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The Manx
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Nightlife Bars Pubs Breakfast & Brunch, Pubs [Edit]
370 Elgin StOttawa, ON K2P 1N1
(613) 231-2070
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11 am - 1:30 pm
Thu-Sun 11 am - 2:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
32 reviews for The Manx
Review Highlights
"The beer selection has a highbrow slant (ciders, brits..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Yes, the eggs benedict are extremely good."
(in 3 reviews)
"This is one of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa."
(in 4 reviews)
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Doug B.
North Bay, ON
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went for the weekend brunch on the first Saturday of Winterlude. Got there @ 10 mins before it opened at 10:00 AM & were second in line with our group of six. Lineup quickly appeared behind us just before it opened & the place was PACKED when it did open at 10:00 on the button...a good sign.
Had scones & preserves heuvos rancheros. Others in party had cinnamon French toast & classic breakfasts, i.e. bacon & eggs. Food was great, esp. baked goods. Portions HUGE...might reccomend splitting if you're light eaters. Service was fast & friendly, coffee quickly topped up.
A very good first experience, would like to return & try their lunc/dinner fare on another Ottawa visit. -
Review from Rita M.
Toronto, ON
9/3/2011
Ok, I'm going to say it. I hated the Manx. Although, I feel like it is really hit or miss. My experience was a miss in the most extreme way.
Rude service. Maybe you're not supposed to order food here? I don't know. Maybe because I only ordered one beer? Sigh, one can never be sure. I can't remember what I ordered. A sandwich? a burger? whatever, it is all the same. Skip this place, I found it dirty, cramped, and smelly. -
Review from Kelly B.
8/28/2011
I was in my hotel room, procrastinating getting breakfast, and at that point of hungry where you think you might be sick.
Based on the good reviews on Yelp and Urbanspoon, I decided to catch a cab and go to The Manx.
I arrived a little after 2:00pm. The place was still busy from the brunch rush, but as I came on the tail end, a table had just opened up, and I didn't have to wait.
I was alone, and they stuck me in a cozy little corner in a booth. It was absolutely perfect (I hate being seated in the middle of a room when I'm flying solo).
I sat down with my book, had a few cups of coffee, and ordered the eggs benedict. The waitress was nice and quick to take my order. There wound up being a mix up in the kitchen, and my order wound up not being ready when it should have been, but they caught the mistake without me having to ask where my food was, and they were all very apologetic. It wasn't really a big deal for me - I wasn't in a rush and I was enjoying my coffee.
When my food did arrive it was delicious, the vibe was good, and the price was really fair.
I would definitely go back. -
Review from Phil M.
St John's, NL
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I got excited with all the positive reviews this place was given, it's just a pub. Decent food.
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Review from elffie t.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2011
The Manx is the best restaruant/pub ever. The food is amazing, the beers and selection are diverse and not , the people who work here are so friendly, service is efficient. I can't recommend this place enough! There are vegan/vegetarian options and all the food seems like it is high quality and it is creatively presented. Portions are good. the atmosphere is very laid-back and friendly. I lived in Ottawa for about 5 years and i try to visit the Manx whenever i go back to visit.
the people who work there are awesome, and will sit down and ask you how you're doing, etc. i Still feel bad about the time my bank account had run out and i had to leave them a bunch of change, even pennies.... sorry guys!
Oh and, they have Saturday and Sunday brunch! delicious! -
Review from Coy W.
3/5/2011
It took me awhile to finally get to this place as a lot of people recommended it to me and I wasn't disappointed. They have my favourite brunch menu in Ottawa and I go back often for brunch. I've had dinner here once or twice as well but I much prefer their brunch menu. The also have a decent size scotch menu.
The place is very small and there is usually a line up during brunch and dinner. You may feel crammed in here so if you don't like that kind of situation you may not like dining here but if you have no problem with this then it's definitely worth the wait! -
Review from Thomas M.
Gatineau, QC
3/30/2011
Having heard a lot of good things and read a lot of good reviews for this place, I decided to check it out last Sunday. Unfortunately, I as not impressed.
First off, if you like a place with a good decor, don't go there. While some may call it "charming", "cozy", or any other such adjective, I would go with "cramped", "uninspired", and other things along those lines. It's a pretty ugly place IMO.
Luckily for me, I'm all about the food, so I wasn't bothered by the looks of the place. Sadly, the food didn't impress me either. I got the Soho, which comes with eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and potatoes. The one thing that was excellent was the sausage. The eggs didn't feel anything special, but I can forgive that, because hey, they're just eggs. The bacon didn't look very fresh, the "cowboy beans" reminded me of a bad chili, and the potatoes didn't have much seasoning to them.
