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MacLaren's On Elgin
Categories: Nightlife Pool Halls Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Arts & Entertainment Casinos Pool Halls, Sports Bars, Casinos [Edit]
180 MacLaren StOttawa, ON K2P 0L3
(613) 236-2766
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 12 pm - 1 am
Thu-Sat 12 pm - 2 am
Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
7 reviews for MacLaren's On Elgin
7 reviews in English
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Review from Darren M.
Ottawa, ON
11/18/2010 2 photos
I'm not a pool shark but I would have to say this has to be best place in the city to play pool.
Prime location on "Sens Mile" (yes, it's actually less than a kilometre and not even a mile), a huge wall of flat screens and almost two dozen pool tables make MacLaren's a perfect option for watching sports or just after work.
Service is usually great and fast and they sometimes have waiting lists for the tables but even on a busy weekend you don't seem to wait long to get a table. With an absence of quality group activities located in the downtown area (think bowling, laser tag-ish type things) this place should be considered for after work or on the weekends.
I would suggest if you're a rookie player that you do keep an eye out for others before you accidentally jab them with your cue -- there are parts of the place where the tables aren't separated by that much space.
They're pushing the city to add patio space which is something this place lacks so if it goes ahead MacLaaren's could become the beacon of the Elgin Street party scene. -
Review from Sandra M.
12/6/2011
On a December 4th, Sunday afternoon, this was the best location to watch all the available football games. There also seemed to be many people enjoying a few rounds of pool.
We had ordered wings and fries which were oven baked. While the fries were fine- only a touch dry - the wings were very disappointing. Of 20 wings, we might have eaten 3 each and were completely turned off. They were soggy, slimy and fatty. I have had baked wings at other establishments as well as at home and they have been far better than these heated pieces of chicken. When the server came over to check on us - my water nearly empty - he asked how things were and I explained that the fries were good, but we were not enjoying the wings and why. He apologized, but did not offer a solution.
After watching the games to half-time, with my water 10 minutes empty, we were ready to go and it took another 5 minutes before we could ask for our bill.
With the plate of uneaten wings remaining, we were further disappointed to be charged full price for them.
We would not go back for food, but if looking for the games and drinks only, it would be fine. -
Review from Adam P.
Toronto, ON
11/2/2009
Looking for a place to watch some basketball on a Friday night with not too much going on, and was advised to come here. Its hard to describe this place because of what it offers. When you walk in, lined up around the perimeter are tables with really comfortable seating and has a restaurant feel. The servers are dressed in black tie's and white button ups, and the bar in the centre of the place had multiple taps and a good selection of alcohol. But as you look around there are lots of pool tables (even more in the back on the way to the washroom). So then you think pool hall. Then at the back of the restaurant you see 6 huge TV screens (at least 60") all in REAL hi definition (not that fake stretch stuff some restaurants would have you believe) and multiple smaller tv's on pillars scattered throughout the place.
The staff is more than happy to turn a hi def tv to whatever sports you want to watch. Most of the pool tables were in use, but there were not any rowdy patrons ruining my night.
Tab selection is your standard stuff, and only had the foccacia garlic bread to eat. I'd recommend this place for an evening of doing something without partying hard. I'm sure this place is great during playoffs and NFL sunday's -
Review from Sebb J.
Vancouver, BC
10/6/2011
It's a decent sports bar, actually surpasses St Louis down the street for sports watching and playing pool. Where it fails is the FOOD. To avoid at all costs. Bland, not very tasty and several friends of mine had food poisoning there. Overall, not bad if you're into pool. I've experienced better in terms of sports bars. They definitely play the location card (on Elgin, close to other bars).
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Review from Jyotsna M.
11/21/2008
Grey Goose for $5.50. That about sums it up!
I've been to Maclaren's a couple of times now, and it's always been a good experience. The bartenders are friendly, the top chelf drinks are strong and cheap, and the atmosphere is clean and inviting. If you want entertainment, the pool tables and tv screens are everywhere, but it's also quiet enough in here to have a good conversation.
Highly recommended as the bar of choice to start off an evening, or for just a casual drink or two. -
Review from Minh D.
Gatineau, QC
7/17/2010
Great after work place if you work downtown (or even if you don't).
Plenty space so the tables aren't jammed against each other like some other pubs in the city. Clean and new look, they aren't going for that old fake beat up look. The chairs are really comfy and it's not so loud as to not be able to have a conversation.
Plenty of pool tables, a wall of giant screen tv's, so great place to be for major sporting events. -
Review from Jason D.
Ottawa, ON
10/27/2008 1 photo
My wife and I discovered the party district of Ottawa one Saturday night - it is Elgin Street, near Ottawa U. We went for a drink at a local pub and then, bored, left the pub to wander the strip. There were lots of options open, and one of them was MacLaren's. MacLaren's is a pool joint, but not a dive pool hall like your old man used to hang out in. This place is strictly nice. The menu is not bar food - thin crust pizzas, smoked salmon, steak. They have a full bar and a wine list! But, the atmosphere is not stuck up. There are flat screens all over the place, featuring the big game. And, the dress code is whatever is comfortable. MacLaren's is also HUGE - at least 20 tables, so you don't have to leave a quarter on a table to reserve your spot. Also, you can book in a large party if you are looking for something different for a work event. I kinda wish it was smaller so it would have a more intimate atmosphere - it does feel a little big and sterile. But, maybe that's just me.
