February 01, 2025
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Mystery Diner in Ottawa: Court Street Pub boasts impressive appetizer menu

Burgers, sandwiches, paninis, salads, street tacos round out menu’s variety

By MYSTERY DINER
The Philly Godfather at Court Street Pub in Ottawa is a thin ribeye, caramelized onions, green peppers, pepper jack cheese and garlic aioli on a quarter-pound burger.

The Philly Godfather at Court Street Pub in Ottawa features a thin rib-eye, caramelized onions, green peppers, pepper Jack cheese and garlic aioli on a quarter-pound burger.

Court Street Pub in Ottawa is a great hangout.

Several large televisions make it easy to follow a variety of games, there’s music playing on the jukebox, an assortment of beers on tap, and plenty of items to meet any appetite.

Court Street Pub in Ottawa has several beers on tap.

Court Street Pub in Ottawa has several beers on tap.

Looking around at other diners, I saw a number of appetizers being shared – from a couple enjoying a giant pretzel with cheese dips to a table of four picking at an onion blossom prepared similarly to the Outback Steakhouse dish.

The hand-crafted cheese curds called to me from the menu, and they were served fast and hot, which makes all the difference. I was eating alone this afternoon, but there were plenty of curds to serve at least two people.

The hand-breaded cheese curds are an appetizer option at Court Street Pub in Ottawa.

The hand-breaded cheese curds are an appetizer option at Court Street Pub in Ottawa.

Made thinner and lighter than fast-food curds, they were a great starter for my Philly Godfather burger. The quarter-pound burger is served along with a thin rib-eye, caramelized onions, green peppers, pepper Jack cheese and garlic aioli.

Don’t let the name Philly fool you. This burger doesn’t taste like a cheesesteak. The onions and green peppers provided much of the flavor, complemented by the cheese and aioli.

Also, having a thin piece of beef on top of a different cut of beef wasn’t too much at all. The burger left me satisfied, but didn’t overload like times I’ve tried items at other places combining meats on burgers.

I opted for the Cajun fries, which were awesome. They had just the kick I was hoping for when I veered from ordering tater tots, which would’ve been my next pick for a side.

There are a number of interesting burgers on the menu: The Hangover with bacon, ham, fried egg and caramelized onions; The Mooshroom burger with garlic and Parmesan-sauteed mushrooms; and Whiskey River burger with bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, fried pickle chips and cheddar, among other variations. All the burgers range from $11 to $14.

Other entrees include rib-eye steak, chicken and tenderloin sandwiches, wraps, paninis, wings and street tacos.

The appetizer menu is impressive. Along with the aforementioned dishes, it also features mac and cheese bites, hand-breaded mushrooms, spiced-up chicken nachos, pickle chips, Santa Fe chicken egg rolls, Buffalo shrimp and loaded skinz. The appetizers make Court Street a good fit for groups looking to have some drinks and order several items to share.

The spacious pub is busy during dinner hours, and it’s easy to see why. Court Street Pub has a comfortable atmosphere in which to hang out with friends or be entertained flying solo, along with good food.

Court Street Pub is located in downtown Ottawa across the street from the old courthouse.

Court Street Pub is located in downtown Ottawa across the street from the old courthouse.

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a different restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Court Street Pub

WHERE: 620 Court St., Ottawa

PHONE: 815-324-9032

INFORMATION: courtstreetpub.com