Nestled along the scenic banks of the Ottawa River, Canada’s capital city boasts an array of bars that cater to every palate and preference.
From cozy, historic pubs exuding old-world charm to sleek and modern mixology havens pushing the boundaries of drink innovation, Ottawa’s bar landscape has something for everyone. And if you’re looking to be charmed by more establishments in Ottawa, check out:
The 8 Best Brunch Spots in Ottawa
The 4 Best Horseback Riding Centres in Ottawa
The 8 Best Sandwiches in Ottawa
The Best Places to Roller Skate in Ottawa
Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the best bars in Ottawa, where exceptional libations, inviting atmospheres, and the warm embrace of Canadian hospitality come together to craft the perfect night out.
Summary
- What Are The Most Popular Drinks To Order?
- The Best Bars in Ottawa
- 1) The Manx Pub
- 2) Bar Lupulus
- 3) WARD 14
- 4)Level One Game Pub
- 5)Belmont
- 6) Thr33’s Co. Snack Bar
- 7) The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
- 8) Carben Food + Drink
- 9) 10Fourteen
- 10) Union Local 613
- 11) Mulligans Golf Bar
- 12)Bowman’s Bar & Grill
- 13) The Chateau Lafayette House
- 14) Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern
- 15) Avant-Garde Bar & Gift Shop
- 16) Pub 101
- FAQs about Bars
- Conclusion
What Are The Most Popular Drinks To Order?
Navigating the choices at a bustling bar can be an adventure in itself. Amidst the spectrum of options, certain drinks have cemented their status as popular favorites, that includes:
- Margarita: A zesty blend of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, often rimmed with salt. Refreshing and timeless.
- Old Fashioned: A true classic, combining whiskey, sugar, bitters, and citrus zest for an elegantly simple experience.
- Mojito: A tropical delight, fusing white rum, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water for a refreshing sip of paradise.
- Martini: Epitome of sophistication, mixing gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon twist.
- Cosmopolitan: Vibrant and iconic, vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice unite for a lively and colorful concoction.
- Whiskey Sour: A balanced fusion of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, celebrating Negroni: Bitter and bold, this Italian-born cocktail harmonizes gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth for a distinct and daring taste.
While these classics offer a comforting starting point, remember that bartenders worldwide are crafting new and exciting drinks that blend tradition with innovation. So, whether you’re seeking the familiar or the novel, cheers!
The Best Bars in Ottawa
1) The Manx Pub
The Manx Pub is one of the best pubs in Ottawa! With friendly staff, great selection of wine and beer, plus their food is amazing with meals at reasonable prices.
Everyone’s all time favorite combo is some Wellington County Ale paired with Lamb curry wrap which is slow-cooked lamb in a curry sauce, succulent roasted mushrooms, and melted cheddar stuffed into a crispy wrap, topped with a dollop of herbed sour cream. Their fries are perfect: thick wedges that are crispy on the outside, and cooked soft on the inside. Overall there you can enjoy amazing food and drinks.
Business Information:
manxpub.com
info@manxpub.com
+16132312070
370 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Customer Review:
2) Bar Lupulus
Bar Lupulus is a great restaurant with amazing food and service. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, while also being highly skilled at what they do which ensures you have an amazing dining experience from start to finish!
With fresh ingredients they offer different sizes of plates for any group. Some of the most popular dishes include their pork tenderloin, braised pork shoulder, baby red cabbage, roasted cabbage and blackened pear mostarda. The beer list is the best in town—many awesome sours and the cocktails are delicious and creative.
Business Information:
barlupulus.ca
info@barlupulus.ca
+16137594677
1242 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A4, Canada
Customer Review:
3) WARD 14
Ward 14 is a hidden cocktail and beer bar in the heart of downtown. They also have a great selection of vintage goods like decor or clothing to bring the atmosphere of the bar to your own house. This is an amazing place for a date night or just to have a drink and take in the quirky decor.
You can try exclusive cocktails like Empress of Elderflower with gin, lemon, cranberry and sparkling water. And if you want something refreshing don’t hesitate to get one of their craft beers or coolers.
Business Information:
wardfourteen.com
+16134211446
139 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P4, Canada
Customer Review:
4) Level One Game Pub
Come to The Level One Game Pub for a great night out with friends and family. They have 1200+ board games, 1000’s of video game consoles as well! Plus their craft beers and cocktails will leave you feeling refreshed after playing all day long.
