Welcome to the exciting list of craft breweries in Ottawa! Ottawa has a lot of creative breweries, and we’ve picked 13 of the best places you should visit.
From the comfy atmosphere at Flora Hall Brewing to the fun Brew Donkey Tours, there’s something for everyone here.
You might wonder why we chose these places. Each brewery has its own unique story, a special drink, and a fun vibe that makes it special. Jump in, find your new favorite drink, and enjoy the adventure through Ottawa's amazing craft beer scene.
1. Flora Hall Brewing
Flora Hall Brewing in Ottawa is a great place where people who love craft beer and tasty food come together.
This popular brewpub is known for its wide variety of beers, including everything from dark stouts to hoppy IPAs and lighter pilsners.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try their tangy Margarita Gose. They even offer beer flights, which let you taste several different kinds at once, and you can buy cans to take your favorites home.
The atmosphere at Flora Hall Brewing is a fun mix of modern and cozy. There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside, making it a great place for hanging out with friends or having a small party.
The vibe is lively and welcoming, perfect for a casual get-together. And, the staff is known for being friendly and attentive, which adds to the enjoyable experience.
But the food at Flora Hall is just as exciting as the drinks. While the menu isn't huge, it features some unique and tasty dishes like seafood paella, lamb sausages, and oxtail ravioli.
There are also vegetarian options, and the menu changes often, so there's always something new to try.
The creativity in the food is just as appealing as the beer, making Flora Hall a fantastic spot for both beer lovers and food enthusiasts.
2. Dominion City Brewing Co.
In the center of Ottawa, you'll find Dominion City Brewing Co., a cool place that has been making tasty craft beer since 2014.
But it’s not just about the beer here—it's a whole experience! They even have special seasonal beers that are always a nice surprise.
You can enjoy a strawberry milkshake IPA or the popular Two Flags IPA with your friends in a comfy taproom or outside on a sunny patio.
The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, so it’s a great spot for families and even pets, with things to make everyone feel at home.
The Dominion City Corner Store is full of cans and bottles you can take home, along with some wine and cider from other local makers.
Dominion City cares about using local ingredients, making beers that reflect the tastes of the area. They also support the community by helping out with local causes, like food bank fundraisers.
They have unique spaces, like the Tree House Terrace, which is great for throwing your next big party.
If you want to enjoy their beers at home, they have an online store where you can order your favorites and pick them up at their drive-thru.
3. Original Local Brewery
Located right in the center of Ottawa, Original Local Brewery has been a favorite hangout for locals since 2018.
This small brewery really focuses on supporting the community—they live, work, and play local. Their star drink is the Local Lager, which has a clean and refreshing taste that everyone can enjoy.
But there’s more to this cozy spot! They offer a range of fresh local beers like the popular Vanilla Stout and Guava Sour, so there’s something for every taste.
The atmosphere is chill, kind of like a neighborhood pub with a nice patio where you can relax and listen to some modern music.
If you're feeling hungry, they have some delicious snacks and even a special McRib panini on their menu.
Original Local Brewery is not just a place for drinks—it’s a hangout for the community. They often take part in events around the MPCC and Beechwood Village, really showing what it means to be a local business.
If you’re in the New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe, or Vanier neighborhoods, you should definitely check out Original Local Brewery.
4. Brew Donkey Tours
Get ready for an exciting adventure with Brew Donkey Tours in Ottawa! Since 2013, Brew Donkey has been your guide to the awesome world of craft drinks in the city.
You may love craft beer or just want to learn more about it, these tours are full of fun and interesting things to discover as you taste your way through local breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries.
Each Brew Donkey tour feels like a mini-adventure! If you're curious about different drinks, the "All Things Brewed™ Private Tour" lets you try wine, liquor, and beer all in one trip.
If you really like hoppy beers, the "Y-East End Express Private Tour" focuses on unique IPAs from east of the Rideau River.
But that's just the start! You can cruise around the city with the "City Beers Express Private Tour," visiting three award-winning breweries, or go on the "Rideau Rally Private Tour" and check out up to five breweries in one day.
You can even cross the river with the "La Belle Brew-Mance™ Private Tour" for some tasty IPAs and Belgian beers, or head west on the "West Ferments Express Private Tour" for both cool and classic brews.
And there’s more! Brew Donkey tours can include fun activities like ziplining in the Gatineau hills or catching a sports game with the "Who Likes Sport Sports?" tour.
5. Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa
Mill Street Brew Pub in Ottawa is a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys good beer and beautiful views.
While enjoying a cold craft beer, you can choose to sit by a warm fireplace inside or enjoy the sun on one of their lovely patios.
The cozy decorations and natural light create an inviting atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot to spend time.
