The Manx Pub — Restaurant in Ottawa

I was walking to another restaurant a week ago and walked past their patio and checked out the menu. The staff said kitchen just closed but he can check if they might still do something if I wanted a takeout and really glad I did order the short rib. One of the best beef short rib I had in Ottawa with a rich sauce, mushrooms, potatoes and I think polenta. very nice dish!

Added Oct 3 - The short rib was the highlight before and returned for brunch hoping to do a take out of short rib for Mom but it was only available for dinner. Had the eggs Benedict and I really wanted to like it but cheddar biscuit was far too dense and the potatoes was mashed and had a number of undercooked lumps. They offered to bring out a salad and it seemed only greens got hit with dressing not the carrots and the other veggies. Not sure about ventilation and I had not dined in since summer and been doing patios. I can feel draft of air circulation and was a tad concerned. Do not think I will do brunch again here since they do not do takeout for brunch and not that comfortable with that space being extremely careful due to visits to LTC...

My friend was genuinely insulted when I told her I’ve never been to the Manx, fast forward to Sunday... In the pouring down rain the line up at the place was out the door which I took as a good sign. We waited about 20 mins and then were seated at the bar. The vibe is very unique, imagine being transported back in time to when restaurants actually had character. A staircase to the entrance, a cramped foyer, tattooed customers, literal beatles on the wall AND the trademark to any breaky joint worth going to: Random coffee mugs. Coffee was NEXT level and was served to us in the type of mugs you’d find in your grandma’s cottage.

Food was OM NOM NOM, service was easy-going/straight to the point and they’re homemade hot sauce tasted like Heaven’s nectar. I was already sold on the place but this review was prompted by a 50% distcount they gave to all customers. Why? Because their head chef was going on vacay and they needed to train his replacement so the food took longer than expected. See what I mean? Coffee mugs are always a good sign.

We...

A cozy little basement restaurant-pub with veggie options (you must try the tofu tacos)! Service is usually pretty good around here. A few times I have had to get out of my seat to flag someone down. It's a small little spot and usually very packed, so it's a great spot for drinks, but perhaps not a sit down dinner where you'd like some conversation. As well, on a number of nights there has been live music which makes it near impossible to have a conversation- it's a small spot, and they use an amp.

The breakfast here is fantastic, and a great option if you've had a late night the evening before. It's a great spot for dinner a drinks too, though dinner and breakfast can be a busy time to visit. Lunch, even a late lunch is probably more low-key. If you're a hipster, this is for sure your spot! And if you're a vegetarian, you'll be likely to enjoy it here as well.

The only downside to the Manx is the small space and loud noise, though I guess this is just preference. Overall, I would recommend The Manx, and I will...