You can also find a huge selection of food on their menu like Big Mack Nacho with tortilla chips, four cheese blends, ground beef and served with sour cream and pico de gallo. The beers that they offer are all craft and really tasty, like Blueberry Blonde— a perfect combination of blueberry sweetness and ale.
Business Information:
levelonegamepub.com
+16136957529
14 Waller St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C4, Canada
Customer Review:
5) Belmont
The food at the Belmont is always creative and fresh, with a variety of dishes to suit any appetite. The cocktails also get five stars from the customers! All the staff who work there are friendly and ready to tell you everything you need.
They serve their famous Trini Doubles with chickpea curry and house made peppa sauce. Add to that one of their seasonal cocktails like La Trou Gros and get a perfect and tasty evening. They also have vegetarian options and can modify dishes for your specific allergies.
Business Information:
belmontottawa.com
info@belmontottawa.com
+16139793663
1169 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X7, Canada
Customer Review:
6) Thr33's Co. Snack Bar
The food at Thr33’s Company Snack Bar is a celebration of the pride they share for the awesome city, Ottawa. They use globally inspired concepts and bring it all together with local ingredients to show you how much love there truly can be in this wonderful place called home!
They don’t serve large plates of food for masses, rather small and delicious dishes from gnocchi to halloumi to make sure you have a great time with friends while enjoying some drinks! Their cocktails are really creative like Peanut butter Old fashioned or Cold Brew Martini.
Business Information:
thr33sco.ca
contact@thr33sco.ca
+16134229300
589 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3T4, Canada
Customer Review:
7) The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
Here at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar they provide excellent customer service and delicious steak. Every dinner is a wonderful experience in this restaurant! You can visit it for any occasion – you will not regret your decision because the staff make every guest feel special.
This place provides an outstanding dining experience and was way above our expectations. Their prime rib is tender and the sides are always hot and delicious. You can also try their selection of classic cocktails like Old fashioned to pair with meat.
Business Information:
kegsteakhouse.com
kegcommunity@kegrestaurants.com
+16132418514
75 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T2, Canada
Customer Review:
8) Carben Food + Drink
Carben is a family-run restaurant in Ottawa that thrives from the vibrancy and support of its community. The Ngo’s, husband/wife team Caroline & Kevin are dedicated to serving great food with excellent service at an affordable price point for all patrons who visit their establishment!
The tasting menu at this restaurant is one of the most delicious foods that you have ever tasted. It includes Duck tartare, Octopus and more amazing options. Not to mention that their cocktails are delicious and well balanced.
Business Information:
carbenrestaurant.com
info@carbenrestaurant.com
+16137924000
1100 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y7, Canada
Customer Review:
9) 10Fourteen
10Fourteen is not just a bar: it’s your new watering hole and hangout spot in the city. Opened by two locals who also happen to be best friends, 10 Fourteens strives hard so as always remain open-minded while maintaining an awesome atmosphere that’ll keep you coming back again!
They specialize on expertly crafted cocktails made from only fresh ingredients, pouring pints of carefully selected beer, and sharing with you. Try their Pink Cashmere with gin, hibiscus bitters and prosecco, is refreshing and a good way to start the evening.
Business Information:
10fourteenbar.com
info@10fourteenbar.com
+16134228610
1014 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X9, Canada
Customer Review:
10) Union Local 613
The food and drinks at Union Local 613 is out of this world. Try the smoked duck confit, lamb dish and northern Char- each one was more delicious than the last! The service there couldn’t be better. And for the drinks you can order a Leaves Turn Inside You cocktail with 8 year scotch, Sivo Amaro, cranberry mint shrub and gomme syrup.
This one and the rest of their cocktails are made with juices, pop syrups and infusions that are made by themselves. And their beer menu options are excellent too!
Business Information:
union613.ca
info@union613.ca
+16132311010
315 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8, Canada
Customer Review:
11) Mulligans Golf Bar
Mulligans is a one stop shop for all your drinking needs. With their handcrafted drinks, innovative menu and state of the art golf suites they have got you covered whether it be socializing or staying in to drink away those hours on the course!
They have lots of citrus, bitter, refreshing, sweet and spicy cocktails like Tigerius Caesar, Negroni, mulligan mule and other classics. They also serve three types of Sangria: red, blueberry lychee and pineapple, mango and ginger.
