The Exchange (homepage)

Reviewed by Victoria Garland and Alex Massaad

Deep Fried Pretzels. We all love pretzels when they’re salty, we love them even more when they’re deep fried and salty.

Victoria used to frequent this Pub back before the renovation (when it was called The Elephant and Castle) specifically for the bangers and mash along with these deep fried pretzels. We’re both pleased to see these items carried over to the menu after their recent re opening around March 2010.

If you’re downtown, or shopping at the Rideau Centre, this is a great place to stop off, enjoy a beer and grab some delicious appetizers!

(Ouch urban spooners, but I still think the long waits are worth the pretzels! )

580 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON
613.235.0406

1 order Belgian Frites as appetizer
1 Greek Goddess Burger
1 Avril’s Avocado Avalanche
2 medium Milkshakes

Total Bill for two people dining: $48.36

Reviewed by: Alex Massaad

Victoria and I arrived a little after 3pm, right after I finished a mid-day magic show for my other job as a magician in Ottawa. The first thing I can advise is BE PREPARED TO WAIT.

This place is packed. Which for me was a good thing since it’s always a good indication of a delicious menu. We waited about 35 minutes in total, more than enough time to read their extensive menu and get your tummy grumbling. They took our drink orders about half way through our wait, which was a clever way to keep us in the restaurant rather than head elsewhere.

When we finally sat and ordered we were greeted with our milkshakes, mine was a strawberry banana and Victoria opted for wheat grass juice (!!!). Adding to the “flair” of The Works is their measuring cup delivery of all non-alcoholic drinks (you can still get pint glasses if you’re drinking beer though, I’m tempted to see if this is the one place on earth that might serve a pitcher with a straw . . .)

Their Belgian Frites, according to their menu are “a trio platter of fresh-cut Factory Fries, crispy breaded Onion Rings & our amazing Sweet Potato Strings & 3 cool Dipsticks for dipping.” They were more than enough for both of us and by the time our burgers arrived, with their own sides, we were almost completely stuffed.

The burgers were fantastic and made for excellent leftovers the next day. We only managed to eat half of the burger. I give this a rating of 4 out of 5, which is a lot since I generally rate highly on the experience. While I’m not running out the door to go back, I definitely will, when I’m prepared for the wait though! Also since I was driving I could not have any beer, I think this would also improve the entire dining experience.