Guidebook for Ottawa
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a bourbon specialty house. Amazing cocktails (though a bit on the expensive side) and food (including chicken and waffles)! It's one of our favorites. If you like cocktails, try the Gin Fizz. Tuesdays evenings are buck-a-shuck.
Price: $$$
Hooch Bourbon House
180 Rideau StThis is a bourbon specialty house. Amazing cocktails (though a bit on the expensive side) and food (including chicken and waffles)! It's one of our favorites. If you like cocktails, try the Gin Fizz. Tuesdays evenings are buck-a-shuck.
Price: $$$
Tequila bar. Also, amazing tacos. A little bit on the expensive side, but check it out on Tuesday nights, when tacos are 2 for 1.
Price: $$$
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Ace Mercado
121 Clarence StreetTequila bar. Also, amazing tacos. A little bit on the expensive side, but check it out on Tuesday nights, when tacos are 2 for 1.
Price: $$$
This unpretentious, underrated pizza place looks like your friend's basement hang-out in the 80s (but it's not in a basement, with doors opened in the summer). This is the type of place where the staff and the customers know each other by name, and the pizza is truly one of the best in Ottawa. We want to tell everyone about it, but at the same time, we want to keep it for ourselves!
Price: $
Angelos Sports Bar and Grill
303 St. Patrick StThis unpretentious, underrated pizza place looks like your friend's basement hang-out in the 80s (but it's not in a basement, with doors opened in the summer). This is the type of place where the staff and the customers know each other by name, and the pizza is truly one of the best in Ottawa. We want to tell everyone about it, but at the same time, we want to keep it for ourselves!
Price: $
A chain from Ottawa which brews their own beer. Food and drinks are reasonably priced.
Price: $$
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Clocktower Brew Pub Byward Market
A chain from Ottawa which brews their own beer. Food and drinks are reasonably priced.
Price: $$
If you're looking for a dance floor to party all night... or at least until 2am
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Zaphod Beeblebrox
27 York StIf you're looking for a dance floor to party all night... or at least until 2am
Nice little pub, nice patio for the summer with big screen for sports events.
Price: $$
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The Earl of Sussex
431 Sussex DrNice little pub, nice patio for the summer with big screen for sports events.
Price: $$
Ha Long Fish & Seafood Market
789 Somerset St WPerfect for watching sports events.
Price: $$$
Nearest gay bar, intimate atmosphere (read: it gets really hot in the summer!) with very small deck allowing you to take a breath of fresh air. Drag shows on Saturdays (of questionable quality, but fun!). Lady's night, Men's night.
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The Lookout Bar
41 York StreetNearest gay bar, intimate atmosphere (read: it gets really hot in the summer!) with very small deck allowing you to take a breath of fresh air. Drag shows on Saturdays (of questionable quality, but fun!). Lady's night, Men's night.
Great little pub, offers a very good brunch too. It's small, so it can be hard to get a spot.
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The Manx Pub
370 Elgin StGreat little pub, offers a very good brunch too. It's small, so it can be hard to get a spot.
Centretown Pub Complex
340 Somerset St WLaid-back gay pub, slightly older crowd (30+)
3-story dance club/music venue. Indie/alternative/jazz music. Wednesdays are popular for dancing and is also queer night.
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Mercury Lounge
56 Byward Market Square3-story dance club/music venue. Indie/alternative/jazz music. Wednesdays are popular for dancing and is also queer night.
Martini bar, gay friendly. Wednesdays are 5$ martinis, Thursdays are 6$ mojitos. Also a BYOW on Sundays and Tuesdays (5$ corking fee).
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The Buzz Kitchen + Cocktail
374 Bank StreetMartini bar, gay friendly. Wednesdays are 5$ martinis, Thursdays are 6$ mojitos. Also a BYOW on Sundays and Tuesdays (5$ corking fee).
Also known as "The Laff". A true dive bar.
Price: $
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Chateau Lafayette (The Laff)
42 York StAlso known as "The Laff". A true dive bar.
Price: $
Babylon
317 Bank StNightclub
Quinn's
1070 Bank StCozy, usually packed, features local brew Ashton.
Pinball machines and old arcade games everywhere, excellent perogies. A bar like no other in Ottawa. Serves as a venue for local artists as well (with cover).
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House of TARG
1077 Bank StPinball machines and old arcade games everywhere, excellent perogies. A bar like no other in Ottawa. Serves as a venue for local artists as well (with cover).
There are so many pubs in Ottawa. This is one that I particularly like because the food is good.
