City Name
Temperature
Home » Recent posts » Top 13 Hidden Speakeasies in Ottawa You Need to Discover

Top 13 Hidden Speakeasies in Ottawa You Need to Discover

Top 13 Hidden Speakeasies in Ottawa You Need to Discover

Here’s a little secret about Ottawa that only true cocktail connoisseurs know: our fair city is quietly bubbling over with speakeasies just ripe for discovery. From basements to behind-the-bookcase entries, you’ll surely find the one that’s perfect for you.

They might not be dodging the law anymore, but these speakeasies in Ottawa have retained that mysterious, throwback allure we can’t get enough of. Read on—this one’s going to make you feel like you’re in on Ottawa’s best-kept secret. 

Union Local 613

Website: http://union613.ca/ 

Address: 315 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-231-1010

Operating hours: 

  • Monday and Tuesday – 3 PM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday and Thursday – 3 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday – 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday – 5 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 2 AM

Cost: $-$$

Union Local 613 pays homage to Southern comfort food and classic libations, all with a Canadian perspective. Its interior has this rustic, homespun charm that screams “down south”.

You’ll find a cheeky bookcase, which at first glance looks just like a bookcase—but a gentle push will lead you into a secret dim-lit, jazz-infused paradise. Their cocktail program features spirits from local distilleries, classic cocktails, and even whiskey.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check their website or Instagram page for updates on specials as they do out-of-the-blue events, like Whiskey Wednesday, pretty often. And don’t forget to try the Trinidad sour, their top-secret off-the-menu cocktail.

Prohibition Public House

Website: http://www.prohibitionhouse.com/ 

Address: 337 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-565-2704

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 11:30 PM
  • Friday – 5 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM

Cost: $-$$

Prohibition Public House, or “Pro-Pub,” as we locals call it, hits the trifecta (booze, food, and music) with perfection. The vibe teeters on the line between cosy and edgy—think dark wood, exposed brick, and a secret underground lounge.

The menu here is as eclectic as it gets, from juicy burgers to the most delicate oysters and inventive cocktails. If you’ve always fancied a Hemingway Daiquiri or a Bobby Burns, Pro-Pub is the place to be!

Pro tip:
Their daily specials are not to be missed, like a ‘burger and a beer’ for $20 on Tuberculosis Thursdays and ‘oysters and stout’ for $20 on Freestyle Fridays. 

They also offer a late-night happy hour starting at 10 p.m. to close from Sunday to Thursday.

The Manx Pub

Website: http://manxpub.com/ 

Address: 370 Elgin St Suite No. 1, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-231-2070

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

Cost: $-$$

Nestled beneath an unassuming apartment building on Elgin Street is The Manx Pub. Some call it Ottawa’s best basement bar—its charm, from the sagging ceiling to the mismatched wooden chairs, is palpably laid-back and friendly.

The Manx is a favourite of artists and musicians and boasts a bohemian vibe. The food menu changes monthly, plus the cocktails and beer list are equally diverse, with a strong focus on local labels.

Pro tip: Make sure your phone is fully charged before heading to The Manx, as there’s no cell signal. And remember, the weekend brunch is to die for, but seating is competitive, so arrive early.

Rabbit Hole 

Website: https://www.rabbitholeott.ca/ 

Address: 208 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5C1, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-695-0500

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

Cost: $$

Rabbit Hole is like a fun nod to “Alice in Wonderland” and is designed to be an eclectic and quirky escape from the ordinary. Their menu is packed with creative and delicious bites, and the ambience is, without a doubt, delightfully convivial.

Famous for its Canadian whiskey selections and craft cocktails, Rabbit Hole isn’t just about fine dining and drinking. Its darkened mahogany and leather-clad décor create an intimate and comfortable space.

Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance because the place gets busy, especially on weekends. Also, don’t forget to give their monthly rotating whiskey cocktails a try.

The Lieutenant’s Pump

Website: http://www.lieutenantspump.ca/ 

Address: 361 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-238-2949

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

Cost: $-$$

The Lieutenant’s Pump is like that one uber-cool friend’s basement you never wanted to leave, except it’s, you know, legal, and they serve you fantastic drinks. The place offers an eclectic mix of events, like live music sessions and themed nights.

Beyond that, they also offer artisanal cocktails that look like they took a page out of a mixologist’s diary, and the food is seriously tasty.

Pro tip: Before heading down to The Lieutenant’s Pump, it pays to check their social media pages for the latest happenings. They often have themed evenings or live performances that you wouldn’t want to miss.

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: $-$$

For anyone who’s ever wanted to time travel to the Prohibition era, Apothecary Lounge is your place. The moment you walk inside, you’re greeted by dark wood, velvet chairs, and a beautiful marble bar that takes you right back to the roaring ’20s.

