Mike’s Place

The bartender greeted me with «I’m not mad at you». that sort of eccentricity that both occurs and allows and leads me to have mixed feelings about this place. Their beer is not cheap, but cheap by Ottawa standards. The service is not good, but probably good for university bars. The food is good, but overpriced even for Carleton. But, that helps keep the UGs out. If you are a grad and on campus, 5 stars. if you are not, 3 stars.

Very friendly service and can’t argue with the prices. I grabbed the Jerk Chicken Roti, which didn’t taste like Jerk chicken at all (very bland, soggy roti) and came with a side of salad doused in olive oil.
Also keep in mind that it’s a self-​serve type place (get your own water/​napkins, return your place, etc) so not your typical restaurant experience.
Overall it was a decent experience, and your only option if you don’t want to walk to Bank Street.

IF YOU MUST drink on the Carleton campus, avoid Oliver’s and all the other traps and go to Mike’s. It’s smaller and neater. It’s the grad student bar so you’ll get a laid back but academic vibe and the food is halfway bareable– BY NO MEANS GOOD but enough to get you from famished to your next class in one piece.
I RECOMMEND: Beer. Duh.
EXTRA TIP: Samosas are a safe bet too. But they use the term «curry» very loosely in these parts.

I’ve been to Mike’s Place a few times, mostly to talk with professors. It’s right on the second floor of Carleton’s Unicentre, right beside the stairs. It’s run by Carleton’s Graduate Student Association (GSA), so you’ll find more grad students and professors here than at Oliver’s. It’s not very big and it can get pretty packed around lunchtime, especially when professors and students want to have more casual meetings over food and a couple of pints.
I would consider Mike’s Place more of a pub, though they have a really great menu, artwork on display and for sale, and live entertainment and events. They’re prices for both alcohol and food are reasonable, and I must say that the atmosphere is a nice change. It’s very casual and the bartenders and servers are all friendly. Their menu is pretty fantastic, too. They have great samosas, and their stuffed flatbreads are amazing! My favorite has got to be the one with feta and sundried tomatoes, with a spicy sauce for dipping. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!