The Third — Restaurant in Ottawa

Horrible experience, extremely unorganized staff, almost rude, and no attempt to correct their mistake.

So we had an okay night here a couple of weeks ago and decided to come back.

There were no same day reservations so we had to come in person and put our name on the list. When we did so (at 8 pm), they wrote our name on the second page of their notepad, we were the second entry on the new page. We were told that there are two groups in front of us and the wait time will be about 30-35 minutes.

There was no waiting area inside, so we stood outside and it was rainy. After 40 minutes (at around 8:42) my legs were hurting and I was cold, so I went back in to check on our spot and how much longer it would be. I was told that they are not sure, and when asked how many people are in front of us, they looked at the list and said 5! When I told them that we were were told there were two parties in front of us, and the wait time was supposed to be about 30 minutes, we were contradicted and told that “no, I never said you are the second on the list, and I said 45 minutes”. The two servers present did not offer any explanation, did not even doubt they might have made a mistake, and just told us they will call us once our table was ready. They were not even able to tell us how much longer it will be this time.

They did not acknowledge their mistake or try to rectify the situation. I am pretty sure what happened: It seemed like after putting our name on the second page, they continued to make new entries on the [now almost full] first page of the notepad without realizing they have already started a second page. The first page was now full all the way to the bottom of the page, and the new names pushed our name further and further out. Making us the 6th (from third) on the list after waiting for 40 minutes.

Will not return. This is such a horrible system, and the staff are...

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I've always heard good things about The Third, so I had to check it out recently while walking in the Westboro/Wellington West area!

They define the third place as a neutral public place where people can gather and interact; unlike the first place(home) and the second place (work), the third place allows people to put aside their concerns and simply enjoy the pleasure of good company.

This was definitely apparent as soon as I walked in - the interior atmosphere is super cozy! The restaurant is long and not too wide, with a variety of tables, high top tables, and bar seating. There is lots of wood and the colour scheme is predominately green, which is really calming.

I started off with the Salted homemade potato chips ($3), which came with a really rich more-ish dip - so good! I love when the chips are BIG and crispy.

Crispy chicken sandwich ($12): southern fried chicken, carrot & jalapeno slaw, pickles, spicy mayo, homemade potato bun. This had a THICK piece of fried chicken! It protruded out from underneath the potato bun, and was satisfyingly crunchy. Great value too, with thick cut fries!

Roasted brisket ($13): Must-try in my opinion! This was with corn chutney, slaw, pickles, sweet potato mac n' cheese toast, BBQ sauce. Mmm...this brisket was TENDER. It had the right proportion of lean and fat meat, and melted in my mouth. Even better when put on top of toast, with the corn chutney/slaw/pickles! AND the mac n' cheese was RICH. I would order just a large size of it if it was available!

Dessert was as milk and cookie ($3): how nostalgic! The chocolate chip & walnut cookie was WARM and not too sweet - soooo good dipped into milk with each bite.

Nex time I'll be...

The service at the Third is so amazing! Mostly when you go after 4pm..lunch is Not so good as you can wait up till an hour to get food! Is the food Good? Honestly from this food lover..no..the food is plain and reminds me of military rations..I was once a cadet😁 In my honest opinion the food sucks..I can offer you better food for the same price off you want to head over to my place to eat. What the Third offers is ..real people that talk to you..remember you..encourage you as a community member..say their regrets when realizing you are leaving the community..this place is genuinely interested in community..are they overly interested in making a name for themselves via food and wine..no..as they rarely have what they offer on their menu on hand! What they do offer and deliver on is..absolute customer service..absolute customer retention..increadable friendly service that is unforgettable..a feeling of community connection..and I must mention their willingness to hire what Most of us feel are undesirable. My opinion of the Third..I hate their food..but I love their staff..their community ,commitment and spirit. Every customer oriented service spot in Ottawa should be jealous of each and every staff employed at the Third..as they are all the absolute best..and...