Business Information:
mulligansgolfbar.com
+16134226333
201 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5C9, Canada
Customer Review:
12) Bowman's Bar & Grill
The people behind Bowman’s Bar & Grill on Carling Ave are proud to call themselves small business owners. They believe in delicious food and a wide variety of locally produced beer for all patrons, no matter what their preference might be!
The restaurant has been open since December 2013 so it is hard now to imagine this part-neighbourhood without them. Their variety of beers include the one with fruit taste like cherry or lime. And if you want to try something stronger, order Town and Country.
Business Information:
bowmansbarandgrill.ca
+16136809339
1170 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K6, Canada
Customer Review:
13) The Chateau Lafayette House
The Chateau Lafayette House in downtown Ottawa is a Canadian dive bar that brews its own beers. The original establishment was built back when Canada had just become an independent nation and has been preserving history ever since!
They also sell a variety of locally brewed beers from the Ottawa area, including a beer specifically made for us called “1849”. You can pair amazing drinks with really tasty sweet potato fries, and wings. They also have great music, tv for sports events and special party nights.
Business Information:
thelaff.ca
orders@thelaff.ca
+16132414747
42 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6, Canada
Customer Review:
14) Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern
If you are looking for an authentically local experience, Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern is the place. Come here on Saturday afternoon and grab some cold craft beer from their constantly changing selection of taps paired with good tunes to keep your feet tapping! There is a great selection of drinks here with cocktails, cans of craft beer and 2 changing drafts. They have live acts almost nightly that keep everyone satisfied.
Business Information:
barrobo.com
barrobo@queenstfare.ca
170 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E1, Canada
Customer Review:
15) Avant-Garde Bar & Gift Shop
The Avant-Garde Bar’s assortment includes traditional spirits from Eastern Europe, accompanied with an equally broad spectrum of Northern American liquors and rich flavourful Italian coffee based drinks. Their snacks are prepared using only the best recipes that have been designed in an elegant style for present day culture!
Their bar selection includes wines, beers, martini, liqueurs and lots of cocktails. Their specials are Red Eyed Hell with pepper vodka and Brizma— based on brandy with soda, lime and lychee liqueur.
Business Information:
avantgardebar.com
info@avantgardebar.com
+16133218908
135 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6A7, Canada
Customer Review:
16) Pub 101
Nestled in downtown Ottawa, Pub 101 exudes a cozy, traditional charm while maintaining a lively atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for a relaxed yet vibrant night out. With its rustic interior reminiscent of a British pub, this establishment offers an inviting space to enjoy an impressive selection of local and international beers on tap, alongside a menu of hearty comfort foods.
Whether you’re mingling at the bar, savoring casual bites with friends, or catching a game on one of the many screens, Pub 101 strikes a harmonious balance between old-world allure and the energetic pulse of Ottawa’s urban scene.
Business Information:
pub101.com
info@pub101.com
(613) 562-4665
101 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8Y3
Customer Review:
FAQs about Bars
There are many different types of beer that people can order at a bar. Some of the most popular beers are Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Coors Light. These beers are all light beers, which means that they have a lower alcohol content than other types of beer.
The cost of beer at a bar can vary depending on the location, but the average price for a draft beer is around $5.50. Bottle beers can cost anywhere from $4 to $8, and mixed drinks or cocktails usually cost $10 or more. Some bars may offer discounts on certain nights or during happy hours, so it’s always worth asking about specials before ordering.
In general, bars can open at 7am and must close by 2am. However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule. For example, bars can open at 6am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. And, some smaller communities have earlier closing times, such as 1am or midnight.
Bars provide much more than just drinks. They are a place to socialize, listen to music, and watch sporting events. In fact, many people go to bars specifically for these activities. Bars also provide a place for people to relax and escape from their everyday lives.
Conclusion
In the heart of Canada’s capital, Ottawa, lies a dynamic tapestry of bars that cater to all tastes and preferences. From historic pubs to modern mixology havens, these 16 top-notch bars offer an unforgettable journey through flavors, ambiance, and Canadian hospitality. So, whether you’re sipping craft cocktails, indulging in fine wines, or enjoying artisanal beers, Ottawa’s bar scene promises an unparalleled night out for every discerning palate.