Now, I ain’t going to go on listing all the fantastic concoctions they offer but trust me when I say there’s a drink for every palate. From the classics to novelties like Love Elixir and the elderly-fashioned, you’re in for a wild, delicious ride.

Pro tip: It might take a while for their cocktails to arrive, but they’re not slacking off; they’re just doing the mixology magic. And, don’t miss out on their Monday Happy Hour for some great deals!

Speakeasy Tapas Lounge

Media credit: timobas

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 screams elegance—in a chilled-out, sophisticated way. Its dark, intimate setting with exposed brick walls and Edison-style lighting makes for the perfect date night spot.

Gourmet tapas and cocktails are their game. And look, I’ve been around a fair few bars in my time, but the concoctions these guys whip up—they’re pure artistry.

Pro tip: Their Spanish Wine Wednesdays are a hit because they feature wines from different Spanish regions every week. And oh, try the red sangria—you won’t regret it!

Ward 14

Website: https://www.wardfourteen.com/ 

Address: 139 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P4, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-421-1446

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM

Cost: $-$$

Before anything else, Ward 14 is not a hospital ward (although, it sounds like it, eh?). It’s one of the coolest bars in the city where you can have a drink while playing console video games from yesteryear.

This place is a thrift shop combined with a consignment store, topped off with a full-service bar. It’s one-of-a-kind, the decor is offbeat, the drinks are awesome, and the vibe is just contagious.

Pro tip: Monday night is their famed Le Pho King Awesome Night, where a bowl of pho and a pint of Spearhead beer are just $16. Plus, keep an eye out for their unique Trade Your Junk program—it might just earn you some free drinks!

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 is a swanky lounge hidden somewhere within Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Here, you’re introduced to a world of plush velvet seating, lacquered wood, and a meticulously hand-painted ceiling—it’s a sight for sore eyes!

From a simple glass of champagne to the complex flavours of a La Louve, their drink menu caters to all tastes. And let’s not forget their deliciously sinful bites—especially the delectable salmon tartare.

Pro tip: Remember to book a reservation before you head downtown. It’s pretty busy on weekends. And don’t forget to ask the bartender about the “surprise cocktail” – it’s worth it!

Nan’s Parlour

Media credit: httpsfoodstagram

Website: http://nansparlour.com/ 

Address:  73 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-562-1008

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Thursday – 4 PM to 1 AM
  • Friday – 4 PM to 2 AM

Cost: $-$$

Nan’s Parlour is a watering hole in Old Ottawa South and is the perfect balance between an old-world charmer and a trendy hotspot—like visiting your Nan, but with cocktails on the menu!

The interior oozes an eccentric mix of traditional and contemporary design elements, while the dimmed lights add a sense of intrigue. Meanwhile, the custom-made, locally sourced wooden shelves behind the bar display their broad selection of spirits.

Pro tip: If you’re gluten-sensitive, no worries since they have a dedicated GF menu. Also, you might want to check out their weekend brunch, and do give their stellar wine list a shot!

The Moonroom

Website: https://www.instagram.com/themoonroom/?hl=en 

Address: 442 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N6, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-231-2525

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM

Cost: $-$$

The Moonroom is dimly lit with twinkling fairy lights and eclectic decor, which sets the mood just right for a relaxed evening out. Their bartenders are like sorcerers, mixing up potions with house-infused liquors and exotic garnishes.

And, let’s not forget the food—small plates big on flavour, perfect for nibbling as you chat away into the night. Now, remember, this place is popular—and I mean, popular, so it gets crowded.

Pro tip: Their seasonal cocktail menu is always something to look forward to. But if you want an insider suggestion, ask for their off-menu specials. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Pour Boy – Somerset

Website: http://www.pourboypub.com/ 

Address: 495 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J7, Canada

Contact details: +1 613-695-7687

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 2 PM to AM

Cost: $-$$

Pour Boy in Somerset is a no-frills kind of place where the vibes are laid-back and the beer is always cold. If the United Nations ever decided to open a pub, this would be it.

They offer a wide selection of beers from around the globe and some killer cocktails that won’t break the bank. And the food is mouthwatering, especially their wings.

Pro tip: Remember to keep an eye on their daily specials. Taco Tuesdays are legendary, and if you’re into trivia, their Quiz Night is a blast—don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Brigid’s Well Pub

Media credit: florencebbruneau

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’s entrance is through an unassuming door off Cumberland Street, leading down into what I could only describe as a cosy cave of wonders.

Brigid’s Well has this magical quality about it, probably because it’s located in the basement of a former church. And aside from brews and spirits, their event lineup is equally impressive, featuring everything from live music to poetry slams.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check their schedule online before heading over; you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of their themed nights.