Rochester Pub & Eatery

Me and my friends were looking for a place to eat and noticed this place. It had good but few ratings. The building looked a bit rundown, but perhaps nostalgic so we gave it a chance. Upon entry, nostalgia gave way to utter shit as we noticed ducktaped furnature. We waited awkwardly for 15 seconds. I said «for three» to the staff member. He replied «are you going to sit down, or am I going to have to pull out a chair for you?». We then sat down and ordered some water to start. He didn’t seem very flattered. As he went away he told us ‘the kitchen is closed by the way, if you’re not ordering drinks”. It was 8:30. We left this shit hole at once. I don’t like being sassed for expecting some welcome or service and being made to feel like a git for walking into a pub at 8:30 to order some food. This was a complete waste of time and I write this review in hopes to save you the same mistake. Spare yourself from this appalling dump of a building that is only majestic when compared to the utter asshole that keeps it.

Cute little dive just off the beaten path. It’s not anything fancy so be prepared for torn up seats, faded walls and a well worn bar.
Bartender is young-​ish and a joy to chat with. A number of regulars came in and just joined in the conversation no problem. Great way to waste a few hours.
All their beers are Ontario drafts and I give them mad respect for that! Everything tastes delicious and on the fresh side.
If you skip on the bill (as a few ruffians attempted whilst we were there), the bartender will chase you down. Respectfully, but still, you aren’t getting away with it. So act like a person, pay your bill, and TIP!

I always seem to forget about this place cause it’s kind of tucked away… It’s definitely worth a visit though.
Food is good, seasonal beer selection, and lots of seating.
It’s a pretty casual vibe and sometimes they’re understaffed but I always feel comfortable in this place.
Stop by for trivia night– just make sure you get a table in the front room so you can hear.

Two breakfasts in a row, both while nursing hangovers, is what I can base my review on. Both were different orders, and both were excellent. Ample fresh fruit accompanied the meals, they offer options when it comes to hot sauce, and well, what’s not to like really. I had the simple and straightforward bacon n eggs the first time, the second time whatever they called scrambled eggs with hollandaise sauce on top of a bagel with cream cheese (I’d just call it «efficient», myself).
Theree’s quite a beer selection as well, which impressed me, but suffice it to say I was in no shape for it either time.

This is a great little pub, Little Italy’s best kept secret. The food is very good (and not expensive) while the beer menu is brilliant. They only serve Microbrews on draught and have a good dozen or so taps of beer from small Canadian Breweries. (and the price is pretty good for Ottawa). The atmosphere and service is also great, it’s a locals bar in that everyone is friendly and knows each other but it’s not sketchy like a lot of locals bars. The only drawback is that it is quite small, so if you are planning a big office party you may want to find somewhere else. Realistically the biggest group they could probably accommodate is 12 and that would be a squeeze.