Price: $$
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D'Arcy McGee's
44 Sparks St.There are so many pubs in Ottawa. This is one that I particularly like because the food is good.
Price: $$
Sir John A Pub
284 Elgin StAnother pub which serves food.
Fox & Feather Pub and Grill
283 Elgin StA popular pub among locals and tourists alike.
Essentials
Nearest grocery store. Open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students get 10% off.
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Metro
50 Beechwood Ave.Nearest grocery store. Open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students get 10% off.
Another grocery store. Also open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. Students also get 10% off on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Loblaws
64 Isabella StAnother grocery store. Also open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. Students also get 10% off on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Small pharmacy located inside Rideau Centre (ground floor).
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Shoppers Drug Mart
174 Bank StSmall pharmacy located inside Rideau Centre (ground floor).
Rexall Drugstore
200 Rideau StThe nearest pharmacy
Liquor store - wine, beer and hard liquor. Wine lovers, please note that this store's vintage selection (on the lower level) is one of the largest in Ontario.
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LCBO
160 Elgin StLiquor store - wine, beer and hard liquor. Wine lovers, please note that this store's vintage selection (on the lower level) is one of the largest in Ontario.
Beer Store
515 Somerset St WLiquor store - beer only
Same day (usually) cell phone repairs for your emergency needs.
Rideau Cell Phone plus, iPhone repair Ottawa
1 Nicholas StSame day (usually) cell phone repairs for your emergency needs.
Entertainment & Activities
A well-known adorable little cinema. You are more likely to find an award-winning foreign film playing there than a blockbuster.
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ByTowne Cinema
325 Rideau StA well-known adorable little cinema. You are more likely to find an award-winning foreign film playing there than a blockbuster.
"You and your friends are investigating a murder when all of a sudden the door slams shut behind you. As you explore the room you are now locked in, you discover what seems to be a set of clues that may help you escape. You have 45 minutes to work together to uncover the clues and find the key to get out before..." (escapemanor.com)
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Escape Manor - Downtown
292-A Queen St"You and your friends are investigating a murder when all of a sudden the door slams shut behind you. As you explore the room you are now locked in, you discover what seems to be a set of clues that may help you escape. You have 45 minutes to work together to uncover the clues and find the key to get out before..." (escapemanor.com)
The new Landsdowne features TD Stadium (catch Ottawa's Fury - soccer or Ottawa's Red Black - football), a VIP cineplex (serves alcohol), a bunch of bars and restaurants, a skate park and a Whole Foods Market. You can access it through the bike path that follows Rideau Canal. About 20 min bike ride from our place.
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Lansdowne Park
Marché WayThe new Landsdowne features TD Stadium (catch Ottawa's Fury - soccer or Ottawa's Red Black - football), a VIP cineplex (serves alcohol), a bunch of bars and restaurants, a skate park and a Whole Foods Market. You can access it through the bike path that follows Rideau Canal. About 20 min bike ride from our place.
Shopping
Dollarama
1050 Somerset St WDollar store
Shopping Centre, includes a pharmacy and a liquor store on the ground floor.
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Rideau Centre
Shopping Centre, includes a pharmacy and a liquor store on the ground floor.
Food Scene
Ahora Mexican Restaurant
307 Dalhousie StUnpretentious, authentic mexican food.
Price: $
The Ministry of Coffee
274 Elgin StGreat little coffee shop.
Price: $
Great little tea/coffee house. Vegetarian food available. If you're lucky, you'll spot the mini horses on a walk from the stable next door.
Price: $
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The Tea Party
119 York StreetGreat little tea/coffee house. Vegetarian food available. If you're lucky, you'll spot the mini horses on a walk from the stable next door.
Price: $
Bridgehead
131 Beechwood Ave.A coffee shop chain from Ottawa - has wifi
Price: $
Coffee shop with lots of space to work and power outlets for your laptop. Has wifi.
Price: $
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Bluebird Coffee
261 Dalhousie StCoffee shop with lots of space to work and power outlets for your laptop. Has wifi.
Price: $
Great ambiance and food (and coffee, of course). Great spot to spend a few hours in the summer, as they have a beautiful terrasse with shade from trees. No WiFi!
Price: $
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Planet Coffee, ByWard Market, Ottawa
24a York StGreat ambiance and food (and coffee, of course). Great spot to spend a few hours in the summer, as they have a beautiful terrasse with shade from trees. No WiFi!
Price: $
Brunch and desserts. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Expect a small lineup.
Price: $$
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CACAO 70 Eatery
53 William StBrunch and desserts. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Expect a small lineup.
Price: $$
If you are a meatatarian (Or a "steak and potatoes" kind of person), this place if for you: ribs, pulled pork, jerk, etc. We love it!