All in all, a rather ordinary experience, I've had better breakfast in lots of places (Fraser Cafe for one). It wasn't horrible, but it was nothing special either, thereby the 2 stars. -
Review from Jacqui L.
Ottawa, ON
4/22/2010
Best eggs benny in the city, hands down. Just the right amount of lemony hollandaise, perfectly poached eggs, english muffin tres buttery. And the garlic-y mashed potatoes that come with it!! Aaaaaaah.
People say the other breakfast things are good too, but who the hell knows, I'm here for the eggs benedict!
The veggie burger is also awesome.
Service can be somewhat ambivalent, in that hipstery kind of way, hence only 4 stars. -
Review from Amanda D.
Ottawa, ON
10/13/2008
This is one of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa. It has delicious and often creative food, huge meal portions, amicable staff, overwhelming desserts, a great beer and scotch selection and tofu tacos to die for. The main course prices range from $10-$15. For those wanting a distraction from their dining partner, they can play the many board games the establishment provides.
The Manx has live performances on Sunday and Monday. It also displays work from local artists and photographers and hosts an art show to kick off each new exhibit about once a month.
However, due to this restaurant's popularity and small size, customers have to wait for a seat more often than in most Ottawa restaurants. This can usually be averted by avoiding peak meal times. The Manx doesn't take reservations.
And I'm not the only one who loves this restaurant. The Manx is hard pressed not to find itself the winner of at least one category in the poll driven Ottawa XPress' "Best of Ottawa" list. In 2007, it won Best Appetizers/Tapas, Best Brunch, Best Cozy Nook, Best Bar Staff and Best Pub. They also received an honourable mention for Best Burger. -
Review from Adam P.
Toronto, ON
11/1/2009
I had debated going here for Saturday night drinks because of the reviews and it's selection of beers. Ultimately I chose not to go here and it was a great choice because it ended up being my Sunday brunch spot. What a great choice.
Everything tha thas been said about this place in the night applies during the day. It was 10:30am when we got there and the place was rammed with a lineup out the door. I was committed to trying this place out so I waited about 20 mins for a table. Glad I did.
My wife had the breakfast burrito and I had the omellette special which consisted of spinach, broccoli, and leeks. I can't say enough about the food. It was delicious. My wifes burrito came with a salad that had thinly cut beets, turnip and bean sprouts. A very detailed salad that was unexpected. With my omellette came some sort of garlic mashed potatoes. They were extremely tasty. The omellete was bursting with toppings and was awesome. The portions were more than enough and were priced at a reasonable 8-10 dollars. If I had to pick on some things to improve I would suggest their coffee, but I'm not going to say it's terrible.
I would recommend this place time and time again for breakfast but by looking at the lineups at this place I would think everybody already knows this place rocks. Just don't be claustrophobic. -
Review from Matt M.
Ottawa, ON
2/10/2010
I've been to the Manx for food and/or drinks probably 10-15 times spanning a few years.
Each time I go i'm reminded of why I love the place and wonder why I don't come back more often.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Ottawa. Yes, I realize it's a pub but the food at the Manx is outstanding. VERY fresh ingredients, creative menu, and fair prices. The tofu tacos are an absolute must try. The Manx has mastered this dish and this is coming from a fanatic carnivore. Try them. At $14 you won't be disappointed. I've also recently had the seared tuna; a newish menu item (sourced from local purveyors Whalesbone) and it was done very nicely as well.
The beer selection has a highbrow slant (ciders, brits, imports, craft beers, etc) and there is no TV in the place. These two factors give it a unique vibe which I really enjoy in that it seems people are mostly there to enjoy each others' company.
One con is that it is small with an awkward layout so it's a little tricky moving around. You'll get over it. In the end i'd say it actually adds some character to the place.
One final word: Don't be deterred by the frequent lineups. That's a very positive sign for such a small pub after all, isn't it? -
Review from Angela L.
6/11/2009
Like many of my favourite establishments, the Manx can be a little bit easy to miss. If you don't look up, you'll miss their sign and if you don't look down, you might not see the few steps that lead to the dark, low-ceilinged, basement.
Come here for their brews and cozy atmosphere at night and come back the next day for their scrumptious breakfast, lunch, or whatever meal you finally roll out of bed for. The small, but solid menu is highlighted with inventive veggie-friendly options.
