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The Blackthorn Cafe
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch French, Breakfast & Brunch
15 Clarence StreetOttawa, ON K1N 5P4
(613) 241-0712
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 11 am - 12 am
Wed-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat 10 am - 2 am
Sun 10 am - 12 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
5 reviews for The Blackthorn Cafe
5 reviews in English
-
Review from Darren M.
Ottawa, ON
12/13/2010
I've tried the Blackthorn twice -- the first time for food and the second time for just casual drinks.
The first experience was great. The food was delicious and as others have mentioned it's a pub/cafe but has a better selection and stronger menu than most pubs in the area. We sat on the back patio and enjoyed the courtyard atmosphere. The second time we sat on the front patio and also enjoyed the people watching. Despite only ordering a couple of drinks I found our server to be very attentive and pleasant.
Others have mentioned that this place is a bit out of the way but it's really not that much off the beaten path. Clarence Street is now one of the busiest streets in the Market for food and drinks and although this place is closer to Sussex Drive it's really not that far of a walk from the Rideau Centre or anywhere else.
You'll pay a bit more here than you would at other pubs but this place only *looks* like a pub from outside. It's really a good restaurant with some nice seating options and a long drink menu. -
Review from Loresa N.
Ottawa, ON
5/8/2011
I recently tried this restaurant for the first time. They were one of the restaurants participating in a Taste for Life. So I would like to thank them for supporting a most important cause. After being seated at my table, I looked over the menu. I noticed they carried my favourite white wine Apple By Lane so I ordered a glass. I was pleased that they had more than just the standard bar fare and plenty of vegetarian options. For an appetizer I split an order of bruschetta. It was one of the best I have ever had. For the entrée, I had the butternut squash ravioli. It was ok, but not great. After the first bite, I wish i would have ordered the pizza instead.
I would go again as the wine selection is great, and my appetizer was excellent, but I would order the pizza instead. Although it was too cold to sit out on the patio, It looks like it would be welcoming when the weather warms up. -
Review from Mortiche W.
8/7/2008 3 photos
Had dinner two or three times here, I sat at the bar since I was flying solo but they had several tables in front, a large room in the back, as well as al fresco dining in the front patio area (for warmer months).
Beer was fresh and not skunky- good sign!
First night I was here I ordered the P.E.I. mussels cooked to order with Pernod and shallots instead of garlic. They gave me close to a pound and a half of plump, delicious mussels along with piping hot bread. I felt like such a fat-ass eating the entire order by myself, but since I WAS by myself what else is a girl to do! The broth that ends up in the bowl from being cooked with Pernod and cream was so delicous I wanted to do laps in it. Instead I just soaked up the bread with it as to not waste a precious drop. I felt like an inflated balloon by the time I left, full of beer, mussels, broth and bread.
Another night, I went back for more and they didn't disappoint.
Pizza was supposedly one of their specialties, so I had to try it. It was the thin crust variety, and it was so big that it would have fed two easily, since they weren't skimping on the toppings either.
Overall the place seems to be above average pub food.The chef seems to know what he's doing in the kitchen, and the servers know what they're doing too (inobtrusive, chatty when they need to be, but not too much, knowledgeable of local information).
Thanks Black Thorn, you helped provide meal solutions and good beer for my trip to Ottawa! I have an extra 5 lbs that I 'd like to return to you though! -
Review from Devon B.
10/9/2008
This place is a bit off the beaten path in comparison to most bar-restaurant combos in the market. This is a good thing seeing as you will have a great experience without all the commotion of some places.
The decor is a mix beaten a pub and a cafe. It's a relaxed feel inside, and the patios fit the Black Thorn quite well. With two patios (one front, one back) finding a seat is usually pretty easy. It looks like a small place, but even inside it seems to go back forever.
The food is good. the seafood is what I tend to stick to, but the classic sandwiches and the like are nothing to complain about. The same goes for the drinks: cold beer, good wine.
The staff are pretty efficient and have no problem giving advice on what to order.
This is a great place for a casual date or even a relaxed business meeting. -
Review from Simon R.
Milton, ON
7/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
A little walk from the Market, but a nice walk none the less. As soon as you walk in there is the bar in front of you, tables to the right and a large sitting area in the back. It was pretty quiet the night I got there, but also nice.
The food came quick, the beer came a little quicker and that nice, warm comfortable feeling came as soon as I walked in the door. I ordered a nice big steak and it was nice. All of the planets were aligned that night.
Not too expensive with some tasty food. Oh, Ottawa, the lovely secrets you hold.
Specialties
Byward Market Restaurant, Local Food, Pizza, Draught Beer, Wine, Breakfast and Brunch
History
Established in 1999
The Black Thorn has been one of the ByWard Market's best kept secrets. Located on Clarence Street near Sussex Drive, The Black Thorn backs onto the historic Tin House Courtyard. Housed in a National Capital Commission property, the actual building dates back to the late 1870's and the exterior looks just as it did over 130 years ago (we have the pictures to prove it in the main bar!). The restaurant has seating for over 240 people and consists of four main sections; front patio, main bar area, dining room and courtyard patio. With a healthy, locally sourced menu, renowned gourmet pizza and extensive draught and wine selection, The Black Thorn is the perfect spot for an after work drink, dinner with friends or celebrating that special day. We look forward to seeing you.
