Ottawa is peppered with sultry venues where the bass lines are as rich as history and the sax solos practically tell their own stories. Each joint has its flavour, so you can pick one based on your mood – or spend your nights club-hopping and experiencing it all!
So read on, because we’re about to jazz up your itinerary with our top pick of the must-visit jazz clubs in Ottawa that are just begging to be discovered.
Options Jazz Lounge at Brookstreet
Website: https://www.brookstreethotel.com/options-jazz-lounge
Address: 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 2W2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-271-1800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Options Jazz Lounge is more than just a spot; it’s an experience. With live performances every night, this is the kind of place where you lean back, cocktail in hand (their Old Fashioned is a knockout), and let the music do the talking.
Their lineup here is as smooth as their velvety martinis. You can even nibble on their gourmet bites between sets—their charcuterie is a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with their wine selection.
Pro tip: This place fills up faster, so arrive early. Also, check their schedule online, especially for special events. |
The Rainbow Bistro
Website: https://therainbow.ca/
Address: 76 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-859-5123
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 7 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $-$$
The Rainbow Bistro has been the beating heart of the city’s jazz scene since ’84. Rainbow had the pleasure of hosting some pretty big names in the business too, so you bet your vinyl collection’s got mojo.
They’re mad about their variety here—one night it’s funk jazz that gets your feet moving, the next it’s soulful blues that grips your heart. You can embrace the dive bar’s cosiness with a pitcher of their local beers.
Pro tip: Remember to check who’s playing on their website, ’cause you don’t want to miss out on their headline acts. Since it’s in the market, parking can be a bit of a safari, so maybe cab it or public transport it, eh? |
Chez Lucien
Website: https://www.instagram.com/chezlucienottawa/
Address: 137 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-3533
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Cost: $-$$
Chez Lucien is where the old soul of jazz meets the welcoming ambience of a well-loved pub. It might seem unassuming from the outside, but once you step in, you’re greeted by a blend of good music, friendly faces, and a friendly atmosphere.
Their calendar is always packed with local and visiting talents, ensuring that every visit offers something fresh and soul-stirring. The menu here deserves a standing ovation too, from mouthwatering burgers to a selection of local brews.
Pro tip: Chez Lucien can get quite packed, especially on jazz nights, so consider arriving early or on a weekday to snag a good spot. Oh, and don’t skip their fries, ’cause they’re legendary. |
Montgomery Scotch Lounge
Website: http://montgomeryscotchlounge.com/
Address: 750 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6X5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-230-6287
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $-$$
When you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale without losing that genuine jazz vibe, Montgomery Scotch Lounge is your go-to. Located in a historic building, the ambience here is unmatched—you know, elegant yet inviting.
Beyond the jazz music, Montgomery Scotch Lounge boasts an extensive scotch list that could make you weep with joy. And for those not into scotch, worry not, as their bartenders are wizards of mixology.
Pro tip: The Lounge often hosts tasting events and themed nights, which are a fantastic way to dive deeper into the world of scotch or jazz (or both!). And remember, it’s a bit on the pricier side, but for a special night out, it’s worth it. |
Apothecary Lounge
Website: http://www.apothecarylounge.ca/
Address: 54 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-0820
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 6 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $-$$
Apothecary Lounge is one of those places that instantly makes you feel cooler just by being there. This spot is like the speakeasy of jazz lounges in Ottawa—intimate, eclectic, and always buzzing with energy.
Their cocktail menu is a highlight, featuring concoctions that are as inventive as they are delicious. Couple that with a lineup of incredibly talented jazz musicians, and you’ve got yourself a night to remember.
Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye on their social media for impromptu gigs or special events. The place is cosy, so it’s wise to show up early if you want to snag a good seat. |
Charlotte
Website: https://www.charlotteottawa.com/
Address: 340b Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-0669
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 5:30 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $$-$$$
Charlotte isn’t your typical jazz club—it’s where jazz meets modern swank. Think of it as the stylish, cosmopolitan cousin in the jazz family.
The live performances here are top-notch, featuring a blend of jazz styles that cater to purists and modernists alike. And the food deserves a shoutout, as does their bottle of wine.
Pro tip: Remember to book a table ahead of time if you’re planning to dine; their dining area has great views of the stage but fills up quickly. |
LIVE! on Elgin
Website: http://www.liveonelgin.com/
Address: 220 Elgin St #2, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-5483
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 7 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 7 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $-$$
LIVE! on Elgin is exactly what it sounds like—live music that brings energy and heart to Ottawa’s Elgin Street. This place showcases a wide variety of music genres, with jazz nights that are an absolute treat.
