The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer — Restaurant in Ottawa

TLDR - I was at the restaurant on June 15th from 5:45pm to 7:40pm and did not get to eat.

Pro tip - if you are not getting served (waiting beyond what is reasonable) or got the wrong order, you should probably just leave. There are other restaurants just north of there. Or order online... you may not get the right order, but at least you'll get something to eat. ** My friends and I ordered milkshakes and burgers. About 10 minutes after ordering, we were told the milkshakes would be right up. After a family seated behind us (after we arrived) got their food before we did, I asked their waiter if he could check on our order because our waiter had not been around for 15-20 minutes. The other table's waiter came back and said that our food had not been pushed through the system, so he took our orders and went away. We then got our food and our original waiter brought us milkshakes in take-out cups. I realized my burger was incorrect but had to wait 10 minutes to be able to raise this when our waiter came back. He seemed apprehensive to correct my order because we had been there for almost and hour to just get our food. When I said I'd make due, he voiced that they wouldn't make me pay for that and took the plate away (to my great surprise - my friends were eating). It was unclear to me at that point whether I would get a new plate because giving me the chicken burger I had ordered would allegedly take 15-20 minutes (which is why he was apprehensive at the idea of correcting the order)... I was starving and drank the milkshake and my friends gave me most of their fries... We didn't see the waiter for at least 20 minutes again... when the other waiter came by to give us our milkshakes in dine-in mugs (so we got those twice...), I asked if he could check whether my burger was coming. He came back saying that it was not and that the family behind us had left without paying for their order (in fact, they had paid our table's bill instead of their own). Apparently, everything was a fiasco that evening and the kitchen was completely crazy (lots of online orders, I guess). Then our original waiter came back and said that he had ordered my correct burger and was watching for them to do it... and I don't know anymore how be bridged from that to the burger wasn't coming, but I was not getting it. My friends pointed out that they gave me their fries so he speculated I should be fine in that case and offered us all our meals for free... EXCEPT THAT I DID NOT GET A MEAL !! I felt pressured to accept that I wasn't going to get real food to eat... my alternative was to wait another hour for something? Maybe?

I can't believe I went to a restaurant and sat there for almost two hours to not get anything to eat (and what I had received was taken away without replacement)! I was sent away hungry and crashing from the sugar rush and carbs. The waiter told me to come back (they didn't ask my name or provide me with written proof, they would just definitely recognize me) and have whatever I want... It was so bizarre... I can't go back based on a non-explicit and vague assurance that I'd get a free meal (on my own?) because they didn't feed me when I showed up as a paying customer. I don't live nearby either... I never thought I'd write a review about not being able to get my order in two hours at a restaurant. It is completely absurd.

I hesitated to write a review because the waiters were charming and really nice.. but... seriously, you can't not give someone food to eat at...

The restaurant was the most empty I've ever seen a The Works but I've only ever visited the west end locations. That being said, you'd think, considering there were only maybe 5 tables with two people at each, that the service would have been higher caliber. I've always written off the poor service at each location I've visited because of the high number of diners. However, during this particular visit, the waitress never offered to refill the hot water for my tea nor did she offer my friend a refill on his beer until he mentioned that he might be interested in one. She did come round once to ask how we were enjoying our meal though. Unfortunately, at 950, she basically told us we had to leave because they were closing up. I thought that was odd as usually restaurants will close at their posted closing time, not kick people out so they can leave right at 10. But honestly, I wasn't offended by this. Just thought I'd mention it. I had the Love Goat with crispy chicken and a multigrain bun along with the steamed broccoli. The sandwich was absolutely delicious but I later definitely regretted ordering a deep fried piece of chicken. I had a severe stomach ache from within an hour of eating. Keep in mind that I normally don't eat deep fried foods so that could be the reason. It definitely was delectable when I was devouring it though. The broccoli was perfectly steamed. Still a bit crunchy and most restos screw up broccoli royally so I was impressed. The one major downfall of my visit was the women's bathroom. It stunk so badly, like dirty sanitary napkins and body odor, that I pulled my scarf over half of my face the entire time. The stall I used was marked with greasy handprints and shoe prints in locations that clearly showed that someone was doing the nasty against the stall wall. I literally squatted over the seat for fear of what my bottom would come into contact with. To top it off, the sink was clogged and was almost overflowing as I tried to...

Can’t give one star because food is really good. I don’t write reviews on the first visit to any restaurant especially in my town. I’m working in the area for 25 years and now living there for five years. Works was nice addition to the Manor Park neighbourhood when was opened. My experience is that inside restaurant didn’t have any issues with the service but outside on patio after third negligence of the staff I had it enough. First time I was waiting 25 minutes seated outside to get the waiter who forgot me there. She came and apologized that she forgot and I didn’t fuss about it. After ordering and paying my bill she gave me voucher for free burger with sides of any choice for inconvenience. Was very nice gesture and I appreciate it. I came next week again to enjoy the Blue Moon,great sweet potato fries and onion rings together with my free burger. Again I was seated by another waiter. Patio had only four table occupied including me and there was three waiters serving the patio. After 20 minutes I was approached by young waiter girl with the question “Am I taking care of “. After telling her that I was waiting 20 minutes and nobody approach me she took order and did apologize. I didn’t leave any tip on the bill for service although I gave cash the tip to the waitress who stepped in and served me. Third time after I order the beer for my girl and myself after 20 minutes waiting I left patio notifying other waitress to cancel the order since was only three tables occupied outside and waiting time was ridiculous. Good food, nice beer but service terrible in my case. Switched to Clock Tower on Beachwood and service excellent for the all summer...