Price: $$$
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The Smoque Shack
250 City Centre AveIf you are a meatatarian (Or a "steak and potatoes" kind of person), this place if for you: ribs, pulled pork, jerk, etc. We love it!
Price: $$$
Rideau Bakery
50 Rideau StOne of Ottawa's oldest bakeries
Great little Italian store. Also serves excellent sandwiches at lunch time.
Price (sandwiches): $
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La Bottega Nicastro, ByWard Market
64 George StGreat little Italian store. Also serves excellent sandwiches at lunch time.
Price (sandwiches): $
Better known for their excellent meat. Great brunch or happy hour place.
Price: $$$
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Murray Street
Murray StreetBetter known for their excellent meat. Great brunch or happy hour place.
Price: $$$
Sushi - Try going later in the evening, when they offer 2 for 1 on most of their sushi.
Price: $$$ (but $$ during the 2 for 1 deal)
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Kinki Lounge Kitchen
41 York StSushi - Try going later in the evening, when they offer 2 for 1 on most of their sushi.
Price: $$$ (but $$ during the 2 for 1 deal)
Hokkaido Sushi
272 Dalhousie StAll you can eat sushi, my go-to place in the area.
Price: $$
A café where both tourists and locals like to stop for a quick bite to eat - paninis, salads.
Price: $
Byward Cafe
55 Byward Market SquareA café where both tourists and locals like to stop for a quick bite to eat - paninis, salads.
Price: $
Might be the cheapest breakfast around. Also a university-style bar.
Price: $
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Father & Sons Restaurant
112 Osgoode StMight be the cheapest breakfast around. Also a university-style bar.
Price: $
Great burgers, great atmosphere! A favorite among locals. They don't take reservations.
Price: $$
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Chez Lucien
137 Murray StGreat burgers, great atmosphere! A favorite among locals. They don't take reservations.
Price: $$
Has gotten mixed reviews from our friends, but we've only had good experiences there ourselves.
Price: $$
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Bite Burger House on Murray st.
108 Murray StHas gotten mixed reviews from our friends, but we've only had good experiences there ourselves.
Price: $$
Das Lokal
190 Dalhousie StreetGreat food, good atmosphere, live piano music.
Price: $$$$
My boyfriend and I are passionate about this place. You HAVE to try it. Must like/tolerate spicy food.
Price: $
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Pili Pili Grilled Chicken
205 Dalhousie StMy boyfriend and I are passionate about this place. You HAVE to try it. Must like/tolerate spicy food.
Price: $
This vegetarian place is my favorite in the surroundings. Peaceful atmosphere, nice staff. Forget your stress and fill your belly with healthy vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options.
Price: $
Perfection Satisfaction Promise Vegetarian
167 Laurier Ave. EThis vegetarian place is my favorite in the surroundings. Peaceful atmosphere, nice staff. Forget your stress and fill your belly with healthy vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options.
Price: $
Amazing tacos. Great ambiance. They don't take reservations and better get there early! But the waiting time will be worth it I promise! If it's too busy, you might want to check out Datsun, its neighbor, from the same owners (Asian fusion).
Price: $$$
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El Camino
380 Elgin StAmazing tacos. Great ambiance. They don't take reservations and better get there early! But the waiting time will be worth it I promise! If it's too busy, you might want to check out Datsun, its neighbor, from the same owners (Asian fusion).
Price: $$$
Amazing scones! Great breakfast place. Usually packed.
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The SconeWitch (Elgin)
150 Elgin StAmazing scones! Great breakfast place. Usually packed.
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
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Pure Kitchen Westboro
357 Richmond RdThis place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
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The Table Vegetarian Restaurant
1230 Wellington St. WThis place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
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The Green Door Restaurant
198 Main StThis place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
Coconut Lagoon
853 St. Laurent BlvdSouth Indian Restaurant. My personal favorite.
Great food, great drinks. When you go to the washroom downstairs, don't miss the Speakeasy hidden bar - you might have to push the bookshelf to open the secret door.
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Union Local 613
315 Somerset St WGreat food, great drinks. When you go to the washroom downstairs, don't miss the Speakeasy hidden bar - you might have to push the bookshelf to open the secret door.
Bread & Sons
195 Bank StWas recommended to me - vegetarian and vegan friendly.
One of only 2 of Ottawa's restaurants that made the list of top restaurants in Canada. We tested it out - it's truly excellent.
Price: $$$$
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Fauna
425 Bank StOne of only 2 of Ottawa's restaurants that made the list of top restaurants in Canada. We tested it out - it's truly excellent.
