Ethan BrownTreat yourself to a night of fun with your friends! Fortunately, there are many bars in Ottawa, so you have a lot of options.
You can even enjoy a bar crawl with your friends if you’re struggling to pick just one!
Each bar in Ottawa has its own charm. There’s a bar that’s been around for more than a century, one with arcade games, one that feels like a European pub, and many more.
Not sure which bars in Ottawa to try? Here are a few recommendations that you should check out.
Chateau Lafayette
Address: 42 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16132414747
Chateau Lafayette was first opened in 1849, making it the oldest bar in Ottawa. In fact, it’s technically older than the city itself because the city was named in 1855!
For this reason, this bar has that old-school charm that’s quite endearing. If you’re fond of the supernatural and the paranormal, you might enjoy the different ghost stories associated with this bar, especially its basement.
As for the food and drink, there’s an extensive menu. There are different alcoholic drinks you can get, and you can pair your beverage with a hearty burger and a plate of nachos or poutine; if you like dessert, you can try the deep-friend Nanaimo bar.
| Pro Tips: There are always live events here. Some celebrate established musicians while others feature up-and-coming local artists. Check out the events page for more information. Do you love to sing and perform? You can do so here because the bar hosts an open mic every Tuesday at 8 pm. |
House of TARG
Address: 1077 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—5 to 11 pm
- Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16136808274
What makes House of TARG stand out is that it’s not just a bar; it’s also an arcade! Because of this, it’s the perfect destination for a group of adult friends who are still children at heart.
The best part is there’s a good variety of games to play. There are pinball machine games like Whitewater, Godzilla, and Doctor WHO.
There are also games that are set to free-play, so you can play them for an unlimited amount of time!
Aside from enjoying fun drinks at the bar, House of TARG offers delicious, handmade pierogi as well. Be sure to order a bunch to keep your energy as you defeat your friends in arcade games.
| Pro Tips: If you’re interested, you can have House of TARG as the venue for your event (e.g., birthday or a friend hangout). Check this page for more information. If you do want to book this bar for your event, try not to do it over the holidays because that’s the peak season. There’s a strong likelihood that you can’t book your reservation during this time. |
Elmdale Oyster House and Tavern
Address: 1084 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y5, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday—5 to 11 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—5 to 10 pm
- Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16137282848
Cozy and elegant, these are exactly the vibes you’ll get from Elmdale Oyster House and Tavern. That’s why it’s a go-to destination for people who just want to unwind after a long day of work.
The menu here is pretty modest compared to other bars, but it definitely has some heavy hitters. You can treat yourself to a plate of decadent lobster spaghetti or hearty fish and chips.
If you want a healthier option, you can try the spicy tuna poke bowl.
As for the drinks, you have many alcoholic options. If you’re feeling fancy, indulge in the wine selection, which includes white, red, and sparkling or rose.
There are also cocktails if you want something more fun and sweet.
| Pro Tip: Elmdale Tavern is also a great venue for all kinds of events. You can book this bar via this reservation page. |
The Prescott
Address: 379 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16132324217
If you prefer a livelier bar, you can’t go wrong with The Prescott. This bar is also perfect for sports fans because you can watch big sporting events here.
The bar menu is filled with all kinds of comfort foods. There are jumbo wings, garlic breads, poutines, and deep-fried pickles.
If you want something more hearty, you can order a meatball sandwich, chicken parmigiana, or any of the square pizza flavors.
To wash everything down, be sure to order a pint of beer or a bottle of wine.
| Pro Tip: If you love music, you should come on a Friday because there’s always a live performance on that day. This is the perfect opportunity to find new artists. |
The Hintonburg Public House
Address: 1020 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—4 to 10 pm
- Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—11 am to 12 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16134215087
Every time you stop by The Hintonburg Public House, you can expect to have a different experience. This is because there are always events here; sometimes, it’s karaoke nights, and other times, it’s knit nights, open mics, board games, and more!
