In 2014, Ottawa experienced a beer revolution. Craft breweries started popping up all over the city, and the city’s craft beer is some of the best in the business. If you’re coming to town for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, you’re certainly going to need to carb-up post-race. If beer is your celebratory carbohydrate of choice, we’ve got a list of some of the best breweries the capital has to offer.
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Not a drinker? Not to worry. Almost all of these breweries have non-alcoholic options with several spots also offering dog-friendly tap rooms and children’s menus, so you can bring the whole crew the celebrate. While you’re in Ottawa, be sure to try out some of the local exports that make the city very proud.
Watering holes by neighbourhood
Flora Hall Brewing – Centretown
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Just beyond the Glebe lies Flora Hall Brewing. The two-year-old brewery was built in a old automotive firm and now holds craft beers, wines and tasty food. The beer list is extensive, featuring a rotation of sours, IPA’s, stouts and ales, along with ciders, cocktails and wine. There’s truly something for everyone here. Their menu is lots of small bites with several larger appetizers including, thankfully, a brisket cheese burger.
Kichesippi–Carlingwood
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Interested in an interactive beer experience? Give Kichesippi a try. The brewery, located in the west end of Ottawa, offers five tours a day Monday through Saturday. Check out how your favourite brew is made and finish with a pint. Kichesippi is race weekend’s official beer sponsor and runners in the Ottawa 10K, Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon and Scotiabank Ottawa Half-Marathon get a free pint after they cross the finis line. Other distance runners and spectators can also grab a pint at the Kichesippi Beer Garden throughout the weekend. Plus the winner of the Kichesippi Workplace Run-Off team challenge can also win a VIP experience.
Brasseurs du Temps–Gatineau
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This Quebec spot calls itself a temple of beer, heritage and regional culture. Cross the bridge for pub fare with a French twist and house brewed beer. If live music is your thing, there are bands playing most nights. Running the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon? Keep an eye out for this brewery as your run through Gatineau.
Stray Dog Brewing Company–Orleans
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If you’re stationed on the east side of the city, look no further for your post-race party than Stray Dog Brewing Company. The brand, which is an Ontario Brewing Award recipient, is now available in the LCBO and offers an extensive variety of their personal brews.
Tooth and Nail Brewing Company–Hintonburg
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This Little Italy spot is ideal if you’re looking for a family-friendly location. Have an aspiring young runner in your group? The brewery offers a newly-launched kids’ menu on top of their extremely popular adult beverages. Their website lists their tap and retail offerings for the day, and their seasonally changing menu is also available online. Foodwise, their thing is sandwiches, so be sure to not miss those. This great spot is also along the marathon course, so your spectators can take and seat and have some fun while they wait to cheer you on.
Waller St. Brewing–Downtown
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With a Prohibition-inspired, speakeasy vibe, Waller St. Brewing is a unique underground find. If you’re into a basement spot that’s pretty hip and semi-hidden from street view, Waller St. is for you. They opened in 2014 during the huge boom of microbreweries in Ottawa, and have maintained their status as one of the city’s coolest spots. Find their complete beer list on line and be sure the check them out while you’re in town.
Bicycle Brewing Company–St. Laurent
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Ottawa loves bicycles, so it makes sense that there would be a brewery that would pay tribute to a runner’s second favourite form of exercise. Bicycle Brewing Company is serving up local beer and snacks in a quaint space on the east end of town. Their taproom is both family- and dog-friendly, so be sure to being the entire cheer squad to celebrate your accomplishment.