Plus, the staff here are honestly the best—friendly, passionate about music, and always ready to recommend a drink or share the lineup of upcoming performances.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to keep an eye on their calendar for “jazz jams,” where musicians can join in on the fun. It’s a great way to experience the spontaneity of jazz. |
Chateau Lafayette
Website: http://www.thelaff.ca/
Address: 42 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-4747
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Cost: $-$$
Established way back in 1849, “The Laff,” as we locals fondly call it, has seen history pass by its doorstep. It offers old-school arcade games, dart boards, and pool tables.
But hey, our talk here was about jazz, wasn’t it? So keep your Friday nights free because that’s when you’ll get the city’s best jazz musicians strutting their stuff with Mike Essoudry’s mashup.
Pro tip: Jazz nights can get as crowded as a Senators playoff game (wishful thinking?), so pop in early to snag some prime real estate. |
Irene’s Pub Restaurant
Website: http://irenespub.ca/
Address: 885 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-230-4474
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Cost: $$
A little bit about the venue, Irene’s offers an intimate, eclectic ambience with a sprinkle of rustic charm. Posters of past gigs and local art on the walls give you an artistic premise intertwined with its rich history!
You’ve got to love their weekly blues Sunday, not to mention that they often sneak in some incredible jazz gigs too, making the place buzz with riveting tunes. Plus, their food hits the spot like a perfectly timed drum kick.
Pro tip: They usually start the gigs around 9 p.m., but you might want to arrive a bit early to grab the best spot. And try their sweet potato fries—they’re awesome to snack on while enjoying the vibe. |
GigSpace
Website: http://gigspaceottawa.com/
Address: 953 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3E5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-729-0693
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 3 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
GigSpace, a not-for-profit performance studio, has been fostering the local music culture since 2011. With a capacity of only about 46 people, the venue offers an immersive, intimate musical experience unlike any other.
This place brings in the crème de la crème of the local jazz scene, right at your behest! The acoustics of the place are on point too, guaranteeing a spellbinding experience whether you’re sitting up front or in the back.
Pro tip: GigSpace conducts workshops and masterclasses for those interested in getting a step closer to their favourite musical form. They also sling espresso and tea instead of booze, making it a perfect spot for night owls looking for grooves minus the hangover. |
Brigid’s Well Pub
Website: http://saintbrigidscentre.com/brigids-well/
Address: 310 St. Patrick St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5K5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-222-0710
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $-$$
Brigid’s Well Pub—built into the walls of an old church—is no less. Legend says it was once an actual well, but now it’s one of the best underground pubs in town!
On Tuesdays, they host an incredible jazz night where the city’s talented musicians come to deliver an unforgettable performance. Just grab an Irish brew from the bar, settle into a nook, and enjoy the music.
Pro tip: They’ve got events throughout the week—not just jazz, but all you culture vultures will dig it. There is no regular cover charge, but donations are suggested—it’s good juju. |
Atomic Rooster
Website: http://www.atomicrooster.ca/
Address: 303 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-569-1000
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Wednesday to Friday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 2 AM
Cost: $-$$
The Rooster isn’t shy about showing off its feathers when it comes to jazz nights. And it’s not just any jazz; we’re talking about top-tier local and occasionally national talents who know how to keep the groove going until the wee hours of the morning.
Beyond the tunes, Atomic Rooster has a reputation for its mouth-watering comfort food. So whether you’re a brunch enthusiast, a wing connoisseur, or somewhere in between, there’s something here to keep your taste buds tap-dancing.
Pro tip: You might want to pop by for a midweek jazz fix—it’s a smoother scene than the weekend rush. The Rooster can serve up a mean cocktail, so ready your taste buds for a jam session of a different kind. |
Bar Robo Queen St Fare
Website: http://www.barrobo.com/
Address: 170 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E1, Canada
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $
Now, if there’s a place that perfectly encapsulates the phrase “hidden gem,” it’s Bar Robo at Queen St. Fare. This spot is like that cool, low-key friend who knows about all the best hangouts before they hit mainstream.
Jazz nights here are an absolute treat, with an eclectic mix of up-and-coming and established jazz musicians from the local scene. You can either have some of their great coffee or killer cocktails, paired with some enticing snacks.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on their social media for surprise jazz nights and special events. Oh, and their morning coffee is a must-try—perfect for those “recovering” from the night before! |
Speakeasy Tapas Lounge
Website: https://speakeasyottawa.com/
Address: 55 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-6221
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $-$$
Speakeasy Tapas Lounge is dripping with 1920s speakeasy vibes, complete with dim lighting, plush seating, and an air of mystery. They offer themed nights like sultry jazz evenings and lively Latin nights.
Beyond music, their menu has a curated selection of tapas and an extensive list of wines and signature cocktails.
Pro tip: Reservations are key here, especially on event nights. And dress to impress—after all, you’re stepping into another era! |