When it comes to food, you have plenty of options. Burgers and sandwiches are the bestsellers, but there are also healthy options like salads.
If you just want a light snack, you can try the risotto cakes or the poutine.
The drinks menu is even more extensive. There are different kinds of beer, wines, spirits, and cocktails, and if you don’t like alcohol, you can still enjoy your time here because there are non-alcoholic options like mocktails and sodas.
| Pro Tips: This bar also has a shop selling unique art prints, toys, clothes, and more. You might want to purchase something as a souvenir. Sometimes, there are art classes available as well. If there’s an opening during your stay in Ottawa, you might want to consider attending one. |
Pub Italia
Address: 434 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday—4 pm to 1 am
- Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16132322326
Pub Italia is a bar that combines the liveliness of Irish pubs and the cozy nature and delicious food of Italian trattorias. Because of this, it’s a great hangout place for families, friends, and coworkers.
This bar has a menu called the Beer Bible, which is an apt name because it features an extensive list of draft and bottle beers. If beer isn’t your thing, you can try any of the wines, cocktails, and other types of liquor.
Let’s not forget about the food here as well. You can indulge in delicious pizza or rich pasta.
You can also order meatballs and mussels that you can share with your companions.
| Pro Tip: This bar actually has an on-site museum, detailing its history and featuring vintage items like old cars and mopeds. While waiting for your order (or after you’ve dined), you should check out this museum. |
Clocktower Brew Pub
Address(es):
- 140 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7, Canada
- 418 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0G2, Canada
- 422 MacKay St, Ottawa, ON K1M 1M1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Rideau St: 11:30 am to 12 am (Tuesday to Thursday), 11:30 am to 1 am (Friday and Saturday), 11:30 am to 10 pm (Sunday), closed on Monday
- Richmond Rd: 11 am to 10 pm (Sunday and Monday), 11 am to 11 pm (Tuesday to Thursday), 11 am to 12 am (Friday and Saturday)
- MacKay St: 11:30 am to 11 pm (Monday), 11:30 am to 1 am (Tuesday), 11:30 am to 12 am (Wednesday), 11:30 am to 1:30 am (Thursday and Friday), 11 am to 12:30 am (Saturday), 11 am to 11 pm (Sunday)
Contact Number(s):
- Rideau St: +16135624878
- Richmond Rd: +16136805983
- MacKay St: +16137423169
If you’re looking for a bar that gives off the cozy vibes of a brunch restaurant, then you’ll like Clocktower Brew Pub.
At this bar, you can treat yourself to a slew of comforting dishes. There are chicken wings, fish tacos, poutine, burgers, and sandwiches.
If you want healthy options, there are wellness bowls, salads, and tuna poke bowls.
During Happy Hour, you can enjoy craft beers, house wines, and rail shots. There are even flavored beers here like raspberry wheat; be sure to give them a try!
| Pro Tip: If you’re going to the bar on Richmond Road, keep in mind that only street parking is available. During rush hour, you might have to park far from the bar and have to walk. |
The Belmont
Address: 1169 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5 to 10 pm
- Friday—5 pm to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16139793663
The Belmont is both a brunch spot and a bar—the best of both worlds! No matter what time you stop by here, you can order both a plate of something delicious and a glass of an addictive cocktail.
If you come here for brunch, you can enjoy a Full Belmont breakfast, which includes biscuits, sausage patties, roast potatoes, and more. As for the drinks, you can have a draft beer or a mimosa; there’s even an option for bottomless mimosa if you want.