If you love food, you’re in for a treat! The menu has lots of delicious choices, including options for vegetarians and vegans.
They even have a special menu for your pets! Some crowd favorites are the tasty Chicken Mushroom Pot Pie, the savory Falafel Buddha Bowl, and the juicy Brewmaster Burger. And don’t forget about the yummy tacos!
Mill Street Brew Pub is also a great place for events. The service is excellent, with friendly staff who make sure you feel welcome.
Beer fans will be excited about the wide range of craft beers available, including choices for people with dietary needs.
Not sure which beer to pick? You can try a beer flight, which lets you sample several different types. And, it’s easy to get to, with parking available and wheelchair access.
6. Tooth and Nail Brewing Company
Located in Westboro, Ottawa, Tooth and Nail Brewing Company is a great place to enjoy some local craft beer in a cool atmosphere.
This cozy brewery has a large variety of beers made right on the premises. Be it you like IPAs, stouts, lagers, or their popular Exile Pale Ale, there's definitely something for every beer lover.
Inside, the brewery feels warm and inviting, making it a great spot to hang out with friends or meet new people.
There are different kinds of seating, including shared tables and a lively bar area where you can chat with others.
When the weather is nice, the outdoor patio is a favorite place to relax and enjoy some fresh air.
Tooth and Nail has also expanded its food menu over time, and it's becoming really popular.
They offer tasty options like Caprese and Chicken Pesto sandwiches, beef dip brie sandwiches, and plates with cheese and cured sausage.
Their sandwiches and side salads are especially loved by visitors. Plus, if you’re bringing your dog, the outdoor seating is pet-friendly.
7. Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
If you’re in Ottawa and craving some really good craft beer, you should check out Beyond the Pale Brewing Company.
Located at Unit 108, 250 City Centre Ave, this brewery has been making tasty drinks since 2012.
They have a big taproom, a cozy patio where dogs are welcome, and a shop where you can take some goodies home. You can visit any day of the week!
Beyond the Pale is famous for its diverse range of craft beers. They offer everything from the hoppy American IPA and the fruity Pink Fuzz to the crisp Daily Pilsner and the exciting Tropicale Breeze.
If you can’t pick just one, you can try a beer flight, which lets you taste a few different ones! People really love the flavorful Aromatherapy and the Breaking Bitter, so those are definitely worth a try.
But the fun doesn’t stop at beer! They partner with the Smoquehouse team to serve up delicious BBQ food right there.
The vibe at Beyond the Pale is super friendly and inviting. The place is decorated with cool art, like painted skateboard decks, and even the bathrooms have quirky touches.
They use a handy QR code system for ordering, but you can always just order at the bar or ask the friendly staff for help.
Many people say the staff are not only nice but also really know their stuff, which makes each visit enjoyable.
8. Braumeister Bierhalle
Braumeister Bierhalle is like a little piece of Europe right in Ottawa, bringing the fun and energy of German and Austrian beer halls to the city.
The establishment features long wooden tables that facilitate meeting new people, beautiful hand-painted murals that add a European touch, and a friendly vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.
Now, let’s talk about the drinks. At Braumeister, they take brewing very seriously, sticking to traditional Bavarian methods to craft a variety of authentic German-style beers.
From the crisp Biergarten Blonde to the rich Route 21, every sip pays tribute to classic European recipes. And yes, they serve these drinks in those big ceramic mugs that add to the festive atmosphere.
If you’re feeling hungry, their kitchen serves up delicious German dishes like schnitzel, currywurst, and those big pretzels you just have to try.
There are also options for vegetarians, like "Beyond" meat items on the menu. And their poutine gravy is vegan-friendly.
It’s a fun place for events. They host everything from Oktoberfest parties to "Pups and Pints," where you can relax with your dog on the patio.
9. Stray Dog Brewing Company
Stray Dog Brewing Company, located right in Orléans, is a place that embraces freedom, adventure, and a love for indie music.
Since it opened in July 2017, this pet-friendly spot has quickly become a favorite hangout for people who love craft beer.
They have a wide range of award-winning beers, so there's something for everyone. One fun thing they do is serve beer flights in muffin baking dishes, which adds a unique touch to the experience.
While they don't serve food on-site, the friendly staff welcomes you to bring your own snacks or order from nearby restaurants.
The place has a cozy vibe with a relaxed patio, making it perfect for hanging out with friends. Also, it's dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along for the fun!
Stray Dog Brewing is also a community hub. They host events like open mic nights, concerts, and karaoke, so there's always something cool going on.
Safety is important to them, especially during their free brewery tours, which you should book in advance.
While tours might be off-limits on brew days, the staff is always happy to share interesting info about their brewing process.