For a bar that's known for their beer selection, the food quality and presentation are a pleasant and welcome surprise. That is, if you are lucky enough or have the patience to get a table at this often busy local favourite. -
Review from Yoni L.
Ottawa, ON
1/10/2011
I've been to The Manx a few times. The food has always been quite good, and I like the cozy atmosphere. No complaints about the staff, but nothing stands out as them being particularly exceptional (hence the four stars instead of five).
Definitely my favourite Pub in/near the downtown core to have dinner. Haven't been later in the evening for just drinks, so I can only really evaluate it as a place to have dinner.
***** UPDATE: Went there for brunch over the weekend, and had a really positive experience. I had to wait a while to get a table, but despite that my friend still hadn't arrived when I was at the front of the line. The waitress still seated me, even though I told her my friend would be a few minutes (I offered to wait until he showed). He ended up taking a good 15 minutes, but the waitress didn't give us any trouble at all even though I said he would be less than 5 minutes.
The food took longer than expected to come but our server was nice so we didn't care. She even gave my friend extra jam to take home when he told her how much he liked it!
***** SECOND UPDATE
Last time I went there for brunch (couple weeks back) they dropped the ball. I think I had to ask for a glass of water three times and it took forever. I think water is a pretty simple/standard request. They were busy and the staff seemed stretched thin. We were in that table tucked in the corner right beside the entrance - it seemed like the server had kind of forgotten about us for a good portion of our meal.
I usually have a good experience there though, so I'll give them the benefit of a doubt and not change their rating. -
Review from Andrew K.
Ottawa, ON
5/6/2011
Ottawa's best pub, by far. Food is good. Staff aren't nincompoops.
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Review from Julia C.
8/14/2009
Yummy wedge cut fries and strong bow cider! In addition to an excellent menu that has some great variety. I have tried a lot of different dishes here, so I won't go into great detail but suffice it to say I have never been disappointed here.
Lots of great memories from this place. And always a great crowd - lots of different people, great atmosphere. Definitely busy during peak evening hours and if you go with a group, get there early. By yourself or with two people, I rarely had an issue finding seats - we kind of just hung around at one of the tall tables until a spot opened up. -
Review from Ryan R.
Ottawa, ON
Updated - 2/21/2010
Should have stated my first review was at brunch/breakfast (understandably usually the worst time for any server).
Went their again for dinner and have to say the service was better, albeit a bit disorganized. The food was also better, but wont blow your socks off.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/3/2009
Food was okay, but nothing special... and the service was horrible beyond compare.
A place for… Read more »
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Review from Amanda D.
Orleans, ON
6/11/2009
I came here on a Friday around 2pm. There was no wait as we expected. We were told to come at an off time bc there is always a wait.
My brother had a bison burrito and my husband had a bison burger. I had the lamb curry wrap with half salad half fries bc that's what the waitress suggested. She didn't mention there was an additional charge of $1.50. My husband did the same. If we knew there was an extra charge, I would have got the salad and my husband would get the fries and we would have made our own half and half!
Besides that incident, the food was great and the selection of beer was very good. Prices are reasonable.
The interior is pretty beat up(tables and chairs wobble, signs on the washroom missing), dark and dingy. It could use a little work. But the food and beers on tap are pretty unique and very delicious. It's a hole in the wall but I'd come back for the beers and food. -
Review from John r.
Winnipeg, MB
11/15/2010
Was here years ago with someone from town. Went back myself this time to try the food over a beer, found the veggie burger to be good. I agree with one of the other comments about a lot of other bars are like this one, but there is nothing wrong with siting down with a beer and some of the food at the Manx
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Review from Ari S.
Ottawa, ON
8/23/2010
Oh, the Manx. How I'd like to like ye more! When I first moved to Ottawa, it was eagerly recommended by friends and acquaintances with any degree of familiarity with the city. Unlike the other bland cookie-cutter imitation British and Irish pubs, here was a true original. Or so I heard.
Yes, the Manx IS different from the other faux British pubs that litter the city. it's a faux British pub with faux hipster pretensions. The worst of both worlds. The Manx just has too much attitude for its own good. With its cooler-than-thou, unfriendly service, it lets you know that it's the only show in town. Yes, the Manx may be a notch above most of Ottawa's drinking establishments but that really doesn't say too much. And arrogance aside, the food is simply over priced and the drinks are as expensive as typical overpriced pubs with the same selection of beers on tap. Yes, I like the brunches fine (the huevos rancheros are particularly tasty) but you can pay $14 for a small sandwich for dinner and still come out hungry (and that $14 sandwich is only a tooney short of a twenty when you factor in tax and tip) And then the wait. The long lines frequently curl out the door. It's just not worth the wait. And the basement interior is nothing to write home about. The decor's plainer than plain - the one minor flourish is local art work. Big deal.
