This is a list of the best pubs in the national capital region.

Pub Italia

In Little Italy, this popular spot boasts a beer menu of over 100 beers, with over 25 taps. In the summer time a large patio is open, but be aware that "The Abbey" side of the pub has a separate menu, so be careful where you sit.

Ironworks Pub

The IronWorks Pub is right on the river in Almonte with excellent views and a very nice "pub" atmosphere. The management very interested in supporting Ontario microbrewed beer and the following microbrews have been spotted on tap there.

• Heritage Premium Lager
• Heritage Traditional Dark
• McAuslan Pale Ale
• McAuslan Brown Ale
• McAuslan Oatmeal Stout
• Steam Whistle Pilsner
• Wellington County Ale (Dark Ale)
• Wellington Arkell Best Bitter

The owner is interested in carrying other popular Ontario microbrews. He was also pleased to hear about the Members of Barleyment and that there are beer geeks in the area. This pub wins big points in the beer department (food has not yet been reviewed). Check it out!

Arrow and Loon

The Arrow and Loon used to be an excellent pub but was recently sold and the quality has declined. The beer selection consists of typical Interbrew product though a Wellington cask ale or 2 is still on hand. However, the staff are not knowledgable about beer so the cask ale is often not stored or served properly.

Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro

Located in the Byward Market, Vineyards is a wine bar that also has an impressive beer menu featuring approximately 100 bottled beers. Situated one level below ground, it offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in which to sample some rare brews while sampling a cheese plate. The food is decent but is not the main attraction.

JIJ’s Beer Garden & Schnitzel House

This restaurant offers a small but excellent selection of German beers along with authentic German fare. Hacker-Pschorr, Holsten, Warsteiner, König, and others are on tap, along with a good selection of Polish and domestic bottled beers.

Patty Boland's Irish Pub and Carvery

Located in the Byward Market, Patty Boland's is one of the most authentic Irish pubs in town featuring consistently excellent Irish fare in addition to the usual line-up of beers (Guinness, Caffreys, Hoegaarden, Leffe). While you won't find 100 beers on the menu here, you will find a good selection with great food in a cozy pub atmosphere.

Bistro L'Autre Oeil

Located just across the river from Ottawa in tranquil Aylmer Québec, this beer bar offers a large selection of beers (approximately 100) including many Québec microbrews and imports that are not normally available in Ontario. The proprietors are obviously beer lovers and are happy to help you make a selection from their extensive menu. The food menu is minimal every day except on Thursday when a special menu is offered.

The Barley Mow

Small chain of very good pubs in Ottawa. Fare is very good to excellent with many traditional recipes, some adventurous offerings and a helping of beer enhanced recipes, often even on the specials menu. Beer is of very consistently high quality with over 20 taps including one cask conditioned offering served from a beer engine. Uncommon among area pubs is the 'train' which is a sampler of 5 five ounce drafts chosen from the beer menu and served in a rack in the shape of a train.

The Swan at Carp

This country pub, located just outside of Kanata, used to be owned and operated by an English family from Lancashire but the owner passed away and the pub was sold. It still has a small but good selection of ales and good food.

The Earl of Sussex

The Earl has more than 30 draft beers including a nice variety of English, Scottish, and European imported beers on tab as well as many fine domestic beers. The food menu has typical pub fare which is pretty decent. The highlight of this pub, however, is the inviting sitting area with large, comfortable wingback chairs which are perfect for chatting with a friend or even setting up a game of chess.

The Highlander Pub

The Highlander staff all wear kilts lending the pub a trendy feel but there are several "snugs" as well as a patio to suit nearly any mood. The draught selection features several scottish ales and lagers (Younger's Tartan, Tennents, Calendonian) along with more typical pub brands. The food is good and the bartender is relatively knowledgable about beer and scotch.

Clocktower Brewpub

This is Ottawa's only brewpub. Fortunately the quality of the beer is good to excellent, and the consistency is up there as well. The food very good pub-style.

Last Updated Sunday, April 09 2006 @ 10:59 PM EDT