They love giving back to the community, often hosting anniversary parties and social events that keep the vibe lively.
10. Overflow Brewing Company
Overflow Brewing Company is like a cool secret spot in Ottawa that any beer fan would love to find.
This brewery is all about having a good time and enjoying life, which is why they call it "flow"—it’s when you’re having so much fun that you lose track of time!
That’s what Overflow Brewing Company wants you to feel with their craft beer and fun events.
As soon as you walk in, you'll notice the trendy, industrial look that matches the chill vibe of the place.
With a big indoor space and a sunny outdoor patio, it’s a perfect place to relax with friends or enjoy a night filled with live music.
And let's not forget about the food—they have a lot of tasty choices! From barbecue dishes to shared plates and even vegetarian meals from a food truck, there’s something for everyone.
Overflow Brewing Company is also accessible for people in wheelchairs and is pet-friendly, so everyone can join in on the fun.
You can hang out longer on weekends, catch a live concert, or even try a whisky tasting.
Also there’s plenty of parking and a shop filled with beer and cool merchandise, making it a super convenient place to visit.
11. Bicycle Craft Brewery
Located in a strip mall with plenty of parking and easy access for bikes, Bicycle Craft Brewery is a hidden treasure in Ottawa's craft beer world.
This local microbrewery is famous for its range of high-quality beers, mixing classic styles with creative flavors.
Their Velocipede IPA is super popular, but there are plenty of other options too—like IPAs, APAs, stouts, and seasonal specials—so there's always something new to try.
When you walk into Bicycle Craft Brewery, you’ll find a cozy vibe, and the friendly staff are ready to help you choose the perfect drink.
They also have an outdoor patio that’s great for hanging out, and it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along.
While they don’t serve food on-site, you can bring your own snacks or order something tasty to enjoy with your drinks. Plus, there are local treats available if you’re craving a bite.
If you want to take your beer home, they sell their delicious brews in tall cans and special Barrel Series bottles. You can even order online and pick it up in-store for convenience.
And if you’re looking for a cool souvenir or gift, they have a variety of merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, cycling jerseys, and glassware.
12. Orleans Brewing Co. - OBC
Orleans Brewing Co., or OBC for short, is a cool spot you can find in a plaza on Innes Road, right behind the BMO bank.
It opened in June 2016 and is actually the first local microbrewery in Orléans that also has a full kitchen.
This makes it a great place for anyone who loves good food and drinks! OBC is inspired by the interesting history of the Secret Order Of Bison Brewers, blending both old traditions and new ideas in everything they create.
When you walk in, you'll notice a cozy and friendly vibe, which is perfect for both beer lovers and those who are just starting to try craft beers.
They have a nice mix of indoor and outdoor seating, so you can chill out and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
All the beers are made right there, which means they’re super fresh and tasty. Some of the most popular choices are the Kolsch and Hazy Pale Ale, but they also serve wine, cider, and hard seltzer, so there’s something for everyone.
But the fun doesn’t stop with the drinks. OBC has a menu full of creative and tasty food. You can find unique items like bison burgers, chicken sandwiches, and cheese tacos, and the menu changes regularly, so there's always something new to try.
OBC is also about bringing people together and having a good time. They host themed nights, like Thursday craft brew events, where you can enjoy live music, board games, and fun contests.
13. Kichesippi Beer Co
Right in the middle of Ottawa, Kichesippi Beer Co is a cool place that combines traditional brewing with a fresh, modern vibe.
The Meek family started this brewery in 2010, and it really shows how much they care about craft beer. The name "Kichesippi" honors the Ottawa River, which has a big role in the area’s history.
Kichesippi Beer Co has a great selection of drinks to satisfy everyone. They also have a variety of gifts, cards, and trendy items to check out.
The atmosphere is cozy, and the staff is friendly, making sure you have a great time.
Dog owners will be happy to know that the patio is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your pups! Inside, there’s plenty of room, and the large patio has comfy seating, perfect for catching some rays.
They keep things lively with events like "Babies and Brews" and trivia nights. It’s a family-friendly place with enough seating and a play area for kids, so everyone can have fun.
If you love good food, you’ll appreciate the food trucks on-site serving everything from seafood to Asian dishes.
To Sum It All Up
After checking out Ottawa's fun craft beer scene, it's obvious that there's something for everyone! From the warm atmosphere at Flora Hall Brewing to the cool trips with Brew Donkey Tours, each place has its own special vibe. They were picked because they are creative, connected to the community, and, of course, they make really good beer.
For even more fun ideas, check out ActiviFinder Ottawa. You’ll find tons of exciting activities waiting for you. Cheers to new experiences and fun adventures!