If you come here in the evening, treat yourself to beef tartare, roast pork belly, or braised beef. Don’t forget to order a glass of margarita (or any of your favorite cocktails) or a bottled beer to wash everything down.
| Pro Tip: If you really like the food and service at The Belmont, you can support them further by buying any of their merch (usually, it’s a wide variety of T-shirts). |
The Senate Tavern
Address:
- 33 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5M4, Canada
- 1008 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X9, Canada
- 1159 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Clarence St and Wellington St: 5 pm to 2 am (Monday to Wednesday), 11:30 am to 2 am (Thursday to Sunday)
- Bank St: 11:30 am to 12 am (Sunday to Thursday), 11:30 am to 1 am (Friday and Saturday)
Contact Number:
- Clarence St: +13438821657
- Wellington St: +13439844515
- Bank St: +16137319191
Looking for a sports bar? You can’t go wrong with The Senate Tavern, which has a few locations within Ottawa!
At this bar, you can indulge in your favorite hearty foods, such as wings drenched in sticky, flavorful sauce, poutine, and nachos. They also have options that are much more filling, such as ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken.
As for the drinks, you have plenty of choices—from draft beers to wines. There are also non-alcoholic options, such as sodas, juices, and Shirley Temple.
| Pro Tip: You can book The Senate Tavern as a venue for your party. Here’s the request form if you’re interested. |
The Manx Pub
Address: 370 Elgin St Suite No. 1, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—10 am to 12 am
- Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16132312070
The Manx Pub is probably one of the most underrated bars in Ottawa. It’s a basement spot tucked away in a little nook on Elgin Street, so it’s easy to overlook.
But don’t overlook it because inside, you can find a cozy atmosphere with delicious food!
The lamb curry is the bestselling dish here, which is understandable because the lamb is so soft and tender and the curry sauce, along with the roasted mushrooms, adds so much flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll love the tofu tacos.
When it comes to drinks, the bar has separate menus for whiskeys, beers, and wines.
| Pro Tip: The Manx Pub doesn’t take reservations, so if you want to secure your spot, you might want to come as early as possible. Also, try to avoid rush hour (lunchtime) if you can. |
Patty’s Pub
Address: 1186 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—4 to 11:30 pm
- Wednesday to Sunday—12 to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +16137302434
You don’t have to go to Ireland to enjoy the lively pubs there. Instead, you can just visit Patty’s Pub because it has the same vibe!
This pub in Ottawa is decorated to look like the classic Irish pubs. Plus, it serves a traditional pub menu to complete the experience.
You can fill your stomach with hearty burgers and classic pub items like fish and chips and steak frites.
To quench your thirst, you should try the homemade, authentic ales. Their bestsellers include Amber (a full-bodied beer with hints of caramel and citrus) and Blueberry Wheat (noted for its creaminess and subtle blueberry aroma and flavor).
| Pro Tip: There’s a seasonal section of the ale menu. Ask the staff what the seasonal beer is and give it a try. You never know when it’s going to be available again! |
Prohibition Public House
Address: 337 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5 to 11:30 pm
- Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +16135652704
Inspired by the Prohibition era in the United States, the Prohibition Public House is a New York-style gastropub noted for its old-school aesthetic (with wood and vintage accents).
Aside from its appearance, this bar serves delicious Canadian fares and cocktails.
The charcuterie boards are the bestsellers. You can enjoy pairing cheese like smoked cheddar and bleu ermite with meats like prosciutto and pancetta.
For your drinks, the menu offers several options. You can try the craft beers, wines, and rose, or if you want something more creative and fun, order the cocktails (you can’t go wrong with the Tequila Pineapple Sour, which combines tart and sweet really well).
| Pro Tip: Planning a party or gathering? You can book this bar as a venue. Check this page for more information. |
The Lieutenant’s Pump
Address: 361 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—4:30 pm to 1 am
- Wednesday to Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +16132382949
Founded in 1984, The Lieutenant’s Pump is a bar in Ottawa styled after English city pubs. Because of this, it’s perfect for people who like to bask in the traditional English pub atmosphere.
Aside from that, it also serves as an ideal brunch spot.
Treat yourself to iconic English dishes like fish and chips and Lancaster shaved prime rib sandwich. There are also vegan options like an oven-roasted cauliflower steak and vegan chickpea tikka masala for people who don’t eat meat.