If this is the best bar in Ottawa, egads... Let's just say I'm glad we're only two hours away from Montreal. -
Review from Dave C.
Ottawa, ON
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
breakfast rocks....holy line-up this place is crazy, get there when it opens or be prepared to wait.
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Review from Tim C.
Ottawa, ON
12/5/2010
Dinner:
Food is tasty and pleasantly creative. Decent portions. Prices not bad.
Plan for big lines and cozy - possibly too cozy - environs.
Definitely go, but not when you're desperately starving or wanting peace and quiet. -
Review from andrew s.
9/1/2010
Went to two bars, The Manx, and some other one. Don't need to remember anything about the other one.
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Review from Kat T.
6/10/2010
After a painful post-race afternoon, I walked what seemed like a long distance to The Manx. For those who don't know, this place would look like just one of Ottawa's million pubs. They have beers on tap and a food menu. It's located a few steps down and has relaxed waitstaff who are OK if you nurse your one beer all night.
However, for those who do know, they bypass all of Ottawa's million pubs and head straight for this creative, vegan-friendly art gallery/bar/restaurant.
What a shock!
We accidentally sat down where the art patrons were to be seated. So, we moved over and took a look at the menu, ordered beers and vegetarian tacos.
Amazing- that was tofu? could have fooled me! The art wasn't what I wanted to buy, but it was so cool to see half the place full of burger and fries-eating folks and the other half sipping red wine and buying little paintings.
So whether you go for the food, the music or the art, this is the one Ottawa pub to take a short walk away from the market for. -
Review from damon r.
12/1/2010
I expected nothing and was surprised. This is a bare bones pub, with a great selection of beer and a kitchen that is pumping out some great food. People were there for the food, which shocked me considering it felt like a setting for Coronation Street. Many customers had only water!!! Very tasting burger, lamb curry wrap looked great, the trout special was amazing and they have wicked salads. Fresh and made with care, the staff are friendly and will engage in conversation if you desire.
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Review from Jason D.
Ottawa, ON
10/27/2008 1 photo
Yes, the Manx serves food. But, it is first and foremost a pub. And by pub, I mean a drinking establishment. The Manx is located on the basement level, so the ceiling is low - which gives it a wonderfully cozy and intimate atmosphere. It is like drinking at your friend's place - only your friend has a world-class selection of craft and micro brews. The music, if in fact they actually play any (I can't recall a single tune) is non-existant. There are no TVs. And, there are no posturing singles looking to score. It is strictly a great place for drinks and some chat with your mates. Seating is limited and people tend to park their for a few hours. So, don't bother whining. Just get there before 8pm. Oh, and walk there. Parking is not fun on Elgin on a weeknight. In addition, you will drink lots because you will want to sample all the beers and end up too dipsy to drive.
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Review from Brad Y.
Ottawa, ON
9/23/2010
Small but lively. Lots of choice on draught beer and great food. Occupancy is about 90 and that's stretching it.
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Review from Ethan M.
6/12/2010
Yes, the eggs benedict are extremely good. The whole place had a nice energy, the service was quick and friendly, and the cozy bar was a perfect place to saddle up for brunch.
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Review from Claudia G.
Ottawa, ON
7/20/2010
I love this place.
Great beer on tap, friendly staff, and an eclectic menu that's constantly changing. I drag people here for post-work beers whenever I get a chance.
Warning: if you go in the evenings after 5:30 or so, you WILL be waiting in line for a table. -
Review from D M.
Ottawa, ON
2/21/2010
My favourite pub in a town (too) full of pubs.
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Review from Derek H.
Toronto, ON
4/17/2010
They need a new carpet or something... it smells a bit funky in the summer.
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Review from Tyler S.
Ottawa, ON
6/14/2009
Hands down one of the best pubs in Ottawa. Good beer selection, and good food. One of the few places in Ottawa where you can get draft Beaus. Can be hard to find a table at times but that makes for a great atmosphere.
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Review from Ian J.
Ottawa, ON
1/16/2009
This is a great tiny pub. Excellent food but not traditional pub fare. Servers very friendly. I have British friends who think this is as close to a British pub as you'll see in Ottawa.