Price: $$$$
Sightseeing
Simply walk around, buy fresh fruits or vegetables to snack on or to make dinner at home, or buy some locally made jewelry. In the winter, don't miss the maple syrup and maple treats.
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Byward Market Square
Byward Market SquareSimply walk around, buy fresh fruits or vegetables to snack on or to make dinner at home, or buy some locally made jewelry. In the winter, don't miss the maple syrup and maple treats.
We are only a short walk's distance to Canada's Parliament.
At night in the summer, once the sun is completely down, check out the light show. It's free and lasts about 1.5 hours.
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Parliament Hill
Wellington StreetWe are only a short walk's distance to Canada's Parliament.
At night in the summer, once the sun is completely down, check out the light show. It's free and lasts about 1.5 hours.
Tabaret Hall, the most famous of the University of Ottawa's buildings. Features a small park.
Tabaret Hall (TBT)
550 Cumberland StTabaret Hall, the most famous of the University of Ottawa's buildings. Features a small park.
A Basilica worth taking a look at if the doors are open.
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INotre Dame Basilica
385 Sussex DrA Basilica worth taking a look at if the doors are open.
If you are crossing to the Quebec side, take this bridge, and make sure to turn around for breathtaking views of Ottawa and the Parliament
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Alexandra Bridge
If you are crossing to the Quebec side, take this bridge, and make sure to turn around for breathtaking views of Ottawa and the Parliament
Great view of the city. Try it at night while subtly sipping on a beer - at your own risk, as alcohol is forbidden in public spaces in Ottawa. (Dear Québécois: Ottawa is NOT Montreal - you could get a warning or a fine).
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Nepean Point
Great view of the city. Try it at night while subtly sipping on a beer - at your own risk, as alcohol is forbidden in public spaces in Ottawa. (Dear Québécois: Ottawa is NOT Montreal - you could get a warning or a fine).
Ottawa City hall
110 Laurier Ave WOttawa City Hall features a skating rink in the winter.
The residence of the General Governor. Walk around in the park, tour the residence, skate in the winter.
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Rideau Hall
1 Sussex DrThe residence of the General Governor. Walk around in the park, tour the residence, skate in the winter.
Parks & Nature
Nice park with some paths along the river. Features a kid's playground.
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Strathcona Park
25 Range RdNice park with some paths along the river. Features a kid's playground.
During the tulip's festival, make sure to check it out! From there, you can also access great bike paths that go around the Parliament. There is also a very small art gallery.
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Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie AvenueDuring the tulip's festival, make sure to check it out! From there, you can also access great bike paths that go around the Parliament. There is also a very small art gallery.
Enjoy the bike paths or just take a walk along the canal. You can reach Landsdowne that way (20 min bike ride).
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I-Rideau Canal National Historic Site
1 Second AvenueEnjoy the bike paths or just take a walk along the canal. You can reach Landsdowne that way (20 min bike ride).
You need a car to get there. Winter or summer, you'll find something to do in Gatineau Park. Camping, canoe-camping, biking, walking, hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, some downhill skiing. Or just go for a drive in the fall, when the leaves are just gorgeous.
Don't miss the Mackenzie King Estate: gardens, ruins and cottages from the 1940s. Explore by car and by foot.
Stop at the Chelsea Pub or at L'Orée du bois on your way back.
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I-Gatineau Park
33 Chem. ScottYou need a car to get there. Winter or summer, you'll find something to do in Gatineau Park. Camping, canoe-camping, biking, walking, hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, some downhill skiing. Or just go for a drive in the fall, when the leaves are just gorgeous.
Don't miss the Mackenzie King Estate: gardens, ruins and cottages from the 1940s. Explore by car and by foot.
Stop at the Chelsea Pub or at L'Orée du bois on your way back.
Ornamental Gardens, Arboretum, Agriculture and Food Museum, and a bunch of smaller themed gardens.
The Experimental Farm is near Dow's lake and connects with the bike pathway.
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Experimental Farm Pathway
Experimental Farm PathwayOrnamental Gardens, Arboretum, Agriculture and Food Museum, and a bunch of smaller themed gardens.
The Experimental Farm is near Dow's lake and connects with the bike pathway.
You can rent paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks in the summer, as well as skates and sleighs in the winter. On beautiful summer days, you might be put on a waiting list to rent equipment, but take the opportunity to get a drink or a snack at the bar/restaurant.
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Dows Lake
1001 Queen Elizabeth DrivewayYou can rent paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks in the summer, as well as skates and sleighs in the winter. On beautiful summer days, you might be put on a waiting list to rent equipment, but take the opportunity to get a drink or a snack at the bar/restaurant.