a time and is a hidden gem of Bank Street. Local legend shrouds Quinn himself in mysticism, yet his alehouse is a testament to his true nature. With 16+ beers on tap, many of which are in-house microbrew from Ashton, any pub crawler would come to a screeching halt upon arrival. The fare is second to none, with daily food specials that will both satisfy and frequent your dreams in the years to come.

Personal favourites include Thursday night's "Quinntucky Fried Chicken" and the Ashton Cream Ale, as well as half price wings on Mondays. In the warmer months, Quinn's boasts a large and private patio against the brick walls of the old movie theatre. Stop in for a pint before/after a movie at the Mayfair next door, or cement your feet and pull up a stool for a night of good laughs...