The beverage menu is just as extensive. You can opt for a cocktail like Jack Daniel’s and Cola if you want some sweetness to your alcohol.
If not, you’ll like the variety of wines and draft beers available here.
| Pro Tip: The Lieutenant’s Pump is more than happy to be your venue for your party. If you do plan to host your event here, you’ll have to select the items for your menu seven days before your scheduled date. Here’s the special occasion menu for your consideration. |
The Brig Pub
Address: 23 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16135626666
The Brig Pub is noted for its comfy setting, which is why it’s the go-to bar for many working professionals. Beers and ales are available on tap, so you can get as many refills as you’d like.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can splurge on a bottle of Pinot Noir.
The food selection is pretty impressive here as well. There are entrees like the braised lamb shepherd’s pie or steak fries that will fill your hungry stomach in no time.
If you have companions, you can share the truffle and parmesan fries or a plate of wings.
| Pro Tip: If the weather permits it, take a seat on the patio. That way, you can enjoy the lovely breeze while dining. |
Rabbit Hole
Address: 208 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5C1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday—5 pm to 12 am
- Tuesday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +16136950500
Rabbit Hole is housed in a building that’s more than 100 years old, so expect to find old-school vibes here. Because of its vintage aesthetic, the bar attracts people who are either looking to relax or are going on a date with their partners.
You can start your meal with a rotating charcuterie and cheese board, then take delight in the delectable Wagyu burger. As for the drink, you can find a wide array of alcoholic options—from beers to wines and rose to cocktails.
Don’t miss out on the dessert as well. They have a seasonal dessert that’s a mystery every time; you never know what you’ll get, which is such an exciting experience.
| Pro Tip: If you’re coming to Rabbit Hole late at night, be sure to wear formal clothes because there’s a dress code that comes into effect at 10 pm. Streetwear or casual wear are not allowed. |
Dominion Tavern
Address: 33 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16132417706
Located in the ByWard Market neighborhood, Dominion Tavern is the place to be if you want to unwind with a glass of liquor while enjoying performances by punk, garage, or indie artists.
In fact, this bar always has fun live events every few days or so, and these events usually feature artists in a niche genre you’ve probably never heard of (for example, have you ever heard a song from the mystical heavy metal genre?).
While you’re listening to talented musicians, be sure to have a drink on hand. Your selection includes a variety of craft beers (both domestic and imported) and spirits.
| Pro Tips: During the warmer months, you might want to sit on the patio to enjoy the fresh, cool air. Are you an aspiring musician who wants to expand your reach? You can book this bar for your gig. Here’s the registration form if you’re interested. |
Deacon Brodies Pub
Address: 247 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0G1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16132366464
Irish and English pubs are great, but what if you want to visit a Scottish pub? Then, you should stop by Deacon Brodies Pub!
This bar boasts an extensive selection of whiskey. In fact, there are over 400 different kinds of whiskey from all over the world here!
If you prefer beer, this bar also has 26 draft taps and several Scottish beer bottles on display.
To accompany your preferred alcoholic drink, you should order a few dishes. You can’t go wrong with burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips, and if you’re with a group, you can have mozzarella sticks and poutine to share with everyone.
| Pro Tip: Deacon Brodies Pub often hosts live music. If you want to attend some of the live performances, you should check out the events page. |
Bar Lupulus
Address: 1242 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday and Monday—5 to 10 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—5:30 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +16137594677
If you prefer a bar that’s more on the modern and trendy side, you should stop by Bar Lupulus.
This bar features 22 rotating taps and a highly curated selection of bottled beers. Aside from beer, you can find ciders, meads, wines, and creative cocktails here.
You might also want to order a few plates of food to pair with your drinks. Some of the must-try dishes here include the charcuterie (you can’t go wrong with eating pastrami with crackers), beef tartare, and bucatini.
| Pro Tip: If you like the glassware used in this bar, you can actually buy your own set here. It tends to sell out fast, so be sure to snag one when you can! |
