OA 2007- Highlander Pub

- RIP - The HIGHLANDER PUB is NOW CLOSED -

A big day of adventuring around Ottawa took me to a tour of Parliament, the Bytown Musuem, the old Normal School, and some historic plaques. It also brought me into the Byward Market where, after struggling to find a decent wing place that wasn't a) overcrowded b) look like it cost a fortune c) would have air conditioning in this summer like weather, I walked passed the patio extravaganza that was Highlander Pub.



I have to admit, I was suckered in. I stopped beside a couple of guys who were looking at the posted menu, when two girls in kilts and knee-high socks called over to us and beckoned me in. For shame, I know. I asked to be seated inside, where there was little a/c to my surprise. But it was pretty empty and I could do a wing review in relative privacy.






The NEW SCORE
STYLE: deep fried
SAUCES: bbq/honey garlic/Jerk hot/hot/suicide (Frank's & chipotle pepper)
SIZE: medium 0.5/2
HEAT: suicide = 5 /10
CRISPINESS: 2 /3
WETNAP FACTOR: 4/5
PRICE: $8.95 for 1lb (approx 9 wings)
SIDES: I'm going to say no /7
WETNAP/NAPKINS: 8 /8
WING NIGHT: Sunday 5pm, 1lb $6.95, and happy hours 4-6/9-12
OTHER/SPECIAL: haggis, no free refill!, patio
TOTAL: 19.5 /35






What can I say about these wings? Well first, I really need to tweak the score scale - these wings were not that great. The chicken was not really crisp. It was a decent medium size and they looked good on the plate. But the sauce was a little disappointing.

Hot had a strong tomato flavour, and no heat at all. It was a thick sauce, and it was ok but I would never eat 'all-you-can-eat' if I was given the choice. I wasn't. The Suicide is described right on the menu as Frank's Red Hot mixed with pureed chipotle. I tasted the wing, and waited for the heat. And waited, and waited. When I continually ate the wings the heat picked up, but it really was not that hot. But I gave up on the tomato hot and ate all my wings 'suicide'.






FINAL SCORE: The pub had honourable mentions for wings here, but I don't think they are that highly rated at all. I saw some wonderful looking other dishes, and I have to say that this is one of the few 'Scottish' pubs that actually serves Haggis. 19.5/35

The Highlander Pub
115 Rideau St, Ottawa